bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Quality of Humanitarian Assistance: Taking Stock and Future Initiatives
Authors: Griekspoor Andre , Sondorp Egbert
Published: July 2016

During the last five years, the debate on the performance of humanitarian assistance has intensified. The motivation to “do better” has come both from within the humanitarian agencies as well as from pressure exerted by the donors and the media. Paradoxically, until now, the voice of those who are to benefit from this assistance has not been heard.

This paper is an overview of the most important initiatives to increase the quality of humanitarian assistance. The introduction of the logical framework and the increasing body of knowledge made available through guidelines have improved project management by measuring process and outcomes. Increasingly, evaluations are used to give account and to learn from experiences. But, current evaluation practice must develop in a wider variety of approaches more appropriate to create change of the operations in the field. Some agencies oppose new developments like the Sphere and the Humanitarian Accountability Projects, arguing that standards and regulation would undermine necessary flexibility to adjust responses to the local context, or be a threat to their independence. Nonetheless, standards are considered to be a prerequisite as reference to assess performance. Furthermore, it is hoped that a new breakthrough will be achieved by improved accountability towards beneficiaries.

An option to address some of the gaps in the current quality assessment tools was to widen the perspective on performance from projects to the organisations behind them. Quality management models may provide the required framework, and they also can be used to embed current initiatives by organisations. Humanitarian organisations may want to develop forms of self-regulation rather than waiting for accreditation by donors. Another area in which progress is needed is a system-wide approach to performance. At this level, the influence of political actors, donors, national governments, and other representatives of the parties in a conflict also should be assessed. It is their legal obligation to protect the basic right to assistance of persons affected by disasters, as enshrined in international law.
Training of Physicians in Disaster Medicine
Authors: Hell Konrad , Pike P.
Published: July 2016

In disasters, every available physician and lay person alike is called upon to render help. Disaster medicine is a most demanding field because of its multidisciplinary nature. Specialties like anesthesia, general surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, opthalmology, orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology, bacteriology, thoracic and vascular surgery, toxicology, radiology, and others are each separately and directly involved. Without specialized knowledge, no one physician is able to cope with all problems that may arise. Therefore, disaster management planning calls for adequate training and organizational preparations, with plans for the whole spectrum of possible catastrophes from man-made and natural disasters (e.g., floods, avalanches, fire, war, terrorism attacks; air, rail and high-way accidents; chemical catastrophes, irradiation, and radioactive fallout).
Coronary Care by Nurses in the PreHospital Phase
Authors: Hart Henry N.
Published: July 2016

The Netherlands, due to its density of population (415 residents per square kilometer) has ambulance services organized under municipal and district health departments (emergency services) or private services (routine transportation). The law requires that each patient be reached by an ambulance within 15 minutes everywhere in the country.

Emergency services are generally performed by the health departments, whereas more routine patient transport is carried out by private firms. In the Netherlands, it is usual that emergency complaints are first directed to the family physician who makes further decisions concerning the use of ambulance services. All ambulance services are coordinated from central district ambulance posts.
Equipment of a Mobile Unit of Pediatric Reanimation
Authors: Tonellot J. L. , Gippet J. , Blanc J. F. , Valat J. , Olivier P. , Mille C. , Benatia P. , Kassim S. , Garcia F. , Serre L. M. , Soubrillard C.
Published: July 2016

In view of the increasing importance of the transportation of newborn and premature infants in distress, we have felt the need to create a mobile unit for pediatric reanimation. Therefore, it was important to build a very well-defined and specially adapted mobile unit for these kinds of particularly delicate transportations.

For this purpose, and with the agreement of the pediatricians, we have adopted a solution that seems compatible with this kind of work.
Prehospital Emergency Medicine and Intensive Therapy in the USSR
Authors: Damir Elena A.
Published: July 2016

Prehospital emergency medicine in the USSR is one of the most widespread aspects of our medical system. The structure is extremely simple. The country is divided into regions, which in turn are divided into districts. Each district has a definite population and a fixed number of physicians, hospital beds and stations for first aid and urgent care. The system has to provide adequate medical attention without delay for every severely ill or injured patient.

In the prehospital emergency system, there are standard and specialized intensive therapy teams and equipment. For all emergency calls we have teams, which include a physician, a medical assistant(feldsher)and attendants. Specialized intensive therapy teams usually include two physicians, two feldshers and laboratory assistants.
Effect of Irradiation and Gentamycin on the Course of Experimental Peritonitis
Authors: Orlowski T. , Chabielski S. , Badowski A. , Dumanski Z.
Published: July 2016

The pathology of mixed injuries resulting from simultaneous action of several damaging factors on the organism is still insufficiently known. Peritonitis is the most frequent complication of injuries to the abdominal organs. Co-existence of peritonitis with radiation sickness impairs considerably the results of therapeutic management and prognosis. Surgical treatment is indicated in the latent period of radiation sickness or only in the period of recovery. In the case of diffuse peritonitis, the time of performing the operation is of essential importance for the prognosis. Thepurposeof the reportedinvestigationswas the study of the effect of ionizing radiation before exposure of the organism on the course of diffuse peritonitis and a trial of prolonging with an antibiotic the preliminary stage of the disease in which surgical treatment is effective. Investigations were carried out on 160 male Wistar rats weighing 250g on the average, divided into five groups. Group 1 served as control. In Group 2, the rats were only exposed to radiation.
Oxygen Delivery Performance of Four Adult Resuscitation Bags
Authors: Barnes Thomas A. , Watson Mary E.
Published: July 2016

The Vitalograph bag resuscitator with the old and new reservoirs, the PMR 1, the PMR 2, and the Laerdal bag resuscitator were studied at various oxygen flowrates and ventilation patterns, with and without oxygen reservoirs, to determine fractional delivered oxygen (FDO2) and function of patient valves. The Vitalograph with the new or the old reservoir and the PMR 1 cannot deliver high oxygen concentrations (FDO2> 0.90) and should not be used when high FDO2is important. The PMR 2 and the Laerdal cannot deliver high oxygen concentrations without a reservoir attached; but with a reservoir and oxygen flowrates of 101/min the Laerdal does achieve FDO2> 0.98, and at 15 1/min the PMR 2 does achieve > 0.90.
The Club of Rome
Authors: Lesh Donald R.
Published: July 2016

The Club of Rome is limited to 100 persons around the world, representing more than 35 countries, and a very wide spectrum of experiences, professions, backgrounds, and views.

With such a small organization, it should be obvious that its power – if, indeed, it has any power – derives not from the size of its membership or the imposing structure of the institution supporting it, for there is none. To the extent that The Club of Rome exerts any power, it is the power of ideas to more individuals, societies, and governments. And that is precisely what The Club of Rome has styled itself as acatalyst of ideas. (See references.)

The members of The Club of Rome around the world represent no single social, political, economic, geographic, or ideological viewpoint. But they are united in the belief that the societies and governments can, and must, do a much better job of preparing themselves to deal effectively with the multiple crises that many agree are emerging on the global horizon.
The International Academy of Astronautics Studies Committee on Worldwide Disaster and Emergency Response Employing Space-Borne Systems
Authors: Heath Gloria W. , Freibaum Jerry , Richards Paul B.
Published: July 2016

The objectives of the Second World Congress on Emergency and Disaster Medicine are closely aligned with those of the International Academy of Astronautics' Studies Committee. The fundamental concern that we share is that of reducing human suffering in the wake of life-threatening natural forces, man-made disasters, or emergencies experienced in the course of daily life. The overarching objective is to reduce to a minimum a population's vulnerability to disasterous occurrences by anticipating exposures accurately and setting in place wise precautionary systems.

The contribution made by space-borne systems is essentially that they can provide accurate information rapidly, clearly and dependably over wide areas.
Life Saving Potentials in Mass Emergencies
Authors: Frey Rudolf
Published: July 2016

The dangers of mass emergencies are greater today than ever before in the history of man. The reasons are:

1) The exponential growth of the world population from 2 billion in 1925 to 4 billion today and to an expected 8 billion in the year 2025. This growing population is badly in need of more and more food and energy to sustain itself.

2) The increasingly severe competition world-wide for the available supplies of food and energy will precipitate mass emergencies and even mass disasters. Some of these mass disasters, such as nuclear war, have the potential to destroy entire countries…or even the human race itself.

No matter how gloomy the outlook is, however, it is still the task of the medical profession to recognize this growing danger and to do everything possible to be prepared for and treat not only individual emergencies, but mass disasters as well.
Organization in Australia—A Vast Continent with a Low Incidence of Disasters
Authors: Beard Donald
Published: July 2016

At the Second World Congress on Emergency and Disaster Medicine there were many presentations of drama and disaster from all over the world. This article is unusual in that no major disasters are discussed.

Australia is a huge island continent with many of its cities separated by over 3000 kilometres. The dense settlement is in the southeast, but the greatest disaster potential is in the sparsely populated northwest.

This country is fortunate to have been spared from calamities during the documented history of the 200 years of European settlement. Previous Aboriginal history is sketchy, due to the absence of a written language. A history of the disasters includes earthquakes, cyclone, floods and bushfires. There are no volcanoes in Australia. Earthquake fault lines do exist, but there have been no incidents accompanied by great loss of life and property. Cyclones are frequent, but they usually wear themselves out on sparsely populated northern coastlines.
Mass Casualty Response to San Antonio Sniper Incident
Authors: Vaughn Prentis B.
Published: July 2016

A widely attended, well-publicized annual event in San Antonio, Texas each spring is Fiesta Week. Fiesta Week begins with the Battle of Flowers parade. In April 1979, a deranged gunman began to fire upon parade participants and bystanders. The area-wide disaster plan was activated in order to deal with the many casualties resulting from his actions. This paper provides a description of the disaster situation and describes the implementation of the mass casualty plan.

Over 300,000 people lined the parade route as the parade began. Gunfire erupted shortly after the start of the parade in an area where approximately 4,000 people had moved to observe the festivities. The first casualties included police and several parade spectators. Instinctively, onlookers sought cover behind cars, barrels and other parade barricades. Authorities estimated that about 500 people were pinned down by the gunfire.
Anesthesia for Victims of the Earthquake in Iran 1978
Authors: Madjidi A. , Frey R.
Published: July 2016

Anesthesia in disaster medicine, especially as practiced in developing countries, is fundamentally different from the anesthesia that is practiced during normal situations. Anesthetic procedures suitable for disaster situations must often take place under minimal conditions of instrumental availability and in a setting of less than modern technology. Such conditions, of course, limit the use of inhalatory anesthetics.

The key factor present in disaster situations is the disturbed relationship between the number of injured, on the one hand, and the available resources to treat them, on the other. This includes medical personnel—both professional and para-professional. This has been substantiated by the earthquakes in Iran, Guatemala, China and Turkey. The earthquake which occurred in Tabas, Iran in December 1978, for example, lasted only thirty seconds, but left behind more than 20,000 dead and countless thousands of injured.
Nanoscale Three-Dimensional Microstructural Characterization of an Sn-Rich Solder Alloy Using High-Resolution Transmission X-Ray Microscopy (TXM)
Authors: Kaira Chandrashekara S. , Mayer Carl R. , De Andrade V. , De Carlo Francesco , Chawla Nikhilesh
Published: July 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) nondestructive microstructural characterization was performed using full-field transmission X-ray microscopy on an Sn-rich alloy, at a spatial resolution of 60 nm. This study highlights the use of synchrotron radiation along with Fresnel zone plate optics to perform absorption contrast tomography for analyzing nanoscale features of fine second phase particles distributed in the tin matrix, which are representative of the bulk microstructure. The 3D reconstruction was also used to quantify microstructural details of the analyzed volume.
Infection and pubertal timing: a systematic review
Authors: McDonald J. A. , Eng S. M. , Dina O. O. , Schooling C. M. , Terry M. B.
Published: July 2016

The decline in age of pubertal timing has serious public health implications ranging from psychosocial adjustment problems to a possible increase in reproductive cancers. One biologically plausible explanation for the decline is a decrease in exposures to infections. To systematically review studies that assess the role of infection in pubertal timing, Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE were systematically searched and retrieved studies were reviewed for eligibility. Eligible studies examined the association between infections, including microbial exposures, and physical pubertal characteristics (breast, genitalia and pubic hair development) or age at menarche. We excluded studies that were published in a language other than English, focused on precocious puberty, were case studies, and/or included youth with autoimmune diseases. We report on study design, population characteristics, measurement of infection and puberty and the main effects of infection on pubertal development. Based on our search terms we identified 1372 unique articles, of which only 15 human and five animal studies met our eligibility criteria. Not all studies examined all outcomes. Infection was associated with later breast development (4/4 human studies), with less consistent evidence for genitalia and pubic hair development. Seven studies assessed age at menarche with inconsistent findings (three supporting later, four no association). We conclude that a small but consistent literature supports that infection is associated with later breast development; the evidence for other pubertal events and age at menarche is less clear. Where fewer childhood infections coincide with the rise in incidence of hormone-related cancers.
Unterschiede in der Mutter-Kind-Bindung bei Frauen mit und ohne Soziale Phobie
Authors: Kraft Ariane , Knappe Susanne , Petrowski Katja , Petzoldt Johanna , Martini Julia
Published: July 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Untersuchung der Bedeutung von mütterlicher Sozialer Phobie für die Entwicklung der Mutter-Kind-Beziehung in einer prospektiv-longitudinalen Studie. Methodik: Eine Teilstichprobe von 46 Frauen mit vs. ohne Lebenszeitdiagnose einer Sozialen Phobie und deren Kindern wurde analysiert. Soziale Phobien der Mütter wurden mit dem Composite International Diagnostic Interview für Frauen (CIDI-V) erhoben. Die Mütter wurden zum ante- und postnatalen Bonding befragt (MAAS, MPAS) und die Kinder wurden 16 Monate nach der Geburt mit dem Fremde-Situations-Test beobachtet. Ergebnisse: Kinder von sozialphobischen Müttern waren in der Verhaltensbeobachtung prozentual häufiger unsicher gebunden (45.4 % vs. 33.3 %) und brauchten signifikant länger, um den Kontakt zur Mutter in der Wiedervereinigungsphase wiederherzustellen (U = 160.0, p = .019). In Bezug auf das ante- (t = -.151, p = .881) und postnatale (t = .408, p = .685) Bonding der Mutter an das Kind sowie im widerstehenden (U = 262.5, p = .969), vermeidenden (U = 311.5, p = .258) und kontakterhaltenden (U = 224.0, p = .373) Verhalten des Kindes in der Fremden Situation zeigten beide Gruppen vergleichbare Werte. Schlussfolgerungen: Möglicherweise haben Mütter mit Sozialer Phobie eine gehemmte Verhaltensdisposition weitergegeben oder ihre Kinder weniger zur sozialen Interaktion ermutigt als Mütter ohne Soziale Phobie. Wenn Kinder von sozialphobischen Müttern Interaktionsängste zeigen, sollte eine Aufklärung über verschiedene Therapiemöglichkeiten sowie über mögliche Konsequenzen des eigenen (Vermeidungs-)Verhaltens für die kindliche Entwicklung erfolgen.
A transgenic approach for controlling Lygus in cotton
Authors: Gowda Anilkumar , Rydel Timothy J. , Wollacott Andrew M. , Brown Robert S. , Akbar Waseem , Clark Thomas L. , Flasinski Stanislaw , Nageotte Jeffrey R. , Read Andrew C. , Shi Xiaohong , Werner Brent J. , Pleau Michael J. , Baum James A.
Published: July 2016

Lygus species of plant-feeding insects have emerged as economically important pests of cotton in the United States. These species are not controlled by commercial Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton varieties resulting in economic losses and increased application of insecticide. Previously, a Bt crystal protein (Cry51Aa2) was reported with insecticidal activity against Lygus spp. However, transgenic cotton plants expressing this protein did not exhibit effective protection from Lygus feeding damage. Here we employ various optimization strategies, informed in part by protein crystallography and modelling, to identify limited amino-acid substitutions in Cry51Aa2 that increase insecticidal activity towards Lygus spp. by >200-fold. Transgenic cotton expressing the variant protein, Cry51Aa2.834_16, reduce populations of Lygus spp. up to 30-fold in whole-plant caged field trials. One transgenic event, designated MON88702, has been selected for further development of cotton varieties that could potentially reduce or eliminate insecticide application for control of Lygus and the associated environmental impacts.
Comparison of visceral fat mass measurement by dual-X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging in a multiethnic cohort: the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Neeland I J , Grundy S M , Li X , Adams-Huet B , Vega G L
Published: July 2016

Background/Objectives:

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass, a risk factor for cardiometabolic complications of obesity, is usually measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but this method is not practical in a clinical setting. In contrast, measurement of VAT by dual-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) appears to circumvent the limitations of MRI. In this study, we compared measurements of VAT mass by MRI and DXA in the large, multiethnic cohort of the Dallas Heart Study (DHS).

Subjects/Methods:

About 2689 DHS participants underwent paired measurement of VAT by MRI and DXA. Sex-stratified analyses were performed to evaluate the correlation and agreement between DXA and MRI. Model validation was performed using bootstrapping and inter-reader variability was assessed.

Results:

Mean age of the cohort was 44 years, with 55% female, 48% Black and 75% overweight/obese participants. Regression analysis showed a linear relationship between DXA and MRI with R2=0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81–0.84) for females and R2=0.86 (95% CI 0.85–0.88) for males. Mean difference between methods was 0.01 kg for females and 0.09 kg for males. Bland–Altman analysis showed that DXA tended to modestly underestimate VAT compared with MRI at lower VAT levels and overestimate it compared with MRI at higher VAT levels. Results were consistent in analyses stratified by race, body mass index status, waist girth and body fat. Inter-individual reader correlation among 50 randomly selected scans was excellent (inter-class correlation coefficient=0.997).

Conclusions:

VAT mass quantification by DXA was both accurate and valid among a large, multiethnic cohort within a wide range of body fatness. Further studies including repeat assessments over time will help determine its long-term applicability.
A comprehensive database of quality-rated fossil ages for Sahul’s Quaternary vertebrates
Authors: Rodríguez-Rey Marta , Herrando-Pérez Salvador , Brook Barry W. , Saltré Frédérik , Alroy John , Beeton Nicholas , Bird Michael I. , Cooper Alan , Gillespie Richard , Jacobs Zenobia , Johnson Christopher N. , Miller Gifford H. , Prideaux Gavin J. , Roberts Richard G. , Turney Chris S.M. , Bradshaw Corey J.A.
Published: July 2016

The study of palaeo-chronologies using fossil data provides evidence for past ecological and evolutionary processes, and is therefore useful for predicting patterns and impacts of future environmental change. However, the robustness of inferences made from fossil ages relies heavily on both the quantity and quality of available data. We compiled Quaternary non-human vertebrate fossil ages from Sahul published up to 2013. This, theFosSahuldatabase, includes 9,302 fossil records from 363 deposits, for a total of 478 species within 215 genera, of which 27 are from extinct and extant megafaunal species (2,559 records). We also provide a rating of reliability of individual absolute age based on the dating protocols and association between the dated materials and the fossil remains. Our proposed rating system identified 2,422 records with high-quality ages (i.e., a reduction of 74%). There are many applications of the database, including disentangling the confounding influences of hypothetical extinction drivers, better spatial distribution estimates of species relative to palaeo-climates, and potentially identifying new areas for fossil discovery.
CO2 and fire influence tropical ecosystem stability in response to climate change
Authors: Shanahan Timothy M. , Hughen Konrad A. , McKay Nicholas P. , Overpeck Jonathan T. , Scholz Christopher A. , Gosling William D. , Miller Charlotte S. , Peck John A. , King John W. , Heil Clifford W.
Published: July 2016

Interactions between climate, fire and CO2 are believed to play a crucial role in controlling the distributions of tropical woodlands and savannas, but our understanding of these processes is limited by the paucity of data from undisturbed tropical ecosystems. Here we use a 28,000-year integrated record of vegetation, climate and fire from West Africa to examine the role of these interactions on tropical ecosystem stability. We find that increased aridity between 28–15 kyr B.P. led to the widespread expansion of tropical grasslands, but that frequent fires and low CO2 played a crucial role in stabilizing these ecosystems, even as humidity changed. This resulted in an unstable ecosystem state, which transitioned abruptly from grassland to woodlands as gradual changes in CO2 and fire shifted the balance in favor of woody plants. Since then, high atmospheric CO2 has stabilized tropical forests by promoting woody plant growth, despite increased aridity. Our results indicate that the interactions between climate, CO2 and fire can make tropical ecosystems more resilient to change, but that these systems are dynamically unstable and potentially susceptible to abrupt shifts between woodland and grassland dominated states in the future.
Glaucoma related Proteomic Alterations in Human Retina Samples
Authors: Funke Sebastian , Perumal Natarajan , Beck Sabine , Gabel-Scheurich Silke , Schmelter Carsten , Teister Julia , Gerbig Claudia , Gramlich Oliver W. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H.
Published: July 2016

Glaucoma related proteomic changes have been documented in cell and animal models. However, proteomic studies investigating on human retina samples are still rare. In the present work, retina samples of glaucoma and non-glaucoma control donors have been examined by a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) workflow to uncover glaucoma related proteomic changes. More than 600 proteins could be identified with high confidence (FDR < 1%) in human retina samples. Distinct proteomic changes have been observed in 10% of proteins encircling mitochondrial and nucleus species. Numerous proteins showed a significant glaucoma related level change (p < 0.05) or distinct tendency of alteration (p < 0.1). Candidates were documented to be involved in cellular development, stress and cell death. Increase of stress related proteins and decrease of new glaucoma related candidates, ADP/ATP translocase 3 (ANT3), PC4 and SRFS1-interacting protein 1 (DFS70) and methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCp2) could be documented by MS. Moreover, candidates could be validated by Accurate Inclusion Mass Screening (AIMS) and immunostaining and supported for the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) by laser capture microdissection (LCM) in porcine and human eye cryosections. The workflow allowed a detailed view into the human retina proteome highlighting new molecular players ANT3, DFS70 and MeCp2 associated to glaucoma.
Effect of Antifibrotic MicroRNAs Crosstalk on the Action of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in Diabetes-related Kidney Fibrosis
Authors: Srivastava Swayam Prakash , Shi Sen , Kanasaki Megumi , Nagai Takako , Kitada Munehiro , He Jianhua , Nakamura Yuka , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Kanasaki Keizo , Koya Daisuke
Published: July 2016

N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous antifibrotic peptide. We found that suppression of AcSDKP and induction of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which is associated with insufficient levels of antifibrotic microRNA (miR)s in kidneys, were imperative to understand the mechanisms of fibrosis in the diabetic kidneys. Analyzing streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse strains, diabetic CD-1 mice with fibrotic kidneys could be differentiated from less-fibrotic diabetic 129Sv mice by suppressing AcSDKP and antifibrotic miRs (miR-29s and miR-let-7s), as well as by the prominent induction of DPP-4 protein expression/activity and endothelial to mesenchymal transition. In diabetic CD-1 mice, these alterations were all reversed by AcSDKP treatment. Transfection studies in culture endothelial cells demonstrated crosstalk regulation of miR-29s and miR-let-7s against mesenchymal activation program; such bidirectional regulation could play an essential role in maintaining the antifibrotic program of AcSDKP. Finally, we observed that AcSDKP suppression in fibrotic mice was associated with induction of both interferon-γ and transforming growth factor-β signaling, crucial molecular pathways that disrupt antifibrotic miRs crosstalk. The present study provides insight into the physiologically relevant antifibrotic actions of AcSDKP via antifibrotic miRs; restoring such antifibrotic programs could demonstrate potential utility in combating kidney fibrosis in diabetes.
COMT and prenatal maternal smoking in associations with conduct problems and crime: the Pelotas 1993 birth cohort study
Authors: Salatino-Oliveira Angélica , Murray Joseph , Kieling Christian , Genro Júlia Pasqualini , Polanczyk Guilherme , Anselmi Luciana , Wehrmeister Fernando , de Barros Fernando C. , Menezes Ana Maria Baptista , Rohde Luis Augusto , Hutz Mara Helena
Published: July 2016

Conduct problems in childhood and adolescence are significant precursors of crime and violence in young adulthood. The purpose of the current study is to test the interaction between prenatal maternal smoking and COMT Val158Met in conduct problems and crime in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. Conduct problems were assessed through the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at ages 11 and 15 years. A translated version of a confidential self-report questionnaire was used to collect criminal data at 18 years of age. Negative binomial regression analyses showed an association between prenatal maternal smoking and SDQ conduct problem scores (IRR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.14–1.34; p < 0.001) at 11 years of age. However, no evidence was found for an association between COMT genotypes and conduct scores or for an interaction between maternal smoking and this gene in predicting conduct problems. Very similar results were obtained using the 15 years conduct scores and crime measure at age 18. Prenatal maternal smoking was associated with crime (IRR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.09–1.48; p = 0.002) but neither COMT genotypes nor the possible interaction between gene and maternal smoking were significantly associated with crime. Replications of GxE findings across different social contexts are critical for testing the robustness of findings.
Microassembly of Heterogeneous Materials using Transfer Printing and Thermal Processing
Authors: Keum Hohyun , Yang Zining , Han Kewen , Handler Drew E. , Nguyen Thong Nhu , Schutt-Aine Jose , Bahl Gaurav , Kim Seok
Published: July 2016

Enabling unique architectures and functionalities of microsystems for numerous applications in electronics, photonics and other areas often requires microassembly of separately prepared heterogeneous materials instead of monolithic microfabrication. However, microassembly of dissimilar materials while ensuring high structural integrity has been challenging in the context of deterministic transferring and joining of materials at the microscale where surface adhesion is far more dominant than body weight. Here we present an approach to assembling microsystems with microscale building blocks of four disparate classes of device-grade materials including semiconductors, metals, dielectrics and polymers. This approach uniquely utilizes reversible adhesion-based transfer printing for material transferring and thermal processing for material joining at the microscale. The interfacial joining characteristics between materials assembled by this approach are systematically investigated upon different joining mechanisms using blister tests. The device level capabilities of this approach are further demonstrated through assembling and testing of a microtoroid resonator and a radio frequency (RF) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switch that involve optical and electrical functionalities with mechanical motion. This work opens up a unique route towards 3D heterogeneous material integration to fabricate microsystems.
LRRK2 and RAB7L1 coordinately regulate axonal morphology and lysosome integrity in diverse cellular contexts
Authors: Kuwahara Tomoki , Inoue Keiichi , D’Agati Vivette D. , Fujimoto Tetta , Eguchi Tomoya , Saha Shamol , Wolozin Benjamin , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Abeliovich Asa
Published: July 2016

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has been linked to several clinical disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Crohn’s disease and leprosy. Furthermore in rodents, LRRK2 deficiency or inhibition leads to lysosomal pathology in kidney and lung. Here we provide evidence that LRRK2 functions together with a second PD-associated gene, RAB7L1, within an evolutionarily conserved genetic module in diverse cellular contexts. In C. elegans neurons, orthologues of LRRK2 and RAB7L1 act coordinately in an ordered genetic pathway to regulate axonal elongation. Further genetic studies implicated the AP-3 complex, which is a known regulator of axonal morphology as well as of intracellular protein trafficking to the lysosome compartment, as a physiological downstream effector of LRRK2 and RAB7L1. Additional cell-based studies implicated LRRK2 in the AP-3 complex-related intracellular trafficking of lysosomal membrane proteins. In mice, deficiency of either RAB7L1 or LRRK2 leads to prominent age-associated lysosomal defects in kidney proximal tubule cells, in the absence of frank CNS pathology. We hypothesize that defects in this evolutionarily conserved genetic pathway underlie the diverse pathologies associated with LRRK2 in humans and in animal models.
Low temperature deformation behavior of an electromagnetically bulged 5052 aluminum alloy
Authors: Li Zu , Li Ning , Wang Duzhen , Ouyang Di , Liu Lin
Published: July 2016

The fundamental understanding of the deformation behavior of electromagnetically formed metallic components under extreme conditions is important. Here, the effect of low temperature on the deformation behavior of an electromagnetically-bulged 5052 aluminum alloy was investigated through uniaxial tension. We found that the Portevin-Le Chatelier Effect, designated by the serrated characteristic in stress-strain curves, continuously decays until completely disappears with decreasing temperature. The physical origin of the phenomenon is rationalized on the basis of the theoretical analysis and the Monte Carlo simulation, which reveal an increasing resistance to dislocation motion imposed by lowering temperature. The dislocations are captured completely by solute atoms at −50 °C, which results in the extinction of Portevin-Le Chatelier. The detailed mechanism responsible for this process is further examined through Monte Carlo simulation.
Molecular Signature of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Simultaneous Nanomolar Detection of Quorum Sensing Signaling Molecules at a Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Buzid Alyah , Shang Fengjun , Reen F. Jerry , Muimhneacháin Eoin Ó , Clarke Sarah L. , Zhou Lin , Luong John H. T. , O’Gara Fergal , McGlacken Gerard P. , Glennon Jeremy D.
Published: July 2016

Electroanalysis was performed using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode for the simultaneous detection of 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and pyocyanin (PYO). PQS and its precursor HHQ are two important signal molecules produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while PYO is a redox active toxin involved in virulence and pathogenesis. This Gram-negative and opportunistic human pathogen is associated with a hospital-acquired infection particularly in patients with compromised immunity and is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Early detection is crucial in the clinical management of this pathogen, with established infections entering a biofilm lifestyle that is refractory to conventional antibiotic therapies. Herein, a detection procedure was optimized and proven for the simultaneous detection of PYO, HHQ and PQS in standard mixtures, biological samples, and P. aeruginosa spiked CF sputum samples with remarkable sensitivity, down to nanomolar levels. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) scans were also applicable for monitoring the production of PYO, HHQ and PQS in P. aeruginosa PA14 over 8 h of cultivation. The simultaneous detection of these three compounds represents a molecular signature specific to this pathogen.
Crosstalk between cystine and glutathione is critical for the regulation of amino acid signaling pathways and ferroptosis
Authors: Yu Xinlei , Long Yun Chau
Published: July 2016

Although essential amino acids regulate mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and the integrated stress response (ISR), the role of cysteine is unknown. We found that in hepatoma HepG2 cells, cystine (oxidized form of cysteine) activated mTORC1 and suppressed the ISR. Cystine deprivation induced GSH efflux and extracellular degradation, which aimed to restore cellular cysteine. Inhibition of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) impaired the ability of GSH or cell-permeable GSH to restore mTORC1 signaling and the ISR, suggesting that the capacity of GSH to release cysteine, but not GSH per se, regulated the signaling networks. Inhibition of protein translation restored both mTORC1 signaling and the ISR during cystine starvation, suggesting the bulk of cellular cysteine was committed to the biosynthetic process. Cellular cysteine and GSH displayed overlapping protective roles in the suppression of ferroptosis, further supporting their cooperation in the regulation of cell signaling. Thus, cellular cysteine and its derivative GSH cooperate to regulate mTORC1 pathway, the ISR and ferroptosis.
Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B)-deficient neurons show structural presynaptic deficiencies in vitro and altered presynaptic physiology
Authors: Bodaleo Felipe J. , Montenegro-Venegas Carolina , Henríquez Daniel R. , Court Felipe A. , Gonzalez-Billault Christian
Published: July 2016

Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) is expressed predominantly during the early stages of development of the nervous system, where it regulates processes such as axonal guidance and elongation. Nevertheless, MAP1B expression in the brain persists in adult stages, where it participates in the regulation of the structure and physiology of dendritic spines in glutamatergic synapses. Moreover, MAP1B expression is also found in presynaptic synaptosomal preparations. In this work, we describe a presynaptic phenotype in mature neurons derived from MAP1B knockout (MAP1B KO) mice. Mature neurons express MAP1B, and its deficiency does not alter the expression levels of a subgroup of other synaptic proteins. MAP1B KO neurons display a decrease in the density of presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals, which involves a reduction in the density of synaptic contacts, and an increased proportion of orphan presynaptic terminals. Accordingly, MAP1B KO neurons present altered synaptic vesicle fusion events, as shown by FM4-64 release assay, and a decrease in the density of both synaptic vesicles and dense core vesicles at presynaptic terminals. Finally, an increased proportion of excitatory immature symmetrical synaptic contacts in MAP1B KO neurons was detected. Altogether these results suggest a novel role for MAP1B in presynaptic structure and physiology regulation in vitro.
Visible-light induced oxidant-free oxidative cross-coupling for constructing allylic sulfones from olefins and sulfinic acids
Authors: Zhang Guoting , Zhang Lingling , Yi Hong , Luo Yi , Qi Xiaotian , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu , Lei Aiwen
Published: July 2016

An oxidant-free dehydrogenative sulfonylation of α-methyl-styrene derivatives was developed for the construction of allylic sulfones by using eosin Y as a photosensitizer in conjunction with a cobaloxime catalyst.
Size-dependent catalytic kinetics and dynamics of Pd nanocubes: a single-particle study
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhang Yuwei , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2016

Size-dependent catalytic properties at the single-particle level: the size-dependent catalytic kinetics and dynamics of Pd nanocubes were revealed based on the single-molecule nanocatalysis of Pd nanocrystals.
Getting excited: challenges in quantum-classical studies of excitons in polymeric systems
Authors: Bagheri Behnaz , Baumeier Björn , Karttunen Mikko
Published: July 2016

A combination of classical molecular dynamics (MM/MD) and quantum chemical calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) and many-body Green's functions theory (GW-BSE) was performed to describe the conformational and optical properties of diphenylethyne (DPE), methylated-DPE and polyparaphenylene ethynylene (PPE).
Irreversible morphological changes of a graphite negative-electrode at high potentials in LiPF6-based electrolyte solution
Authors: Domi Yasuhiro , Doi Takayuki , Tsubouchi Shigetaka , Yamanaka Toshiro , Abe Takeshi , Ogumi Zempachi
Published: July 2016

The degradation mechanism of a graphite negative-electrode in LiPF6-based electrolyte solution was investigated using the basal plane of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) as a model electrode.
Coinage metals in organic synthesis
Authors: Echavarren Antonio M. , Jiao Ning , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: July 2016

Guest editors Antonio M. Echavarren, Ning Jiao and Vladimir Gevorgyan introduce the Coinage Metals in Organic Synthesis issue of Chemical Society Reviews.
Hydrodeoxygenation of biodiesel-related fatty acid methyl esters to diesel-range alkanes over zeolite-supported ruthenium catalysts
Authors: Chen Jinzhu , Xu Qiyong
Published: July 2016

The reaction medium shows a significant effect on the distribution of alkane products for the hydrodeoxygenation of fatty acid methyl esters over Ru/HZSM-5.
Mono- and dimeric complexes of an asymmetric heterotopic P,CNHC,pyr ligand
Authors: Bouché Mathilde , Mordan Michael , Kariuki Benson M. , Coles Simon J. , Christensen Jeppe , Newman Paul D.
Published: July 2016

An asymmetric tridentate ligand with three different donors coordinates to Ag(i) and Au(i) to give discreet ligand-bridged dimers or κ1-C species whilst full κ3-binding occurs with Ni(ii), Pt(ii) and Rh(i).
Regular terpolymers with fluorinated bithiophene units for high-performing photovoltaic cells
Authors: Park Gi Eun , Kim Hyung Jong , Lee Dae Hee , Cho Min Ju , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate effective structural control of various electron-donating moieties containing bithiophene (BT) and naphthalene derivatives with 3,3′-difluoro-2,2′-bithiophene in a regular terpolymer system and compare the properties of these polymers with those of the three binary copolymers PDPPNp, PDPPBT, and PDPPFBT.
Facile preparation of recyclable photodeformable azobenzene polymer fibers with chemically crosslinked networks
Authors: Han Guang , Nie Juyin , Zhang Huiqi
Published: July 2016

The first preparation of recyclable photodeformable azobenzene polymer fibers with chemically crosslinked networks by using reversible thiol–disulfide switches is described.
An easy access to carboxylic acids via Pd-catalyzed hydrocarboxylation of olefins with HCOOLi as a CO surrogate under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Yang , Zeng Yongming , Yang Bangyu , Shi Yian
Published: July 2016

This paper describes an easy access to carboxylic acids via Pd-catalyzed hydrocarboxylation of olefins with HCOOLi and Ac2O under mild conditions without using external CO gas.
Molecular recognition of parallel quadruplex [d-(TTGGGGT)]4 by mitoxantrone: binding with 1 : 4 stoichiometry leads to telomerase inhibition
Authors: Pradeep Tarikere Palakshan , Tripathi Sweta , Barthwal Ritu
Published: July 2016

NMR and CD studies show that anti-cancer drug mitoxantrone (MTX) binds to parallel G-quadruplex DNA [d-(TTGGGGT)4] as stacked dimer at grooves leading to increase in thermal stabilization of DNA by ~25 °C and inhibits telomerase with IC50 = 2 μM.
Application of novel multiple-dimensional cobalt oxides as the electroactive material on supercapacitors
Authors: Hong Wei-Lung , Lin Lu-Yin , Liu Yu-Bin , Lin Lu-Ying , Tu Chao-Chi
Published: July 2016

A two-step hydrothermal reaction is used to synthesize the cobalt oxide nanomaterial composed of the one, two, and three dimensional nanostructures on the nickel foam.
Functionalization of polyacrylonitrile with tetrazole groups for ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Zhao Wei , Liu Lei , Wang Liang , Li Nanwen
Published: July 2016

A series of tetrazole-functionalized polyacrylonitrile (TZ-PAN) copolymers were synthesized via a post-modification cycloaddition reaction of nitriles with azide for ultrafiltration (UF) membrane application.
A series of lanthanide complexes with different N-donor ligands: synthesis, structures, thermal properties and luminescence behaviors
Authors: Wang Ye , Shen Pan-Pan , Ren Ning , Zhang Jian-Jun , Geng Li-Na , Wang Shu-Ping , Shi Shi-Kao
Published: July 2016

Complexes 1 and 2 are stitched together via Cl–π and hydrogen bonding interactions to form 1D, 2D, 3D supramolecular structures, while complexes 3 and 4 are packed together by Cl–Cl, π–π, and hydrogen bonding interactions to form 1D, 2D structures.
NO catalytic oxidation over an ultra-large surface area LaMnO3+δ perovskite synthesized by an acid-etching method
Authors: Zhao Baohuai , Ran Rui , Sun Li , Guo Xingguo , Wu Xiaodong , Weng Duan
Published: July 2016

After etched by acid solution, abundant cationic vacancies appear in A sites of the perovskite structure, leading to a loose structural framework which may contribute the extra surface area, the formation of oxygen vacancies and Mn4+.
A facile one step route to synthesize WO3 nanoplatelets for CO oxidation and photodegradation of RhB: microstructural, optical and electrical studies
Authors: Dirany N. , Arab M. , Madigou V. , Leroux Ch. , Gavarri J. R.
Published: July 2016

Two-dimensional nanoplatelets of WO3 were synthesized at room temperature. The large exposed (020) facets of the nanoplatelets show a high catalytic activities, for CO conversion and for photodegradation of organic pollutant.
Organoaluminum(iii) complexes of the bis-N,N′-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-imine ligand
Authors: Todd Angela D. K. , McClennan William L. , Masuda Jason D.
Published: July 2016

Trimethylaluminum reacts with bis-N,N′-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazolin-2-imine to form a number of new organoaluminum complexes.
Highly selective intramolecular addition of C–N and S–N bonds to alkynes catalyzed by palladium: a practical access to two distinct functional indoles
Authors: Wu Chenglin , Zhao Fei , Du Yonglei , Zhao Liang , Chen Liang , Wang Jiang , Liu Hong
Published: July 2016

Palladium-catalyzed highly selective intramolecular addition of C–N and S–N bonds to alkynes has been achieved, and two distinct kinds of functional indoles were synthesized rapidly from the same set of substrates in a catalyst-controlled manner.
A comprehensive study of methane/carbon dioxide adsorptive selectivity in different bundle nanotubes
Authors: Akbarzadeh Hamed , Abbaspour Mohsen
Published: July 2016

We have investigated methane/carbon dioxide adsorptive selectivity in carbon nanotube (CNT) and silicon carbide nanotube (SiCNT) bundlesviaMD simulations.
NBS-mediated dinitrogen extrusion of diazoacetamides under catalyst-free conditions: practical access to 3-bromooxindole derivatives
Authors: Wang Xiangbo , Dong Kuiyong , Yan Bin , Zhang Cheng , Qiu Lihua , Xu Xinfang
Published: July 2016

A synthetically useful reaction via NBS-mediated dinitrogen extrusion of N-aryl diazoacetamides under catalyst-free conditions is disclosed, which gives the 3-bromooxindoles in high to excellent yields with high selectivity via a non carbene process.
The impact of viscoplastic drops on a heated surface in the Leidenfrost regime
Authors: Chen Simeng , Bertola Volfango
Published: July 2016

The impact morphology of viscoplastic drops on a heated surface in the Leidenfrost regime is investigated experimentally by high-speed imaging.
Compact dual‐band balanced bandpass filter based on double‐layer SIW structure
Authors: Zhou Kai , Kang Wei , Wu Wen
Published: July 2016

A compact dual‐band balanced bandpass filter with high common‐mode (CM) suppression is proposed. Two layers of substrate are vertically stacked to realise the miniaturisation. The first differential‐mode passband can be obtained by the dominant modes and the second can be achieved by utilising the higher‐order modes. The desired coupling coefficients of both bands are achievable by properly setting positions and sizes of the coupling slots etched on the layer interface. Meanwhile, four slotlines are etched on the bottom layer of the substrate to improve CM suppression and band‐to‐band isolation. A four‐order prototype is designed for demonstration. Good agreement between simulated and measured results is obtained.