bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of General and Local Anesthesia for Deep Brain Stimulator Insertion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sheshadri Veena , Rowland Nathan C. , Mehta Jigesh , Englesakis Marina , Manninen Pirjo , Venkatraghavan Lashmi
Published: September 2017

Background: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN–DBS) has become a standard treatment for many patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The reported clinical outcome measures for procedures done under general anesthesia (GA) compared to traditional local anesthetic (LA) technique are quite heterogeneous and difficult to compare. The aim of this systematic review and metaanalysis was to determine whether the clinical outcome after STN–DBS insertion under GA is comparable to that under LA in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Methods: The databases of Medline Embase, Cochrane library and Pubmed were searched for eligible studies (human trials, English language, published between 1946 and January of 2016). The primary outcome of this study was to assess the postoperative improvement in the symptoms, evaluated using either Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores or levodopa equivalent dosage (LEDD) requirement. Results: The literature searches yielded 395 citations and six retrospective cohort studies with a sample size of 455 (194 in GA and 261 in LA) were included in the analysis. Regarding the clinical outcomes, there were no significant differences in the postoperative Unified Parkinson’s disease rating scale and levodopa equivalent drug dosage between the GA and the LA groups. Similarly, the adverse events and target accuracy were also comparable between the groups. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows that currently there is no good quality data to suggest equivalence of GA to LA during STN-DBS insertion in patients with PD, with some factors trending towards LA. There is a need for a prospective randomized control trial to validate our results.
Identifying Factors That May Influence Decision-Making Related to the Distribution of Patients During a Mass Casualty Incident
Authors: Hall Trevor NT , McDonald Andrew , Peleg Kobi
Published: September 2017

Objective

We aimed to identify and seek agreement on factors that may influence decision-making related to the distribution of patients during a mass casualty incident.

Methods

A qualitative thematic analysis of a literature review identified 56 unique factors related to the distribution of patients in a mass casualty incident. A modified Delphi study was conducted and used purposive sampling to identify peer reviewers that had either (1) a peer-reviewed publication within the area of disaster management or (2) disaster management experience. In round one, peer reviewers ranked the 56 factors and identified an additional 8 factors that resulted in 64 factors being ranked during the two-round Delphi study. The criteria for agreement were defined as a median score greater than or equal to 7 (on a 9-point Likert scale) and a percentage distribution of 75% or greater of ratings being in the highest tertile.

Results

Fifty-four disaster management peer reviewers, with hospital and prehospital practice settings most represented, assessed a total of 64 factors, of which 29 factors (45%) met the criteria for agreement.

Conclusions

Agreement from this formative study suggests that certain factors are influential to decision-making related to the distribution of patients during a mass casualty incident. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:101–108)
Measuring and Comparing Hospital Accessibility for Palm Beach County’s Elderly and Nonelderly Populations During a Hurricane
Authors: Prasad Shivangi
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To determine whether, during a hurricane, geographic accessibility to hospitals with emergency care is compromised disproportionately for the elderly than for the nonelderly.

Methods

The locations of hospitals with emergency health care and a subset of those hospitals functional during a hurricane were compared with the distribution of the elderly population at the block group level in Palm Beach County, Florida. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) proximity analysis (minimum distance to closest hospital) and cumulative distribution functions were used to measure and compare hospital accessibility during normal and hurricane conditions for the elderly and nonelderly populations.

Results

Accessibility to closest functional hospital during a hurricane was compromised disproportionately for the elderly.

Conclusion

Geographic accessibility to emergency health care is compromised disproportionately for the elderly in Palm Beach County. Compounding the risk is the likelihood of the elderly experiencing a greater health care need during a hurricane. This poses a community public health crisis and calls for effective and collaborative planning between health professionals and disaster planners to address the health care needs of the elderly. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 296–300)
Canadian Employee Perspectives on Disability Management
Authors: Wagner Shannon , Harder Henry , Scott Liz , Buys Nicholas , Yu Ignatius , Geisen Thomas , Randall Christine , Lo Karen , Tang Dan , Fraess-Phillips Alex , Hassler Benedikt , Howe Caroline
Published: September 2017

A Canadian sample was collected as an aspect of a large international project, with representation from Australia, Canada, China, and Switzerland. In each country, interview and survey data were collected using team-created research tools. Canadian survey data on disability management (DM) perceptions were collected from 218 employees in both public and private organisations. Our Canadian employee sample reported perceived influence of disability prevention on job satisfaction, physical health, mental health, and morale for both themselves and their coworkers. Return to work programs were seen as valuable for job satisfaction of both the employee and coworkers, as well as the physical health of coworkers. Similarly, stay at work programs were seen as valuable for mental health and morale of coworkers. There was no relationship between perceived influence of DM interventions and reduction of sickness absence. The influence of DM was perceived as more positive for private and/or nonunionised workplaces. No gender differences were evident.
A Constitutive Model of Sandstone Considering the Post Peak Behavior
Authors: Jeng F. S. , Weng M. C. , Yeh F. H. , Yang Y. H. , Huang T. H.
Published: September 2017

In rock engineering, evaluating the post-peak strength and deformation of rock is necessary. To explore the elasto-plastic behavior of sandstone in the post-peak stage, a series of strain-controlled triaxial tests were conducted under different confining pressures. According to the post-peak characteristics, a constitutive model based on nonlinear elasticity and generalized plasticity is proposed. This proposed model is characterized by the following features: (1) Nonlinear elasticity is observed under hydrostatic and shear loading; (2) the associated flow rule is followed; (3) substantial plastic deformation occurs during shear loading; and (4) post-peak softening behavior is accurately predicted. This model requires twelve material parameters, three for elasticity and nine for plasticity. The proposed model was validated by comparing the triaxial test results of Mushan sandstone at different hydrostatic pressures under dry and saturated conditions. In addition, the model is versatile; it can simulate the deformational behavior of two other sandstones. In summary, the proposed model can reasonably predict the complete stress–strain curve of sandstone.
The moderating role of top management support on employees’ attitudes in response to human resource development efforts
Authors: Lee Jae Young , Park Sunyoung , Baker Rose
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships among human resource development (HRD) efforts, top management support, and employees’ attitudes (job satisfaction and organizational commitment) in the Korean context. Based on the Korean Human Capital Corporate Panel survey data, 3,899 responses from 159 large companies were analyzed by adopting hierarchical multiple regression analysis and a regression-based path analysis. The results indicated that HRD efforts positively affected organizational commitment through job satisfaction. In addition, job satisfaction had a moderated mediation effect on the interaction of HRD efforts and top management support on organization commitment. Finally, top management support moderates the relationship between HRD efforts and employees’ attitudes such that increased top management support for HRD efforts improves employees’ job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
LOOKING AT A MAP MIGHT HELP: A COMMENT ON BURGER ET AL., “ECUADORIAN CINNABAR AND THE PREHISPANIC TRADE IN VERMILION PIGMENT: VIABLE HYPOTHESIS OR RED HERRING?”
Authors: Bruhns Karen Olsen , Brooks William E. , Truhan Deborah
Published: September 2017

Contrary to Burger et al. (2016), there is ample evidence of colonial cinnabar mining in southern Ecuador.
Apollonia-Sozousa in late antiquity: some remarks on thecaput provinciaeof Libya Superior
Authors: Barthel Christian
Published: September 2017

This article examines the available archaeological and historical data on the Late Antique city of Apollonia-Sozousa, with a particular focus on the date of its elevation to the capital of Libya Superior. Contrary to recent scholarship that stressed intrinsic evidence in the form of a combination of Berber raids and a deficient Roman military infrastructure, this article seeks to reintegrate the local conflicts of late Roman Cyrenaica to the major historical events of the fifth century AD. It is argued that the failed attempt of AD 468 to conquer Vandal Africa and the subsequent retreat of the Roman forces out of Tripolitania in AD 470 serves as a more likely political background to date the relocation of the capital from Ptolemais to Apollonia-Sozousa.
Regulatory functions of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase in the chitin biosynthesis pathway in Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) revealed by RNA interference
Authors: Chen Q.W. , Jin S. , Zhang L. , Shen Q.D. , Wei P. , Wei Z.M. , Wang S.G. , Tang B
Published: September 2017

RNA interference (RNAi) is a very effective technique for studying gene function and may be an efficient method for controlling pests. Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS), which plays a key role in the synthesis of trehalose and insect development, was cloned in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (TcTPS) and the putative functions were studied using RNAi via the injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) corresponding to conserved TPS and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase domains. Expression analyses show that TcTPS is expressed higher in the fat body, while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results show that the expression of four trehalase isoforms was significantly suppressed by dsTPS injection. Additionally, the expression of six chitin synthesis-related genes, such as hexokinase 2 and glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase, was suppressed at 48 and 72 h post-dsTPS-1 and dsTPS-2 RNA injection, which were two dsTPS fragments that had been designed for two different locations in TcTPS open reading frame, and that trehalose content and trehalase 1 activity decreased significantly at 72 h post-dsRNA injection. Furthermore, T. castaneum injected with dsTPS-1 and dsTPS-2 RNA displayed significantly lower levels of chitin and could not complete the molting process from larvae to pupae, revealing abnormal molting phenotypes. These results demonstrate that silencing TPS gene leads to molting deformities and high mortality rates via regulation of gene expression in the chitin biosynthetic pathway, and may be a promising approach for pest control in the future.
A Note from the Editors
Authors: Chatterji Joya , Peabody Norbert
Published: September 2017

As the Editors of Modern Asian Studies, we are sorry that Professor Sundar is disappointed that Professor Verghese's article, ‘British Rule and Tribal Revolts in India’, does not engage with her work in the manner she would have wished. We are in agreement with the reviewers of the article that Verghese sets out a problematic for his study that is posed in a significantly different fashion from Sundar's work. As Verghese explains below, his line of enquiry emerged from comparative questions that had their origins in the field of political science. These questions address issues that do not easily map onto Sundar's ethno-historical work on Bastar.
High-functioning autism patients share similar but more severe impairments in verbal theory of mind than schizophrenia patients
Authors: Tin L. N. W. , Lui S. S. Y. , Ho K. K. Y. , Hung K. S. Y. , Wang Y. , Yeung H. K. H. , Wong T. Y. , Lam S. M. , Chan R. C. K. , Cheung E. F. C.
Published: September 2017

Background

Evidence suggests that autism and schizophrenia share similarities in genetic, neuropsychological and behavioural aspects. Although both disorders are associated with theory of mind (ToM) impairments, a few studies have directly compared ToM between autism patients and schizophrenia patients. This study aimed to investigate to what extent high-functioning autism patients and schizophrenia patients share and differ in ToM performance.

Methods

Thirty high-functioning autism patients, 30 schizophrenia patients and 30 healthy individuals were recruited. Participants were matched in age, gender and estimated intelligence quotient. The verbal-based Faux Pas Task and the visual-based Yoni Task were utilised to examine first- and higher-order, affective and cognitive ToM. The task/item difficulty of two paradigms was examined using mixed model analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Multiple ANOVAs and mixed model ANOVAs were used to examine group differences in ToM.

Results

The Faux Pas Task was more difficult than the Yoni Task. High-functioning autism patients showed more severely impaired verbal-based ToM in the Faux Pas Task, but shared similar visual-based ToM impairments in the Yoni Task with schizophrenia patients.

Conclusions

The findings that individuals with high-functioning autism shared similar but more severe impairments in verbal ToM than individuals with schizophrenia support the autism–schizophrenia continuum. The finding that verbal-based but not visual-based ToM was more impaired in high-functioning autism patients than schizophrenia patients could be attributable to the varied task/item difficulty between the two paradigms.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT SCREENING: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: García-Casal J. Antonio , Franco-Martín Manuel , Perea-Bartolomé M. Victoria , Toribio-Guzmán J. Miguel , García-Moja Carlos , Goñi-Imizcoz Miguel , Csipke Emese
Published: September 2017

Objectives:The reduction in cognitive decline depends on timely diagnosis. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the current available information and communication technologies-based instruments for cognitive decline early screening and detection in terms of usability, validity, and reliability.

Methods:Electronic searches identified 1,785 articles of which thirty-four met the inclusion criteria and were grouped according to their main purpose into test batteries, measures of isolated tasks, behavioral measures, and diagnostic tools.

Results:Thirty one instruments were analyzed. Fifty-two percent were personal computer based, 26 percent tablet, 13 percent laptop, and 1 was mobile phone based. The most common input method was touchscreen (48 percent). The instruments were validated with a total of 4,307 participants: 2,146 were healthy older adults (M = 73.59;SD= 5.12), 1,104 had dementia (M = 74.65;SD= 3.98) and 1,057 mild cognitive impairment (M = 74.84;SD= 4.46). Only 6 percent were administered at home, 19 percent reported outcomes about usability, and 22 percent about understandability. The methodological quality of the studies was good, the weakest methodological area being usability. Most of the instruments obtained acceptable values of specificity and sensitivity.

Conclusions:It is necessary to create home delivered instruments and to include usability studies in their design. Involvement of people with cognitive decline in all phases of the development process is of great importance to obtain valuable and user-friendly products. It would be advisable for researchers to make an effort to provide cutoff points for their instruments.
MEDICAL DEVICE RECALLS IN CANADA FROM 2005 TO 2015
Authors: Gagliardi Anna R. , Takata Julie , Ducey Ariel , Lehoux Pascale , Ross Sue , Trbovich Patricia L. , Easty Anthony , Bell Chaim M. , Urbach David R.
Published: September 2017

Objectives: Medical devices are ubiquitous in modern medical care. However, little is known about the epidemiology of medical devices in the healthcare marketplace, including the rate at which medical devices are subject to recalls or other advisories. We sought to study the epidemiology of medical devices in Canada, focusing on device recalls. In Canada, a recall may signify a variety of events, ranging from relatively minor field safety notifications, to removal of a product from the marketplace.

Methods: We used data from Health Canada to study medical device recalls in Canada from 2005 to 2015. We analyzed the risks of medical device recalls according to the risk class of the device (I lowest; IV highest) and the hazard priority of the recall (Type I highest potential harm; Type III lowest potential harm).

Results: During a 10-year period, there were 7,226 medical device recalls. Most recalls were for intermediate risk class (Class II, 40.1 percent; Class III, 38.7 percent) medical devices. Among recalled devices, 5.0 percent were judged to have a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death (Type I recall Hazard Priority classification). While the number of medical devices marketed in Canada is not known, over a similar 10-year period, 24,849 new Class II, II, and IV medical device licenses were issued by Health Canada.

Conclusions: Several hundred medical device recalls occur in Canada each year. Further research is needed to characterize the nature of medical device recalls, and to explore how consumers use information about recalls.
An Enhanced Multi-GNSS Navigation Algorithm by Utilising a Priori Inter-System Biases
Authors: Dong Zhounan , Cai Changsheng , Santerre Rock , Kuang Cuilin
Published: September 2017

The integration of multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements can effectively improve the accuracy and reliability of navigation and positioning solutions, while the Inter-System Bias (ISB) is a key issue for compatibility. The ISB is traditionally estimated as an unknown parameter along with three-dimensional position coordinates and a receiver clock offset with respect to Global Positioning System (GPS) time. ISB estimation of this sort will sacrifice a satellite observation for each integrated GNSS system. These sacrificed observations could be vital in situations of limited satellite visibility. In this study, an enhanced multi-GNSS navigation algorithm is developed to avoid sacrificing observations under poor visibility conditions. The main idea of this algorithm is to employ a moving average filter to smooth the ISBs estimated at previous epochs. The filtered value is utilised as a priori information at the current epoch. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the enhanced algorithm under open and blocked sky conditions. The results show that the enhanced algorithm effectively improves the accuracy and availability of navigation solutions under the blocked sky condition, with performance being comparable to traditional ISB estimation algorithms in open sky conditions. The improvement rates of the three-dimensional position accuracy and availability reach up to 63% and 21% in the blocked sky environment. Even in the case of only four different GNSS satellites, a position solution can still be obtained using the enhanced algorithm.
Bodies of Evidence:Honor, Prueba Plena,and Emerging Medical Discourses in Northern Mexico's Infanticide Trials in the Late Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Shelton Laura
Published: September 2017

In the early morning of February 15, 1898, a farmer named Zacarias Navarro found the remains of a newborn infant in a shallow well on the outskirts of Alamos, Sonora, in northwestern Mexico. As caretaker of the well, it was predictable that Navarro would be the first resident to make the grisly discovery. He immediately informed the chief of police, Manuel Vargas, who sent officers to retrieve the infant's body.
Distribution of Herbicide-Resistant Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) in Indiana and Characterization of Distinct Glyphosate-Resistant Biotypes
Authors: Harre Nick T. , Nie Haozhen , Robertson Renae R. , Johnson William G. , Weller Stephen C. , Young Bryan G.
Published: September 2017

Giant ragweed is a highly competitive weed that continually threatens crop production systems due to evolved resistance to acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides (ALS-R) and glyphosate (GR). Two biotypes of GR giant ragweed exist and are differentiated by their response to glyphosate, termed here as rapid response (RR) and non–rapid response (NRR). A comparison of data from surveys of Indiana crop fields done in 2006 and 2014 showed that GR giant ragweed has spread from 15% to 39% of Indiana counties and the NRR biotype is the most prevalent. A TaqMan®single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping assay was developed to identify ALS-R populations and revealed 47% of GR populations to be ALS-R as well. The magnitude of glyphosate resistance for NRR populations was 4.6 and 5.9 based on GR50and LD50estimates, respectively. For RR populations, these values were 7.8 to 9.2 for GR50estimates and 19.3 to 22.3 for LD50estimates. A novel use of the Imaging-PAM fluorometer was developed to discriminate RR plants by assessing photosystem II quantum yield across the entire leaf surface. H2O2generation in leaves of glyphosate-treated plants was also measured by 3,3′-diaminobenzidine staining and quantified using imagery analysis software. Results show photo-oxidative stress of mature leaves is far greater and occurs more rapidly following glyphosate treatment in RR plants compared with NRR and glyphosate-susceptible plants and is positively associated with glyphosate dose. These results suggest that under continued glyphosate selection pressure, the RR biotype may surpass the NRR biotype as the predominant form of GR giant ragweed in Indiana due to a higher level of glyphosate resistance. Moreover, the differential photo-oxidative stress patterns in response to glyphosate provide evidence of different mechanisms of resistance present in RR and NRR biotypes.
Macrophage-released ADAMTS1 promotes muscle stem cell activation
Authors: Du Hongqing , Shih Chung-Hsuan , Wosczyna Michael N. , Mueller Alisa A. , Cho Joonseok , Aggarwal Abhishek , Rando Thomas A. , Feldman Brian J.
Published: September 2017

Coordinated activation of muscle stem cells (known as satellite cells) is critical for postnatal muscle growth and regeneration. The muscle stem cell niche is central for regulating the activation state of satellite cells, but the specific extracellular signals that coordinate this regulation are poorly understood. Here we show that macrophages at sites of muscle injury induce activation of satellite cells via expression of Adamts1. Overexpression of Adamts1 in macrophages in vivo is sufficient to increase satellite cell activation and improve muscle regeneration in young mice. We demonstrate that NOTCH1 is a target of ADAMTS1 metalloproteinase activity, which reduces Notch signaling, leading to increased satellite cell activation. These results identify Adamts1 as a potent extracellular regulator of satellite cell activation and have significant implications for understanding the regulation of satellite cell activity and regeneration after muscle injury.
Effects of preanalytical frozen storage time and temperature on screening coagulation tests and factors VIII and IX activity
Authors: Zhao Ying , Feng Guofang , Zhang Jie , Gong Renjie , Cai Changming , Feng Limin
Published: September 2017

Preanalytical quality control of blood samples is critical for tests of coagulation function and coagulation factor activity. Preanalytical storage time and temperature are the main variables. We investigated the effects of preanalytical frozen storage time and temperature on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (Fbg), prothrombin time (PT)/international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT), factor VIII activity (FVIII:C), and factor IX activity (FIX:C) in frozen plasma. Samples (n = 144) were randomly and equally divided into four groups (storage at −80 °C or −20 °C) and analysed by CS5100 or CA7000 coagulation analysers. Baseline values and results after storage for 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were measured after thawing. Mean percent changes and scatter plots were used to determine clinically relevant differences. The stabilities of coagulation tests and coagulation factor activities measured by the CS5100 system were consistent with those measured by the CA7000 system. At −80 °C, assessment samples of PT/INR, Fbg, and TT can be safely stored for 1 year, APTT for 6 months, and FVIII:C and FIX:C for 1 month. At −20 °C, samples of Fbg and TT can be stored for 1 year, PT/INR and FIX:C for 1 month, and APTT and FVIII:C for 15 days.
White Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Individual Polymerized Carbon Nanodots
Authors: Xie Zheng , Yin Zhengmao , Wu Yongzhong , Liu Chunyan , Hao Xiaopeng , Du Qingqing , Xu Xiangang
Published: September 2017

A search for new phosphor materials that exhibit high light-emission, spectral purity, long-time stability and processability capture particular attention to modern solid-state lighting. Here, polymerizable silane pre-functionalized carbon dot (SiCD) fluids were dripped and co-polymerized or completely bulk polymerized to build color conversion and encapsulation coatings of commercially available GaN blue LEDs. Most parameters of SiCD-based white LEDs were similar to or even better than those of phosphor-based white LEDs, particularly the insensitivity to excitation wavelength and working current. Thus, SiCDs were superior to those phosphors in terms of broadband properties, high transparency (no light blocking and leaking), as well as arbitrary doping of its content as color conversion and encapsulation layers simultaneously, unique solubility, flexible chemical, optical and mechanical processability. Thus, designing new CD-based white LEDs, instead of inorganic rare earth phosphor-based LEDs, is possible for better performance solid state lighting devices.
Multiplexed Exchange-PAINT imaging reveals ligand-dependent EGFR and Met interactions in the plasma membrane
Authors: Werbin Jeffrey L. , Avendaño Maier S. , Becker Verena , Jungmann Ralf , Yin Peng , Danuser Gaudenz , Sorger Peter K.
Published: September 2017

Signal transduction by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) involves complex ligand- and time-dependent changes in conformation and modification state. High resolution structures are available for individual receptors dimers, but less is known about receptor clusters that form in plasma membranes composed of many different RTKs with the potential to interact. We report the use of multiplexed super-resolution imaging (Exchange-PAINT) followed by mean-shift clustering and random forest analysis to measure the precise distributions of five receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) from the ErbB, IGF-1R and Met families in breast cancer cells. We find that these receptors are intermixed nonhomogenously on the plasma membrane. Stimulation by EGF does not appear to induce a change in the density of EGFR in local clusters but instead results in formation of EGFR-Met and EGFR-ErbB3 associations; non-canonical EGFR-Met interactions are implicated in resistance to anti-cancer drugs but have not been previously detected in drug-naïve cells.
Nutrient quality of vertebrate dung as a diet for dung beetles
Authors: Frank Kevin , Brückner Adrian , Hilpert Andrea , Heethoff Michael , Blüthgen Nico
Published: September 2017

At the basis of a trophic web, coprophagous animals like dung beetles (Scarabaeoidea) utilize resources that may have advantages (easy gain and handling) as well as drawbacks (formerly processed food). Several studies have characterized the nutrients, e.g. C/N ratios and organic matter content, for specific types of dung. However, a comparative approach across dung types and feeding guilds of dung producers, and relationships between dung nutrients and preferences by coprophages, have been missing. Hence, we analyzed water content, C/N ratio, amino acid, neutral lipid fatty acid, free fatty acid and sterol composition and concentrations in dung from 23 vertebrates, including carnivore, omnivore and herbivore species. Our analyses revealed significant differences among the three vertebrate feeding guilds for most nutritional parameters. Although formerly processed, dung grants sufficient amounts of essential nutrients for insects. We tested whether nutrients can explain the dung beetles’ preferences in a field experiment, using 12 representative dung types in baits that were installed in 27 forests and 27 grasslands. Although consistent preferences for specific dung types were pronounced, the nutritional composition did not predict the variation in attractiveness of these dung diets, suggesting a primary role of dung volatiles irrespective of food quality.
Spatio-temporal analysis of small-area intestinal parasites infections in Ghana
Authors: Osei F. B. , Stein A.
Published: September 2017

Intestinal parasites infection is a major public health burden in low and middle-income countries. In Ghana, it is amongst the top five morbidities. In order to optimize scarce resources, reliable information on its geographical distribution is needed to guide periodic mass drug administration to populations of high risk. We analyzed district level morbidities of intestinal parasites between 2010 and 2014 using exploratory spatial analysis and geostatistics. We found a significantly positive Moran’s Index of spatial autocorrelation for each year, suggesting that adjoining districts have similar risk levels. Using local Moran’s Index, we found high-high clusters extending towards the Guinea and Sudan Savannah ecological zones, whereas low-low clusters extended within the semi-deciduous forest and transitional ecological zones. Variograms indicated that local and regional scale risk factors modulate the variation of intestinal parasites. Poisson kriging maps showed smoothed spatially varied distribution of intestinal parasites risk. These emphasize the need for a follow-up investigation into the exact determining factors modulating the observed patterns. The findings also underscored the potential of exploratory spatial analysis and geostatistics as tools for visualizing the spatial distribution of small area intestinal worms infections.
Radiation forces of beams generated by Gaussian mirror resonator on a Rayleigh dielectric sphere
Authors: Tang Bin , Chen Kai , Bian Lirong , Zhou Xin , Huang Li , Jin Yi
Published: September 2017

Optical trapping and manipulating of micron-sized particles have attracted enormous interests due to the potential applications in biotechnology and nanoscience. In this work, we investigate numerically and theoretically the radiation forces acting on a Rayleigh dielectric particle produced by beams generated by Gaussian mirror resonator (GMR) in the Rayleigh scattering regime. The results show that the focused beams generated by GMR can be used to trap and manipulate the particles with both high and low index of refractive near the focus point. The influences of optical parameters of the beams generated by GMR on the radiation forces are analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the conditions for trapping stability are also discussed in this paper.
Stability and optical properties of plutonium monoxide from first-principle calculation
Authors: Qiu Ruizhi , Zhang Yongbin , Ao Bingyun
Published: September 2017

The resolution of questions about the existence of condensed plutonium monoxide (PuO) has long been hindered by lack of thermochemical data. Here we perform first-principles calculation to investigate the reaction Pu2O3 + Pu → 3 PuO and find that PuO is thermodynamically unstable under ambient pressure. We also find that pressure could stabilize PuO by strengthening the hybridization between Pu-5f/6dand O-2pstates. Moreover, the dynamical stability of NaCl-type PuO is verified by the phonon calculation. Optical properties such as reflectivity are also predicted for the detection of metallic PuO.
Adjuvant IL-7 potentiates adoptive T cell therapy by amplifying and sustaining polyfunctional antitumor CD4+ T cells
Authors: Ding Zhi-Chun , Habtetsion Tsadik , Cao Yang , Li Tao , Liu Chufeng , Kuczma Michal , Chen Tingting , Hao Zhonglin , Bryan Locke , Munn David H. , Zhou Gang
Published: September 2017

Increased availability of homeostatic cytokines is considered a major mechanism by which lymphodepletion enhances the efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy (ACT). IL-7 is one such cytokine capable of augmenting the function of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells. However, whether host-derived IL-7 plays a role in driving the proper function of CD4+ T cells in an ACT setting remains unclear. Here we report that lymphodepleting chemotherapy by cyclophosphamide (CTX) does not lead to increased availability of the endogenous IL-7 in mice. Despite of a paucity of IL-7 in the immune milieu, CTX preconditioning allowed adoptively transferred naïve tumor-specific CD4+ T cells to undergo effector differentiation and regain IL-7Rα expression, giving rise to IL-7-responsive polyfunctional CD4+ effector cells. Correspondingly, supplementation of exogenous recombinant IL-7 markedly amplified and sustained polyfunctional CD4+ effector cells, resulting in improved therapeutic outcome in a mouse lymphoma model. We further demonstrated that the immune-enhancing effects of IL-7 were also applicable to donor CD4+ T cells pre-activated under Th1 polarizing condition. These findings suggest caution in relying on the endogenous IL-7 to enhance donor T cell expansion and persistence after lymphodepleting chemotherapy, and highlight the usefulness of recombinant IL-7 as an adjuvant for adoptive immunotherapy.
Effects of transthoracic device closure on ventricular septal defects and reasons for conversion to open-heart surgery: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Ling-Xi , Zhao Fei , Tang Shi-Hai , Peng Hua-Li , Jiang Yun-Han
Published: September 2017

Transthoracic device closure (TTDC) is thought to be a promising technology for the repair of ventricular septal defects (VSDs). However, there is considerable controversy regarding the efficacy and safety of TTDC. The present study aimed to compare the benefits and safety of TTDC with those of conventional open-heart surgery (COHS) and analyze the associated factors causing complications, conversion to COHS and reoperation. Electronic database searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov and several Chinese databases. A total of 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 7 cohort studies, 13 case-control studies, 129 case series and 13 case reports were included. Compared to COHS, TTDC exhibited superior efficacy with a significantly lower risk of post-operative arrhythmia; however, no significant differences in other outcomes were identified. Meta-regression analysis showed that perimembranous VSDs (pmVSDs), a smaller VSD, a smaller occluder, and a median or subxiphoid approach lowered the relative risk of several post-operative complications, conversion to COHS and reoperation. The current evidence indicates that TTDC is associated with a lower risk of post-operative arrhythmia and is not associated with an increased risk of complications. PmVSDs, a smaller VSD and occluder, and a median or subxiphoid approach correlate with better outcomes when using TTDC.
Cationic and Anionic Polymerized Ionic Liquids: Properties for Applications
Authors: Kuzmina Olga
Published: September 2017

This chapter contains information on the comparison of cationic and anionic polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) as functional materials for emerging applications. Data is tabulated to allow the interested reader to easily find the required information. The structures of the discussed cationic and anionic PILs are collected and reported against their performance in particular areas of application to assist in understanding the effects of structure on the properties of this class of materials. Key similarities in performance, depending on their structure and additives, are included in the studied systems together with a discussion of the research progress in each field of PIL application. Anionic PILs are much less explored than cationic PILs due to their complicated synthesis and the smaller diversity of the available polymerised anions in comparison to the wide variety of polymerised cations and relative simplicity of the synthesis of cationic PILs. Reports on research into the use of anionic PILs as electroconductive and sensing materials and gas-sorbents are found and discussed in this chapter. Their properties are comparable to those of cationic PILs with similar structures of ions, with very promising conductivity results. This chapter may become a source of inspiration for researchers aiming to design novel PILs for specific applications.
Stimuli Responsive Smart Fluids Based on Ionic Liquids and Poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Yin Jianbo , Lei Qi , Dong Yuezhen , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: September 2017

Owing to their robust and tunable properties compared to molecular compounds, ionic liquids and their high molecular weight counterparts, polymeric ionic liquids, have provided suitable compounds for the development of smart materials with high physical and chemical stability and strongly stimulus-responsive characteristics. By functionalizing ionic liquids themselves or incorporating ionic liquids into traditional materials, many new kinds of stimuli-responsive materials have been developed. In this chapter, we specifically focus on the recent advances in electro-responsive electrorheological smart fluids with ionic liquids and polymeric ionic liquids as either active components or additives. The goal is to highlight the potential of incorporating ionic liquids into traditional electrorheological materials and using polymeric ionic liquids as new electrorheological active materials to overcome the problems of present electrorheological fluids for real applications.
Thermo-responsive Poly(ionic liquid) Nanogels Prepared via One-step Cross-linking Copolymerization
Authors: Yu J. R. , Zuo Y. , Xiong Y. B.
Published: September 2017

Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs), referring to a special class of polyelectrolyte, have been regarded as novel polymers with versatile advantages. Thus, the combination of stimuli-responsive polymers with PILs has been demonstrated to be one of the upcoming fields in polymer chemistry. In view of the designable structure and tunable polarity of ILs, it is a great challenge to fabricate stimuli-responsive polymers based on PILs. Herein, we summarize the recent progress in thermo-responsive polymer systems comprising ILs. Some studies have demonstrated that thermo-responsive PILs can be easily obtained through incorporation with thermo-responsive polymers. However, in our studies, we found that a thermo-responsive nanogel could be conveniently prepared through one-step cross-linking copolymerization of IL monomers that can contribute hydrogen bonding interactions. For IL monomers without the above performance, thermo-responsive nanogels could also be achieved through reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a chain transfer agent with a carboxyl group. Furthermore, redox- and photo-responsive PIL nanogels could also be fabricated via one-step synthesis of functional IL monomers and cross-linkers. As a result, our findings represent an efficient and applicable platform for the fabrication of stimuli-responsive polymeric nanomaterials.
Wearable Energy Storage Based on Ionic Liquid Gels
Authors: Zopf Stephanie F. , D’Angelo Anthony J. , Qin Huan , Panzer Matthew J.
Published: September 2017

Ionic liquid gels have properties that offer several advantages for designing the future of wearable electrochemical energy storage devices. These include wide electrochemical stability windows, increased safety due to their ultralow volatility and reduced flammability, as well as a leak-proof nature. This chapter outlines the current state of ionic liquid gel electrolytes for two types of energy storage devices (i.e. batteries and supercapacitors) that can power wearable electronics. First, an overview of ionic liquid gels with formulations conducive to wearable applications is presented. Considerations that affect gel electrochemical performance are discussed for the purpose of future materials development. Next, properties relevant to improving ionic liquid gel electrolytes for lithium-based batteries and supercapacitors are suggested. Lastly, ionic liquid gel electrolyte integration with respect to flexible energy storage device fabrication is addressed. The scaling of current ionic liquid gel-based energy storage devices into body-worn applications is also discussed with the hope of influencing the future design of wearable technology that incorporates these materials.
Ionic Liquids in Wearable Chemical Sensors
Authors: Goodchild S. A. , Sambrook M. R. , McIntosh A. J. S.
Published: September 2017

This chapter will consider case studies of where ionic liquids (ILs) have had a beneficial impact on optimising wearable sensing applications through (a) enhancement of the selectivity/specificity of analyte interactions, (b) enhancements of sensor performance, such as electrochemical response, and (c) the imparting of novel properties to material structure and assembly. Where ILs have already been incorporated into early wearable technologies, consideration of how these solutions might transition to real world requirements for man-worn sensors to provide a viable sensing concept is also discussed.
Box–Behnken design applied to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of petroleum biomarkers in river sediment samples using green analytical chemistry
Authors: Araujo Fausto M. , Santos Mellina D. R. , de Oliveira Marcone A. L. , Matos Renato C. , Matos Maria. A. C.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the conditions for the ultrasound-assisted extraction of petroleum biomarkers in sediments. The optimized method is an example of a greener analytical chemistry.
Visible-light-mediated oxidative demethylation of N6-methyl adenines
Authors: Xie Li-Jun , Wang Rui-Li , Wang Dong , Liu Li , Cheng Liang
Published: September 2017

A novel solution for the chemical modulation of RNA epigenetics via biologically compatible photo-catalysis under visible light irradiation has been described.
Seed-mediated growth of ultra-thin triangular magnetite nanoplates
Authors: Xu Zheheng , Wei Zengyan , He Peigang , Duan Xiaoming , Yang Zhihua , Zhou Yu , Jia Dechang
Published: September 2017

A simple route has been developed that enables the growth of ultra-thin magnetite nanoplates.
Fluoroquinolones as imaging agents for bacterial infection
Authors: Naqvi Syed Ali Raza , Drlica Karl
Published: September 2017

Three ways to radioactively label fluoroquinolones are available, thereby creating multiple options for developing a diagnostic for deep-seated bacterial infection.
A new Mo(iv) complex with the pentadentate (N3O2) Schiff-base ligand: the first non-cyanide pentagonal–bipyramidal paramagnetic 4d complex
Authors: Mironov V. S. , Bazhenova T. A. , Manakin Yu. V. , Lyssenko K. A. , Talantsev A. D. , Yagubskii E. B.
Published: September 2017

Characterized both structurally and magnetically, a new molybdenum(iv) Schiff-base complex represents a novel family of the pentagonal–bipyramidal 4d-metal-based building blocks for construction of advanced single-molecule magnets.
Metal–organic frameworks with 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene and varied carboxylate ligands for selectively sensing Fe(iii) ions and ketone molecules
Authors: Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zhao Yue , Zhang Xiu-Du , Kang Yan-Shang , Lu Qing-Yi , Azam Mohammad , Al-Resayes Saud I , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: September 2017

Zn(ii) and Cd(ii) frameworks have potential for sensing Fe(iii) and ketone molecules with high selectivity and sensitivity.
Bis(silylenyl)-substituted ferrocene-stabilized η6-arene iron(0) complexes: synthesis, structure and catalytic application
Authors: Luecke Marcel-Philip , Porwal Digvijay , Kostenko Arseni , Zhou Yu-Peng , Yao Shenglai , Keck Matthias , Limberg Christian , Oestreich Martin , Driess Matthias
Published: September 2017

The synthesis of the first ferrocene bis(NHSi)-stabilized iron(arene) complexes and their application in the catalytic hydrogenation of ketones is reported.
HIV/HAART-associated oxidative stress is detectable by metabonomics
Authors: Williams Aurelia A. , Sitole Lungile J. , Meyer Debra
Published: September 2017

HIV and/or its treatment increases reactive oxidant species and concomitantly decreases antioxidants, collectively destabilizing DNA, protein and lipids, producing markers of oxidative stress, detectable by metabonomics.
Computational identification of protein S-sulfenylation sites by incorporating the multiple sequence features information
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Guo Dianjing , Kurata Hiroyuki
Published: September 2017

Cysteine S-sulfenylation is a major type of posttranslational modification that contributes to protein structure and function regulation in many cellular processes.
Modelling the propagation of a dynamical signature in gene expression mediated by the transport of extracellular microRNAs
Authors: Grau Ribes Alexis , De Decker Yannick , Gérard Claude , Rongy Laurence
Published: September 2017

The range of action, defined as the distance from a source cell where protein concentration is half the basal value, depends on 3 parameters only: the synthesis rate of miRNA, its degradation constant and its transport coefficient.
Vanadate oxidative and apoptotic effects are mediated by the MAPK-Nrf2 pathway in layer oviduct magnum epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Jianping , Huang Xuanyang , Zhang Keying , Mao Xiangbing , Ding Xuemei , Zeng Qiufeng , Bai Shiping , Xuan Yue , Peng Huanwei
Published: September 2017

Activation of the P38 and JNK signaling pathways, might be, at least in part, mediated by Nrf2, and induces oxidative stress, and P38, ERK1/2 and JNK all participate in V-triggered apoptosis of OME cells in laying hens.
Gold(i)-catalyzed synthesis of 2-substituted indoles from 2-alkynylnitroarenes with diboron as reductant
Authors: Fu Wenqiang , Yang Kai , Chen Jinglong , Song Qiuling
Published: September 2017

An efficient method for the synthesis of 2-substituted indoles via a diboron/base promoted tandem reductive cyclization of o-alkynylnitroarene under Au catalysis conditions has been disclosed.
The pH-influenced PET processes between pyronine and different heterocycles
Authors: Yang Ling , Niu Jin-Yun , Sun Ru , Xu Yu-Jie , Ge Jian-Feng
Published: September 2017

The relative electron densities between pyronine and various linked heterocycles were investigated.
Iridium catalyzed fragmentation/cyclization of N-butynyl 4,4-dimethylisoxazolidine-3,5-diones: a unique access to multiply substituted pyrroles
Authors: Shen Mei-Hua , Ren Xin-Tao , Pan Ying-Peng , Xu Hua-Dong
Published: September 2017

A novel protocol for the synthesis of multiply substituted pyrroles has been developed through the iridium catalyzed fragmentation/cyclization of N-butynyl 4,4-dimethylisoxazolidine-3,5-diones in hot ethanol.
Recent advances in the synthesis of functional materials by engineered and recombinant living cells
Authors: Winnacker Malte
Published: September 2017

Recent strategies for the synthesis of functional materials by living cells are highlighted, elucidating the potential of the interface of materials science and synthetic biology.