bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of side‐chain length on the phase structures of P3ATs and P3AT:PCBM films as revealed by SSNMR and FTIR
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Yuan Yuan , Cui Xiang , Yin Hongnan , Gu Jiali , Huang He , Shu Jie
Published: February 2018

It is known that poly(3‐alkylthiophene) (P3AT) side‐chain length notably influences the photovoltaic performances of relating devices. However, comprehensively study on its impact on the structures of P3ATs and their blends with [6, 6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is insufficient. By using solid‐state NMR and FTIR techniques, four P3ATs and their PCBM blends are investigated in this work, focusing on the phase structures as modulated by side‐chain length. Recently, we revealed multiple crystalline main‐chain packings of packing a and b together with a mesophase in poly(3‐butylthiophene) (P3BT) films (DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b01828). Here, the semicrystalline structures are investigated on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), poly(3‐octylthiophene) (P3OT), and poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT) with traditional form I modification, where packing a and the amorphous phase are probed. Furthermore, crystallized side chain within packing a is detected in both P3OT and P3DDT films, which shows a FTIR absorption at 806 cm−1. Structural studies are also conducted on P3AT:PCBM blends. Compared with the pure P3ATs, the polymer crystallinities of the blends show reduction of about 40% for P3OT and P3DDT, whereas only about 10% for P3HT. Moreover, in P3BT:PCBM and P3HT:PCBM, the crystalline polymers and PCBM are phase separated, while in P3OT:PCBM and P3DDT:PCBM, blend components are mostly miscible. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 751–761
Reduced alcohol‐seeking in male offspring of sires exposed to alcohol self‐administration followed by punishment‐imposed abstinence
Authors: Campbell Erin J. , Flanagan Jeremy P. M. , Marchant Nathan J. , Lawrence Andrew J.
Published: February 2018

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that paternal alcohol use can modify the behavior of offspring, particularly male offspring. However, preclinical studies to date have not used voluntary self‐administration of alcohol to examine alcohol‐related behaviors in offspring. Here, we tested the hypothesis that paternal alcohol self‐administration followed by punishment‐imposed abstinence alters alcohol consumption and seeking in male offspring. Male inbred alcohol preferring iP rats were trained to self‐administer alcohol in one context followed by punishment‐imposed suppression of alcohol‐seeking in a different context using contingent footshock. Following this, all rats were bred with alcohol naïve female iP rats. F1 offspring were then trained to self‐administer alcohol in an identical operant paradigm as sires. Alcohol intake and self‐administration behaviors of alcohol‐sired offspring were compared to control‐sired offspring whose fathers had not been exposed to the alcohol operant conditioning experience. We found that paternal alcohol self‐administration reduced context‐induced relapse to alcohol‐seeking in male offspring. These findings indicate that voluntary paternal alcohol experience, operant conditioning, and punishment can result in intergenerational changes in offspring behavior, and that this effect may protect against the vulnerability to relapse after alcohol use. We also noted reduced alcohol responding in the punishment‐associated context in alcohol‐sired offspring, suggesting altered perception of punishment sensitivity or the anxiogenic response to footshock. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that paternal alcohol abuse can impact alcohol‐related behaviors in male offspring.
Does selective hormesis impact herbicide resistance evolution in weeds? ACCase‐resistant populations of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. as a case study
Authors: Belz Regina G , Farooq Muhammad B , Wagner Jean
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

A field‐evolved herbicide‐resistant weed population can represent a heterogeneous composite of subpopulations that differ in their susceptibility and responsiveness to herbicide hormesis. Variable hormesis responsiveness can result in selection for and against certain subpopulations under low herbicide doses, and this has the potential to contribute to the evolution of resistance. The relevance of this hypothesis at practical field rates was studied for two field‐collected acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) target‐site resistant (TSR) biotypes of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. (haplotype Leu1781) exposed to three ACCase inhibitors. Herbicide dose responses were evaluated at the population level and at different subpopulation levels after the dissection of individual plants by herbicide selection and genotyping.

RESULTS

The practical field rates of fenoxaprop‐P were lower than the observed hormetic doses in the resistant subpopulation, whereas the field rates of clodinafop and cycloxydim stimulated the shoot biomass in different resistant subpopulations by 21–38% above that of the control. Because variable dose levels induced hormesis in the different subpopulations, the practical field rates showed a significant potential to selectively enhance parts of a resistant field population, but did not impact or adversely affect other parts of the population.

CONCLUSION

As a consequence of population heterogeneity, herbicide hormesis may impact resistance evolution in weeds at realistic use rates via the selective promotion of individual genotypes. However, the practical relevance of this phenomenon may be influenced by many factors, such as the herbicidal active ingredient used, as indicated in this study. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Diversity and complexity: Becoming a teacher in England in 2015–2016
Authors: Whiting Caroline , Whitty Geoff , Menter Ian , Black Pat , Hordern Jim , Parfitt Anne , Reynolds Kate , Sorensen Nick
Published: February 2018

This paper is based on a profile of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision in England, which was developed as part of a wider research programme on Diversity in Teacher Education (DiTE) based at Bath Spa University. It provides a new topography of routes to qualified teacher status (QTS) in England for the academic year 2015–2016, along similar lines to an exercise undertaken for an earlier research programme, the ESRC funded Modes of Teacher Education (MOTE) projects conducted in the 1990s. The allocations and census data published by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) provide the basis for this new topography, with additional material from a range of sources, mostly online. Reflections on further changes in policy discourse since the year of analysis hint at an acknowledgement of the role of Higher Education (HE) and a reduced emphasis on the much vaunted focus on ‘school‐led’ routes. However, there is little to reassure either ITT providers, or potential candidates, of a long term plan aimed at halting the trajectory towards over‐complexity and incoherence. The analysis raises important questions about the quality of such diverse teacher education provision, the nature of partnership between higher education institutions and schools, and the impact of reform on the identities of those training to teach.
Instructional leadership in the era of the NGSS: Principals’ understandings of science practices
Authors: McNeill Katherine L. , Lowenhaupt Rebecca J. , Katsh‐Singer Rebecca
Published: February 2018

School principals play a key role as instructional leaders in reform efforts, yet little is known about their knowledge of science. A key focus in recent reform efforts is the inclusion of science practices, which are potentially a significant challenge for schools. Consequently, we investigated K–8 principals’ views of good science instruction and their abilities to analyze classroom videos in relation to the science practices. Our research suggests that K–8 principals have limited understandings. Principals often described good science instruction as including the investigating practices, but rarely included the sensemaking or critiquing science practices. They also frequently discussed good science instruction as being hands‐on, but had different meanings of what counted as hands‐on. When evaluating videos, all of the principals focused on general pedagogy with few principals focused on the science practices and limited understandings of the quality of the science practices. If we want to support systemic change, we need to develop the capacity of principals to effectively supervise science that reflects recent reform efforts. However, principals need a vision that aligns with the science practices, but do not require (or have the time to obtain) the same level of expertise as their science teachers.
Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles‐Based Starch Paste and its Antifungal Performance as a Paper Adhesive
Authors: Luo Zhengwei , Dong Kai , Guo Mulin , Lian Zhouyang , Zhang Binghua , Wei Wuji
Published: February 2018

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used as antifungal agents and imparted in starch paste. The zinc oxide nanoparticles are synthesized using starch as a stabilizing agent under sonochemical irradiation, and then used in the preparation of ZnO NPs‐based starch paste. The effects of starch and ultrasonic irradiation on the formation of ZnO NPs are subsequently investigated. Characterization by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveals that ZnO NPs synthesized under an optimal condition are highly dispersed and well‐defined crystals with diameters of approximately 5 nm. The antifungal performance of ZnO NPs‐based starch paste is evaluated under a high temperature and humidity environment, and is compared with traditional fungicides, alum, and pure terephthalic acid (PTA). In addition, the paste shows negligible toxicity and deterioration to the mechanical properties of the mounted paper. Lastly, the paper mounted with ZnO NPs‐based starch paste shows superior antifungal performance, an essential property protecting paper documents from mold growth, compared to pristine starch paste.
Are Age Estimates for Longnose Gar and Spotted Gar Accurate? An Evaluation of Sagittal Otoliths, Pectoral Fin Rays, and Branchiostegal Rays
Authors: Buckmeier David L. , Snow Richard , Smith Nathan G. , Porter Clayton
Published: February 2018

We evaluated the accuracy and precision of age estimates from ground sagittal otoliths, sectioned pectoral fin rays, and whole branchiostegal rays of Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus and Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus using fish marked with oxytetracycline (OTC). The presence of OTC time stamps in these calcified structures and the ability to correctly identify post–time stamp annuli varied greatly. We identified time stamps in 66.7% and 91.7% of the otoliths and 43.8% and 61.4% of the pectoral fin rays for Longnose Gars and Spotted Gars, respectively; OTC marks were not observed in branchiostegal rays. Annual increment periodicity was validated in ground sagittal otoliths through age 10 for both species. For fish older than age 10, accuracy declined to about 60%, with most estimates being less than the number of post–time stamp annuli by 1 year. Age estimates derived from pectoral fin rays were consistently less than the number of post–time stamp annuli because OTC marks were generally associated with the outer edge of this bone. Overall accuracy from pectoral fin rays was only 14.3% for Longnose Gars and 22.6% for Spotted Gars. Although the lack of time stamps in branchiostegal rays prevented formal evaluation, age estimates derived from this structure were substantially lower than those from otoliths. Precision among readers was poor for all structures, reflecting the difficulties associated with age estimation for these two species. Based on our evaluation, past age estimates from branchiostegal rays and pectoral fin rays should be considered suspect. Ages derived from sagittal otoliths can be reliable through age 10. However, we recommend that readers verify their ability to produce accurate estimates and consider the implications of underestimating age for fish greater than age 10. Future efforts should work to refine or develop alternative preparation procedures for otoliths to improve the visibility of annuli and validate age estimates for older age‐classes.
Emotion and Professors’ Developmental Perspectives on Their Teaching
Authors: Robertson Douglas L.
Published: February 2018

This chapter revisits a developmental model of professors‐as‐teachers that provides a useful framework for considering emotion in teaching and learning.
The Emotional Balancing Act of Teaching: A Burnout Recovery Plan
Authors: Sproles Karyn Z.
Published: February 2018

This chapter integrates two of the most influential authorities on teaching, Robert Boice and Parker Palmer, into the system's approach to teaching articulated by Douglas Robertson in order to help college teachers find sustainable balance by acknowledging and managing emotions in the classroom.
Transitions From Sexual Relationships Into Cohabitation and Beyond
Authors: Sassler Sharon , Michelmore Katherine , Qian Zhenchao
Published: February 2018

Much research on cohabitation has focused on transitions from cohabitation to marriage or dissolution, but less is known about how rapidly women progress into cohabitation, what factors are associated with the tempo to shared living, and whether the timing into cohabitation is associated with subsequent marital transitions. We use data from the 2006–2013 National Survey of Family Growth to answer these questions among women whose most recent sexual relationship began within 10 years of the interview. Life table results indicate that transitions into cohabitation are most common early in sexual relationships; nearly one-quarter of women had begun cohabiting within six months of becoming sexually involved. Multivariate analyses reveal important social class disparities in the timing to cohabitation. Not only are women from more-advantaged backgrounds significantly less likely to cohabit, but those who do cohabit enter shared living at significantly slower tempos than women whose mothers lacked a college degree. In addition, among sexual relationships that transitioned into cohabiting unions, college-educated women were significantly more likely to transition into marriage than less-educated women. Finally, although the tempo effect is only weakly significant, women who moved in within the first year of their sexual relationship demonstrated lower odds of marrying than did women who deferred cohabiting for over a year. Relationship processes are diverging by social class, contributing to inequality between more- and less-advantaged young adults.
Os Intermetatarseum May not Interfere with Metatarsus Primus Varus Deformity Correction: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Daniel Y.
Published: February 2018

It has been believed that the correction of metatarsus primus varus (MPV) deformity of hallux valgus foot using nonosteotomy procedures would be compromised by the presence of os intermetatarseum (OI). Therefore, no soft tissue procedure has ever been reported for the correction of MPV deformity of hallux valgus foot.

This is a case report of a female patient with bilateral hallux valgus deformity and also a large OI of her left foot that was corrected, satisfactorily and simultaneously, with a soft tissue technique called syndesmosis procedure, without osteotomy or OI resection. Excellent feet function was observed for 2 years until her last follow-up examination without any symptoms or signs of problems relating to the OI in her left foot.

This case report demonstrated for the first time that OI may not interfere with proper MPV deformity correction because it can be preexisting and X-ray can be misleading.
Emergency Management and Preparedness Training for Youth (EMPTY): The Results of the First Swedish Pilot Study
Authors: Khorram-Manesh Amir , Berlin Johan , Roseke Lina Ljung , Aremyr Johan , Sörensson Josef , Carlström Eric
Published: February 2018

Objective

To examine the impact of a simulation training in raising a group of young students’ personal and situational awareness in disasters and emergencies.

Methods

In total, 25 young students participated in two simulation scenarios representing two actual events, fire, and shooting, using a combination of two validated simulation training (Emergency Management and Preparedness Training for Youth [EMPTY]). The changes in their knowledge and awareness were evaluated by using questionnaires and the whole simulation was evaluated by three independent observers and a reference group.

Results

New concepts of emergency management, for example, evacuation, and barricading, could be trained in a safe environment. There was a significant increase in students’ personal and situational awareness and their active engagement in the management of emergencies.

Conclusion

EMPTY could raise the youth basic knowledge and ability to understand the concept of preparedness by being mentally prepared, available for collaboration, gaining a higher confidence, understanding the physical and psychological consequences of a major incident and the importance of their own safety. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:685-688)
A Note on Rényi's ‘Record’ Problem and Engel's Series
Authors: Fang Lulu , Wu Min
Published: February 2018

In 1973, Williams [D. Williams, On Rényi's ‘record’ problem and Engel's series,Bull. London Math. Soc.5(1973), 235–237] introduced two interesting discrete Markov processes, namelyC-processes andA-processes, which are related to record times in statistics and Engel's series in number theory respectively. Moreover, he showed that these two processes share the same classical limit theorems, such as the law of large numbers, central limit theorem and law of the iterated logarithm. In this paper, we consider the large deviations for these two Markov processes, which indicate that there is a difference betweenC-processes andA-processes in the context of large deviations.
Recurrence to Shrinking Targets on Typical Self-Affine Fractals
Authors: Koivusalo Henna , Ramírez Felipe A.
Published: February 2018

We explore the problem of finding the Hausdorff dimension of the set of points that recur to shrinking targets on a self-affine fractal. To be exact, we study the dimension of a certain related symbolic recurrence set. In many cases, this set is equivalent to the recurring set on the fractal.
Psychological treatments delivered by community health workers in low-resource government health systems: effectiveness of group interpersonal psychotherapy for caregivers of children affected by nodding syndrome in Uganda
Authors: Mutamba Byamah B. , Kane Jeremy C. , de Jong Joop T. V. M. , Okello James , Musisi Seggane , Kohrt Brandon A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Despite increasing evidence for the benefits of psychological treatments (PTs) in low- and middle-income countries, few national health systems have adopted PTs as standard care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) intervention, when delivered by lay community health workers (LCHWs) in a low-resource government health system in Uganda. The intended outcome was reduction of depression among caregivers of children with nodding syndrome, a neuropsychiatric condition with high morbidity, mortality and social stigma.

Methods

A non-randomized trial design was used. Caregivers in six villages (n = 69) received treatment as usual (TAU), according to government guidelines. Caregivers in seven villages (n = 73) received TAU as well as 12 sessions of IPT-G delivered by LCHWs. Primary outcomes were caregiver and child depression assessed at 1 and 6 months post-intervention.

Results

Caregivers who received IPT-G had a significantly greater reduction in the risk of depression from baseline to 1 month [risk ratio (RR) 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.62] and 6 months (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.11–0.95) post-intervention compared with caregivers who received TAU. Children of caregivers who received IPT-G had significantly greater reduction in depression scores than children of TAU caregivers at 1 month (Cohen's d = 0.57, p = 0.01) and 6 months (Cohen's d = 0.54, p = 0.03). Significant effects were also observed for psychological distress, stigma and social support among caregivers.

Conclusion

IPT-G delivered within a low-resource health system is an effective PT for common mental health problems in caregivers of children with a severe neuropsychiatric condition and has psychological benefits for the children as well. This supports national health policy initiatives to integrate PTs into primary health care services in Uganda.
The signs of an English street
Authors: Cook Vivian
Published: February 2018

Street signs are an everyday part of our lives. Yet their language and form reveal important aspects of written English. The aim of this article is to open the reader's eyes to some common features of English street signs by looking at some of the signs in a typical street, Leazes Park Road in Newcastle upon Tyne. On one side of Leazes Park Road the buildings are three-storey nineteenth-century brick townhouses, on the other assorted modern brick and concrete offices, shops and clubs. It is a mixed street of dentists, offices, shops, restaurants, flats and clubs; its signs are typical of English city streets. The paper forms part of a research programme looking at street signs in England from different perspectives (Cook, 2013); a complementary short paper looks at the signs of the traffic junction in Leazes Park Road.
Isolated aortic dilation without osteoarthritis: a case of SMAD3 mutation
Authors: Arroyave Jose , Carretero Juan Manuel , Gruosso Domenico
Published: February 2018

Aneurysm–osteoarthritis syndrome is a recently discovered inherited autosomal dominant connective tissue disease caused by SMAD3 mutations. Aneurysm–osteoarthritis syndrome is responsible for 2% of familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections and is characterised by aneurysms, dissections, and tortuosity throughout the arterial tree in combination with osteoarthritis. Early-onset osteoarthritis is present in almost all patients. We present the case of a non-syndromic young boy with SMAD3 mutation isolated from the dilated aortic root and ascending aorta without osteoarthritis.
Recognition of the complexity facing residential care homes: a practitioner inquiry
Authors: Dudman Jenny , Meyer Julienne , Holman Cheryl , Moyle Wendy
Published: February 2018

Aim

To explore the experiences and challenges for residential care home staff when managing the healthcare needs of their residents, in particular those living with dementia.

Background

Increasing number of older people, with complex health and social care needs are living in residential care homes. Yet there is limited appreciation of why staff sometimes struggle to manage residents’ healthcare needs, or understanding of their working relationship with district nurses (DNs), whose responsibility it is to provide nursing support.

Methods

This PhD study, in a metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, was conducted by an experienced DN and involved three phases. This paper focuses on the first two phases. Phase 1 data included: semi-structured interviews (n=8), reflective field notes based on non-participant observation, documentary analysis of policies, procedures and assessment tools and other contextual data from one care home (case study site). The practitioner researcher reflected on the findings from the case study, in relation to her own knowledge and experience as a DN, focusing in particular on findings that were familiar, or which surprised. In Phase 2 she fed these findings back to other care homes (n=11) to check whether the findings from the single case study were unique or resonated with others. She gathered their feedback through semi-structured interviews with senior care staff (n=14). Data were analysed using thematic data analysis.

Findings

Findings highlight the complexity facing residential care homes: high levels of healthcare needs amongst residents, the demands of caring for residents living with dementia, variations in the knowledge and skill set of care staff, inequity in the level of healthcare support, the challenges of building a good relationship with DNs, and funding pressures facing care homes.

Implications

Any, or all of these factors can prevent care home staff from managing the healthcare needs of their residents.
White House Budget Plan Presents a Mixed Picture for Science
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2018

The administration’s blueprint, now with Congress, would spare some geoscience agencies because of a budget deal reached with Congress last week, but EPA, NOAA, and USGS would be hit hard.
CAR-T cells: the long and winding road to solid tumors
Authors: D’Aloia Maria Michela , Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Sacchetti Benedetto , Pierelli Luca , Alimandi Maurizio
Published: February 2018

Adoptive cell therapy of solid tumors with reprogrammed T cells can be considered the “next generation” of cancer hallmarks. CAR-T cells fail to be as effective as in liquid tumors for the inability to reach and survive in the microenvironment surrounding the neoplastic foci. The intricate net of cross-interactions occurring between tumor components, stromal and immune cells leads to an ineffective anergic status favoring the evasion from the host’s defenses. Our goal is hereby to trace the road imposed by solid tumors to CAR-T cells, highlighting pitfalls and strategies to be developed and refined to possibly overcome these hurdles.
Genetic variations in ARE1 mediate grain yield by modulating nitrogen utilization in rice
Authors: Wang Qing , Nian Jinqiang , Xie Xianzhi , Yu Hong , Zhang Jian , Bai Jiaoteng , Dong Guojun , Hu Jiang , Bai Bo , Chen Lichao , Xie Qingjun , Feng Jian , Yang Xiaolu , Peng Juli , Chen Fan , Qian Qian , Li Jiayang , Zuo Jianru
Published: February 2018

In crops, nitrogen directly determines productivity and biomass. However, the improvement of nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) is still a major challenge in modern agriculture. Here, we report the characterization of are1, a genetic suppressor of a rice fd-gogat mutant defective in nitrogen assimilation. ARE1 is a highly conserved gene, encoding a chloroplast-localized protein. Loss-of-function mutations in ARE1 cause delayed senescence and result in 10–20% grain yield increases, hence enhance NUE under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Analysis of a panel of 2155 rice varieties reveals that 18% indica and 48% aus accessions carry small insertions in the ARE1 promoter, which result in a reduction in ARE1 expression and an increase in grain yield under nitrogen-limiting conditions. We propose that ARE1 is a key mediator of NUE and represents a promising target for breeding high-yield cultivars under nitrogen-limiting condition.
Identification of the fungal ligand triggering cytotoxic PRR-mediated NK cell killing of Cryptococcus and Candida
Authors: Li Shu Shun , Ogbomo Henry , Mansour Michael K. , Xiang Richard F. , Szabo Lian , Munro Fay , Mukherjee Priyanka , Mariuzza Roy A. , Amrein Matthias , Vyas Jatin M. , Robbins Stephen M. , Mody Christopher H.
Published: February 2018

Natural killer (NK) cells use the activating receptor NKp30 as a microbial pattern-recognition receptor to recognize, activate cytolytic pathways, and directly kill the fungiCryptococcus neoformansandCandida albicans. However, the fungal pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that triggers NKp30-mediated killing remains to be identified. Here we show that β-1,3-glucan, a component of the fungal cell wall, binds to NKp30. We further demonstrate that β-1,3-glucan stimulates granule convergence and polarization, as shown by live cell imaging. Through Src Family Kinase signaling, β-1,3-glucan increases expression and clustering of NKp30 at the microbial and NK cell synapse to induce perforin release for fungal cytotoxicity. Rather than blocking the interaction between fungi and NK cells, soluble β-1,3-glucan enhances fungal killing and restores defective cryptococcal killing by NK cells from HIV-positive individuals, implicating β-1,3-glucan to be both an activating ligand and a soluble PAMP that shapes NK cell host immunity.
Bio-inspired counter-current multiplier for enrichment of solutes
Authors: Brubaker Kyle , Garewal Armand , Steinhardt Rachel C. , Esser-Kahn Aaron P.
Published: February 2018

Improving the efficiency of gas separation technology is a challenge facing modern industry, since existing methods for gas separation, including hollow-fiber membrane contactors, vacuum swing adsorption, and cryogenic distillation, represents a significant portion of the world’s energy consumption. Here, we report an enhancement in the release rate of carbon dioxide and oxygen of a thermal swing gas desorption unit using a counter-current amplification method inspired by fish. Differing from a conventional counter-current extraction system, counter-current amplification makes use of parallel capture fluid channels separated by a semipermeable membrane in addition to the semipermeable membrane separating the capture fluid channel and the gas release channel. The membrane separating the incoming and outgoing fluid channels allows gas that would normally exit the system to remain in the desorption unit. We demonstrate the system using both resistive heating and photothermal heating. With resistive heating, an increase in release rate of 240% was observed compared to an equivalent counter-current extraction system.
Development of a high-throughput assay for rapid screening of butanologenic strains
Authors: Agu Chidozie Victor , Lai Stella M. , Ujor Victor , Biswas Pradip K. , Jones Andy , Gopalan Venkat , Ezeji Thaddeus Chukwuemeka
Published: February 2018

We report a Thermotoga hypogea (Th) alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)-dependent spectrophotometric assay for quantifying the amount of butanol in growth media, an advance that will facilitate rapid high-throughput screening of hypo- and hyper-butanol-producing strains of solventogenic Clostridium species. While a colorimetric nitroblue tetrazolium chloride-based assay for quantitating butanol in acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation broth has been described previously, we determined that Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) ADH used in this earlier study exhibits approximately 13-fold lower catalytic efficiency towards butanol than ethanol. Any Sc ADH-dependent assay for primary quantitation of butanol in an ethanol-butanol mixture is therefore subject to “ethanol interference”. To circumvent this limitation and better facilitate identification of hyper-butanol-producing Clostridia, we searched the literature for native ADHs that preferentially utilize butanol over ethanol and identified Th ADH as a candidate. Indeed, recombinant Th ADH exhibited a 6-fold higher catalytic efficiency with butanol than ethanol, as measured using the reduction of NADP+ to NADPH that accompanies alcohol oxidation. Moreover, the assay sensitivity was not affected by the presence of acetone, acetic acid or butyric acid (typical ABE fermentation products). We broadened the utility of our assay by adapting it to a high-throughput microtiter plate-based format, and piloted it successfully in an ongoing metabolic engineering initiative.
Direct DNA and RNA detection from large volumes of whole human blood
Authors: Cai Dongyang , Behrmann Ole , Hufert Frank , Dame Gregory , Urban Gerald
Published: February 2018

PCR inhibitors in clinical specimens negatively affect the sensitivity of diagnostic PCR and RT-PCR or may even cause false-negative results. To overcome PCR inhibition, increase the sensitivity of the assays and simplify the detection protocols, simple methods based on quantitative nested real-time PCR and RT-PCR were developed to detect exogenous DNA and RNA directly from large volumes of whole human blood (WHB). Thermus thermophilus (Tth) polymerase is resistant to several common PCR inhibitors and exhibits reverse transcriptase activity in the presence of manganese ions. In combination with optimized concentrations of magnesium ions and manganese ions, Tth polymerase enabled efficient detection of DNA and RNA from large volumes of WHB treated with various anticoagulants. The applicability of these methods was further demonstrated by examining WHB specimens collected from different healthy individuals and those stored under a variety of conditions. The detection limit of these methods was determined by detecting exogenous DNA, RNA, and bacteria spiked in WHB. To the best of our knowledge, direct RNA detection from large volumes of WHB has not been reported. The results of the developed methods can be obtained within 4 hours, making them possible for rapid and accurate detection of disease-causing agents from WHB.
Transcriptome changes induced by abiotic stresses in Artemisia annua
Authors: Vashisth Divya , Kumar Ritesh , Rastogi Shubhra , Patel Vikas Kumar , Kalra Alok , Gupta Madan Mohan , Gupta Anil Kumar , Shasany Ajit Kumar
Published: February 2018

Artemisia annua is known to be the source of artemisinin worldwide which is an antimalarial compound but is synthesised in very limited amount in the plant. Most research laid emphasis on the methods of enhancing artemisinin but our study has been planned in a way that it may simultaneously address two problems encountered by the plant. Firstly, to know the effect on the artemisinin content in the era of climate change because the secondary metabolites tend to increase under stress. Secondly, to identify some of the stress responsive genes that could help in stress tolerance of the plant under abiotic stress. Hence, the A. annua plants were subjected to four abiotic stresses (salt, cold, drought and water-logging) and it was observed that the artemisinin content increased in all the stress conditions except drought. Next, in order to identify the stress responsive genes, the transcriptome sequencing of the plants under stress was carried out resulting in 89,362 transcripts for control and 81,328, 76,337, 90,470 and 96,493 transcripts for salt, cold, drought, and water logging stresses. This investigation provides new insights for functional studies of genes involved in multiple abiotic stresses and potential candidate genes for multiple stress tolerance in A. annua.
Coupling a single solid-state quantum emitter to an array of resonant plasmonic antennas
Authors: Pfeiffer Markus , Atkinson Paola , Rastelli Armando , Schmidt Oliver G. , Giessen Harald , Lippitz Markus , Lindfors Klas
Published: February 2018

Plasmon resonant arrays or meta-surfaces shape both the incoming optical field and the local density of states for emission processes. They provide large regions of enhanced emission from emitters and greater design flexibility than single nanoantennas. This makes them of great interest for engineering optical absorption and emission. Here we study the coupling of a single quantum emitter, a self-assembled semiconductor quantum dot, to a plasmonic meta-surface. We investigate the influence of the spectral properties of the nanoantennas and the position of the emitter in the unit cell of the structure. We observe a resonant enhancement due to emitter-array coupling in the far-field regime and find a clear difference from the interaction of an emitter with a single antenna.
Three dimensional metal/N-doped nanoplate carbon catalysts for oxygen reduction, the reason for using a layered nanoreactor
Authors: Yeganeh Ghotbi Mohammad , Javanmard Arash , Soleimani Hassan
Published: February 2018

A layered nanoreactor (zinc hydroxide gallate/nitrate nanohybrid) has been designed as a nano-vessel to confine the gallate/nitrate reaction inside zinc hydroxide layers for production of metal/nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts. Metals (Fe2+, Co2+ and Ni2+) doped and bare zinc hydroxide nitrates (ZHN) were synthesized as the α-phase hydroxide hosts. By an incomplete ion-exchange process, nitrate anions between the layers of the hosts were then partially replaced by the gallate anions to produce the layered nanoreactors. Under heat-treatment, the reaction between the remaining un-exchanged nitrate anions and the organic moiety inside the basal spacing of each nanohybrid plate resulted in obtaining highly porous 3D metal/nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets. These catalysts were then used as extremely efficient electrocatalysts for catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). This study is intended to show the way to get maximum electrocatalytic activity of the metal/N-doped carbon catalysts toward the ORR. This exceptionally high ORR performance originates from the increased available surface, the best pore size range and the uniform distribution of the active sites in the produced catalysts, all provided by the use of new idea of the layered nanoreactor.
Combined use of CEMIP and CA 19-9 enhances diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Hee Seung , Jang Chan Young , Kim Sun A , Park Soo Been , Jung Dawoon E. , Kim Bo Ok , Kim Ha Yan , Chung Moon Jae , Park Jeong Youp , Bang Seungmin , Park Seung Woo , Song Si Young
Published: February 2018

Carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 is the only diagnostic marker used in pancreatic cancer despite its limitations. Here, we aimed to identify the diagnostic role of CEMIP (also called KIAA1199) combined with CA 19-9 in patients with pancreatic cancer. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected patient samples was performed to determine the benefit of diagnostic markers in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. We investigated CEMIP and CA 19-9 levels in 324 patients with pancreatic cancer and 49 normal controls using serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Median CA 19-9 and CEMIP levels were 410.5 U/ml (40.8–3342.5) and 0.67 ng/ml (0.40–1.08), respectively, in patients with pancreatic cancer. The AUROC for CA 19-9 and CEMIP were 0.847 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.806–0.888) and 0.760 (95% CI: 0.689–0.831), respectively. Combination of CA 19-9 with CEMIP showed markedly improved AUROC over CA 19-9 alone in pancreatic cancer diagnosis (0.94 vs. 0.89; P < 0.0001). CEMIP showed a diagnostic yield of 86.1% (68/79) in CA 19-9 negative pancreatic cancer. Combined use with CEMIP showed significantly improved diagnostic value compared with CA 19-9 alone in pancreatic cancer. Especially, CEMIP may be a complementary marker in pancreatic cancer patients with normal CA 19-9 levels.
A combinatorial approach towards the synthesis of non-hydrolysable triazole–iduronic acid hybrid inhibitors of human α-l-iduronidase: discovery of enzyme stabilizers for the potential treatment of MPSI
Authors: Cheng Wei-Chieh , Lin Cheng-Kun , Li Huang-Yi , Chang Yu-Chien , Lu Sheng-Jhih , Chen Yu-Shin , Chang Shih-Ying
Published: February 2018

Synthesis and bioevaluation of substituent-diverse triazole–iduronic acid hybrid molecules are highlighted.
Critical effect of nanometer-size surface roughness of a porous Si seed layer on the defect density of epitaxial Si films for solar cells by rapid vapor deposition
Authors: Hasegawa Kei , Takazawa Chiaki , Fujita Makoto , Noda Suguru , Ihara Manabu
Published: February 2018

Monocrystalline, low defect Si thin films fabricated via 1-minute vapor deposition on a double porous layer treated by zone heating recrystallization.
Influence of the hydrogen-bond interactions on the excited-state dynamics of a push–pull azobenzene dye: the case of Methyl Orange
Authors: Nançoz Christoph , Licari Giuseppe , Beckwith Joseph S. , Soederberg Magnus , Dereka Bogdan , Rosspeintner Arnulf , Yushchenko Oleksandr , Letrun Romain , Richert Sabine , Lang Bernhard , Vauthey Eric
Published: February 2018

H-bonding with the solvent affects significantly the photoisomerisation of Methyl Orange.
A DFT study of chlorine coverage over late transition metals and its implication on 1,2-dichloroethane hydrodechlorination
Authors: Xu Lang , Stangland Eric E. , Mavrikakis Manos
Published: February 2018

Chlorine coverage and its impact on 1,2-dichloroethane hydrodechlorination over ten late transition metals, predicted using DFT-based phase diagrams.
Effects of a 12-week high-α-linolenic acid intervention on EPA and DHA concentrations in red blood cells and plasma oxylipin pattern in subjects with a low EPA and DHA status
Authors: Greupner Theresa , Kutzner Laura , Nolte Fabian , Strangmann Alena , Kohrs Heike , Hahn Andreas , Schebb Nils Helge , Schuchardt Jan Philipp
Published: February 2018

The essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n3) can be converted into EPA and DHA.
An integrated process for enzymatic catalysis allowing product recovery and enzyme reuse by applying thermoreversible aqueous biphasic systems
Authors: Ferreira Ana M. , Passos Helena , Okafuji Akiyoshi , Tavares Ana P. M. , Ohno Hiroyuki , Freire Mara G. , Coutinho João A. P.
Published: February 2018

An integrated biocatalysis-separation process: the reaction step occurs in a homogeneous medium, followed by enzyme and product separation in a liquid–liquid system promoted by temperature changes.
The critical role of novel benzophenone analogs on tumor growth inhibition targeting angiogenesis and apoptosis
Authors: Mohammed Yasser Hussein Eissa , Ara Khanum Shaukath
Published: February 2018

In modern biology, one of the major topics of importance is progress in anti-cancer drugs with specific targets.
Metallome evolution in ageingC. elegansand a copper stable isotope perspective
Authors: Sauzéat Lucie , Laurençon Anne , Balter Vincent
Published: February 2018

Ageing is accompanied by important chemical deregulations that could serve as biomarkers of premature ageing conditions.
Topographical changes in photo-responsive liquid crystal films: a computational analysis
Authors: Liu Ling , Onck Patrick R.
Published: February 2018

Switchable materials in response to external stimuli serve as building blocks to construct microscale functionalized actuators and sensors.
Chemiluminescence molecular probe with intrinsic auto-inductive amplification: incorporation of chemiexcitation in a quinone-methide elimination
Authors: Gnaim Samer , Shabat Doron
Published: February 2018

A new signal amplification system with an auto-inductive mode of action and distinct chemiluminescence output was developed.
Membrane activity profiling of small molecule B. subtilis growth inhibitors utilizing novel duel-dye fluorescence assay
Authors: McAuley S. , Huynh A. , Czarny T. L. , Brown E. D. , Nodwell J. R.
Published: February 2018

Scaleable assay identifies and distinguishes membrane activity, either depolarization or permeabilization, induced by small molecules for antibiotic development.
A controllable etching supramolecular hydrogel based on metal ions
Authors: Luan Tianxiang , Ma Mingfang , Xing Pengyao , Wang Yajie , Yang Minmin , Zhang Yimeng , An Wei , Cheng Qiuhong , Hao Aiyou
Published: February 2018

We report an interesting gel-etching system in which a gel can be etched with corresponding etching rates and color changes when different types of etching molecules are added to the gel.
Neurovascular dysfunction in dementia – human cellular models and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Parkes Isobel , Chintawar Satyan , Cader M. Zameel
Published: February 2018

From the earliest stages of development, when cerebral angiogenesis and neurogenesis are entwined, to the end of life, the interplay between vascular and neural systems of the brain is critical in health and disease. Cerebral microvascular endothelial cells constitute the blood–brain barrier and in concert with pericytes or smooth muscle cells, glia and neurons, integrate into a functional neurovascular unit (NVU). This multicellular NVU maintains homoeostasis of the brain’s microenvironment by restricting the entry of systemic pathogens and neurotoxins as well as meeting the metabolic demands of neural activity. Recent evidence of cerebral microvascular pathologies in vascular diseases and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, has challenged the notion that vascular events are merely the consequence of neuronal pathology. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms of neurovascular dysfunction in dementia and outlines currently employed in vitro models to decode such mechanisms. Deciphering neurovascular crosstalk is likely to be more important in understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease than previously anticipated and may offer novel therapeutic opportunities for dementia and related conditions.
Akzidentelle Kohlenmonoxidintoxikation bei einer Familienfeier
Authors: Simon Christoph , Meininger Dirk
Published: February 2018

Bei einer Familienfeier kommt es zu einer akzidentellen Kohlenmonoxidintoxikation der gesamten Familie. Betroffen sind 7 Erwachsene und 4 Kinder. Beschrieben werden mögliche Gefahrenstellen, die Pathophysiologie und die Symptome einer Kohlenmonoxidintoxikation im Allgemeinen, wie auch in der Schwangerschaft. Was muss der ersteintreffende Notarzt beachten? Welche Gefahren drohen, wie sieht die Therapie aus und was ist organisatorisch zu bedenken?
Bedeutung der Helicobacter-pylori-Diagnostik beim Glaukom
Authors: Joachim Stephanie
Published: February 2018

Das Glaukom zählt zu den häufigsten Erblindungsursachen weltweit. Auch wenn mehrere Risikofaktoren dieser Erkrankung, wie z. B. ein erhöhter Augeninnendruck und ein fortgeschrittenes Alter, bereits bekannt sind, ist der Pathomechanismus der Erkrankung noch nicht vollständig verstanden. In jüngster Zeit haben mehrere Studien die Rolle einer Helicobacter-pylori-Infektion in der Pathogenese des Glaukoms untersucht. In einigen Arbeiten wurde ein Zusammenhang aufgezeigt, während andere nicht zu dieser Schlussfolgerung kamen. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass eine Helicobacter-pylori-Infektion wahrscheinlich mit einem erhöhten Risiko für ein primäres Offenwinkel- oder Normaldruckglaukom einhergeht. Doch werden in Zukunft größere Studien mit strengen Ein- und Ausschlusskriterien sowie altersentsprechenden Kontrollgruppen benötigt, um zu klären, ob eine Helicobacter-pylori-Infektion mit einem erhöhten Risiko für ein Glaukom zusammenhängt.
Brandgase und ihre notfallmedizinische Therapie
Authors: Sefrin Peter
Published: February 2018

Der Leser wird über den Stellenwert der Brandgase beim Einsatz als Notarzt informiert. Prädiktoren wie auch die Therapie des Inhalationstraumas werden dargestellt. Im Rettungsdienst sind heute Indikatoren zur Detektion von Gefährdungen durch Brandgase vorhanden. Vorgestellt werden die Symptome und die Detektion der differenten Brandgase und deren spezielle Therapie. Besonderer Wert wird auf die Beachtung des Selbstschutzes gelegt.
Schwere akzidentelle Intoxikation durch Koffeinextrakt
Authors: Wellershoff Gerald
Published: February 2018

Koffein ist die weltweit am häufigsten konsumierte stimulierende Substanz. Schwere Koffeinintoxikationen sind selten, aber mitunter fatal. Die Kasuistik beschreibt eine potenziell letale Intoxikation durch reinen Koffeinextrakt infolge „akzidenteller“ Überdosierung. Pharmakologie, Toxikologie, sowie Klinik und Therapie der Koffeinintoxikation werden erläutert.