bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Against the Droid's “Instrument of Efficiency,” For Animalizing Technologies in a Posthumanist Spirit
Authors: Pfister Damien Smith
Published: May 2017

This article argues for closer dialogue between the work of Kenneth Burke and contemporary posthumanist philosophers, especially in the context of the small technologies of ubiquitous computing. A Burkean critique of commercial advertisements for the Motorola Droid phone demonstrates the potency of rhetorical criticism in unpacking the tropes of what I call “corporate posthumanism.” Informed by contemporary posthumanist philosophers and critical theorists of technology, I depart from Burke's too-sweeping claims about technology to identify a “critical posthumanist” practice that can be found in the “check-in.” By analogizing “checking in” through mobile phone technologies to canine marking strategies, I show how critical theories of technology ought to account for both the instrumentalizing and animalizing tendencies of digital media. The conclusion emphasizes the need for critical posthumanism to embrace a Burkean critique of efficiency, dramatistic analysis, and for a “definition of the animal (in a posthumanist spirit).”
An evaluation of the knowledge of pediatric nurses about the oral health status of newborns and pediatric oral health care
Authors: Kahriman İlknur , Karadeniz Havva , Tüzüner Tamer , Kuşgöz Adem
Published: May 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge of pediatric nurses about the oral health care of newborns and children.Methods: Seventy-one pediatric nurses working in newborn and pediatric units were recruited to the study. After receiving approval from the source and ethical committee, the survey questions were derived from the source of National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) in Georgetown University and then translated into Turkish. The survey consists of demographic questions and 7 different categories of 48 questions related with oral health status of newborns and pediatric oral health care. The correct and wrong answers were recorded as “1” and “0” point for each question respectively. Total correct answers were calculated between 0-48 for each participant. The descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression model was used for statistical evaluations (p < .05).Results: The average of correct answers was found as 17.72 ± 6.5. According to the multiple linear regression model, all categories including the nurses’ knowledge (p < .001), educational status (p = .019), years of professional experience (p = .001) and their previous education on oral health care (p = .013) showed significant effects on the total amount of correct answers.Conclusions: The knowledge of the nurses regarding the oral health status of newborns and pediatric oral health care was found relatively low. The nurses’ low educational status, years of professional experience, and inadequate previous education on oral health care may be considered as risk factors for their lack of knowledge.
Evaluation of Age-Gene Correlation and the Association with Hypertriglyceridemia Using Adiponectin Receptor Single Nucleotide Polymorphism: A Potential Genetic Screening to Lower Risk of Vascular Disease in Young Asian Males
Authors: Huang William C. W. , Lin Yi-MeiJoy , Chiu Ching Che J. , Chiu Chia-Huei , Chang Fu-Sheng
Published: May 2017

Purpose: This study was to investigate whether there is an age dependent effect on the association between ADIPPOR1 SNP and hypertriglyceridemia for each gender.Materials and Methods: 116 individuals aged 20 and above who claimed to be healthy were enrolled and grouped into male and female populations. Blood samples were taken to determine hypertriglyceridemia and genomic variants. Sample t-tests were performed for basic comparison. To ascertain the contribution of genetic variants and age to lipid metabolism, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the correlates for hypertriglyceridemia adjusting for life styles.Results: For males, individuals with hypertriglyceridemia tended to be younger (p-value=0.02), less stressed (0.05), and have a higher proportion of ADIPOR1 minor allele carriers (0.03). However, no significant differences were found in age, stress, diet, and genetic variances in females. In regression analysis, males showed age-gene correlation with 1.5 times higher detection of hypertriglyceridemia risk when both factors were considered. In contrast, females showed no correlation between age-gene. In addition, age was positively associated with hypertriglyceridemia in females while males showed an inverse association.Conclusion: Our findings presented data that suggests age may be a contributing factor to the association between ADIPOR1 and hypertriglyceridemia in males while age showed a significant inverse association with hypertriglyceridemia. Thus, age-gene correlation may be implied during primary practice to encourage lifestyle adjustments by screening for ADIPOR1 SNP minor allele carriers to prevent cerebrovascular disease in males.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 10, No. 12
Authors: Lee Sunny
Published: May 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 10, No. 12
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 11, No. 3
Authors: Lee Sunny
Published: May 2017

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Modern Applied Science, Vol. 11, No. 3
Theta Rhythmopathy as a Cause of Cognitive Disability in TLE
Authors: Shuman Tristan , Amendolara Benjamin , Golshani Peyman
Published: May 2017

Memory difficulties are commonly associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and cause significant disability. This article reviews the role of altered hippocampal theta oscillations and theta-gamma coupling as potential causes of memory disturbance in temporal lobe epilepsy, dissecting the potential mechanisms underlying these changes in large-scale neuronal synchronization. We discuss development of treatments for cognitive dysfunction directed at restoring theta rhythmicity and future directions for research.
On Insignificance
Authors: Leone Massimo ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: May 2017

The article proposes a typology of meaninglessness based on the semiotics of Charles S. Peirce: meaningless as indecipherable; as incomprehensible; and as uncanny. Each type is exemplified with reference to anecdotic semiotic experience gained while riding Japanese buses. Meaninglessness, however, is not insignificance. Insignificance is a much more disquieting anthropological condition, which the article describes with reference to two symmetrical processes: on the one hand, the euphoric passage from significance to insignificance, a passage meant as the “birth of new meaning”; on the other hand, the dysphoric passage from significance to insignificance, a passage which coincides with the alienation of human existence. Through several examples take from present-day societies, the article advocates for an active role of semiotics in warning human communities against the “emergence of insignificance” and its potential of violence and exploitation.
El antijudaísmo en la administración de justicia ordinaria. El caso de un corregidor castellano de finales del siglo XV
Authors: Caselli Elisa
Published: May 2017

A partir del examen de documentación de procedencia judicial, el artículo se propone una indagación sobre los alcances del antijudaísmo en la administración de justicia cotidiana. El estudio se enmarca en el espectro más amplio de la gestión privada que los jueces realizaban para la obtención de los beneficios de su cargo. Para ello se analizan las sentencias dictadas por el bachiller Diego Arias de Anaya, quien desempeñara los cargos de corregidor, juez pesquisidor y otros oficios de justicia, en el reino de Castilla, durante el último cuarto del siglo XV.By way of judicial records, this article proposes an enquiry into the scope of anti-Judaism in the administration of justice. The study is framed in the wide spectrum of private action that magistrates carried out in order to reap benefit from their office. This will be assessed through the sentences dictated by the bachiller Diego Arias de Anaya, who acted as corregidor, investigative judge, and occupied other judicial positions in the kingdom of Castile during the last quarter of the fifteenth century.
Los continos reales durante la baja Edad Media. Estado de la cuestión
Authors: García Alcázar María Francisca
Published: May 2017

Con este trabajo se hace una propuesta de estado de la cuestión sobre los continos reales de Castilla y se propone replantear su estudio desde dos enfoques distintos, el de la monarquía y el valor que para ella tuvo esta figura como medio de gobierno al servicio de sus intereses, integrando sus actividades dentro del contexto sociopolítico en que se insertan, y el de la historia social que centraría su estudio en el punto de vista de los continos en su contexto de origen, resaltando el interés que este cargo pudo despertar entre los miembros de las sociedades urbanas como medio de promoción social a través del servicio regio.This article examines the state of the question concerning the continos (royal guards) and re-examines the scholarship from two different perspectives. On the one hand, it focuses on the monarchy and the value that it sought from these officials as a means of governance at the service of the Crown, framing their activities within the socio-political context from which they originate. On the second hand, it adopts a social historical approach based on the point of view of the continos in their original context, underscoring the interest that this office could hold for members of urban societies seeking social advancement through royal service.
Controls of seismogenic zone width and subduction velocity on interplate seismicity: Insights from analog and numerical models
Authors: Corbi Fabio , Herrendörfer Robert , Funiciello Francesca , van Dinther Ylona
Published: May 2017

Correlations between geodynamic parameters and interplate seismicity characteristics in subduction zones are generally weak due to the short instrumental record and multiparameter influences. To investigate the role of subduction velocity Vs and the width of the seismogenic zone W on maximum magnitude Mmax, seismic rate τ, characteristic recurrence rate τc, and moment release rate MRR, we use synthetic data sets from simplified analog and numerical models to gain insight into natural subduction zones seismicity. Our models suggest that Mmax increases with W and is unaffected by Vs, τ increases with Vs, τc increases with Vs/W, and MRR increases with Vs × W. In nature, only the positive correlation between Vs and τ is significant. Random sampling of our time series suggest that the positive correlation between Vs and τ can be observed with short observation time windows. Other correlations, including Mmax versus W, become clear only for time window lengths longer than 1/τc.
Forward and back diffusion through argillaceous formations
Authors: Yang Minjune , Annable Michael D. , Jawitz James W.
Published: May 2017

The exchange of solutes between aquifers and lower‐permeability argillaceous formations is of considerable interest for solute and contaminant fate and transport. We present a synthesis of analytical solutions for solute diffusion between aquifers and single aquitard systems, validated in well‐controlled experiments, and applied to several data sets from laboratory and field‐scale problems with diffusion time and length scales ranging from 10−2 to 108 years and 10−2 to 102 m. One‐dimensional diffusion models were applied using the method of images to consider the general cases of a finite aquitard bounded by two aquifers at the top and bottom, or a semiinfinite aquitard bounded by an aquifer. The simpler semiinfinite equations are appropriate for all domains with dimensionless relative diffusion length, ZD < 0.7. At dimensionless length scales above this threshold, application of semiinfinite equations to aquitards of finite thickness leads to increasing errors and solutions based on the method of images are required. Measured resident solute concentration profiles in aquitards and flux‐averaged solute concentrations in surrounding aquifers were accurately modeled by appropriately accounting for generalized dynamic aquifer‐aquitard boundary conditions, including concentration gradient reversals. Dimensionless diffusion length scales were used to illustrate the transferability of these relatively simple models to physical systems with dimensions that spanned 10 orders of magnitude. The results of this study offer guidance on the application of a simplified analytical approach to environmentally important layered problems with one or two diffusion interfaces.
Coulomb stress transfer and accumulation on the Sagaing Fault, Myanmar, over the past 110 years and its implications for seismic hazard
Authors: Xiong X. , Shan B. , Zhou Y. M. , Wei S. J. , Li Y. D. , Wang R. J. , Zheng Y.
Published: May 2017

Myanmar is drawing rapidly increasing attention from the world for its seismic hazard. The Sagaing Fault (SF), an active right‐lateral strike‐slip fault passing through Myanmar, has been being the source of serious seismic damage of the country. Thus, awareness of seismic hazard assessment of this region is of pivotal significance by taking into account the interaction and migration of earthquakes with respect to time and space. We investigated a seismic series comprising10 earthquakes withM > 6.5 that occurred along the SF since 1906. The Coulomb failure stress modeling exhibits significant interactions among the earthquakes. After the 1906 earthquake, eight out of nine earthquakes occurred in the positively stress‐enhanced zone of the preceding earthquakes, verifying that the hypothesis of earthquake triggering is applicable on the SF. Moreover, we identified three visible positively stressed earthquake gaps on the central and southern SF, on which seismic hazard is increased.
Validation of the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite soil moisture retrieval in an Arctic tundra environment
Authors: Wrona Elizabeth , Rowlandson Tracy L. , Nambiar Manoj , Berg Aaron A. , Colliander Andreas , Marsh Philip
Published: May 2017

This study examines the Soil Moisture Active Passive soil moisture product on the Equal Area Scalable Earth‐2 (EASE‐2) 36 km Global cylindrical and North Polar azimuthal grids relative to two in situ soil moisture monitoring networks that were installed in 2015 and 2016. Results indicate that there is no relationship between the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) Level‐2 passive soil moisture product and the upscaled in situ measurements. Additionally, there is very low correlation between modeled brightness temperature using the Community Microwave Emission Model and the Level‐1 C SMAP brightness temperature interpolated to the EASE‐2 Global grid; however, there is a much stronger relationship to the brightness temperature measurements interpolated to the North Polar grid, suggesting that the soil moisture product could be improved with interpolation on the North Polar grid.
The nature of subslab slow velocity anomalies beneath South America
Authors: Portner Daniel Evan , Beck Susan , Zandt George , Scire Alissa
Published: May 2017

Slow seismic velocity anomalies are commonly imaged beneath subducting slabs in tomographic studies, yet a unifying explanation for their distribution has not been agreed upon. In South America two such anomalies have been imaged associated with subduction of the Nazca Ridge in Peru and the Juan Fernández Ridge in Chile. Here we present new seismic images of the subslab slow velocity anomaly beneath Chile, which give a unique view of the nature of such anomalies. Slow seismic velocities within a large hole in the subducted Nazca slab connect with a subslab slow anomaly that appears correlated with the extent of the subducted Juan Fernández Ridge. The hole in the slab may allow the subslab material to rise into the mantle wedge, revealing the positive buoyancy of the slow material. We propose a new model for subslab slow velocity anomalies beneath the Nazca slab related to the entrainment of hot spot material.
The 2016 North Atlantic hurricane season: A season of extremes
Authors: Collins Jennifer M. , Roache David R.
Published: May 2017

The 2016 North Atlantic hurricane season had an early start with a rare and powerful storm for January impacting the Azores at hurricane force. Likewise, the end of season heralded Otto which was record breaking in location and intensity being a high‐end Category 2 storm at landfall over southern central America in late November. We show that high precipitable water, positive relative vorticity, and low sea level pressure allowed for conducive conditions. During the season, few storms occurred in the main development region. While some environmental conditions were conducive for formation there (such as precipitable water, relative vorticity, and shear), the midlevel relative humidity was too low there for most of the season, presenting very dry conditions in that level of the atmosphere. We further find that the October peak in the accumulated cyclone energy was related to environmentally conducive conditions with positive relative humidity, precipitable water, relative humidity, and low values of sea level pressure. Overall 2016 was notable for a series of extremes, some rarely, and a few never before observed in the Atlantic basin, a potential harbinger of seasons to come in the face of ongoing global climate change.
Unraveling anthropogenic influence on the changing risk of heat waves in China
Authors: Sun Qiaohong , Miao Chiyuan , AghaKouchak Amir , Duan Qingyun
Published: May 2017

Heat waves trigger substantial social and environmental impacts and even cause massive civilian casualties in extreme cases. Observations show the areas affected by heat waves have increased over China, with the most extreme heat wave occurring during the past five decades. Here we show that both trends can be attributed to anthropogenic influences. We report that under the moderate Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 scenario, anthropogenic influences will increase the risk of occurrence of the observed maximum Heat Wave Magnitude Index in the late 21st century and will cause a more than tenfold increase in the likelihood of the strongest events on record recurring across more than half China. More than 50% of land area in China is projected to be affected by intense heat waves. Our results show that over eastern China, the extremes in heat distribution are more sensitive to precipitation deficits, indicating stronger heat wave amplification trends to occur under drier conditions. The likelihood of concurrent droughts and heat waves is expected to increase in large parts of China in the late 21st century.
Pacific sea surface temperatures, midlatitude atmospheric circulation, and widespread interannual anomalies in western U.S. streamflow
Authors: Malevich S. B. , Woodhouse C. A.
Published: May 2017

Widespread droughts can have considerable impact on western United States (U.S.) streamflow but causes related to moisture delivery processes are not yet fully understood. Here we examine western U.S. streamflow records to identify robust leading modes of interannual variability and their links to patterns of ocean and atmospheric circulation. The leading mode of streamflow variability, a pattern of west‐wide streamflow anomalies, accounts for approximately 50% of variability and is associated with persistent high‐pressure anomalies related to ridges off the Pacific North American coast. The second mode of variability accounts for approximately 25% of variability and is associated with ocean and atmospheric conditions in the tropical Pacific. Our results suggest that the leading mode of streamflow variability in the western U.S. is more strongly associated with internally driven midlatitude atmospheric variability than equatorial Pacific sea surface temperatures.
Impacts of surface boundary conditions on regional climate model simulations of European climate during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Ludwig Patrick , Pinto Joaquim G. , Raible Christoph C. , Shao Yaping
Published: May 2017

We examine the influences of North Atlantic sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and vegetation on regional climate simulations over Europe during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Simulated regional temperature and precipitation patterns over Europe are considerably improved when using revised SSTs based on proxy data. Likewise, the simulated permafrost is more accurately reproduced with the SST modifications. These improvements are partially related to the changed regional atmospheric circulation due to the revised SSTs, leading to colder and drier conditions over Western Europe. Further sensitivity tests with prescribed vegetation for LGM conditions provide evidence of the sensitivity of the simulated glacial climate. This study reveals the importance of considering more realistic SST and vegetation boundary conditions for a more accurate representation of regional climate variability under glacial conditions.
Slip‐weakening distance and energy budget inferred from near‐fault ground deformation during the 2016 Mw7.8 Kaikōura earthquake
Authors: Kaneko Yoshihiro , Fukuyama Eiichi , Hamling Ian James
Published: May 2017

The 2016 M7.8 Kaikōura (New Zealand) earthquake struck the east coast of the northern South Island, resulting in strong ground shaking and large surface fault slip. Since the earthquake was well recorded by a local strong‐motion seismic network, near‐fault data may provide direct measurements of dynamic parameters associated with the fault‐weakening process. Here we estimate a proxy for slip‐weakening distance
, defined as double the fault‐parallel displacement at the time of peak ground velocity, from accelerograms recorded at a near‐fault station. Three‐component ground displacements were recovered from the double numerical integration of accelerograms, and the corresponding final displacements are validated against coseismic displacement from geodetic data. The estimated
is 4.9 m at seismic station KEKS located ∼2.7 km from a segment of the Kekerengu fault where large surface fault slip (∼12 m) has been observed. The inferred
is the largest value ever estimated from near‐fault strong motion data, yet it appears to follow the scaling of
with final slip for several large strike‐slip earthquakes. The energy budget of the M7.8 Kaikōura earthquake inferred from the scaling of
with final slip indicates that a large amount of energy was dissipated by on‐ and off‐fault inelastic deformation during the propagation of the earthquake rupture, resulting in a slower average rupture speed (
2.0 km/s).
Cu Diffusion‐Driven Dynamic Modulation of the Electrical Properties of Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors
Authors: Yeon Han‐Wool , Jo Janghyun , Song Hochul , Kang Youngho , Na Sekwon , Yoo Hyobin , Lee Seung‐Yong , Cho Haelim , Kang Ho‐Young , Jung Jung‐Kyu , Han Seungwu , Kim Miyoung , Joo Young‐Chang
Published: May 2017

The exact role of Cu in the electrical properties of amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOSs) has been unclear, even though Cu has been the key element for the p‐type characteristics of crystalline oxide semiconductors. Here, the dynamic changes, determined by diffusion kinetics, in the effect of Cu on the electrical properties of amorphous InGaZnO (a‐IGZO) are revealed. In the early stage of annealing, Cu dominantly diffuses into a‐IGZO through the free volume and acts as a mobile electron donor, which generates a resistive switching (RS) behavior related to the conductive filaments (CFs). With further annealing, substitutional Cu becomes predominant via In sites. After annealing, supersaturated Cu forms nonuniform, crystalline CuInO clusters in a‐IGZO, which decrease the electrical conductivity of a‐IGZO and deteriorate the CF‐based RS performance. The findings reveal Cu diffusion mechanisms and the role of Cu in the electrical properties of AOSs dependent on the structural location and provide guidelines for modulating the RS characteristics of AOSs through Cu diffusion control.
Monocrystalline Nanopatterns Made by Nanocube Assembly and Epitaxy
Authors: Sciacca Beniamino , Berkhout Annemarie , Brenny Benjamin J. M. , Oener Sebastian Z. , van Huis Marijn A. , Polman Albert , Garnett Erik C.
Published: May 2017

Monocrystalline materials are essential for optoelectronic devices such as solar cells, LEDs, lasers, and transistors to reach the highest performance. Advances in synthetic chemistry now allow for high quality monocrystalline nanomaterials to be grown at low temperature in solution for many materials; however, the realization of extended structures with control over the final 3D geometry still remains elusive. Here, a new paradigm is presented, which relies on epitaxy between monocrystalline nanocube building blocks. The nanocubes are assembled in a predefined pattern and then epitaxially connected at the atomic level by chemical growth in solution, to form monocrystalline nanopatterns on arbitrary substrates. As a first demonstration, it is shown that monocrystalline silver structures obtained with such a process have optical properties and conductivity comparable to single‐crystalline silver. This flexible multiscale process may ultimately enable the implementation of monocrystalline materials in optoelectronic devices, raising performance to the ultimate limit.
Controllable Fabrication of Au Nanocups by Confined‐Space Thermal Dewetting for OCT Imaging
Authors: Gao Aiqin , Xu Wenjing , Ponce de León Yenisey , Bai Yaocai , Gong Mingfu , Xie Kongliang , Park Boris Hyle , Yin Yadong
Published: May 2017

Here, this study reports a novel confined‐space thermal dewetting strategy for the fabrication of Au nanocups with tunable diameter, height, and size of cup opening. The nanocup morphology is defined by the cup‐shaped void space created by a yolk–shell silica template that spontaneously takes an eccentric configuration during annealing. Thermal dewetting of Au, which is sandwiched between the yolk and shell, leads to the desired nanocup morphology. With strong scattering in near infrared, the Au nanocups exhibit superior efficiency as contrast agents for spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography imaging. This confined‐space thermal dewetting strategy is scalable and general, and can be potentially extended to the synthesis of novel anisotropic nanostructures of various compositions that are difficult to produce by conventional wet chemical or physical methods, thus opening up opportunities for many new applications.
High Piezoelectric Performance and Phase Transition in Stressed Lead‐Free (1 – x)(K, Na)(Sb, Nb)O3‐x(Bi, Na, K)ZrO3 Thin Films
Authors: Wang Yumei , Yao Kui , Qin Xian , Mirshekarloo Meysam Sharifzadeh , Liu Xiaogang , Tay Francis Eng Hock
Published: May 2017

Although high performance piezoelectric properties have been reported in (K, Na)NbO3‐based bulk ceramics by constructing morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) with complex compositions, it is still challenging to achieve excellent piezoelectric properties in thin films with the same MPB compositions due to the serious volatile loss of the alkali constituents. Moreover, the stress due to substrate constraint also changes the film's crystal structure and shifts the film's MPB. Here this study demonstrates the highest ever reported effective piezoelectric strain coefficient d33 of 184.0 pm V−1 and voltage coefficient g33 of 39.4 mm V N−1 from macroscale characterization in a solution‐derived lead‐free piezoelectric thin film with a composition of (1 – x)(K, Na)(Sb, Nb)O3‐x(Bi, Na, K)ZrO3 (KNSN‐BNKZx, 0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.07). With the effective suppression of volatile compositional loss by selecting appropriate combinational chemical agents in the precursor solution, phase transitions from orthorhombic, rhombohedral to tetragonal are observed experimentally and further analyzed theoretically with first principle simulation of the KNSN‐BNKZx films, and the obtained coexistence of rhombohedral–tetragonal phase at x = 0.05 contributes to the outstanding piezoelectric performance in the tensile stressed films. The results demonstrate a valuable strategy for realizing high‐performance piezoelectric properties in thin films with volatile and complex MPB compositions under stress condition.
Rabies tracing of birthdated dentate granule cells in rat temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Du Xi , Zhang Helen , Parent Jack M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To understand how monosynaptic inputs onto adult‐born dentate granule cells (DGCs) are altered in experimental mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) and whether their integration differs from early‐born DGCs that are mature at the time of epileptogenesis.

Methods

A dual‐virus tracing strategy combining retroviral birthdating with rabies virus‐mediated putative retrograde trans‐synaptic tracing was used to identify and compare presynaptic inputs onto adult‐born and early‐born DGCs in the rat pilocarpine model of mTLE.

Results

Our results demonstrate that hilar ectopic DGCs preferentially synapse onto adult‐born DGCs after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE), whereas normotopic DGCs synapse onto both adult‐born and early‐born DGCs. We also find that parvalbumin− and somatostatin− interneuron inputs are greatly diminished onto early‐born DGCs after SE. However, somatostatin− interneuron inputs onto adult‐born DGCs are maintained, likely due to preferential sprouting. Intriguingly, CA3 pyramidal cell backprojections that specifically target adult‐born DGCs arise in the epileptic brain, whereas axons of interneurons and pyramidal cells in CA1 appear to sprout across the hippocampal fissure to preferentially synapse onto early‐born DGCs.

Interpretation

These data support the presence of substantial hippocampal circuit remodeling after an epileptogenic insult that generates prominent excitatory monosynaptic inputs, both local recurrent and widespread feedback loops, onto DGCs. Both adult‐born and early‐born DGCs are targets of new inputs from other DGCs as well as from CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells after pilocarpine treatment, changes that likely contribute to epileptogenesis in experimental mTLE. Ann Neurol 2017;81:790–803
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation is neuroprotective in the A53T α‐synuclein Parkinson's disease rat model
Authors: Musacchio Thomas , Rebenstorff Maike , Fluri Felix , Brotchie Jonathan M. , Volkmann Jens , Koprich James B. , Ip Chi Wang
Published: May 2017

Objective

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a highly effective symptomatic therapy for motor deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD). An additional, disease‐modifying effect has been suspected from studies in toxin‐based PD animal models, but these models do not reflect the molecular pathology and progressive nature of PD that would be required to evaluate a disease‐modifying action. Defining a disease‐modifying effect could radically change the way in which DBS is used in PD.

Methods

We applied STN‐DBS in an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) 1/2‐driven human mutated A53T α‐synuclein (aSyn)‐overexpressing PD rat model (AAV1/2‐A53T‐aSyn). Rats were injected unilaterally, in the substantia nigra (SN), with AAV1/2‐A53T‐aSyn or control vector. Three weeks later, after behavioral and nigrostriatal dopaminergic deficits had developed, rats underwent STN‐DBS electrode implantation ipsilateral to the vector‐injected SN. Stimulation lasted for 3 weeks. Control groups remained OFF stimulation. Animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks.

Results

Motor performance in the single pellet reaching task was impaired in the AAV1/2‐A53T‐aSyn–injected stim‐OFF group, 6 weeks after AAV1/2‐A53T‐aSyn injection, compared to preoperative levels (–82%; p < 0.01). Deficits were reversed in AAV1/2‐A53T‐aSyn, stim‐ON rats after 3 weeks of active stimulation, compared to the AAV1/2‐A53T‐aSyn stim‐OFF rats (an increase of ∼400%; p < 0.05), demonstrating a beneficial effect of DBS. This motor improvement was maintained when the stimulation was turned off and was accompanied by a higher number of tyrosine hydroxylase+ SN neurons (increase of ∼29%), compared to AAV1/2‐A53T‐aSyn stim‐OFF rats (p < 0.05).

Interpretation

Our data support the putative neuroprotective and disease‐modifying effect of STN‐DBS in a mechanistically relevant model of PD. Ann Neurol 2017;81:825–836
Enhanced Catalytic Activity of Cobalt Porphyrin in CO2 Electroreduction upon Immobilization on Carbon Materials
Authors: Hu Xin‐Ming , Rønne Magnus H. , Pedersen Steen U. , Skrydstrup Troels , Daasbjerg Kim
Published: May 2017

In a comparative study of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, cobalt meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin (CoTPP) is used as a model molecular catalyst under both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. In the former case, employing N,N‐dimethylformamide as solvent, CoTPP performs poorly as an electrocatalyst giving low product selectivity in a slow reaction at a high overpotential. However, upon straightforward immobilization of CoTPP onto carbon nanotubes, a remarkable enhancement of the electrocatalytic abilities is seen with CO2 becoming selectively reduced to CO (>90 %) at a low overpotential in aqueous medium. This effect is ascribed to the particular environment created by the aqueous medium at the catalytic site of the immobilized catalyst that facilitates the adsorption and further reaction of CO2. This work highlights the significance of assessing an immobilized molecular catalyst from more than homogeneous measurements alone.
An Organic Semiconductor Organized into 3D DNA Arrays by “Bottom‐up” Rational Design
Authors: Wang Xiao , Sha Ruojie , Kristiansen Martin , Hernandez Carina , Hao Yudong , Mao Chengde , Canary James W. , Seeman Nadrian C.
Published: May 2017

A 3D array of organic semiconductors was assembled using a DNA scaffold. An octameric aniline molecule (“octaniline”) was incorporated into a DNA building block based on a dimeric tensegrity triangle. The construct self‐assembled to form a 3D crystal. Reversible redox conversion between the pernigraniline and leucoemeraldine states of the octaniline is retained in the crystal. Protonic doping gave emeraldine salt at pH 5, corresponding to the conductive form of polyaniline. Redox cycling within the crystal was visualized by color changes and Raman microscopy. The ease of conversion between the octaniline states suggests that it is a viable electronic switch within a unique 3D structure.
Stabilizing Perovskite Structure by Interdiffusional Tailoring and Its Application in Composite Mixed Oxygen‐Ionic and Electronic Conductors
Authors: Fang Wei , Zhang Chao , Steinbach Frank , Feldhoff Armin
Published: May 2017

Perovskite oxides have been under intense investigation as promising candidates for devices in the field of energy conversion and storage. Unfortunately, these perovskites are probably subjected to a frequent performance loss caused by phase transition. A phase‐stabilization approach via interdiffusional tailoring is identified in perovskite‐based composites. As an example, a phase‐stabilized perovskite‐fluorite composite material with both components possessing cubic symmetry was obtained by an appropriate one‐pot strategy. These findings render possible to develop a high‐performance and extremely stable dual‐phase oxygen‐transporting membrane for intermediate‐temperature air separation as well as syngas production, which also opens up numerous opportunities to overcome the phase‐transition‐induced performance degradation in other systems.
Non‐Enzymatic RNA Backbone Proofreading through Energy‐Dissipative Recycling
Authors: Mariani Angelica , Sutherland John D.
Published: May 2017

Non‐enzymatic oligomerization of activated ribonucleotides leads to ribonucleic acids that contain a mixture of 2′,5′‐ and 3′,5′‐linkages, and overcoming this backbone heterogeneity has long been considered a major limitation to the prebiotic emergence of RNA. Herein, we demonstrate non‐enzymatic chemistry that progressively converts 2′,5′‐linkages into 3′,5′‐linkages through iterative degradation and repair. The energetic costs of this proofreading are met by the hydrolytic turnover of a phosphate activating agent and an acylating agent. With multiple rounds of this energy‐dissipative recycling, we show that all‐3′,5′‐linked duplex RNA can emerge from a backbone heterogeneous mixture, thereby delineating a route that could have driven RNA evolution on the early earth.
Effect of acetylation on the properties of microfibrillated cellulose‐LDPE composites
Authors: Lepetit Amaury , Drolet Richard , Tolnai Balázs , Zerrouki Rachida , Montplaisir Daniel
Published: May 2017

Solvent‐free acetylation of microfibrillated cellulose was carried out in order to improve their hydrophobicity. All the samples were filled with low‐density polyethylene. The morphology, mechanical properties, and water uptake of the ensuing composites were investigated. An excessive reaction time leads to degradation of the fibers, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy and fiber quality analysis. The acetylation treatment did not improve the mechanical properties of composites but extensively decreased the moisture absorption of the composites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 44933.
Fiber and film developments from immiscible blends of cellulose acetate propionate and poly(butylene terephthalate)
Authors: Liang Nai‐Yun , Don Trong‐Ming , Huang Chih‐Yuan , Chiu Wen‐Yen
Published: May 2017

Binary blends of cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) in the composition range of 5–15 wt % for CAP were prepared in the form of films and fibers by compression molding and spinning, respectively. The presence of two invariant glass‐transition temperatures corresponding to the CAP and PBT components and viscosities lower than those of the neat PBT of the CAP–PBT blends implied that the CAP–PBT blends were immiscible. Moreover, the crystallinity of the PBT component was higher in the spun fibers than in the films; this was possibly due to the different cooling methods or the chain orientation in the spinning process. In the meantime, the CAP component could not undergo crystallization because of its rigid structure and alkyl substituents. For the CAP–PBT films, the amorphous CAP was present as dispersed particles in the PBT matrix; but it became rods in the spun fibers. In addition, the presence of the amorphous CAP resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength and an increase in the elongation at break for the CAP–PBT fibers. The CAP–PBT films and fibers could be applied in a wide range of applications requiring renewable properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45013.
Insight workflow: Systematically combining human and computational methods to explore textual data
Authors: Gill Alastair J. , Hinrichs‐Krapels Saba , Blanke Tobias , Grant Jonathan , Hedges Mark , Tanner Simon
Published: May 2017

Analyzing large quantities of real‐world textual data has the potential to provide new insights for researchers. However, such data present challenges for both human and computational methods, requiring a diverse range of specialist skills, often shared across a number of individuals. In this paper we use the analysis of a real‐world data set as our case study, and use this exploration as a demonstration of our “insight workflow,” which we present for use and adaptation by other researchers. The data we use are impact case study documents collected as part of the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF), consisting of 6,679 documents and 6.25 million words; the analysis was commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (published as report HEFCE 2015). In our exploration and analysis we used a variety of techniques, ranging from keyword in context and frequency information to more sophisticated methods (topic modeling), with these automated techniques providing an empirical point of entry for in‐depth and intensive human analysis. We present the 60 topics to demonstrate the output of our methods, and illustrate how the variety of analysis techniques can be combined to provide insights. We note potential limitations and propose future work.
Anomalous biliary and vascular anatomy—Potential pitfalls during cholecystectomy
Authors: Grimes N. , Mark D. , McKie L. , Scoffield J. , Kirk G. , Taylor M. , Diamond T.
Published: May 2017

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually a low‐risk procedure associated with a short stay and a low rate of conversion to open surgery. Complications are sometimes associated with anomalous vascular or biliary anatomy. Outlined below are the variations in vascular and biliary anatomy which may result in complications either due to involvement in the inflammatory process or inadvertent division during dissection. Clin. Anat. 30:1103–1106, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning the Catalytic Activity of Tertiary‐Amine Functionalized Polyacrylonitrile Fibers by Adjusting the Surface Microenvironment
Authors: Li Pengyu , Liu Yuanyuan , Cao Jian , Tao Minli , Zhang Wenqin
Published: May 2017

Polyacrylonitrile fibers were functionalized with different amines to construct special tridimensional catalytic microenvironments at the surface. The polarity of the microenvironments at the surface of the fiber catalyst was tuned by changing the ratio of hydrophobic and hydrophilic amines. The catalytic performances of these microenvironments were examined for a cyanation reaction in water. Among these fiber catalysts with different microenvironments, the one modified with more hydrophobic benzylamine groups (PANBTF) shows much higher catalytic activity than that modified by hydrophilic ethanolamine groups. PANBTF can efficiently and rapidly catalyze the cyanation reaction of benzaldehyde and ethyl cyanoformate in water with a yield of 94 % at room temperature within 40 min. Moreover, a mechanism promoted by the hydrophobic microenvironment has been proposed to explain the high and specific catalytic activity of PANBTF. In addition, this fiber catalyst exhibited excellent recyclability and reusability (8 times) without further treatment, and it also performed well in flow‐chemistry tests and scaled‐up experiments, which indicated potential for the application of PANBTF in industrial production.
Potential of On‐Board Gasoline Upgrading for Enhancement of Engine Efficiency
Authors: Kuchling Thomas , Endisch Matthias , Schneider Jens , Kureti Sven , Hübner Walter , Preis Michael , Schmidt Christian
Published: May 2017

Apart from the introduction of renewable fuels, improved engine efficiency is a useful strategy for the reduction of CO2 emission from vehicles. Therefore, this work deals with the catalytic on‐board upgrading of commercial gasoline to enhance the content of aromatics, leading to improved knocking behavior to allow higher compression in the engine. Resulting from theoretical considerations and thermodynamic calculations, model mixtures with a higher aromatic content were prepared and analyzed towards their octane number. Engine tests with these mixtures show an enhancement of engine efficiency. Laboratory‐scale catalytic reforming experiments demonstrated a relative increase of the aromatic content in the treated gasoline. The gaseous cracking products have good knocking behavior and could be routed to the engine as additional fuel.
Application of a Wire‐Mesh Sensor for the Study of Chemical Species Conversion in a Bubble Column
Authors: Kipping Ragna , Kryk Holger , Schleicher Eckhard , Gustke Matthias , Hampel Uwe
Published: May 2017

The utilization of a wire‐mesh sensor for the measurement of chemical species conversion during the chemical adsorption of carbon dioxide in sodium hydroxide solution is reported for the first time. The wire‐mesh sensor obtains cross‐sectional images of the liquid‐phase conductivity, which changes with the consumption of hydroxide during the reaction. A theoretical model was applied to verify the use of conductivity as an indicator for the reaction progress. Experiments were carried out using a lab‐scale bubble column reactor with two wire‐mesh sensors at different reactor heights. The results obtained from the reactor model and experiments showed very good agreement and demonstrate the potential of this imaging instrument to follow the course of a chemical reaction via ionic species concentration even in a dense bubbly flow. This way, a better understanding of the coupling of hydrodynamics, mass transfer, and reaction in bubble columns and other reaction devices can be achieved.
Cooperative Polar/Steric Strategy in Achieving Site‐Selective Photocatalyzed C(sp3)−H Functionalization
Authors: Yamada Keiichi , Fukuyama Takahide , Fujii Saki , Ravelli Davide , Fagnoni Maurizio , Ryu Ilhyong
Published: May 2017

Synergistic control over the SH2 transition states of hydrogen abstraction exploiting polar and steric effects provides a promising cooperative strategy for site‐selective C(sp3)−H functionalization using decatungstate anion photocatalysis. By using this photocatalytic approach, the C−H bonds of substituted lactones and cyclic ketones were functionalized selectively. In the remarkable case of 2‐isoamyl 4‐tert‐butyl cyclohexanone (1 t) bearing five methyl, five methylene, and three methine C−H bonds, one methine C−H bond in the isoamyl tether was selectively functionalized.
Luminescent probing of the simplest chiral α‐amino acid–alanine in an enantiopure and racemic state
Authors: Tarasevych Arkadii V. , Kostyukov Anton I. , Baronskiy Mark G. , Rastorguev Alexander A. , Guillemin Jean‐Claude , Snytnikov Valeriy N.
Published: May 2017

Luminescent spectroscopy combined with the technique of luminescent probing with rare earth ions (europium, gadolinium, terbium) and an actinide ion (uranyl) was used to differentiate enantiopure and racemic alanine, the simplest chiral proteinogenic amino acid. Using the achiral luminescent probes, small differences between pure L and DL alanine in the solid state were strongly amplified. Based on the observed electronic transitions of the probes, the position of the triplet level of the coordinated alanine was estimated. Formation of homo‐ and heterochiral complexes between enantiomers of alanine and the metal ions is discussed as a possible mechanism of chiral self‐discrimination.
Synthesis of Imidazolium Oligomers with Planar and Stereo Cores and Their Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhang Yugen
Published: May 2017

A series of imidazolium oligomers with novel planar and stereo core structures were designed and synthesized. These compounds have symmetric structures with different cores, tails, and linkers. These new imidazolium oligomers demonstrated a desirable set of bioactivities against four types of clinically relevant microbes including E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The planar oligomers with three di‐imidazolium arms and n‐octyl tails showed good antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility. Oligomers with ortho‐xylylene linkers exhibited higher antimicrobial activity and higher hemolytic ability than those oligomers with para‐xylylene linkers. These results shed light on the structure–property relationships of synthetic polymeric antimicrobial agents.
Residence Time, a New parameter to Predict Neurosteroidogenic Efficacy of Translocator Protein (TSPO) Ligands: the Case Study of N,N‐Dialkyl‐2‐arylindol‐3‐ylglyoxylamides
Authors: Costa Barbara , Taliani Sabrina , Da Pozzo Eleonora , Barresi Elisabetta , Robello Marco , Cavallini Chiara , Cosconati Sandro , Da Settimo Federico , Novellino Ettore , Martini Claudia
Published: May 2017

Targeting the biosynthetic pathway of neuroactive steroids with specific 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) ligands may be a viable therapeutic approach for a variety of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. However, the lack of correlation between binding affinity and in vitro steroidogenic efficacy has limited the identification of lead compounds by traditional affinity‐based drug discovery strategies. Our recent research indicates that the key factor for robust steroidogenic TSPO ligand efficacy is not the binding affinity per se, but rather the time the compound spends in the target, namely its residence time (RT). The assessment of this kinetic parameter during the in vitro characterization of compounds appears mandatory in order to obtain structure–efficacy relationships suitable for the future development of novel molecules with promising pharmacological properties.