bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus Nanostripe Arrays on Cu(110): A Case Study to Understand the Substrate Effect on the Phosphorus thin Film Growth
Authors: Zhang Jia Lin , Zhao Songtao , Sun Shuo , Niu Tianchao , Zhou Xiong , Gu Cheng Ding , Han Cheng , Yuan Kai Di , Guo Rui , Wang Li , Li Zhenyu , Chen Wei
Published: April 2017

Black phosphorus has attracted significant attention as a new emerging 2D material in recent years. Due to its novel and unique properties, new 2D phosphorus nanostructures have also been predicted by theoretical calculations. However, experimental realization of new phosphorus structures has been rarely reported and remains one major challenge. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate phosphorus growth behaviors on different substrates to unravel the growth mechanism and provides useful guidelines for the selection of suitable substrates to synthesis the desired structure. This study reports a molecular‐beam‐epitaxial growth of phosphorus on Cu(110) by using bulk black phosphorous crystals as precursor, through the combination of in situ low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low energy electron diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Atomically resolved STM image and the corresponding DFT simulations reveal the formation of phosphorus monomers and dimmers locating in the valley of the Cu(110) surface. XPS and Bader charge analysis confirm a significant electron transfer from the Cu(110) substrate to P atoms on top.
Time‐Resolved Pump–Probe Measurement of Optical Rotatory Dispersion in Chiral Metamaterial
Authors: Woo Jae Heun , Kang Boyoung , Gwon Minji , Lee Ji Hye , Kim Dong‐Wook , Jo William , Kim Dong Ho , Wu Jeong Weon
Published: April 2017

A plasmonic chiral metamaterial is fabricated from a thin Au film and exhibits static optical rotatory power (ORP) in the visible spectral range. Transient ORP is measured to clarify the temporal development of ORP using a circularly polarized light (CPL) pump beam. Three distinct transient behaviors of ORP are identified, resulting from different energy relaxation processes of hot electrons that occur during a period of a few picoseconds after pumping. Nonthermal hot electrons experience Lorentz force from an inverse Faraday effect and electron–boundary scattering, yielding a pump beam CPL helicity‐dependent transient ORP. Once hot electrons are in thermal equilibrium with the lattice, electron energy is distributed among the occupied states, as described by Fermi–Dirac statistics. Moreover, the transient ORP is independent of pump beam CPL helicity, well explained by the selection rule of electron excitation and two‐temperature model of the electron cooling process. Theoretical analysis of the transient ORP in terms of the energy relaxation of thermal hot electrons is carried out by introducing a temperature‐dependent dielectric function and finite‐difference time‐domain simulation. It is found that the magnitude of ORP at an elevated temperature is reduced to less than that at room temperature, agreeing well with the experimental observation.
The utility of MASS‐FIX to detect and monitor monoclonal proteins in the clinic
Authors: Milani Paolo , Murray David L. , Barnidge David R. , Kohlhagen Mindy C. , Mills John R. , Merlini Giampaolo , Dasari Surendra , Dispenzieri Angela
Published: April 2017

The detection and quantification of monoclonal‐proteins (M‐proteins) are necessary for the diagnosis and evaluation of response in plasma cell dyscrasias. Immunoglobulin enrichment‐coupled with matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass‐spectrometry (MASS‐FIX) is a simple and inexpensive method to identify M‐proteins, but its clinical generalizability has not yet been elucidated. We compared MASS‐FIX to protein electrophoresis (PEL), serum/urine immunofixation‐electrophoresis (IFE), and quantitative serum free‐light chain (FLC) for the identification of M‐proteins in different clinical diagnoses. Paired serum and urine samples from 257 patients were tested. There were six patients for whom s‐IFE and FLC ratio were positive and serum MASS‐FIX was negative, but when serum and urine MASS‐FIX results were combined, only one patient with light chain‐MGUS was missed. Serum/urine‐MASS‐FIX detected M‐proteins in 18 patients with negative serum/urine‐PEL/IFE and serum‐FLC, 10 of whom had multiple myeloma or AL amyloidosis, who were mistakenly thought to have complete hematologic response by serum/urine‐PEL/IFE and serum‐FLC. Nearly half of the AL amyloidosis patients had atypical spectra, which may prove to be a clue to the diagnosis and pathogenesis of the disease. In conclusion, MASS‐FIX has a comparable sensitivity with PEL/IFE/FLC methods and can help inform the clinical diagnosis.
Involvement of the cerebellum in Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Seidel Kay , Bouzrou Mohamed , Heidemann Nina , Krüger Rejko , Schöls Ludger , den Dunnen Wilfred F. A. , Korf Horst‐Werner , Rüb Udo
Published: April 2017

Brains from patients with Parkinson disease or dementia with Lewy bodies show aggregation of alpha‐synuclein in precerebellar brainstem structures. Furthermore, patients exhibit resting tremor, unstable gait, and impaired balance, which may be associated with cerebellar dysfunction. Therefore, we screened the cerebella of 12 patients with alpha‐synucleinopathies for neuropathological changes. Cerebellar nuclei and neighboring white matter displayed numerous aggregates, whereas lobules were mildly affected. Cerebellar aggregation pathology may suggest a prionlike spread originating from affected precerebellar structures, and the high homogeneity between patients with dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson disease shows that both diseases likely belong to the same neuropathological spectrum. Ann Neurol 2017;81:898–903
Das Distortion/Interaction‐Activation‐Strain‐Modell zur Analyse von Reaktionsgeschwindigkeiten
Authors: Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Houk Kendall N.
Published: April 2017

Das Activation‐Strain‐ oder Distortion/Interaction‐Modell ist ein Instrument zur Analyse von Aktivierungsbarrieren und damit von Reaktionsgeschwindigkeiten. Für eine bimolekulare Reaktion ergibt sich die Aktivierungsenergie aus der Summe der Energien, die für die Deformation der Grundzustandsgeometrie der Reaktanten benötigt wird, um die Geometrie des Übergangszustands anzunehmen, plus der Wechselwirkungsenergie zwischen diesen deformierten Reaktanten. Die mit der Deformation assoziierte Energie wird “activation strain” (Aktivierungsspannung) oder “distortion energy” (Deformationsenergie) genannt. Diese Energie bildet den Hauptbeitrag zur Aktivierungsbarriere. Der Übergangszustand wird erreicht, wenn die stabilisierende Wechselwirkung die Aktivierungsspannung überwindet. Die Verlaufsanalyse dieser Energien gibt Einblicke in die reaktivitätsbestimmenden physikalischen Faktoren. Anwendungsbeispiele für das Modell sind die Analyse von Substitutions‐ und Eliminierungsreaktionen sowie Cycloadditionen.
Multivalente Peptid‐Nanopartikel‐Konjugate zur Hemmung des Influenzavirus
Authors: Lauster Daniel , Glanz Maria , Bardua Markus , Ludwig Kai , Hellmund Markus , Hoffmann Ute , Hamann Alf , Böttcher Christoph , Haag Rainer , Hackenberger Christian P. R. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: April 2017

Zur Inhibition der Bindung von Influenza‐A‐Virus an die Wirtzellglykokalyx haben wir multivalente Peptid‐Polymer‐Nanopartikel entwickelt, die mit nanomolarer Affinität an das Virus über dessen Spikeprotein Hämagglutinin binden. Die dafür gewählten dendritischen Polyglycerolgerüste sind äußerst biokompatibel und eignen sich gut für eine multivalente Präsentation. Wir konnten in In‐vitro‐Experimenten zeigen, dass durch eine Vergrößerung des Polymergerüsts und durch Anpassung der Peptiddichte eine Virusinfektion drastisch reduziert wird. Solch ein Peptid‐Polymer‐Konjugat eignete sich auch für ein In‐vivo‐Szenario. Mit dieser Studie stellen wir den ersten nicht Kohlenhydrat‐basierten, kovalent verknüpften, multivalenten Virusinhibitor im nano‐ bis pikomolaren Bereich vor, unter Wahrung einer geringen Peptidligandendichte auf großen dendritischen Gerüsten.
Designed Heme‐Cage β‐Sheet Miniproteins
Authors: D'Souza Areetha , Wu Xiangyang , Yeow Edwin Kok Lee , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: April 2017

The structure and function of naturally occurring proteins are governed by a large number of amino acids (≥100). The design of miniature proteins with desired structures and functions not only substantiates our knowledge about proteins but can also contribute to the development of novel applications. Excellent progress has been made towards the design of helical proteins with diverse functions. However, the development of functional β‐sheet proteins remains challenging. Herein, we describe the construction and characterization of four‐stranded β‐sheet miniproteins made up of about 19 amino acids that bind heme inside a hydrophobic binding pocket or “heme cage” by bis‐histidine coordination in an aqueous environment. The designed miniproteins bound to heme with high affinity comparable to that of native heme proteins. Atomic‐resolution structures confirmed the presence of a four‐stranded β‐sheet fold. The heme–protein complexes also exhibited high stability against thermal and chaotrope‐induced unfolding.
Covalent supporting of novel dioxo‐molybdenum tetradentate pyrrole‐imine complex on Fe3O4 as high‐efficiency nanocatalyst for selective epoxidation of olefins
Authors: Akbarpour Shadab , Bezaatpour Abolfazl , Askarizadeh Elham , Amiri Mandana
Published: April 2017

A novel Mo(VI) tetradentate Schiff base complex based on two pyrrole‐imine donors was anchored covalently on Fe3O4 nanoparticles and characterized using physicochemical techniques. The catalytic epoxidation process was optimized in terms of the effects of solvent, reaction temperature, kind of oxidant and amount of oxidant and catalyst. Then the novel heterogeneous nanocatalyst was used for the efficient and selective catalytic epoxidation of internal alkenes (cyclohexene, cyclooctene, α‐pinene, indene and trans‐1,2‐diphenylethene) and terminal alkenes (n‐heptene, n‐octene, n‐dodecene and styrene) using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) as oxidant in 1,2‐dichloroethane as solvent. The prepared nanocatalyst is very effective for the selective epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene with 100% conversion, 100% selectivity and turnover frequency of 1098 h−1 in just 30 min. The magnetic nanocatalyst was easily recovered using an external magnetic field and was used subsequently at least six times without significant decrease in conversion.
Synergies between high‐energy satellites and ESO facilities
Authors: Mainieri V.
Published: April 2017

High‐energy satellites, in particular XMM‐Newton, have clear synergies with ESO instruments. This is testified by the significant number of scientific publications based on data obtained with both facilities. In this article, we briefly review past synergies and discuss future possibilities.
Autism: Too eager to learn? Event related potential findings of increased dependency on intentional learning in a serial reaction time task
Authors: Zwart Fenny S. , Vissers Constance Th.W.M. , van der Meij Roemer , Kessels Roy P.C. , Maes Joseph H.R.
Published: April 2017

It has been suggested that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an increased tendency to use explicit (or intentional) learning strategies. This altered learning may play a role in the development of the social communication difficulties characterizing ASD. In the current study, we investigated incidental and intentional sequence learning using a Serial Reaction Time (SRT) task in an adult ASD population. Response times and event related potentials (ERP) components (N2b and P3) were assessed as indicators of learning and knowledge. Findings showed that behaviorally, sequence learning and ensuing explicit knowledge were similar in ASD and typically developing (TD) controls. However, ERP findings showed that learning in the TD group was characterized by an enhanced N2b, while learning in the ASD group was characterized by an enhanced P3. These findings suggest that learning in the TD group might be more incidental in nature, whereas learning in the ASD group is more intentional or effortful. Increased intentional learning might serve as a strategy for individuals with ASD to control an overwhelming environment. Although this led to similar behavioral performances on the SRT task, it is very plausible that this intentional learning has adverse effects in more complex social situations, and hence contributes to the social impairments found in ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1533–1543. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of toldimfos in porcine muscle and bovine milk using liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Dan , Park Jin‐A , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Kim Seong‐Kwan , Cho Sang‐Hyun , Zheng Weijia , Choi Jeong‐min , Shim Jae‐Han , Chang Byung‐Joon , Kim Jin‐Suk , Shin Ho‐Chul
Published: April 2017

An analytical method was developed for the detection of toldimfos sodium residues in porcine muscle and bovine milk using liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. The drug was extracted from muscle and milk using 10 mm ammonium formate in acetonitrile and then purified using n‐hexane. The drug was well separated on a Luna C18 column using a mixture of 10 mm ammonium formate in ultrapure water (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase. Good linearity was achieved over the tested concentration range (0.005–0.03 mg/kg) in matrix‐matched standard calibration. The determination coefficients (R2) were 0.9942 and 0.9898 for muscle and milk, respectively. Fortified porcine muscle and bovine milk contained concentrations equivalent to and twice the limit of quantification (0.005 mg/kg) yielded recoveries in the range of 75.58–89.74% and relative standard deviations of ≤8.87%. Samples collected from large markets located in Seoul, Republic of Korea, tested negative for toldimfos sodium residue. In conclusion, ammonium formate in acetonitrile can effectively extract toldimfos sodium from porcine muscle and bovine milk without solid‐phase extraction, which is usually required for cleanup before analysis. This method can be applied for the routine analysis of toldimfos in foods of animal origins.
Performance evaluation of prototype‐based clustering algorithms combined MDL index
Authors: Aljobouri Hadeel K. , Jaber Hussain A. , Çankaya Ilyas
Published: April 2017

Clustering algorithms are used to group data depending on a distance. Best clustering analysis should be resisting the presence of outliers, less sensitive to initialization as well as the input sequence ordering. This article compares the performance among three of prototype‐based unsupervised clustering algorithms: Neural Gas (NG), Growing Neural Gas (GNG) and Robust Growing Neural Gas (RGNG). Based on NG and GNG, there are different clustering algorithms proposed and suggested in different literatures. So, in this work a comparison between the two basic clustering algorithms NG and GNG have presented using the performance evaluation of these techniques, in contrast to the RGNG which was proposed within the GNG. Another comparison due to the MDL criterion between RGNG that used MDL value as the clustering validity index, versus GNG and NG combined with MDL. Statistical estimations are applied to explain the meaning of the output results when these algorithms fed to the synthetic 2D dataset. Moreover, a simple software package is designed and implemented as an automatic clustering model for any dataset to use as a part of the neural network course. NG, GNG and RGNG algorithms are performed in the same package using a MATLAB‐based Graphical User Interface (GUI) tool. This visual tool lets the students/ researchers visualize the desired results using plots also clicking a few buttons.
Thienylquinonoidal Porphyrins and Hexaphyrins with Singlet Diradical Ground States
Authors: Naoda Koji , Shimizu Daiki , Kim Jun Oh , Furukawa Ko , Kim Dongho , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: April 2017

To explore stable organic diradicaloids, meso‐thienylquinonoid‐substituted porphyrins Pn and hexaphyrins Hn, where “n” denotes the number of thienyl units in the meso‐substituents, were synthesized. P0 was identified as a closed‐shell quinonoid, whereas P1 was shown to possess significant diradical character with diradical character index (y) of 0.99 and quite small singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔES‐T) of −0.13 kcal mol−1. P1 was certainly stable, allowing its isolation, but decomposed gradually in solution. In the hexaphyrin series, it was shown that H0 and H1 were closed‐shell quinonoids, but H2 was a highly stable diradicaloid with y=0.85 and ΔES‐T of −3.72 kcal mol−1. The high stability of H2 was ascribed to effective spin delocalization over the entire conjugated network. Characteristically, H2 displays an intense absorption band in NIR region at λmax=1175 nm with molar absorption coefficient (ϵ) of 8.81×104 mol−1 L cm−1, a narrow HOMO–LUMO gap of 0.69 eV, and nine reversible redox potential waves.
Radical Arylation of Anilines and Pyrroles via Aryldiazotates
Authors: Hofmann Josefa , Gans Eva , Clark Timothy , Heinrich Markus R.
Published: April 2017

The radical arylation of anilines and pyrroles can be achieved under transition‐metal‐ and catalyst‐free conditions by using aryldiazotates in strongly alkaline aqueous solutions. The aryldiazotates act as protected diazonium ions, which do not undergo azo coupling with electron‐rich aromatic substrates, but can still serve as an aryl radical source at slightly elevated temperatures. Based on an improved preparation of aryldiazotates in aqueous solution, homolytic aromatic substitutions of anilines and pyrroles were conducted with good overall yields and high regioselectivity. Moreover, DFT calculations provided further mechanistic insights.
Nonparametric and semiparametric estimation of quantile residual lifetime for length‐biased and right‐censored data
Authors: Wang Yixin , Zhou Zhefang , Zhou Xiao‐Hua , Zhou Yong
Published: April 2017

Quantile residual lifetime models are often of concern in survival analysis, especially when studying a chronic or irreversible disease like dementia. In the past several decades residual life models have been studied extensively with right‐censored survival data. However these methods are not suitable to analyze the length‐biased and right‐censored data from the prevalent cohort sampling. In this article we propose nonparametric and semiparametric model‐based procedures to estimate the quantile residual lifetime with censored length‐biased data. Two test statistics are established for comparing the quantile residual lifetimes of two groups, evaluated, respectively, on ratio and difference in terms of type I error probabilities and powers. Some simulations are conducted to compare the proposed method with existing approaches. Real dementia data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center are used to illustrate the proposed estimation methods by estimating the quantile residual lifetimes of the dementia patients. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 45: 220–250; 2017 © 2017 Statistical Society of Canada
Immunogenicity of a Fully Synthetic MUC1 Glycopeptide Antitumor Vaccine Enhanced by Poly(I:C) as a TLR3‐Activating Adjuvant
Authors: Glaffig Markus , Stergiou Natascha , Schmitt Edgar , Kunz Horst
Published: April 2017

Fully synthetic MUC1 glycopeptide antitumor vaccines have a precisely specified structure and induce a targeted immune response without suppression of the immune response when using an immunogenic carrier protein. However, tumor‐associated aberrantly glycosylated MUC1 glycopeptides are endogenous structures, “self‐antigens”, that exhibit only low immunogenicity. To overcome this obstacle, a fully synthetic MUC1 glycopeptide antitumor vaccine was combined with poly(inosinic acid:cytidylic acid), poly(I:C), as a structurally defined Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3)‐activating adjuvant. This vaccine preparation elicited extraordinary titers of IgG antibodies which strongly bound human breast cancer cells expressing tumor‐associated MUC1. Beside the humoral response, the poly(I:C) glycopeptide vaccine induced a pro‐inflammatory environment, very important to overcome the immune‐suppressive mechanisms, and elicited a strong cellular immune response crucial for tumor elimination.
Triple‐modality treatment in patients with advanced stage tonsil cancer
Authors: Roden Dylan F. , Schreiber David , Givi Babak
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) and upfront surgery followed by adjuvant therapy both are recommended treatment options for patients with advanced stage squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tonsil. To the authors' knowledge, the question of whether surgical‐based treatments can achieve better survival compared with CCRT has never been compared in a clinical trial. The authors analyzed the National Cancer Data Base to measure the impact of different treatment modalities on overall survival (OS).

METHODS

All patients aged ≤70 years diagnosed with clinical stage III to IVB (excluding T4B) SCC of the tonsil from 1998 through 2011 were selected. Analysis was limited to patients receiving CCRT, surgery plus CCRT, or surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). OS was compared using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. Univariable and multivariable hazards analyses were performed to identify factors significant for survival. Propensity score matching was performed.

RESULTS

There were 16,891 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The most common treatment was CCRT (8123 patients; 48.1%), followed by surgery plus CCRT (5249; 31.1%) and surgery plus RT (3519 patients; 20.8%). Patients treated with surgery plus CCRT were found to have the highest 3‐year OS rate (88.5%) followed by those treated with surgery plus RT (84%) and CCRT (74.2%) (P<.0001). In a propensity score‐matched subpopulation of 4962 patients, the 3‐year OS rate was 90.2% for those treated with surgery plus CCRT, 84.9% for those treated with surgery plus RT, and 82.1% for those treated with definitive CCRT (P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced stage SCC of the tonsil who underwent surgery followed by CCRT had the greatest OS. Patients undergoing upfront surgery may avoid chemotherapy without jeopardizing survival. Triple‐modality therapy may provide a survival benefit for a subset of patients with advanced stage tonsil cancer. Cancer 2017;123:3269‐76. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Micronuclei and nuclear buds: Highlighting overlooked indicators of chromosomal damage in thyroid aspiration smears
Authors: Kokenek‐Unal Tuba Dilay , Coban Ipek
Published: April 2017

Background

We aimed to examine the diagnostic utility of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear buds (NBs) in aspiration smears of the well‐differentiated epithelial lesions of thyroid.

Methods

One hundred five cases composed of 34 follicular nodular disease (FND), 31 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), and 40 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were compiled retrospectively. May‐ Grünwald Giemsa (MGG) stained smears of each case were selected to count cells with nuclear protrusions (NPs) per 1000 cells. The frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) was compared by using Mann‐Whitney U test and Kruskal‐Wallis tests when appropriate. Post‐Hoc Tukey test was used for pairwise comparison of different diagnostic categories. By running a ROC curve analysis, diagnostic usefulness of the frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) and their cut‐off values to predict malignant behavior were calculated. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

NPs (MN&NBs) were significantly more frequent in malignant cases than benign ones. NBs were more frequent in conventional PTC compared to FV of PTC, but the frequency of MN did not significantly differ between these. ROC curve analysis revealed that evaluation of the frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) was a highly specific, sensitive, and diagnostically useful method to identify malignant behavior.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature to evaluate the frequency of cells with NPs (MN&NBs) in human thyroid aspiration smears. Our results show that evaluation of NPs (MN&NBs) may be a useful diagnostic tool to detect PTC in thyroid aspiration smears. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:673–680. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Little association of biological trait values with environmental variables in invasive alien round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
Authors: Cerwenka Alexander F. , Pagnotta Alfredo , Böker Carolin , Brandner Joerg , Geist Juergen , Schliewen Ulrich K.
Published: April 2017

The relative importance of species‐specific biological trait characteristics and environmental factors in invasions of nonindigenous species remains controversial because both have mostly been studied independently. Thus, the main objective of this study was to examine the correlation of biological traits with environmental variation in the globally invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus from the upper Danube River. Based on a sample of 653 specimens along a continuous 200 km river pathway, links between nine environmental factors (substrate‐type, six water measurements, and the communities of fishes and macroinvertebrates) and seven biological traits (nutritional and energetic status, trade‐offs of parasite resistance and resource allocation, and three growth proxies) were analyzed. Biological trait values of N. melanostomus hardly correlated with the environment, could not explain invasion progress and imply a general low overall importance for invasion success. Instead, alternative individual life‐history trajectories appear to determine invasion success. This is in line with up to 15% of all specimens having outlying biological trait values of potential adaptive value, suggesting a considerable importance of adaptive trait variation among single individuals for the whole invasion progress. This “individual trait utility hypothesis” gives an alternative explanation for success of invasive species by single individuals carrying particular traits, and it should be specifically targeted and analyzed at currently invaded sites.
Conceptualising the interactive effects of climate change and biological invasions on subarctic freshwater fish
Authors: Rolls Robert J. , Hayden Brian , Kahilainen Kimmo K.
Published: April 2017

Climate change and species invasions represent key threats to global biodiversity. Subarctic freshwaters are sentinels for understanding both stressors because the effects of climate change are disproportionately strong at high latitudes and invasion of temperate species is prevalent. Here, we summarize the environmental effects of climate change and illustrate the ecological responses of freshwater fishes to these effects, spanning individual, population, community and ecosystem levels. Climate change is modifying hydrological cycles across atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic components of subarctic ecosystems, causing increases in ambient water temperature and nutrient availability. These changes affect the individual behavior, habitat use, growth and metabolism, alter population spawning and recruitment dynamics, leading to changes in species abundance and distribution, modify food web structure, trophic interactions and energy flow within communities and change the sources, quantity and quality of energy and nutrients in ecosystems. Increases in temperature and its variability in aquatic environments underpin many ecological responses; however, altered hydrological regimes, increasing nutrient inputs and shortened ice cover are also important drivers of climate change effects and likely contribute to context‐dependent responses. Species invasions are a complex aspect of the ecology of climate change because the phenomena of invasion are both an effect and a driver of the ecological consequences of climate change. Using subarctic freshwaters as an example, we illustrate how climate change can alter three distinct aspects of species invasions: (1) the vulnerability of ecosystems to be invaded, (2) the potential for species to spread and invade new habitats, and (3) the subsequent ecological effects of invaders. We identify three fundamental knowledge gaps focused on the need to determine (1) how environmental and landscape characteristics influence the ecological impact of climate change, (2) the separate and combined effects of climate and non‐native invading species and (3) the underlying ecological processes or mechanisms responsible for changes in patterns of biodiversity.
Diverse and just? The role of quota‐based selection policies on organizational outcomes
Authors: Shaughnessy Brooke , Braun Susanne , Hentschel Tanja , Peus Claudia V.
Published: April 2017

Quota‐based selection systems are viewed as a way to overcome biases; however, they may produce negative effects on the individuals as well as on the organizations that enact said procedures. To date, the processes underlying these negative effects have been relatively neglected in the literature and thus warrant further investigation. The current paper specifically seeks to address the process through which quota‐based selection policies influence applicant evaluations of the organization and ultimately their decision to pursue employment. We demonstrate that quota‐based selection policies negatively impact procedural justice perceptions, which in turn influenced perceptions of anticipated organizational support, organizational prestige, and organizational attractiveness. Ultimately, these organizational evaluations worked together to predict job pursuit intentions. The findings suggest that organizations need to carefully consider how they present their selection policies to applicant pools as they may harm organizational attractiveness and job pursuit intentions. The present study comes at a timely point in the discussion and implementation of quotas in Europe, and specifically in Germany, and provides some initial insights into how organizations are likely to be affected by such policies.
The association between actual and perceived ethnic diversity: The moderating role of authoritarianism and implications for outgroup threat, anxiety, and mistrust
Authors: Van Assche Jasper , Roets Arne , Dhont Kristof , Van Hiel Alain
Published: April 2017

The present study investigated the role of authoritarianism in the association between the actual proportion of ethnic minorities (objective diversity) within a neighborhood and majority members' subjective perception thereof (perceived diversity). Additionally, we tested how authoritarianism affects the direct and indirect relationships between objective diversity and outgroup threat, anxiety, and mistrust. Analyses in a nationally stratified sample of Dutch citizens (N = 848) without migration background from 706 different neighborhoods showed that higher levels of authoritarianism have a dual effect on the relationship between objective diversity and negativity towards outgroups. In particular, authoritarianism (i) boosts the indirect relationship between objective diversity and greater outgroup negativity through perceived diversity, and (ii) curbs the direct association of objective diversity with reduced outgroup negativity. These findings shed light on how majority members with different levels of authoritarianism differentially perceive diversity in their neighborhood, and how this relates to their responses to ethnic minorities.
Development of LC‐QTOF‐MS method for human lung tissue fingerprinting. A preliminary application to nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Ciborowski Michal , Kisluk Joanna , Pietrowska Karolina , Samczuk Paulina , Parfieniuk Ewa , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Kozlowski Miroslaw , Kretowski Adam , Niklinski Jacek
Published: April 2017

The major histologic subtypes of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCC), and large‐cell carcinoma (LCC). Clinical trials of targeted agents and newer chemotherapy agents yielded differences in outcomes according to histologic subgroups providing a rationale for histology‐based treatment in NSCLC. Currently, NSCLC subtyping is performed based on histopathological examinations and immunohistochemistry. However available methods leave about 10% of NSCLC cases as not otherwise specified. The purpose of this study was development of an LC‐QTOF‐MS method for human lung tissue metabolic fingerprinting that could discriminate NSCLC histological subtypes and propose biomarkers candidates that could support proper NSCLC diagnosis. Metabolites were extracted with acetonitrile or methanol/ethanol and different chromatographic conditions were tested. In the final method 10 mg of lung tissue was homogenized with 50% methanol and metabolites were extracted with acetonitrile. Metabolites were separated on C8‐RP and HILIC columns. About 3500 and 2000 of metabolic features (in both ion modes) were detected with good repeatability (CV < 20%) by RP and HILIC methods, respectively. Lung tumor and control tissue samples obtained from NSCLC patients were analyzed with developed methodology. Acylcarnitines, fatty acids, phospholipids, and amino acids were found more abundant in tumor as compared to control tissue. Acylcarnitines, lysophospholipids, creatinine, creatine, and alanine were identified as potential targets enabling classification of NSCLC subtypes.
Experimental study of the porosity and permeability of municipal solid waste
Authors: Zeng Gang , Liu Lei , Xue Qiang , Wan Yong , Ma Jun , Zhao Ying
Published: April 2017

Permeability is a very important parameter to evaluate the landfill gas (LFG) transport properties of municipal solid waste (MSW). Waste permeability is largely dependent on pore structure, which is affected directly by compression stress and degradation. In this article, laboratory tests were conducted to determine the permeability of MSW under different stresses and degradation phases. Test results showed that porosity and permeability values were in the range of 0.11–0.65 and 8.7 × 10−14–7.29 × 10−12 m2, respectively. The porosity of waste samples declined exponentially with the increase of compacted density and linearly with the increase in water content. Permeability decreased significantly with stress and degradation because of the increase in compacted density and finer particles of the waste, which led to low porosity of the samples. The influence of stress on permeability was in the scope of 1.6 × 10−12–3.7 × 10−12 m2, whereas porosity was 0.23–0.34. However, the effect of coupled stress and degradation on permeability was reduced to more than an order of magnitude. The power model was found to be suitable for fresh and degradation wastes, whereas Kozeny–Carman model was only suitable for old wastes. This study provides theoretical and practical significance for environmental pollution control and resource utilization of LFG in landfills. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1694–1699, 2017
Development and characterization of bioactive alginate microcapsules with cedarwood essential oil
Authors: Ferrandiz Marcela , López Ainhoa , Franco Esther , Garcia‐Garcia Daniel , Fenollar David , Balart Rafael
Published: April 2017

In this work, sodium alginate microcapsules containing cedarwood essential oil (CWO) for uses in anti‐acne tonic were prepared by ionic gelification of alginate with calcium chloride (CaCl2) and subsequent addition of glutaraldehyde to improve the crosslinking degree. Alginate microcapsules with cedarwood essential oil were obtained in an encapsulator with a 600 μm nozzle using different alginate concentrations (1, 3 and 4% w/v) , and different compositions of the coagulation solution with CaCl2 concentrations of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 M, and addition of glutaraldehyde at two concentrations: 12.5% and 50% (0.1 g L−1 and 10 g L−1, respectively). The effect of alginate concentration was followed by viscosimetry and the influence of the CaCl2 concentration and presence of glutaraldehyde on the microcapsules' shape as well as the total content on encapsulated cedarwood essential oil were evaluated by means of stereoscopic magnifying glass, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis spectrophotometry. Results show that proper shape formation is obtained for an alginate concentration of 3% w/v. With regard to the total encapsulated cedarwood oil, as the CaCl2 concentration in the gelifying‐coagulating solution increases the efficiency of the encapsulated oil. Best results in terms of micro‐bead shape and total amount of encapsulated oil were obtained for a CaCl2 concentration of 0.5 M without glutaraldehyde with a maximum encapsulation of 177.2 mg per gram of microcapsule.
A synthesis of deuterated methyleugenol via transition metal‐catalyzed coupling of substituted deuterated benzyl chloride with vinylmagnesium bromide
Authors: Bouges Hélène , Antoniotti Sylvain
Published: April 2017

Methyleugenol monodeuterated on the benzylic position, 4‐(1‐deuteroprop‐2‐enyl)‐1,2‐dimethoxybenzene, was synthesised in > 87% isotopic enrichment and in three steps from veratraldehyde. Key steps involved the reduction of veratraldehyde by LiAlD4 to install a single deuterium atom at the benzylic position and a Pd‐ or Ni‐catalyzed coupling of the corresponding monodeuterobenzyl chloride with vinyl magnesium bromide.
Development of a SOFC Power Generator for the Indian Market
Authors: Pfeifer T. , Chakradeo A. , Ahire N. , Baade J. , Barthel M. , Dosch C. , Näke R. , Hartmann M.
Published: April 2017

Contracted by the company h2e Power Systems Pvt. Ltd. based in Pune, India, Fraunhofer IKTS has developed a 1 kW(el) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power generator during a three year system engineering and technology transfer project. The fuel cell system is based on the CFY stack technology by Plansee SE and IKTS, which incorporates state‐of‐the‐art ESC with Scandia‐doped Zirconia electrolytes. For the SOFC power generator, a chromium based interconnects (CFY) stack was integrated with a pre‐reformer, a tail‐gas oxidizer and heat exchangers into a HotBox‐module following a novel concept for least‐space‐demanding reactor integration and flow distribution. The applied system concept aimed at a very compact and robust, yet highly efficient power generator with optional heat extraction. Two major design decisions have been introduced in the process layout, i.e., a rated fuel utilization in the stack of 85% as well as a POX‐air pre‐heater for reducing the reformer air flow to lowest possible values. This approach lead to a waterless SOFC system with a net electrical efficiency above 40%.

Two proof‐of‐concept (PoC) prototype systems were commissioned and tested for system concept validation. Based on the operating experience, three improved prototype units were built at IKTS and shipped to India for initial demonstration projects and field trials at the customer's site. At the same time, the technology transfer to the customer was initiated, in order to enable for a local manufacturing and deployment of SOFC systems in India.

This paper outlines the system development approach and major technical achievements demonstrated on PoC prototype level.
The geophysical identification, characteristics, and petroliferous significance of sublacustrine fan deposits in the second member of Dongying Formation in Liaozhong Depression, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Xia Shiqiang , Liu Jingyan , Liu Zhen , Ye Dongqing , Chang Yanyan , Gao Nanan , Li Hong , Liang Xu
Published: April 2017

Large sublacustrine fan deposits have been identified within the lacustrine successions of the second member of the Palaeogene Dongying Formation in the Liaozhong Depression. In this study, by using comprehensive and detailed analyses of the borehole lithology, limited cores, wireline logs, and seismic facies, 4 types of sublacustrine fan deposits were identified and characterized. Then, an integrated depositional model was established based on the above investigations. The result indicates that the geophysical characteristics of the different sublacustrine fan deposits differed from each other, in terms of their internal configuration and external geometry of seismic reflections, and stacking patterns of wireline logs, and stratigraphic position in the vertical successions. Subsequently, the model was established according to the comprehensive analysis of the geophysical characteristics and stratigraphic position. The discussion of developing conditions and hydrocarbon discoveries within different types of sublacustrine fan deposits provided robust insights regarding how to locate and evaluate reservoirs in such deposits. Furthermore, the results of this study may potentially assist in achieving a new understanding of how to identify sublacustrine fan deposits in similar lacustrine basins and may also assist in making further decisions regarding the terms of hydrocarbon migration and accumulation.
The impact of the Affordable Care Act on self‐employment
Authors: Heim Bradley T. , Yang Lang Kate
Published: April 2017

This paper estimates the impact of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014 on the decision to be self‐employed. Using data from the Current Population Survey, we employ two identification strategies. Utilizing prereform variation in state nongroup health insurance market regulations, we find that the ACA did not increase self‐employment overall in states that lacked similar provisions in their nongroup markets prior to 2014. In specifications that utilize variation across individuals in characteristics that could make it harder for them to purchase insurance if they left their current employer, we also do not find that the ACA differentially increased self‐employment. However, in states that lacked the ACA nongroup market provisions, we do find a statistically significant increase in the second year of implementation (when individuals had more time to adjust behavior and the exchanges functioned properly) among individuals eligible for insurance subsidies, suggesting that a combination of time to adjust, low uncertainty and low insurance costs may be necessary for nongroup health insurance reforms to impact self‐employment.
Frailty index: Intensive care unit complications in head and neck oncologic regional and free flap reconstruction
Authors: Abt Nicholas B. , Xie Yanjun , Puram Sidharth V. , Richmon Jeremy D. , Varvares Mark A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Head and neck extirpations requiring reconstruction are challenging surgeries with high postoperative complication risk.

Methods

Regional and free flap reconstructions of head and neck defects were collected from the 2006‐2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS‐NSQIP) database. The modified frailty index was made of 15 variables, with increasing index scores indicative of frailer patients. Intensive care unit (ICU)‐level complications were defined by Clavien‐Dindo classification IV and analyzed with multivariable logistic regression.

Results

There were 266 flap reconstructions (126 regional and 140 free) with 86 (7.2%) Clavien‐Dindo classification IV complications. As modified frailty index increased, a moderate correlation was demonstrated for Clavien‐Dindo classification IV complications (R2 = 0.30). Increasing modified frailty index score was correlated on linear regression with free versus regional flaps: Clavien‐Dindo classification IV (R2 = 0.09; 0.60), morbidity (R2 = 0.04; 0.59), and mortality (R2 = 0.07; 0.46), respectively. On multivariable analysis, the modified frailty index was associated with Clavien‐Dindo classification IV complications for all flaps (odds ratio [OR] 4.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33‐14.48) and free flaps (OR 6.60; 95%CI 1.02‐42.52), but not regional flaps (OR 9.05; 95%CI 0.60‐137.10).

Conclusion

The modified frailty index score is predictive of critical care support in head and neck resections necessitating reconstruction, specifically for free flaps.
SIRT1/HSF1/HSP pathway is essential for exenatide‐alleviated, lipid‐induced hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zheng Xiaobin , Xu Fen , Liang Hua , Cao Huanyi , Cai Mengyin , Xu Wen , Weng Jianping
Published: April 2017

Recent studies have indicated that lipid‐induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a major contributor to the progression of hepatic steatosis. Exenatide (exendin‐4), a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, is known to improve hepatic steatosis, with accumulating evidence. In this study, we investigated whether exenatide could alleviate lipid‐induced hepatic ER stress through mammal sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and illustrated the detailed mechanisms. Male C57BL/6J mice challenged with a high‐fat diet (HFD) were treated with exenatide or normal saline by intraperitoneal injection for 4 weeks. We observed that HFD feeding induced hepatic ER stress as indicated by increased expression of glucose‐regulated protein 78, phosphorylated protein kinase‐like ER kinase, and phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α, while these increases were significantly inhibited by exenatide. Exenatide notably decreased the liver weight and hepatic steatosis induced by HFD challenge. Consistently, in human HepG2 cells and primary murine hepatocytes, exendin‐4 also significantly alleviated the ER stress and lipid accumulation induced by palmitate. Importantly, further studies showed that exendin‐4 enhanced the binding of heat shock factor 1 to the promoter of heat shock protein (HSP) genes through SIRT1‐mediated deacetylation, which then increased the expression of molecular chaperones HSP70 and HSP40 to alleviate hepatic ER stress. Finally, inhibition of SIRT1 by genetic whole‐body heterozygous knockout or by lentiviral short hairpin RNA knockdown greatly diminished the effect of exenatide on deacetylating heat shock factor 1, increasing HSP expression and alleviating ER stress and hepatic steatosis in HFD‐fed mice. Conclusion: The SIRT1/heat shock factor 1/HSP pathway is essential for exenatide‐alleviated, lipid‐induced ER stress and hepatic steatosis, which provides evidence for a molecular mechanism to support exenatide and incretin mimetics as promising therapeutics for obesity‐induced hepatic steatosis. (Hepatology 2017;66:809–824)
Complex modulation by stress of the effect of seizures on long term potentiation in mouse hippocampal slices
Authors: Maggio Nicola , Shavit Stein Efrat , Segal Menahem
Published: April 2017

Stress has a profound effect on ability to express neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory. Likewise, epileptic seizures lead to massive changes in brain connectivity, and in ability to undergo long term changes in reactivity to afferent stimulation. In this study, we analyzed possible long lasting interactions between a stressful experience and reactivity to pilocarpine, on the ability to produce long term potentiation (LTP) in a mouse hippocampus. Pilocarpine lowers paired pulse potentiation as well as LTP in CA1 region of the mouse hippocampal slice. When stress experience precedes exposure to pilocarpine, it protects the brain from the lasting effect of pilocarpine. When stress follows pilocarpine, it exacerbates the effect of the drug, to produce a long lasting reduction in LTP. These changes are accompanied by a parallel change in blood corticosterone level. A single exposure to selective mineralo‐ or gluco‐corticosterone (MR and GR, respectively) agonists and antagonists can mimic the stress effects, indicating that GR's underlie the lasting detrimental effects of stress whereas MRs are instrumental in counteracting the effects of stress. These studies open a new avenue of understanding of the interactive effects of stress and epileptic seizures on brain plasticity.