bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct dehydration of 1,3-butanediol into butadiene over aluminosilicate catalysts
Authors: Jing F. , Katryniok B. , Araque M. , Wojcieszak R. , Capron M. , Paul S. , Daturi M. , Clacens J.-M. , De Campo F. , Liebens A. , Dumeignil F. , Pera-Titus M.
Published: February 2016

The catalytic dehydration of 1,3-butanediol into butadiene was investigated over various aluminosilicates with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratios and pore architectures.
New organometallic Schiff-base copper complexes as efficient “click” reaction precatalysts
Authors: Liu Xiang , Novoa Néstor , Manzur Carolina , Carrillo David , Hamon Jean-René
Published: February 2016

In the presence of sodium ascorbate, recyclable CuAAC precatalysts displayed high activity allowing the synthesis of a wide variety of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in high isolated yields.
A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of a new optically active diallyl selenide and its catalytic activity in the allylic chlorination of natural terpenes
Authors: Boualy Brahim , El Houssame Soufiane , Sancineto Luca , Santi Claudio , Ait Ali Mustapha , Stoeckli-Evans Helen , El Firdoussi Larbi
Published: February 2016

An organoselenide compound was synthesized starting from β-pinene. The activity of this complex towards allylic chlorination has been studied.
Influence of steric hindrance on the molecular packing and the anchoring of quinonoid zwitterions on gold surfaces
Authors: Yuan Minghui , Tanabe Iori , Bernard-Schaaf Jean-Marie , Shi Qin-Yin , Schlegel Vicki , Schurhammer Rachel , Dowben Peter A. , Doudin Bernard , Routaboul Lucie , Braunstein Pierre
Published: February 2016

The N-substituent on quinonoid zwitterions influences the molecules packing and impacts their anchoring on gold surfaces.
Non-mercury catalytic acetylene hydrochlorination over a NH4F–urea-modified Pd/HY catalyst for vinyl chloride monomer production
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Feng , Wang Jide
Published: February 2016

The modification of NH4F and urea significantly enhances the stability of a Pd/HY catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Trends in applying C–H oxidation to the total synthesis of natural products
Authors: Qiu Yuanyou , Gao Shuanhu
Published: February 2016

In this Review, we focus on selected case studies of recent applications of C–H oxidation methodologies in which the C–H bond has been exploited effectively to construct C–O and C–N bonds in natural product syntheses. Examples are discussed to illustrate the potential of this approach and inspire future applications.
3D nanostructures fabricated by advanced stencil lithography
Authors: Yesilkoy F. , Flauraud V. , Rüegg M. , Kim B. J. , Brugger J.
Published: February 2016

We present a high-throughput method to fabricate versatile and complex 3D metal nanostructures using single-step nanostencil lithography.
Hydrogen sensing characteristics from carbon nanotube field emissions
Authors: Dong Changkun , Luo Haijun , Cai Jianqiu , Wang Fuquan , Zhao Yangyang , Li Detian
Published: February 2016

An innovative hydrogen sensing concept is demonstrated based on the field emission from multi-walled carbon nanotubes, where the low emission currents rise in proportion to hydrogen partial pressures above 10−9 Torr.
Plasmonic-enhanced perovskite–graphene hybrid photodetectors
Authors: Sun Zhenhua , Aigouy Lionel , Chen Zhuoying
Published: February 2016

The performance of a photodetector based on graphene–CH3NH3PbI3 hybrid materials was significantly improved through the plasmonic effect of gold nanoparticles.
Biosensor-based detection of tuberculosis
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh K. , van Rijn Cees J. M. , Jongsma Maarten A.
Published: February 2016

Tuberculosis (TB), caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb.), is one of the most prevalent and serious infectious diseases worldwide with an estimated annual global mortality of 1.4 million in 2010.
Sorption of arsenic onto Ni/Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH)-biochar composites
Authors: Wang Shengsen , Gao Bin , Li Yuncong , Zimmerman Andrew R. , Cao Xinde
Published: February 2016

Biochar is a carbon-enriched material that has been investigated for use as a remediation agent for environmental contaminants.
Al2O3micro- and nanostructures affect vascular cell response
Authors: Kiefer Karin , Akpınar Gürler , Haidar Ayman , Ikier Tuba , Akkan Cağrı Kaan , Akman Erhan , Lee Juseok , Miró Marina Martinez , Kaçar Elif , Demir Arif , Veith Michael , Ural Dilek , Kasap Murat , Kesmez Mehmet , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Aktas Cenk
Published: February 2016

Novel nano- and microstructured surfaces are fabricated for cardiovascular implant application. A topography driven selective cell response of ECs over SMCs was demonstrated successfully.
Synthesis of CuS nanoplate-containing PDMS film with excellent near-infrared shielding properties
Authors: Zhong Wenjun , Yu Nuo , Zhang Lisha , Liu Zixiao , Wang Zhaojie , Hu Junqing , Chen Zhigang
Published: February 2016

CuS nanoplates have been developed as a near-infrared (NIR) shielding agent, and the corresponding flexible CuS/PDMS composite film can transmit visible light (400–780 nm) but efficiently block NIR light (780–2500 nm).
A liquid-crystalline perylene tetracarboxylic bisimide derivative bearing trisiloxan-2-yl moieties: influence on mesomorphic properties and electron transport
Authors: Funahashi Masahiro , Takeuchi Nozomi , Sonoda Akinari
Published: February 2016

Mesomorphic and electron transport properties are compared for liquid-crystalline perylene tetracarboxylic bisimide derivatives bearing linear disiloxane and trisiloxane chains, as well as trisiloxan-2-yl groups.
Influence of an oxygen vacancy on the electronic structure of the asymmetric mixed borate–carbonate Pb7O(OH)3(CO3)3(BO3)
Authors: Reshak A. H. , Auluck Sushil
Published: February 2016

The influence of an oxygen vacancy on the electronic properties of a mixed borate–carbonate compound Pb7O(OH)3(CO3)3(BO3) is studied.
N-doped carbon/MoS2 composites as an excellent battery anode
Authors: Yang Fan , Wan Qiang , Duan Xiaochuan , Guo Wei , Mao Yuhua , Ma Jianmin
Published: February 2016

N-doped carbon/MoS2 composites manifested high specific capacity of 611 mA h g−1 and excellent cycling performance than bare MoS2 and N-doped carbon.
A Cr-phthalocyanine monolayer as a potential catalyst for NO reduction investigated by DFT calculations
Authors: Meeprasert Jittima , Junkaew Anchalee , Kungwan Nawee , Jansang Bavornpon , Namuangruk Supawadee
Published: February 2016

The reaction mechanism of nitric oxide (NO) reduction to nitrous oxide (N2O) and N2 catalyzed by Cr-phthalocyanine sheet (CrPc) was investigated using periodic density functional theory (DFT).
Selective cleavage of aryl ether bonds in dimeric lignin model compounds
Authors: Zhu Guodian , Ouyang Xinping , Yang Yun , Ruan Tao , Qiu Xueqing
Published: February 2016

Selective cleavage of β-O-4 bonds.
PVDF mixed matrix nano-filtration membranes integrated with 1D-PANI/TiO2 NFs for oil–water emulsion separation
Authors: Venkatesh K. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Bose A. Chandra
Published: February 2016

In this work, one dimensional (1D) PANI/TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) were incorporated into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) for the removal of oil and water droplets from oily waste water.
Rational design and fabrication of core–shell nanoparticles through a one-step/pot strategy
Authors: Liu Rui , Priestley Rodney D.
Published: February 2016

This article provides an overview of recent developments in the fabrication of core–shell nanoparticles by one-step/pot methodologies as well as providing a summary and outlook of this emerging area.
Defect engineering of UiO-66 for CO2 and H2O uptake – a combined experimental and simulation study
Authors: Liang Weibin , Coghlan Campbell J. , Ragon Florence , Rubio-Martinez Marta , D'Alessandro Deanna M. , Babarao Ravichandar
Published: February 2016

Defect concentrations and their compensating groups have been systematically tuned within UiO-66 frameworks and are found to have a pronounced effect on CO2 and H2O adsorption at low and high pressure.
Fast hepatic biotransformation of p-synephrine and p-octopamine and implications for their oral intake
Authors: da Silva-Pereira Juliany Fontoura , Bubna Gisele Adriana , Gonçalves Geferson de Almeida , Bracht Fabrício , Peralta Rosane Marina , Bracht Adelar
Published: February 2016

Orally ingested p-synephrine, due to its fast transformation, may be acting primarily in the periportal region of the liver and only marginally in other tissues.
The ring residue proline 8 is crucial for the thermal stability of the lasso peptide caulosegnin II
Authors: Hegemann Julian D. , Fage Christopher D. , Zhu Shaozhou , Harms Klaus , Di Leva Francesco Saverio , Novellino Ettore , Marinelli Luciana , Marahiel Mohamed A.
Published: February 2016

Lasso peptides are fascinating natural products with a unique structural fold that can exhibit tremendous thermal stability.
Switchable two-photon imaging of RGD-functionalized polynorbornenes with enhanced cellular uptake in living cells
Authors: Xie Nan , Feng Ke , Chen Bin , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: February 2016

Two-photon imaging polynorbornenes were fabricated directly from photochromic spiropyran, RGD peptides and hydrophilic PEG monomers via modular ROMP.
Structure-controllable superhydrophobic Cu meshes for effective separation of oils with different viscosities and aqueous pollutant purification
Authors: Boakye-Ansah Stephen , Lim Yong Taek , Lee Ha-Jin , San Choi Won
Published: February 2016

The visible light-driven purification of aqueous pollutants after oil/water separation was demonstrated and the relationship between the surface morphologies of meshes and the viscosities of oils for effective separation was investigated.
Novel glycyrrhetinic acid conjugated pH-sensitive liposomes for the delivery of doxorubicin and its antitumor activities
Authors: Chen Qing , Ding Huaiwei , Zhou Jinxing , Zhao Xiufeng , Zhang Jiulong , Yang Chunrong , Li Kexin , Qiao Mingxi , Hu Haiyang , Ding Pingtian , Zhao Xiuli
Published: February 2016

A novel pH-sensitive conjugate glycyrrhetinic acid–polyethylene glycol–Schiff bond–cholesterol (GPSC) has been synthesized successfully and used to construct doxorubicin-loaded liposomes with both pH-sensitive features and active targeting ability.
A designed DNA binding motif that recognizes extended sites and spans two adjacent major grooves
Authors: Rodríguez Jéssica , Mosquera Jesús , García-Fandiño Rebeca , Vázquez M. Eugenio , Mascareñas José L.
Published: February 2016

We report the rational design of a DNA-binding peptide construct composed of the DNA-contacting regions of two transcription factors (GCN4 and GAGA) linked through an AT-hook DNA anchor.
Description and Evaluation of a Home-Based, Parent-Administered Program for Teaching Enhanced Natural Gestures to Individuals With Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Calculator Stephen N.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

This article describes and presents outcomes of a home-based, self-administered version of the Enhanced Natural Gestures (ENG) program for individuals with Angelman syndrome.

Method

Parents of 18 individuals (11 boys and 7 girls) with Angelman syndrome, in consultation with their speech-language pathologists, participated in a quasi-experimental “B” design in which they self-administered an instructional program to teach their children to use enhanced natural gestures at home and/or in the community. Parents integrated 2 teaching methods, Mand-Model with time delay and Molding–Shaping, into their everyday interactions with their children. Parents reported outcomes of the program through goal attainment scaling and completion of the ENG Acceptability Rating Form.

Results

Children's overall achievements acquiring ENGs generally met or exceeded program (and parent) expectations. Most parents reported little difficulty self-administering the ENG program with their children and regarded the program positively across multiple dimensions.

Conclusions

ENGs may, in conjunction with other forms of augmentative and alternative communication, represent a viable method of communication for many individuals with Angelman syndrome. Further research is warranted to explore the feasibility of ENGs with other populations of individuals with severe disabilities and complex communication challenges.
Comparison between coreless and slotless kinds of dual rotor discs hysteresis motors
Authors: Ghanbari Teymoor , Sanati Moghadam Mohsen , Darabi Ahmad
Published: February 2016

Hysteresis motors have some distinct advantages such as constant speed and torque, noiseless operation, robust structure, and low‐starting current in comparison with other synchronous motors. The main general defects of the hysteresis machines are low efficiency and relatively low‐torque density. In this study, two previously proposed structures for the hysteresis motors named ‘coreless dual rotor discs hysteresis motor’ and ‘slotless dual rotor discs hysteresis motor’ are compared with each other and with other conventional hysteresis motors from different aspects. Rectifying the iron loss in the coreless type, especially in high‐speed applications, and rotor parasitic loss in the slotless type are the most important advantages of these structures. Relative ease of manufacturing process, low production cost, and extendable torque (by multi stack structure) are other significant advantages of these motors. On the basis of two derived optimal designs for the motors, the performances of the motors are compared in different supply voltages.
Manipulating fluorescence color and intensity with regular metal nanoparticle-based composite materials
Authors: Nikitin Andrey G.
Published: February 2016

The Editor and publisher have retracted “Manipulating fluorescence color and intensity with regular nanoparticle-based composite materials” Appl. Phys. Lett.108, 051112 (2016). Because of a legal issue related to the publication of work covered under a confidentiality agreement, the electronic version of the paper has been removed from the website.
A comparison between finite element modeling and various thermographic non-destructive testing techniques for the quantification of the thermal integrity of macro-brush plasma facing components used in a tokamak
Authors: Pandya Santosh P. , Pandya Shwetang N. , Patil Yashashri V. , Krishnan Deepu S. , Murugesan Menaka , Sharath D. , Singh K. Premjit , Khan Md. Shoaib , Arafat M. , Biju N. , Khirwadkar Samir S. , Govidarajan Jagannathan , Venkatraman B. , Balasubramaniam Krishnan
Published: February 2016

The plasma facing components (PFCs) inside a tokamak are typically exposed to extremely high heat flux of the order of MW/m2. The brazing quality between the plasma facing materials (PFMs) and the heat sink will determine the structural integrity and hence the effective service life of these PFCs. Suitable non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for the pre-qualification of these components are thus essential to evaluate their structural integrity at various stages of their service life. Macro-brush type mockups of prototype PFCs with graphite as PFM have been inspected for their brazing quality using different active Infrared (IR)–thermographic NDT techniques. The results obtained from these techniques are compared and discussed. The brazing quality was quantified by establishing a comparison between the experimental results and the results from Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The percentage of contact between the PFM and the substrate was varied in FEA. FEA results when compared with experiments shows that tiles have different amounts of contact with the substrate ranging between 10% and 80%.
Retention modeling for ultra-thin density of Cu-based conductive bridge random access memory (CBRAM)
Authors: Aga Fekadu Gochole , Woo Jiyong , Lee Sangheon , Song Jeonghwan , Park Jaesung , Park Jaehyuk , Lim Seokjae , Sung Changhyuck , Hwang Hyunsang
Published: February 2016

We investigate the effect of Cu concentration On-state resistance retention characteristics of W/Cu/Ti/HfO2/Pt memory cell. The development of RRAM device for application depends on the understanding of the failure mechanism and the key parameters for device optimization. In this study, we develop analytical expression for cations (Cu+) diffusion model using Gaussian distribution for detailed analysis of data retention time at high temperature. It is found that the improvement of data retention time depends not only on the conductive filament (CF) size but also on Cu atoms concentration density in the CF. Based on the simulation result, better data retention time is observed for electron wave function associated with Cu+ overlap and an extended state formation. This can be verified by analytical calculation of Cu atom defects inside the filament, based on Cu+ diffusion model. The importance of Cu diffusion for the device reliability and the corresponding local temperature of the filament were analyzed by COMSOL Multiphysics simulation.
Research priorities for the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia Pilbara form)
Authors: Cramer Viki A. , Armstrong Kyle N. , Bullen Robert D. , Ellis Ryan , Gibson Lesley A. , McKenzie N. L. , O'Connell Morgan , Spate Andy , van Leeuwen Stephen
Published: February 2016

Significant biodiversity offset funds have been allocated towards conservation research on threatened species as part of the environmental approvals process for resource development in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. One of these species is the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia Pilbara form), which is entirely reliant on roosting in a limited number of caves and disused mines, many of which exist in the mineral-bearing strata that are the focus of mining activity. A research agenda for the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat was developed during a workshop attended by scientists, environmental consultants and mining industry representatives. Five research priorities were identified: (1) collate existing data contained within unpublished environmental surveys; (2) clarify and better characterise the number and distribution of day roosts; (3) better understand habitat requirements, particularly foraging habitat, and the movement of bats between roosts; (4) provide more robust estimates of total population and colony size, and improve understanding of social behaviour; and (5) investigate appropriate buffers in a range of mining contexts and protocols for artificial roost construction. Meta-analysis of current data, confirmation of potential day roosts, and long-term monitoring of activity patterns would rapidly increase our knowledge of the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat to enable effective conservation actions.
Leaf hydraulic vulnerability protects stem functionality under drought stress in Salvia officinalis
Authors: Savi Tadeja , Marin Maria , Luglio Jessica , Petruzzellis Francesco , Mayr Sefan , Nardini Andrea
Published: February 2016

Functional coordination between leaf and stem hydraulics has been proposed as a key trait of drought-resistant plants. A balanced water transport efficiency and safety of different plant organs might be of particular importance for plant survival in the Mediterranean climate. We monitored seasonal changes of leaf and stem water relations of Salvia officinalis L. in order to highlight strategies adopted by this species to survive in harsh environmental conditions. During summer drought, the water potential dropped below the turgor loss point thus reducing water loss by transpiration, whereas the photosynthetic efficiency remained relatively high. Leaves lost their water transport efficiency earlier than stems, although in both plant organs P50 (water potential inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity) indicated surprisingly high vulnerability when compared with other drought-tolerant species. The fast recovery of leaf turgor upon restoration of soil water availability suggests that the reduction of leaf hydraulic conductance is not only a consequence of vein embolism, but cell shrinkage and consequent increase of resistance in the extra-xylem pathway may play an important role. We conclude that the drought tolerance of S. officinalis arises at least partly as a consequence of vulnerability segmentation.
Fish on the roof of the world: densities, habitats and trophic position of stone loaches (Triplophysa) in Tibetan streams
Authors: Jacobsen Dean , Laursen Søren Kock , Hamerlik Ladislav , Moltesen Karen , Michelsen Anders , Christoffersen Kirsten Seestern
Published: February 2016

The fast increase in temperature on the Tibetan Plateau, with anticipated future changes in aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity, highlights the urgent need for ecological data on the sparsely studied Tibetan running waters. In the present study we surveyed eight Tibetan streams to obtain data on densities, feeding selectivity and trophic position of the stone loach Triplophysa. Benthic algae, detritus, macroinvertebrates and fish were quantified and collected for stable isotope and stomach content analysis. Triplophysa density (mean 0.70 individuals m–2, maximum 1.6 individuals m–2) decreased with altitude and increased with the percentage cover of fine substratum. Glacier-fed sites tended to have the lowest fish densities, whereas the highest densities were found near lakes. Mean fish length (4.1–9.6cm) was positively related to the percentage cover of coarse substratum. Triplophysa was omnivorous, but the composition of the stomach contents varied greatly between sites and among individuals. Algal matter was ingested at most sites, but macroinvertebrates (Chironomidae, Baetidae and Simuliidae) dominated the ingestion (average 50–100%). The trophic position of Triplophysa, identified from δ15N (‰) of the biota, varied between 2.6 and 4.2 among localities (mean 3.6) and was inversely related to the biomass of benthic algae, but unrelated to quantities of other potential food sources.
Coral bleaching in turbid waters of north-western Australia
Authors: Lafratta A. , Fromont J. , Speare P. , Schönberg C. H. L.
Published: February 2016

We report severe bleaching in a turbid water coral community in north-western Australia. Towed still imagery was used for a benthic survey near Onslow in March 2013 to assess thermal stress in hard and soft corals, finding 51–68% of all corals fully bleached in 10–15-m water depth. Tabulate or foliaceous Turbinaria was the locally most abundant hard coral (46%), followed by massives such as faviids and poritids (25%) and encrusting coral (12%), thus over 80% of the local corals could be considered to be bleaching resistant. All coral groups were bleached in similar proportions (massive hard corals 51%<soft corals 60%<encrusting hard corals 62%<Turbinaria 62%<‘others’ 68%). NOAA data and environmental assessments suggest previous recurrent thermal stress throughout the last 10 years in the study area. On the basis of these records this stress apparently changed the community structure from bleaching vulnerable species such as Acropora, leaving more tolerant species, and reduced coral cover. We could see no evidence for adaptation or acclimation of corals in this area. Towed still imagery was found to be a suitable means for rapid and large-scale bleaching studies in shallow, turbid areas where diving can be difficult or impossible.
Open water metabolism and dissolved organic carbon in response to environmental watering in a lowland river–floodplain complex
Authors: Wallace Todd A. , Furst Deborah
Published: February 2016

The relative importance of autochthonous and allochthonous organic material in fuelling ecosystem metabolism is increasingly understood for some river systems. However, in south-eastern Australia, the majority of studies have been conducted during low flows when the supply of allochthonous carbon was limited. Consequently, the importance of episodic inputs of terrestrially derived material in supporting these food webs remains poorly understood. We assessed the influence of return flows from two different scales of environmental watering actions on dissolved organic carbon and open-water productivity in receiving waters adjacent to the watered area. For the wetland-scale event, gross primary productivity and ecosystem respiration increased in the receiving waters during the period of return flows. During the floodplain-scale watering, differences were observed among sites. Within the managed inundation zone, values for net ecosystem productivity switched from near zero during the baseline to strongly negative during the impact period, whereas values at the river sites were either near zero or positive. The results contribute to our understanding of the relative role of allochthonous material in supporting aquatic food webs in lowland rivers, and demonstrate potential for watering actions to have a positive influence on riverine productivity during periods of low water availability.
Curriculum in early childhood education: critical questions about content, coherence, and control
Authors: Wood Elizabeth , Hedges Helen
Published: February 2016

A continuing struggle over curriculum in early childhood education is evident in contemporary research and debate at national and international levels. This reflects the dominant influence of developmental psychology in international discourses, and in policy frameworks that determine approaches to curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. Focusing on early childhood education, we argue that this struggle generates critical questions about three significant themes within curriculum theory: content, coherence, and control. We outline two positions from which these themes can be understood: Developmental and Educational Psychology and contemporary policy frameworks. We argue that within and between these positions, curriculum content, coherence, and control are viewed in different and sometimes oppositional ways. Following this analysis, we propose that a focus on ‘working theories’ as a third position offers possibilities for addressing some of these continuing struggles, by exploring different implications for how content, coherence, and control might be understood. We conclude that asking critical questions of curriculum in early childhood education is a necessary endeavour to develop alternative theoretical frameworks for understanding the ways in which curriculum can be considered alongside pedagogy, assessment, play, and learning.
Institutions of economic freedom and generalized trust: evidence from the Eurobarometer surveys
Authors: Saravia Antonio
Published: February 2016

We investigate the correlation between institutions of economic freedom and generalized trust. The data we use are derived from the Eurobarometer surveys and measure how trustworthy nationals of a particular country are in the eyes of nationals of other countries. By using these data we avoid the presence of double causality between institutions of economic freedom and generalized trust that has been recognized as a major challenge in the literature. Indeed, external perceptions of trustworthiness are exogenous to the internal institutional building process. We find that during the 1980s and 1990s a 10% increase in the Economic Freedom of the World Index was associated with a 2.5% increase in generalized trust in the countries in our sample.
Confirmation of PDZD7 as a Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss Gene
Authors: Vona Barbara , Lechno Stanislav , Hofrichter Michaela A. H. , Hopf Susanne , Läßig Anne K. , Haaf Thomas , Keilmann Annerose , Zechner Ulrich , Bartsch Oliver
Published: February 2016

Objective:

PDZD7 was identified in 2009 in a family with apparent nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. However, subsequent clinical reports have associated PDZD7 with digenic Usher syndrome, the most common cause of deaf-blindness, or as a modifier of retinal disease. No further reports have validated this gene for nonsyndromic hearing loss, intuitively calling correct genotype–phenotype association into question. This report describes a validating second case for biallelic mutations in PDZD7 causing nonsyndromic mild to severe sensorineural hearing loss. It also provides detailed audiometric and ophthalmologic data excluding Usher syndrome in both the present proband (proband 1) and the first proband described in 2009 (proband 2).

Design:

Proband 1 was sequenced using a custom-designed next generation sequencing panel consisting of 151 deafness genes. Bioinformatics analysis and filtering disclosed two PDZD7 sequence variants (c.1648C>T, p.Q550* and c.2107del, p.S703Vfs*20). Segregation testing followed in the family. For both probands, audiograms were collected and analyzed for progressive hearing loss and detailed ophthalmic evaluations were performed including electroretinography.

Results:

Proband 1 demonstrated a prelingual, nonsyndromic, sensorineural hearing loss that progressed in the higher frequencies between 4 and 9 years old. PDZD7 segregation analysis confirmed biallelic inheritance (compound heterozygosity). Mutation analysis determined the c.1648C>T mutation as novel and reported the c.2107del deletion as rs397516633 with a calculated minor allele frequency of 0.000018. Clinical evaluation spanning well over a decade in proband 2 disclosed bilateral, nonprogressive hearing loss. Both probands showed healthy retinas, excluding Usher syndrome-like changes in the eye.

Conclusions:

PDZD7 is confirmed as a bona fide autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss gene. In both probands, there was no evidence of impaired vision or ophthalmic pathology. As the current understanding of PDZD7 mutations bridge Mendelian and complex phenotypes, the authors recommend careful variant interpretation, since PDZD7 is one of many genes associated with both Usher syndrome and autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss. Additional reports are required for understanding the complete phenotypic spectrum of this gene, including the possibility of high-frequency progression, as well as noise-induced hearing loss susceptibility in adult carriers. This report rules out all forms of Usher syndrome with an onset before 12 and 15 years old in probands 1 and 2, respectively. However, due to the young ages of the probands, this report is uninformative regarding older patients.
Risk factors associated with refractoriness to esophageal dilatation for benign dysphagia
Authors: Rodrigues-Pinto Eduardo , Pereira Pedro , Ribeiro Armando , Lopes Susana , Moutinho-Ribeiro Pedro , Silva Marco , Peixoto Armando , Gaspar Rui , Macedo Guilherme
Published: February 2016

Background

Benign esophageal strictures need repeated dilatations to relieve dysphagia. Literature is scarce on the risk factors for refractoriness of these strictures.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with refractory strictures.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective study of patients with benign esophageal strictures who were referred for esophageal dilatation over a period of 3 years.

Results

A total of 327 esophageal dilatations were performed in 103 patients; 53% of the patients reported dysphagia for liquids. Clinical success was achieved in 77% of the patients. There was a need for further dilatations in 54% of patients, being more frequent in patients with dysphagia for liquids [78 vs. 64%, P=0.008, odds ratio (OR) 1.930], in those with caustic strictures (89 vs. 70%, P=0.007, OR 3.487), and in those with complex strictures (83 vs. 70%, P=0.047, OR 2.132). Caustic strictures, peptic strictures, and complex strictures showed statistical significance in the multivariate analysis. Time until subsequent dilatations was less in patients with dysphagia for liquids (49 vs. 182 days, P<0.001), in those with peptic strictures (49 vs. 98 days, P=0.004), in those with caustic strictures (49 vs. 78 days, P=0.005), and in patients with complex strictures (47 vs. 80 days P=0.009). In multivariate analysis, further dilatations occurred earlier in patients with dysphagia for liquids [hazard ratio (HR) 1.506, P=0.004], in those with peptic strictures (HR 1.644, P=0.002), in those with caustic strictures (HR 1.581, P=0.016), and in patients with complex strictures (HR 1.408, P=0.046).

Conclusion

Caustic, peptic, and complex strictures were associated with a greater need for subsequent dilatations. Time until subsequent dilatations was less in patients with dysphagia for liquids and in those with caustic, peptic, and complex strictures.
IgG Subclass Staining in Routine Renal Biopsy Material
Authors: Hemminger Jessica , Nadasdy Gyongyi , Satoskar Anjali , Brodsky Sergey V. , Nadasdy Tibor
Published: February 2016

Immunofluorescence staining plays a vital role in nephropathology, but the panel of antibodies used has not changed for decades. Further classification of immunoglobulin (Ig)G-containing immune-type deposits with IgG subclass staining (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) has been shown to be of diagnostic utility in glomerular diseases, but their value in the evaluation of renal biopsies has not been addressed systematically in large renal biopsy material. Between January 2007 and June 2014, using direct immunofluorescence, we stained every renal biopsy for the IgG subclasses if there was moderate to prominent glomerular IgG staining and/or IgG-predominant or IgG-codominant glomerular staining. The total number of biopsies stained was 1084, which included 367 cases of membranous glomerulonephritis, 307 cases of lupus nephritis, 74 cases of fibrillary glomerulonephritis, 53 cases of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits, and 25 cases of antiglomerular basement membrane disease, among others. We found that monoclonality of IgG deposits cannot always be reliably determined on the basis of kappa and lambda light chain staining alone, particularly if concomitant (frequently nonspecific) IgM staining is present. In IgG heavy and heavy and light chain deposition disease (3 cases), subclass staining is very helpful, and in proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits subclass staining is necessary. IgG subclass staining is useful in differentiating primary from secondary membranous glomerulonephritis. In proliferative glomerulonephritis with polyclonal IgG deposition, IgG1 dominance/codominance with concomitant IgG3 and IgG2 but weak or absent IgG4 staining favors an underlying autoimmune disease. IgG subclass staining is a very useful diagnostic method in a selected cohort of renal biopsies, particularly in biopsies with glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits.
Differential Diagnosis of Intraductal Lesions of the Prostate
Authors: Wobker Sara E. , Epstein Jonathan I.
Published: February 2016

The category of intraductal lesions of the prostate includes a range of primary prostatic and nonprostatic processes with wide variation in prognosis and recommended follow-up. Studies have shown that pathologists are uncomfortable with the diagnosis of these lesions and that the diagnostic reproducibility is low in this category. Despite the diagnostic difficulty, their accurate and reproducible diagnosis is critical for patient management. This review aims to highlight the diagnostic criteria, prognosis, and treatment implications of common intraductal lesions of the prostate. It focuses on the recognition of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) in prostate needle biopsies and how to distinguish it from its common mimickers, including high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, invasive cribriform prostatic adenocarcinoma, urothelial carcinoma extending into prostatic ducts, and prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma. IDC-P is independently associated with higher risk disease, and its identification in a needle biopsy, even in the absence of invasive carcinoma, should compel definitive treatment. Conversely, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia has a much better prognosis and in limited quantities does not even warrant a repeat biopsy. IDC-P must be distinguished from urothelial carcinoma involving prostatic ducts, as recommended treatment varies markedly. Ductal adenocarcinoma may confuse the pathologist and clinician by overlapping terminology, and morphology may also mimic IDC-P on occasion. The use of ancillary testing with immunohistochemistry and molecular markers has also been reviewed.
Reaction-Diffusion Model of PDGF-driven Recruitment in Experimental Glioblastoma
Authors: Massey Susan Christine , Swanson Kristin R.
Published: February 2016

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) drives the formation of gliomas in an experimental animal model, which notably involves the recruitment of large numbers of glial progenitor cells. (Assanah 2006). In order to understand the underlying mechanism, particularly what factors influence the degree of recruitment, and how varied amounts of PDGF would affect the gross characteristics and overall appearance of tumors in the brain, we adapted a reaction diffusion model of glioma, which has been used for analyzing clinical data, to model the interactions at play in these experimental models.
Information-dependent Enrichment Analysis Reveals Time-dependent Transcriptional Regulation of the Estrogen Pathway of Toxicity
Authors: Pendse Salil N. , Maertens Alexandra , Rosenberg Michael , Roy Dipanwita , Fasani Rick A. , Vantangoli Marguerite M. , Madnick Samantha J. , Boekelheide Kim , Fornace Albert J. , Yager James D. , Hartung Thomas , Andersen Melvin E. , McMullen Patrick D.
Published: February 2016

The twenty-first century vision for toxicology involves a transition away from high-dose animal studies and intoin vitroand computational models. This movement requires mapping pathways of toxicity through an understanding of howin vitrosystems respond to chemical perturbation. Uncovering transcription factors responsible for gene expression patterns is essential for defining pathways of toxicity, and ultimately, for determining chemical mode of action, through which a toxicant acts. Traditionally this is achieved via chromatin immunoprecipitation studies and summarized by calculating, which transcription factors are statistically associated with the up-and down-regulated genes. These lists are commonly determined via statistical or fold-change cutoffs, a procedure that is sensitive to statistical power and may not be relevant to determining transcription factor associations. To move away from an arbitrary statistical or fold-change based cutoffs, we have developed in the context of the Mapping the Human Toxome project, a novel enrichment paradigm called Information Dependent Enrichment Analysis (IDEA) to guide identification of the transcription factor network. We used the test case of endocrine disruption of MCF-7 cells activated by 17β estradiol (E2). Using this new approach, we were able to establish a time course for transcriptional and functional responses to E2. ERα and ERβ are associated with short-term transcriptional changes in response to E2. Sustained exposure leads to the recruitment of an additional ensemble of transcription factors and alteration of cell-cycle machinery. TFAP2C and SOX2 were the transcription factors most highly correlated with dose. E2F7, E2F1 and Foxm1, which are involved in cell proliferation, were enriched only at 24h. IDEA is, therefore, a novel tool to identify candidate pathways of toxicity, clearly outperforming Gene-set Enrichment Analysis but with similar results as Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis, which helps to identify genes not annotated to pathways.
The crystal structure and photocatalytic properties of a three-dimensional cadmium(II) metal–organic framework: poly[bis(μ3-benzene-1,2-dicarboxylato)[μ2-1,4-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethoxy)benzene]dicadmium(II)]
Authors: Yu Cai-Xia , Gao Yan-Ping , Cui Xiao-Qing , Guo Meng-Jiao , Liu Lei-Lei
Published: February 2016

Photocatalysis is a green technology for the treatment of all kinds of contaminants and has advantages over other treatment methods. Recently, much effort has been devoted to developing new photocatalytic materials based on metal–organic frameworks for use in the degradation of many kinds of organic contaminants. With the aim of searching for more effective photocatalysts, the title three-dimensional coordination polymer, [Cd2(C8H4O4)2(C18H16N2O2)]n, was prepared. The asymmetric unit contains one CdIIcation, one benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate anion (denotedL2−) and half of a centrosymmetric 1,4-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethoxy)benzene ligand (denoted bpmb). Each CdIIcentre is five-coordinated by four carboxylate O atoms from twoL2−ligands and by one N atom from a bpmb ligand, forming a disordered pentagonal pyramidal coordination geometry. The CdIIcentres are interlinked byL2−ligands to form a one-dimensional [Cd2L2]nchain. Adjacent chains are further connected by bpmb linkers, giving rise to a two-dimensional network, and these networks are pillared by bpmb to afford a three-dimensional framework with a 33.42.63.71.81topology. Each grid in the framework has large channels which are filled mainly by the two other equivalent frameworks to form a threefold interpenetrating net. The compound exhibits relatively good photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under UV irradiation.
Crystal structure of 2-[chloro(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione
Authors: Chelli Saloua , Troshin Konstantin , Lakhdar Sami , Mayr Herbert , Mayer Peter
Published: February 2016

In the title compound, C23H25ClO4, the cyclohexane ring adopts a chair conformation with the 4-methoxyphenyl substituent in an axial position and the chloro(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl substituent in an equatorial position. The packing features inversion dimers formed by pairs of C—H...O contacts and strands along [100] and [010] established by further C—H...O and C—H...Cl contacts, respectively.
4-(3-Chlorophenyl)-1-(3-chloropropyl)piperazin-1-ium chloride redetermined at 100 K
Authors: Bhat Muzzaffar Ahmad , Srivastava Sanjay K. , Sharma Pooja , Chopra Ambika , Butcher Ray J.
Published: February 2016

The crystal structure of the title salt, C13H19Cl2N2+·Cl−, has been reported previously [Homrighausen & Krause Bauer (2002).Acta Cryst.E58, o1395–o1396] based on room-temperature data, where it was found to contain a disordered chloropropyl group. We now present the structure at 100 K in which the chloropropyl group is ordered. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation with the exocyclic N—C bonds in equatorial orientations. The dihedral angle between the piperazine ring (all atoms) and the benzene ring is 28.47 (5)°. The chloropropyl group has an extended conformation [N—C—C—C = −177.25 (8) ° and C—C—C—Cl = 174.23 (7)°]. In the crystal, charge-assisted N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds link the cation and anion into ion pairs. Numerous weak C—H...Cl interactions link the ion pairs into a three-dimensional network. Short Cl...Cl contacts [3.2419 (4) Å] are also observed.
Context, not predictions: a field study of financial analysts
Authors: Imam Shahed , Spence Crawford
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the nature of the work that financial analysts actually do in the context of the market for information and to further open up research in this area to qualitative and sociological inquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

– A field study with 49 financial analysts (both buy-side and sell-side) was undertaken in order to understand the work that they actually do. This field study was theoretically informed by the sociology of Pierre Bourdieu.

Findings

– The authors find, in contrast to both conventional wisdom and assumptions in prior (mostly quantitative) literature, that the primary value of sell-side analyst work lies not in the recommendations that analysts ultimately produce, but in the rich contextual information that they provide to buy-side analysts. In order to successfully provide this information, analysts have to embody large amounts of technical capital into their habitus.

Research limitations/implications

– Much research in this area erroneously presumes that forecasting is the primary function of analysts. Analyst work needs to be understood as multifarious and requiring a well-developed habitus that is attuned to the accumulation of both technical and social capital. Future qualitative research might usefully explore in more detail the way in which corporate managers interact with analysts. The present study solicits the viewpoints only of the analysts themselves. The organisational context of the analysts was not explored in detail and the interviews were pre-crisis, which possibly explains why the technical capital of sell-side analysts was extolled by interviewees rather than lambasted.

Originality/value

– The paper is one of few studies to look at analysts from a qualitative and sociological perspective. It both complements and extends both emerging sociological work on financial intermediaries and qualitative work on the “market for information”.
Accounting in new public management (NPM) and shifting organizational boundaries
Authors: Kartalis Nikos , Tsamenyi Mathew , Jayasinghe Kelum
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how accounting is implicated in the creation and maintenance of organizational boundaries. The analysis focuses on organizations subjected to conflicting objectives as a result of new public management (NPM) reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis is based on case studies of four cultural organizations (Show Caves) in Greece. Data are collected from semi-structured interviews, informal discussions and document analysis. The paper draws on Bourdieu’s concepts of “field”, “capital” and “habitus” and Llewellyn’s analysis of organizational boundary maintenance.

Findings

– The study observes that NPM reforms contributed to shifting organizational boundaries – from cultural/archaeological to economic/financial and this resulted in conflicting organizational objectives. This subsequently created conflicts between key actors (municipal politicians, professional managers and anthropologists). These actors, depending on the positions (and habitus) they occupy, and the capital (political, cultural and symbolic) they hold, are able to bargain for resources (economic capital). The conflicting objectives (archaeological/cultural/historical, political and commercial) that emerged and the tensions that arose between the key players shaped the identities and boundaries of the Show Caves.

Originality/value

– The study makes an original contribution by revealing the complexity and struggle between actors and the role of accounting in managing the boundaries. For example, the study explains how financial threshold and accountability structures function within these cultural organizations that are subjected to conflicting objectives in the context of NPM reforms.