bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Functional Characteristics of People With Chronic and Recent‐Onset Plantar Heel Pain
Authors: Barnes Allegra , Sullivan Justin , Pappas Evangelos , Adams Roger , Burns Joshua
Published: April 2017

Background

Plantar heel pain is a common condition that reduces health‐related quality of life. Recovery usually occurs within 12 months; however, up to 20% of people remain symptomatic beyond this time frame. The level of pain and function in this chronic heel pain group is not well described.

Objective

To identify clinical and functional characteristics associated with chronic plantar heel pain compared with heel pain of recent onset.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University research laboratory and private physiotherapy clinic.

Participants

A total of 71 people with plantar heel pain for longer than 12 months and 64 people with plantar heel pain for less than 6 months were recruited from the general public.

Methods

Functional characteristics of participants in both heel pain groups were assessed with a variety of clinical measures and the Foot Health Status Questionnaire. Clinical measures included body mass index, foot and ankle muscle strength using hand‐held dynamometry, as well as ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion. The Foot Health Status Questionnaire was used to collect self‐reported measures of foot pain severity, foot function and physical activity.

Main Outcome Measurements

Univariate analyses of variance were performed to detect differences between the 2 groups for each of the variables measured.

Results

The chronic heel pain group exhibited reduced ankle dorsiflexor and toe flexor strength yet better self‐reported foot function. There was no difference between groups for body mass index, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion, inversion strength, eversion strength, calf endurance, self‐reported foot pain, and physical activity.

Conclusions

Chronic plantar heel pain is associated with selective weakness of foot and ankle muscle groups but less affected foot function compared with heel pain of recent onset. Those with chronic symptoms may moderate or make adaptations to their daily activities, or simply accept their condition, enabling more effective coping. Strength deficits, although possibly a cause or consequence of chronic symptoms, suggest a need to include resistance exercise in the management of plantar heel pain.

Level of Evidence

IV
The Behavioral Welfare Paradox: Practical, Ethical and Welfare Implications of Nudging
Authors: Just David R.
Published: April 2017

With decades of behavioral economic research now achieving prominence, the last decade has seen the advent of behavioral policymaking. These efforts have been widely seen as successful in that they achieve policy goals without inducing backlash on the part of policy targets. Behavioral policies create a unique challenge to welfare analysis that has not been sufficiently addressed in the literature. The existence of behavioral effects creates a paradox, at once justifying the use of paternalistic policies and undermining the empirical foundations of welfare analysis. In this paper I explore the behavioral welfare paradox and its implications for economic policy prescription.
The Making of a “Legislative Miracle”: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
Authors: Casalaspi David
Published: April 2017

The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was one of the most significant legislative accomplishments in twentieth-century American politics. To date, legislative histories have usually argued that the ESEA's passage was the result of either auspicious political circumstances or the political skill of the Johnson White House. Complicating these histories, I argue here that the ESEA was the result of skillful entrepreneurship on the part of policymakers in the White House and in Congress, and that while some auspicious political circumstances existed, these had less to do with the 1964 landslide election and more to do with subtler changes in congressional rules and commitment assignments that had taken place over the previous decade. I illustrate how ESEA supporters collectively overcame daunting legislative roadblocks, including a fractious House of Representatives and the “Three Rs.” I conclude by reflecting on the relevance of the 1965 debates for today's education policy environment.
Schooling for Freedom: Education and the Black Freedom Struggle in Mississippi
Authors: Hamlin Françoise N.
Published: April 2017

John Hale's book about the Freedom Schools during the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer Project and Crystal Sanders's work on the largest Head Start program run by the Child Development Group of Mississippi (CDGM) from 1965 to 1968 sit at the end of a long line of histories of the black freedom struggle's mass movement years in Mississippi. Mississippi civil rights histories form well-trodden ground, from trailblazers John Dittmer and Charles Payne and nearly twenty-five years of subsequent scholarship and research supported by the building of new archives, to oral histories collected around the recent movement milestone anniversaries and reunions. There is always room for more accounts and fresh vantage points, given the nature of mass movements simultaneously orchestrated on multiple levels and in multiple locales, each with its own nuance and host of characters. Each book illustrates the cacophony of stories, voices, opinions, conflicts, political scuffles, and sacrifices that constitute a mass of movements with many routes to vaguely defined (and not always agreed upon) goals. As I have said elsewhere, full stories are messy and complicated, reflecting the reality of life. Recognizing these activist pasts becomes more relevant with the new phase of mass protest in the persistent struggle for black freedom, particularly around the global and domestic Black Lives Matter movement.
The Middle East Survey Course: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Abu-Rish Ziad
Published: April 2017

The production and dissemination of knowledge on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has always had a particularly complex relationship vis-à-vis research funding, faculty hiring priorities, course scheduling schemas, and course enrollment numbers. In this essay, I hope to share some observations—that I have experienced firsthand and discussed with a number of colleagues—on teaching an introductory survey course on the history of the modern MENA region. Such reflections are rooted in my own experience of teaching at a public university with no current major research or teaching commitments to the MENA region. While these observations are not unique to the context within which I teach, they might be otherwise inflected in different contexts.
Rational Versus Intuitive Processing
Authors: Krcmar Marina , Eden Allison
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This study explored two main theoretical propositions. First, we tested Hartmann’s (2011 , 2012 ) notion that video games are processed via two separate cognitive systems: System 1, the automatic system, and System 2, the rational system. Specifically, we used a cognitive load manipulation to test if intuitive moral responses such as guilt and anthropomorphism are processed in System 1. Second, we utilized moral foundations theory to test the effect of care salience on guilt and in-game aggression. Using an experimental design ( n = 94), the results indicate that under conditions of cognitive load, players had somewhat lower in-game aggression. Effects on guilt and anthropomorphism were in the same direction, albeit with small effects. In terms of moral foundations, we found that care salience was not negatively related to in-game aggression but was directly related to guilt, indicating that greater emphasis on the moral foundation of care resulted in greater guilt. Also, anthropomorphism was positively related to experienced guilt and negatively related to in-game aggression.
Effects of Human vs. Computer-Controlled Characters and Social	Identity Cues on Enjoyment
Authors: Peña Jorge , Ghaznavi Jannath , Brody Nicholas , Prada Rui , Martinho Carlos , Santos Pedro A. , Damas Hugo , Dimas Joana
Published: April 2017

Abstract. This study explored how group identification, avatar similarity identification, and social presence mediated the effect of character type (avatars or agents) and social identity cues (presence or absence of avatars wearing participants’ school colors) on game enjoyment. Playing with teammate avatars increased enjoyment indirectly by enhancing group identification. In addition, the presence of social identity cues increased enjoyment indirectly by augmenting identification with one’s avatar. Unexpectedly, playing in multiplayer mode in the presence of social identity cues decreased enjoyment, whereas playing in multiplayer mode in the absence of social identity cues increased enjoyment. Social presence was not a reliable mediator. The findings supported media enjoyment and social identity theories, and highlighted how virtual character type and identification processes influence enjoyment.
Helping Made Easy
Authors: Müller Barbara C. N. , van Someren Daniël H. , Gloudemans Renate T. M. , van Leeuwen Matthijs L. , Greifeneder Rainer
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Previous work has shown that self-generating arguments is more persuasive than reading arguments provided by others, particularly if self-generation feels easy. The present study replicates and extends these findings by providing evidence for fluency effects on behavioral intention in the realm of helping. In two studies, participants were instructed to either self-generate or read two versus ten arguments about why it is good to help. Subsequently, a confederate asked them for help. Results show that self-generating few arguments is more effective than generating many arguments. While this pattern reverses for reading arguments, easy self-generation is the most effective strategy compared to all other conditions. These results have important implications for fostering behavioral change in all areas of life.
Powerful People Feel Less Fear of Negative Evaluation
Authors: Cai Wei , Wu Song
Published: April 2017

Abstract. To directly examine why an individual’s capacity to influence others by providing valued resources (i.e., power) could decrease the concerns about negative evaluation from others (i.e., the fear of negative evaluation, FNE) in daily life, two studies were conducted. Results found that perceived power (Study 1) was associated with lower FNE, and manipulating power levels (Study 2) caused less FNE. Furthermore, results indicate that personal control belief mediated this link. These findings provide empirical evidence of the underlying mechanism of the effect of power on reducing FNE. The current research contributes significantly because it sheds light on how power transferred from a person’s “external world” to their “internal world” (i.e., personal control belief) can influence their cognition and behavior.
Justifying Decisions
Authors: Lu Jingyi , Liang Yiming , Duan Hebing
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Prior research has found that people prefer impoverished over enriched options. However, individuals make decisions either for themselves or for others every day. The present research investigates how and why the decision target (self or other) influences preferences for impoverished and enriched options. We hypothesized and found that participants who made choices for others preferred impoverished over enriched options more than those who made choices for themselves (Studies 1 and 2) because the former group believed that they should justify their decisions to others more than the latter group (Study 2). Overall, the current research sheds light on self–other differences in the trade-off between impoverished and enriched options, as well as the role of justification in this effect.
Trump’s Early Actions Target Science, Environment
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2017

Although the administration declares “historic accomplishments” during its first 100 days, a look back at Earth and space science impacts sees funding threats, rollbacks, and controversial appointees.
The inheritance of a Mesozoic landscape in western Scandinavia
Authors: Fredin Ola , Viola Giulio , Zwingmann Horst , Sørlie Ronald , Brönner Marco , Lie Jan-Erik , Grandal Else Margrethe , Müller Axel , Margreth Annina , Vogt Christoph , Knies Jochen
Published: April 2017

In-situ weathered bedrock, saprolite, is locally found in Scandinavia, where it is commonly thought to represent pre-Pleistocene weathering possibly associated with landscape formation. The age of weathering, however, remains loosely constrained, which has an impact on existing geological and landscape evolution models and morphotectonic correlations. Here we provide new geochronological evidence that some of the low-altitude basement landforms on- and offshore southwestern Scandinavia are a rejuvenated geomorphological relic from Mesozoic times. K-Ar dating of authigenic, syn-weathering illite from saprolitic remnants constrains original basement exposure in the Late Triassic (221.3±7.0–206.2±4.2 Ma) through deep weathering in a warm climate and subsequent partial mobilization of the saprolitic mantle into the overlying sediment cascade system. The data support the bulk geomorphological development of west Scandinavia coastal basement rocks during the Mesozoic and later, long-lasting relative tectonic stability. Pleistocene glaciations played an additional geomorphological role, selectively stripping the landscape from the Mesozoic overburden and carving glacial landforms down to Plio–Pleistocene times. Saprolite K-Ar dating offers unprecedented possibilities to study past weathering and landscape evolution processes.
Crystal structure of APOBEC3A bound to single-stranded DNA reveals structural basis for cytidine deamination and specificity
Authors: Kouno Takahide , Silvas Tania V. , Hilbert Brendan J. , Shandilya Shivender M. D. , Bohn Markus F. , Kelch Brian A. , Royer William E. , Somasundaran Mohan , Kurt Yilmaz Nese , Matsuo Hiroshi , Schiffer Celia A.
Published: April 2017

Nucleic acid editing enzymes are essential components of the immune system that lethally mutate viral pathogens and somatically mutate immunoglobulins, and contribute to the diversification and lethality of cancers. Among these enzymes are the seven human APOBEC3 deoxycytidine deaminases, each with unique target sequence specificity and subcellular localization. While the enzymology and biological consequences have been extensively studied, the mechanism by which APOBEC3s recognize and edit DNA remains elusive. Here we present the crystal structure of a complex of a cytidine deaminase with ssDNA bound in the active site at 2.2 Å. This structure not only visualizes the active site poised for catalysis of APOBEC3A, but pinpoints the residues that confer specificity towards CC/TC motifs. The APOBEC3A–ssDNA complex defines the 5′–3′ directionality and subtle conformational changes that clench the ssDNA within the binding groove, revealing the architecture and mechanism of ssDNA recognition that is likely conserved among all polynucleotide deaminases, thereby opening the door for the design of mechanistic-based therapeutics.
Notochordal and nucleus pulposus marker expression is maintained by sub-populations of adult human nucleus pulposus cells through aging and degeneration
Authors: Richardson Stephen M. , Ludwinski Francesca E. , Gnanalingham Kanna K. , Atkinson Ross A. , Freemont Anthony J. , Hoyland Judith A.
Published: April 2017

The nucleus pulposus (NP) of the intervertebral disc (IVD) demonstrates substantial changes in cell and matrix composition with both ageing and degeneration. While recent transcriptomic profiling studies have helped define human NP cell phenotype, it remains unclear how expression of these markers is influenced by ageing or degeneration. Furthermore, cells of the NP are thought to derive from the notochord, although adult NP lacks identifiable notochordal (NC) cells. This study aimed to confirm expression of previously identified NP and NC marker genes in adult human NP cells from a range of ages and degenerate states. Importantly, using gene expression analysis (N = 60) and immunohistochemistry (N = 56) the study demonstrates expression of NP markers FoxF1, Pax-1, keratin-8/18, carbonic anhydrase-12, and NC markers brachyury, galectin-3 and CD24 in cells of the NP irrespective of age or degeneration. Our immunohistochemical data, combined with flow cytometry (N = 5) which identified a small number of CA12+Gal3+T+CD24+ cells, suggests the possible presence of a sub-population of cells with an NC-like phenotype in adult NP tissue. These findings suggest that the NP contains a heterogeneous population of cells, which may possess varied phenotypic and functional profiles and thus warrant further investigation to improve our understanding of IVD homeostasis and repair.
Theoretical investigations on radiation generation of TEM, linearly or circularly polarized TEn1 coaxial waveguide mode in relativistic magnetron
Authors: Shi Di-Fu , Qian Bao-Liang , Wang Hong-Gang , Li Wei , Du Guang-Xing
Published: April 2017

The physical mechanism of the radiation generation of all possible output modes of the relativistic magnetron (RM) with all cavity-magnetron axial extraction technique is theoretically analysed, and the necessary conditions for generating these modes are obtained respectively. Assuming that n0 is the number of the electron spokes, N ≥ 4 as the total number of the cavities is an even number, and k is a nonnegative integer, some conclusions can be drawn as follows. If n0 = kN is true, no mode can be excited in the coaxial waveguide; if n0 = (2k + 1)N/4 is true, the linearly polarized modes can be excited in the coaxial waveguide; if n0 = (4k + 2)N/4 is true, the TEM mode and the linearly polarized modes can be excited in the coaxial waveguide; if n0 takes other value, the left and right circularly polarized modes can be excited in the coaxial waveguide and the directions of rotation of the circularly polarized modes can be reversed with the reversion of the direction of rotation of the electron spokes; in addition, some other regular characteristics of the corresponding mode excitation are presented in detail in this paper. Such unique attractive properties that have been verified by the cold and hot simulations in this paper make it possible for this type of RM to meet application requirements of various high power microwave (HPM) modes.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of the slp76 signalosome
Authors: Qu Xuemei , Lan Xin , Deng Chong , Zhou Jiatao , Du Jingjing , Huang Shengfeng , Li Yingqiu
Published: April 2017

The well-defined mammalian slp76-signalosome is crucial for T-cell immune response, yet whether slp76-signalosome exists in invertebrates and how it evolved remain unknown. Here we investigated slp76-signalosome from an evolutionary perspective in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri (bb). We proved slp76-signalosome components bbslp76, bbGADS and bbItk are present in amphioxus and bbslp76 interacts with bbGADS and bbItk, but differences exist between the interaction manners within slp76-signalosome components of amphioxus and human (h). Specifically, bbslp76 has a unique WW-domain that blocked its association with hItk and decreased TCR-induced tyrosine-phosphorylation and NFAT-activation. Deletion of WW-domain shifted the constitutive association between bbslp76 and hPLCγ1 to a TCR-enhanced association. Among slp76-signalosome, the interaction between slp76 and PLCγ1 is the most conserved and the binding between Itk and slp76 evolved from constitutive to stimulation-regulated. Sequence alignment and 3D structural analysis of slp76-signalosome molecules from keystone species indicated slp76 evolved into a more unfolded and flexible adaptor due to lack of WW-domain and several low-complexity-regions (LCRs) while GADS turned into a larger protein by a LCR gain, thus preparing more space for nucleating the coevolving slp76-signalosome. Altogether, through deletion of WW-domain and manipulation of LCRs, slp76-signalosome evolves from a rigid and stimulation-insensitive to a more flexible and stimulation-responding complex.
Serum and Synovial Fluid Interleukin-6 for the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Xie Kai , Dai Kerong , Qu Xinhua , Yan Mengning
Published: April 2017

A gold standard for diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum and synovial fluid interleukin (IL)-6 levels for PJI. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies describing PJI diagnosis using serum and synovial fluid IL-6 and published between January 1990 and October 2016. Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. The pooled sensitivities of serum and synovial fluid IL-6 were 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63–0.80) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82–0.96), respectively. The pooled specificities of serum and synovial fluid IL-6 were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.77–0.95) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84–0.95), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) of serum and synovial fluid IL-6 were 20 (95% CI: 7–58) and 101 (95% CI: 28–358), respectively, and the pooled areas under the curve (AUCs) were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.79–0.86) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94–0.98), respectively. Synovial fluid IL-6 had high diagnostic value for PJI. Although serum IL-6 test was less sensitive than synovial fluid IL-6 test, it may be regularly prescribed for patients with prosthetic failure owing to its high specificity.
Let’s talk about Secs: Sec61, Sec62 and Sec63 in signal transduction, oncology and personalized medicine
Authors: Linxweiler Maximilian , Schick Bernhard , Zimmermann Richard
Published: April 2017

The heterotrimeric Sec61 complex and the dimeric Sec62/Sec63 complex are located in the membrane of the human endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and play a central role in translocation of nascent and newly synthesized precursor polypeptides into the ER. This process involves targeting of the precursors to the membrane and opening of the polypeptide conducting Sec61 channel for translocation. Apart from this central role in the intracellular transport of polypeptides, several studies of the last decade uncovered additional functions of Sec proteins in intracellular signaling: Sec62 can induce ER-phagy in the process of recovery of cells from ER stress and the Sec61 channel can also act as a passive ER calcium leak channel. Furthermore, mutations, amplifications and an overexpression of the SEC genes were linked to various diseases including kidney and liver diseases, diabetes and human cancer. Studies of the last decade could not only elucidate the functional role of Sec proteins in the pathogenesis of these diseases, but also demonstrate a relevance of Sec62 as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in head and neck cancer, prostate and lung cancer including a basis for new therapeutic strategies. In this article, we review the current understanding of protein transport across the ER membrane as central function of Sec proteins and further focus on recent studies that gave first insights into the functional role and therapeutic relevance of Sec61, Sec62 and Sec63 in human diseases.
Selective co-production of acetate and methane from wastewater during mesophilic anaerobic fermentation under acidic conditions
Authors: Pan Xin-Rong , Wang Yun-Kun , Li Wen-Wei , Wang Yan-Shan , Wang Xu , Cheng Yun , Geng Yi-Kun , Li Chen-Xuan , Lam Paul K. S. , Yu Han-Qing
Published: April 2017

Selective co-production of acetate and methane as the dominant liquid-phase and gas-phase products, respectively, from wastewater during mesophilic anaerobic fermentation was achieved at a pH ∼ 5.0.
Versatile one-pot synthesis of benzo-fused thiacycles by copper catalysis
Authors: Soria-Castro Silvia M. , Bisogno Fabricio R. , Peñéñory Alicia B.
Published: April 2017

A series of 2-substituted benzo[e][1,3]thiazines and 2-substituted benzo[b]thiophenes were synthesized using a versatile, simple and efficient copper-catalysed methodology.
Design, synthesis, structure, toxicology and in vitro testing of three novel agents for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Figueroa-Villar José Daniel
Published: April 2017

This article describes the synthesis of three novel compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Smart molecular-spring photonic droplets
Authors: Noh K. G. , Park S. Y.
Published: April 2017

Complete solid-state cholesteric liquid crystal droplets are fabricated using microfluidics after UV curing and chiral-dopant extraction of monodispersed CLC droplets, which consist of a reactive nematic LC mesogen mixture and a nonreactive chiral dopant.
Conjugated polymer acceptors based on fused perylene bisimides with a twisted backbone for non-fullerene solar cells
Authors: Jiang Xudong , Xu Yunhua , Wang Xiaohui , Yang Fan , Zhang Andong , Li Cheng , Ma Wei , Li Weiwei
Published: April 2017

Electron acceptors based on fused perylene bisimide dimers with a twisted backbone were developed to show high electron mobility and isotropic crystalline properties, resulting in high power conversion efficiencies in non-fullerene solar cells.
Light-responsive polymer brushes: active topographic cues for cell culture applications
Authors: Kollarigowda R. H. , Fedele C. , Rianna C. , Calabuig A. , Manikas A. C. , Pagliarulo V. , Ferraro P. , Cavalli S. , Netti P. A.
Published: April 2017

Azopolymer brushes were patterned using interference lithography and erased using ultrasonication. This substrate was able to induce cell orientation.
Self-assembly of PS-PNaSS-PS triblock copolymers from solution to the solid state
Authors: Nehache Sabrina , Semsarilar Mona , In Martin , Dieudonné-George Philippe , Lai-Kee-Him Joséphine , Bron Patrick , Bouyer Denis , Deratani André , Quemener Damien
Published: April 2017

Morphological development of block copolymer assemblies from solution to the solid state is explored to yield nanostructured materials.
Towards a new type of heterometallic system based on a paddle-wheel Ru2 dimer: first results derived from the use of a high spin diruthenium(iii,iii) building block
Authors: Yang Bing-Bing , Feng Li-Na , Fan Xiao-Meng , Zhang Kai-Xiang , Yang Jian-Hui , Liu Bin
Published: April 2017

Heterometallic diruthenium(iii,iii) compound shows a two-step relaxation and order below 14 K with a coercive field of 24.9 kOe at 1.8 K.
Synthesis and conformational structure of hydrazo-bridged homo calix[2]pyridine[2]triazines
Authors: Liang Dong-Dong , Wang Mei-Xiang
Published: April 2017

Presented in this paper are the practical synthesis and conformational structure of hydrazo-bridged homo calix[4]arenes.
Synthesis and characterization of flower-like MoO3/In2O3 microstructures for highly sensitive ethanol detection
Authors: Hu Jie , Wang Xiu , Zhang Meng , Sun Yongjiao , Li Pengwei , Zhang Wendong , Lian Kun , Chen Lin , Chen Yong
Published: April 2017

A gas sensor was fabricated to measure the response to 100 ppm ethanol at different working temperatures.
A PEO-based gel polymer electrolyte for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Wangyu , Pang Ying , Liu Jingyuan , Liu Guanghui , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: April 2017

This paper illustrates a simpler method for the preparation of gel polymer electrolytes.
Combination of RuCl3·xH2O with PEG – a simple and recyclable catalytic system for direct arylation of heteroarenes via C–H bond activation
Authors: Jian Lei , He Hai-Yu , Huang Jin , Wu Qian-Hui , Yuan Mao-Lin , Fu Hai-Yan , Zheng Xue-Li , Chen Hua , Li Rui-Xiang
Published: April 2017

A simple and recyclable catalytic system for direct arylation of heteroarenes via C–H bond activation was developed with a relatively inexpensive RuCl3·xH2O as a catalyst and PEG-400 as a green medium without any additive or ligand.
Phase change materials of fatty amine-modified silicate clays of nano layered structures
Authors: Liao Chien-Yi , Chiou Jau-Yu , Lin Jiang-Jen
Published: April 2017

The ODA/MMT/paraffin was considered as PCM for absorbing and releasing heat according to the environmental temperature change.
Electrosorption of Pb(ii) in water using graphene oxide-bearing nickel foam as the electrodes
Authors: Zheng Jun , Xia Ling , Song Shaoxian
Published: April 2017

The electrosorption of Pb(ii) from water with graphene oxide-bearing nickel foam (GO/NF) as the electrodes was studied in this work in order to develop a more effective method for Pb(ii) removal.
Asymmetric isomerization: an efficient strategy to tune the electrical resistive memory behaviors of functional polyimides containing N-phenylcarbazole moieties
Authors: Jia Nanfang , Tian Guofeng , Qi Shengli , Cheng Junhao , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Dezhen
Published: April 2017

Three isomeric polyimides with exactly the same chemical components and altered spatial configuration possess vastly different memory behaviors.
Pyridine sulfinates as general nucleophilic coupling partners in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with aryl halides
Authors: Markovic Tim , Rocke Benjamin N. , Blakemore David C. , Mascitti Vincent , Willis Michael C.
Published: April 2017

Pyridine sulfinates are stable and straightforward to prepare nucleophilic coupling partners for palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with aryl and heteroaryl halides. The scope with respect to the halides coupling partner is considerable, and allows the preparation of a broad range of linked pyridines.
A highly efficient and durable carbon nanotube-based anode electrocatalyst for water electrolyzers
Authors: Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Shi Yilei , Yang Jun , Li Hua , Ito Kohei , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: April 2017

Iridium (Ir) nanoparticles with a uniform diameter of 1.1 ± 0.2 nm were homogeneously deposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) wrapped by polybenzimidazole (PBI), in which PBI enables efficient anchoring of the Ir nanoparticles.
Constructing an elastic solid electrolyte interphase on graphite: a novel strategy suppressing lithium inventory loss in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Shi Qiang , Heng Shuai , Qu Qunting , Gao Tian , Liu Weijie , Hang Li , Zheng Honghe
Published: April 2017

Constructing a robust and elastic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on a graphite anode is an important strategy to suppress lithium-inventory loss and to prolong the lifespan of the state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries.
A redox-responsive strategy using mesoporous silica nanoparticles for co-delivery of siRNA and doxorubicin
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Xu Mengmeng , Cao Chengwen , Yu Qianqian , Zhou Yanhui , Liu Jie
Published: April 2017

Co-delivery of gene and drug therapies for cancer treatment remains a major goal of nanocarrier research.
Gold–iron oxide dimers for magnetic hyperthermia: the key role of chloride ions in the synthesis to boost the heating efficiency
Authors: Guardia P. , Nitti S. , Materia M. E. , Pugliese G. , Yaacoub N. , Greneche J.-M. , Lefevre C. , Manna L. , Pellegrino T.
Published: April 2017

To produce Au–FexOy dimers with outstanding heating performances under clinical magnetic hyperthermia conditions, here we report two synthesis routes, a two-pot and a one-pot method.
A–π–D–π–A carbazole derivatives with remarkable solvatochromism and mechanoresponsive luminescence turn-on
Authors: Wen Ping , Gao Zhixiang , Zhang Rong , Li Anran , Zhang Fang , Li Jie , Xie Jingjuan , Wu Yuezhen , Wu Min , Guo KunPeng
Published: April 2017

Two A–π–D–π–A carbazole derivatives differing in N-hexyl and N-isooctyl substituents were developed. They exhibited a prominent solvatochromic effect and luminescence turn-on characteristics under mechanical force stimuli.
Improved efficiency of blue polymer light-emitting diodes using a hole transport material
Authors: Liang Junfei , Ying Lei , Yang Wei , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: April 2017

The incorporation of an HTM leads to a dramatically enhanced LE of 6.8 cd A−1 at 1000 cd m−2 for blue PLEDs.
Dispenser printing of electrochromic display on textiles for creative applications
Authors: Wei Y. , Wang X. , Torah R. , Tudor J.
Published: April 2017

For the first time, the design, fabrication and testing of a dispenser‐printed electrochromic (EC) display on fabric using Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as the EC material are reported. The entire display is based on a lateral structural design in which the electrodes are located adjacent to each other in the same plane. The display is directly printed onto a, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)‐coated, 100% polyester woven fabric which is commonly used in the creative industries. Each layer was cured below 130°C to ensure no thermal damage to the fabric. Each display pixel, consisting of the colour changing and counter electrodes, was separately driven at two voltage direct currents (VDCs). The colour change between pale blue and dark blue was controlled by switching the polarity using a microcontroller. Two demonstrators, a 3 × 3 pixel matrix display and a seven segment display, were achieved with an average switching speed of 5 s.
Power‐efficient flash ADC with complementary voltage‐to‐time converter
Authors: Oh D.‐R. , Jo D.‐S. , Moon K.‐J. , Roh Y.‐J. , Ryu S.‐T.
Published: April 2017

A power‐efficient complementary voltage‐to‐time converter (CVTC) is proposed for a flash ADCs. The alternating reset direction according to the signal development direction reduces the power consumed by the reset operation and the operational frequency of the CVTC is effectively reduced by half. Accordingly, the logic circuits following the CVTC work in a time‐interleaved manner, resulting in significant power saving. A 5‐bit 2.5 GS/s flash ADC designed for a 40 nm CMOS process shows a 27% power reduction over the conventional voltage‐to‐time conversion‐based flash ADC.
Frequency reconfigurable multiband antenna with embedded biasing network
Authors: Romputtal Adisak , Phongcharoenpanich Chuwong
Published: April 2017

This research presents a frequency reconfigurable antenna scheme for wireless communications [worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), mobile WiMAX and wireless local area network], in which a PIN diode is utilised for the discrete tuning and a varactor diode for the subsequent fine‐tuning. A microcontroller‐controlled embedded biasing network (EBN) is integrated into the antenna to regulate the PIN and varactor diodes for the simultaneous wideband and multiband operations. Specifically, two clusters constitute the proposed antenna scheme: the antenna and EBN clusters. The simulation and experimental results revealed that the antenna scheme could achieve the multiple frequency bands in the range of 2.4–5.8 GHz, with negligible changes in the antenna physical dimensions. Due to its compactness, the antenna scheme is ideal for small modern wireless communications devices.
Evaluation of MATPOWER and OpenDSS load flow calculations in power systems using parallel computing
Authors: Guerra Gerardo , Martinez‐Velasco Juan A.
Published: April 2017

This study presents the work carried out by the authors to apply Intel MKL PARDISO (a parallel sparse matrix solver) to the load flow solution algorithms of MATPOWER and OpenDSS. The goal is to explore the potential execution time reduction obtained when working with large power systems and multi‐core installations. Test systems of different sizes were solved in order to observe the time reduction as function of the system size and the number of cores used in the parallel execution. Results show that except for the full Newton–Raphson algorithm, one should not expect a reduction in execution times when using a parallel routine. The use of a parallel sparse matrix solver is only justified when the sparse matrix must be recalculated at every step of the solution process or the systems under study are much larger than those analysed here. This study also presents how a parallel computing solution can be implemented in different applications by using available high‐performance parallel libraries.
Computerized Auditory Training in Students: Electrophysiological and Subjective Analysis of Therapeutic Effectiveness
Authors: Melo Ândrea , Mezzomo Carolina , Garcia Michele , Biaggio Eliara Pinto
Published: April 2017

Introduction Computerized auditory training (CAT) has been building a good reputation in the stimulation of auditory abilities in cases of auditory processing disorder (APD).

Objective To measure the effects of CAT in students with APD, with typical or atypical phonological acquisition, through electrophysiological and subjective measures, correlating them pre- and post-therapy.

Methods The sample for this study includes14 children with APD, subdivided into children with APD and typical phonological acquisition (G1), and children with APD and atypical phonological acquisition (G2). Phonological evaluation of children (PEC), long latency auditory evoked potential (LLAEP) and scale of auditory behaviors (SAB) were conducted to help with the composition of the groups and with the therapeutic intervention. The therapeutic intervention was performed using the software Escuta Ativa (CTS Informática, Pato Branco, Brazil) in 12 sessions of 30 minutes, twice a week. For data analysis, the appropriate statistical tests were used.

Results A decrease in the latency of negative wave N2 and the positive wave P3 in the left ear in G1, and a decrease of P2 in the right ear in G2 were observed. In the analysis comparing the pre- and post-CAT groups, there was a significant difference in P1 latency in the left ear and P2 latency in the right ear, pre-intervention. Furthermore, eight children had an absence of the P3 wave, pre-CAT, but after the intervention, all of them presented the P3 wave. There were changes in the SAB score pre- and post-CAT in both groups. The presence of correlation between the scale and some LLAEP components was observed.

Conclusion The CAT produced an electrophysiological modification, which became evident in the effects of the effects of neural plasticity after CAT. The SAB proved to be useful in measuring the therapeutic effects of the intervention. Moreover, there were behavioral changes in the SAB (higher scores) and correlation with LLAEP.
Progressive Cerebral Arteriopathy – Moyamoya Disease: A Report of Two Cases with Different Clinical Presentation
Authors: Barros-Araújo Marx Lima de , Santos Tibério Silva Borges dos , Ricarte Irapuá Ferreira , Medeiros Guilherme Victor Sousa , Brito Joemir Jabson da Conceição , Guindani Stephany Vargas , Carvalho Larissa Clementino Leite de Sá
Published: April 2017

Moyamoya disease is a chronic and unusual cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive stenosis and occlusion of the distal portions of internal carotid arteries and its main branches within the circle of Willis. Posterior circulation (vertebral and basilar arteries) may also be affected; however, this presentation is uncommon. As well as stenosis of the terminal portion of intracranial arteries, it is seen the development of a network of collateral vessels abnormally dilated at the base of the brain with an aspect of a “puff of smoke,” whose term in Japanese is described as “moyamoya.” The present study aims to report two consecutive cases of patients who presented to our service with different clinical manifestations. Further investigation with digital subtraction angiography showed a moyamoya pattern.
The Effect of the Cholesterol Levels on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Demir Mehmet , Aydin Sedat
Published: April 2017

Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is one of the most common occupational diseases among industrialized populations, is associated with longstanding exposure to high levels of noise. The pathogenesis of NIHL is not clear, but some genes and their activity at the tissue level have been investigated. Hypercholesterolemia, which can disturb the microcirculation, can be one of the underlying pathologies in hearing loss.

Objective To investigate the relationship between NIHL and hypercholesterolemia.

Methods The study group was selected among workers who had an occupational exposure of 85 dB of noise for at least 10 years. The audiologic assessment was recorded at seven frequencies (500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz, 4,000 Hz, 6,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz). A total of 456 workers were included in the study and divided into two groups: the control group (252 patients) and the NIHL group (204 patients). After the audiologic measurement, blood samples were taken and investigated for blood cholesterol levels. According to these results, the groups were compared.

Results Both groups were similarly distributed regarding age and occupational exposure time (p > 0.05). We could not detect any association between cholesterol levels and noise-induced hearing loss (p < 0.05). According to logistic regression analyses, the odds ratios are not significant for both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia (p > 0.05).

Conclusion Noise-induced hearing loss is still a common occupational problem that can be prevented by hearing conservation programs and occupational health and safety training. Still, we know little about the relationship between NIHL and hypercholesterolemia. According to our findings, we cannot detect any relationship. Controlled studies and studies with human individuals can be made possible in the future with diagnostic innovations in tissue imaging and tissue microcircular sampling.
Psychische und kontextuelle Belastungen, Motivationsfaktoren und Bedürfnisse von haupt- und ehrenamtlichen Flüchtlingshelfern
Authors: Grimm Theresa , Georgiadou Ekaterini , Silbermann Andrea , Junker Katharina , Nisslbeck Winfried , Erim Yesim
Published: April 2017

In der psychosomatischen Abteilung des Universitätsklinikums Erlangen wurden mit Start im Januar 2016 Schulungen für aktive Flüchtlingshelfer durchgeführt. 45 der 49 Schulungsteilnehmer partizipierten in der begleitenden Fragebogenuntersuchung. Darin wurden Belastungen der haupt- und ehrenamtlichen Helfer in ihrer Arbeit mit Flüchtlingen, die Motivationshintergründe sowie verschiedene Bedürfnisse in der Flüchtlingsarbeit erhoben. Zusätzlich wurden depressive Symptome sowie das Vorliegen traumatischer Ereignisse untersucht. Die größten kontextuellen Belastungen wurden durch mangelnden Handlungsspielraum (69%) aufgrund gesetzlicher Regulierungen erlebt. Aber auch dissoziative Symptome (15,4%) und aggressives Verhalten (26,9%) der Flüchtlinge wurden als Belastungen angegeben. Mitmenschen zu helfen zeigte sich als höchster Motivationsfaktor für die Tätigkeit mit Flüchtlingen. Lediglich 2 Helfer (4,4%) zeigten erhöhte Ausprägungen depressiver Symptome. Hingegen hatten 93,3% der Flüchtlingshelfer bereits ein traumatisches Ereignis persönlich oder als Zeuge erlebt. Den größten Schulungsbedarf sahen die Helfer beim Erkennen von psychischen Problemen sowie dem Erlernen von konkreten Interventionsstrategien.
Evaluation of the Effect of Epilobium angustifolium Aqueous Extract on LNCaP Cell Proliferation in In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Piwowarski Jakub , Bobrowska-Korczak Barbara , Stanisławska Iwona , Bielecki Wojciech , Wrzesien Robert , Granica Sebastian , Krupa Katarzyna , Kiss Anna
Published: April 2017

Epilobium sp. are commonly used in traditional medicine in the treatment of early stages of benign prostatic hyperplasia and inflammation. It is suggested that a dominating constituent, oenothein B, is responsible for the extracts therapeutic effects. Several bioactivities were established for extracts and oenothein B in various in vitro models, but due to the questionable bioavailability of this dimeric macrocyclic ellagitannin, their significance in the in vivo effects remains unresolved. We have thus focused our attention on a complex comparative investigation of the in vitro and in vivo activities of phytochemically characterized Epilobium angustifolium aqueous extract and oenothein B on prostate cancer cells proliferation.

Incubation of different cell lines with E. angustifolium aqueous extract resulted in a significant reduction of proliferation of PZ-HPV-7 and LNCaP cells, which was partly associated with antiandrogenic activity. These effects were fully congruent with oenothein B, examined in parallel. Oral supplementation of rats implanted with LNCaP cells with E. angustifolium aqueous extract 50–200 mg/kg b. w. resulted in a reduction of the occurrence of prostatic adenoma up to 13 %. Oenothein B was not detected in the urine and feces of the E. angustifolium aqueous extract-treated group, however, conjugates of nasutins gut microbiota metabolites of ellagitannins were detected in the urine, while in human volunteers supplemented with Epilobium tea, only urolithin conjugates were present.

Despite observing significant and consistent effects in vitro and in vivo, we were unable to point out unequivocally the factors contributing to the observed E. angustifolium aqueous extract activity, facing the problems of an unknown metabolic fate of oenothein B and interspecies differences in E. angustifolium aqueous extract gut microbiota metabolism.
Well-controlled exchange bias effect in MnO@Mn3O4 core-shell nanoparticles with an inverted coupling structures
Authors: Song Ningning , Yang Haitao , Luo Yi , Ren Xiao , Zhou Jun , Geng Sai , Zhao Guoping , Zhang Xiangqun , Cheng Zhaohua
Published: April 2017

The influence of the varied thickness of antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferrimagnetic (FiM) nanostructure in MnO@Mn3O4 core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) on the exchange bias effect has been investigated. The MnO@Mn3O4 core-shell NPs with varied radius of MnO core (RMnO) and thickness of Mn3O4 shell (TMn3O4) have been synthesized by in-situ oxidation of the pure MnO NPs in organic solution containing a mild oxidant at different temperatures. The exchange bias effect can be tuned by changing the RMnO (TMn3O4) of the MnO@Mn3O4 core-shell NPs. The strongest exchange coupling effect of both 17.2 and 25.0 nm MnO@Mn3O4 core-shell NPs occur when RMnO=TMn3O4=R/2. It is expected that the finding of the control of exchange bias effect by varied RMnO and TMn3O4 in inverted core-shell NPs is helpful for the further understanding of the exchange bias mechanism.
Benthic mollusc assemblages in West Antarctica: taxa composition and ecological insights
Authors: Gordillo Sandra , Malvé Mariano E. , Moran Gisela
Published: April 2017

Although different studies in Antarctica have dealt with benthic communities, few studies have focused on molluscan assemblages and their ecology. During the austral summer of 2011, 17 stations between depths of 68.5 and 754m were sampled in West Antarctica using a demersal bottom trawl pilot net on board RV ARA Puerto Deseado. In all, 1848 specimens of shelled molluscs were recorded. Gastropods were the most diverse group (species richness=74) and bivalves were the most abundant (n=1344). Shannon–Wiener diversity index values ranged between 0.58 and 2.99, with great variation at different stations. Cluster analysis using the Bray–Curtis coefficient showed three distinct assemblages types: one dominated by suspension feeders; a second with representatives from different trophic groups, including suspension feeders, grazers, scavengers, predators and deposit feeders; and a third, more differentiated, with few taxa and dominated by deposit feeders. Finally, multivariate analysis suggests that bivalves were more sensitive to temperature, whereas gastropods were more sensitive to depth.