bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic expansion of chaperonin‐containing TCP‐1 (CCT/TRiC) complex subunits yields testis‐specific isoforms required for spermatogenesis in planarian flatworms
Authors: Counts Jenna T. , Hester Tasha M. , Rouhana Labib
Published: November 2017

Chaperonin‐containing Tail‐less complex polypeptide 1 (CCT) is a highly conserved, hetero‐oligomeric complex that ensures proper folding of actin, tubulin, and regulators of mitosis. Eight subunits (CCT1‐8) make up this complex, and every subunit has a homolog expressed in the testes and somatic tissue of the planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea. Gene duplications of four subunits in the genomes of S. mediterranea and other planarian flatworms created paralogs to CCT1, CCT3, CCT4, and CCT8 that are expressed exclusively in the testes. Functional analyses revealed that each CCT subunit expressed in the S. mediterranea soma is essential for homeostatic integrity and survival, whereas sperm elongation defects were observed upon knockdown of each individual testis‐specific paralog (Smed‐cct1B; Smed‐cct3B; Smed‐cct4A; and Smed‐cct8B), regardless of potential redundancy with paralogs expressed in both testes and soma (Smed‐cct1A; Smed‐cct3A; Smed‐cct4B; and Smed‐cct8A). Yet, no detriment was observed in the number of adult somatic stem cells (neoblasts) that maintain differentiated tissue in planarians. Thus, expression of all eight CCT subunits is required to execute the essential functions of the CCT complex. Furthermore, expression of the somatic paralogs in planarian testes is not sufficient to complete spermatogenesis when testis‐specific paralogs are knocked down, suggesting that the evolution of chaperonin subunits may drive changes in the development of sperm structure and that correct CCT subunit stoichiometry is crucial for spermiogenesis.
Urinary incontinence in pregnant adolescents: A case series
Authors: Barbosa Leila , Cruz Thamiris , Carvalho Amanda , Torres Elise , Porto Isabel , Nascimento Kaylla , Lemos Andrea
Published: November 2017

Aims

Determine the severity of urinary incontinence (UI) and its effect on the quality of life (QoL) of pregnant adolescents, as well as explore the strategies used to manage UI and the reporting/investigation of this condition by healthcare professionals.

Methods

A case series was conducted in three Brazilian public hospitals that offer prenatal care. Inclusion criteria were: age between 10 and 19 years, gestational age of 27 weeks or more, and reported UI in the third trimester of pregnancy. All volunteers responded to the Incontinence Severity Index (to assess severity of UI) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence—Short Form (to evaluate the effect of UI on QoL). A descriptive analysis of data were done.

Results

A total of 329 incontinent pregnant adolescents with mean age of 17.09 years (95%CI 16.92‐17.26), who reported voiding urgency (72.0%), increased daytime urinary frequency (75.1%), nocturia (96.7%), and mixed UI (44.1%) were included in the study. UI was considered moderate to severe (79.3%) and had a moderate effect on QoL (mean 9.84; 95%CI 9.40‐10.28). The volunteers used UI management strategies (66.6%), with bladder emptying prior to activities (56.8%) and the use of sanitary pads (29.5%) most frequently reported. UI is not disclosed voluntarily (89.1%) or explored by healthcare professionals (91.2%).

Conclusion

UI can be moderate to severe and has a moderate effect on QoL in incontinent pregnant adolescents, who use strategies to manage this condition. Healthcare professionals do not identify this urinary symptom during prenatal care.
Dynamical study of two predators and one prey system with fractional Fourier transform method
Authors: Owolabi Kolade M. , Pindza Edson , Davison Matt
Published: November 2017

In this work, we investigate both the analytical and numerical studies of the dynamical model comprising of three species systems. We analyze the linear stability of stationary solutions in the one‐dimensional multisystem modeling the interactions of two predators and one prey species. The stability analysis has a lot of implications for understanding the various spatiotemporal and chaotic behaviors of the species in the spatial domain. The analysis results presented have established the possibility of the three‐interacting species to coexist harmoniously, this feat is achieved by combining the local and global analyses to determine the global dynamics of the system. In the presence of a fractional diffusion term, we introduced a fractional Fourier transform for solving the system modeled by fractional partial differential equations. The main advantages of this method are that it yields a fully diagonal representation of the fractional operator with exponential accuracy and a completely straightforward extension to high spatial dimensions. The scheme is described in detail and justified by a number of computational experiments.
A two‐grid stabilized mixed finite element method for Darcy‐Forchheimer model
Authors: Sun Ming , Rui Hongxing
Published: November 2017

A two‐grid stabilized mixed finite element method based on pressure projection stabilization is proposed for the two‐dimensional Darcy‐Forchheimer model. We use the derivative of a smooth function, , to approximate the derivative of in constructing the two‐grid algorithm. The two‐grid method consists of solving a small nonlinear system on the coarse mesh and then solving a linear system on the fine mesh. There are a substantial reduction in computational cost. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solution of the discrete schemes on the coarse grid and the fine grid and obtain error estimates for the two‐grid algorithm. Finally, some numerical experiments are carried out to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the method.
Diagnosis of lethal or prenatal‐onset autosomal recessive disorders by parental exome sequencing
Authors: Stals Karen L. , Wakeling Matthew , Baptista Júlia , Caswell Richard , Parrish Andrew , Rankin Julia , Tysoe Carolyn , Jones Garan , Gunning Adam C. , Lango Allen Hana , Bradley Lisa , Brady Angela F. , Carley Helena , Carmichael Jenny , Castle Bruce , Cilliers Deirdre , Cox Helen , Deshpande Charu , Dixit Abhijit , Eason Jacqueline , Elmslie Frances , Fry Andrew E. , Fryer Alan , Holder Muriel , Homfray Tessa , Kivuva Emma , McKay Victoria , Newbury‐Ecob Ruth , Parker Michael , Savarirayan Ravi , Searle Claire , Shannon Nora , Shears Deborah , Smithson Sarah , Thomas Ellen , Turnpenny Peter D. , Varghese Vinod , Vasudevan Pradeep , Wakeling Emma , Baple Emma L. , Ellard Sian
Published: November 2017

Objective

Rare genetic disorders resulting in prenatal or neonatal death are genetically heterogeneous, but testing is often limited by the availability of fetal DNA, leaving couples without a potential prenatal test for future pregnancies. We describe our novel strategy of exome sequencing parental DNA samples to diagnose recessive monogenic disorders in an audit of the first 50 couples referred.

Method

Exome sequencing was carried out in a consecutive series of 50 couples who had 1 or more pregnancies affected with a lethal or prenatal‐onset disorder. In all cases, there was insufficient DNA for exome sequencing of the affected fetus. Heterozygous rare variants (MAF < 0.001) in the same gene in both parents were selected for analysis. Likely, disease‐causing variants were tested in fetal DNA to confirm co‐segregation.

Results

Parental exome analysis identified heterozygous pathogenic (or likely pathogenic) variants in 24 different genes in 26/50 couples (52%). Where 2 or more fetuses were affected, a genetic diagnosis was obtained in 18/29 cases (62%). In most cases, the clinical features were typical of the disorder, but in others, they result from a hypomorphic variant or represent the most severe form of a variable phenotypic spectrum.

Conclusion

We conclude that exome sequencing of parental samples is a powerful strategy with high clinical utility for the genetic diagnosis of lethal or prenatal‐onset recessive disorders. © 2017 The Authors Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Scharfe Röntgenpulse durch ruckartige Bewegung
Authors: Heeg Kilian , Evers Jörg
Published: November 2017

Die Spektroskopie schmaler Resonanzen ist ein Schlüsselbaustein vieler moderner Anwendungen. Pulse moderner Röntgenlichtquellen sind jedoch spektral viel breiter als die zu untersuchenden Resonanzen, so dass nur ein kleiner Teil des Lichts wechselwirkt und zum Signal beiträgt. Kürzlich ist es unserem Team gelungen, solche Pulse so zu manipulieren, dass zuvor ungenutzte Photonen in Resonanz geschoben werden. Die „geschärften“ Röntgenpulse eröffnen eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen.
Die Polarisation der Röntgenstrahlen
Authors: Jacobi Manfred
Published: November 2017

Der Physik‐Nobelpreis ging 1917 an Charles Glover Barkla für „die Entdeckung der charakteristischen Röntgenstrahlung der Elemente“.
The kinetics and mechanism of the homogeneous, unimolecular gas‐phase elimination of 2‐(4‐substituted‐phenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyranes
Authors: Alvarez‐Aular Alvaro , Cartaya Loriett , Maldonado Alexis , Coll David Santiago , Chuchani Gabriel
Published: November 2017

The gas‐phase elimination kinetics of tetrahydropyranyl phenoxy ethers: 2‐phenoxytetrahydro‐2H‐pyran, 2‐(4‐methoxyphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran, and 2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran were determined in a static system, with the vessels deactivated with allyl bromide, and in the presence of the free radical inhibitor toluene. The working temperature and pressure were 330 to 390°C and 25 to 89 Torr, respectively. The reactions yielded DHP and the corresponding 4‐substituted phenol. The eliminations are homogeneous, unimolecular, and satisfy a first‐order rate law. The Arrhenius equations for decompositions were found as follows:

2‐phenoxytetrahydro‐2H‐pyran

log k1 (s−1) = (14.18 ± 0.21) − (211.6 ± 0.4) kJ mol−1 (2.303 RT)−1

2‐(4‐methoxyphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran

log k1 (s−1) = (14.11 ± 0.18) − (203.6 ± 0.3) kJ mol−1 (2.303 RT)−1

2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran

log k1 (s−1) = (14.08 ± 0.08) − (205.9 ± 1.0) kJ mol−1 (2.303 RT)−1

The analysis of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for thermal elimination of 2‐(4‐substituted‐phenoxy)tetrahydro‐2H‐pyranes suggests that the reaction proceeds via 4‐member cyclic transition state. The results obtained confirm a slight increase of rate constant with increasing electron donating ability groups in the phenoxy ring. The pyran hydrogen abstraction by the oxygen of the phenoxy group appears to be the determinant factor in the reaction rate.
Composite of P(VDF‐CTFE) and aromatic polythiourea for capacitors with high‐capacity, high‐efficiency, and fast response
Authors: Cheng Zhaoxi , Zhou Wanfeng , Zhang Chen , Li Qian , Sha Ruochen , Chen Xin , Chu Baojin , Shen Qun‐Dong
Published: November 2017

For next generation of miniaturized personal electronics and pulsed power systems for smart power grids, electric vehicles, and electromagnetic launchers, flexible capacitors from dielectric polymers with high‐capacity, high‐efficiency, and fast response are highly desirable. Dielectric polymer composite of P(VDF‐CTFE), that is poly(vinylidene fluoride‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) and a small amount of aromatic polythiourea (PTU) has been described. It combines the merits of both polymers, that is high dipole density and easy processability of P(VDF‐CTFE), as well as large dipole moment and high charge–discharge efficiency of PTU. Most impressively, PTU boosts the maximum breakdown strength of P(VDF‐CTFE), and thus extracts its maximum energy reserve capacity. PTU also contributes to the promoted charge–discharge efficiency, accelerated discharge, and reduced dielectric loss in P(VDF‐CTFE), which facilitate the composite for flexible capacitor applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2018,56, 193–199
Effects of Calcination Temperature on the Physical Properties and Hydrogen Evolution Activities of La5Ti2Cu(S1‐xSex)5O7 Photocatalysts
Authors: Nandy Swarnava , Hisatomi Takashi , Katayama Masao , Minegishi Tsutomu , Domen Kazunari
Published: November 2017

La5Ti2Cu(S1‐xSex)5O7 (LTCS1‐xSexO) solid solutions are found to function as visible‐light‐driven photocatalysts to evolve H2 from aqueous solutions containing sacrificial electron donors. However, this photocatalytic activity is reduced with increasing Se concentrations because of excessive particle growth during calcination at high temperatures. In the present study, the physical properties and photocatalytic H2 evolution activities of LTCS1‐xSexO (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) solid solution photocatalysts synthesized by solid‐state reactions at varying temperatures are assessed. It is found that the photocatalyst particle sizes are reduced upon lowering the calcination temperature. In addition, the calcination temperature resulting in the highest photocatalytic H2 evolution rates for NiS‐loaded LTCS1‐xSexO is shown to become lower with increasing Se content. The H2 evolution activity of LTCS1‐xSexO (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) is improved several‐fold by optimizing the calcination temperature because the excessive growth of particles is avoided. The activity of these materials is further improved by coloading Pt and NiS cocatalysts. This work demonstrates the importance of controlling the particle size of narrow bandgap LTCS1‐xSexO oxysulfoselenides so as to effectively utilize visible light during photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Distribution of glyphosate‐resistant Amaranthus spp. in Nebraska
Authors: Vieira Bruno C , Samuelson Spencer L , Alves Guilherme S , Gaines Todd A , Werle Rodrigo , Kruger Greg R
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.), common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus var. rudis), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) are major weeds occurring in fields throughout Nebraska with recurrent grower complaints regarding control with glyphosate. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and distribution of glyphosate‐resistant Palmer amaranth, common waterhemp, and redroot pigweed populations in Nebraska. The study also aimed to investigate how agronomic practices influence the occurrence of glyphosate resistance in the three Amaranthus species.

RESULTS

Glyphosate resistance was widespread in common waterhemp (81% of the screened populations), few Palmer amaranth populations were glyphosate‐resistant (6% of the screened populations), whereas no glyphosate‐resistant redroot pigweed populations were identified in Nebraska. Weed species, geographic region within the state, and current crop were the most important factors predicting the occurrence of glyphosate resistance in fields infested with Amaranthus species in Nebraska.

CONCLUSION

The intensive glyphosate selection pressure exerted in soybean (Glycine max) fields in eastern Nebraska is one of the major factors causing widespread occurrence of glyphosate resistance in common waterhemp in the state. The relatively low frequency of glyphosate‐resistant Palmer amaranth in the state highlights the importance of the application timing and the adoption of multiple modes of action in weed management practices to delay the evolution of glyphosate resistance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Stability of strigolactone analog GR24 toward nucleophiles
Authors: Halouzka Rostislav , Tarkowski Petr , Zwanenburg Binne , Ćavar Zeljković Sanja
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that play various roles in plant development. The chemical stability of SLs depends on the solvent, the pH, and the presence of nucleophiles. Hydrolysis leads to detachment of the butenolide ring, and plays a crucial role in the initial stages of the signal‐transduction process occurring between the receptor and the SL signaling molecule.

RESULTS

To date, two different mechanisms have been proposed for SL hydrolysis. Results obtained from kinetic, thermodynamic, and mass spectral data for the reaction between the widely used synthetic SL analog GR24 and seven different nucleophiles demonstrate that the reaction proceeds via the Michael addition–elimination mechanism.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable information on the chemical stability of GR24 in different plant growth media and buffers. Such information is valuable for scientists using GR24 treatments to study SL‐regulated processes in plants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Field‐evolved resistance to Bt maize in sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis) in Argentina
Authors: Grimi Damián A , Parody Betiana , Ramos María Laura , Machado Marcos , Ocampo Federico , Willse Alan , Martinelli Samuel , Head Graham
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Maize technologies expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal proteins are widely used in Argentina to control sugarcane borer (Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius). Unexpected D. saccharalis damage was observed to Bt maize events TC1507 (expressing Cry1F) and MON 89034 × MON 88017 (expressing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2) in an isolated area of San Luis Province. Diatraea saccharalis larvae were sampled from MON 89034 × MON 88017 fields in the area to generate a resistant strain (RR), which was subsequently characterized in plant and diet bioassays.

RESULTS

Survivorship of the RR strain was high on TC1507 leaf tissue, intermediate on MON 89034 × MON 88017, and low on MON 810 (expressing Cry1Ab). The RR strain had high resistance to Cry1A.105 (186.74‐fold) and no resistance to Cry2Ab2 in diet bioassays. These results indicate resistance to Cry1F and Cry1A.105 (and likely cross‐resistance between them) but not to Cry1Ab or Cry2Ab2. Resistance to MON 89034 × MON 88017 was functionally recessive. Reviews of grower records suggest that resistance initially evolved to Cry1F, conferring cross‐resistance to Cry1A.105, with low refuge compliance as the primary cause. A mitigation plan was implemented in San Luis that included technology rotation, field monitoring, and grower education on best management practices (BMPs) including refuges.

CONCLUSION

In the affected area, the resistance to Cry1F and Cry1A.105 is being managed effectively through use of MON 89034 × MON 88017 and MON 810 in combination with BMPs, and no spread of resistance to other regions has been observed. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The implications of spatially variable pre‐emergence herbicide efficacy for weed management
Authors: Metcalfe Helen , Milne Alice E , Hull Richard , Murdoch Alistair J , Storkey Jonathan
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of pre‐emergence herbicides within fields is spatially variable as a consequence of soil heterogeneity. We quantified the effect of soil organic matter on the efficacy of two pre‐emergence herbicides, flufenacet and pendimethalin, against Alopecurus myosuroides and investigated the implications of variation in organic matter for weed management using a crop–weed competition model.

RESULTS

Soil organic matter played a critical role in determining the level of control achieved. The high organic matter soil had more surviving weeds with higher biomass than the low organic matter soil. In the absence of competition, surviving plants recovered to produce the same amount of seed as if no herbicide had been applied. The competition model predicted that weeds surviving pre‐emergence herbicides could compensate for sublethal effects even when competing with the crop. The ED50 (median effective dose) was higher for weed seed production than seedling mortality or biomass. This difference was greatest on high organic matter soil.

CONCLUSION

These results show that the application rate of herbicides should be adjusted to account for within‐field variation in soil organic matter. The results from the modelling emphasised the importance of crop competition in limiting the capacity of weeds surviving pre‐emergence herbicides to compensate and replenish the seedbank. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of Sputter Deposition Atmosphere of AlN on the Electrical Properties of Hydrogen‐Terminated Diamond Field Effect Transistor with AlN/Al2O3 Stack Gate
Authors: Banal Ryan G. , Imura Masataka , Ohata Hirohito , Liao Meiyong , Liu Jiangwei , Koide Yasuo
Published: November 2017

The electrical properties of hydrogen‐terminated diamond (H‐diamond) metal–insulator–‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MISFET) are improved remarkably using AlN/Al2O3 stack gate. Atomic‐layer‐deposited Al2O3 (ALD‐Al2O3) is formed on H‐diamond to protect the hole conductive layer at the surface, followed by the sputter‐deposited AlN (SD‐AlN) under mixed Ar+N2 atmosphere. The insulating property of SD‐AlN under mixed Ar+N2 atmosphere is highly improved compared with that of SD‐AlN under pure Ar atmosphere. In addition, the positive charges in the SD‐AlN are reduced upon the mixed Ar+N2 atmosphere sputter condition. These results could be attributed to the improved electrical properties of H‐diamond MISFET and MIS diode with SD‐AlN/ALD‐Al2O3 stack gate. The MIS diode provides a leakage current density as low as ≈1.25 × 10−6 A cm−2 at gate voltage bias in the range of −20 and +4 V. The capacitance–voltage curve shows an almost no flat‐band voltage shift, and the value of effective dielectric constant of SD‐AlN approaches close to that of bulk AlN. The MISFET shows normally on depletion mode transfer characteristic. The drain–source current maximum, threshold voltage, and maximum extrinsic conductance of the MISFET with 4 μm gate length are around −58.4 mA mm−1, +1.2 V, and 7.49 mS mm−1.
New Process for Electrical Contacts on (100) N‐type Diamond
Authors: Temahuki Nephi , Gillet Rémi , Sallet Vincent , Jomard François , Chikoidze Ekaterina , Dumont Yves , Pinault‐Thaury Marie‐Amandine , Barjon Julien
Published: November 2017

Obtaining ohmic contacts on n‐type diamond is a very compelling concern in the framework of designing power electronic devices. The present contribution considers a new technological process combining microstructuring and highly phosphorus‐doped overgrowth to investigate quasi‐ohmic contacts on (100) phosphorus doped diamond. For now, the two processes were tested on (100) and (111) diamond single crystal substrates. The results are exposed and discussed.
The Impact of Hysteresis on the Electrocaloric Effect at First‐Order Phase Transitions
Authors: Marathe Madhura , Ederer Claude , Grünebohm Anna
Published: November 2017

We study the impact of thermal hysteresis at the first‐order structural/ferroelectric phase transitions on the electrocaloric response in bulk BaTiO3 by performing molecular dynamics simulations for a first‐principles‐based effective Hamiltonian. We demonstrate that the electrocaloric response can conceptually be separated in two contributions: a discontinuous transitional part, stemming from the jump in entropy at the first order phase transition, and a continuous part, due to the change of polarization and entropy within each phase. This latter part increases with the strength of the applied field, but for small fields it is very small. In contrast, we find a large temperature change of ≈1 K resulting from the transition entropy, which is essentially independent of the field strength. However, due to the coexistence region close to the first order phase transition, this large electrocaloric response depends on the thermal history of the sample and is generally not reversible. We show that this irreversibility can be overcome by using larger fields.
Collaborative targeted learning using regression shrinkage
Authors: Schnitzer Mireille E. , Cefalu Matthew
Published: November 2017

Causal inference practitioners are routinely presented with the challenge of model selection and, in particular, reducing the size of the covariate set with the goal of improving estimation efficiency. Collaborative targeted minimum loss‐based estimation (CTMLE) is a general framework for constructing doubly robust semiparametric causal estimators that data‐adaptively limit model complexity in the propensity score to optimize a preferred loss function. This stepwise complexity reduction is based on a loss function placed on a strategically updated model for the outcome variable through which the error is assessed using cross‐validation. We demonstrate how the existing stepwise variable selection CTMLE can be generalized using regression shrinkage of the propensity score. We present 2 new algorithms that involve stepwise selection of the penalization parameter(s) in the regression shrinkage. Simulation studies demonstrate that, under a misspecified outcome model, mean squared error and bias can be reduced by a CTMLE procedure that separately penalizes individual covariates in the propensity score. We demonstrate these approaches in an example using electronic medical data with sparse indicator covariates to evaluate the relative safety of 2 similarly indicated asthma therapies for pregnant women with moderate asthma.
Modeling rater diagnostic skills in binary classification processes
Authors: Lin Xiaoyan , Chen Hua , Edwards Don , Nelson Kerrie P.
Published: November 2017

Many disease diagnoses involve subjective judgments by qualified raters. For example, through the inspection of a mammogram, MRI, or ultrasound image, the clinician himself becomes part of the measuring instrument. To reduce diagnostic errors and improve the quality of diagnoses, it is necessary to assess raters' diagnostic skills and to improve their skills over time. This paper focuses on a subjective binary classification process, proposing a hierarchical model linking data on rater opinions with patient true disease‐development outcomes. The model allows for the quantification of the effects of rater diagnostic skills (bias and magnifier) and patient latent disease severity on the rating results. A Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm is developed to estimate these parameters. Linking to patient true disease outcomes, the rater‐specific sensitivity and specificity can be estimated using MCMC samples. Cost theory is used to identify poor‐ and strong‐performing raters and to guide adjustment of rater bias and diagnostic magnifier to improve the rating performance. Furthermore, diagnostic magnifier is shown as a key parameter to present a rater's diagnostic ability because a rater with a larger diagnostic magnifier has a uniformly better receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve when varying the value of diagnostic bias. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the proposed methods, and the methods are illustrated with a mammography example.
Porous Electrospun Fibers with Self‐Sealing Functionality: An Enabling Strategy for Trapping Biomacromolecules
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zheng Ting , Alarçin Emine , Byambaa Batzaya , Guan Xiaofei , Ding Jianxun , Zhang Yu Shrike , Li Zhongming
Published: November 2017

Stimuli‐responsive porous polymer materials have promising biomedical application due to their ability to trap and release biomacromolecules. In this work, a class of highly porous electrospun fibers is designed using polylactide as the polymer matrix and poly(ethylene oxide) as a porogen. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with different concentrations are further impregnated onto the fibers to achieve self‐sealing functionality induced by photothermal conversion upon light irradiation. The fibers with 0.4 mg mL−1 of CNTs exhibit the optimum encapsulation efficiency of model biomacromolecules such as dextran, bovine serum albumin, and nucleic acids, although their photothermal conversion ability is slightly lower than the fibers with 0.8 mg mL−1 of CNTs. Interestingly, reversible reopening of the surface pores is accomplished with the degradation of PLA, affording a further possibility for sustained release of biomacromolecules after encapsulation. Effects of CNT loading on fiber morphology, structure, thermal/mechanical properties, degradation, and cell viability are also investigated. This novel class of porous electrospun fibers with self‐sealing capability has great potential to serve as an enabling strategy for trapping/release of biomacromolecules with promising applications in, for example, preventing inflammatory diseases by scavenging cytokines from interstitial body fluids.
Microsphere‐Assisted Robust Epidermal Strain Gauge for Static and Dynamic Gesture Recognition
Authors: Su Zongming , Chen Haotian , Song Yu , Cheng Xiaoliang , Chen Xuexian , Guo Hang , Miao Liming , Zhang Haixia
Published: November 2017

A novel and robust epidermal strain gauge by using 3D microsphere arrays to immobilize, connect, and protect a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) pathway is presented. During the solvent deposition process, MWNTs sedimentate, self‐assemble, and wrap onto surface of polystyrene (PS) microspheres to construct conductive networks, which further obtain excellent stretchability of 100% by combining with commercially used elastomer. Benefiting from its 3D conductive pathway defined by microspheres, immobilized MWNT (I‐MWNT) network can be directly used in practical occasions without further packaging and is proved by tape tests to be capable of defend mechanical damage effectively from external environment. By parameter optimization, the strain sensor with 3 µm PS spheres obtains stable resistive responses for more than 1000 times, and maintains its gauge factor (GF) of 1.35. This thin‐film conductive membrane built by this effective construction method can be easily attached onto fingers of both robot and human, and is demonstrated in sensitive epidermal strain sensing and recognizing different hand gestures effectively, in static and dynamic modes, respectively.
Microscale Electro‐Hydrodynamic Cell Printing with High Viability
Authors: He Jiankang , Zhao Xiang , Chang Jinke , Li Dichen
Published: November 2017

Cell printing has gained extensive attentions for the controlled fabrication of living cellular constructs in vitro. Various cell printing techniques are now being explored and developed for improved cell viability and printing resolution. Here an electro‐hydrodynamic cell printing strategy is developed with microscale resolution (<100 µm) and high cellular viability (>95%). Unlike the existing electro‐hydrodynamic cell jetting or printing explorations, insulating substrate is used to replace conventional semiconductive substrate as the collecting surface which significantly reduces the electrical current in the electro‐hydrodynamic printing process from milliamperes (>0.5 mA) to microamperes (<10 µA). Additionally, the nozzle‐to‐collector distance is fixed as small as 100 µm for better control over filament deposition. These features ensure high cellular viability and normal postproliferative capability of the electro‐hydrodynamically printed cells. The smallest width of the electro‐hydrodynamically printed hydrogel filament is 82.4 ± 14.3 µm by optimizing process parameters. Multiple hydrogels or multilayer cell‐laden constructs can be flexibly printed under cell‐friendly conditions. The printed cells in multilayer hydrogels kept alive and gradually spread during 7‐days culture in vitro. This exploration offers a novel and promising cell printing strategy which might benefit future biomedical innovations such as microscale tissue engineering, organ‐on‐a‐chip systems, and nanomedicine.
Fluorinated Phosphorene: Electrochemical Synthesis, Atomistic Fluorination, and Enhanced Stability
Authors: Tang Xian , Liang Weiyuan , Zhao Jinlai , Li Zhongjun , Qiu Meng , Fan Taojian , Luo Crystal Shaojuan , Zhou Ye , Li Yu , Guo Zhinan , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han
Published: November 2017

Phosphorene has attracted great interest due to its unique electronic and optoelectronic properties owing to its tunable direct and moderate band‐gap in association with high carrier mobility. However, its intrinsic instability in air seriously hinders its practical applications, and problems of technical complexity and in‐process degradation exist in currently proposed stabilization strategies. A facile pathway in obtaining and stabilizing phosphorene through a one‐step, ionic liquid‐assisted electrochemical exfoliation and synchronous fluorination process is reported in this study. This strategy enables fluorinated phosphorene (FP) to be discovered and large‐scale, highly selective few‐layer FP (3−6 atomic layers) to be obtained. The synthesized FP is found to exhibit unique morphological and optical characteristics. Possible atomistic fluorination configurations of FP are revealed by core‐level binding energy shift calculations in combination with spectroscopic measurements, and the results indicate that electrolyte concentration significantly modulates the fluorination configurations. Furthermore, FP is found to exhibit enhanced air stability thanks to the antioxidation and antihydration effects of the introduced fluorine adatoms, and demonstrate excellent photothermal stability during a week of air exposure. These findings pave the way toward real applications of phosphorene‐based nanophotonics.
Water technology, knowledge and power. Addressing them simultaneously
Authors: Aubriot Olivia , Fernandez Sara , Trottier Julie , Fustec Klervi
Published: November 2017

This review focuses on how water knowledge and technology are linked to power relations when they shape water access, sharing, and distribution. It examines how scholars have tackled this issue explicitly or implicitly. To do this, the paper first discusses the way knowledge and technology are intimately intertwined. Since knowledge and technology are never produced in a sociopolitical vacuum, it goes on to discuss how they embed and produce power relations. This article particularly highlights the way the concept of co‐production has been used to address these issues by focusing on how boundaries and categories are made. Lastly, the review suggests four lines of research to further explore co‐production processes: (1) understanding the political construction of scales of water use and access; (2) identifying the diversity and dynamics of the relations toward water that societies deploy, (3) grasping the way framings and paradigms have been historically shaped, and (4) pursuing the simultaneous analysis of the political and material dimensions of water.WIREs Water2018, 5:e1261. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1261

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
XRF characterization and source apportionment of PM10 samples collected in a coastal city
Authors: Manousakas M. , Diapouli E. , Papaefthymiou H. , Kantarelou V. , Zarkadas C. , Kalogridis A.‐C. , Karydas A.‐G. , Eleftheriadis K.
Published: November 2017

In the current study, a yearlong measurement campaign was conducted during the year 2012 in a medium sized coastal Greek city, Patras. PM10 samples were collected once every 3 days, and a number of those samples were analyzed by the use of a commercial X‐ray fluorescence system, Epsilon 5 by PANalytical, The Netherlands. PMF model was used for source identification. Because the uncertainty of the measurements is used as input in the model, special emphasis was given in its accurate estimation. Seven PM10 emission sources were identified using PMF 5.0 and were, namely, mineral dust (15%), road dust (4.6%), shipping emissions (3.8%), sea salt (11.9%), biomass burning (6.9%), traffic (46.2%), and sulfates (11.6%). The concentration weighted approach was used to investigate if the contributions of the sources identified in the area are affected by long range transportation events. A methodology of estimating the uncertainty of the day to day source contributions is proposed in this study. A comparison between the 24‐hr contribution for the mineral dust factor provided by the model and the calculated contributions for the same factor deduced from appropriate equations (chemical reconstruction) can be used for this purpose. The analysis showed that when the concentrations of the elements associated with the mineral dust source are close to their lowest value, the model assigns zero contribution to the mineral dust source. Following this methodology in the current study, 6 points were identified as bad fitting points, a number that represents less than 10% of the total measurements.
Six Coordination Polymers based on 4‐(1H‐Imidazol‐1‐yl)phthalic Acid: Structural Diversities, Magnetism and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Liang Jiye , Zhang Wenyan , Yan Yangtian , Wu Yunlong , Li Gaopeng , Tong Wenquan , Wang Yaoyu
Published: November 2017

The coordination polymers (CPs), [Ni(L)(H2O)4]n (1), [Co(HL)2(H2O)2]n (2), {[Cu(L)(H2O)3]·H2O}n (3), [Mn(L)(H2O)2]n (4), [Cd(L)(H2O)2]n (5), and {[Zn2(L)2]·H2O}n (6), were solvothermally synthesized by employing the imidazol‐carboxyl bifunctional ligand 4‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl) phthalic acid (H2L). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction indicated that the L2–/HL– ligands display various coordination modes with different metal ions in 1–6. Complexes 1 and 2 show one‐dimensional (1D) chain structures, whereas complexes 3–6 show 2D layered structures. The magnetic properties of these complexes were investigated. Complexes 1 and 3 indicate weak ferromagnetic interactions, whereas complexes 2 and 4 demonstrate antiferromagnetic interactions. In addition, luminescence properties of 5 and 6 were measured and studied in detail.
Clavicle Malunions: Surgical Treatment and Outcome—a Literature Review
Authors: Sidler-Maier Claudia Christine , Dedy Nicolas J. , Schemitsch Emil H. , McKee Michael D.
Published: November 2017

Background

Successful treatment of clavicle malunion represents a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons.

Questions/Purposes

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of surgical options for the treatment of clavicle malunions regarding their technical details and clinical results.

Methods

A comprehensive search of the literature was performed to retrieve articles and conference abstracts regarding the surgical treatment of clavicle malunions. A total of 1873 records were identified and 29 studies were included in the present review, with a total of 103 patients.

Results

The majority of the patients (77/103) were treated with an osteotomy and subsequent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The next most frequent management choice was debridement, excision, or removal of excess callus or bone ( n = 19), but other techniques like resection of the clavicle ( n = 5) or nerve exploration and decompression ( n = 2) were also reported. The preferred method of fixation was plate fixation ( n = 53) followed by pin fixation ( n = 6). The complication rate was low, reported in less than 6% of patients.

Conclusion

All of the currently reported surgical techniques to manage symptomatic clavicle malunion have resulted in good clinical outcomes with a low complication rate. Considering biomechanical aspects, correction osteotomy followed by plate fixation seems to be the preferred method. Further studies are needed to compare the various surgical techniques and their specific outcomes in a prospective manner. Nevertheless, this review article can be used as an overview to help choose an optimal operative treatment for patients presenting with a clavicle malunion.
Oxidation-Induced Increase In Photoreactivity of Bovine Retinal Lipid Extract
Authors: Koscielniak A. , Serafin M. , Duda M. , Oles T. , Zadlo A. , Broniec A. , Berdeaux O. , Gregoire S. , Bretillon L. , Sarna T. , Pawlak A.
Published: November 2017

The mammalian retina contains a high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) (DHA), which are highly susceptible to oxidation. It has been shown that one of the products of DHA oxidation—carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP), generated in situ, causes modifications of retinal proteins and induces inflammation response in the outer retina. These contributing factors may play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also possible that some of the lipid oxidation products are photoreactive, and upon irradiation with blue light may generate reactive oxygen species. Therefore, in this work we analysed oxidation-induced changes in photoreactivity of lipids extracted from bovine neural retinas. Lipid composition of bovine neural retinas closely resembles that of human retinas making the bovine tissue a convenient model for studying the photoreactivity and potential phototoxicity of oxidized human retinal lipids. Lipid composition of bovine neural retinas Folch’ extracts (BRex) was determined by gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization source-mass spectrometer (LC-ESI-MS) analysis. Liposomes prepared from BRex, equilibrated with air, were oxidized in the dark at 37 °C for up to 400 h. The photoreactivity of BRex at different stages of oxidation was studied by EPR-oximetry and EPR-spin trapping. Photogeneration of singlet oxygen (1O2,1Δg) by BRex was measured using time-resolved detection of the characteristic phosphorescence at 1270 nm. To establish contribution of lipid components to the analysed photoreactivity of Folch’ extract of bovine retinas, a mixture of selected synthetic lipids in percent by weight (w/w %) ratio resembling that of the BRex has been also studied. Folch’s extraction of bovine neural retinas was very susceptible to oxidation despite the presence of powerful endogenous antioxidants such asα-tocopherol and zeaxanthin. Non-oxidized and oxidized BRex photogenerated singlet oxygen with moderate quantum yield. Blue-light induced generation of superoxide anion by Folch’ extract of bovine neural retinas strongly depended on the oxidation time. The observed photoreactivity of the studied extract gradually increased during its in vitro oxidation.
Standardized residency training in China: the new internal medicine curriculum
Authors: Lio Jonathan , Ye Yanqing , Dong Hongmei , Reddy Shalini , McConville John , Sherer Renslow
Published: November 2017

China formally established a system of national standardized medical residency training in 2014, which affects the health of its 1.4 billion people. Accompanying this system were new guidelines and standards for internal medicine residency training. However, the majority of the standards focused on process measurements, such as minimum case requirements of diseases and procedural skills, rather than describing broader physician competencies in the domains of professionalism, patient care, communication, teamwork, quality improvement, and scholarship. While China has taken a large step forward with standardization of certain aspects of internal medicine residency training, the next step should focus on outcome measures and creating a system that is competency-based.
Sex‐specific association between neighborhood characteristics and dementia: The Three‐City cohort
Authors: Letellier Noémie , Gutierrez Laure‐Anne , Carrière Isabelle , Gabelle Audrey , Dartigues Jean‐François , Dufouil Carole , Helmer Catherine , Cadot Emmanuelle , Berr Claudine
Published: November 2017

Introduction

The living environment affects general health and may influence cognitive aging; however, the relationships between neighborhood characteristics and dementia are still poorly understood.

Methods

We used data from a French population–based prospective study (the Three‐City cohort) that included 7016 participants aged 65 years and older with a 12‐year follow‐up. We used principal components analysis of neighborhood composition indicators to construct the Three‐City deprivation score. To study its impact on dementia incidence, we performed survival analyses using a marginal Cox model to take into account intraneighborhood correlations. As interaction with sex was significant, analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

Even after controlling on individual factors, women living in deprived neighborhoods were at higher risk of dementia (hazard ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.67) and Alzheimer's disease (hazard ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.84). No association was found for men.

Discussion

Living in a deprived neighborhood is associated with higher risk of dementia in women.
ROBUST AND EFFICIENT FITTING OF SEVERITY MODELS AND THE METHOD OF WINSORIZED MOMENTS
Authors: Zhao Qian , Brazauskas Vytaras , Ghorai Jugal
Published: November 2017

Continuous parametric distributions are useful tools for modeling and pricing insurance risks, measuring income inequality in economics, investigating reliability of engineering systems, and in many other areas of application. In this paper, we propose and develop a new method for estimation of their parameters—the method of Winsorized moments (MWM)—which is conceptually similar to the method of trimmed moments (MTM) and thus is robust and computationally efficient. Both approaches yield explicit formulas of parameter estimators for log-location-scale families and their variants, which are commonly used to model claim severity. Large-sample properties of the new estimators are provided and corroborated through simulations. Their performance is also compared to that of MTM and the maximum likelihood estimators (MLE). In addition, the effect of model choice and parameter estimation method on risk pricing is illustrated using actual data that represent hurricane damages in the United States from 1925 to 1995. In particular, the estimated pure premiums for an insurance layer are computed when the lognormal and log-logistic models are fitted to the data using the MWM, MTM and MLE methods.
ANALYZING AND PREDICTING CAT BOND PREMIUMS: A FINANCIAL LOSS PREMIUM PRINCIPLE AND EXTREME VALUE MODELING
Authors: Stupfler Gilles , Yang Fan
Published: November 2017

CAT bonds play an important role in transferring insurance risks to the capital market. It has been observed that typical CAT bond premiums have changed since the recent financial crisis, which has been attributed to market participants being increasingly risk averse. In this work, we first propose a new premium principle, the financial loss premium principle, which includes a term measuring losses in the financial market that we represent here by the Conditional Tail Expectation (CTE) of the negative daily log-return of the S&P 500 index. Our analysis of empirical evidence suggests indeed that in the post-crisis market, instead of simply increasing the fixed level of risk load universally, the increased risk aversion should be modeled jointly by a fixed level of risk load and a financial loss factor to reflect trends in the financial market. This new premium principle is shown to be flexible with respect to the confidence/exceedance level of CTE. In the second part, we focus on the particular example of extreme wildfire risk. The distribution of the amount of precipitation in Fort McMurray, Canada, which is a very important factor in the occurrence of wildfires, is analyzed using extreme value modeling techniques. A wildfire bond with parametric trigger of precipitation is then designed to mitigate extreme wildfire risk, and its premium is predicted using an extreme value analysis of its expected loss. With an application to the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, we demonstrate that the extreme value model is sensible, and we further analyze how our results and construction can be used to provide a design framework for CAT bonds which may appeal to (re)insurers and investors alike.