bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capturing the Unconventional Metallofullerene M@C66 by Trifluoromethylation: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Xu Dan , Wang Zhiyong , Shinohara Hisanori
Published: August 2017

The endohedral metallofullerenes M@C66 (M=rare‐earth metal) have a unique structure that violates the well‐known “isolated pentagon rule” of fullerene science. Although the synthesis of M@C66 has been achieved by using the arc discharge method, the solvent extraction and purification of M@C66 remain challenges because of their radical character and extremely high reactivity. In this paper, the possibility of capturing these missing metallofullerenes by exohedral functionalization of the C66 cage is demonstrated theoretically. Stable trifluoromethylated derivatives of Y@C66 are revealed by density functional theory calculations. Mono‐ or poly‐trifluoromethylation of Y@C66 results in a closed‐shell electronic configuration and a large band gap. Thus Y@C66 can be greatly stabilized through trifluoromethylation. The trifluoromethyl group prefers to be attached to the fused pentagon region to relieve local steric strain. The mechanism of isomerization of Y@C66(CF3)3 is also investigated and it is found that the attached trifluoromethyl group can migrate from a carbon atom to another via a transition state.
Synthesis of Renewable Lubricant Alkanes from Biomass‐Derived Platform Chemicals
Authors: Gu Mengyuan , Xia Qineng , Liu Xiaohui , Guo Yong , Wang Yanqin
Published: August 2017

The catalytic synthesis of liquid alkanes from renewable biomass has received tremendous attention in recent years. However, bio‐based platform chemicals have not to date been exploited for the synthesis of highly branched lubricant alkanes, which are currently produced by hydrocracking and hydroisomerization of long‐chain n‐paraffins. A selective catalytic synthetic route has been developed for the production of highly branched C23 alkanes as lubricant base oil components from biomass‐derived furfural and acetone through a sequential four‐step process, including aldol condensation of furfural with acetone to produce a C13 double adduct, selective hydrogenation of the adduct to a C13 ketone, followed by a second condensation of the C13 ketone with furfural to generate a C23 aldol adduct, and finally hydrodeoxygenation to give highly branched C23 alkanes in 50.6 % overall yield from furfural. This work opens a general strategy for the synthesis of high‐quality lubricant alkanes from renewable biomass.
Comparative analysis of diagnostic adequacy rate between aspiration and nonaspiration techniques of fine‐needle cytology in patients with thyroid cancer and ultrasonographically suspicious cervical lymph nodes
Authors: Aydin Cevdet , Dellal Fatma Dilek , Tam Abbas Ali , Ogmen Berna , Kilicarslan Aydan , Topaloglu Oya , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir
Published: August 2017

Background

We aimed to compare nonaspiration (NAS) and aspiration (AS) techniques in the evaluation of fine‐needle cytology of lymph node (FNC‐LN) in terms of diagnostic adequacy of cytologic material.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐three superficial cervical LNs in 75 patients who underwent NAS and AS‐FNC‐LN in the same visit were evaluated. Cytological results were categorized as diagnostic and nondiagnostic.

Results

The rates of malignancy were 13.8% in AS versus 16.3% in NAS technique, whereas nondiagnostic cytology was detected in 43.1% and 25.2%, respectively (P = .549 and P < .01).

Conclusions

The diagnostic adequacy rate in NAS‐FNC‐LN was significantly higher than AS‐FNC‐LN. However, NAS technique seems to be more simple and comfortable. We suggest both NAS and AS‐FNC‐LN in cytologic evaluation of suspicious cervical LNs until the diagnostic accuracy is determined with prospective studies.
Rank acquisition in rhesus macaque yearlings following permanent maternal separation: The importance of the social and physical environment
Authors: Wooddell Lauren J. , Kaburu Stefano S.K. , Murphy Ashley M. , Suomi Stephen J. , Dettmer Amanda M.
Published: August 2017

Rank acquisition is a developmental milestone for young primates, but the processes by which primate yearlings attain social rank in the absence of the mother remain unclear. We studied 18 maternally reared yearling rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that differed in their social and physical rearing environments. We found that early social experience and maternal rank, but not individual traits (weight, sex, age), predicted dominance acquisition in the new peer‐only social group. Yearlings also used coalitions to reinforce the hierarchy, and social affiliation (play and grooming) was likely a product, rather than a determinant, of rank acquisition. Following relocation to a familiar environment, significant rank changes occurred indicating that familiarity with a physical environment was salient in rank acquisition. Our results add to the growing body of literature emphasizing the role of the social and physical environment on behavioral development, namely social asymmetries among peers.
“Show me which parasites you carry and I will tell you what you eat”, or how to infer the trophic behavior of hematophagous arthropods feeding on wildlife
Authors: Makanga Boris , Costantini Carlo , Rahola Nil , Yangari Patrick , Rougeron Virginie , Ayala Diego , Prugnolle Franck , Paupy Christophe
Published: August 2017

Most emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses originating from wildlife among which vector‐borne diseases constitute a major risk for global human health. Understanding the transmission routes of mosquito‐borne pathogens in wildlife crucially depends on recording mosquito blood‐feeding patterns. During an extensive longitudinal survey to study sylvatic anophelines in two wildlife reserves in Gabon, we collected 2,415 mosquitoes of which only 0.3% were blood‐fed. The molecular analysis of the blood meals contained in guts indicated that all the engorged mosquitoes fed on wild ungulates. This direct approach gave only limited insights into the trophic behavior of the captured mosquitoes. Therefore, we developed a complementary indirect approach that exploits the occurrence of natural infections by host‐specific haemosporidian parasites to infer Anopheles trophic behavior. This method showed that 74 infected individuals carried parasites of great apes (58%), ungulates (30%), rodents (11%) and bats (1%). Accordingly, on the basis of haemosporidian host specificity, we could infer different feeding patterns. Some mosquito species had a restricted host range (An. nili only fed on rodents, whereas An. carnevalei, An. coustani, An. obscurus, and An. paludis only fed on wild ungulates). Other species had a wider host range (An. gabonensis could feed on rodents and wild ungulates, whereas An. moucheti and An. vinckei bit rodents, wild ungulates and great apes). An. marshallii was the species with the largest host range (rodents, wild ungulates, great apes, and bats). The indirect method substantially increased the information that could be extracted from the sample by providing details about host‐feeding patterns of all the mosquito species collected (both fed and unfed). Molecular sequences of hematophagous arthropods and their parasites will be increasingly available in the future; exploitation of such data with the approach we propose here should provide key insights into the feeding patterns of vectors and the ecology of vector‐borne diseases.
Minimally manipulated murine regulatory T cells purified by reversible Fab Multimers are potent suppressors for adoptive T‐cell therapy
Authors: Mohr Fabian , Fischer Julius Clemens , Nikolaus Marc , Stemberger Christian , Dreher Stefan , Verschoor Admar , Haas Tobias , Poeck Hendrik , Busch Dirk H.
Published: August 2017

The transfer of regulatory T cells, either freshly isolated, or modified, represents a promising therapeutic approach to dampen misdirected immune responses, like autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory syndromes and graft versus host disease. Clinical isolation of highly pure regulatory T cell (Treg) populations is still challenging and labeling reagents can influence their viability and functionality, potentially altering the potency of isolated Treg cell products. Here we show that reversible Fab multimer‐based Treg purification can prevent conventional antibody label‐induced interferences in vitro and in vivo. Remaining isolation reagents negatively interfere with Treg engraftment efficacy in C57BL/6 wild‐type mice due to Fcγ‐receptor‐ as well as IL‐2 receptor‐mediated mechanisms. Using a preclinical model for acute GvHD, we further show that purified ‘label‐freed’ Tregs are protective at substantially lower cell numbers as compared to conventional nonreversible antibody staining, translating into significantly improved survival of mice treated with minimally manipulated Tregs. These findings have important clinical relevance for future Treg‐based cell therapies.
Development of an Improved Method to Determine Saturated Aliphatic Aldehydes in Docosahexaenoic Acid‐Rich Oil: A Supplement to p‐Anisidine Value
Authors: Zuo Wenlu , Hu Xuechao , Yang Yaqiong , Jiang Ling , Ren Lujing , Huang He
Published: August 2017

p‐Anisidine value (AV) is an important and commonly used index to determine the second oxidation statue of edible oils, but it sometimes cannot reflect the concentrations of all the secondary products, such as saturated aldehydes. An improved method for the determination of saturated aliphatic aldehydes (SAA) in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐rich oils is developed in this study. This method reduces the aldehyde 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazone adducts (DNPhydrazones) using 2‐picoline borane, which can eliminate the analytical error caused by the isomerism of DNPhydrazone derivatives. The changes of SAA content during the oxidation of DHA‐rich oil is subsequently monitored. Acetaldehyde (168.8 µmol kg−1) and propionaldehyde (78.5 µmol kg−1) are the two main SAAs in fresh oil, and their concentrations increase to 824.8–811.9 µmol kg−1, respectively, after oxidation for 50 h at 80 °C. Furthermore, a Michael addition reaction is found to significantly reduce the AV of oxidized oils, from 172.5 to 11.7. Moreover, the concentration of SAAs shows no significant difference and could clearly identify the low‐quality oil. These results demonstrate that SAA content might be a potential index to identify oxidized oils, which could provide a good supplementary value to the traditional AV index. Practical Applications: The method that has been developed in this study makes it possible to quantify saturated aliphatic aldehydes as markers of oxidation of oils, especially when the panisidine value (AV) cannot correctly assess the levels of secondary products. It could serve as a supplement to the AV index and could be applied to oils, fats, and food products. This work provides quantitative data regarding the amounts of saturated aliphatic aldehydes that can be present in DHA‐rich oils during the oxidation process.

An improved method for determinig saturated aliphatic aldehydes (SAA) in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐rich oils is developed. The changes of SAA content during the oxidation of DHA‐rich oil is monitored. Furthermore, a Michael addition reaction is found to significantly reduce the AV of oxidized oils, from 172.5 to 11.7. The concentration of SAAs does not display significant differences and can clearly identify the low‐quality oil. These results demonstrate that the SAA content might be a potential index to identify oxidized oils, which could serve as a good supplement to the AV index.
Stable ultrathin surfactant‐free surface‐engineered silicon nanocrystal solar cells deposited at room temperature
Authors: Švrček Vladimir , McDonald Calum , Lozac'h Mickael , Tayagaki Takeshi , Koganezawa Tomoyuki , Miyadera Tetsuhiko , Mariotti Davide , Matsubara Koji
Published: August 2017

We present a scalable technology at room temperature for the fabrication of ultrathin films based on surfactant‐free surface‐engineered silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs). Environmentally friendly pulsed fsec laser induced surface engineering of SiNCs and vacuum low‐angle spray deposition is used to produce ultrathin films. Surface engineering of SiNCs improved stability and dispersibility of SiNCs by allowing thin (30 nm thickness) and exceptionally smooth (mean square roughness corresponds to 0.32 nm) film deposition at room temperature. The quality of the SiNC thin films is confirmed by ultrafast photoluminescence measurements and by applying such films for solar cells. We demonstrate that films produced with this approach yield good and stable devices. The methodology developed here is highly relevant for a very wide range of applications where the formation of high‐quality ultrathin films of quantum dots with controllable thickness and smoothness is required.
CloudAware: Empowering context‐aware self‐adaptation for mobile applications
Authors: Orsini Gabriel , Bade Dirk , Lamersdorf Winfried
Published: August 2017

Mobile devices are already woven into our everyday life, and we became accustomed that mobile applications assist us in a multitude of daily activities. With the rise of the Internet of Things, new opportunities to further automatize tedious tasks open up. New functional and user experience requirements demand for further resources and new ways to acquire these, because mobile devices remain comparatively limited in terms of, eg, computation, storage, and battery life. To face these challenges, current approaches augment mobile applications either with cloud resources (mobile cloud computing) or with resources near the mobile device at the logical edge of the network (mobile edge computing) onto which tasks can be offloaded during runtime. However, this does not automatically solve the conflict between resource demands and good user experience, as current solutions prove. It is the dynamically changing context that makes for good or bad offloading strategies. In this paper, we corroborate this finding by first evaluating 40 existing solutions based on a requirements catalogue derived from several application scenarios as well as the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission criteria for software quality. Afterward, we present CloudAware, which is a mobile cloud computing/mobile edge computing middleware that supports automated context‐aware self‐adaptation techniques that ease the development of elastic, scalable, and context‐adaptive mobile applications. Moreover, we present a qualitative evaluation of our concepts and quantitatively evaluate different offloading scenarios using real usage data to prove that mobile applications indeed benefit from context‐aware self‐adaptation techniques. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of open challenges.
Optimization of multiband cooperative spectrum sensing with particle swarm optimization
Authors: Hei Yongqiang , Wei Ran , Li Wentao , Zhang Cong , Li Xiaohui
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the multiband linear cooperative spectrum sensing optimization problem related to weight coefficient, decision threshold, and sensing time is investigated to maximize the aggregated opportunistic throughput under the constraints of the aggregate interference, the subband interference, and the subband utilization. Theoretical analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of the interference, the sensing time, and the decision threshold on the throughput. Due to the nonconvex characteristic of the optimization problem, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm integrated with the golden section search (GSS) method (PSO‐GSS) is proposed. Simulation results show that the PSO‐GSS has a powerful searching ability and yields a 16.0%, 15.8%, and 1.23% increase in the aggregate throughput when compared with artificial bee colony, genetic algorithm, and particle swarm optimization, respectively. Moreover, PSO‐GSS has a rapid convergence with only 15 iterations in reaching the maximum aggregate throughput, which is much less than the 80 iterations required by PSO. Additionally, with the PSO‐GSS, the optimal sensing time is around 6 ms, and it is almost insensitive to the number of subchannels. Due to these advantages, it can provide a benchmark function for the other existing methods when dealing with the cooperative spectrum sensing problem.
An assessment of different user–BS association policies for green HetNets in off‐grid environments
Authors: Fletscher Luis A. , Maestre José M. , Valencia Peroni Catalina
Published: August 2017

Previous research has shown the relationship between the number of users connected to a cellular network base station (BS) and its energy consumption. For this reason, the study of optimal mechanisms that balance the load of users over the available BSs is a key element in the field of energy efficiency in cellular networks. The target of this paper is to propose and assess different user–BS association mechanisms to reduce grid consumption in heterogeneous cellular networks powered by hybrid energy sources (grid and renewable energy). These schemes are compared with the traditional best‐signal‐level mechanism and evaluated via simulation by using key performance indicators related to grid consumption, number of users served, and average transmission rate per user. Our results show that the new proposed user allocation policies improve grid electricity consumption while reducing unserved users compared with the traditional association scheme.
Fluid‐structure coupling of linear elastic model with compressible flow models
Authors: Herty Michael , Müller Siegfried , Gerhard Nils , Xiang Gaoming , Wang Bing
Published: August 2017

Cavitation erosion is caused in solids exposed to strong pressure waves developing in an adjacent fluid field. The knowledge of the transient distribution of stresses in the solid is important to understand the cause of damaging by comparisons with breaking points of the material. The modeling of this problem requires the coupling of the models for the fluid and the solid. For this purpose, we use a strategy based on the solution of coupled Riemann problems that has been originally developed for the coupling of 2 fluids. This concept is exemplified for the coupling of a linear elastic structure with an ideal gas. The coupling procedure relies on the solution of a nonlinear equation. Existence and uniqueness of the solution is proven. The coupling conditions are validated by means of quasi‐1D problems for which an explicit solution can be determined. For a more realistic scenario, a 2D application is considered where in a compressible single fluid, a hot gas bubble at low pressure collapses in a cold gas at high pressure near an adjacent structure.
Radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: Statistical confirmation of improved survival in responders by landmark analyses
Authors: Riaz Ahsun , Gabr Ahmed , Abouchaleh Nadine , Ali Rehan , Al Asadi Ali , Mora Ronald , Kulik Laura , Desai Kush , Thornburg Bartley , Mouli Samdeep , Hickey Ryan , Miller Frank H. , Yaghmai Vahid , Ganger Daniel , Lewandowski Robert J. , Salem Riad
Published: August 2017

Does imaging response predict survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)? We studied the ability of posttherapeutic imaging response to predict overall survival. Over 14 years, 948 patients with HCC were treated with radioembolization. Patients with baseline metastases, vascular invasion, multifocal disease, Child‐Pugh > B7, and transplanted/resected were excluded. This created our homogeneous study cohort of 134 patients with Child‐Pugh ≤ B7 and solitary HCC. Response (using European Association for Study of the Liver [EASL] and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 [RECIST 1.1] criteria) was associated with survival using Landmark and risk‐of‐death methodologies after reviewing 960 scans. In a subanalysis, survival times of responders were compared to those of patients with stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Uni/multivariate survival analyses were performed at each Landmark. At the 3‐month Landmark, responders survived longer than nonresponders by EASL (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; confidence interval [CI], 0.26‐0.82; P = 0.002) but not RECIST 1.1 criteria (HR, 0.70; CI, 0.37‐1.32; P = 0.32). At the 6‐month Landmark, responders survived longer than nonresponders by EASL (HR, 0.32; CI, 0.15‐0.77; P < 0.001) and RECIST 1.1 criteria (HR, 0.50; CI, 0.29‐0.87; P = 0.021). At the 12‐month Landmark, responders survived longer than nonresponders by EASL (HR, 0.34; CI, 0.15‐0.77; P <  0.001) and RECIST 1.1 criteria (HR, 0.52; CI 0.27‐0.98; P = 0.049). At 6 months, risk of death was lower for responders by EASL (P <  0.001) and RECIST 1.1 (P = 0.0445). In subanalyses, responders lived longer than patients with SD or PD. EASL response was a significant predictor of survival at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month Landmarks on uni/multivariate analyses. Conclusion: Response to radioembolization in patients with solitary HCC can prognosticate improved survival. EASL necrosis criteria outperformed RECIST 1.1 size criteria in predicting survival. The therapeutic objective of radioembolization should be radiologic response and not solely to prevent progression. (Hepatology 2018;67:873–883)
Short‐term side effects and attitudes towards second donation: A comparison of related and unrelated haematopoietic stem cell donors
Authors: Pahnke Simon , Larfors Gunnar , Axdorph‐Nygell Ulla , Fischer‐Nielsen Anne , Haastrup Eva , Heldal Dag , Itälä‐Remes Maija , Johansson Jan‐Erik , Kauppila Marjut , Lenhoff Stig , Ljungman Per , Niittyvuopio Riita , Sandstedt Anna , Hägglund Hans
Published: August 2017

The Nordic Register of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Donors (NRHSD) has registered related and unrelated donors from 10 transplant centres in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark since 1998. We present a prospective, observational study of 1,957 donors, focusing mainly on the differences between related and unrelated donors. Related donors are reported to have more comorbidities, but similar side effects compared with unrelated donors. Side effects after BM or PBSC donation are generally of short duration and in this study no deaths, myocardial infarctions, splenic ruptures, or thromboembolic events are reported. Interestingly, related donors express more hesitancy towards donating again when asked 1 month after donation.
Estimation of the Power of the Food Effect on QTc to Show Assay Sensitivity
Authors: Ferber Georg , Fernandes Sara , Täubel Jörg
Published: August 2017

The most recent International Conference on Harmonisation E14 Q&A document states that a separate positive control would not be necessary provided sufficiently high exposures are achieved in the early‐phase studies. Realistically, a phase 1 study is unlikely to include a pharmacological positive control, and in cases in which plasma levels of the drug exceeding therapeutic levels are not achieved, the lack of a positive control can constitute a limitation when excluding an effect of regulatory concern. It has been proposed to use the effect of a standardized meal on the estimate of the diurnal time course of QTc to show assay sensitivity. We conducted simulations by subsampling subjects from a 3 different studies and could show that the effect on food on QTc can be reliably prove assay sensitivity for sample sizes as low as 3 × 6 subjects with a power greater than 80%.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel 18F‐labeled quinazoline derivatives with low lipophilicity for tumor PET imaging
Authors: Chong Yan , Chang Jin , Zhao Wenwen , He Yong , Li Yuqiao , Zhang Huabei , Qi Chuanmin
Published: August 2017

Four novel 18F‐labeled quinazoline derivatives with low lipophilicity, [18F]4‐(2‐fluoroethoxy)‐6,7‐dimethoxyquinazoline ([18F]I), [18F]4‐(3‐((4‐(2‐fluoroethoxy)‐7‐methoxyquinazolin‐6‐yl)oxy)propyl)morpholine ([18F]II), [18F]4‐(2‐fluoroethoxy)‐7‐methoxy‐6‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)quinazoline ([18F]III), and [18F]4‐(2‐fluoroethoxy)‐6,7‐bis(2‐methoxyethoxy)quinazoline ([18F]IV), were synthesized via a 2‐step radiosynthesis procedure with an overall radiochemical yield of 10% to 38% (without decay correction) and radiochemical purities of >98%. The lipophilicity and stability of labeled compounds were tested in vitro. The log P values of the 4 radiotracers ranged from 0.52 to 1.07. We then performed ELISA to measure their affinities to EGFR‐TK; ELISA assay results indicated that each inhibitor was specifically bounded to EGFR‐TK in a dose‐dependent manner. The EGFR‐TK autophosphorylation IC50 values of [18F]I, [18F]II, [18F]III, and [18F]IV were 7.732, 0.4698, 0.1174, and 0.1176 μM, respectively. All labeled compounds were evaluated via cellular uptake and blocking studies in HepG2 cell lines in vitro. Cellular uptake and blocking experiment results indicated that [18F]I and [18F]III had excellent cellular uptake at 120‐minute postinjection in HepG2 carcinoma cells (51.80 ± 3.42%ID/mg protein and 27.31 ± 1.94%ID/mg protein, respectively). Additionally, biodistribution experiments in S180 tumor‐bearing mice in vivo indicated that [18F]I had a very fast clearance in blood and a relatively high uptake ratio of tumor to blood (4.76) and tumor to muscle (1.82) at 60‐minute postinjection. [18F]III had a quick clearance in plasma, and its highest uptake ratio of tumor to muscle was 2.55 at 15‐minute postinjection. These experimental results and experiences were valuable for the further exploration of novel radiotracers of quinazoline derivatives.
Independently assessing the representation of midlatitude cyclones in high‐resolution reanalyses using satellite observed winds
Authors: Pepler Acacia S. , Di Luca Alejandro , Evans Jason P.
Published: August 2017

High‐resolution reanalyses offer the potential to improve our understanding of midlatitude cyclones, particularly smaller‐scale systems and those with complex structures. However, previous studies have demonstrated large variations in the frequency and characteristics of Australian midlatitude cyclones between reanalyses when using their native resolution. In this paper we use satellite observations of winds and rainfall in order to evaluate the ability of the ERA‐Interim, JRA55, MERRA and CFSR reanalyses to reproduce Australian east coast cyclones. The MERRA reanalysis produces a large number of erroneous small‐scale lows without cyclonic wind patterns using a simple pressure‐difference‐based cyclone identification and tracking method. Consequently, we recommend the ERA‐Interim reanalysis when using such methods, or applying more complex tracking methods that are able to compensate for these issues.
The liquid organization of volunteer tourism: Implications for responsibility
Authors: Steele Jessica , Dredge Dianne
Published: August 2017

Drawing from developments in sociology and organizational studies, this paper argues for a new understanding of volunteer tourism as liquid organization. It aims to explore the organization of volunteer tourism using a liquid organization perspective and to better understand the potential implications of this liquidity on the responsibility of volunteer tourism organizations to host communities. The analysis is based on data collected from 80 volunteer tourism organizations. The findings reveal that the volunteer tourism organizations show characteristics of liquid organization to varying degrees. The significance of the research is to problematize the way in which the institutional characteristics of volunteer tourism are (not) conceptualized in current literature and to introduce liquid organization as a means of reinvigorating debate about responsibility.
Journal selection criteria in an open access environment: A comparison between the medicine and social sciences
Authors: Wijewickrema Manjula , Petras Vivien
Published: August 2017

The increasing number of journals makes it difficult to decide the right venue for manuscript submission. This becomes more complicated as the selection criteria may vary from one discipline to another. Therefore, appropriate cross‐disciplinary studies are required to understand the exact concerns that dominate a particular field. The current study compares 16 factors that influence journal choices between medicine and social sciences using the answers given to a global survey of 235 open access journal authors. The results reveal that authors of both areas consider ‘peer reviewed’ status as the most important factor while showing the least interest to the ‘number of annual subscribers’ of the journal. However, compared to social science authors, those in the discipline of medicine give significantly more consideration to (1) impact factor, (2) the inclusion of the journal in abstracting and indexing services, (3) publisher's prestige, and (4) online submission with tracking facility. The factors that were identified can be categorized for both disciplines as reflecting the reputation of a journal, performance or production issues, and reliability and demand characteristics of their publication choice. The editors and publishers can use these findings to attract the best manuscripts as the study reveals the author's perception of the journal's status. The results can also be used to design recommender systems for journal submission for new authors in a discipline.
Effect of Cu, Cr and Ni alloying elements on mechanical properties and atmospheric corrosion resistance of weathering steels in marine atmospheres of different aggressivities
Authors: Cano H. , Díaz I. , de la Fuente D. , Chico B. , Morcillo M.
Published: August 2017

This paper studies the individual and combined effect of adding Cu (0.26–1.06 wt%), Cr (0.54 wt%) and Ni (0.92–2.92 wt%) alloying elements to carbon steel with regard to mechanical behaviour and atmospheric corrosion resistance in two marine atmospheres with different chloride deposition rates (20 and 71 mg Cl−/m2 · d). Mechanical properties are assessed in terms of yield strength, ultimate strength, elongation, hardness and weldability, while atmospheric corrosion resistance is evaluated by determination of corrosion losses, rust layer structure, and nature of the corrosion products formed. The best atmospheric corrosion resistance is obtained with weathering steel (3 wt% Ni), which would be suitable for use unpainted in marine atmospheres of moderate salinity (≤20 mg Cl−/m2 · d), though a longer cooling time would be required during its manufacture in order to assure adequate weldability.
Surface Modification of Polyhydroxyalkanoates toward Enhancing Cell Compatibility and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Ke Yu , Liu Caikun , Zhang Xiaoye , Xiao Meng , Wu Gang
Published: August 2017

Biomaterials for in vivo application should induce positive interaction with various histocytes and inhibit bacteria inflection as well. Cells and/or bacteria response to the extracellular environment is therefore the basic principle to design the biomaterials surface in order to induce the specific biomaterial–biological interaction. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs) are of growing interests because of their natural origin, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and thermoplasticity; however, quite inert and intrinsic hydrophobic characteristics have hindered their extensive usage in medical applications. Surface modification of PHAs tailors the chemistry, wettability, and topography without altering the bulk properties, and introduces specific proteins/peptides and/or antibacterial agents to mediate cell–matrix interactions. This review describes the recent developments on the surface modification of PHAs to construct cell compatible and antibacterial surfaces.
Microfluidic Fabrication of Physically Assembled Nanogels and Micrometric Fibers by Using a Hyaluronic Acid Derivative
Authors: Agnello Stefano , Bongiovì Flavia , Fiorica Calogero , Pitarresi Giovanna , Palumbo Fabio Salvatore , Di Bella Maria Antonietta , Giammona Gaetano
Published: August 2017

The employ of a hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative, bearing octadecyl (C18) and ethylenediamine (EDA) groups, for microfluidic fabrication of nanogels and microfibers is reported in this study. Two HA‐EDA‐C18 derivatives (125 and 320 kDa) having ionic strength sensitive properties are synthesized and characterized. The control of the rheological properties of HA‐EDA‐C18 aqueous dispersions by formation of inclusion complexes with hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrins (HPCD) is described. Reversibility of C18/HPCD complexation and physical crosslinking is detected in media with different ionic strength through oscillation frequency tests. HA‐EDA‐C18 125 kDa is employed for nanogel fabrication. Control over nanogel dimension by flow ratio regulation is demonstrated. HA‐EDA‐C18 320 kDa with HPCD is employed for fabrication of both microfibers and microchannels. Dimension of fibers is controlled by modulating flow ratios. Suitability for biological functionalization is assayed introducing cell adhesive peptides. Adhesion and encapsulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells is evaluated.
Multidirectional Wrinkle Patterns Programmed by Sequential Uniaxial Strain with Conformal yet Nontraceable Masks
Authors: Park Hyunchul , Cho Hyesung , Lee Albert S. , Yu Seunggun , Lee Jin Hong , Cho Kie Yong , Hong Soon Man , Koo Chong Min
Published: August 2017

Surface wrinkling is a promising route to control the mechanical, electrical, and optical properties of materials in a wide range of applications. However, previous artificial wrinkles are restricted to single or random orientation and lacks selectivity. To address this challenge, this study presents multidirectional wrinkle patterns with high selectivity and orientation through sequential uniaxial strain with conformal polymeric shadow masks. The conformal but nontraceable polymeric stencil with microapertures are adhered to a flat substrate prior to oxidation, which forms discrete and parallel wrinkles in confined domains without any contamination. By fully investigating the process, this study displays compound topography of wrinkles consisting of wrinkle islands and surrounding secondary wrinkles on the same surface. With this topography, various diffusion properties are presented: from semi‐transparent yet diffusive films to multidirectional diffusive films, which will be available for new types of optical diffuser applications.
Towards unbiased and more versatile NMR‐based structure elucidation: A powerful combination of CASE algorithms and DFT calculations
Authors: Buevich Alexei V. , Elyashberg Mikhail E.
Published: August 2017

Computer‐assisted structure elucidation (CASE) is composed of two steps: (a) generation of all possible structural isomers for a given molecular formula and 2D NMR data (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) and (b) selection of the correct isomer based on empirical chemical shift predictions. This method has been very successful in solving structural problems of small organic molecules and natural products. However, CASE applications are generally limited to structural isomer problems and can sometimes be inconclusive due to insufficient accuracy of empirical shift predictions. Here, we report a synergistic combination of a CASE algorithm and density functional theory calculations that broadens the range of amenable structural problems to encompass proton‐deficient molecules, molecules with heavy elements (e.g., halogens), conformationally flexible molecules, and configurational isomers.
Effects of latrunculin A on the relocation of sperm IZUMO1 during gamete interaction in mouse
Authors: Zhou Chong , Huang Li , Shi De‐Shun , Jiang Jian‐Rong
Published: August 2017

The sperm protein IZUMO1 plays a central role in gamete fusion. In mouse sperm, IZUMO1 is enriched at the acrosomal cap before the acrosome reaction, and at the equatorial segment following this reaction; its relocation is dependent on filamentous actin. How actin polymerization affects IZUMO1 relocation during gamete interaction remains unknown. The present study addressed these processes using latrunculin A (LatA), an inhibitor of actin polymerization. We report that 25 µM LatA blocked actin polymerization in the capacitated sperm head, resulting in a marked decrease in sperm with relocated IZUMO1 during the A23187‐induced acrosome reaction and cumulus layer penetration. Treated sperm also exhibited reduced zona pellucida penetration and fertilizing capacity. Interestingly, LatA‐treated sperm present in the perivitelline space of eggs did not show impaired IZUMO1 relocation. Thus, IZUMO1 relocation represents one method by which eggs may select for or rescue sperm that are competent to undergo gamete adhesion/fusion. These data support the hypothesis that dynamic movement of IZUMO1 is essential for gamete fusion during mouse fertilization.
Clinical trial of L‐Carnitine and valproic acid in spinal muscular atrophy type I
Authors: Krosschell Kristin J. , Kissel John T. , Townsend Elise L. , Simeone Sarah D. , Zhang Ren Zhe , Reyna Sandra P. , Crawford Thomas O. , Schroth Mary K. , Acsadi Gyula , Kishnani Priya S. , Von Kleist‐Retzow Jürgen‐Christoph , Hero Barbara , D'Anjou Guy , Smith Edward C. , Elsheikh Bakri , Simard Louise R. , Prior Thomas W. , Scott Charles B. , Lasalle Bernard , Sakonju Ai , Wirth Brunhilde , Swoboda Kathryn J. ,   for the Project Cure SMA Investigator's Network
Published: August 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the safety and therapeutic potential of L‐carnitine and valproic acid (VPA) in infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: Our investigation was an open‐label phase 2 multicenter trial of L‐carnitine and VPA in infants with SMA type I with retrospective comparison to an untreated, matched cohort. Primary outcomes were: safety and adverse events; secondary outcomes were survival, time to death/>16 hours/day of ventilator support; motor outcomes; and maximum ulnar compound motor action potential amplitude. Results: A total of 245 AEs were observed in 35 of the 37 treated subjects (95%). Respiratory events accounted for 49% of all adverse events, resulting in 14 deaths. Survival was not significantly different between treated and untreated cohorts. Discussion: This trial provides evidence that, in infants with SMA type I, L‐carnitine/VPA is ineffective at altering survival. The substantial proportion of infants reaching end‐points within 6 months of enrollment underscores the urgent need for pre‐symptomatic treatment in SMA type I. Muscle Nerve 57: 193–199, 2018
Successful treatment of metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with MGMT gene promoter methylation by temozolomide‐based combination chemotherapy
Authors: Kinoshita Mariko , Yamada Ai , Sawa Daisuke , Kamimura Sachiyo , Miyachi Mitsuru , Moritake Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

A 3‐year‐old male presented with a large retroperitoneal mass and multiple metastases. Biopsy results suggested alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma bearing a methylated O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter. Serum microRNA‐206 levels were elevated and remained high after three cycles of vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC). Replacement of vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide (VIT) for VAC induced a marked tumor reduction and normalization of the miR‐206 levels. The patient completed 14 cycles of VIT with local radiotherapy and has been in remission for 31 months. Temozolomide could be effective for tumors with a methylated MGMT gene promoter. Individualized therapy is warranted for such patients.
Utilization of side streams from paper industry as fillers in polypropylene composites
Authors: Wikström Lisa , Hakala Juha , Saarivuori Elina , Forsström Ulla , Keränen Janne
Published: August 2017

Sustainable, low‐cost composite materials with improved performance typically contain, in addition to plastics, mineral fillers and fibers. Similar composite materials can also be produced by replacing fillers and fibers with side streams from paper mills using paper for recycling as their raw material. These side streams can be of different qualities and thus various end uses exist. The strength and water adsorption properties of such composites provide many opportunities for their application. Further, their environmental benefits are clear, since the use of these side streams reduces the need to landfill them. The study was also supported by chemical analysis of the side streams. This approach can also bring in additional revenue from the same raw material stream, improving overall resource and economic efficiency. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4000–4009, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Regioirregular ambipolar naphthalenediimide‐based alternating polymers: Synthesis, characterization, and application in field‐effect transistors
Authors: Lin Zuzhang , Liu Xiaotong , Zhang Weifeng , Wei Congyuan , Huang Jianyao , Chen Zhihui , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: August 2017

In this work, we report the synthesis, characterization, and application of two regioirregular naphthalenediimide (NDI)‐based alternating conjugated polymers, namely P1 and P2, in which nitrile‐substituted moiety, 2,3‐bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)acrylonitrile and NDI moiety act as donor and acceptor unit, respectively. The two regioirregular polymers possess low‐lying LUMO energy levels of −3.92 eV for P1 and −3.96 eV for P2. Both polymers possess typical dual‐band UV−Vis−NIR absorption profiles of NDI‐based polymers, and show broadened and red‐shifted absorption spectra in the solid state compared with those in solutions. Field‐effect transistor devices with top‐gate bottom‐contact configuration were used to evaluate the polymers' semiconducting properties. The two polymers exhibited promising and air‐stable ambipolar charge transport characteristics. Thin film microstructure investigations (AFM and 2D‐GIXRD) suggest both polymers formed continuous and smooth thin films, and adopted predominantly face‐on molecular packing in the solid state. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3627–3635
Detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at birth in a newborn with respiratory distress
Authors: Manti Sara , Cuppari Caterina , Lanzafame Angela , Salpietro Carmelo , Betta Pasqua , Leonardi Salvatore , Perez Miriam K. , Piedimonte Giovanni
Published: August 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common respiratory pathogen in infants and young children. From the nasopharyngeal or conjunctival mucosa of infected individuals, RSV spreads to the lower respiratory tract causing acute bronchiolitis and pneumonia after an incubation period of 4‐6 days. In addition to its well‐documented tropism for the airway epithelium, it has been shown previously that RSV can also spread hematogenously and efficiently infect extrapulmonary tissues of human hosts. Furthermore, it has been shown in animal models that RSV can spread transplacentally from the respiratory tract of a pregnant mother to the lungs of the fetus. This report describes a documented case of neonatal RSV infection strongly suggestive of prenatal transmission of this infection in humans from an infected mother to her offspring.
Amyloidogenesis of Tau protein
Authors: Nizynski Bartosz , Dzwolak Wojciech , Nieznanski Krzysztof
Published: August 2017

The role of microtubule‐associated protein Tau in neurodegeneration has been extensively investigated since the discovery of Tau amyloid aggregates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The process of formation of amyloid fibrils is known as amyloidogenesis and attracts much attention as a potential target in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions linked to protein aggregation. Cerebral deposition of amyloid aggregates of Tau is observed not only in AD but also in numerous other tauopathies and prion diseases. Amyloidogenesis of intrinsically unstructured monomers of Tau can be triggered by mutations in the Tau gene, post‐translational modifications, or interactions with polyanionic molecules and aggregation‐prone proteins/peptides. The self‐assembly of amyloid fibrils of Tau shares a number of characteristic features with amyloidogenesis of other proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. For example,in vitroexperiments have demonstrated that the nucleation phase, which is the rate‐limiting stage of Tau amyloidogenesis, is shortened in the presence of fragmented preformed Tau fibrils acting as aggregation templates (“seeds”). Accordingly, Tau aggregates released by tauopathy‐affected neurons can spread the neurodegenerative process in the brain through a prion‐like mechanism, originally described for the pathogenic form of prion protein. Moreover, Tau has been shown to form amyloid strains—structurally diverse self‐propagating aggregates of potentially various pathological effects, resembling in this respect prion strains. Here, we review the current literature on Tau aggregation and discuss mechanisms of propagation of Tau amyloid in the light of the prion‐like paradigm.
Imidacloprid‐susceptible Nilaparvata lugens individuals exceeded resistant individuals in a mixture population with density pressure
Authors: Yu Na , Tian Jiahua , Zhang Yixi , Li Zhong , Liu Zewen
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance in pest insects have mainly been studied under optimal laboratory conditions. However, resistant insects face more stressors than just insecticides in the field, and how the resistant population reacts to these stressors is of practical importance for the control of pest insects such as the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of population density on the competitiveness of resistant and susceptible individuals.

RESULTS

Two isogenic N. lugens populations, a highly imidacloprid‐resistant population (HZ‐R) with a resistance ratio (RR) of 227.10 and a relatively susceptible population (HZ‐S) with an RR of 2.99, were created from a field‐resistant population (HZ; RR 62.51). The high resistance levels of HZ‐R and HZ were mainly attributable to the overexpression of multiple cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes such as CYP6ER1, CYP6AY1, CYP6CW1 and CYP4CE1 compared with HZ‐S, this being supported by piperonyl butoxide synergism. HZ‐R was observed to be more resistant to thiacloprid and etofenprox compared with HZ and HZ‐S. Most interestingly, in high population density treatments, HZ‐S individuals were much more competitive than HZ‐R individuals.

CONCLUSION

Imidacloprid‐resistant individuals of N. lugens are less competitive than their susceptible counterparts under density pressure. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective Carbon Nanotube/Phenol Formaldehyde Resin Based Double‐Layer Absorbers of Microwave Radiation: Design and Modeling
Authors: Bychanok Dzmitry , Liubimau Aliaksandr , Piasotski Kiryl , Gorokhov Gleb , Meisak Darya , Bochkov Ilya , Kuzhir Polina
Published: August 2017

Phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR) based composites with multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) additives (2 and 5 wt.%) were prepared and their electromagnetic (EM) properties were investigated in Ka‐band frequency range (26–37 GHz). It was demonstrated that the combination of such materials in a double‐layered structure allows achievement of the significant attenuation of EM radiation. The electromagnetic response of considered double‐layered system was modeled by solving the electric field integral equation, utilizing the Green's function technique. Absorption up to 96% in the 26–37 GHz frequency band was both predicted and experimentally observed.
Photoluminescence Spectra of Cu2GeSe3 Orthorhombic Semiconductor Compound
Authors: Marcano Gustavo , Pérez Gerardo Sánchez , Rincón Carlos
Published: August 2017

Photoluminescence study of Cu2GeSe3 semiconductor compound has been performed as a function of excitation intensity at 15 K. All the emission lines observed have been identified. These are due to free‐to‐bound recombination from the conduction band to Cu vacancies and Cu on Ge antisite acceptor states, at 0.753 and 0.637 eV, located at about 65 and 180 meV above the top of valence band, respectively, whereas the line at 0.727 eV is due the recombination of an exciton bound to an ionized acceptor whose binding energy is of about 90 meV.