bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic blood–brain barrier model provides in vivo‐like barrier properties for drug permeability screening
Authors: Wang Ying I. , Abaci Hasan Erbil , Shuler Michael L.
Published: July 2016

Efficient delivery of therapeutics across the neuroprotective blood–brain barrier (BBB) remains a formidable challenge for central nervous system drug development. High‐fidelity in vitro models of the BBB could facilitate effective early screening of drug candidates targeting the brain. In this study, we developed a microfluidic BBB model that is capable of mimicking in vivo BBB characteristics for a prolonged period and allows for reliable in vitro drug permeability studies under recirculating perfusion. We derived brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and cocultured them with rat primary astrocytes on the two sides of a porous membrane on a pumpless microfluidic platform for up to 10 days. The microfluidic system was designed based on the blood residence time in human brain tissues, allowing for medium recirculation at physiologically relevant perfusion rates with no pumps or external tubing, meanwhile minimizing wall shear stress to test whether shear stress is required for in vivo‐like barrier properties in a microfluidic BBB model. This BBB‐on‐a‐chip model achieved significant barrier integrity as evident by continuous tight junction formation and in vivo‐like values of trans‐endothelial electrical resistance (TEER). The TEER levels peaked above 4000 Ω · cm2 on day 3 on chip and were sustained above 2000 Ω · cm2 up to 10 days, which are the highest sustained TEER values reported in a microfluidic model. We evaluated the capacity of our microfluidic BBB model to be used for drug permeability studies using large molecules (FITC‐dextrans) and model drugs (caffeine, cimetidine, and doxorubicin). Our analyses demonstrated that the permeability coefficients measured using our model were comparable to in vivo values. Our BBB‐on‐a‐chip model closely mimics physiological BBB barrier functions and will be a valuable tool for screening of drug candidates. The residence time‐based design of a microfluidic platform will enable integration with other organ modules to simulate multi‐organ interactions on drug response. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 184–194. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bright Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence of a Bis‐Donor Quadrupolar Spirofluorene Dye and Its Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Haidong , Daniel Jonathan , Verlhac Jean‐Baptiste , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Sojic Neso
Published: July 2016

A series of symmetric fluorescent dyes built from a spirofluorene core bearing electroactive end groups and having different conjugated linkers were prepared with a view to their use as building blocks for the preparation of electrochemiluminescent (ECL) dyes and nanoparticles. Their electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and ECL properties were first investigated in solution, and structure/activity relationships were derived. The electrochemical and ECL properties show drastic variation that could be tuned by means of the nature of the π‐conjugated system, the end groups, and the core. In this series, highly fluorescent dye 1 based on a spirofluorene core and triphenylamine end groups connected via thiophene moieties shows the most promising and intriguing properties. Dye 1 is reversibly oxidized in three well‐separated steps and generates a very intense and large ECL signal. Its ECL efficiency is 4.5 times higher than that of the reference compound [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine). This remarkably high efficiency is due to the very good stability of the higher oxidized states and it makes 1 a very bright organic ECL luminophore. In addition, thanks to its molecular structure, this dye retains fluorescence after nanoprecipitation in water, which leads to fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs). The redox behavior of these FONs shows oxidation waves consistent with the initial molecular species. Finally, ECL from FONs made of 1 was recorded in water and strong ECL nanoemitters are thus obtained.
A Simplified MHD Model of Capillary Z‐Pinch Compared with Experiments
Authors: Shapolov A. A. , Kiss M. , Kukhlevsky S. V.
Published: July 2016

The most accurate models of the capillary Z‐pinches used for excitation of soft X‐ray lasers and photolithography XUV sources currently are based on the magnetohydrodynamics theory (MHD). The output of MHD‐based models greatly depends on details in the mathematical description, such as initial and boundary conditions, approximations of plasma parameters, etc. Small experimental groups who develop soft X‐ray/XUV sources often use the simplest Z‐pinch models for analysis of their experimental results, despite of these models are inconsistent with the MHD equations. In the present study, keeping only the essential terms in the MHD equations, we obtained a simplified MHD model of cylindrically symmetric capillary Z‐pinch. The model gives accurate results compared to experiments with argon plasmas, and provides simple analysis of temporal evolution of main plasma parameters. The results clarify the influence of viscosity, heat flux and approximations of plasma conductivity on the dynamics of capillary Z‐pinch plasmas. The model can be useful for researchers, especially experimentalists, who develop the soft X‐ray/XUV sources. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemoselective Transesterification of Acrylate Derivatives for Functionalized Monomer Synthesis Using a Hard Zinc Alkoxide Generation Strategy
Authors: Nakatake Daiki , Yazaki Ryo , Ohshima Takashi
Published: July 2016

A new practical method for the synthesis of functionalized acrylate derivatives with the view to prepare functional polymers was explored. Hard zinc alkoxide generation enabled the highly chemoselective transesterification of acrylate derivatives over the undesired conjugate addition, which caused polymerization. The combined use of the catalytic zinc cluster Zn4(OCOCF3)6O and 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine delivered various functionalized acrylate derivatives through the transesterification of commercially available methyl acrylate derivatives with functionalized alcohols under mild conditions.
Are economic conditions related to nonnormative life satisfaction development? Evaluating the relative impact of economic conditions, personality, and subjective health
Authors: Heidemeier Heike
Published: July 2016

This study examined the relative contribution of psychological and socioeconomic resources to explaining qualitative individual differences in life satisfaction development. We used growth mixture modeling and a cohort‐sequential design to investigate life satisfaction development from ages 25 to 65, in a nationally representative panel (the Socioeconomic Panel). Eighty‐three percent of the participants experienced stability in life satisfaction. In a subgroup of individuals (10%), life satisfaction declined. This subgroup lived under less favorable economic conditions and reported downward moves on an index of socioeconomic status. In another subgroup (7%), life satisfaction was low at age 25 and increased up to age 65. This group was also socioeconomically disadvantaged but scored higher on adaptive personality traits and experienced upward social mobility. Generally, personality traits explained level differences in life satisfaction better than economic conditions. However, economic conditions explained nonnormative life satisfaction development better than generalized control beliefs and the Big Five traits.
Bioconversion of glycerol into lipids by Rhodosporidium toruloides in a two‐stage process and characterization of lipid properties
Authors: Xu Jingyang , Zhao Xuebing , Du Wei , Liu Dehua
Published: July 2016

Rhodosporidium toruloides AS 2.1389 has been considered a promising oleaginous strain due to its flexible substrate adaptability, high lipid content, and coproduction of some pigments. In previous work, R. toruloides has shown good potential to directly convert crude glycerol into intracellular lipids. However, the difference in nutritional demand between cell growth and lipid accumulation was found to be a dilemma. Therefore, a glycerol‐based two‐stage process was proposed in the present work to separately meet the nutritional demand of both the cell proliferation phase and lipid accumulation phase. Factors that affect microbial conversion of glycerol into lipid were investigated, statistically analyzed, and optimized. As a result, 26.5 g L−1 biomass with 10 g L−1 lipid was obtained in the two‐stage process. Lipid yield (0.20 g g−1) and productivity (0.083 g L−1 h−1) achieved were significantly higher than the previously optimized batch culture. In R. toruloides lipids, the dominant fatty acid compositions are palmitic acid (28.5%), stearic acid (12.9%), oleic acid (41.3%), and linoleic acid (12.8%). Phospholipids accounts for 0.63% in total lipid. Lipase‐catalyzed methanolysis could achieve up to 95% biodiesel yield. The characterization of R. toruloides lipid suggests its great application potential for biodiesel and specialty‐type lipid products.
Numerical modelling of reinforced‐concrete structures under seismic loading based on the finite element method with discrete inter‐element cracks
Authors: Nikolić Željana , Živaljić Nikolina , Smoljanović Hrvoje , Balić Ivan
Published: July 2016

The behaviour of the earthquake excitated reinforced concrete (RC) structures up to the collapse, previously designed according to the prescriptions of Eurocode 8 cannot be fully predetermined because of the diversity of the nature of the earthquake. Thus, one needs to make a judicious choice between the two ductility classes balancing between the desired response of the structure, dimension of structural elements, costs and complexity of the design and construction. Powerful numerical models stand as significant tools to obtain more insight into the peculiarity of each structure. This paper presents a numerical model for dynamic analysis and prediction of the collapse of RC structures under the seismic loading based on finite discrete element method. The model includes several numerical algorithms which are essential for realistic description of highly non‐linear effects of these structures: cyclic crack opening‐closing mechanism based on discrete cracks, interaction between the reinforcement and concrete taken by steel strain‐slip relation, the influence of adjacent cracks to the slip of reinforcing bar, local slip of reinforcing bar because of a high plastic deformation under reversed cyclic loading, the influence of the curvature of reinforcing bar to yield stress reduction of the steel and cyclic behaviour of concrete and steel. Performance of the model was demonstrated through incremental dynamic analysis of RC wall, previously designed according to the Eurocode 8 for medium and high ductility classes. The presented results demonstrated the ability of the model for simulation of the crack patterns and collapse of these structures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorenyl‐containing Quaternary Ammonium Poly(arylene ether sulfone)s for Anion Exchange Membrane Applications
Authors: Hu Z. , Tang W. , Ning D. , Zhang X. , Bi H. , Chen S.
Published: July 2016

A series of anion exchange membranes (AEM) based on block quaternary ammonium poly(arylene ether sulfone) (QA‐bPAES) were successfully synthesized from 9,9′‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl) fluorene, 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphenol and 4,4′‐difluorodiphenyl sulfone via block polymerization, chloromethylation, quaternization, alkalization and solution casting. Properties of the obtained QA‐bPAES membranes, including ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, swelling ratios, methanol permeability and ion conductivity were investigated. The obtained QA‐bPAES membranes showed low water uptakes, high ion conductivities and good physical and chemical stability. For example, the membrane of QA‐bPAES(20/10)‐1.34 with IEC of 1.34 mmol g−1 exhibited swelling ratios of 5.0% and 5.1% in in‐plane and through‐plane direction, respectively, and ion conductivity of 15.6 mS cm−1 in water at 60 °C with low methanol permeability of 1.06 × 10−7 cm2 s−1 (25 °C). All the results indicated that this type of block membranes had good potentials for alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cell applications.
IκB kinaseα/β control biliary homeostasis and hepatocarcinogenesis in mice by phosphorylating the cell‐death mediator receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1
Authors: Koppe Christiane , Verheugd Patricia , Gautheron Jérémie , Reisinger Florian , Kreggenwinkel Karina , Roderburg Christoph , Quagliata Luca , Terracciano Luigi , Gassler Nikolaus , Tolba René H. , Boege Yannick , Weber Achim , Karin Michael , Luedde Mark , Neumann Ulf P. , Weiskirchen Ralf , Tacke Frank , Vucur Mihael , Trautwein Christian , Lüscher Bernhard , Preisinger Christian , Heikenwalder Mathias , Luedde Tom
Published: July 2016

The IκB‐Kinase (IKK) complex—consisting of the catalytic subunits, IKKα and IKKβ, as well as the regulatory subunit, NEMO—mediates activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathway, but previous studies suggested the existence of NF‐κB‐independent functions of IKK subunits with potential impact on liver physiology and disease. Programmed cell death is a crucial factor in the progression of liver diseases, and receptor‐interacting kinases (RIPKs) exerts strategic control over multiple pathways involved in regulating novel programmed cell‐death pathways and inflammation. We hypothesized that RIPKs might be unrecognized targets of the catalytic IKK‐complex subunits, thereby regulating hepatocarcinogenesis and cholestasis. In this present study, mice with specific genetic inhibition of catalytic IKK activity in liver parenchymal cells (LPCs; IKKα/βLPC‐KO) were intercrossed with RIPK1LPC‐KO or RIPK3−/− mice to examine whether RIPK1 or RIPK3 might be downstream targets of IKKs. Moreover, we performed in vivo phospho‐proteome analyses and in vitro kinase assays, mass spectrometry, and mutagenesis experiments. These analyses revealed that IKKα and IKKβ—in addition to their known function in NF‐κB activation—directly phosphorylate RIPK1 at distinct regions of the protein, thereby regulating cell viability. Loss of this IKKα/β‐dependent RIPK1 phosphorylation in LPCs inhibits compensatory proliferation of hepatocytes and intrahepatic biliary cells, thus impeding HCC development, but promoting biliary cell paucity and lethal cholestasis. Conclusions: IKK‐complex subunits transmit a previously unrecognized signal through RIPK1, which is fundamental for the long‐term consequences of chronic hepatic inflammation and might have potential implications for future pharmacological strategies against cholestatic liver disease and cancer. (Hepatology 2016;64:1217‐1231)
When it comes to securing patient health information from breaches, your best medicine is a dose of prevention: A cybersecurity risk assessment checklist
Authors: Blanke Sandra J. , McGrady Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

Background

Health care stakeholders are concerned about the growing risk of protecting sensitive patient health information from breaches. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified cyber attacks as an emerging concern, and regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) have increased security requirements and are enforcing compliance through stiff financial penalties.

Purposes

The purpose of this study is to describe health care breaches of protected information, analyze the hazards and vulnerabilities of reported breach cases, and prescribe best practices of managing risk through security controls and countermeasures. Prescriptive findings were used to construct a checklist tool to assess and monitor common risks.

Methodology

This research uses a case methodology to describe specific examples of the 3 major types of cyber breach hazards: portable device, insider, and physical breaches. We utilize a risk management framework to prescribe preventative actions that organizations can take to assess, analyze, and mitigate these risks.

Findings

The health care sector has the largest number of reported breaches, with 3 major types: portable device, insider, and physical breaches. Analysis of actual cases indicates security gaps requiring prescriptive fixes based on “best practices.”

Practice Implications

Our research culminates in a 25‐item checklist that organizations can use to assess existing practices and identify security gaps requiring improvement.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Design of Jet Stirred Reactors for Measuring Intrinsic Kinetics of Gas‐Phase and Gas‐Solid Reactions
Authors: Reyniers Pieter A. , Sarris Stamatis A. , Marin Guy B. , Van Geem Kevin M.
Published: July 2016

Nonreactive and reactive computational fluid dynamic simulations were applied to optimize the design of a laboratory scale jet stirred reactor for measuring intrinsic kinetics of gas‐phase and gas‐solid reactions, i.e. kinetics determined by chemical steps only and not by heat or mass transfer. In the past these reactors were designed and tested based on empirical design criteria and residence time distribution experiments. This work shows that these do not always capture important local effects that are vital for kinetic studies. First the degree of macro–mixing was evaluated for three different geometries (down case, 45° case and 90° case) by performing in silico residence time distribution experiments at 900 K, showing that with these type of experiments only minor differences are observed. However, the ethane steam cracking simulations revealed major differences, with the 45° case being the most uniform in terms of temperature and the 90° case being by far the worst. The species nonuniformity in all geometries was acceptable and was in some cases even partly masked by important shortcut streams such as those observed in the 90° case. The existing gradients on the substrate surface are sufficiently small to be neglected in modeling efforts. As temperature is the major parameter determining the rate of the surface reactions, the 45° case is suggested as the best geometry for measuring intrinsic kinetics.
Sparse Neural Network Models of Antimicrobial Peptide‐Activity Relationships
Authors: Müller Alex T. , Kaymaz Aral C. , Gabernet Gisela , Posselt Gernot , Wessler Silja , Hiss Jan A. , Schneider Gisbert
Published: July 2016

We present an adaptive neural network model for chemical data classification. The method uses an evolutionary algorithm for optimizing the network structure by seeking sparsely connected architectures. The number of hidden layers, the number of neurons in each layer and their connectivity are free variables of the system. We used the method for predicting antimicrobial peptide activity from the amino acid sequence. Visualization of the evolved sparse network structures suggested a high charge density and a low aggregation potential in solution as beneficial for antimicrobial activity. However, different training data sets and peptide representations resulted in greatly varying network structures. Overall, the sparse network models turned out to be less accurate than fully‐connected networks. In a prospective application, we synthesized and tested 10 de novo generated peptides that were predicted to either possess antimicrobial activity, or to be inactive. Two of the predicted antibacterial peptides showed cosiderable bacteriostatic effects against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. None of the predicted inactive peptides possessed antibacterial properties. Molecular dynamics simulations of selected peptide structures in water and TFE suggest a pronounced peptide helicity in a hydrophobic environment. The results of this study underscore the applicability of neural networks for guiding the computer‐assisted design of new peptides with desired properties.
Paraparetic Guillain‐Barré syndrome: Nondemyelinating reversible conduction failure restricted to the lower limbs
Authors: Kimachi Takeshi , Yuki Nobuhiro , Kokubun Norito , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Wakerley Benjamin R.
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Paraparetic Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare subtype of GBS characterized by leg weakness and areflexia in the absence of neurological involvement of the arms, cranial nerves, or respiratory muscles. Onset is characterized by lower back, buttock, or leg pain, followed by development of symmetric flaccid limb weakness in the absence of sensory disturbance. Methods: We describe an elderly woman who developed postinfectious symmetric flaccid leg weakness in the absence of sensory disturbance. Serial nerve conduction studies were carried out over 5 months. Results: Antecedent infection, a monophasic disease course, and the presence of cerebrospinal fluid albuminocytological dissociation suggested a diagnosis of paraparetic GBS. Serial nerve conduction studies demonstrated nondemyelinating reversible conduction failure, which was restricted to the legs. Axonal neuropathy was supported by the presence of anti‐GM1 IgG antibodies. Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients with paraparetic GBS have axonal neuropathy, which is restricted to the lower limbs. Muscle Nerve 55: 281–285, 2017
Profound clinical and radiological response to BRAF inhibition in a 2‐month‐old diencephalic child with hypothalamic/chiasmatic glioma
Authors: Lassaletta Alvaro , Guerreiro Stucklin Ana , Ramaswamy Vijay , Zapotocky Michal , McKeown Tara , Hawkins Cynthia , Bouffet Eric , Tabori Uri
Published: July 2016

Infants with low‐grade glioma (LGG) have a poor survival. BRAFV600E mutation has been identified in pediatric LGG; however, the use of BRAF inhibitors in infants has never been reported. A 2‐month‐old with V600E mutant hypothalamic/chiasmatic glioma progressed on chemotherapy resulting in profound visual loss, massive ascites, and diencephalic syndrome. Initiation of dabrafenib resulted in rapid and sustained disappearance of clinical symptoms and a profound sustained cytoreduction. BRAF inhibition was safely tolerated with dramatic clinicoradiological response, suggesting early targeted therapy is a viable option in infants with LGG. A re‐evaluation of current management paradigms in this population is warranted to leverage the potential benefit of upfront‐targeted therapies.
The impact of adherence to inhaled drugs on 5‐year survival in COPD patients: a time dependent approach
Authors: Belleudi Valeria , Di Martino Mirko , Cascini Silvia , Kirchmayer Ursula , Pistelli Riccardo , Formoso Giulio , Fusco Danilo , Davoli Marina , Agabiti Nera ,   on behalf of the OUTPUL Study Group
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Whether inhaled medications improve long‐term survival in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an open question. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of adherence to inhaled drug use on 5‐year survival in COPD.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study in three Italian regions was conducted using healthcare linked datasets (hospitalization, mortality, drugs). Individuals (45+ years) discharged after COPD exacerbation in 2006–2009 were enrolled. Inhaled drug daily use during 5‐year follow‐up was determined through Proportion of Days Covered on the basis of Defined Daily Doses. Five levels of time‐dependent exposure were identified: (i) long‐acting β2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (LB/ICS) regular use; (ii) LB/ICS occasional use; (iii) LB regular use; (iv) LB occasional use; and (v) respiratory drugs other than LB. Cox regression models adjusted for baseline (socio‐demographic, comorbidities, drug use) and time‐dependent characteristics (COPD exacerbations, cardiovascular hospitalizations, cardiovascular therapy) were performed.

Results

A total of 12 124 individuals were studied, 46% women, mean age 73,8 years. Average follow‐up time 2,4 year. A total of 3415 subjects died (mortality rate = 11.9 per 100 person years). In comparison to LB/ICS regular use, higher risks of death for all remaining treatments were found, the highest risk for respiratory drugs other than LB category (HR = 1.63, 95%CI 1.43–1.87). Patients with regular LB use had higher survival than those with LB/ICS occasional use (HR = 0.89, 95%CI 0.79–0.99).

Conclusions

These findings support clinical guidelines and recommendations for the regular use of inhaled drugs to improve health status and prognosis among moderate–severe COPD patients. © 2016 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Frontal polymerization of superabsorbent polymers based on vermiculite with slow release of urea
Authors: Yuan Huan , Qiu Zhaoxia , Qiu Haixia , Zhang Ruobing
Published: July 2016

Poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide)/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/vermiculite (VMT) superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) were prepared by frontal polymerization (FP), a kind of polymerization model characterized by short reaction times and low‐energy consumption. The effects of VMT content and monomer ratios on frontal parameters and water absorbency were investigated. Due to the good heat insulation property of VMT, the propagating front still sustained at high VMT concentrations (over 30%). The preparation of SAPs with high VMT‐loading via FP has advantages of low energy consumption and low materials prices, decreasing the cost of SAPs effectively. SAPs with slow‐release fertilizer (SSRF) were obtained by embedding urea into their networks during the FP process. The addition of urea not only endows SAPs with slow release function of urea (more than 30 days in soil), but also increases their water absorbency (by 17.4%). The effects of obtained SSRF on tall fescue seeds germination and growth were studied. Compared with the control group, the germination rate and vigor index of tall fescue seeds applied SSRF with 10% urea increased by 17.5 and 80.2%, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:69–77, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
A novel kerf‐free wafering process combining stress‐induced spalling and low energy hydrogen implantation
Authors: Pingault Timothée , Pokam‐Kuisseu Pauline Sylvia , Ntsoenzok Esidor , Blondeau Jean‐Philippe , Ulyashin Alexander , Labrim Hicham , Belhorma Bouchra
Published: July 2016

In this work, we studied the potential use of low‐energy hydrogen implantation as a guide for the stress‐induced cleavage. Low‐energy, high fluence hydrogen implantation in silicon leads, in the right stiffening conditions, to the detachment of a thin layer, around a few hundreds nm thick, of monocrystalline silicon. We implanted monocrystalline silicon wafers with low‐energy hydrogen, and then glued them on a cheap metal layer. Upon cooling down, the stress induced by the stressor layers (hardened glue and metal) leads to the detachment of a thin silicon layer, which thickness is determined by the implantation energy. We were then able to clearly demonstrate that, as expected, hydrogen oversaturation layer is very efficient to guide the stress. Using such process, thin silicon layers of around 710 nm‐thick were successfully detached from low‐energy implanted silicon wafers. Such layers can be used for the growth of very good quality monocrystalline silicon of around 50 µm‐thick or less. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Grain boundary effect on lifetime in high performance multicrystalline silicon during solar cell processing
Authors: Adamczyk Krzysztof , Søndenå Rune , Mhamdi Mohammed , Autruffe Antoine , Stokkan Gaute , Sabatino Marisa Di
Published: July 2016

High performance multicrystalline silicon wafers used in solar cell processing have been investigated with focus on quantification of the grain boundary effect on lifetime. The lifetime of a set of 16 wafers from different positions along the ingot and after different process steps – phosphorus gettering, SiNx:H layer deposition and firing – is measured by µPCD and compared with microstructural information from EBSD. This allows for analysis of the behaviour of grain boundaries and their influence on lifetime during solar cell processing. The minority carrier lifetime of HPMC‐Si wafers is not increased after the gettering step, but even reduced for some samples. It is shown that the lifetime in areas close to grain boundaries is reduced during the gettering step and this has a stronger effect on the average value than the improvement within the grains. Only wafers after both gettering and hydrogenation show an overall improvement in carrier lifetimes. However, in the regions close to the bottom of the ingot, wafers show lifetime degradation after the hydrogenation process. The results are used to obtain quantitative information on recombination velocity of grain boundaries. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nutritional impact of crude glycerine infusion into the rumen of wethers fed a tropical or a temperate forage grass
Authors: ZENI D. , KOZLOSKI G. V. , GINDRI M. , STEFANELLO S. , HENTZ F. , OLIVEIRA L.
Published: July 2016

The current study evaluated the nutritional impact of crude glycerine (CG) supplementation to wethers fed only forage grass. Eight Polwarth wethers were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square. Treatments consisted of no CG (control, CON) or intra-ruminal infusion of CG at daily rates of 0·5, 1·5 or 3·0 ml/kg body weight (BW). In each Latin Square, four animals were fedAvena strigosaand four were fedCynodonsp. hayad libitum. The actual concentration of glycerol in diet was similar for both forage types and varied from 21 to 364 g/kg dry matter. No interactions between forage type and CG treatments were detected and no differences were observed between the CON and 0·5 CG treatment for most variables. Both the organic matter (OM) and the digestible OM intake decreased linearly at increased levels of CG infusion, whereas no treatment effect was observed on OM and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility. The duodenal flow of rumen microbial nitrogen (N) was not affected, whereas the duodenal flow of α-amino N decreased linearly at increased levels of CG infusion. In conclusion, CG supplementation at a rate of up to 0·5 ml/kg BW/day did not change the nutrient supply whereas greater amounts of CG supplementation negatively impacted the nutrient supply to wethers fed only grass forage. The forage digestibility, in turn, was not affected by CG supplementation.
Mutual dilution of infection by an introduced parasite in native and invasive stream fishes across Hawaii
Authors: GAGNE RODERICK B. , HEINS DAVID C. , MCINTYRE PETER B. , GILLIAM JAMES F. , BLUM MICHAEL J.
Published: July 2016

The presence of introduced hosts can increase or decrease infections of co-introduced parasites in native species of conservation concern. In this study, we compared parasite abundance, intensity, and prevalence between nativeAwaous stamineusand introduced poeciliid fishes by a co-introduced nematode parasite (Camallanus cotti) in 42 watersheds across the Hawaiian Islands. We found that parasite abundance, intensity and prevalence were greater in native than introduced hosts. Parasite abundance, intensity and prevalence withinA. stamineusvaried between years, which largely reflected a transient spike in infection in three remote watersheds on Molokai. At each site we measured host factors (length, density of native host, density of introduced host) and environmental factors (per cent agricultural and urban land use, water chemistry, watershed area and precipitation) hypothesized to influenceC. cottiabundance, intensity and prevalence. Factors associated with parasitism differed between native and introduced hosts. Notably, parasitism of native hosts was higher in streams with lower water quality, whereas parasitism of introduced hosts was lower in streams with lower water quality. We also found that parasite burdens were lower in both native and introduced hosts when coincident. Evidence of a mutual dilution effect indicates that introduced hosts can ameliorate parasitism of native fishes by co-introduced parasites, which raises questions about the value of remediation actions, such as the removal of introduced hosts, in stemming the rise of infectious disease in species of conservation concern.
Fossil evidence for the origin of behavioral strategies in early Miocene Castoridae, and their role in the evolution of the family
Authors: Hugueney Marguerite , Escuillié François
Published: July 2016

Steneofiber, an early Miocene European beaver, showed evidence of a K-strategy model of reproduction and important morphological modifications for better adaptation to a semiaquatic way of life. At the same time, a North American branch of Castoridae developed not only a parental care system but also a series of cranial and postcranial osteological adaptations to a burrowing way of life. As the North American and the European Castoridae evolved independently from each other for at least fifteen m.y., these behavioral trends seem to have been inherent in the family for a long time and have apparently promoted, up to the present time, the spread of semiaquatic forms on the two continents; on the contrary, the burrowing branch of the Castoridae rapidly vanished.
Evolutionary considerations of claims for physical dormancy-break by microbial action and abrasion by soil particles
Authors: Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C.
Published: July 2016

Books and review articles in various areas of ecology and seed and plant biology continue to report that dormancy-break in seeds (and fruits) with water-impermeable coats (i.e. physical dormancy) occurs via soil-microbial action and/or abrasion by soil particles. However, there is little evidence in the scientific literature to support these assumptions, which, in fact, do not make good evolutionary sense for two related reasons. First, several types of anatomically specialized water-restriction structures have evolved as part of the seed or fruit coat of taxa with physical dormancy. These structures act as ‘signal detectors’ of physical-environmental changes that cause seeds (and fruits) to become water-permeable only at these sites, in seasons and habitats in which there is a good chance that some seedlings will become established. Second, seed (and fruit) coat breakdown by microbial action or by abrasion likely would occur in seasons and habitats in which seedlings could not survive, thus lowering the fitness (λ) of the plant taxa in question.
A highly specific and sensitive fluorescence polarization immunoassay for the rapid detection of triazophos residue in agricultural products
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Rui , Boroduleva Anna , Eremin Sergei , Guo Yirong , Zhu Guonian
Published: July 2016

A highly specific and sensitive fluorescence polarization immunoassay for the rapid detection of triazophos.
A novel method for the determination of fluorescent whitening agent CBS in flour using flow-injection chemiluminescence based on a luminol–urea peroxide system
Authors: He Gaiyan , Gao Ruixia , Hao Yi , Tang Xiaoshuang
Published: July 2016

A highly sensitive, convenient, and quick flow-injection chemiluminescence method for the determination of fluorescent whitening agent CBS in flour.
Correction: Insights into the unexpected chemoselectivity in Brønsted acid catalyzed cyclization of isatins with enaminones: convenient synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinolin-1-ones and spirooxindoles
Authors: Xu Hui , Zhou Bei , Zhou Pan , Zhou Jie , Shen Yuehai , Yu Fu-Chao , Lu Ling-Ling
Published: July 2016

Correction for ‘Insights into the unexpected chemoselectivity in Brønsted acid catalyzed cyclization of isatins with enaminones: convenient synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinolin-1-ones and spirooxindoles’ by Hui Xu et al., Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 8002–8005.
Endohedral metallofullerenes, M@C60 (M = Ca, Na, Sr): selective adsorption and sensing of open-shell NOx gases
Authors: Tawfik Sherif Abdulkader , Cui X. Y. , Ringer S. P. , Stampfl C.
Published: July 2016

Based on density-functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function calculations, we demonstrate that endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) are reactive to open-shell gases, and therefore have the potential application as selective open-shell gas sensors.
A strategy to minimize the energy offset in carrier injection from excited dyes to inorganic semiconductors for efficient dye-sensitized solar energy conversion
Authors: Fujisawa Jun-ichi , Osawa Ayumi , Hanaya Minoru
Published: July 2016

A strategy to minimize the energy offset in carrier injection from excited dyes to inorganic semiconductors is presented.
Electrocatalytic water oxidation using a chair-like tetranuclear copper(ii) complex in a neutral aqueous solution
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Zheng Yue-Qing
Published: July 2016

A tetranuclear copper complex exhibits high reactivity and stability towards electrocatalytic water oxidation in neutral aqueous solutions.
Wildfires and water chemistry: effect of metals associated with wood ash
Authors: Cerrato José M. , Blake Johanna M. , Hirani Chris , Clark Alexander L. , Ali Abdul-Mehdi S. , Artyushkova Kateryna , Peterson Eric , Bixby Rebecca J.
Published: July 2016

The dissolution of metal-bearing carbonate and oxide phases in ash, and metal re-adsorption to ash can impact water quality after post-fire storm events.
Super non-linear RRAM with ultra-low power for 3D vertical nano-crossbar arrays
Authors: Luo Qing , Xu Xiaoxin , Liu Hongtao , Lv Hangbing , Gong Tiancheng , Long Shibing , Liu Qi , Sun Haitao , Banerjee Writam , Li Ling , Gao Jianfeng , Lu Nianduan , Liu Ming
Published: July 2016

A four layer vertical crossbar array was successfully demonstrated based on the developed self-selective device. High uniformity, ultra-low leakage, sub-nA operation, self-compliance, and excellent read/write disturbance immunity were achieved.
Diacetoxyiodobenzene assisted C–O bond formation via sequential acylation and deacylation process: synthesis of benzoxazole amides and their mechanistic study by DFT
Authors: Nahakpam Lokendrajit , Chipem Francis A. S. , Chingakham Brajakishor S. , Laitonjam Warjeet S.
Published: July 2016

An efficient method for the transformation of N-substituted-N′-benzoylthioureas to substituted N-benzoxazol-2-yl-amides due to oxidative dehydrogenation by diacetoxyiodobenzene.
Reduction of hexavalent chromium using epigallocatechin gallate in aqueous solutions: kinetics and mechanism
Authors: Liu Ke , Shi Zhou , Zhou Shiqing
Published: July 2016

Green tea polyphenol EGCG was utilized as nontoxic reductant for hexavalent chromium reduction in aqueous solution.
Efficient and recyclable removal of imidazolium ionic liquids from water using resorcinol–formaldehyde polymer resin
Authors: Andrew Lin Kun-Yi , Wu Chang-Hsuan
Published: July 2016

Resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) resin is used for the first time to remove imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) from waterviaadsorption.
Tunable bioelectrodes with wrinkled-ridged graphene oxide surfaces for electrochemical nitrate sensors
Authors: Ali Md. Azahar , Hong Wei , Oren Seval , Wang Qiugu , Wang Yifei , Jiang Huawei , Dong Liang
Published: July 2016

Morphological transitions from wrinkles to localized ridges are realized in the graphene oxide layer of a bioelectrode by simple stretching and relaxing, which allow tuning and improving the sensing characteristics of the enzymatic nitrate sensor.
Synthesis and enhanced mechanical properties of MgO substituted hydroxyapatite: a bone substitute material
Authors: Gautam C. R. , Kumar Sunil , Biradar Santoshkumar , Jose Sujin , Mishra Vijay Kumar
Published: July 2016

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nano-ceramic powder was synthesized successfullyviamicrowave irradiation technique.
Study on the synthesis and properties of an eco-friendly sugar-based anionic–nonionic surfactant
Authors: Zhao Tian-Hong , Gu Jiong-Yi , Pu Wan-Fen , Dong Zhi-Ming , Liu Rui
Published: July 2016

An eco-friendly surfactant (DAGA-ES) was successfully synthesized and characterized by electrospray ionization-time of flight mass spectrography (ESI-TOFMS),1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR).
Synthesis of Er3+-doped perovskite nanorods with outstanding UC PL behavior
Authors: Ge Yi-Yao , Zhao Yong-Jie , Yuan Xuan-Yi , Sun Si-Yuan , Zhao Yu-Zhen , Zhou He-Ping
Published: July 2016

The Er-doped perovskite single-crystal NaNbO3 nanorods with outstanding UC PL behavior were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method.
ZnO–WS2 heterostructures for enhanced ultra-violet photodetectors
Authors: Lan Changyong , Li Chun , Wang Shuai , Yin Yi , Guo Huayang , Liu Nishuang , Liu Yong
Published: July 2016

Stacking a CVD-grown WS2 monolayer onto a sputtered ZnO film can enhance the ZnO photoresponse.
Palladium-catalyzed Si–C bond-forming silylation of aryl iodides with hydrosilanes: an enhanced enantioselective synthesis of silicon-stereogenic silanes by desymmetrization
Authors: Chen Li , Huang Jiang-Bo , Xu Zheng , Zheng Zhan-Jiang , Yang Ke-Fang , Cui Yu-Ming , Cao Jian , Xu Li-Wen
Published: July 2016

An enantioselective Pd-catalyzed silicon–carbon bond-forming silylation reaction of aryl iodides with hydrosilanes for the synthesis of silicon-stereogenic silanes has been developed with good enantioselectivity under mild conditions.
Cotton modified with silver-nanowires/polydopamine for a wearable thermal management device
Authors: Yu Ziya , Gao Yanfeng , Di Xue , Luo Hongjie
Published: July 2016

A personal thermal management device that uses a coating of a silver nanowire/polydopamine nanocomposite was prepared, which allows Joule heating with a quick thermal response (1 min, from 22 °C to 40 °C).
Diastereoselective synthesis of novel tetra-and pentacyclic annulated coumarino-δ-sultam pyrrolidine, pyrrolizidine, pyrrolothiazole and isoxazolidine derivatives via intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions
Authors: Ghandi Mehdi , Zarezadeh Nahid , Abbasi Alireza
Published: July 2016

A facile and efficient strategy towards the novel tetra- and pentacyclic annulated coumarino-δ-sultam pyrrolidine, pyrrolizidine, pyrrolothiazole and isoxazolidineviaintramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of is described.
Mesoporous strontium doped nano sized sulphate hydroxyapatite as a novel biomaterial for bone tissue applications
Authors: Alshemary Ammar Z. , Pazarceviren Ahmet Engin , Tezcaner Aysen , Evis Zafer
Published: July 2016

In this study a novel nano-structured hydroxyapatite (HA) incorporated with different fractions of Sr2+ and SO42− ions has been synthesized using the wet precipitation method and characterized.
Vibrational spectroscopy reveals the initial steps of biological hydrogen evolution
Authors: Katz S. , Noth J. , Horch M. , Shafaat H. S. , Happe T. , Hildebrandt P. , Zebger I.
Published: July 2016

Low temperature resonance Raman spectroscopy reveals the initial, transient H-cluster intermediate during biological hydrogen production by [FeFe]-hydrogenase.
Non-local real-space analysis of chiral optical signals
Authors: Rouxel Jérémy R. , Chernyak Vladimir Y. , Mukamel Shaul
Published: July 2016

A spatially non-local response tensor description of linear chiral signals such as circular dichroism is developed.
Sandwich-structured Au@polyallylamine@Pd nanostructures: tuning the electronic properties of the Pd shell for electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Fu-Min , Kang Yong-Qiang , Peng Rui-Li , Li Shu-Ni , Xia Bao-Yu , Liu Zong-Huai , Chen Yu
Published: July 2016

We report herein the synthesis of core–shell sandwich Au@polyallylamine@Pd nanostructures, in which the electronic structure of the Pd shell can be strongly tuned by the medial polyallylamine layers.
Differential regulation of skin fibroblasts for their TGF-β1-dependent wound healing activities by biomimetic nanofibers
Authors: Fu X. , Xu M. , Jia C. , Xie W. , Wang L. , Kong D. , Wang H.
Published: July 2016

Nanofibers with different compositions differentially regulate fibroblast phenotypes in a TGF-β1 rich milieu through the integrin-mediated TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
Development of polypeptide-based zwitterionic amphiphilic micelles for nanodrug delivery
Authors: Ma Guanglong , Lin Weifeng , Wang Zhen , Zhang Juan , Qian Haofeng , Xu Liangbo , Yuan Zhefan , Chen Shengfu
Published: July 2016

Stable, protein molecules mimicking zwitterionic amphiphilic micelles based on polypeptides.
Influence of praseodymium content and postdeposition annealing on the structural and sensing characteristics of PrTixOysensing films using the sol–gel spin-coating method
Authors: Pan Tung-Ming , Tan Chia-Ying
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we developed a low-cost, simple and rapid fabrication method for a PrTixOyelectrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) sensor using the sol–gel spin-coating technique.
Einfluss und Veränderung der Selbstlenkungsfähigkeit in der Dialektisch-Behavioralen Therapie (DBT)
Authors: Bernheim Dorothee , Becker Mathias , Gander Manuela , Lischke Alexander , Mentel Renate , Buchheim Anna , Freyberger Harald
Published: July 2016

Ziel der Studie Einfluss und Veränderung der Selbstlenkungsfähigkeit (SL) in der ambulanten Dialektisch-Behavioralen Therapie bei 26 Patientinnen mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung.

Methode Varianzanalyse: Erhebung der Psychopathologie in 2 Subgruppen (niedrige vs. hohe SL), Intervention über 1 Jahr, Fragebögen zu 3 Messzeitpunkten.

Ergebnisse Assoziation niedriger SL mit mehr Psychopathologie und weniger Symptomremission. Verbesserung der SL bei allen Patienten.

Schlussfolgerung Die DBT unterstützt die Stärkung der SL. Ein Screening der SL und deren gezielte Förderung sind empfehlenswert.
The relationship among oil and coal consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and economic growth in BRICTS countries
Authors: Bildirici Elif Melike , Bakirtas Tahsin
Published: July 2016

This study aims to analyze the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, economic growth, and coal and oil consumption in Brazil, Russia, India, China, Turkey, and South Africa by using the bounds test approach autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) over the period from 1969 to 2011. According to ARDL analysis results, it is determined short-run and long-run relationships among selected variables. Three long-run estimators: ARDL cointegration, dynamic ordinary least squares, and fully modified ordinary least squares are utilized to test the robustness of the estimation results. The Granger causality and the forecast error variance decomposition approaches indicate the evidence of a causal relation between variables. According to empirical results, there are the evidence of a uni-directional Granger causality from real gross domestic product (GDP) to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in analyzed countries, uni-directional causality from coal consumption to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, uni-directional causality from oil consumption to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in China, India, Turkey, and South Africa and bi-directional causality in Brazil and Russia. Meanwhile, there is bidirectional causality from GDP to coal consumption, from coal consumption to oil consumption for Brazil, Russia, China, Turkey, and South Africa. India's causality results reveal a bidirectional causality from GDP to coal consumption, oil consumption, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and the results of forecast error variance supported the results of the causality test.
Three-dimensional simulation of microwave-induced helium plasma under atmospheric pressure
Authors: Zhao G. L. , Hua W. , Guo S. Y. , Liu Z. L.
Published: July 2016

A three-dimensional model is presented to investigate helium plasma generated by microwave under atmospheric pressure in this paper, which includes the physical processes of electromagnetic wave propagation, electron and heavy species transport, gas flow, and heat transfer. The model is based on the fluid approximation calculation and local thermodynamic equilibrium assumption. The simulation results demonstrate that the maxima of the electron density and gas temperature are 4.79 × 1017 m−3 and 1667 K, respectively, for the operating conditions with microwave power of 500 W, gas flow rate of 20 l/min, and initial gas temperature of 500 K. The electromagnetic field distribution in the plasma source is obtained by solving Helmholtz equation. Electric field strength of 2.97 × 104 V/m is obtained. There is a broad variation on microwave power, gas flow rate, and initial gas temperature to obtain deeper information about the changes of the electron density and gas temperature.