bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diminished cerebral oxygen extraction and metabolic rate in sickle cell disease using T2 relaxation under spin tagging MRI
Authors: Bush Adam M. , Coates Thomas D. , Wood John C.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

T2 MRI oximetry can noninvasively determine oxygen saturation (Y) but requires empirical MR calibration models to convert the measured blood transverse relaxation (T2b) into Y. The accuracy of existing T2b models in the presence of blood disorders such as sickle cell disease (SCD) remains unknown.

Methods

A Carr Purcell Meiboom Gill T2 preparation sequence was used to make 83 whole blood measurements from 11 subjects with SCD to derive an ex vivo sickle hemoglobin (HbS) T2b model. Forearm venous blood gas, sagittal sinus T2 (T2 Relaxation Under Spin Tagging) and total brain blood flow (phase contrast MRI) were measured in 37 healthy controls and 33 SCD subjects (age 24.6 ± 10.2 years). Cerebral oxygen saturation, extraction fraction, and metabolic rate estimates were calculated using three separate T2b models. Cerebral and forearm oxygen extraction fraction were compared.

Results

Ex vivo, SCD blood had greater saturation dependent relaxivity than control blood, with a weak dependence on HbS and no dependence on hematocrit. In vivo, the HbS T2b model predicted Yv values with lowest coefficient of variation (compared with existing T2b models) and the strongest correlation with peripheral venous oximetry (r2 = .29). The HbS T2b model predicted systematically higher Yv measurements in SCD patients (73 ± 5 and 61 ± 6; P < 0.0001) which was mirrored by peripheral venous measurements (75 ± 20 and 45 ± 20; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Cerebral and peripheral oxygen extraction are decreased in SCD patients, suggesting either blood flow is increased beyond metabolic demands or the presence of physiological arterial‐venous shunting. Magn Reson Med 80:294–303, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Der Gestank aus Plastikspielzeug
Authors: Wiedmer Christoph , Büttner Andrea
Published: December 2017

Immer wieder fallen Kunststoffprodukte für Kinder wie Schwimmringe, Gummitiere oder Faschingsartikel durch ihren intensiven Geruch auf. Die Substanzen, die solche Fehlgerüche verursachen, sind nicht in jedem Fall bekannt und lassen sich deshalb bei Routineanalysen nicht umfassend bestimmen. Mit Nachweisverfahren, die instrumentelle Analytik mit der menschlichen Nase kombinieren, ist es nun möglich, die Strukturen verschiedener Geruchsstoffe aufzuklären.
Zersetzung bringt Neues: Korrosionsprodukte im Museum
Authors: Bette Sebastian , Dinnebier Robert E. , Eggert Gerhard
Published: December 2017

Um Sammlungsgüter wie Geschirr, Krüge und Bilder in Museen und Sammlungen sachgemäß zu konservieren, müssen die Korrosionsprodukte im Detail bekannt sein. Methoden der Röntgenpulverdiffraktometrie helfen, die Carbonat‐, Acetat‐ und Formiatphasen zu charakterisieren, Einkristalle sind nicht nötig.
einhundertundfünfzig
Authors: Leusmann Eliza
Published: December 2017

Verblüffendes, Informatives, schon fast Vergessenes: Die Serie Zahlenstatistik des Monats liefert Fakten aus 150 Jahren. Dieses Mal: Nicht nur die GDCh hat dieses Jahr Grund zu jubilieren.
Mehr Zitationen erhalten
Authors: Böhme Uwe , Tesch Silke
Published: December 2017

Wissenschaftler möchten, dass die wissenschaftliche Community ihre Arbeiten beachtet und möglichst häufig zitiert. Wie oft ein Artikel zitiert wird, lässt sich beeinflussen, auch ohne die gute wissenschaftliche Praxis zu verletzen.
Wie Licht Klebrigkeit steuert
Authors: Kizilkan Emre , Staubitz Anne , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: December 2017

Ein bioinspirierter Haftvermittler mit Mikrostrukturen haftet leimfrei und trocken. Kombiniert mit flüssigkristallinen Elastomeren, die auf UV‐Licht reagieren, lässt sich die Haftung ein‐ und ausschalten, sodass sich Gegenstände transportieren lassen.
Für das Heute lernen
Authors: Panne Ulrich
Published: December 2017

Im Jahr 1867 gründete sich die Deutsche Chemische Gesellschaft, die ältere der beiden Vorgängerorganisationen der GDCh. In Zeiten des technologischen und wissenschaftlichen Wandels wird die Innovationskraft der Chemie gerne auch mal bezweifelt.
Analytical approach for time‐dependent groundwater inflow into shield tunnel face in confined aquifer
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Xue , Shen Shui‐Long , Xu Ye‐Shuang , Yin Zhen‐Yu
Published: December 2017

Prediction of time‐dependent groundwater inflow into a shield tunnel is a significant task facing engineers. Published literature shows that there is no available method with which to predict time‐dependent groundwater inflow into a tunnel. This paper presents a prediction approach for time‐dependent groundwater inflow into a tunnel in both anisotropic and isotropic confined aquifers. The proposed solution can predict groundwater inrush from the tunnel cutting face. To obtain the time‐dependent groundwater flow quantity, the concept of a horizontal‐well pumping test based on the theory of a point source is adopted. Multiple factors, eg, drawdown, thickness of aquifer, conductivities, and specific storage, are taken into account. Both groundwater inflow to the cross section of a tunnel face in the y‐z plane and total tunnel inflow are obtained. Based on the proposed approach, the time‐dependent groundwater inflow to a tunnel can be classified as either a uniform or non‐uniform flow. The proposed approach is applied to analyse groundwater inflow of 2 field cases: (1) Metro line No. 7, Guangzhou City and (2) an underground tunnel in Huizhou, Guangdong Province. Results show that the proposed method can predict the measured values, and drawdown‐related curves are also derived. In addition, the calculated results also reveal that the effect of hydraulic conductivity kz on the total groundwater inflow differs from that of hydraulic conductivities kx and ky and the thickness of the aquifer.
Together Eating & Activity Matters (TEAM): results of a pilot randomized‐clinical trial of a spousal support weight loss intervention for Black men
Authors: Alick C. L. , Samuel‐Hodge C. , Ward D. , Ammerman A. , Rini C. , Tate D. F.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, participation, preliminary efficacy and retention in a couples‐based weight loss intervention among Black men.

Design, setting, participants

Two‐arm pilot randomized clinical trial in an academic clinical setting. Forty self‐identified Black men and their female cohabitating partners (n = 80) aged 18 to 65 years with body mass index from 25 to 45 kg/m2 were randomized using computer generated tables to allocate treatments.

Intervention

Participants were randomized to a standard behavioural weight loss (Standard) programme or the Standard programme plus partner involvement (Enhanced). Both interventions focused on calorie reduction, physical activity and self‐monitoring to facilitate weight loss. Enhanced included couples skills training and couple's communication components.

Main outcome and measures

Changes in weight from baseline to 3 months among men. Partner weight loss (secondary).

Results

Forty Black couples (men mean [SD] age, 47.4[11] years; body mass index, 35.0[6.1]), were recruited. Retention was 100% of the men and 98% of female partners. Attendance at group sessions was 63–73%. Between groups, mean (SD) weight changes among men were −3.4[.04] and −4.7[5.9] kg (p = 0.57) and among women −0.23[4.46] and −2.47[3.62] kg (p = 0.09), in the standard and enhanced groups.

Conclusions

Weight losses from an intervention enhanced by partner involvement and an intervention with no partner involvement were not different. Treatment choice can be based on preference rather than outcome as both treatments are effective in producing clinically significant percent weight loss.

Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT02458053.
Light and temperature effects on miR156 transgenic switchgrass flowering: A simulated latitudinal study
Authors: Johnson Chelsea R. , Millwood Reginald J. , Wang Zeng‐Yu , Stewart Charles N.
Published: December 2017

The control of flowering in perennial grasses is an important trait, especially among biofuel feedstocks. Lignocellulosic biomass may be increased commensurate with decreased or delayed flowering as the plant allocates energy for stems and leaves harvested for bioenergy at the end of the growing season. For transgenic feedstocks, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) grown in its geographic center of distribution, it is foreseeable that regulators may require greatly decreased gene flow frequencies to enable commercialization. Transgenic switchgrass with various overexpression levels of a rice microRNA gene, miR156, when grown in field conditions, holds promise for decreased flowering, yielding high biomass, and altered cell wall traits, which renders it as a potential crossing partner for further breeding with switchgrass lines for decreased recalcitrance. In the current research, we simulated a latitudinal cline in controlled growth chamber experiments for various individual sites from the tropics to cool‐temperate conditions which included weekly average high and low temperatures and day lengths over the switchgrass growing season for each simulated site: Guayaquil, Ecuador; Laredo, Texas, USA; and Brattleboro, Vermont, USA. Flowering and reproduction among transgenic lines with low (T‐14 and T‐35)‐to‐moderate (T‐27 and T‐37) overexpression of miR156 were assessed. Lower simulated latitudes (higher temperatures with low‐variant day length) and long growing seasons promoted flowering of the miR156 transgenic switchgrass lines. Tropical conditions rescued the flowering phenotype in all transgenic lines except T‐27. Higher numbers of plants in lines T‐35 and T‐37 and the controls produced panicles, which also occurred earlier in the study as temperatures increased and day length decreased. Line T‐14 was the exception as more clonal replicates flowered in the cool‐temperate (Vermont) conditions. Increased biomass was found in transgenic lines T‐35 and T‐37 in tropical conditions. No difference in biomass was found in subtropical (Texas) chambers, and two lines (T‐14 and T‐35) produced less biomass than the control in cool‐temperate conditions. Our findings suggest that switchgrass plants engineered to overexpress miR156 for delayed flowering to promote bioconfinement and biomass production may be used for plant breeding at tropical sites.
Mediterranean diet after prostate cancer diagnosis and urinary and sexual functioning: The health professionals follow‐up study
Authors: Bauer Scott R. , Van Blarigan Erin L. , Stampfer Meir J. , Chan June M. , Kenfield Stacey A.
Published: December 2017

Background

Men with prostate cancer often experience urinary and sexual dysfunction after treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between dietary factors and these symptoms among men with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. However, there are limited data on whether diet after prostate cancer diagnosis, including a Mediterranean dietary pattern, affects urinary and sexual function among prostate cancer survivors.

Methods

Men diagnosed with non‐metastatic prostate cancer in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study (n = 2960) from 1986 to 2012 were prospectively followed for a median of 8.3 years after treatment. Participants completed validated dietary questionnaires every 4 years and a health‐related quality of life assessment in 2010 or 2012. We used generalized linear models to examine associations between post‐diagnosis Mediterranean Diet Score (including individual score components and dietary fat subtypes) and quality of life domains (sexual functioning, urinary irritation/obstruction, urinary incontinence) assessed using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite Short Form (score 0‐100; higher scores indicate better function).

Results

No statistically significant relationships were observed between the Mediterranean Diet Score after prostate cancer diagnosis and urinary or sexual function. However, the associations did vary depending on pre‐diagnosis urinary and sexual dysfunction for urinary irritation/obstruction and sexual function scores, respectively (P‐interactions < 0.0001). Men with higher post‐diagnosis vegetable intake reported higher urinary incontinence scores (72 vs 76 comparing lowest to highest quintile; P‐trend = 0.003). Similarly, higher vegetable intake and lower polyunsaturated fat intake were associated with higher urinary irritation/obstruction scores (vegetable: 80 vs 84 comparing lowest to highest quintile, P‐trend = 0.01; polyunsaturated fat: 84 vs 78 comparing lowest to highest quintile, P‐trend = 0.005), however these associations were observed only among men with urinary symptoms prior to their prostate cancer diagnosis.

Conclusions

Among men with prostate cancer, diet intake after diagnosis was not significantly associated with urinary or sexual function, although some relationships appeared to differ among men with and without symptoms prior to their prostate cancer diagnosis. Higher vegetable intake and lower polyunsaturated fat intake after prostate cancer diagnosis may be associated with better urinary function. However, this analysis was exploratory, and further research is needed to better delineate these relationships and guide dietary recommendations for men with prostate cancer.
Material properties determining the insecticidal activity of highly divided porous materials on the pharaoh ant (Monomorium pharaonis)
Authors: Van Den Noortgate Heleen , Lagrain Bert , Pulinthanathu Sree Sreeprasanth , Kerkhofs Stef , Wenseleers Tom , Martens Johan A
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Historically, inert insecticidal powders such as diatomaceous earth were researched for pest management applications, and it was revealed that these types of powders killed insects by desiccation. However, data on the critical material properties that affect their efficacy are sparse. The present study investigated the insecticidal effect of powdered materials on the pharaoh ant, a notorious domestic pest.

RESULTS

The insecticidal activity of 24 porous materials was tested. Eight of these materials performed better than the benchmark, diatomaceous earth. Zeolite Y and carbon black II performed best, inducing 50% mortality within 40 and 55 minutes, respectively. Statistical analysis of seven material properties revealed that macroporous surface area and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area were most predictive of insecticidal activity. For zeolites and ordered mesoporous silica materials, the most important parameters were, respectively, BET and large mesopore surface area. Finally, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirmed the adsorption of epicuticular hydrocarbons onto the zeolite powders.

CONCLUSION

This study shows clear potential for the use of environmentally friendly, inert porous materials as insecticides against the pharaoh ant and identified the key material properties influencing insecticidal activity. The GC–MS data support the hypothesis that the mortality was caused by the removal of the protective epicuticular hydrocarbons. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Spinosad‐mediated effects on the walking ability, midgut, and Malpighian tubules of Africanized honey bee workers
Authors: Lopes Marcos Pereira , Fernandes Kenner Morais , Tomé Hudson Vaner Ventura , Gonçalves Wagner Gonzaga , Miranda Franciane Rosa , Serrão José Eduardo , Martins Gustavo Ferreira
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

The global decline in Apis mellifera colonies is attributed to multiple factors, including pesticides. The bioinsecticide spinosad was initially recognized as safe for non‐target organisms; however, its toxicity has been changing this view. Here, we investigated the survival, behavioral changes, and structural changes in the midgut and Malpighian tubules of A. mellifera treated orally with a spinosad formulation.

RESULTS

The field‐recommended concentration of spinosad killed 100% of the bees. The 5% and 50% lethal concentrations (LC5 and LC50, respectively) of spinosad altered the behavioral activity, reducing the walking distance and velocity, and increased the resting time in comparison to the control. The LC50 caused disorganization of the epithelia of tested organs and induced oxidative stress and cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

The present work provides new insights into the debate about the role of bioinsecticides in the mortality of Africanized honey bees. Even at very low concentrations, the spinosad formulation was toxic to the vital organs midgut and Malpighian tubules and adversely affected walking behavior. This detailed evaluation of the impact of the bioinsecticide on A. mellifera will contribute to the clarification of disturbances probably caused by spinosad formulations, which can be used to develop more sustainable protocols in agriculture. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological consequences of improving the structural stability of hairpins that have antimicrobial activity
Authors: Sivanesam Kalkena , Kier Brandon L. , Whedon Samuel D. , Chatterjee Champak , Andersen Niels H.
Published: December 2017

Designing new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) focuses heavily on the activity of the peptide and less on the elements that stabilize the secondary structure of these peptides. Studies have shown that improving the structure of naturally occurring AMPs can affect activity and so here we explore the relationship between structure and activity of two non‐naturally occurring AMPs. We have used a backbone‐cyclized peptide as a template and designed an uncyclized analogue of this peptide that has antimicrobial activity. We focused on beta‐hairpin‐like structuring features. Improvements to the structure of this peptide reduced the activity of the peptide against gram‐negative, Escherichia coli but improved the activity against gram‐positive, Corynebacterium glutamicum. Distinctions in structuring effects on gram‐negative versus gram‐positive activity were also seen in a second peptide system. Structural improvements resulted in a peptide that was more active than the native against gram‐positive bacterium but less active against gram‐negative bacterium. Our results show that there is not always a correlation between improved hairpin‐structuring and activity. Other factors such as the type of bacteria being targeted as well as net positive charge can play a role in the potency of AMPs. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton Beam Effects on Ge–Se/Ag Thin Films
Authors: Nichol Tyler , Nagy Gyula , Huszank Robert , Tenne Dmitri , Kozicki Michael N. , Barnaby Hugh J. , Rajta Istvan , Mitkova Maria
Published: December 2017

Among the many applications of chalcogenide glasses, their involvement as an active layer in redox‐conductive‐bridge‐memory (CBRAM) devices triggers particular interest because of their potential to replace CMOS‐based NAND and flash memory. In these devices the chalcogenide glass film is in contact with a silver film, and it is of a practical interest to understand how a beam of protons can influence this dual layer structure in order to identify how the performance of the CBRAM devices will be affected. In this work we studied the influence of proton beam irradiation over a Ge40Se60/Ag film stack. Various methods of analysis including scanning atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectrometry, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) have been applied to study the structure, topography, composition, bonding configurations, diffusion kinetics, and molecular evolution of thin films related to the active sections of CBRAM devices, and quantitative analysis of material parameters and changes is reported. The results reveal silver surface deposition and germanium oxidation, as well as change in the films chemistry as a result of proton irradiation.
Trends in the diffusion of robotic surgery: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Marcus Hani J. , Hughes‐Hallett Archie , Payne Christopher J. , Cundy Thomas P. , Nandi Dipankar , Yang Guang‐Zhong , Darzi Ara
Published: December 2017

Background

Recent studies have suggested that the use of robotic surgery for prostatectomy has been increasing, but characterization of the diffusion of robotic surgery in other procedures has not been available.

Methods

Data were analysed for the years 2006–2014 using hospital episode statistics (HES), a database of all admissions to National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England. OPCS codes were used to determine the annual number of prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, and total abdominal hysterectomy procedures. Concurrent OPCS codes were then used to identify whether these procedures were robotic, conventional laparoscopic or open surgery.

Results

The proportion of robotic cases varied depending on the surgical procedure. Diffusion of robotic surgery was relatively rapid in prostatectomy, moderate in partial nephrectomy, and slow in total abdominal hysterectomy.

Conclusions

Although high institutional cost might explain the earliest delays in diffusion, this barrier does not fully account for the different rates of diffusion among surgical procedures.
What factors affect the suspended sediment concentrations in rivers? A study of the upper Warta River (Central Poland)
Authors: Skolasińska K. , Nowak B.
Published: December 2017

The suspended sediment concentration (SSC) of the Warta River was analysed using data collected at the Sieradz gauging station (Central Poland) during the period of 1961–1980. The aim of the study was to characterize the trend in the suspended sediment transported over this multi‐annual period and search for possible correlations between the suspended sediment values and the discharge and thermal seasonality factors. This study also investigated whether the SSC is affected by anthropogenic factors. The SSC in the river water increased over the analysed 20‐year period. It was caused mainly by the training works in the Warta valley upstream of Sieradz and the opening of the Bełchatów lignite mine. No direct relationship between the SSC and fluctuations in the discharge was noted. A connection existed between the SSC and ice phenomena on the river. The river ice breakup was often coincident with increases in SSC; however, the SSC increased rapidly during the freezing of the river. There was also a positive correlation between the SSC and the temperature of the water during the summer half‐year, which resulted from the growth of phytoplankton. This process was supported by the general warming trend observed in the river water and by an increase in the quantity of nutrients noted since the early 1970s. It is worth emphasizing that the relationships established between the SSC and the studied factors are not always unequivocal and repetitive. It follows that, as a rule, the SSC is influenced by more factors than are actually considered in this study.
Don't get lost in the noise: Craft emails students will read
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2017

MINNEAPOLIS — “How do we know students aren't reading our emails? Because they're not doing what we ask them to!” Stuart Boyd, student engagement coordinator at Arapahoe Community College in Colorado, said during his session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual meeting. Boyd shared strategies for increasing student open‐and‐read rates for emails as well as ways to craft emails that grab students' attention and help them understand the importance of professional communication via email for their lives even beyond your college or university campus.
Boost campus safety by promoting community policing, education
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2017

Prior to working as chief of police at Bowie State University, Ernest Waiters retired as a captain of a district police station, with 23 years of experience in law enforcement in Prince George's County. While serving as a police officer, Waiters pursued his master's degree in public administration. “I started to ask questions about campus policing and I became interested in learning about the difference between campus and traditional policing,” Waiters said.
A Pilot Study of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Acute Liver Allograft Rejection
Authors: Shi Ming , Liu Zhenwen , Wang Ying , Xu Rounan , Sun Yanling , Zhang Min , Yu Xi , Wang Hongbo , Meng Lingzhan , Su Haibin , Jin Lei , Wang Fu-Sheng
Published: December 2017

Acute allograft rejection remains common after liver transplantation despite modern immunosuppressive agents. In addition, the long-term side effects of these regimens, including opportunistic infections, are challenging. This study evaluated the safety and clinical feasibility of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) therapy in liver transplant patients with acute graft rejection. Twenty-seven liver allograft recipients with acute rejection were randomly assigned into the UC-MSC infusion group or the control group. Thirteen patients received one infusion of UC-MSCs (1 × 106/kg body weight); one patient received multiple UC-MSC infusions; 13 patients were used as controls. All enrolled patients received conventional immunosuppressive agents with follow-up for 12 weeks after UC-MSC infusions. No side effects occurred in treated patients. Four weeks after UC-MSC infusions, alanine aminotransferase levels had decreased markedly and remained lower throughout the 12-week follow-up period. Importantly, allograft histology was improved after administration of UC-MSCs. The percentage of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the Treg/T helper 17 (Th17) cell ratio were significantly increased 4 weeks after infusions; in contrast, the percentage of Th17 cells showed a decreasing trend. In controls, the percentages of Tregs and Th17 cells and the Treg/Th17 ratio were statistically unchanged from the baseline measurements. Transforming growth factor beta 1 and prostaglandin E2 were increased significantly after UC-MSC infusions; by contrast, there were no significant changes in controls. Our data suggest that UC-MSC infusion for acute graft rejection following liver transplantation is feasible and may mediate a therapeutic immunosuppressive effect.
New Hybrid Nanomaterials Derived from Chemical Functionalization of Clicked Graphene Oxide / Magnetite Nanocomposite with Peroxopolyoxotungstate Species
Authors: Masteri‐Farahani Majid , Modarres Maryam
Published: December 2017

Two new hybrid nanomaterials were developed by immobilization of peroxopolyoxotungstate on the surface of clicked graphene oxide/magnetite nanocomposite. First, graphene oxide/magnetite nanocomposite was produced through the thiol‐ene click reaction of graphene oxide with mercaptopropyl‐functionalized magnetite nanoparticles in the presence of benzoyl peroxide. Then, the prepared graphene oxide/magnetite nanocomposite was functionalized with (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane or cysteamine hydrochloride as spacer groups for the subsequent immobilization of peroxopolyoxotungstate species. The prepared hybrid nanomaterials exhibited high activities and complete selectivities (>99%) in the epoxidation of olefins with H2O2 under mild reaction conditions. In addition, they can be magnetically separated and reused several times without remarkable loss of catalytic efficiency.
A Novel and Template‐Free Synthesis of Multifunctional Double‐Shelled Fe3O4‐C Nanoreactor as an Ideal Support for Confined Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Arora Gunjan , Yadav Manavi , Gaur Rashmi , Gupta Radhika , Sharma Rakesh K.
Published: December 2017

A novel, facile and straightforward approach is developed to fabricate magnetic carbon nanoreactor consisting of multi‐functional double‐layered shell, large void space, tailored dimensions, and high surface area. The presented strategy involves unexampled one‐pot combination of gas‐bubble assisted Ostwald ripening method and polymerization of resorcinol‐formaldehyde. The inner Fe3O4 layer imparts the nanoreactor with superparamagnetic character and thereby, simplifies its separation from the reaction media. The outermost carbon shell protects the inner layer from harsh external environment and also provides additional sites for metal decoration. The internal cavity of the nanoreactor was easily filled with copper metal. Thus, due to the presence of large number of catalytic active sites and the advantages of hollow architecture, Cu@Fe3O4‐C exhibited excellent catalytic activity with perfect reusability for the oxidative bromination reaction. This work indicates that magnetic porous carbon nanoreactor could provide an ideal support for the immobilization of metals in the urge to develop highly efficient catalysts.
Fe(III)‐Exchanged Montmorillonite as Reusable Heterogeneous Protonic Acid Catalyst for Michael Addition of Indole in Water
Authors: Matsuzawa Ryosuke , Nishimura Shun , Ebitani Kohki
Published: December 2017

Fe3+‐exchanged montmorillonite (Fe3+‐mont) was found to be an effective and a reusable heterogeneous acid catalyst for the Michael addition of indole with methyl vinyl ketone at 333 K in H2O to afford 4‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)butan‐2‐one in high yields. Investigations on activity of the Fe3+‐mont catalyst for deprotection of acetal and Meerwein‐Ponndorf‐Verley (MPV) reduction of aldehyde suggest that protonic acid sites of the Fe3+‐mont catalyst are responsible for the present Michael addition of indole.
In Silico Exploration of Vinca Domain Tubulin Inhibitors: A Combination of 3D‐QSAR‐Based Pharmacophore Modeling, Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Lone Mohsin Y. , Athar Mohd , Manhas Anu , Jha Prakash C. , Bhatt Shruti , Shah Anamik
Published: December 2017

A predictive ligand based quantitative pharmacophore model has been constructed to extract the essential features accountable for the inhibition of vinca domain inhibitors. To generate pharmacophore model a set of 23 functionally diverse training compounds was exploited by employing the Phase algorithm. The statistically significant (R2=0.81, Q2=0.61, RMSE=0.63 and Pearson‐R=0.79) five feature pharmacophore model consist of one hydrogen‐bond acceptor, one hydrogen‐bond donor, a hydrophobic feature, one positive ionizable and a ring aromatic feature was chosen to screen the ZINC natural product database of IBScreen. The retreived hits were subjected to molecular docking examination by using FlexX. Furthermore, the dynamic behaviour and conformational features of the top scored docked molecule was envisioned via molecular dynamics simulations. The rationale behind the present work was to bid healthier perceptive about the binding of the tubulin inhibitors and abet in discovering new leads with potent antitumor activities.
Highly Porous Silicon Nanowires Made with Solvent‐Mediated Wet Chemical Etching and Their Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Tang Chien‐Hsin , Li Wen‐Jin , Hung Chia‐Hsiang , Hsiao Po‐Hsuan , Chen Chia‐Yun
Published: December 2017

Porous silicon (Si) nanostructures with heavily doping concentrations possess many intriguing properties different from bulk Si, but the fabrication remains greatly challenging for the large‐quantity production. Therefore, in this study, the heavily doped Si nanowires with highly porous features were prepared using a co‐solvent mediated metal‐assisted chemical etching (MaCE). Unlike the conventional MaCE method with sole water as solvents, the mixed co‐solvents, with the addition of highly volatile methanol at ambient temperature are found to facilitate the significant sidewall etching through the evaporation of solvents when etching reaction proceeds. In addition, thermoelectric performances of incorporating such porous Si nanowires as inclusions with (BiSb)2Te3 particles as matrix were investigated. The beneficial effects, examined from three various amounts of Si nanowires dispersed in (BiSb)2Te3 matrix, are originated from the supplement of increased carrier concentrations. Meanwhile, the increase of thermal conductivity is not obvious due to the existence of porous Si nanowires, thus leading to the improved figure of merit (ZT) value, which is more than 1.3 times higher than that of pure (BiSb)2Te3 samples.
Pyronin B‐Graphene Oxide‐Based Turn‐On Fluorescent Sensors for Fe3+ in an Aqueous Medium: Synthesis and Living Cell Application
Authors: Batir Gokhan Guven , Gedikli Semin , Arik Mustafa
Published: December 2017

Pyronin B (PyB)–graphene oxide (GO) is reported for metal‐ion sensing since it is based fluorescent sensor. PyB–GO nanocomposites are synthesized in aqueous solution by Ultrasonic Homogenizers. The structure of PyB–GO nanocomposites is characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy and Fluorescence Microscopy. PyB–GO binary system are studied for the sensing ability in the detection of metal ions as a fluorescent sensor. It shows high sensitivity and selectivity for Fe3+ metal ions in aqueous medium as a result of the spectroscopic data.
Hollow Semiconductor Nanospheres‐Anchored Graphene Oxide Sheets for Effective Microwave Absorption
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Dutta Suvanka , Panja Sujit S. , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: December 2017

Considerable attention has been given in recent years towards the development of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. In spite of the fact that leading polymer composites containing different magnetic and dielectric nanofillers have been used broadly, nevertheless, the impact of inorganic semiconducting nanomaterials has not been utilized fully. Herein, we have designed hollow ZnS nanospheres doped reduced graphene oxide sheets (rGO) via template‐free, one‐pot hydrothermal synthesis process and fabricated nanocomposites with poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF as matrix. Three dimensional conducting network of rGO sheets along with high interacting surface area with heterogeneous dielectrics led to a very high total shielding effectiveness (−40 dB) with 93% absorption. The underlying mechanism, supported by skin‐depth estimation and attenuation constant, is discussed in detail. This study opens new avenues in the field of EMI shielding materials as inorganic semiconductors show promising results in contrast to traditional materials involving conducting, dielectric and magnetic nanoparticles embedded polymer nanocomposites.
Absolute Configuration of Eight Cephalimysins Isolated from the Marine‐Derived Aspergillus fumigatus.
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Kimura Hiroyuki , Arimitsu Kenji , Kajimoto Tetsuya , Kikuchi Takashi , Tanaka Reiko
Published: December 2017

Eight new metabolites with spiro‐heterocyclic γ‐lactam cores, cephalimysins E–L, were isolated from a culture broth of Aspergillus fumigatus that was originally separated from the marine fish Mugil cephalus. In spite of the presence of six chiral centers in cephalimysins E–L, no other diastereomers of them were isolated from the natural source except for eight unnatural forms that could be obtained by treating cephalimysins E–L with acidic methanol. The occurrence of cephalimysins E–L was rationalized via molecular energy calculations by assuming that these isomers were derived from annelation of a spiro‐heterocyclic γ‐lactam with an E‐olefin on the side chain such as the E‐isomer of pseurotin A. Biosynthetic consideration of the metabolites based on molecular orbital calculations demonstrated that the 16 stereoisomers can all exist, and their stereochemistry was unambiguously determined using circular dichroism spectra, nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy, and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectra.
A remote marking device and newly developed permanent dyes for Wildlife research
Authors: Baird Patricia , Robinette Dan , Hink Scot A.
Published: December 2017

Noninvasive, safe, quick marking of individual animals using distinctive colors that are highly visible and persistent is a valuable methodology, but practical techniques and permanent safe dyes are lacking. Here we describe a novel, remotely controlled dye machine to rapidly mark stationary animals in predictable locations, such as birds sitting on nests on the ground or mammals at a den or burrow site. From the month of June when birds were on eggs, using the machine, we spot‐dyed 77 California least terns (Sternula antillarum browni) at a colony in California, USA, in 4 days without handling them. Concomitantly, we developed a suite of permanent (until molt or shedding), mainly phthalocyanine dyes that are incorporated chemically into feathers or fur of animals and cannot be preened or rubbed off, which have never been used before to dye animals. We found no toxicity of the dyes during in vivo testing over 1 month. This method of remote marking with permanent dyes should prove to be a useful method in animal ecology for distinguishing among individuals with minimal disturbance. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Effective dose and persistence of Rhodamine‐B in wild pig Vibrissae
Authors: Webster Sarah C. , Cunningham Fred L. , Kilgo John C. , Vukovich Mark , Rhodes Olin E. , Beasley James C.
Published: December 2017

As a result of substantial ecological and economic damage attributed to wild pigs (Sus scrofa), there is international interest in using pharmaceutical baits to control populations. To assess the efficacy and specificity of baiting programs, chemical biomarkers can be used to evaluate uptake of pharmaceutical baits. Rhodamine B (RB) is known to be an effective biomarker in wild pigs. However, significant data gaps exist regarding the minimum effective dosage and persistence of RB in wild pigs. We used a controlled double‐blind study experiment conducted in spring of 2014 on the Savannah River Site, Aiken, South Carolina, USA, wherein we administered a one‐time dose of RB at 3 treatment levels (5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg) to 15 captive pigs, with 5 pigs/treatment group to investigate persistence of RB. Facial vibrissae were collected pre‐RB ingestion as a control and every 2 weeks post‐RB ingestion for 12 weeks. We examined samples for RB presence and used a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to determine the influence of treatment dose on persistence of RB. Additionally, we measured distance moved by the RB mark away from the vibrissae root and used a GLMM to assess movement rates of RB bands along growing vibrissae. We found consistently greater persistence of RB in the 15‐ and 30‐mg/kg treatments across the sampling period. A significant, positive movement trend in RB bands was observed within the 15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg groups. Based on our results, a 15 mg/kg dosage can be considered a minimum effective dose for wild pigs and will reliably produce a detectable RB mark up to and likely beyond 12 weeks after ingestion. © 2017 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Lesser prairie‐chicken population forecasts and extinction risks: An evaluation 5 years post–Catastrophic drought
Authors: Hagen Christian A. , Garton Edward O. , Beauprez Grant , Cooper Brett S. , Fricke Kent A. , Simpson Brad
Published: December 2017

The lesser prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is a species of conservation concern resulting from long‐term declines in abundance due in part to loss and fragmentation of habitat. Habitat loss can affect landscape carrying capacity, and may exacerbate otherwise normal fluctuations in populations during periods of drought, anomalous weather, or other stochastic events. Previous work provided a unified long‐term (1965–2012) assessment of lesser prairie‐chicken population dynamics and projections of persistence in the Southern Great Plains. Despite the final year of data collection coinciding with a record‐setting drought, lesser prairie‐chicken populations exhibited reasonable probabilities of persistence for 3 of the 4 ecoregions in which they occur. Our objective was to validate previous population forecasts with 4 years of additional data (post‐drought). We assessed long‐term (1964–2016) changes in lesser prairie‐chicken populations, using reconstructed population abundances from lek count and aerial survey data, and projected likely future probabilities of persistence. Based on our validations, model forecasts appear to provide a reasonable ability to project population abundance in the near term (∼5 yr). Population abundances have largely edged upward since the extreme drought conditions of 2011–2012. Additionally, near‐term extirpation risks have been reduced measurably for 3 of the 4 ecoregions and the range‐wide population as a result of increased annual growth rates. Meta‐population analysis indicated that each ecoregion had similar likelihoods of persistence as estimated independently for each single population, (i.e., without gene flow), but the longest term probability of extinction for the range‐wide meta‐population (i.e., with gene flow) was reduced by half as compared to the range‐wide population modeled with disconnected subpopulations (i.e., ecoregions). Regardless, our results continue to support the importance of maintaining connectivity between ecoregions and core areas therein. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Soft pion theorem, asymptotic symmetry and new memory effect
Authors: Hamada Yuta , Sugishita Sotaro
Published: December 2017

Abstract

It is known that soft photon and graviton theorems can be regarded as the Ward-Takahashi identities of asymptotic symmetries. In this paper, we consider soft theorem for pions, i.e., Nambu-Goldstone bosons associated with a spontaneously broken axial symmetry. The soft pion theorem is written as the Ward-Takahashi identities of the S-matrix under asymptotic transformations. We investigate the asymptotic dynamics, and find that the conservation of charges generating the asymptotic transformations can be interpreted as a pion memory effect.
Correction: Hyaluronsäuregele zur Druckregulierung in der Glaukomtherapie
Authors: Thaller M. , Böhm H. , Lingenfelder C. , Geiger F.
Published: December 2017

Correction:

Ophthalmologe 2017

10.1007/s00347-017-0602-z

Sehr geehrter Leser,

sehr geehrte Leserin,

leider wurde der oben genannte Beitrag online zunächst mit fehlerhaftem deutschen Titel veröffentlicht. Wir bitten, den korrekten Titel Hyaluronsäuregele zur Druckregulierung in der Glaukomtherapie zu berücksichtigen und den Fehler zu entschuldigen.

Die Redaktion
What do students believe about effective classroom management? A mixed-methods investigation in Western Australian high schools
Authors: Egeberg Helen , McConney Andrew
Published: December 2017

Students’ views about teaching, learning, and school experiences are important considerations in education. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perceptions of teachers who create and maintain safe and supportive learning environments. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with 360 students to capture students’ views on their classroom experiences. Follow-up focus group discussions were used to further elaborate and clarify students’ perceptions. Despite varying school contexts, students provided consistent reports that effective classroom managers meet students’ needs by developing caring relationships and controlling the classroom environment while developing student responsibility and engaging students in their learning.
Measurements of Ice Shelf Water beneath the front of the Ross Ice Shelf using gliders
Authors: Nelson Monica J.S. , Queste Bastien Y. , Smith Inga J. , Leonard Gregory H. , Webber Benjamin G.M. , Hughes Kenneth G.
Published: December 2017

Measurements made by an underwater glider deployed near the Ross Ice Shelf were used to identify the presence of Ice Shelf Water (ISW), which is defined as seawater with its potential temperature lower than its surface freezing point temperature. Properties logged by the glider included in situ temperature, electrical conductivity, pressure, GPS location at surfacings and time. For most of the first 30 recorded dives of its deployment, evidence suggests the glider was prevented from surfacing due to being under the ice shelf. For dives under the ice shelf, farthest from the ice shelf front, ISW layers of varying thicknesses and depth locations were observed; between 2 m thick (centred at 231 m depth) to >93 m thick (centred at >360 m). For dives under the ice shelf, close to the ice shelf front, either no ISW was observed or ISW layers were centred at shallower depths (116–127 m). Thicker ISW layers (e.g. up to 250 m thickness centred at 421 m) were observed for some glider dives in open water in front of the Ross Ice Shelf. No in situ supercooling (water colder than the pressure-dependent freezing point temperature) was observed.
Walking droplets interacting with single and double slits
Authors: Pucci Giuseppe , Harris Daniel M. , Faria Luiz M. , Bush John W. M.
Published: December 2017

Couder & Fort (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 97, 2006, 154101) demonstrated that when a droplet walking on the surface of a vibrating bath passes through a single or a double slit, it is deflected due to the distortion of its guiding wave field. Moreover, they suggested the build-up of statistical diffraction and interference patterns similar to those arising for quantum particles. Recently, these results have been revisited (Andersen et al., Phys. Rev. E, vol. 92 (1), 2015, 013006; Batelaan et al., J. Phys.: Conf. Ser., vol. 701 (1), 2016, 012007) and contested (Andersen et al. 2015; Bohr, Andersen & Lautrup, Recent Advances in Fluid Dynamics with Environmental Applications, 2016, Springer, pp. 335–349). We revisit these experiments with a refined experimental set-up that allows us to systematically characterize the dependence of the dynamical and statistical behaviour on the system parameters. The system behaviour is shown to depend strongly on the amplitude of the vibrational forcing: as this forcing increases, a transition from repeatable to unpredictable trajectories arises. In all cases considered, the system behaviour is dominated by a wall effect, specifically the tendency for a drop to walk along a path that makes a fixed angle relative to the plane of the slits. While the three dominant central peaks apparent in the histograms of the deflection angle reported by Couder & Fort (2006) are evident in some of the parameter regimes considered in our study, the Fraunhofer-like dependence of the number of peaks on the slit width is not recovered. In the double-slit geometry, the droplet is influenced by both slits by virtue of the spatial extent of its guiding wave field. The experimental behaviour is well captured by a recently developed theoretical model that allows for a robust treatment of walking droplets interacting with boundaries. Our study underscores the importance of experimental precision in obtaining reproducible data.
An exploratory study on the issues and challenges clinicians encounter in the application of cognitive behavioural therapy with mentally disordered offender patients
Authors: Ferrito Martha , Moore Estelle
Published: December 2017

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely acknowledged as a treatment of choice for a range of psychological disorders, including those that affect criminal offenders and mentally disordered offenders. Meta-analyses of multiple studies provide evidence of CBT's efficacy and have led to its recommendation as a first line treatment for anti-social personality disorder (ASPD; NICE, 2009). However, there is comparatively little evidence about the effectiveness of CBT in relation to complex problems faced by offenders in prison and secure psychiatric services. The aim of this study was to examine how clinicians conceptualize and respond to complexity in the practice of CBT treatment with high-risk mentally disordered offenders. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six practitioners. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The first main theme was ‘critical challenges and issues’ which included subthemes addressing patient characteristics, the therapeutic context, ethical challenges, and treatment challenges. The second main theme was ‘overcoming obstacles’ which included subthemes on promoting safety, an emphasis on non-specifics, how to create an enabling space and creative practice in the application of CBT. The study emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling safe space by being ‘responsive’ to the patients’ needs and also emphasizes the importance of working to establish a baseline for ‘safety’ in all alliances wherever possible.