bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar wind flow angle and geoeffectiveness of corotating interaction regions: First results
Authors: Rout Diptiranjan , Chakrabarty D. , Janardhan P. , Sekar R. , Maniya Vrunda , Pandey Kuldeep
Published: May 2017

A total of 43 Corotating Interaction Region (CIR)‐induced geomagnetic storms during the unusually deep solar minimum of solar cycle 23 (2006–2010) were identified using a superposed epoch analysis technique. Of these 43 events, detailed cross‐spectrum analyses, between the variations in the Z component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz) and the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) strength, were performed for 22 events when the daytime EEJ strengths from Jicamarca were available. The analyses revealed that the ∼30 and ∼60 min periodic components in IMF Bz were causally related to the EEJ strength subject to the average solar wind flow being radial to within 6° at L1 during the interval for which EEJ strengths were considered. This investigation elicits the important role of average solar wind azimuthal flow angle in determining the geoeffectiveness of CIR events.
Time‐variant Lagrangian transport formulation reduces aggregation bias of water and solute mean travel time in heterogeneous catchments
Authors: Danesh‐Yazdi Mohammad , Botter Gianluca , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi
Published: May 2017

Lack of hydro‐bio‐chemical data at subcatchment scales necessitates adopting an aggregated system approach for estimating water and solute transport properties, such as residence and travel time distributions, at the catchment scale. In this work, we show that within‐catchment spatial heterogeneity, as expressed in spatially variable discharge‐storage relationships, can be appropriately encapsulated within a lumped time‐varying stochastic Lagrangian formulation of transport. This time (variability) for space (heterogeneity) substitution yields mean travel times (MTTs) that are not significantly biased to the aggregation of spatial heterogeneity. Despite the significant variability of MTT at small spatial scales, there exists a characteristic scale above which the MTT is not impacted by the aggregation of spatial heterogeneity. Extensive simulations of randomly generated river networks reveal that the ratio between the characteristic scale and the mean incremental area is on average independent of river network topology and the spatial arrangement of incremental areas.
Average field‐aligned ion velocity over the EISCAT radars
Authors: Yamazaki Y. , Kosch M. J. , Ogawa Y.
Published: May 2017

Long‐term measurements by the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radars at Tromsø (69.6°N, 19.2°E) and Svalbard (78.2°N, 16.0°E) are used to determine the climatology of the field‐aligned ion velocity in the F region ionosphere (175–475 km) at high latitudes. The average ion velocity is calculated at various altitudes and times of day. The magnitude of the average field‐aligned ion velocity is on the order of 10 m/s, similar to previous results at middle and low latitudes. The results obtained for the two radars are in good agreement. During daytime the direction of the average field‐aligned ion velocity changes from downward to upward around 350 km, while during nighttime it is upward at all heights. The reversal height of the daytime field‐aligned ion velocity depends on solar activity. It is elevated by more than 100 km during high solar flux periods compared to low solar flux periods. The Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model reproduces the main features of the field‐aligned ion velocity climatology. The simulation results suggest that the plasma pressure gradient force and gravity force play a dominant role for the daytime field‐aligned ion motion. The height pattern of the field‐aligned ion velocity tends to be preserved in different solar activity conditions at constant pressure surfaces, but not at constant altitudes, which explains the observed dependence on solar activity. During nighttime, the effect of the neutral wind dominates the field‐aligned ion velocity.
Large‐scale characteristics of reconnection diffusion regions and associated magnetopause crossings observed by MMS
Authors: Fuselier S. A. , Vines S. K. , Burch J. L. , Petrinec S. M. , Trattner K. J. , Cassak P. A. , Chen L.‐J. , Ergun R. E. , Eriksson S. , Giles B. L. , Graham D. B. , Khotyaintsev Yu V. , Lavraud B. , Lewis W. S. , Mukherjee J. , Norgren C. , Phan T.‐D. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Torbert R. B. , Webster J. M.
Published: May 2017

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission was designed to make observations in the very small electron diffusion region (EDR), where magnetic reconnection takes place. From a data set of over 4500 magnetopause crossings obtained in the first phase of the mission, MMS had encounters near or within 12 EDRs. These 12 events and associated magnetopause crossings are considered as a group to determine if they span the widest possible range of external and internal conditions (i.e., in the solar wind and magnetosphere). In addition, observations from MMS are used to determine if there are multiple X‐lines present and also to provide information on X‐line location relative to the spacecraft. These 12 events represent nearly the widest possible range of conditions at the dayside magnetopause. They occur over a wide range of local times and magnetic shear angles between the magnetosheath and magnetospheric magnetic fields. Most show evidence for multiple reconnection sites.
Organic Ionic Plastic Crystal‐Based Composite Electrolyte with Surface Enhanced Ion Transport and Its Use in All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wang Xiaoen , Zhu Haijin , Greene George W. , Zhou Yundong , Yoshizawa‐Fujita Masahiro , Miyachi Yukari , Armand Michel , Forsyth Maria , Pringle Jennifer M. , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: May 2017

Solid‐state electrolytes have been identified as one of the most attractive materials for the fabrication of reliable and safe lithium batteries. This work demonstrates a facile strategy to prepare highly conductive organic ionic plastic crystal (OIPC) composites by combination of a low weight fraction of Li+ doped OIPC (N‐ethyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide, [C2mpyr][FSI]) with commercial poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) powder. Benefiting from the enhancement of lithium ion dynamics, as evidenced by the solid‐state NMR measurements, the composite electrolyte shows an order of magnitude higher conductivity than that of the bulk material. Lithium metal/LiFePO4 cells incorporating the prepared composite electrolytes show impressively high specific capacity and good cycling stability (99.8% coulombic efficiency after 1200 cycles at 2 C, room temperature), which is the first demonstration of long‐term cycling performance at such high rate for an OIPC‐based electrolyte. The high voltage cathode, LiCo1/3Ni1/3Mn1/3O2 was tested and good rate performance and stable capacities have been achieved.
Embedding Ultrafine and High‐Content Pt Nanoparticles at Ceria Surface for Enhanced Thermal Stability
Authors: Du Jingshan S. , Bian Ting , Yu Junjie , Jiang Yingying , Wang Xiaowei , Yan Yucong , Jiang Yi , Jin Chuanhong , Zhang Hui , Yang Deren
Published: May 2017

Ultrafine Pt nanoparticles loaded on ceria (CeO2) are promising nanostructured catalysts for many important reactions. However, such catalysts often suffer from thermal instability due to coarsening of Pt nanoparticles at elevated temperatures, especially for those with high Pt loading, which leads to severe deterioration of catalytic performances. Here, a facile strategy is developed to improve the thermal stability of ultrafine (1–2 nm)‐Pt/CeO2 catalysts with high Pt content (≈14 wt%) by partially embedding Pt nanoparticles at the surface of CeO2 through the redox reaction at the solid–solution interface. Ex situ heating studies demonstrate the significant increase in thermal stability of such embedded nanostructures compared to the conventional loaded catalysts. The microscopic pathways for interparticle coarsening of Pt embedded or loaded on CeO2 are further investigated by in situ electron microscopy at elevated temperatures. Their morphology and size evolution with heating temperature indicate that migration and coalescence of Pt nanoparticles are remarkably suppressed in the embedded structure up to about 450 °C, which may account for the improved thermal stability compared to the conventional loaded structure.
CO2 capture in a multistage CFB: Part II: Riser with multiple cooling stages
Authors: Boonprasop Sutthichai , Gidaspow Dimitri , Chalermsinsuwan Benjapon , Piumsomboon Pornpote
Published: May 2017

A 1 m in diameter and 3.55 m tall fluidized bed riser internally with water tubes, which required six equilibrium stage of riser‐sorber for capturing about 95% of CO2 emitted from a coal power plant, were designed to replace the multisingle risers. At the optimum operating condition, the temperature of the cooling tubes in the bottom, the middle and the top of the riser were kept constant values at 50, 40, and 30°C, respectively. The hot water (57°C) from lowest exchanger section can be used to preheat the spent sorbent for the regeneration in a downer. The rest of the heat for the regenertion is obtained from the stack gas (100–130°C). This new concept promises to reduce the energy consumption for CO2 removal from flue gas. The only energy requirement is for pumping fluid and fluidizing particles in the bed. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5280–5289, 2017
Gas permeation properties for organosilica membranes with different Si/C ratios and evaluation of microporous structures
Authors: Kanezashi Masakoto , Yoneda Yuri , Nagasawa Hiroki , Tsuru Toshinori , Yamamoto Kazuki , Ohshita Joji
Published: May 2017

Organosilica membranes were fabricated using bridged organoalkoxysilanes (bis(triethoxysilyl)methane (BTESM), bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE), bis(triethoxysilyl)propane (BTESP), bis(trimethoxysilyl)hexane (BTMSH), bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene (BTESB), and bis(triethoxysilyl)octane (BTESO)) to produce highly permeable molecular sieving membranes. The effect of the organoalkoxysilanes on network pore size and microporous structure was evaluated by examining the molecular size and temperature dependence of gas permeance across a wide range of temperatures. Organosilica membranes showed H2/N2 and H2/CH4 permeance ratios that ranged from 10 to 150, corresponding to network pore size, and both H2 selectivity decreased with an increase in the carbon number between 2 Si atoms. Organosilica membranes showed activated diffusion for He and H2, and a slope of temperature dependence that increased approximate to the increase in the carbon number between 2 Si atoms. The relationship between activation energy and He/H2 permeance ratio for SiO2 and organosilica membranes suggested that the molecular sieving can dominate He and H2 permeation properties via the rigid microporous structure, which was constructed by BTESM and BTESE. With increased in the carbon concentration in silica, polymer chain vibration in organic bridges, which is a kind of solution/diffusion mechanism, can dominate the permeation properties. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4491–4498, 2017
Applying a Time‐Patterned Typology of Homelessness Among Individuals with Mental Illness
Authors: Brown Molly , Chodzen Gia , Mihelicova Martina , Collins Kelly
Published: May 2017

Identification of subgroups of the homeless populations, or typologies, has been an important research priority to guide homelessness services and policies. This study builds on previous typological research conducted in the general homeless population by focusing on individuals with mental illness to further delineate typologies within a more homogenous subset of the homeless population. A time‐patterned typology based on episodes of street and shelter homelessness over a four‐year period was applied to a sample of 246 individuals identified through mental health administrative records. Four groups were created based upon patterns of homelessness: 26.8% experienced homelessness for 4 years, 13.4% had one episode of homelessness but were no longer homeless at the end of the follow‐up, 48.4% had at least two episodes of homelessness, and 11.4% had a single episode of homelessness lasting 3 months or less. Findings from a multinomial logistic regression indicated that gender, presence of a psychotic disorder, substance abuse, and year of study enrollment significantly predicted group membership. Residential trajectories upon exit from homelessness and at the end of the four‐year follow‐up were examined. Implications for current policy and future research are discussed.
On the Historical and Conceptual Foundations of a Community Psychology of Social Transformation
Authors: Gokani Ravi , Walsh Richard T. G.
Published: May 2017

We examine historical and conceptual literature in community psychology in order to understand the field's potential to be the socially transformative subdiscipline of psychology to which it aspires. By reviewing papers from two prominent journals and other literature, we conclude that the claim that community psychology is well‐suited to social transformation, because it is a product of Sixties' radicalism and is theoretically equipped, is untenable. Systematic accounts of the subdiscipline's origins suggest that the transformative aspirations of current community psychologists do not correspond to the subdiscipline's reformist past. Furthermore, in analyzing three related concepts currently employed in the field—social justice, power, and praxis—we show that each suffers from conceptual ambiguity and a restricted political scope. These conceptual flaws, coupled with community psychology's historical inclination toward social reform, inhibit the possibility of contributing to radical social transformation. We conclude that neither questionable historical claims nor ambiguous and politically dubious concepts support a community psychology of social transformation. We offer solutions for the historical and conceptual problems we identify and, as a broader solution to the problem of engaging in socially transformative work, propose that community psychologists should seek direct political engagement in solidarity with other citizens as fellow citizens not as psychologists.
Synthesis of Polycyclic Amides via Tandem RhIII‐Catalyzed C−H Activation and Annulation from Dioxazolones and Alkynes
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Tai , Dong Lin
Published: May 2017

A highly efficient synthesis of polycyclic amides by a RhIII‐catalyzed cascade cyclization of 3‐phenyl‐1,4,2‐dioxazol‐5‐one and diphenylacetylene has been developed. This one‐pot strategy expanded the application scope of directing groups to dioxazolones.
Surprising Stability of Larger Criegee Intermediates on Aqueous Interfaces
Authors: Zhong Jie , Kumar Manoj , Zhu Chong Q. , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiao C.
Published: May 2017

Criegee intermediates have implications as key intermediates in atmospheric, organic, and enzymatic reactions. However, their chemistry in aqueous environments is relatively unexplored. Herein, Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations examine the dynamic behavior of syn‐ and anti‐CH3CHOO at the air–water interface. They show that unlike the simplest Criegee intermediate (CH2OO), both syn‐ and anti‐CH3CHOO remain inert towards reaction with water. The unexpected high stability of C2 Criegee intermediates is due to the presence of a hydrophobic methyl substituent on the Criegee carbon that lowers the proton transfer ability and inhibits the formation of a pre‐reaction complex for the Criegee–water reaction. The simulation of the larger Criegee intermediates, (CH3)2COO, syn‐ and anti‐CH2C(CH3)C(H)OO on the water droplet surface suggests that strongly hydrophobic substituents determine the reactivity of Criegee intermediates at the air–water interface.
Highly Charged Protein Ions: The Strongest Organic Acids to Date
Authors: Zenaidee Muhammad A. , Leeming Michael G. , Zhang Fangtong , Funston Toby T. , Donald William A.
Published: May 2017

The basicity of highly protonated cytochrome c (cyt c) and myoglobin (myo) ions were investigated using tandem mass spectrometry, ion–molecule reactions (IMRs), and theoretical calculations as a function of charge state. Surprisingly, highly charged protein ions (HCPI) can readily protonate non‐polar molecules and inert gases, including Ar, O2, and N2 in thermal IMRs. The most HCPIs that can be observed are over 130 kJ mol−1 less basic than the least basic neutral organic molecules known (tetrafluoromethane and methane). Based on theoretical calculations, it is predicted that protonated cyt c and myo ions should spontaneously lose a proton to vacuum for charge states in which every third residue is protonated. In this study, HCPIs are formed where every fourth residue on average is protonated. These results indicate that protein ions in higher charge states can be formed using a low‐pressure ion source to reduce proton‐transfer reactions between protein ions and gases from the atmosphere.
A Metal–Organic Compound as Cathode Material with Superhigh Capacity Achieved by Reversible Cationic and Anionic Redox Chemistry for High‐Energy Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Chun , Huang Ying , Yuan Lixia , Liu Yaojun , Chen Weilun , Huang Yangyang , Chen Kongyao , Han Jiantao , Liu Qingju , Huang Yunhui
Published: May 2017

Although sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), the electrochemical performances, in particular the energy density, are much lower than LIBs. A metal–organic compound, cuprous 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ), is presented as a new kind of cathode material for SIBs. It consists of both cationic (CuII↔CuI) and anionic (TCNQ0↔TCNQ−↔ TCNQ2−) reversible redox reactions, delivering a discharge capacity as high as 255 mAh g−1 at a current density of 20 mA g−1. The synergistic effect of both redox‐active metal cations and organic anions brings an electrochemical transfer of multiple electrons. The transformation of cupric ions to cuprous ions occurs at near 3.80 V vs. Na+/Na, while the full reduction of TCNQ0 to TCNQ− happens at 3.00–3.30 V. The remarkably high voltage is attributed to the strong inductive effect of the four cyano groups.
The preparation, characterization, and properties of silver nanoparticle reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Meihua , Hou Zeyun , Huang Bin , Gou Liting , Zhang Pengpeng
Published: May 2017

A simple approach was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) (Ag‐r‐RGO–PAMAM) nanocomposites. The structural changes of the nanocomposites with the PAMAM and Ag NPs were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the performance was characterized with thermogravimetric and electrical conductivity instruments. The results indicate that the Ag NPs are well dispersed in fine size on the surface of the RGO–PAMAM composites, which results in an increase of at least 38% in thermostability and a certain enhancement in electrical conductivity. It is worth noting that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was approximately 5.88 S cm−1, which was higher than that of RGO–PAMAM, and increases with the rising content of silver nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the Ag‐r‐RGO–PAMAM nanocomposites still maintain a favorable dispersion in organic solvents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45172.
Lasting high surface energy co‐polyester ionomer and its application in laminated tin‐free steel
Authors: Ding Liping , Bai Yongping , Cao Jianyun , Wang Lipeng , Sun Shuai , Zhu Peng , Li Ning
Published: May 2017

A lasting high surface energy co‐polyester poly[ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene isophthalate sodiosulfonate‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)] polyester (PEPST) was synthesized and applied in laminated tin‐free steel (TFS). The structures and properties of the co‐polyester were characterized by nuclear magnetic spectra (1H‐NMR), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and surface energy tests. Meanwhile, the peel strength and corrosion resistance of the co‐polyester film were also measured. The results confirm that an improvement in the lamination temperature leads to PEPST film peel strength increases, and crystalline and corrosion resistance decrease. Based on the purpose of reducing a detrimental effect on corrosion resistance, a reasonable lamination temperature was determined. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis prove the interface combination morphology of laminated TFS. Anticorrosion property analysis shows PEPST film has good anticorrosion performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45174.
Preparation and properties of UV‐curable waterborne polyurethane–acrylate emulsion
Authors: Yuan Caideng , Wang Mengyao , Li Haitao , Wang Zhongwei
Published: May 2017

Polyurethane–acrylate oligomer terminated with multiple unsaturated bonds was prepared using isophorone diisocyanate, (IPDI), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and polyols as monomers, using 2,2‐dimethylol propionic acid as hydrophilic chain extender, together with pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) as end‐capper. The UV‐curable waterborne polyurethane–acrylate (UV‐WPUA) composite emulsion was obtained by mixing the PUA oligomer with certain content of reactive diluents and then dispersing the mixture in water. The molecular structure of the polyurethane prepolymer, PUA oligomer, and UV‐cured polymer was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of the composition and content of the diluents and end‐capper on UV‐WPUA properties, including the emulsion stability, thermal property, water resistance, adhesion, hardness, glossiness of polymer film were studied. The results show that the WPUA emulsion has excellent stability, and the UV‐cured film features good hardness and remarkable water resistance when PETA is used as end‐capper and the end‐capping ratio of the polyurethane prepolymer is 70% and dipentaerythritol hexaacylate/dipropylene glycol diacrylate (mass ratio 1:1) is used as diluent. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45208.
Lifetime Risk of Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: Qin Jin , Barbour Kamil E. , Murphy Louise B. , Nelson Amanda E. , Schwartz Todd A. , Helmick Charles G. , Allen Kelli D. , Renner Jordan B. , Baker Nancy A. , Jordan Joanne M.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects hand strength and function, and causes disability in activities of daily living. Prior studies have estimated that the lifetime risk of symptomatic knee OA is 45% and that of hip OA is 25%. The objective of the present study was to estimate the overall lifetime risk of symptomatic hand OA, and the stratified lifetime risk according to potential risk factors.

Methods

Data were obtained from 2,218 adult subjects (ages ≥45 years) in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, a population‐based prospective cohort study among residents of Johnston County, North Carolina. Data for the present study were collected from 2 of the follow‐up cycles (1999–2004 and 2005–2010). Symptomatic hand OA was defined as the presence of both self‐reported symptoms and radiographic OA in the same hand. Lifetime risk, defined as the proportion of the population who will develop symptomatic hand OA in at least 1 hand by age 85 years, was estimated from models using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Overall, the lifetime risk of symptomatic hand OA was 39.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 34.4–45.3%). In this population, nearly 1 in 2 women (47.2%, 95% CI 40.6–53.9%) had an estimated lifetime risk of developing symptomatic hand OA by age 85 years, compared with 1 in 4 men (24.6%, 95% CI 19.5–30.5%). Race‐specific symptomatic hand OA risk estimates were 41.4% (95% CI 35.5–47.6%) among whites and 29.2% (95% CI 20.5–39.7%) among African Americans. The lifetime risk of symptomatic hand OA among individuals with obesity (47.1%, 95% CI 37.8–56.7%) was 11 percentage points higher than that in individuals without obesity (36.1%, 95% CI 29.7–42.9%).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the substantial burden of symptomatic hand OA overall and in sociodemographic and clinical subgroups. Increased use of public health and clinical interventions is needed to address its impact.
Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Have a Senescence‐Associated Secretory Phenotype Mediated by a Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Protein–Interferon‐β Feedback Loop
Authors: Gao Lin , Bird Anna K. , Meednu Nida , Dauenhauer Kristin , Liesveld Jane , Anolik Jennifer , Looney R. John
Published: May 2017

Objective

Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) create a special microenvironment for hematopoiesis and immunity and display robust immunomodulatory properties that are impaired in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was undertaken to identify the mechanisms of defects in human SLE BM‐MSCs.

Methods

Patients fulfilling SLE classification criteria and healthy controls (n = 6 per group) were recruited according to an institutional review board–approved protocol. BM‐MSCs were isolated with low‐density Ficoll‐Hypaque, verified by flow cytometry, and studied using immunocytochemistry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, comet assay, β‐galactosidase assay, and RNA interference.

Results

SLE BM‐MSCs had a senescent phenotype characterized by a reduced proliferation rate, increased production of reactive oxygen species, increased DNA damage and repair, increased expression of p53 and p16, which block the cell cycle, and altered cytokine production (increased proinflammatory cytokine production and decreased immunomodulatory cytokine production). Moreover, SLE BM‐MSCs had a 5‐fold increase in interferon‐β (IFNβ) levels (P < 0.05 versus healthy controls) and increased IFNβ‐induced messenger RNAs (mRNAs), including mRNA for the intracellular nucleic acid–sensing adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), whose expression was highly correlated with IFNβ levels (r > 0.9, P < 0.01). Since MAVS is known to induce IFNβ production, we hypothesized that there is a positive feedback loop between MAVS and IFNβ. Notably, silencing of MAVS markedly decreased IFNβ, p53, and p16 protein levels and expression of mRNAs for proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a novel pathway for elevated IFNβ signaling in SLE that is not dependent on stimulation by immune complexes but rather is cell intrinsic and critically mediated by IFNβ and MAVS, implicating new pathways as potential therapeutic targets.
Learning from human cadaveric prosections: Examining anxiety in speech therapy students
Authors: Criado‐Álvarez Juan Jose , González González Jaime , Romo Barrientos Carmen , Ubeda‐Bañon Isabel , Saiz‐Sanchez Daniel , Flores‐Cuadrado Alicia , Albertos‐Marco Juan Carlos , Martinez‐Marcos Alino , Mohedano‐Moriano Alicia
Published: May 2017

Human anatomy education often utilizes the essential practices of cadaver dissection and examination of prosected specimens. However, these exposures to human cadavers and confronting death can be stressful and anxiety‐inducing for students. This study aims to understand the attitudes, reactions, fears, and states of anxiety that speech therapy students experience in the dissection room. To that end, a before‐and‐after cross‐sectional analysis was conducted with speech therapy students undertaking a dissection course for the first time. An anonymous questionnaire was administered before and after the exercise to understand students' feelings and emotions. State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires (STAI‐S and STAI‐T) were used to evaluate anxiety levels. The results of the study revealed that baseline anxiety levels measured using the STAI‐T remained stable and unchanged during the dissection room experience (P > 0.05). Levels of emotional anxiety measured using the STAI‐S decreased, from 15.3 to 11.1 points (P < 0.05). In the initial phase of the study, before any contact with the dissection room environment, 17% of students experienced anxiety, and this rate remained unchanged by end of the session (P > 0.05). A total of 63.4% of students described having thoughts about life and death. After the session, 100% of students recommended the dissection exercise, giving it a mean score of 9.1/10 points. Anatomy is an important subject for students in the health sciences, and dissection and prosection exercises frequently involve a series of uncomfortable and stressful experiences. Experiences in the dissection room may challenge some students' emotional equilibria. However, students consider the exercise to be very useful in their education and recommend it. Anat Sci Educ 10: 487–494. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Activation of Cellulose Assisted by CO2 for the Preparation of a Superhydrophobic Nanocoating
Authors: Wang Jinfang , Xue Zhimin , Yu Tingting , Liu Zhimin , Mu Tiancheng
Published: May 2017

There is increasing demand for superhydrophobic materials, which can be used for separating oil and water efficiently. To avoid secondary pollution, it is desirable to prepare such materials with green technology. Here, we present an environmentally benign method for fabricating superhydrophobic materials by using organic base based solvents in which cellulose can be dissolved and activated. The dissolved cellulose could be chemically modified with a silanization reagent, and the solvent could be recycled after CO2 was removed. The obtained cellulose nanocoating exhibited excellent hydrophobic effects. By spraying it on filter paper (water contact angle (WCA)=165°) for oil and water separation, the separation efficiency of more than 95 % was achieved; ultrasonication of an ordinary sponge in its dispersion (WCA=163°), meant it could be used as an oil absorber. It can also absorb a certain amount of bisphenol A (BPA), with the concentration decreasing by 66 % from the original concentration (0.1 mm). Besides the high separation efficiency, it is resistant to a wide range of pH solutions, which means that it could be used in harsh environments. More importantly, the process is cost‐effective, the solvent can be recycled, and the whole process is green. Thus, the activation method provides a green route for the preparation of other cellulose‐based materials.
The Development of G‐Quadruplex‐Based Assays for the Detection of Small Molecules and Toxic Substances
Authors: Ma Dik‐Lung , Wu Chun , Dong Zhen‐Zhen , Tam Wing‐Sze , Wong Sze‐Wan , Yang Chao , Li Guodong , Leung Chung‐Hang
Published: May 2017

G‐Quadruplexes can be induced to form guanine‐rich DNA sequences by certain small molecules or metal ions. In concert with an appropriate signal transducer, such as a fluorescent dye or a phosphorescent metal complex, the ligand‐recognition event can be transduced into a luminescent response. This focus review aims to highlight recent examples of aptamer‐based and metal‐mediated G‐quadruplex assays for the detection of small molecules and toxic substances in the last three years. We discuss the mechanisms and features of the different assays and present an outlook and a perspective for the future of this field.
Fractal Dimension and Synchronization of the Controlled Julia Sets of a Reaction–Diffusion System
Authors: Zhang Yongping , Liu Changchun , Liu Shutang , Sun Jie
Published: May 2017

This paper is concerned with the fractal dynamics of a reaction–diffusion system, – the forced Brusselator model. The Julia set of the discrete version of the model is established. Then, the control of the Julia set is realized by combining the parameter perturbation control method and feedback control method. The box‐counting dimensions of the Julia sets of the controlled system for different control parameters are computed, which is used to describe the complexity and irregularity of the Julia sets. Finally, nonlinear coupling items are designed to make one Julia change to be another. The simulations illustrate the efficacy of these methods.
Economic and life cycle assessments of biomass utilization for bioenergy products
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Wang Jingxin , Richard Tom L. , Hartley Damon S. , Spatari Sabrina , Volk Timothy A.
Published: May 2017

A modeling process was developed to examine the economic and environmental benefits of utilizing energy crops for bioenergy products in the northeastern United States. Three energy crops (hybrid willow, switchgrass, and Miscanthus) that can potentially grow on marginal agricultural land or abandoned mine land in the region were considered in the analytical process for the production of biofuels, biopower, and pellet fuel. The supply chain components for the economic analysis and life cycle modeling processes included feedstock establishment, harvest, transportation, storage, preprocessing, conversion, distribution, and final usage of the bioenergy products. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effects of energy crop yield, transportation distance, conversion rate, facility capacity, and internal rate of return (IRR) on the production of bioenergy products. The required selling price (RSP) ranged from $7.7/GJ to $47.9/GJ for different bioenergy products. The production of biopower had the highest RSP and pellet fuel had the lowest RSP. The results also indicated that bioenergy production using hybrid willow demonstrated lower RSP than the other two perennial grasses. Pellet production had presented the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (less than 10 kg CO2 eq per 1000 MJ) and fossil energy consumption (less than 150 MJ per 1000 MJ). The production of biofuel resulted in the highest GHG emissions. Sensitivity analysis indicated that IRR was the most sensitive factor to RSP, followed by conversion rate for biofuel and biopower production. Fuel conversion efficiency and feedstock transport distance had a significant effect on the life cycle environmental impact of the bioenergy products studied. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Measuring Probabilistic Reasoning: The Construction of a New Scale Applying Item Response Theory
Authors: Primi Caterina , Morsanyi Kinga , Donati Maria Anna , Galli Silvia , Chiesi Francesca
Published: May 2017

Probabilistic reasoning skills are important in various contexts. The aim of the present study was to develop a new instrument (the Probabilistic Reasoning Scale – PRS) to accurately measure low levels of probabilistic reasoning ability in order to identify people with difficulties in this domain. Item response theory was applied to construct the scale, and to investigate differential item functioning (i.e., whether the items were invariant) across genders, educational levels, and languages. Additionally, we tested the validity of the scale by investigating the relationships between the PRS and several other measures. The results revealed that the items had a low level of difficulty. Nonetheless, the discriminative measures showed that the items can discriminate between individuals with different trait levels, and the test information function showed that the scale accurately assesses low levels of probabilistic reasoning ability. Additionally, through investigating differential item functioning, the measurement equivalence of the scale at the item level was confirmed for gender, educational status, and language (i.e., Italian and English). Concerning validity, the results showed the expected correlations with numerical skills, math‐related attitudes, statistics achievement, IQ, reasoning skills, and risky choices both in the Italian and British samples. In conclusion, the PRS is an ideal instrument for identifying individuals who struggle with basic probabilistic reasoning, and who could be targeted by specific interventions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting Gypsy children's behavioural engagement and school success: Evidence from a four‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Rosário Pedro , Núñez José Carlos , Vallejo Guillermo , Azevedo Raquel , Pereira Raquel , Moreira Tânia , Fuentes Sonia , Valle Antonio
Published: May 2017

Low schooling, high non‐attendance and school dropout rates are critical phenomena within disadvantaged groups, especially among the Gypsy community. For example, in the UK, 10%–25% of Gypsy children do not attend school regularly and have significantly higher levels of overall absence from school (percentage of half‐day sessions missed) than pupils from other ethnic groups. In Portugal, available data on Gypsy children is sparse, yet data from one geographic region of the country reports high school failure (45%) and dropout rates (15%) among this population. The present study assessed the efficacy of a four‐year intervention to promote Gypsy children's behavioural engagement and school success. Gypsy communities were contacted and 30 children participating in the four waves were randomly distributed into control and experimental groups. Every school day throughout four years, 16 children in the experimental group were called at home and invited to go to school. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated in four waves (at the end of each of the four school years), assessing behavioural engagement (i.e. school non‐attendance, classroom behaviour) and school achievement (i.e. mathematics achievement, student progression). Findings show the efficacy of the intervention on promoting behaviour engagement and academic success without devaluing Gypsy people's culture.
How do question writers compose external examination questions? Question writing as a socio‐cognitive process
Authors: Johnson Martin , Constantinou Filio , Crisp Victoria
Published: May 2017

The focus of this research is on the practice of education examination question writing. Educational examinations are tests that are taken by candidates in schools or colleges but that are externally developed, administered and marked by an assessment organisation. Whilst the practice of writing external examination questions is ubiquitous, previous research in this area is limited and has tended to adopt a cognitivist approach. This current project sought to extend this area of enquiry by looking at educational examination question writing as a socio‐cognitive process. The project involved a group of seven examination question writers (known as ‘setters’) from a range of subject areas. To capture evidence of question writing practices, each setter was observed remotely using video technology whilst they carried out a question writing task. The video material was then used to facilitate a stimulated recall session where individual setters could explain the processes that motivated their observed behaviours. Analyses suggested that the setters shared a common model of the writing process, which comprised three basic but interconnected phases: thinking about writing; writing and reflective thinking; and reviewing. In addition, question writing practice was influenced by the social system of examining through the way in which the setters considered a variety of perspectives during the writing task. This insight gives an indication of how setter practice develops; implicating a sociocultural perspective which suggests that the broader social context of examination question writing is an inevitable influence on setter practice.
Genetic suppression: Extending our knowledge from lab experiments to natural populations
Authors: Matsui Takeshi , Lee Jonathan T. , Ehrenreich Ian M.
Published: May 2017

Many mutations have deleterious phenotypic effects that can be alleviated by suppressor mutations elsewhere in the genome. High‐throughput approaches have facilitated the large‐scale identification of these suppressors and have helped shed light on core functional mechanisms that give rise to suppression. Following reports that suppression occurs naturally within species, it is important to determine how our understanding of this phenomenon based on lab experiments extends to genetically diverse natural populations. Although suppression is typically mediated by individual genetic changes in lab experiments, recent studies have shown that suppression in natural populations can involve combinations of genetic variants. This difference in complexity suggests that sets of variants can exhibit similar functional effects to individual suppressors found in lab experiments. In this review, we discuss how characterizing the way in which these variants jointly lead to suppression could provide important insights into the genotype‐phenotype map that are relevant to evolution and health.
Reinnervation of denervated muscle by implantation of nerve‐muscle‐endplate band graft to the native motor zone of the target muscle
Authors: Mu Liancai , Sobotka Stanislaw , Chen Jingming , Nyirenda Themba
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Motor endplate reinnervation is critical for restoring motor function of the denervated muscle. We developed a novel surgical technique called nerve‐muscle‐endplate band grafting (NMEG) for muscle reinnervation.

Methods

Experimentally denervated sternomastoid muscle in the rat was reinnervated by transferring a NMEG from the ipsilateral sternohyoid muscle to the native motor zone (NMZ) of the target muscle. A NMEG pedicle contained a block of muscle (~ 6 × 6 × 3 mm), a nerve branch with axon terminals, and a motor endplate band with numerous neuromuscular junctions. At 3 months after surgery, maximal tetanic muscle force measurement, muscle mass and myofiber morphology, motoneurons, regenerated axons, and axon‐endplate connections of the muscles were analyzed.

Results

The mean force of the reinnervated muscles was 82% of the contralateral controls. The average weight of the treated muscles was 89% of the controls. The reinnervated muscles exhibited extensive axonal regeneration. Specifically, the mean count of the regenerated axons in the reinnervated muscles reached up to 76.8% of the controls. The majority (80%) of the denervated endplates in the target muscle regained motor innervation.

Conclusions

The NMZ of the denervated muscle is an ideal site for NMEG implantation and for the development of new microsurgical and therapeutic strategies to achieve sufficient axonal regeneration, rapid endplate reinnervation, and optimal functional recovery. NMEG‐NMZ technique may become a useful tool in the treatment of muscle paralysis caused by peripheral nerve injuries in certain clinical situations.
Nonenzymatic Oligomerization of 3′,5′‐Cyclic CMP Induced by Proton and UV Irradiation Hints at a Nonfastidious Origin of RNA
Authors: Costanzo Giovanna , Giorgi Alessandra , Scipioni Anita , Timperio Anna Maria , Mancone Carmine , Tripodi Marco , Kapralov Michail , Krasavin Eugene , Kruse Holger , Šponer Jiří , Šponer Judit E. , Ranc Václav , Otyepka Michal , Pino Samanta , Di Mauro Ernesto
Published: May 2017

We report that 3′,5′‐cyclic CMP undergoes nonenzymatic di‐ and trimerization at 20 °C under dry conditions upon proton or UV irradiation. The reaction involves stacking of the cyclic monomers and subsequent polymerization through serial transphosphorylations between the stacked monomers. Proton‐ and UV‐induced oligomerization of 3′,5′‐cyclic CMP demonstrates that pyrimidines—similar to purines—might also have taken part in the spontaneous generation of RNA under plausible prebiotic conditions as well as in an extraterrestrial context. The observed polymerization of naturally occurring 3′,5′‐cyclic nucleotides supports the possibility that the extant genetic nucleic acids might have originated by way of a straight Occamian path, starting from simple reactions between plausibly preactivated monomers.
Early detection of twiddler syndrome due a congestion alert by remote monitoring
Authors: Sekimoto Satoru , Wakamatsu Mai , Morino Akihiro , Yoshida Takayuki , Saeki Tomoaki , Murakami Yoshimasa
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

There are often false‐positive alerts of thoracic impedance monitoring; however, the “false‐positive alerts” might indicate any clinical problem of patient. In the present case, an alert for a drop in intrathoracic impedance, which generally indicates exacerbation of heart failure, enabled early detection of twiddler syndrome.
A case of long QT syndrome: challenges on a bumpy road
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Gustafsson Per‐Erik
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

Beta‐agonist treatment during pregnancy may unmask the diagnosis of long QT syndrome. The QT prolongation can result in functional AV block. A history of seizure and/or sudden death in a family member should raise suspicion of ventricular tachycardia. More than one mutation may coexist. Refusal of beta‐blocker therapy complicates risk stratification.
A case of megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts type 1 was identified with a novel compound heterozygous alteration (c.135delC; c.423+2dupT) in China
Authors: Dai Cong‐Ling , He Wen‐Bin , Du Juan , Tan Yue‐Qiu , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Li Wen
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

We report a compound heterozygous mutation (c.135delC; c.423+2dupT) of MLC1 gene in a Chinese patient underlying infantile macrocephaly and neurological deterioration in early childhood. Brain MRI revealed diffusion abnormality in swollen white matter and a subcortical cyst. The cDNA sequencing analysis for the c.423+2dupT variant revealed skipping of exon 5.
Boosting Supercapacitor Performance of TiO2 Nanobelts by Efficient Nitrogen Doping
Authors: Zhi Jian , Zhao Wei , Lin Tianquan , Huang Fuqiang
Published: May 2017

TiO2 has great potential in the application of biocompatible supercapacitors. Unfortunately, because of its semiconducting nature, TiO2 exhibits poor electrical conductivity and extremely low specific capacitance. Doping with other atoms is a facile way to enhance electrochemical activity of TiO2. However, the restricted solubility of substitutional dopants in bulk largely impaired the effectiveness of doping, resulting in quite limited capacitance improvement. To overcome this issue, we propose a two‐step approach to efficiently dope TiO2 nanobelts with nitrogen. High‐level nitrogen doping (6.1 at. %) was achieved in the distinct crystalline core/disordered shell structured TiO2, boosting the specific capacitance of TiO2 from 4 F g−1 to 216 F g−1. Employing compressible, light‐weight three‐dimensional graphene as current collector, the symmetrical cell exhibits a volumetric energy density of 9.6 mWh cm−3, highly comparable with the supercapacitors based on conventional pseudocapacitive materials. These encouraging findings unambiguously smash the capacitance bottleneck of TiO2 and open the door towards the application of TiO2 in energy‐storage systems.