bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative secondary ion mass spectrometric analysis of secondary ion polarity in GaN films implanted with oxygen
Authors: Hashiguchi Minako , Sakaguchi Isao , Adachi Yutaka , Ohashi Naoki
Published: September 2016

Quantitative analyses of N and O ions in GaN thin films implanted with oxygen ions (16O+) were conducted by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Positive (CsM+) and negative secondary ions extracted by Cs+ primary ion bombardment were analyzed for oxygen quantitative analysis. The oxygen depth profiles were obtained using two types of primary ion beams: a Gaussian-type beam and a broad spot beam. The oxygen peak concentrations in GaN samples were from 3.2 × 1019 to 7.0 × 1021 atoms/cm3. The depth profiles show equivalent depth resolutions in the two analyses. The intensity of negative oxygen ions was approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that of positive ions. In contrast, the O/N intensity ratio measured using CsM+ molecular ions was close to the calculated atomic density ratio, indicating that the SIMS depth profiling using CsM+ ions is much more effective for the measurements of O and N ions in heavy O-implanted GaN than that using negative ions.
Continuum beliefs in the stigma process regarding persons with schizophrenia and depression: results of path analyses
Authors: Makowski Anna C. , Mnich Eva E. , Angermeyer Matthias C. , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: September 2016

Background

Individuals with mental illness often experience stigmatization and encounter stereotypes such as being dangerous or unpredictable. To further improve measures against psychiatric stigma, it is of importance to understand its components. In this study, we attend to the step of separation between “us” and “them” in the stigma process as conceptualized by Link and Phelan. In using the belief in continuity of mental illness symptoms as a proxy for separation, we explore its associations with stereotypes, emotional responses and desire for social distance in the stigma process.

Methods

Analyses are based on a representative survey in Germany. Vignettes with symptoms suggestive of schizophrenia (n = 1,338) or depression (n = 1,316) were presented to the respondents, followed by questions on continuum belief, stereotypes, emotional reactions and desire for social distance. To examine the relationship between these items, path models were computed.

Results

Respondents who endorsed the continuum belief tended to show greater prosocial reactions (schizophrenia: 0.07; p < 0.001, depression: 0.09; p < 0.001) and less desire for social distance (schizophrenia: −0.13; p < 0.001, depression: −0.14; p < 0.001) toward a person with mental illness. In both cases, agreement with the stereotypes of unpredictability and dangerousness was positively associated with feelings of anger and fear as well as desire for social distance. There were no statistically significant relations between stereotypes and continuum beliefs.

Discussion

Assumptions regarding continuum beliefs in the stigma process were only partially confirmed. However, there were associations of continuum beliefs with less stigmatizing attitudes toward persons affected by either schizophrenia or depression. Including information on continuity of symptoms, and thus oppose perceived separation, could prove helpful in future anti-stigma campaigns.
Evolution history of duplicatedsmad3genes in teleost: insights from Japanese flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Du Xinxin , Liu Yuezhong , Liu Jinxiang , Zhang Quanqi , Wang Xubo
Published: September 2016

Following the two rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD) during deuterosome evolution, a third genome duplication occurred in the ray-fined fish lineage and is considered to be responsible for the teleost-specific lineage diversification and regulation mechanisms. As a receptor-regulated SMAD (R-SMAD), the function ofSMAD3was widely studied in mammals. However, limited information of its role or putative paralogs is available in ray-finned fishes. In this study, twoSMAD3paralogs were first identified in the transcriptome and genome of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). We also exploredSMAD3duplication in other selected species. Following identification, genomic structure, phylogenetic reconstruction, and synteny analyses performed by MrBayes and online bioinformatic tools confirmed thatsmad3a/3bmost likely originated from the teleost-specific WGD. Additionally, selection pressure analysis and expression pattern of the two genes performed by PAML and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed evidence of subfunctionalization of the twoSMAD3paralogs in teleost. Our results indicate that twoSMAD3genes originate from teleost-specific WGD, remain transcriptionally active, and may have likely undergone subfunctionalization. This study provides novel insights to the evolution fates ofsmad3a/3band draws attentions to future function analysis ofSMAD3gene family.
Not always a matter of context: direct effects of red on arousal but context-dependent moderations on valence
Authors: Buechner Vanessa L. , Maier Markus A.
Published: September 2016

The arousal theory of color proposes that red is associated with arousal. Research on the color-in-context theory, in turn, states that the context in which red is perceived influences its valence-related meaning and behavioral responses to it. This study faces and integrates these theories by examining the influence of red on both arousal and valence perceptions of test-relevant and neutral stimuli, rendering a color 2 (red vs. blue) × context 2 (test vs. neutral) between-subjects design. Participants rated different pictures regarding their arousal and valence component, respectively. In line with the assumptions of both theories, red increased arousal perceptions of stimuli irrespective of their valence but a context × color interaction was found for valence perceptions: for participants viewing test-relevant pictures, red increased their perceptions of negativity compared to neutral pictures. The present study shows that both theories are actually compatible when differentiating the arousal and valence component.
Assessing controls on cross‐shelf phytoplankton and suspended particle distributions using repeated bio‐optical glider surveys
Authors: Henderikx Freitas Fernanda , Siegel David A. , Washburn Libe , Halewood Stuart , Stassinos Erik
Published: September 2016

Characterizing the space/time variability of bio‐optical properties is essential to understand the mechanisms that control cross‐shelf phytoplankton and suspended particle distributions in coastal waters. Approximately 400 high‐resolution cross‐shelf sections of bio‐optical properties collected with an oceanographic glider in the coastal Santa Barbara Channel, California, revealed complex relationships among optical properties and environmental conditions. Surface waves were found as a proximate control on suspended sediment variability for both inner and midshelves. Increases in phytoplankton abundances attributed to horizontal advection and upwelling events were observed only on episodic time scales. The lack of all‐encompassing linear relationships between environmental forcings and changes in cross‐shelf phytoplankton highlights the challenge of decoupling bio‐optical signals from their controlling processes in coastal zones where phytoplankton distributions are patchy, and where nearshore and offshore phytoplankton populations and suspended sediments often occupy the same portion of the water column. Clear relationships between runoff and productivity were not observed. Temporal variability of suspended particles and phytoplankton distributions were roughly independent from each other during stratified conditions. Synchronous increases in phytoplankton and suspended sediments were observed when associated with strong upwelling events that may induce mixing and promote productivity. The repeated glider sections illustrated many processes regulating phytoplankton and particle transport in the innershelf and showed the difficulty in establishing general connections between high‐frequency changes in optical properties and potential environmental forcings in a complex coastal environment.
Ice residual properties in mixed‐phase clouds at the high‐alpine Jungfraujoch site
Authors: Kupiszewski Piotr , Zanatta Marco , Mertes Stephan , Vochezer Paul , Lloyd Gary , Schneider Johannes , Schenk Ludwig , Schnaiter Martin , Baltensperger Urs , Weingartner Ernest , Gysel Martin
Published: September 2016

Ice residual (IR) and total aerosol properties were measured in mixed‐phase clouds (MPCs) at the high‐alpine Jungfraujoch research station. Black carbon (BC) content and coating thickness of BC‐containing particles were determined using single‐particle soot photometers. The ice activated fraction (IAF), derived from a comparison of IR and total aerosol particle size distributions, showed an enrichment of large particles in the IR, with an increase in the IAF from values on the order of 10−4 to 10−3 for 100 nm (diameter) particles to 0.2 to 0.3 for 1 μm (diameter) particles. Nonetheless, due to the high number fraction of submicrometer particles with respect to total particle number, IR size distributions were still dominated by the submicrometer aerosol. A comparison of simultaneously measured number size distributions of BC‐free and BC‐containing IR and total aerosol particles showed depletion of BC by number in the IR, suggesting that BC does not play a significant role in ice nucleation in MPCs at the Jungfraujoch. The potential anthropogenic climate impact of BC via the glaciation effect in MPCs is therefore likely to be negligible at this site and in environments with similar meteorological conditions and a similar aerosol population. The IAF of the BC‐containing particles also increased with total particle size, in a similar manner as for the BC‐free particles, but on a level 1 order of magnitude lower. Furthermore, BC‐containing IR were found to have a thicker coating than the BC‐containing total aerosol, suggesting the importance of atmospheric aging for ice nucleation.
Rapid Densification of Carbon/Carbon Composites Plate by Pressure‐Gradient Chemical Vapor Infiltration
Authors: Xia Li Hong , Huang Bo Yun , Zhang Fu Qin , Jin Lei , Chen Da , Tang Qian
Published: September 2016

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composites plate is prepared in the temperature range 1 223–1 373 K by improved pressure‐gradient chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). The bulk densities and pore distributions of C/C composites after different infiltration period are measured and the densification kinetics is investigated. The results show that C/C composites plate with 300 × 300 × 15 mm is able to be densified to 1.52 g cm−3 within 60 h by pressure‐gradient CVI. The porosity of pores with a size larger than 60 µm reduces markedly and the large pores are able to be filled more effectively by pressure‐gradient CVI. The densification kinetics depends on the temperature and competition between reaction and convection mass transport. The activation energy is about 366 kJ mol–1at 1 223–1 313 K and 43.2 kJ mol−1 above 1 313 K.
Nanodroplets for Stretchable Superconducting Circuits
Authors: Ren Long , Zhuang Jincheng , Casillas Gilberto , Feng Haifeng , Liu Yuqing , Xu Xun , Liu Yundan , Chen Jun , Du Yi , Jiang Lei , Dou Shi Xue
Published: September 2016

The prospective utilization of nanoscale superconductors as micro/nanocoils or circuits with superior current density and no electrical resistance loss in next‐generation electronics or electromagnetic equipment represents a fascinating opportunity for new microsystem technologies. Here, a family of superconducting liquid metals (Ga–In–Sn alloys) and their nanodroplets toward printable and stretchable superconducting micro/nanoelectronics is developed. By tuning the composition of liquid metals the highest superconducting critical temperature (Tc) in this family can be modulated and achieved as high as 6.6 K. The liquid metal nanodroplets retain their bulk superconducting properties and can be easily dispersed in different solvents as inks. The printable and stretchable superconducting micro/nano coils, circuits and electrodes have been fabricated by inkjet printer or laser etching by using superconducting nanodroplets inks. This novel superconducting system greatly promotes the commercial utilization of superconductors into advanced flexible micro/nanoelectronic devices and offers a new platform for developing more application with superconductors.
Unprecedented “All‐in‐One” Lanthanide‐Doped Mesoporous Silica Frameworks for Fluorescence/MR Imaging and Combination of NIR Light Triggered Chemo‐Photodynamic Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Kalluru Poliraju , Vankayala Raviraj , Chiang Chi‐Shiun , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: September 2016

Designing a single multifunctional nanoparticle that can simultaneously impart both diagnostic and therapeutic functions is considered to be a long‐lasting hurdle for biomedical researchers. Conventionally, a multifunctional nanoparticle can be constructed by integrating organic dyes/magnetic nanoparticles to impart diagnostic functions and anticancer drugs/photosensitizers to achieve therapeutic outcomes. These multicomponents systems usually suffer from severe photobleaching problems and cannot be activated by near‐infrared (NIR) light. Here, it is demonstrated that all‐in‐one lanthanide‐doped mesoporous silica frameworks (EuGdOx@MSF) loaded with an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) can facilitate simultaneous bimodal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with approximately twofold higher T1‐MR contrast as compared to the commercial Gd(III)‐DTPA complex and fluorescence imaging with excellent photostability. Upon a very low dose (130 mW cm−2) of NIR light (980 nm) irradiation, the EuGdOx@MSF not only can sensitize formation of singlet oxygen (1O2) by itself but also can phototrigger the release of the DOX payload effectively to exert combined chemo‐photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) effects and destroy solid tumors in mice completely. It is also discovered for the first time that the EuGdOx@MSF‐mediated PDT effect can suppress the level of the key drug resistant protein, i.e., p‐glycoprotein (p‐gp) and help alleviate the drug resistant problem commonly associated with many cancers.
Multi‐Responsive “Turn‐On” Nanocarriers for Efficient Site‐Specific Gene Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: He Yiyan , Zhou Jie , Ma Shengnan , Nie Yu , Yue Dong , Jiang Qian , Wali Aisha Roshan Mohamed , Tang James Zhenggui , Gu Zhongwei
Published: September 2016

Systemic gene delivery is a complicated and multistep process that confronts numerous biological barriers. It remains a formidable challenge to exploit a single gene carrier with multiple features to combat all obstacles collectively. Herein, a multi‐responsive “turn‐on” polyelectrolyte complex (DNA/OEI‐SSx/HA‐SS‐COOH, DSS) delivery system is demonstrated with a sequential self‐assembly of disulfide‐conjugated oligoethylenimine (OEI‐SSx) and disulfide bond‐modified hyaluronic acid envelope (HA‐SS‐COOH) that can combat multiple biological barriers collectively when administered intravenously. DSS is designed to effectively accumulate at the tumor tissue and to be internalized into tumor cells by recognizing CD44. The multi‐responsive “turn‐on” DSS can respond to the alterations of hyaluronidases and glutathione at both the tumor site and at the intracellular milieu. Sequential degradation and detachment of the HA‐SS‐COOH envelope followed by the dissociation of the OEI‐SSx/DNA inner core contributes to the activation of the endosomal escape and gene release functions, thus greatly enhancing nuclear gene delivery. A systematic investigation of DSS has revealed that the tumor accumulation ability, internalization, and endosome escape of the DSS nanocarriers, DNA unpacking and nuclear transportation are all remarkably improved by the multi‐responsive “turn‐on” design resulting in highly efficient gene transfection in vitro and in vivo.
A new and original microwave continuous reactor under high pressure for future chemistry
Authors: Polaert Isabelle , Estel Lionel , Delmotte Michel , Luart Denis , Len Christophe
Published: September 2016

A new and original high pressure reactor has been designed and developed for continuous flow chemistry under microwaves at industrial scale. The reactor originality is that the microwave applicator is the reactor itself. It allows then the use of metallic and thick walls for the reactor adapted to a use at high pressures and high temperatures. Wave propagation coupled to heat transfer was simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics® and the design was optimized to minimize wave reflections and maximize energy transfers in the reacting medium. This leads to extremely good energy yields. Experiments confirm that the microwave energy is fully absorbed by the reacting medium. The reactor allows continuous chemical reactions at a kg/h scale, under microwave heating, up to 7 MPa and 200°C. The double dehydration of hexylene glycol has been performed under various operating conditions demonstrating then the operability of this new reactor. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 192–199, 2017
Pinch‐based shortcut method for the conceptual design of isothermal extraction columns
Authors: Redepenning Christian , Recker Sebastian , Marquardt Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

Shortcut methods are valuable tools for a comprehensive evaluation of key performance indicators in the early phase of conceptual process design. For the design of extraction columns, operation at minimum solvent demand represents a thermodynamically sound indicator, which is, however, difficult to determine. The suggested shortcut model therefore exploits the existence of the pinch point to directly identify operation at minimum solvent demand. It is solved quickly and reliably by a step‐by‐step procedure. The final step allows a reduction of the approximation error to any desired degree of accuracy. No simplifications regarding the number of components in the mixture or its thermodynamic behavior are introduced. Hence, arbitrary mixtures can be tackled. The performance of the method is highlighted by a fully automated screening of thousands of solvents for the recovery of fermentation products acetone, 1‐butanol, and ethanol from aqueous solution. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1236–1245, 2017
Client history and violence on direct care workers in the home care setting
Authors: Byon Ha Do , Storr Carla , Edwards Lori , Lipscomb Jane
Published: September 2016

Background

Health care workers providing home care are frequently unaware of their client's history of violence or mental illness/substance abuse disorder, recognized risk factors for workplace violence. This study estimated the associations between these factors and experiencing client violence among direct care workers in the home settings (DCWHs).

Methods

Acts and threats of violence were estimated using data from an anonymous survey among DCWHs (n = 876) working at two large home care agencies. Logistic regressions were performed to produce odds ratios.

Results

Physical acts and physical or verbal threats of client violence were associated with providing homecare to clients with a violence history (adjusted ORs = 6.60 and 10.78, respectively), whereas threats of client violence (adjusted OR = 5.80) were associated with caring for clients with a mental illness/substance abuse disorder.

Conclusions

Policy and practices that support the communication of appropriate client risk information may reduce the likelihood of workplace violence among DCWHs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1130–1135, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disruption of a miR‐29 binding site leading to COL4A1 upregulation causes pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy with leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Verdura Edgard , Hervé Dominique , Bergametti Françoise , Jacquet Clémence , Morvan Typhaine , Prieto‐Morin Carol , Mackowiak Alexandre , Manchon Eric , Hosseini Hassan , Cordonnier Charlotte , Girard‐Buttaz Isabelle , Rosenstingl Sophie , Hagel Christian , Kuhlenbaümer Gregor , Leca‐Radu Elena , Goux Didier , Fleming Lauren , Van Agtmael Tom , Chabriat Hugues , Chapon Françoise , Tournier‐Lasserve Elisabeth
Published: September 2016

Objective

Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders. Screening of known cSVD genes identifies the causative mutation in <15% of familial cSVD cases. We sought to identify novel causes of cSVD.

Methods

We used linkage analysis and exome sequencing to identify the causal mutation in a French cSVD family. The identified candidate gene was then screened in 202 cSVD unrelated probands, including 1 proband from the first reported pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy with leukoencephalopathy (PADMAL) family. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm variants in all mutated probands and analyze their segregation in probands' relatives. Mutation consequences were assessed with luciferase reporter assays and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR).

Results

A candidate heterozygous variant located in a predicted miR‐29 microRNA binding site, within the 3′ untranslated region of COL4A1, was identified in the large French cSVD family. Five additional unrelated probands, including the PADMAL proband, harbored heterozygous variants in this microRNA binding site. Variants cosegregated with the affected phenotype, and cumulative logarithm of odds score reached 6.03, establishing linkage to this locus. A highly significant difference was observed when comparing the number of variants within this binding site in cases and controls (p = 1.77 × 10E‐12). RT‐qPCR analyses of patients' primary fibroblasts and luciferase reporter assays strongly favor an upregulation of COL4A1 mediated by disruption of miR‐29 binding to its target site. Magnetic resonance imaging features were characterized by the presence of multiple pontine infarcts in all symptomatic mutation carriers.

Interpretation

Mutations upregulating COL4A1 expression lead to PADMAL, a severe early onset ischemic cSVD, distinct from the various phenotypes associated with COL4A1 missense glycine mutations. Ann Neurol 2016;80:741–753
On decoherence in quantum gravity
Authors: Podolskiy Dmitriy , Lanza Robert
Published: September 2016

It was previously argued that the phenomenon of quantum gravitational decoherence described by the Wheeler‐DeWitt equation is responsible for the emergence of the arrow of time. Here we show that the characteristic spatio‐temporal scales of quantum gravitational decoherence are typically logarithmically larger than a characteristic curvature radius of the background space‐time. This largeness is a direct consequence of the fact that gravity is a non‐renormalizable theory, and the corresponding effective field theory is nearly decoupled from matter degrees of freedom in the physical limit . Therefore, as such, quantum gravitational decoherence is too ineffective to guarantee the emergence of the arrow of time and the “quantum‐to‐classical” transition to happen at scales of physical interest. We argue that the emergence of the arrow of time is directly related to the nature and properties of physical observer.

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Entdeckung einer Mosaik‐ähnlichen Biosynthesemaschinerie mit einem decarboxylierenden Entladungsmechanismus durch die Kombination von Genom‐Mining und bildgebenden Verfahren
Authors: Mir Mohseni Mahsa , Höver Thomas , Barra Lena , Kaiser Marcel , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Schäberle Till F.
Published: September 2016

Das Biosynthesegencluster für den antiplasmodisch wirksamen Naturstoff Siphonazol wurde durch eine Kombination aus Genom‐Mining, bildgebenden Verfahren und Expressionsstudien identifiziert. Das Siphonazol‐Grundgerüst besteht aus einer vom Shikimat‐Stoffwechsel abgeleiteten ungewöhnlichen Startereinheit, Polyketidbausteinen und Aminosäuren. Die Domänen der daran beteiligten Polyketidsynthasen und nichtribosomalen Peptidsynthetasen haben unübliche Strukturen, darunter einige geteilte Module und eine Vielzahl duplizierter, als inaktiv vorhergesagter Domänen. Die Freisetzung des Produkts von der Biosynthesemaschinerie erfolgt über Wasserabspaltung und Decarboxylierung, unabhängig von der trans‐stehenden Thioesterase SphJ, was das Dienmotiv von Siphonazol ergibt. Eine hohe Variation im GC‐Gehalt des Clusters und die ungewöhnliche Domänenstruktur weisen auf eine phylogenetisch junge Entstehung hin.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Fluorine Tri‐doped Graphene as a Multifunctional Catalyst for Self‐Powered Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Dai Liming
Published: September 2016

Electrocatalysts are required for clean energy technologies (for example, water‐splitting and metal‐air batteries). The development of a multifunctional electrocatalyst composed of nitrogen, phosphorus, and fluorine tri‐doped graphene is reported, which was obtained by thermal activation of a mixture of polyaniline‐coated graphene oxide and ammonium hexafluorophosphate (AHF). It was found that thermal decomposition of AHF provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and fluorine sources for tri‐doping with N, P, and F, and simultaneously facilitates template‐free formation of porous structures as a result of thermal gas evolution. The resultant N, P, and F tri‐doped graphene exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activities for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The trifunctional metal‐free catalyst was further used as an OER–HER bifunctional catalyst for oxygen and hydrogen gas production in an electrochemical water‐splitting unit, which was powered by an integrated Zn–air battery based on an air electrode made from the same electrocatalyst for ORR. The integrated unit, fabricated from the newly developed N, P, and F tri‐doped graphene multifunctional metal‐free catalyst, can operate in ambient air with a high gas production rate of 0.496 and 0.254 μL s−1 for hydrogen and oxygen gas, respectively, showing great potential for practical applications.
Generation of an 4‐Isoxazolyl Anion Species: Facile Access to Multifunctionalized Isoxazoles
Authors: Morita Taiki , Fuse Shinichiro , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: September 2016

A direct functionalization of unsubstituted isoxazole (1) was achieved by generation of 4‐isoxazolyl anion species (3). An efficient 4‐iodination of isoxazole and halogen–metal exchange reaction using a turbo Grignard reagent (iPrMgCl⋅ LiCl) were essential for the generation of 3, which reacted with various electrophiles to give 4‐functionalized isoxazoles in good to high yields. Isoxazolyl boronate, boronic acid, and stannane were also synthesized as useful building blocks from 1. The current methods enabled us to synthesize multi‐functionalized isoxazoles by introducing each substituent into the desired positions. Furthermore, total synthesis of triumferol, which was isolated from Triumfetta rhomboidea, was achieved from 1 in only three steps.
Lead(II)‐ion removal by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ligand functionalized magnetic chitosan–aluminum oxide–iron oxide nanoadsorbents and microadsorbents: Equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics
Authors: Ayati Ali , Tanhaei Bahareh , Sillanpää Mika
Published: September 2016

Novel nanosized and microsized chitosan–Al2O3–Fe3O4 (CANF and CAMF, respectively) adsorbents were functionalized with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) ligands and applied to the removal of Pb(II) ions. The prepared adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, and their adsorption potentials were investigated with Pb(II) as a target metal under various experimental conditions. Our results show that the EDTA functionalization of CANF and CAMF increased their adsorption capacities about 31.5 and 38 times, respectively. The optimum dosage obtained was 1.0 g/L for both EDTA‐functionalized adsorbents, and the maximum adsorption took place at pH = 5.3. The kinetic results revealed that the adsorption obeyed the pseudo‐second‐order model and that the pore diffusion process played a key role in the adsorption kinetics. Also, the results of equilibrium isotherms indicate the good fit of the experimental data by the Langmuir isotherm model under the studied concentration and temperature ranges, and the adsorptions of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution followed the monolayer coverage of the adsorbents. The maximum Pb(II)‐ion adsorption capacities of EDTA–CANF and EDTA–CAMF were 160 and 157 mg/g, respectively. These metal‐loaded adsorbents could be readily recovered from aqueous solution by magnetic separation and reused. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44360.
Influence of rigid segment content on the piezoresistive behavior of multiwall carbon nanotube/segmented polyurethane composites
Authors: Lozano‐Pérez C. , Cauich‐Rodríguez J. V. , Avilés F.
Published: September 2016

Tensile piezoresistive properties of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/segmented polyurethane (SPU) composites comprising 15, 30, and 50 wt % rigid segment (RS) contents and 2, 4, and 6 wt % MWCNT contents are investigated. The physicochemical properties of such composites are used to better understand their mechanical and piezoresistive behavior. Infrared spectra shows that for 15 and 30 wt % RS composites the addition of MWCNTs promotes a more structured RS domain which increases the phase separation, while for 50 wt % RS composites the MWCNTs disrupt the RS domains of the polymer with a high phase separation. Overall, MWCNT content has less effect on the phase separation than RS content. The composites with 6 wt % MWCNT content reached electrical conductivities of the order of ∼10−1 S/m using 15 and 50 wt % RS polymers. Upon deformation, composites with 15 wt % RS and 4 wt % MWCNT achieved changes in electrical resistance of the order of 5000 times their unstrained value, which are outstanding values that can be exploited for applications such as human motion detection. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44448.
The Policy and Politics of Reform of the Australian Goods and Services Tax
Authors: Pearl David
Published: September 2016

In February this year, Prime Minister Turnbull took Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform off the table, but history would suggest it will come into play again. Consumption is simply too important a tax base to ignore if we want to improve our tax system. With that in mind, and in light of the recent GST debate, this article offers a dispassionate examination of the economics and politics of this tax. The popular myths and misconceptions about the GST are highlighted. The point is made that fairness objectives are better achieved in other ways, including through our progressive personal income tax system. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the barriers to GST reform. It suggests that there may be sound psychological reasons for resistance to change. The importance of trust is stressed in this connection. This is not a matter of keeping promises, but requires effective, credible and patient advocacy from would‐be reformers.
Influence of Safety Risk Perception on Post‐Fukushima Generation Mix and its Policy Implications in Japan
Authors: Iimura Akiko , Cross Jeffrey Scott
Published: September 2016

Four years after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, a future portfolio of the electrical power generation mix was finally and officially determined by the Japanese Government. Opposition to nuclear power generation remains high in the Japanese public to accept the need for nuclear power given the potential for a nuclear accident in the future. In this paper, we introduce an Analytical Hierarchy Process model to evaluate the influence of two opposing risk perceptions relating to public opinion versus scientific risk measures related to the electrical generation mix. This study revealed that opposing viewpoints on safety results in choosing different generation mixes. It should be noted that the public in large chooses the nuclear‐free preference that actually results in a higher number of human fatalities in the energy sector because of the statistically low accident rate in the nuclear energy generation sector, which is contrary to public sentiment in Japan.
Towards a Lifelong Active Society: Coping with Japan's Changing Population
Authors: Seike Atsushi
Published: September 2016

In order to cope with Japan's globally unprecedented ageing population, it is extremely important to promote the employment of older people. By taking advantage of the strong motivation among Japanese older people to continue working, Japan will be able to establish a lifelong active society in which the will and ability of older people can be fully utilized. In order to promote a lifelong active society we need to revise our public pension scheme so as not to discourage older workers to continue working. The mandatory retirement practice should also be revised along with the seniority based wage system to promote the employment of older workers. The creation of a lifelong active society should substantially reduce the burden on future generations, and in particular the social security burden. If Japan can establish a lifelong active society, it will have valuable implications for other countries facing population ageing.
Glycosylation and stem cells: Regulatory roles and application of iPSCs in the study of glycosylation‐related disorders
Authors: Berger Ryan P. , Dookwah Michelle , Steet Richard , Dalton Stephen
Published: September 2016

Glycosylation refers to the co‐ and post‐translational modification of protein and lipids by monosaccharides or oligosaccharide chains. The surface of mammalian cells is decorated by a heterogeneous and highly complex array of protein and lipid linked glycan structures that vary significantly between different cell types, raising questions about their roles in development and disease pathogenesis. This review will begin by focusing on recent findings that define roles for cell surface protein and lipid glycosylation in pluripotent stem cells and their functional impact during normal development. Then, we will describe how patient derived induced pluripotent stem cells are being used to model human diseases such as congenital disorders of glycosylation. Collectively, these studies indicate that cell surface glycans perform critical roles in human development and disease.
Bayesian variable selection and estimation in semiparametric joint models of multivariate longitudinal and survival data
Authors: Tang An‐Min , Zhao Xingqiu , Tang Nian‐Sheng
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a novel semiparametric joint model for multivariate longitudinal and survival data (SJMLS) by relaxing the normality assumption of the longitudinal outcomes, leaving the baseline hazard functions unspecified and allowing the history of the longitudinal response having an effect on the risk of dropout. Using Bayesian penalized splines to approximate the unspecified baseline hazard function and combining the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm, we propose a Bayesian Lasso (BLasso) method to simultaneously estimate unknown parameters and select important covariates in SJMLS. Simulation studies are conducted to investigate the finite sample performance of the proposed techniques. An example from the International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) is used to illustrate the proposed methodologies.
FX knockout CHO hosts can express desired ratios of fucosylated or afucosylated antibodies with high titers and comparable product quality
Authors: Louie Salina , Haley Benjamin , Marshall Brett , Heidersbach Amy , Yim Mandy , Brozynski Martina , Tang Danming , Lam Cynthia , Petryniak Bronislawa , Shaw David , Shim Jeongsup , Miller Aaron , Lowe John B. , Snedecor Brad , Misaghi Shahram
Published: September 2016

During antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) the target cells are killed by monocytes and natural killer cells. ADCC is enhanced when the antibody heavy chain's core N‐linked glycan lacks the fucose molecule(s). Several strategies have been utilized to generate fully afucosylated antibodies. A commonly used and efficient approach has been knocking out the FUT8 gene of the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) host cells, which results in expression of antibody molecules with fully afucosylated glycans. However, a major drawback of the FUT8‐KO host is the requirement for undertaking two separate cell line development (CLD) efforts in order to obtain both primarily fucosylated and fully afucosylated antibody species for comparative studies in vitro and in vivo. Even more challenging is obtaining primarily fucosylated and FUT8‐KO clones with similar enough product quality attributes to ensure that any observed ADCC advantage(s) can be strictly attributed to afucosylation. Here, we report generation and use of a FX knockout (FXKO) CHO host cell line that is capable of expressing antibody molecules with either primarily fucosylated or fully afucosylated glycan profiles with otherwise similar product quality attributes, depending on addition of fucose to the cell culture media. Hence, the FXKO host not only obviates the requirement for undertaking two separate CLD efforts, but it also averts the need for screening many colonies to identify clones with comparable product qualities. Finally, FXKO clones can express antibodies with the desired ratio of primarily fucosylated to afucosylated glycans when fucose is titrated into the production media, to allow achieving intended levels of FcγRIII‐binding and ADCC for an antibody. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 632–644. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of p‐Type Nickel Oxide Semiconductor and Gold Bilayer on Highly Efficient Polymer Solar Cell
Authors: Park Jeong‐Woo , Shin Sang‐Chul , Shim Jae Won
Published: September 2016

In this study, we report a new hole‐collecting interlayer (HCI) comprising NiO/Au/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) for poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)‐based polymer solar cells (PSCs). The insertion of a bilayer of NiO/Au between indium tin oxide (ITO) and PEDOT:PSS improves the photocurrent generation of the PSCs. The NiO layer provides an intermediate step energy level between ITO and PEDOT:PSS, leading to enhanced hole collection. The ultrathin Au induces a surface plasmon resonance effect, allowing more photons to be absorbed by the photoactive layer and improving the hole‐collecting properties by planarizing and doping the NiO. The PSCs with the NiO/Au/PEDOT:PSS HCIs yield a power‐conversion efficiency of 3.9 ± 0.2%, which is approximately 15% higher than that of PSCs with a PEDOT:PSS‐only HCI, under a simulated air mass 1.5 global (G) 100 mW/cm2 illumination.
For Your Bookshelf …
Authors: Bohley John P.
Published: September 2016

John P. Bohley, LISW‐S, DPA, principal consultant for Boards On Course, a Monroe, Ohio‐based board development consulting firm specializing in Policy Governance®, reviews a guidebook for school boards developed by the National School Boards Association.
Introducing the concept of biocatalysis in the classroom: The conversion of cholesterol to provitamin D3
Authors: De Luca Belén M. , Nudel Clara B. , Gonzalez Rodrigo H. , Nusblat Alejandro D.
Published: September 2016

Biocatalysis is a fundamental concept in biotechnology. The topic integrates knowledge of several disciplines; therefore, it was included in the course “design and optimization of biological systems” which is offered in the biochemistry curricula. We selected the ciliate tetrahymena as an example of a eukaryotic system with potential for the biotransformation of sterol metabolites of industrial interest; in particular, we focused on the conversion of cholesterol to provitamin D3. The students work with wild type and recombinant strains and learn how sterol pathways could be modified to obtain diverse sterol moieties. During the course the students identify and measure the concentration of sterols. They also search for related genes by bioinformatic analysis. Additionally, the students compare biotransformation rates, growing the ciliate in plate and in a bioreactor. Finally, they use fluorescence microscopy to localize an enzyme involved in biotransformation. The last day each team makes an oral presentation, explaining the results obtained and responds to a series of key questions posed by the teachers, which determine the final mark. In our experience, this course enables undergraduate students to become acquainted with the principles of biocatalysis as well as with standard and modern techniques, through a simple and robust laboratory exercise, using a biological system for the conversion of valuable pharmaceutical moieties. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2):105–114, 2017.
A laboratory practical illustrating the use of the ChIP‐qPCR method in a robust model: Estrogen receptor alpha immunoprecipitation using Mcf‐7 culture cells
Authors: Lacazette Eric
Published: September 2016

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR analysis (ChIP‐qPCR) is a widely used technique to study gene expression. A large number of students in molecular biology and more generally in life sciences will be confronted with the use of this technique, which is quite difficult to set up and can lead to misinterpretation if not carefully managed. This article describes a four‐session laboratory practical designed for Masters students to introduce this technique. During the practical, students work in pairs. They extract chromatin from MCF‐7 culture cells stimulated or not by estrogens, then immunoprecipitate the transcription factor estrogen receptor alpha using an antibody directed against it. Students then measure the enrichment of promoter DNA target sequences from the chromatin that coprecipitates by qPCR. These are two estrogen responsive genes, pS2 (trefoil factor one) and PGR (the progesterone receptor). They learn how to analyze their ChIP‐qPCR data by two methods: percent input and fold enrichment, and are taught about the interpretation limits of these two calculation methods. Thus, this practical is a good framework for an in‐depth discussion of how this technique can be used to study gene expression and for raising awareness of the importance of careful interpretation of results. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2):152–160, 2017.
Mentor‐mentee interaction and laboratory social environment: Do they matter in doctoral students' publication productivity?
Authors: Ynalvez Marcus Antonius , Ynalvez Ruby A. , Ramírez Enrique
Published: September 2016

We explored the social shaping of science at the micro‐level reality of face‐to‐face interaction in one of the traditional places for scientific activities—the scientific lab. We specifically examined how doctoral students' perception of their: (i) interaction with doctoral mentors (MMI) and (ii) lab social environment (LSE) influenced productivity. Construed as the production of peer‐reviewed articles, we measured productivity using total number of articles (TOTAL), number of articles with impact factor greater than or equal to 4.00 (IFGE4), and number of first‐authored articles (NFA). Via face‐to‐face interviews, we obtained data from n = 210 molecular biology Ph.D. students in selected universities in Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. Additional productivity data (NFA) were obtained from online bibliometric databases. To summarize the original 13 MMI and 13 LSE semantic‐differential items which we used to measure students' perceptions, principal component (PC) analyses were performed. The results were smaller sets of 4 MMI PCs and 4 LSE PCs. To identify which PCs influenced publication counts, we performed Poisson regression analyses. Although perceived MMI was not linked to productivity, perceived LSE was linked: Students who perceived their LSE as intellectually stimulating reported high levels of productivity in both TOTAL and IFGE4, but not in NFA. Our findings not only highlight how students' perception of their training environment factors in the production of scientific output, our findings also carry important implications for improving mentoring programs in science. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(2):130–144, 2017.
CCL2 as a potential therapeutic target for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Arakaki Ryuichiro , Yamasaki Toshinari , Kanno Toru , Shibasaki Noboru , Sakamoto Hiromasa , Utsunomiya Noriaki , Sumiyoshi Takayuki , Shibuya Shinsuke , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Nakamura Eijiro , Ogawa Osamu , Kamba Tomomi
Published: September 2016

We previously reported that the pVHL‐atypical PKC‐JunB pathway contributed to promotion of cell invasiveness and angiogenesis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and we detected chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand‐2 (CCL2) as one of downstream effectors of JunB. CCL2 plays a critical role in tumorigenesis in other types of cancer, but its role in ccRCC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles and therapeutic potential of CCL2 in ccRCC. Immunohistochemical analysis of CCL2 expression for ccRCC specimens showed that upregulation of CCL2 expression correlated with clinical stage, overall survival, and macrophage infiltration. For functional analysis of CCL2 in ccRCC cells, we generated subclones of WT8 cells that overexpressed CCL2 and subclones 786‐O cells in which CCL2 expression was knocked down. Although CCL2 expression did not affect cell proliferation in vitro, CCL2 overexpression enhanced and CCL2 knockdown suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration in vivo. We then depleted macrophages from tumor xenografts by administration of clodronate liposomes to confirm the role of macrophages in ccRCC. Depletion of macrophages suppressed tumor growth and angiogenesis. To examine the effect of inhibiting CCL2 activity in ccRCC, we administered CCL2 neutralizing antibody to primary RCC xenografts established from patient surgical specimens. Inhibition of CCL2 activity resulted in significant suppression of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration. These results suggest that CCL2 is involved in angiogenesis and macrophage infiltration in ccRCC, and that CCL2 could be a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.
Evaluating IPMN and pancreatic carcinoma utilizing quantitative histopathology
Authors: Glazer Evan S. , Zhang Hao Helen , Hill Kimberly A. , Patel Charmi , Kha Stephanie T. , Yozwiak Michael L. , Bartels Hubert , Nafissi Nellie N. , Watkins Joseph C. , Alberts David S. , Krouse Robert S.
Published: September 2016

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are pancreatic lesions with uncertain biologic behavior. This study sought objective, accurate prediction tools, through the use of quantitative histopathological signatures of nuclear images, for classifying lesions as chronic pancreatitis (CP), IPMN, or pancreatic carcinoma (PC). Forty‐four pancreatic resection patients were retrospectively identified for this study (12 CP; 16 IPMN; 16 PC). Regularized multinomial regression quantitatively classified each specimen as CP, IPMN, or PC in an automated, blinded fashion. Classification certainty was determined by subtracting the smallest classification probability from the largest probability (of the three groups). The certainty function varied from 1.0 (perfectly classified) to 0.0 (random). From each lesion, 180 ± 22 nuclei were imaged. Overall classification accuracy was 89.6% with six unique nuclear features. No CP cases were misclassified, 1/16 IPMN cases were misclassified, and 4/16 PC cases were misclassified. Certainty function was 0.75 ± 0.16 for correctly classified lesions and 0.47 ± 0.10 for incorrectly classified lesions (P = 0.0005). Uncertainty was identified in four of the five misclassified lesions. Quantitative histopathology provides a robust, novel method to distinguish among CP, IPMN, and PC with a quantitative measure of uncertainty. This may be useful when there is uncertainty in diagnosis.