bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echogenic intracardiac foci and fetal cardiac anomalies: A review of cases from a tertiary care center in China
Authors: Guo Yong , He Yihua , Gu Xiaoyan , Zhang Ye , Sun Lin , Liu Xiaowei , Zhao Ying , Han Jiancheng
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the location of echogenic intracardiac foci (EIFs) and fetal cardiac anomalies in our patient population.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of the clinical files of fetuses who underwent an echocardiographic examination at our fetal cardiac medical center from August 2010 to August 2016. Fetuses were grouped by EIF location (left ventricle [LV], right ventricle [RV], or bilateral ventricles [BVs]). The maternal age, reason for referral, and cardiac anomalies in the three groups were analyzed.

Results

We enrolled 2647 fetuses with an EIF. Of these, 2498 (94.4%) were in the LV group, while 45 (1.7%) and 104 (3.9%) were in the RV and BV groups, respectively. Aneuploidy was found in 3 fetuses, and all of these had a left‐sided EIF. Cardiac anomalies were found in 93/2498 (3.7%) fetuses with a left‐sided EIF, 5/45 (11.1%) of those with a right‐sided EIF, and 3/104 (2.9%) of those with bilateral EIFs. The prevalence of congenital heart disease was significantly higher in fetuses with a right‐sided EIF than in those with left‐sided or bilateral EIFs (P < .05).

Conclusions

Right‐sided EIFs were more frequently associated with fetal cardiac anomalies than were left‐sided or bilateral EIFs.
Prenatal 3D sonography of an isolated lateral facial cleft
Authors: Lee Mina , Ko Young‐Bok , Yang Jung‐Bo , Kang Byung‐Hun
Published: September 2017

Lateral facial cleft is a rare congenital anomaly, but all affected infants require surgery under general anesthesia. Conventional 2‐dimensional coronal view of the face, which is typically used for identification of facial clefts, has limitations with regard to detection of this anomaly. We describe a case of prenatal diagnosis of isolated lateral facial cleft made with 3D sonography and highlight the importance of this tool in the diagnosis of this rare facial deformity.
An efficient synthesis of deuterium‐labeled degarelix acetate, a third‐generation gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor antagonist
Authors: Huang Yu , Chen Jingshun , Liu Baomin , Wang Hua , Zhang Lu , Chen Zhengbang , Zhang Yinsheng
Published: September 2017

Degarelix acetate, a third‐generation gonadotropin‐releasing hormone receptor antagonist, shows great potential in the treatment of many androgen‐related diseases. To support clinical studies of degarelix acetate, deuterium‐labeled degarelix is highly desired for use as an internal standard. Using D2O/D3PO4 as a deuterium source, 2‐amino‐3‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)propanoic acid was converted to deuterated degarelix acetate in 13 steps and in 14% overall yield.
Biophysical insight into the heparin‐peptide interaction and its modulation by a small molecule
Authors: Tiwari Neha , Srivastava Ankit , Kundu Bishwajit , Munde Manoj
Published: September 2017

The heparin‐protein interaction plays a vital role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Not only is the binding mechanism of these interactions poorly understood, studies concerning their therapeutic targeting are also limited. Here, we have studied the interaction of the heparin interacting peptide (HIP) from Tat (which plays important role in HIV infections) with heparin. Isothermal titration calorimetry binding exhibits distinct biphasic isotherm with two different affinities in the HIP‐heparin complex formation. Overall, the binding was mainly driven by the nonionic interactions with a small contribution from ionic interactions. The stoichiometric analysis suggested that the minimal site for a single HIP molecule is a chain of 4 to 5 saccharide molecules, also supported by docking studies. The investigation was also focused on exploiting the possibility of using a small molecule as an inhibitor of the HIP‐heparin complex. Quinacrine, because of its ability to mimic the HIP interactions with heparin, was shown to successfully modulate the HIP‐heparin interactions. This result demonstrates the feasibility of inhibiting the disease relevant heparin‐protein interactions by a small molecule, which could be an effective strategy for the development of future therapeutic agents.
Genetic characterization of enterovirus A71 isolates from severe neurological cases in Poland
Authors: Wieczorek Magdalena , Purzyńska Mariola , Krzysztoszek Arleta , Ciąćka Agnieszka , Figas Agnieszka , Szenborn Leszek
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to report a minor outbreak of enterovirus A71 (EV‐A71) infection in Poland and characterize isolates from cases of severe neurological infection detected in 2013 and 2016. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Polish strains belonged to the C genogroup: C1, C2, and C4. Severe neurological manifestations as encephalitis or acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), were associated with all detected subgenogroups. The C2 subgenogroup was associated with the outbreak in Gdansk, with serious cases of AFP, myelitis, cerebellitis, encephalitis, but also with mild, sporadic cases of aseptic meningitis, in other Polish cities. Data from the study established relationships of EV‐A71 from Poland with previously characterized strains and confirmed the importance of high quality enterovirus surveillance with international reach.
May–July precipitation reconstruction from oak tree‐rings for Bohemia (Czech Republic) since AD 1040
Authors: Dobrovolný Petr , Rybníček Michal , Kolář Tomáš , Brázdil Rudolf , Trnka Miroslav , Büntgen Ulf
Published: September 2017

This contribution presents a near‐millennium‐long reconstruction of May–July (MJJ) precipitation for Bohemia, the western part of the recent Czech Republic. A well‐replicated chronology of oak (Quercus spp.) tree‐ring width (TRW) measurements covering the 1040–2013 period was employed as a high‐resolution hydroclimatic proxy. Standardized TRW indices were calibrated to selected grid points from the CRU precipitation database, covering the geographical distribution of the oak data used. The oak TRW chronology explains 34% of MJJ precipitation variability during the 1901–1980 period used for calibration. Although the relationship between oak TRW and target data was relatively stable for this period, the coherence drops significantly beyond it. However, two independent verification periods reveal highly positive reduction of error (RE) and coefficient of efficiency (CE) statistics. Less formal verification based on direct comparison with 14 European proxy‐based reconstructions further suggests relatively good agreement in the temporal occurrence of above/below mean late spring–early summer precipitation totals, especially in the 16th–17th centuries. The new MJJ precipitation reconstruction is restricted to inter‐annual and inter‐decadal variability, which is in line with our understanding of natural precipitation variability. Reconstruction reveals two long periods of low precipitation variability, in the 13th–14th centuries and 1630s–1850s. It also demonstrates that precipitation anomalies of larger amplitude and longer duration occurred in the earlier part of the last millennium than those found in the instrumental period. Negative trends in soil moisture content and gradual changes in annual precipitation distribution leading to higher extremity of precipitation regime may be responsible for the lower sensitivity of oaks to precipitation after the 1980s. The new reconstruction does not indicate any exceptional recent decline in MJJ precipitation.
Late Holocene hydroclimate of the western Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico)
Authors: Roy Priyadarsi D. , Torrescano‐Valle Nuria , Islebe Gerald A. , Gutiérrez‐Ayala Luz Verónica
Published: September 2017

Chemical composition, magnetic susceptibility and texture of sediments in a swamp from the Los Petenes Biosphere Reserve provide information about late Holocene hydrological variations on the western margin of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Periods of lower than average amounts of K‐bearing clastics during 2580–2050, 1100–825 and 700–160 cal a BP represent drought intervals. Magnetic minerals were better preserved during these arid intervals, as the swamp was not perennially anoxic. Hydroclimate was unstable during 2580–2050 cal a BP, as several storm‐surge events occurred within an overall arid interval. The drought of 1100–825 cal a BP was contemporary with the Terminal Classic Period and the drought of 700–160 cal a BP was characterized by the lowest erosion as well as highest abundance of authigenic carbonate. Comparison with other climate proxy records from the region suggests that droughts had different geographic coverage. We attribute the different geographic coverage of droughts to variable strengths of polar continental air masses as well as dynamics of the Caribbean Low Level Jet and tropical cyclones that brought precipitation into different parts of the peninsula.
Attempted Determination of the Structures of Complex Aliphatic Copolyesters
Authors: Li Shanshan , Shen Jialong , Nichol Jessica L. , Tonelli Alan E.
Published: September 2017

Attempts at the microstructural characterization of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters made via melt‐polymerization of three distinct diacids or diesters and three structurally distinct diols are described. Probes sensitive to local, short‐range microstructures (13C‐NMR) and potentially sensitive to overall, global, complete polymer architectures (Kerr effect) are employed. Solution 13C‐NMR reveals the copolyesters possess largely random comonomer sequences, without, however, complete elucidation of even their shortest comonomer sequences. The limited structural sensitivity of NMR prevents development of meaningful structure–property relations. Observed Kerr effects, on the other hand, clearly demonstrate sensitivity to the presence of distinct microstructures of longer range than are observed by 13C‐NMR. To identify the details of these longer‐range structural elements, will, however, require the ability to estimate the Kerr constants of these aliphatic copolyesters when they are assumed not only to possess the types and amounts of short‐range microstructures identified experimentally by 13C‐NMR, but which are located at different positions along their chains. This ambitious goal requires extensive experimental and calculational efforts, which are currently just beginning and will be described subsequently.
Daily fluctuation of emotions and memories thereof: Design and methods of an experience sampling study of major depression, social phobia, and controls
Authors: Gloster Andrew T. , Miché Marcel , Wersebe Hanna , Mikoteit Thorsten , Hoyer Jürgen , Imboden Christian , Bader Klaus , Meyer Andrea H. , Hatzinger Martin , Lieb Roselind
Published: September 2017

Symptom fluctuations and the dynamic contexts provoking these are poorly understood. This deficit is compounded by people's limited ability to accurately report about such dimensions in retrospect. Utilizing the advantages of experience sampling methodology (ESM), this study rigorously describes and tests proximal environmental, neurobiological and psychological factors associated with symptoms and mood states.

Participants were assigned to three diagnostic groups: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD;n = 118), Social Phobia (SP;n = 47), or a Control Group without SP or MDD (CG;n = 119). Laboratory assessments included cognitive abilities, memory, constructs, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ESM lasted seven days, with six assessments per day covering symptoms, affect, daily events, social interactions, post‐event processing, well‐being, etc. Morning cortisol and actigraphy were also assessed during ESM. Thereafter, participants provided subjective retrospective recall estimates of the emotions they reported during ESM.

The multi‐level data of >10,000 observations will allow for thorough examination of fluctuations of psychopathology and well‐being in two highly prevalent disorders. Using two clinical groups and a non‐affected control group, the clinical specificity versus generalizability of processes can be directly tested, thus providing stimulating information about the overlap and differences between anxiety and affective disorders. This research informs about the development, fluctuation, and maintaining factors of emotions and symptoms and examines the accuracy with which participants recall these dimensions.
Investigation of the contribution of total creatine to the CEST Z‐spectrum of brain using a knockout mouse model
Authors: Chen Lin , Zeng Haifeng , Xu Xiang , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Cai Shuhui , Puts Nicolaas A. , Barker Peter B. , Li Tong , Weiss Robert G. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Xu Jiadi
Published: September 2017

The current study aims to assign and estimate the total creatine (tCr) signal contribution to the Z‐spectrum in mouse brain at 11.7 T. Creatine (Cr), phosphocreatine (PCr) and protein phantoms were used to confirm the presence of a guanidinium resonance at this field strength. Wild‐type (WT) and knockout mice with guanidinoacetate N‐methyltransferase deficiency (GAMT−/−), which have low Cr and PCr concentrations in the brain, were used to assign the tCr contribution to the Z‐spectrum. To estimate the total guanidinium concentrations, two pools for the Z‐spectrum around 2 ppm were assumed: (i) a Lorentzian function representing the guanidinium chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) at 1.95 ppm in the 11.7‐T Z‐spectrum; and (ii) a background signal that can be fitted by a polynomial function. Comparison between the WT and GAMT−/− mice provided strong evidence for three types of contribution to the peak in the Z‐spectrum at 1.95 ppm, namely proteins, Cr and PCr, the latter fitted as tCr. A ratio of 20 ± 7% (protein) and 80 ± 7% tCr was found in brain at 2 μT and 2 s saturation. Based on phantom experiments, the tCr peak was estimated to consist of about 83 ± 5% Cr and 17 ± 5% PCr. Maps for tCr of mouse brain were generated based on the peak at 1.95 ppm after concentration calibration with in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Fast and efficient probing of heterogeneous IoT networks
Authors: Metongnon Lionel , Sadre Ramin
Published: September 2017

The Internet of Things (IoT) leads to the interconnectivity of a wide range of device types running an equally wide range of operating systems and applications. This heterogeneity of hardware and software poses significant challenges to security. Constrained IoT devices often do not have enough resources to carry the overhead of an intrusion protection system or complex security protocols. Furthermore, they are often not properly managed and updated.

Network scans are a valuable tool to discover vulnerable devices. In the context of IoT, the initiator of the scan can be particularly interested in finding constrained devices, assuming that they are easier targets for attacks. However, in IoT networks hosting devices of various types, performing a scan with a high discovery rate can be a challenging task, since a scan working well for, eg, a WiFi network might easily overload a low‐power network such as IEEE 802.15.4.

In this paper, we propose an approach to increase the efficiency of network scans in heterogeneous environments by combining them with active round‐trip time measurements. The measurements allow the scanner to differentiate IoT nodes by the used network technology. Using the knowledge gained from this differentiation, our approach adapts the scan strategy to reduce probe losses, and hence the speed and efficiency of the scan. We validate our approach through simulations of a mixed IoT infrastructure consisting of WiFi and multihop IEEE 802.15.4 subnetworks.
Would more social partners leads to enhanced health? The paradox between quantity and quality
Authors: Xing Cai , Zhang Xin , Cheng Sheung‐Tak
Published: September 2017

In the current investigation, we examined the association between social network composition (SNC) and mental health, as well as whether quantity and quality of social network could influence mental health differently. The social network quantity and quality of 345 middle‐aged and older Chinese adults were measured by the Social Convoy Questionnaire. The Chinese version of the Medical Outcome Studies 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) was used to assess mental health while controlling for physical health. It was found that both quantity and quality of social network were associated with mental health, and more specifically that (1) quantity of peripheral partners (PP) was positively associated with mental health; (2) quality of emotionally close social partners (ECSP) influenced mental health the most; and (3) paradoxically, the effect of ECSP quality on mental health depended on quantity of ECSP, that is, participants with more ECSP showed a stronger association between ECSP quality and mental health. The findings replicated and extended previous studies on SNC and suggested that structure/quantity and quality of SNC were both important for mental health.
Quantitative analysis of trace levels of surface contamination by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Part I: Statistical uncertainty near the detection limit
Authors: Hill Shannon B. , Faradzhev Nadir S. , Powell Cedric J.
Published: September 2017

We discuss the problem of quantifying common sources of statistical uncertainties for analyses of trace levels of surface contamination by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We examine the propagation of error for peak‐area measurements by using common forms of linear and polynomial background subtraction including the correlation of points used to determine both background and peak areas. This correlation has been neglected in previous analyses, but we show that it contributes significantly to the peak‐area uncertainty near the detection limit. We introduce the concept of relative background subtraction variance (RBSV) that quantifies the uncertainty introduced by the method of background determination relative to the uncertainty of the background area itself. The uncertainties of the peak area and atomic concentration and of the detection limit are expressed using the RBSV, which separates the contributions from the acquisition parameters, the background‐determination method, and the properties of the measured spectrum. These results are then combined to find acquisition strategies that minimize the total measurement time needed to achieve a desired detection limit or atomic‐percentage uncertainty for a particular trace element. Minimization of data‐acquisition time is important for samples that are sensitive to X‐ray dose and also for laboratories that need to optimize throughput.
Electrical, optical, and structural characterization of p‐type N‐doped SnO thin films prepared by thermal oxidation of sputtered SnNx thin films
Authors: Garzon‐Fontecha A. , De La Cruz W. , Quevedo M.
Published: September 2017

We present a study of electrical and optical properties of nitrogen‐doped tin oxide thin films deposited on glass by the DC Magnetron Sputtering method. The deposition conditions to obtain p‐type thin films were a relative partial pressure between 7% and 11% (N2 and/or O2), a total working pressure of 1.8 mTorr and a plasma power of 30 W. The deposited thin films were oxidized after annealing at 250°C for 30 minutes. X‐ray diffraction results showed that the as‐deposited thin films exhibit a Sn tetragonal structure, and after annealing, they showed SnO tetragonal structure. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results showed the presence of nitrogen in the samples before and after annealing. The measured physical parameters of the thin films were optical band gap between 1.92 and 2.68 eV, resistivity between 0.52 and 5.46 Ωcm, a concentration of p‐type carriers between 1018 and 1019 cm−3, and a Hall mobility between 0.1 and 1.94 cm2V−1s−1. These thin films were used to fabricate p‐type thin film transistors.
Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of paint craters
Authors: Bloomfield Heather L. , Nie Heng‐Yong
Published: September 2017

Localized sudden changes in the surface energy of a surface to be painted are commonly held responsible for causing paint craters. However, it is not necessarily an easy task to identify the material(s) that produced the defects. Automotive paint cratering, when it happens, often requires immediate identification of its causes because the product line may have to be shut down until the problem is solved. For the past 18 years, Surface Science Western has applied time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), among other techniques, to help its clients in the automotive industry identify the chemicals responsible for producing paint craters. In this article, we demonstrate that ToF‐SIMS is a unique and powerful technique in identifying the chemicals such as siloxane, fluorocarbons and fatty acids that are responsible for causing paint craters. We further show that the chemicals can be foreign contaminants, as well as segregation of additives in the paint systems, and even from contaminated solvents used in the paint. When the chemicals causing the paint craters can be identified by ToF‐SIMS analysis, the automotive company can often track down the primary source and remove the root cause. As such, surface analysis and in particular ToF‐SIMS is invaluable in understanding paint cratering for both the surface analysis research community and paint manufacturers and users. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mechanical properties of plasma‐treated carbon fiber reinforced PA6 composites with CNT
Authors: Chang Qiuxiang , Zhao Haojie , He Runqin
Published: September 2017

The aim of this work is the evaluation of the effects of plasma treatment and the addition of CNT on the mechanical properties of carbon fibre/PA6 composite. A powder impregnation process with integrated inline continuous plasma of carbon fibers was used to produce CF/PA6 composite. CF/PA6 composite was processed into test laminates by compression moulding, and interface dominated composite properties were studied. The tensile and impact strength of composites containing CNT and plasma‐treated carbon fibres improved obviously. The tensile strength of nanocomposite largely increases with the increasing of the CNT content and then decreases when the CNT content is over 2%. The hydroxyl groups of the fibers surface are in favor of the wettability of carbon fibers by the polar matrix resin, which is resulting in a further interaction of the fiber surface with the curing system of the matrix resin.
Influences of acid and heat treatments on the structure and water vapor adsorption property of natural zeolite
Authors: Wang Cheng , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng
Published: September 2017

Natural zeolite was first acid treated and then heat treated. The influences of acid and heat treatments on the structure and water vapor adsorption property of natural zeolite were investigated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface areas were employed to investigate the structure changes of the zeolite samples. Water vapor adsorption property of the samples was investigated in order to determine wettability of the samples. The results showed that nitric acid treatment could remove Al from the structure, decrease relative crystallinity, and significantly increase specific surface area of the zeolite samples. Heat treatment could change or even destroy the structure, effectively remove water molecules from the surface/structure, and decrease the specific surface area of the zeolite samples. Water vapor adsorptions on the acid‐treated zeolite samples were significantly lower than that for the zeolite sample, and the adsorptions further reduced for the heat‐treated zeolite samples. The increase of Si/Al ratio, decreases of silanol groups, and specific surface area of the samples were major reasons related to the reductions of water vapor adsorptions on the zeolite samples.
Synthesis, Magnetic and Electrocatalytic Properties of a Dinuclear Triazendio‐Nickel(II) Complex
Authors: Xue Dan , Luo Su‐Ping , Zhan Shu‐Zhong
Published: September 2017

A new material both for magnetic coupling and electrocatalytic hydrogen production based on a dinuclear nickel(II) complex, [Ni2L4] 1 has been prepared by the reaction of NiCl2⋅6H2O and 1‐[(2‐methoxy) benzene]‐3‐[2‐pyridine] triazene (HL). Magnetic analysis shows that in the solid state this nickel complex exhibits an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between nickel(II) ions mediated by triazenido‐bridges (J= −6.8 cm−1). In homogeneous environment, complex 1 shows electrocatalytic activities for hydrogen generation both from acetic acid and neutral buffer with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 101.25 moles of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (mol H2/mol catalyst/h) at an overpotential (OP) of 941.6 mV and a TOF of 998.2 mol H2/mol catalyst/h at an OP of 836.7 mV, respectively.
Mechanism of Low‐Temperature Carbon Combustion Over Ag‐Pd/Alumina Catalysts
Authors: Tai Yutaka , Namba Tetsuya , Tomita Atsuko , Miki Takeshi , Uchisawa Junko , Obuchi Akira , Kogawa Takahiro , Isayama Akihiro , Wakabayashi Takashi
Published: September 2017

The mechanism of carbon combustion over Ag−Pd/alumina catalysts has been studied with the aim of further improving the performance of Ag‐based diesel particulate filter catalysts. Alumina‐supported Ag−Pd, Ag, and Pd catalysts were prepared and compared for their carbon combustion ability. Over the Ag−Pd, Ag, and Pd catalysts, peaks of CO2 emission were observed at 425, 510, and 650 °C, respectively. Details of the catalyst structure and carbon oxidation process were investigated using energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) mapping and temperature‐dependent Ag and Pd K‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis during carbon combustion. The EDX mapping and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analyses suggested that Ag−Pd and PdO particles stacked together in the Ag−Pd/alumina catalyst. With this structure, oxygen atoms could migrate effectively to the Ag−Pd particles from the PdO surfaces, allowing low‐temperature combustion over the Ag−Pd/alumina catalyst.
Comparative Electrochemical Behavior of Cytochrome c on Aqueous Solutions Containing Choline‐Based Room Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Matias Sara C. , Lourenço Nuno M. T. , Fonseca Luis J. P. , Cordas Cristina M.
Published: September 2017

Ionic liquids have been attracting considerable interest in wide diverse fields, including biotechnology applications. Metalloproteins’ stability in such media is still a controversial subject. Divergent reports on the metalloproteins’ stability have been published, although hydrated ionic liquids seem more beneficial for achieving efficient redox transitions with the proteins’ redox centers. In the present study the electrochemical behavior of Cyt c in three choline‐based ionic liquids aqueous solutions, namely choline dehydrogenophosphate ([Ch][DHP]), choline 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid ([Ch][MES]) and choline 3‐(cyclohexylamino)‐1‐propanesulfonic acid ([Ch][CAPS]) was investigated. Cyt c formal potential and its temperature dependence, the diffusion coefficient and heterogeneous electron transfer rate were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The results show that Cyt c in aqueous solutions of [Ch][DHP] and [Ch][MES], retain its intrinsic redox properties.
Semiconductor Solid‐Solution Nanostructures: Synthesis, Property Tailoring, and Applications
Authors: Liu Baodan , Li Jing , Yang Wenjin , Zhang Xinglai , Jiang Xin , Bando Yoshio
Published: September 2017

The innovation of band‐gap engineering in advanced materials caused by the alloying of different semiconductors into solid‐solution nanostructures provides numerous opportunities and advantages in optoelectronic property tailoring. The semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures have multifarious emission wavelength, adjustability of absorption edge, tunable electrical resistivity, and cutting‐edge photoredox capability, and these advantages can be rationalized by the assorted synthesis strategies such as, binary, ternary, and quaternary solid‐solutions. In addition, the abundance of elements in groups IIB, IIIA, VA, VIA, and VIIA provides sufficient room to tailor‐make the semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures with the desired properties. Recent progress of semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures including synthesis strategies, structure and composition design, band‐gap engineering related to the optical and electrical properties, and their applications in different fields is comprehensively reviewed. The classification, formation principle, synthesis routes, and the advantage of semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures are systematically reviewed. Moreover, the challenges faced in this area and the future prospects are discussed. By combining the information together, it is strongly anticipated that this Review may shed new light on understanding semiconductor solid‐solution nanostructures while expected to have continuous breakthroughs in band‐gap engineering and advanced optoelectronic nanodevices.
Morphology and Physicochemical Properties of Starch in Wheat Superior and Inferior Grains
Authors: Wang Leilei , Yu Xurun , Yang Yang , Chen Xinyu , Wang Qiaoju , Zhang Xiaohui , Ran Liping , Xiong Fei
Published: September 2017

Wheat inferior grains severely restrict yield and quality because of their poor grain‐filling and low grain weight, which have impacts on the morphology and physicochemical properties of starch. However, little is known about differences in morphological structures and physicochemical properties of starch between types of wheat grains. Compared with superior grains, inferior grains showed lower 1000‐grain weight and total starch content but higher apparent amylose content. Both grains contained A‐ and B‐type starch granules, but superior grains had more B‐type starch granules. Superior grains showed lower peak temperature, enthalpy, and gelatinization temperature but higher setback viscosity, solubility, and hydrolysis degree than inferior grains. Moreover, superior grains had lower relative crystallinity and proportion of single helices and amorphous structure, and higher proportion of double helices. Therefore, the morphology and physicochemical properties of starch between superior and inferior grains were notably different. This study provides an important theoretical basis for application of wheat starch in food and non‐food industries.
Reactivity of a P–H Functionalized Al/P‐Based Frustrated Lewis Pair – Hydrophosphination versus Classic Adduct Formation
Authors: Uhl Werner , Keweloh Lukas , Hepp Alexander , Stegemann Frank , Layh Marcus , Bergander Klaus
Published: September 2017

The P–H functionalized Al/P‐based frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) Mes(H)P–C[Al{CH(SiMe3)2}2]=C(H)–tBu (3) has the typical functionality of FLPs with Lewis acidic and basic centers in a single molecule and is able to transfer the P bound H atom to activated substrates. Nevertheless, 3 reacted with NH3 only by adduct formation with the N atom coordinated to Al (5). The relatively low basicity of the P atom prevented the formation of a hydrogen bridge between P and Al. Similarly, benzil and 3 afforded a simple adduct (6) with only one C=O group bonded to P and Al. The second C=O group and the P–H moiety were unaffected. 6 has two stereogenic centers, and the resulting diastereomers were identified by crystal structure determinations. Migration of the P bound H atom was only observed for substrates containing basic N atoms. Nitriles gave heterocyclic iminophosphine adducts (7) in which the N–H groups were coordinated to the Al atoms. An isocyanate and two isothiocyanates afforded adducts via Al–X and P–C bond formation (X = O, S), and phosphaurea derivatives (8a to 8c) resulted from H shift to the exocyclic N atoms. A carbodiimide reacted with 3 by the formation of a phosphaguanidine (8d) with the imine N atom coordinated to Al. The latter reactions proceed under mild conditions and represent formally the hydrophosphination of unsaturated substrates.
Neue Systeme zur Antikörperherstellung
Authors: Stech Marlitt , Nikolaeva Olga , Kubick Stefan
Published: September 2017

Antibodies are indispensable tools for therapy and diagnostics. Here, we present a novel technique that allows for an accelerated synthesis of functionally active antibodies. This is achieved by using a cell-free translation system based on mammalian cells.
The danger of being inattentive – ADHD symptoms and risky sexual behaviour in Russian adolescents
Authors: Isaksson J. , Stickley A. , Koposov R. , Ruchkin V.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Prior research has indicated that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may be associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behaviour (RSB). However, research on this association among adolescents has been comparatively limited and mainly confined to North America. The aim of this study was to examine if inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms were linked to RSB in a community cohort sample of Russian adolescents.

Methods:

The study was based on a group of 537 adolescents from Northern Russia. Information on inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity as well as conduct problems was obtained through teacher ratings, while information on RSB (previous unprotected sex, number of sexual partners, sex while intoxicated and partner pregnancies), substance use, perception of risk, and parenting behaviour was based on students’ self-reports. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between the variables.

Results:

Teacher-rated inattention symptoms predicted RSB, independently of co-morbid conduct problems, substance use, risk perception, and different parenting styles (parental warmth, involvement and control). In addition, male sex, binge drinking and a lower assessment of perceived risk were all significantly associated with RSB in an adjusted model. Neither teacher-rated hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms nor conduct problems were linked to RSB in the full model.

Conclusions:

Deficits in planning and organizing behaviours, being easily distracted and forgetful seem to be of importance for RSB in Russian adolescents. This highlights the importance of discriminating between different ADHD symptoms in adolescence to prevent risk behaviours and their potentially detrimental outcomes on health and well-being.
Differential DNA Methylation in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Female Sexual Functioning
Authors: Burri Andrea , Leupin Myriam , Spector Timothy , Marinova Zoya
Published: September 2017

Background

Research has repeatedly suggested genetic and environmental factors in the etiology underlying female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Because sexual functioning is a highly variable trait, epigenetics could provide a promising approach to tackle the origins of FSD and consequently offer a step-change in our understanding of these problems.

Aim

To identify differentially methylated CpG positions for sexual functioning in a sample of monozygotic twin pairs discordant for sexual functioning.

Methods

The sample consisted of 33 trait-discordant monozygotic twin pairs (mean age = 54.1 years, SD = 9.05) from the Twins UK Registry. Phenotypic data on sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index–Lifelong (FSFI-LL). The Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation 450 DNA BeadChip was used for epigenome-wide analyses of DNA methylation in whole-blood samples.

Outcomes

Comparison of DNA methylation patterns associated with the FSFI-LL total score and its six subdomains.

Results

Two differentially methylated CpG positions (cg09580409 and cg14734994) reaching experiment-wide statistical significance were found for overall sexual functioning, mapping to MGC45800 and the threonine synthase-like 2 gene (THNSL2), respectively. Furthermore, potential biologically relevant candidates for sexual desire (CUB and zona pellucida-like domains 1, CUZD1) and satisfaction (solute carrier family 6 member 19, SLC6A19) were identified.

Clinical Translation

THNSL2 and SLC6A19, which have been linked to weight and adiposity, might represent novel candidates for sexual problems in women.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study to investigate epigenetic mechanisms underlying FSD. The study used a relative small sample of monozygotic female twins. The cutoff to determine discordance in sexual problems was chosen based on a 10% FSFI score difference. Therefore, the results have to be interpreted with caution and need replication in larger clinical samples.

Conclusion

Understanding how genes and environment interact to influence our sexuality might inform clinical practice and lead to new treatments for women experiencing FSD.
The Poor's Struggle for Political Incorporation
Authors: Rossi Federico M.
Published: September 2017

This book offers an innovative perspective on the ever-widening gap between the poor and the state in Latin American politics. It presents a comprehensive analysis of the main social movement that mobilized the poor and unemployed people of Argentina to end neoliberalism and to attain incorporation into a more inclusive and equal society. The piquetero (picketer) movement is the largest movement of unemployed people in the world. This movement has transformed Argentine politics to the extent of becoming part of the governing coalition for more than a decade. Rossi argues that the movement has been part of a long-term struggle by the poor for socio-political participation in the polity after having been excluded by authoritarian regimes and neoliberal reforms. He conceptualizes this process as a wave of incorporation, exploring the characteristics of this major redefinition of politics in Latin America.
Creating opioid dependence in the emergency department
Authors: Upadhye Suneel
Published: September 2017

Clinical question

What is the risk of creating opioid dependence from an ED opioid prescription?

Article chosen

Barnett ML, Olenski AR, Jena AB. Opioid-prescribing patterns of emergency physicians and risk of long-term use. N Engl J Med 2017;376:663-73, doi:10.1056/NEJMsa1610524.

Objective

This study examined the risk of creating long-term opioid dependence from a prescription written in an opioid-naive patient in the ED.
Past as Prologue? The Risk of Adoption of Chemical and Biological Weapons by Non-State Actors in the EU
Authors: REVILL James
Published: September 2017

There have been relatively few serious incidents of chemical or biological terrorism in Europe; however, there is growing concern over how non-state groups might exploit chemistry and biology for hostile purposes in the future. This article uses the historical record of past incidents of chemical and biological weapons (CBW) adoption by non-state actors to inform understandings of the current and future risks. To achieve this, the article analyses six interlinked clusters of factors that can be seen as important in assessing the risk of whether or not to adopt such weapons. These are: the perceived relative advantage of CBW and their utilities; the complexity of such weapons; their ideological compatibility; the role of organisational structures; the visibility and ‘fashionability’ of such weapons; and the wider environmental context. Drawing from past cases of CBW adoption and the present European context, an analysis of these factors suggests that sophisticated CBW with gigantic effect are possible, but unlikely; however, the adoption and use of scruffy low-level chemical weapons is a distinct possibility. Accordingly, European public health agencies need to prepare for the possibility of a variety of CBW, not all of which are likely to be weapons of “mass destruction”.
An experimental investigation of the laminar horseshoe vortex around an emerging obstacle
Authors: Launay Gaby , Mignot E. , Riviere N. , Perkins R.
Published: September 2017

An emerging long obstacle placed in a boundary layer developing under a free surface generates a complex horseshoe vortex (HSV) system, which is composed of a set of vortices exhibiting a rich variety of dynamics. The present experimental study examines such flow structure and characterizes precisely, using particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements, the evolution of the HSV geometrical and dynamical properties over a wide range of dimensionless parameters (Reynolds number$Re_{h}\in [750,8300]$, boundary layer development ratio$h/\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}\in [1.25,4.25]$and obstacle aspect ratio$W/h\in [0.67,2.33]$). The dynamical study of the HSV is based on the categorization of the motions of HSV vortices that result in an enhanced specific bi-dimensional typology, separating a coherent (due to vortex–vortex interactions) and an irregular evolution (due to the appearance of small-scale instabilities). This precise categorization is made possible thanks to the use of vortex tracking methods applied to PIV measurements; a semi-empirical model for the motion of the HSV vortices is then proposed to highlight some important mechanisms of the HSV dynamics, such as (i) the influence of the surrounding vortices on vortex motion and (ii) the presence of a phase shift between the motion of all vortices. Finally, the study of the HSV’s geometrical properties (vortex position and characteristic lengths and frequencies) evolution with the flow parameters shows that strong dependencies exist between the streamwise extension of the HSV and the obstacle width, and between the HSV vortex number and its elongation. Comparison of these data with prior studies for immersed obstacles reveals that emerging obstacles lead to greater adverse pressure gradients and down-flows in front of the obstacle. This implies a precocious separation of the boundary layer, leading to a larger HSV streamwise extension, and a lower vertical extension of the HSV, leading to smaller HSV vortices.
Analysis of the forward and backward in time pair-separation probability density functions for inertial particles in isotropic turbulence
Authors: Bragg Andrew D.
Published: September 2017

In this paper we investigate, using theory and direct numerical simulations (DNS), the forward in time (FIT) and backward in time (BIT) probability density functions (PDFs) of the separation of inertial particle pairs in isotropic turbulence. In agreement with our earlier study (Bragg et al., Phys. Fluids, vol. 28, 2016, 013305), where we compared the FIT and BIT mean-square separations, we find that inertial particles separate much faster BIT than FIT, with the strength of the irreversibility depending upon the final/initial separation of the particle pair and their Stokes number $St$. However, we also find that the irreversibility shows up in subtle ways in the behaviour of the full PDF that it does not in the mean-square separation. In the theory, we derive new predictions, including a prediction for the BIT/FIT PDF for $St\geqslant O(1)$, and for final/initial separations in the dissipation regime. The prediction shows how caustics in the particle relative velocities in the dissipation range affect the scaling of the pair-separation PDF, leading to a PDF with an algebraically decaying tail. The predicted functional behaviour of the PDFs is universal, in that it does not depend upon the level of intermittency in the underlying turbulence. We also analyse the pair-separation PDFs for fluid particles at short times, and construct theoretical predictions using the multifractal formalism to describe the fluid relative velocity distributions. The theoretical and numerical results both suggest that the extreme events in the inertial particle-pair dispersion at the small scales are dominated by their non-local interaction with the turbulent velocity field, rather than due to the strong dissipation range intermittency of the turbulence itself. In fact, our theoretical results predict that for final/initial separations in the dissipation range, when $St\gtrsim 1$, the tails of the pair-separation PDFs decay faster as the Taylor Reynolds number $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}$ is increased, the opposite of what would be expected for fluid particles.
Effective reaction rate on a heterogeneous surface
Authors: Sangani Ashok S.
Published: September 2017

We examine the problem of prescribing the macroscale boundary condition to the solute convective–diffusive mass transport equation at a heterogeneous surface consisting of reactive circular disks distributed uniformly on a non-reactive surface. The reaction rate at the disks is characterized by a first-order kinetics. This problem was examined by Shah & Shaqfeh (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 782, 2015, pp. 260–299) who obtained the boundary condition in terms of an effective first-order rate constant, which they determined as a function of the Péclet number $Pe=\dot{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}}a^{2}/D$, the fraction $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}$ of the surface area occupied by the reactive disks and the non-dimensional reaction rate constant $K=ka/D$. Here, $a$ is the radius of the disks, $D$ is the solute diffusivity, $\dot{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}}$ is the wall shear rate and $k$ is the first-order surface-reaction rate constant. Their analysis assumed that $Pe$ and $K$ are $O(1)$ while the ratio of the microscale $a$ to the macroscale $H$ is small. The macroscale transport process is convection–diffusion dominated under these conditions. We examine here the case when the non-dimensional numbers based on the macroscale $H$ are $O(1)$. In this limit the microscale transport problem is reaction rate dominated. We find that the boundary condition can be expressed in terms of an effective rate constant only up to $O(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716})$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D716}=a/H$. Higher-order expressions for the mass flux involve both the macroscopic concentration and its surface gradient. The $O(\unicode[STIX]{x1D716})$ microscale problem is relatively easy to solve as the convective effects are unimportant and it is possible to obtain analytical expressions for the effective rate constant as a function of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}$ for both periodic and random arrangement of the disks without having to solve the boundary integral equation as was done by Shah and Shaqfeh. The results thus obtained are shown to be in good agreement with those obtained numerically by Shah and Shaqfeh for $Pe=0$. In a separate study, Shah et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 811, 2017, pp. 372–399) examined the inverse-geometry problem in which the disks are inert and the rest of the surface surrounding them is reactive. We show that the two problems are related when $Pe=0$ and $kH/D=O(1)$. Finally, a related problem of determining the current density at a surface consisting of an array of microelectrodes is also examined and the analytical results obtained for the current density are found to agree well with the computed values obtained by solving the integral equation numerically by Lucas et al. (SIAM J. Appl. Maths, vol. 57(6), 1997, pp. 1615–1638) over a wide range of parameters characterizing this problem.