bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Job Insecurity as a Predictor of Conflict in Botswana Construction Industry
Authors: Moeti-Lysson Josephine , Sokro Evans , Courvisanos Jerry
Published: March 2017

The construction sector continues to play a significant role in the socio-economic development of many nations, most importantly, today’s emerging economies. Although the sector is labour intensive and employees play critical roles in various projects and their success, there has been little research on people management practices and policies. Obtaining data from 617 employees working in eight Botswana construction companies, this study investigates employees’ perceptions of job insecurity and conflict in domestic-owned and Chinese-owned companies. The results show that there is a significant positive relationship between temporary work and perception of job insecurity and as such, job insecurity is positively related to conflict; these have large and significant impacts on deviant workplace behaviour. Also, there is statistically significant difference between males and females in both types of companies on how they perceive job insecurity as the cause of conflict, which needs to be addressed in human resource management to ensure better labour relations and higher labour productivity.
Removal of Large Foreign Bodies Made of Thermoplastic Material from the Eye
Authors: Stolyarenko Georgiy , Doroshenko Dzhasser , Salakhutdinov Victor , Smetanin Yuri
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To present the results of research aimed at developing a new method of minimally invasive removal of an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) from the eye cavity.

Methods

The main idea was to fix the IOFB onto the edge of a laser probe, which is transsclerally injected into the eye. After that, the IOFB is fixed at the end of the laser probe and removed transpupillary from the eye through an incision in the cornea. In order to fix the IOFB on the laser probe edge, this edge should be brought closely to the IOFB surface. The material of the IOFB should be locally fused using the laser emission. During this process, the probe edge should be submerged into the liquid melt. After laser emission is turned off, the material around the probe is hardened and the IOFB is hardly fixed on the laser probe edge.

Results and Conclusions

The main laser emission parameters and their influence on the eye tissue were investigated within a thermodynamic model. It is shown that for IOFB made from polyethylene terephthalate the optimal laser power is close to 2 W, the rate of rise of light energy is more than 10 ms, and the wavelength is approximately 0.905 μm. With these parameters (taking into account multiple scattering effects), the light impact on the retina will not exceed 100 mW/cm2, which is not dangerous for eye tissue. Efficiency is supported by clinical testing. The method was used for intraocular extraction of an Airsoft ball bearing (6 mm sphere of polyethylene terephthalate). The overall extraction time was approximately 4 minutes.
Polymorphisms and Mutations in GSTP1, RAD51, XRCC1 and XRCC3 Genes in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zoubi Mazhar Salim Al , Zavaglia Katia , Mazanti Chiara , Hamad Mohammad Al , Batayneh Khalid Al , Aljabali Alaa A.A. , Bevilacqua Generoso
Published: March 2017

Background

Genotoxic factors, including ionizing radiation and oxidative stress, are associated with genomic instability and development of breast cancer (BC). The homologous recombination DNA repair (HRR) pathway, base excision repair (BER) mechanism, and antioxidative enzymes are required as defense mechanisms against these DNA damaging agents. GSTP1, XRCC1, XRCC3 and RAD51 proteins are essential components of antioxidation, BER and HRR of DNA, respectively. Deficiencies in BER, HRR and antioxidation pathways are involved in the progression of cancer.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and blood samples of BC patients of an Italian population. Genomic DNA was also extracted from blood specimens of a control group. DNA sequencing was performed for six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GSTP1, RAD51, XRCC1 and XRCC3 genes in BC patients and the control group.

Results

Two variants in the 5′-UTR of the XRCC3 (rs1799794 A/G) and RAD51 (rs1801321) genes showed a significant association with susceptibility to BC (OR = 4.125; 95% CI 1.057-16.102; p = 0.03 and OR = 2.04; 95% CI 0.4925-8.449; p = 0.007, respectively). Additionally, we reported 2 mutations in intron 7 of the XRCC3 gene, CTdel (rs543072564) and A/G (rs369703243).

Conclusions

Our results underscored the existence of an association between XRCC3-5′-UTR-A/G (rs1799794) and RAD51-5′-UTR G172T (rs1801321) genotypes and BC risk in an Italian population. The presence of mutations in the intronic region of the XRCC3 gene highlights the importance of more sequence screening of DNA repair genes for possible genetic penetrance in BC.
Study of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured on a Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Scaffold Containing Simvastatin for Bone Healing
Authors: Mendes Junior Dario , Domingues Juliana A. , Hausen Moema A. , Cattani Silvia M.M. , Aragones Aguedo , Oliveira Alexandre L.R. , Inácio Rodrigo F. , Barbo Maria L.P. , Duek Eliana A.R.
Published: March 2017

Background

Tissue engineering is a promising alternative for the development of bone substitutes; for this purpose, three things are necessary: stem cells, a scaffold to allow tissue growth and factors that induce tissue regeneration.

Methods

To congregate such efforts, we used the bioresorbable and biocompatible polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as scaffold. For the osteoinductive factor, we used simvastatin (SIM), a drug with a pleiotropic effect on bone growth. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured in PLGA containing SIM, and the bone substitute of PLGA/SIM/MSC was grafted into critical defects of rat calvaria.

Results

The in vitro results showed that SIM directly interfered with the proliferation of MSC promoting cell death, while in the pure PLGA scaffold the MSC grew continuously. Scaffolds were implanted in the calvaria of rats and separated into groups: control (empty defect), PLGA pure, PLGA/SIM, PLGA/MSC and PLGA/SIM/MSC. The increase in bone growth was higher in the PLGA/SIM group.

Conclusions

We observed no improvement in the growth of bone tissue after implantation of the PLGA/SIM/MSC scaffold. As compared with in vitro results, our main hypothesis is that the microarchitecture of PLGA associated with low SIM release would have created an in vivo microenvironment of concentrated SIM that might have induced MSC death. However, our findings indicate that once implanted, both PLGA/SIM and PLGA/MSC contributed to bone formation. We suggest that strategies to maintain the viability of MSCs after cultivation in PLGA/SIM will contribute to improvement of bone regeneration.
Perioperative HDR Brachytherapy for Reirradiation in Head and Neck Recurrences: Single-institution Experience and Systematic Review
Authors: Tagliaferri Luca , Bussu Francesco , Fionda Bruno , Catucci Francesco , Rigante Mario , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Autorino Rosa , Mattiucci Gian Carlo , Miccichè Francesco , Placidi Elisa , Balducci Mario , Galli Jacopo , Paludetti Gaetano , Kovacs György , Valentini Vincenzo
Published: March 2017

Aim

The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients reirradiated with high-dose-rate (HDR) intensity-modulated brachytherapy (IMBT) for recurrent head and neck cancer and to perform a systematic review of the literature.

Materials and Methods

Patients treated with prior radiation doses >65 Gy were considered. After resection of macroscopic disease, catheters were fixed to the tumor bed. The total dose was 30 Gy in 12 fractions of 2.5 Gy twice daily for 5 days a week. A systematic literature search was conducted through several electronic databases including Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane library.

Results

Seventeen patients were included; median overall survival was 19 months with a median local control interval of 15 months. Median follow-up was 36 months. Seven papers were considered for the review.

Conclusions

IMBT could play an important role in the retreatment of recurrent head and neck cancer.
Review of the Mechanisms Involved in the Abscopal Effect and Future Directions with a Focus on Thymic Carcinoma
Authors: Lesueur Paul , Chevalier François , Stefan Dinu , Habrand Jean-Louis , Lerouge Delphine , Gervais Radj
Published: March 2017

The abscopal effect is a rare phenomenon in radiotherapy, leading to impressive tumor regression outside the radiotherapy field. In this article we describe the occurrence of a postradiotherapy abscopal effect in an 89-year-old patient suffering from a metastatic neuroendocrine large-cell thymic carcinoma, the first case of the abscopal effect related to a thymic carcinoma reported in the literature. Along with the description of this case, we discuss and review the main potential mechanisms of bystander and abscopal effects in solid tumors so as to enable clinicians to identify and control these effects more resourcefully in the age of immunotherapy and stereotactic radiotherapy.
Evaluation of late cerebral vascular complications in cranially irradiated pediatric cancer patients with magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Kupeli Serhan , Bicakci Kenan , Sezgin Gulay , Bayram Ibrahim
Published: March 2017

Background:

We aimed to establish the early diagnosis of cerebral vascular complications by using cerebral magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in patients who were treated with cranial RT in childhood as part of their cancer treatment.

Procedure:

Patients who had received cranial RT before the age of 18 and had been in remission for at least 1 year were enrolled in the study. A data form including demographic and clinical characteristics and findings of cerebral MRA was filled in for each patient.

Results:

Cerebral MRA examination was performed between November 2013 and October 2015 in 53 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Abnormalities were found in 7 patients (13.2%). All patients were asymptomatic at the time of examination. There was a significant difference between patients in the abnormality-positive and abnormality-negative groups related to cranial radiation dose (p = 0.013) and age at the time of examination (p = 0.015) in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, cranial radiation dose was found to have an impact on developing cerebral vascular abnormalities (p = 0.045).

Conclusions:

Cerebral MRA is a noninvasive method of follow-up for late cerebral vascular complications in surviving pediatric oncology patients who were treated with cranial RT as part of their cancer treatment.
Primitive neuroectodermal tumour of kidney with thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and good responsive to surgical and medical treatment: description of a case and revision of literature
Authors: Giliberto Giovanni L. , Di Franco Carmelo A. , Rovereto Bruno
Published: March 2017

Primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) of kidney is a rare cancer typical of young adults with few cases described in the literature. We report a case of renal PNET in a 31-year-old man who presented to our department with a computed tomographic (CT)-scan revealing a large renal mass of 20 cm, massive thrombosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The patient underwent radical nephrectomy with contextual retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and resection of IVC needing Dacron prosthesis substitution. Definitive histopathological examination showed PNET of kidney infiltrating ipsilateral adrenal gland, massive cava thrombosis with infiltration of vena cava wall and one lymph nodal metastasis. Postoperative PET-scan showed metastatic lesions in bilateral adrenal glands and pancreas. The patient received chemotherapy, and currently, he is in follow-up after 26 months from first diagnosis without any sign of recurrence of disease. Kidney PNET usually is associated with poor prognosis, so, it needs an early identification and differentiation from other similar small cells tumours in order to obtain a good response to the treatments.
DNA-mediated association of two histone-bound complexes of yeast Chromatin Assembly Factor-1 (CAF-1) drives tetrasome assembly in the wake of DNA replication
Authors: Mattiroli Francesca , Gu Yajie , Yadav Tejas , Balsbaugh Jeremy L , Harris Michael R , Findlay Eileen S , Liu Yang , Radebaugh Catherine A , Stargell Laurie A , Ahn Natalie G , Whitehouse Iestyn , Luger Karolin
Published: March 2017

Nucleosome assembly in the wake of DNA replication is a key process that regulates cell identity and survival. Chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) is a H3-H4 histone chaperone that associates with the replisome and orchestrates chromatin assembly following DNA synthesis. Little is known about the mechanism and structure of this key complex. Here we investigate the CAF-1•H3-H4 binding mode and the mechanism of nucleosome assembly. We show that yeast CAF-1 binding to a H3-H4 dimer activates the Cac1 winged helix domain interaction with DNA. This drives the formation of a transient CAF-1•histone•DNA intermediate containing two CAF-1 complexes, each associated with one H3-H4 dimer. Here, the (H3-H4)2 tetramer is formed and deposited onto DNA. Our work elucidates the molecular mechanism for histone deposition by CAF-1, a reaction that has remained elusive for other histone chaperones, and it advances our understanding of how nucleosomes and their epigenetic information are maintained through DNA replication.
Human cardiac fibroblasts adaptive responses to controlled combined mechanical strain and oxygen changes in vitro
Authors: Ugolini Giovanni Stefano , Pavesi Andrea , Rasponi Marco , Fiore Gianfranco Beniamino , Kamm Roger , Soncini Monica
Published: March 2017

Upon cardiac pathological conditions such as ischemia, microenvironmental changes instruct a series of cellular responses that trigger cardiac fibroblasts-mediated tissue adaptation and inflammation. A comprehensive model of how early environmental changes may induce cardiac fibroblasts (CF) pathological responses is far from being elucidated, partly due to the lack of approaches involving complex and simultaneous environmental stimulation. Here, we provide a first analysis of human primary CF behavior by means of a multi-stimulus microdevice for combined application of cyclic mechanical strain and controlled oxygen tension. Our findings elucidate differential human CFs responses to different combinations of the above stimuli. Individual stimuli cause proliferative effects (PHH3+ mitotic cells, YAP translocation, PDGF secretion) or increase collagen presence. Interestingly, only the combination of hypoxia and a simulated loss of contractility (2% strain) is able to additionally induce increased CF release of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases.
Insights into the molecular architecture and histone H3-H4 deposition mechanism of yeast Chromatin assembly factor 1
Authors: Sauer Paul Victor , Timm Jennifer , Liu Danni , Sitbon David , Boeri-Erba Elisabetta , Velours Christophe , Mücke Norbert , Langowski Jörg , Ochsenbein Françoise , Almouzni Geneviève , Panne Daniel
Published: March 2017

How the very first step in nucleosome assembly, deposition of histone H3-H4 as tetramers or dimers on DNA, is accomplished remains largely unclear. Here, we report that yeast chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF1), a conserved histone chaperone complex that deposits H3-H4 during DNA replication, binds a single H3-H4 heterodimer in solution. We identify a new DNA-binding domain in the large Cac1 subunit of CAF1, which is required for high-affinity DNA binding by the CAF1 three-subunit complex, and which is distinct from the previously described C-terminal winged-helix domain. CAF1 binds preferentially to DNA molecules longer than 40 bp, and two CAF1-H3-H4 complexes concertedly associate with DNA molecules of this size, resulting in deposition of H3-H4 tetramers. While DNA binding is not essential for H3–H4 tetrasome deposition in vitro, it is required for efficient DNA synthesis-coupled nucleosome assembly. Mutant histones with impaired H3-H4 tetramerization interactions fail to release from CAF1, indicating that DNA deposition of H3-H4 tetramers by CAF1 requires a hierarchical cooperation between DNA binding, H3-H4 deposition and histone tetramerization.
Systematic morphological profiling of human gene and allele function via Cell Painting
Authors: Rohban Mohammad Hossein , Singh Shantanu , Wu Xiaoyun , Berthet Julia B , Bray Mark-Anthony , Shrestha Yashaswi , Varelas Xaralabos , Boehm Jesse S , Carpenter Anne E
Published: March 2017

We hypothesized that human genes and disease-associated alleles might be systematically functionally annotated using morphological profiling of cDNA constructs, via a microscopy-based Cell Painting assay. Indeed, 50% of the 220 tested genes yielded detectable morphological profiles, which grouped into biologically meaningful gene clusters consistent with known functional annotation (e.g., the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK cascade). We used novel subpopulation-based visualization methods to interpret the morphological changes for specific clusters. This unbiased morphologic map of gene function revealed TRAF2/c-REL negative regulation of YAP1/WWTR1-responsive pathways. We confirmed this discovery of functional connectivity between the NF-κB pathway and Hippo pathway effectors at the transcriptional level, thereby expanding knowledge of these two signaling pathways that critically regulate tumor initiation and progression. We make the images and raw data publicly available, providing an initial morphological map of major biological pathways for future study.
Stimulus background influences phase invariant coding by correlated neural activity
Authors: Metzen Michael G , Chacron Maurice J
Published: March 2017

Previously we reported that correlations between the activities of peripheral afferents mediate a phase invariant representation of natural communication stimuli that is refined across successive processing stages thereby leading to perception and behavior in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus (Metzen et al., 2016). Here, we explore how phase invariant coding and perception of natural communication stimuli are affected by changes in the sinusoidal background over which they occur. We found that increasing background frequency led to phase locking, which decreased both detectability and phase invariant coding. Correlated afferent activity was a much better predictor of behavior as assessed from both invariance and detectability than single neuron activity. Thus, our results provide not only further evidence that correlated activity likely determines perception of natural communication signals, but also a novel explanation as to why these preferentially occur on top of low frequency as well as low-intensity sinusoidal backgrounds.
A cellular mechanism for inverse effectiveness in multisensory integration
Authors: Truszkowski Torrey LS , Carrillo Oscar A , Bleier Julia , Ramirez-Vizcarrondo Carolina M , Felch Daniel L , McQuillan Molly , Truszkowski Christopher P , Khakhalin Arseny S , Aizenman Carlos D
Published: March 2017

To build a coherent view of the external world, an organism needs to integrate multiple types of sensory information from different sources, a process known as multisensory integration (MSI). Previously, we showed that the temporal dependence of MSI in the optic tectum of Xenopus laevis tadpoles is mediated by the network dynamics of the recruitment of local inhibition by sensory input (Felch et al., 2016). This was one of the first cellular-level mechanisms described for MSI. Here, we expand this cellular level view of MSI by focusing on the principle of inverse effectiveness, another central feature of MSI stating that the amount of multisensory enhancement observed inversely depends on the size of unisensory responses. We show that non-linear summation of crossmodal synaptic responses, mediated by NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDARs) activation, form the cellular basis for inverse effectiveness, both at the cellular and behavioral levels.
Possible pathways and tensions in the food and water nexus
Authors: Grafton R. Quentin , Williams John , Jiang Qiang
Published: March 2017

“Bottom‐up” field‐based, crop‐hydrological models are used to estimate food production and irrigation water extractions under multiple scenarios of water and nitrogen use and crop yield increases from 2010 to 2050 for 19 countries. The results show: (1) a food deficit before 2050 under a worst case climate change scenario in terms of annual crop yield improvement; (2) substantial water deficits, as a result of irrigation, for major food‐producing countries that will prevent these nations from meeting their domestic food requirements in the absence of investments in water infrastructure or food imports; and (3) a plateau in terms of crop food production associated with increased water extractions given no further increase in the current area of irrigated agriculture. Possible pathways to respond to the tensions in the food–water nexus are evaluated and include: (1) higher water productivity; (2) food trade; (3) improvements in both crop yield and “sustainable” total factor productivity; (4) greater investment in water infrastructure; and (5) integrative policies and decision processes. Without a combination of some, or all, of these possible pathways, appropriately adapted to bio‐physical and socio‐economic circumstances, the world faces grave risks in food and water security out to 2050.
New data‐driven estimation of terrestrial CO2 fluxes in Asia using a standardized database of eddy covariance measurements, remote sensing data, and support vector regression
Authors: Ichii Kazuhito , Ueyama Masahito , Kondo Masayuki , Saigusa Nobuko , Kim Joon , Alberto Ma. Carmelita , Ardö Jonas , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Kang Minseok , Hirano Takashi , Joiner Joanna , Kobayashi Hideki , Marchesini Luca Belelli , Merbold Lutz , Miyata Akira , Saitoh Taku M. , Takagi Kentaro , Varlagin Andrej , Bret‐Harte M. Syndonia , Kitamura Kenzo , Kosugi Yoshiko , Kotani Ayumi , Kumar Kireet , Li Sheng‐Gong , Machimura Takashi , Matsuura Yojiro , Mizoguchi Yasuko , Ohta Takeshi , Mukherjee Sandipan , Yanagi Yuji , Yasuda Yukio , Zhang Yiping , Zhao Fenghua
Published: March 2017

The lack of a standardized database of eddy covariance observations has been an obstacle for data‐driven estimation of terrestrial CO2 fluxes in Asia. In this study, we developed such a standardized database using 54 sites from various databases by applying consistent postprocessing for data‐driven estimation of gross primary productivity (GPP) and net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE). Data‐driven estimation was conducted by using a machine learning algorithm: support vector regression (SVR), with remote sensing data for 2000 to 2015 period. Site‐level evaluation of the estimated CO2 fluxes shows that although performance varies in different vegetation and climate classifications, GPP and NEE at 8 days are reproduced (e.g., r2 = 0.73 and 0.42 for 8 day GPP and NEE). Evaluation of spatially estimated GPP with Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment 2 sensor‐based Sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence shows that monthly GPP variations at subcontinental scale were reproduced by SVR (r2 = 1.00, 0.94, 0.91, and 0.89 for Siberia, East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, respectively). Evaluation of spatially estimated NEE with net atmosphere‐land CO2 fluxes of Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) Level 4A product shows that monthly variations of these data were consistent in Siberia and East Asia; meanwhile, inconsistency was found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, differences in the land CO2 fluxes from SVR‐NEE and GOSAT Level 4A were partially explained by accounting for the differences in the definition of land CO2 fluxes. These data‐driven estimates can provide a new opportunity to assess CO2 fluxes in Asia and evaluate and constrain terrestrial ecosystem models.
Reconciling the Reynolds number dependence of scalar roughness length and laminar resistance
Authors: Li Dan , Rigden Angela , Salvucci Guido , Liu Heping
Published: March 2017

The scalar roughness length and laminar resistance are necessary for computing scalar fluxes in numerical simulations and experimental studies. Their dependence on flow properties such as the Reynolds number remains controversial. In particular, two important power laws (“1/4” and “1/2”), both having strong theoretical foundations, have been widely used in various parameterizations and models. Building on a previously proposed phenomenological model for interactions between the viscous sublayer and the turbulent flow, it is shown here that the two scaling laws can be reconciled. The 1/4 power law corresponds to the situation where the vertical diffusion is balanced by the temporal change or advection due to a constant velocity in the viscous sublayer, while the 1/2 scaling corresponds to the situation where the vertical diffusion is balanced by the advection due to a linear velocity profile in the viscous sublayer. In addition, the recently proposed “1” power law scaling is also recovered, which corresponds to the situation where molecular diffusion dominates the scalar budget in the viscous sublayer. The formulation proposed here provides a unified framework for understanding the onset of these different scaling laws and offers a new perspective on how to evaluate them experimentally.
Formation of plasma around a small meteoroid: 2. Implications for radar head echo
Authors: Dimant Y. S. , Oppenheim M. M.
Published: March 2017

This paper calculates the spatial distribution of the plasma responsible for radar head echoes by applying the kinetic theory developed in the companion paper. This results in a set of analytic expressions for the plasma density as a function of distance from the meteoroid. It shows that at distances less than a collisional mean free path from the meteoroid surface, the plasma density drops in proportion to 1/R where R is the distance from the meteoroid center; and, at distances much longer than the mean‐free‐path behind the meteoroid, the density diminishes at a rate proportional to 1/R2. The results of this paper should be used for modeling and analysis of radar head echoes.
Novel Iron/Cobalt‐Containing Polypyrrole Hydrogel‐Derived Trifunctional Electrocatalyst for Self‐Powered Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Yang Jia , Wang Xu , Li Bo , Ma Liang , Shi Lei , Xiong Yujie , Xu Hangxun
Published: March 2017

Development of efficient, low‐cost, and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of significant importance for many electrochemical devices, such as rechargeable metal–air batteries, fuel cells, and water electrolyzers. Here, a novel approach for the synthesis of a trifunctional electrocatalyst derived from iron/cobalt‐containing polypyrrole (PPy) hydrogel is reported. This strategy relies on the formation of a supramolecularly cross‐linked PPy hydrogel that allows for efficient and homogeneous incorporation of highly active Fe/Co–N–C species. Meanwhile, Co nanoparticles are also formed and embedded into the carbon scaffold during the pyrolysis process, further promoting electrochemical activities. The resultant electrocatalyst exhibits prominent catalytic activities for ORR, OER, and HER, surpassing previously reported trifunctional electrocatalysts. Finally, it is demonstrated that the as‐obtained trifunctional electrocatalyst can be used for electrocatalytic overall water splitting in a self‐powered manner under ambient conditions. This work offers new prospects in developing highly active, nonprecious‐metal‐based electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy devices.
Significantly Increased Raman Enhancement on MoX2 (X = S, Se) Monolayers upon Phase Transition
Authors: Yin Ying , Miao Peng , Zhang Yumin , Han Jiecai , Zhang Xinghong , Gong Yue , Gu Lin , Xu Chengyan , Yao Tai , Xu Ping , Wang Yi , Song Bo , Jin Song
Published: March 2017

2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials have been recognized as active platforms for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Here, the effect of crystal structure (phase) transition is shown, which leads to altered electronic structures of TMD materials, on the Raman enhancement. Using thermally evaporated copper phthalocyanine, solution soaked rhodamine 6G, and crystal violet as typical probe molecules, it is found that a phase transition from 2H‐ to 1T‐phase can significantly increase the Raman enhancement effect on MoX2 (X = S, Se) monolayers through a predominantly chemical mechanism. First‐principle density functional theory calculations indicate that the significant enhancement of the Raman signals on metallic 1T‐MoX2 can be attributed to the facilitated electron transfer from the Fermi energy level of metallic 1T‐MoX2 to the highest occupied molecular orbital level of the probe molecules, which is more efficient than the process from the top of valence band of semiconducting 2H‐MoX2. This study not only reveals the origin of the Raman enhancement and identifies 1T‐MoSe2 and 1T‐MoS2 as potential Raman enhancement substrates, but also paves the way for designing new 2D SERS substrates via phase‐transition engineering.
Noncentrosymmetric Magnets Hosting Magnetic Skyrmions
Authors: Kanazawa Naoya , Seki Shinichiro , Tokura Yoshinori
Published: March 2017

The concept of a skyrmion, which was first introduced by Tony Skyrme in the field of particle physics, has become widespread in condensed matter physics to describe various topological orders. Skyrmions in magnetic materials have recently received particular attention; they represent vortex‐like spin structures with the character of nanometric particles and produce fascinating physical properties rooted in their topological nature. Here, a series of noncentrosymmetric ferromagnets hosting skyrmions is reviewed: B20 metals, Cu2OSeO3, Co‐Zn‐Mn alloys, and GaV4S8, where Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction plays a key role in the stabilization of skyrmion spin texture. Their topological spin arrangements and consequent emergent electromagnetic fields give rise to striking features in transport and magnetoelectric properties in metals and insulators, such as the topological Hall effect, efficient electric‐drive of skyrmions, and multiferroic behavior. Such electric controllability and nanometric particle natures highlight magnetic skyrmions as a potential information carrier for high‐density magnetic storage devices with excellent energy efficiency.
Light Control of Charge Transfer and Excitonic Transitions in a Carbon Nanotube/Porphyrin Hybrid
Authors: Chen Yani , Royal Guy , Flahaut Emmanuel , Cobo Saioa , Bouchiat Vincent , Marty Laëtitia , Bendiab Nedjma
Published: March 2017

Carbon nanotube–chromophore hybrids are promising building blocks in order to obtain a controlled electro‐optical transduction effect at the single nano‐object level. In this work, a strong spectral selectivity of the electronic and the phononic response of a chromophore‐coated single nanotube transistor is observed for which standard photogating cannot account. This paper investigates how light irradiation strongly modifies the coupling between molecules and nanotube within the hybrid by means of combined Raman diffusion and electron transport measurements. Moreover, a nonconventional Raman enhancement effect is observed when light irradiation is on the absorption range of the grafted molecule. Finally, this paper shows how the dynamics of single electron tunneling in the device at low temperature is strongly modified by molecular photoexcitation. Both effects will be discussed in terms of photoinduced excitons coupled to electronic levels.
Inkjet Printed Large Area Multifunctional Smart Windows
Authors: Cai Guofa , Darmawan Peter , Cheng Xing , Lee Pooi See
Published: March 2017

Multifunctional smart windows are successfully fabricated by assembling inkjet printed CeO2/TiO2 and WO3/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrene sulfonate) films as the anode and cathode, respectively. Large optical modulation (more than 70% at 633 nm), fast switching (12.7/15.8 s), high coloration efficiency (108.9 cm2 C−1), and excellent bistability are achieved by the assembled smart windows. The multifunctional smart window not only can be used as typical electrochromic window, which can change its color to dynamically control the solar radiation transmittance through windows or protect privacy during the day, but also can be used as energy‐storage device simultaneously. The designed smart window releases the stored energy to light the bulbs and power other electronic devices at night while its color gradually reverts to transparent state. Moreover, the level of stored energy can be monitored via the visually detectable reversible color variation of the window. The fascinating multifunctional smart windows exhibit promising features for a wide range of applications in buildings, airplanes, automobiles, etc.
Psychiatric Disability in Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Price Marilyn
Published: March 2017

Law enforcement officers all across the world are exposed to violence, confrontation, and traumatic incidents. They regularly witness death and suffering and are at risk of personal injury. Psychiatric sequelae include an increased risk for trauma‐related symptoms, depression, alcohol‐use disorders, and stress‐related medical conditions. Law enforcement officers have been applying for early disability retirement pensions at an increased rate for stress‐related psychiatric and medical conditions. As a result, law enforcement agencies are prematurely losing valuable resources, officers with training and experience. Departments have become proactive in trying to address mental health issues to prevent psychiatric disability by implementing employee wellness plans and stress reduction interventions. Programs have been developed to mitigate the effects of stress on law enforcement personnel. Many law enforcement agencies have developed strategies to encourage early confidential referral for psychiatric treatment. They utilize peer support groups and employee assistance programs and develop alliances with mental health professionals. When these approaches fail, a fitness for duty process can be used to identify impairment in work functioning due to psychiatric factors with the prospect of later returning the officer to full duty. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Case report: a new method for treatment of permethrin – resistant head lice
Authors: Jahangiri Farhad
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation is an important disease worldwide, especially in children under 11 years old. Permethrin is the most common insecticide for treatment of human pediculosis, but nowadays resistance to permethrin and other pyrethroids has caused many treatment failures. The second treatment of choice is malathion.
Large Deviations for Stationary Measures of Stochastic Nonlinear Wave Equations\\with Smooth White Noise
Authors: Martirosyan Davit
Published: March 2017

The paper is devoted to the derivation of the large deviations principle for the family of stationary measures of the Markov process generated by the flow of the damped nonlinear wave equations with vanishing white noise. One of the main novelties here is that we do not assume that the deterministic equation possesses a unique equilibrium and we do not impose roughness on the noise. We introduce a new mathematical tool called the generalized stationary measure, which, informally speaking, is a stationary measure that is not necessarily σ‐additive. We show that any Markov operator admits such a measure and use this to develop the Freidlin‐Wentzell and Khasminskii approaches to the infinite‐dimensional setting. We also extend Sowers' method when establishing exponential tightness. Some ingredients of the proof rely on rather nonstandard techniques.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Tap Density Li4Ti5O12 Microspheres: Synthetic Conditions and Advanced Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Ren Jianxin , Ming Hai , Jia Zhenyong , Zhang Yanqing , Ming Jun , Zhou Qun , Zheng Junwei
Published: March 2017

Preparation of uniform, spherical Li4Ti5O12 with high tap density is significant to achieve a high volumetric energy density in lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, Li4Ti5O12 microspheres with variable tap density and tunable size distribution were synthesized by a newly designed industrial spray‐drying approach. The slurry concentration, sintering time, sintering conditions after spraying, and the effect of lithium/titanium molar ratio on the lithium‐ion (Li+) storage capability were investigated. A narrow particle size distribution of around 10 μm and a high tap density close to 1.4 g cm−3 of the Li4Ti5O12 spheres can be obtained under the optimized conditions. The Li4Ti5O12 spheres can deliver a much higher capacity of 168 mAh g−1 at a rate of 1 C and show a high capacity retention of 97.7 % over 400 cycles. The synthetic conditions are confirmed to be critical for improving the electron conductivity and Li+ diffusivity by adjusting the crystal and spatial structures. As‐prepared high‐performance Li4Ti5O12 is an ideal electrode for lithium‐ion batteries or capacitors; meanwhile, the presented approach is also applicable for preparing other kind of spherical materials.
Evaluation of Al‐based nanoparticle‐impregnated sawdust as an adsorbent from byproduct for the removal of arsenic(V) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Wu Kun , Liu Ting , Lei Chao , Zhang Furong
Published: March 2017

In this research, sawdust was modified with chemical reagents to produce an adsorbent from byproduct, namely, Al‐based nanoparticle‐impregnated sawdust (ANIS) to remove arsenate [As(V)] from aqueous solutions. Several methods, including scanning electron microscopy with an energy‐dispersive spectrometry, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis, were performed to characterize this material. Results showed that Al‐based nanoparticles were successfully impregnated in the sawdust and thus significantly changed their surface characteristics. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to determine the properties and mechanisms of As(V) adsorption onto ANIS. The maximum adsorption capacity of As(V) was 17.76 mg/g, which was higher than that of most adsorbents from byproducts. However, the adsorption of As(V) was adversely affected by alkaline conditions. Some interfering anions, especially phosphate, inhibited the ANIS‐induced As(V) removal. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested that the oxygen‐containing functional groups of Al oxides were the main contributors to As(V) adsorption, and the main adsorption mechanism was surface complexation. Approximately 2664 bed volumes of simulated groundwater containing 150 µg/L As(V) were treated before a breakthrough was observed in the small‐scale column experiments. Thus, ANIS could be an efficient material for As(V) removal. This study indicated that ANIS can be used as a reliable option for As decontamination. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1314–1322, 2017
Rethinking Ethnocentrism in International Business Research
Authors: Michailova Snejina , Piekkari Rebecca , Storgaard Marianne , Tienari Janne
Published: March 2017

Research summary

For nearly five decades, international business (IB) research in general and the literature on organizational design and staffing of multinationals in particular have treated ethnocentrism mainly as an adverse attribute. Limited attention has been paid to the disciplines that originally established the concept—anthropology, sociology, and psychology. These disciplines have examined ethnocentrism as a positive, neutral, or negative phenomenon with a complex hierarchical structure.IBliterature, in turn, has almost exclusively adopted a negative view, suggesting that ethnocentrism hinders adoption of a global strategy. This article borrows insights from the three base disciplines to rethink the concept of ethnocentrism inIBresearch and to draw implications for global strategy research. The article also calls for a more careful borrowing of concepts from other disciplines.

Managerial summary

This article is about ethnocentrism. Ethnocentric people tend to believe that their group, organization, culture, or ethnicity is superior to others. Ethnocentrism can exist in international business, for instance, where home country staff consider themselves superior to foreign staff in other countries. In international business research, ethnocentrism is usually considered undesirable, something that should be eliminated. However, sociology, anthropology, and psychology, where the concept was originally established, have adopted a wider, far more nuanced and intellectually richer view that also acknowledges the neutrality and benefits of ethnocentrism. We draw on this more refined view to rethink ethnocentrism in international business and show implications for global strategy research.
Improved Screening Test for Idiopathic Infantile Hypercalcemia Confirms Residual Levels of Serum 24,25-(OH)2D3 in Affected Patients
Authors: Kaufmann Martin , Morse Nicole , Molloy Billy Joe , Cooper Donald P , Schlingmann Karl Peter , Molin Arnaud , Kottler Marie Laure , Gallagher J Christopher , Armas Laura , Jones Glenville
Published: March 2017

CYP24A1 mutations are now accepted as a cause of idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia (IIH). A rapid liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based blood test enabling measurement of the 25-OH-D3:24,25-(OH)2D3 ratio (R) can identify IIH patients on the basis of reduced C24-hydroxylation of 25-OH-D3 by CYP24A1 in vivo. Although values of this ratio are significantly elevated in IIH, somewhat surprisingly, serum 24,25-(OH)2D3 remains detectable. The current study explores possible explanations for this including: residual CYP24A1 enzyme activity in individuals with certain CYP24A1 genotypes, expression of alternative C24-hydroxylases, and the possibility of isobaric contamination of the 24,25-(OH)2D3 peak on LC-MS/MS. We employed an extended 20-min run time on LC-MS/MS to study serum vitamin D metabolites in patients with IIH due to mutations of CYP24A1 or SLC34A1; in unaffected heterozygotes and dialysis patients; in patients with vitamin D deficiency; as well as in normal subjects exhibiting a broad range of 25-OH-D levels. We identified 25,26-(OH)2D3 as a contaminant of the 24,25-(OH)2D3 peak. In normals, the concentration of 24,25-(OH)2D3 greatly exceeds 25,26-(OH)2D3; however, 25,26-(OH)2D3 becomes more significant in IIH with CYP24A1 mutations and in dialysis patients, where 24,25-(OH)2D3 levels are low when CYP24A1 function is compromised. Mean R in 30 IIH-CYP24A1 patients was 700 (range, 166 to 2168; cutoff = 140) as compared with 31 in 163 controls. Furthermore, patients possessing CYP24A1 L409S alleles exhibited higher 24,25-(OH)2D3 levels and lower R (mean R = 268; n = 8) than patients with other mutations. We conclude that a chromatographic approach which resolves 24,25-(OH)2D3 from 25,26-(OH)2D3 produces a more accurate R that can be used to differentiate pathological states where CYP24A1 activity is altered. The origin of the residual serum 24,25-(OH)2D3 in IIH patients appears to be multifactorial. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Funding Strategy and Performance of Microfinance Institutions: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Tchuigoua Hubert Tchakoute , Durrieu François , Kouao Guy Serge
Published: March 2017

MFI social and financial performance differs depending on their funding behavior.
Sexual dimorphism in laryngeal muscle fibers and ultrasonic vocalizations in the adult rat
Authors: Lenell Charles , Johnson Aaron M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

The human voice is sexually dimorphic in obvious ways, such as differences in fundamental frequency and gross laryngeal anatomy, but also in less apparent ways, such as in the prevalence and types of voice disorders and the manifestation of voice changes in advanced age. Differences between males and females are rarely explored, however, in mechanistic animal studies. The goal of this study was to explore sexual dimorphism in laryngeal function and structure in adult rats by examining ultrasonic vocalization acoustics and muscle fiber size and type in the thyroarytenoid muscle.

Study Design

Animal group comparison.

Methods

Spontaneous ultrasonic vocalizations from 10 male adult rats and 10 female adult rats were recorded, classified, and acoustically analyzed. Cross‐sections of the thyroarytenoid muscle were stained and imaged for analysis of muscle fiber size and type. Acoustic and muscle parameters were statistically compared between sexes.

Results

Male rats had a lower mean frequency of short ultrasonic vocalizations. Male rats also had a larger mean fiber size in the external division of the thyroarytenoid and larger overall muscle area in both the vocalis and external divisions of the thyroarytenoid. However, muscle fiber type compositions were similar between sexes in both the vocalis and external division of the thyroarytenoid muscles.

Conclusion

Functional and structural laryngeal differences exist between adult male and female rats; therefore, the rat model can be used to further study sexual dimorphism of the voice.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 127:E270–E276, 2017
Influence of human papillomavirus on the clinical presentation of oropharyngeal carcinoma in the United States
Authors: Stenmark Matthew H. , Shumway Dean , Guo Cui , Vainshtein Jeffrey , Mierzwa Michelle , Jagsi Reshma , Griggs Jennifer J. , Banerjee Mousumi
Published: March 2017

Objective

Much of what is known about the significance of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is derived from single‐institution retrospective studies, post hoc analyses of tissue specimens from clinical trials, and tissue bank studies with a small sample size. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of HPV on the frequency and clinical presentation of oropharyngeal carcinoma in a large, national sample with information from patients who underwent HPV testing.

Study Design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

We identified a comprehensive national sample of 8,359 patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma and known HPV status diagnosed between 2010 and 2011 within the National Cancer Database. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess correlates of patient and tumor characteristics on HPV status.

Results

Among patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, the frequency of HPV‐related squamous cell carcinoma in the United States was 65.4%. HPV‐related oropharyngeal carcinoma was associated with younger age, male sex, and white race (P < 0.001). Advanced primary tumor stage was associated with HPV‐negative disease (P < 0.001), whereas increasing nodal burden was associated with HPV‐positive disease (P < 0.001). Despite less‐advanced nodal disease, HPV‐negative tumors were associated with a higher likelihood of metastasis at presentation (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

HPV now accounts for the majority of newly diagnosed oropharyngeal carcinoma in the United States and is associated with a distinct clinical profile, supporting efforts to re‐evaluate the staging and treatment paradigm for HPV‐associated oropharyngeal cancer.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2270–2278, 2017