bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new phases in the ternary RE–Ga–S systems with the unique interlinkage of GaS4building units: synthesis, structure, and properties
Authors: Lin Hua , Shen Jin-Ni , Zhu Wei-Wei , Liu Yi , Wu Xin-Tao , Zhu Qi-Long , Wu Li-Ming
Published: September 2017

Two novel ternary rare-earth chalcogenides, Yb6Ga4S15and Lu5GaS9, with the unique interlinkage of GaS4building units are reported for the first time.
Cobalt(ii) containing liquid metal salts for electrodeposition of cobalt and electrochemical nanoparticle formation
Authors: Sniekers Jeroen , Geysens Pieter , Malaquías João C. , Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Van Meervelt Luc , Fransaer Jan , Binnemans Koen
Published: September 2017

Cobalt(ii) containing ionic liquids were used as electrolytes for the electrodeposition of cobalt thin films and cobalt nanoparticles.
(C^Npz^C)AuIIIcomplexes of acyclic carbene ligands: synthesis and anticancer properties
Authors: Williams Morwen , Green Adam I. , Fernandez-Cestau Julio , Hughes David L. , O'Connell Maria A. , Searcey Mark , Bertrand Benoît , Bochmann Manfred
Published: September 2017

Synthesis of amino ester conjugated (C^Npz^C)Au acyclic carbene complexes with low micromolar cytotoxicity on human cancer cells.
Facile synthesis and catalytic performance of Co3O4nanosheets in situ formed on reduced graphene oxide modified Ni foam
Authors: Song Congying , Yin Xianzhi , Li Biaopeng , Ye Ke , Zhu Kai , Cao Dianxue , Cheng Kui , Wang Guiling
Published: September 2017

A three-dimensional (3D) catalyst electrode of Co3O4nanosheetsin situformed on reduced graphene oxide modified Ni foam (Co3O4/rGO@Ni foam) for H2O2electroreduction is prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method.
Isomerisation, reactivity and coordination chemistry of a new hybrid, multi-functional phosphazane
Authors: Plajer Alex J. , Bold Kevin , Rizzuto Felix J. , García-Rodríguez Raúl , Ronson Tanya K. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: September 2017

The unsymmetrical PIII/PV cyclodiphosphazane [(S)(H)P(μ-NtBu)2PNHtBu] provides entry into the mixed chalgogenide dianion [(S)P(μ-NtBu)2P(Se)NtBu]2−, and unique insight into the mechanisms of cis/trans isomerism in phosph(iii)- and phosph(v)-azanes.
Na6Si3S8O: the first example of a sulfide silicate exhibiting unusual tri-polymerized [Si3S8O]6−units without S–O bonds
Authors: Wu Kui , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: September 2017

A new sulfide silicate – Na6Si3S8O – featuring novel tri-polymerized [Si3S8O]6−units without common S–O bonds has been verified as a promising birefringent material.
Hexabromocyclododecane and tetrabromobisphenol A in tree bark from different functional areas of Shanghai, China: levels and spatial distributions
Authors: Han Tao , Wu Ming-Hong , Zang Chao , Sun Rui , Tang Liang , Liu Ning , Lei Jian-Qiu , Shao Hai-Yang , Gu Jian-Zhong , Xu Gang
Published: September 2017

The concentrations and spatial distributions of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) were measured in tree bark from different functional areas of Shanghai.
A highly efficient Suzuki–Miyaura methylation of pyridines leading to the drug pirfenidone and its CD3 version (SD-560)
Authors: Falb Eliezer , Ulanenko Konstantin , Tor Andrey , Gottesfeld Ronen , Weitman Michal , Afri Michal , Gottlieb Hugo , Hassner Alfred
Published: September 2017

The first methylation/deuteromethylation in green and nearly quantitative Suzuki–Miyaura routes to pirfenidone and its d3 analog SD-560, at 99% isotopic purity.
Retracted Article: Novel techniques for enhancing the performance of support vector regression chemo-metric in quantitative analysis of LIBS spectra
Authors: Owolabi Taoreed Olakunle , Gondal Mohammed
Published: September 2017

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an atomic emission spectroscopy through which elemental compositions of materials can be determined with little or no sample preparation. Small sample requirement as well...
Claisen rearrangements of benzyl vinyl ethers: theoretical investigation of mechanism, substituent effects, and regioselectivity
Authors: Krenske Elizabeth H. , Burns Jed M. , McGeary Ross P.
Published: September 2017

Theoretical calculations are reported which examine the mechanisms of Claisen rearrangements of benzyl vinyl ethers and the ways in which substituents influence reactivity and regioselectivity.
Novel spirocyclic systems via multicomponent aza-Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Llona-Minguez Sabin , Throup Adam , Steiner Emilie , Lightowler Molly , Van der Haegen Sandra , Homan Evert , Eriksson Lars , Stenmark Pål , Jenmalm-Jensen Annika , Helleday Thomas
Published: September 2017

Here we present a two-step diastereoselective methodology building on a multicomponent aza-Diels–Alder reaction.
Double 1,4-addition of (thio)salicylamides/thiosalicylic acids with propiolate derivatives: a direct, general synthesis of diverse heterocyclic scaffolds
Authors: Wang Hui-Hong , Shi Tao , Gao Wei-Wei , Zhang Hong-Hua , Wang Yong-Qiang , Li Jun-Fang , Hou Yong-Sheng , Chen Jin-Hong , Peng Xue , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2017

A simple and practical ring-closure procedure to prepare a range of diverse heterocycles has been developed.
Light/temperature-enhanced emission characteristics of malononitrile-containing hexaphenyl-1,3-butadiene derivatives: the hotter, the brighter
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Kong Lingwei , Mao Huiling , Pan Xiaoling , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Dong Yuping
Published: September 2017

The HPB-CN-coated filter paper exhibited stronger PL intensity as exposure time under UV light prolonged and heating temperature increased, to realize the hotter, the brighter.
Novel benzimidazole-mediated phthalonitrile/epoxy binary blends system with synergistic curing behavior and outstanding thermal properties
Authors: Hu Jianghuai , Sun Rui , Wu Yihao , Lv Jiangbo , Wang Zhiping , Zeng Ke , Yang Gang
Published: September 2017

A novel self-promoted benzimidazole-containing phthalonitrile/E51 binary blends system with unique curing behaviors and outstanding thermal properties.
Fabrication of methylammonium bismuth iodide through interdiffusion of solution-processed BiI3/CH3NH3I stacking layers
Authors: Wang Huijia , Tian Jianhua , Jiang Kejian , Zhang Yu , Fan Haochen , Huang Jinhua , Yang Lian-ming , Guan Bo , Song Yanlin
Published: September 2017

Methylammonium bismuth iodide (MA3Bi2I9) perovskite has been deposited on a mesoporous TiO2 film through interdiffusion of solution-processed BiI3/CH3NH3I stacking layers, and the resulting device was prepared and characterized.
Structural characterization and electrochemical performance of macroporous graphite-like C3N3 prepared by the Wurtz reaction and heat treatment
Authors: Yin Hao , Guo Qixun , He Dingzeng , Li Juntao , Sun Shigang
Published: September 2017

g-C3N3 is synthesized by a facile method and further heat treatment can improve the initial coulombic efficiency and reversible capacity.
Carbon dot-silica composite nanoparticle: an excitation-independent fluorescence material with tunable fluorescence
Authors: Tian Yefei , Ran Zhipeng , Yang Wuli
Published: September 2017

A novel composite nanoparticle of silica/carbon dots showing tunable fluorescence from green to yellow without excitation wavelength dependence is fabricated.
Energy level alignment at semiconductor–water interfaces from atomistic and continuum solvation models
Authors: Blumenthal Lars , Kahk Juhan Matthias , Sundararaman Ravishankar , Tangney Paul , Lischner Johannes
Published: September 2017

Efficient electronic energy level alignment at solid–liquid interfaces with continuum solvation models.
Nucleation and growth of H blisters in stacking fault on B2–FeAl {100} planes
Authors: Zhang Guikai , Yang Feilong , Hu Meijuan , Liu Lang , Luo Zhaoyi , Tang Tao
Published: September 2017

The stacking fault (SF) on B2–FeAl {100} planes serve as trapping center to attract the H atoms nearby, being the nucleation site for H blisters.
Efficient mineralization of phenol by a temperature-responsive polyoxometalate catalyst under wet peroxide oxidation at lower temperatures
Authors: Li Yiming , Zhang Xueyan , Zhang Dan , Li Yue , Wang Xiaohong , Wang Shengtian
Published: September 2017

Herein, a temperature-responsive polyoxometalate (POM) catalyst [C16H33(CH3)3N]3[PO4{WO(O2)2}4]/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (abbreviated as (C16PW(O2)2/PNIPAM) was prepared and used in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of phenol under mild conditions.
Understanding the wear behaviour of non-doped and Si,O-doped diamond-like carbon films
Authors: Lanigan Joseph , Freeman Helen M. , Wang Chun , Ward Michael B. , Morina Ardian , Neville Anne , Brydson Rik
Published: September 2017

Dual mechanisms of wear behaviour of DLCs are explored. One coating shows lower wear, which is partially attributed to the carbon atoms being able to re-hybridize during wearing.
3D shape evolution of microparticles and 3D enabled applications using non-uniform UV flow lithography (NUFL)
Authors: Choi Kenneth , Salehizadeh Mohammad , Da Silva Rafael Belo , Hakimi Navid , Diller Eric , Hwang Dae Kun
Published: September 2017

The generation of microparticles with non-spherical morphologies has generated extensive interest because of their enhanced physical properties that can increase their performance in a wide variety of clinical and industrial applications.
A theory for the effect of patch/non-patch attractions on the self-assembly of patchy colloids
Authors: Marshall Bennett D.
Published: September 2017

A new theory is developed which describes the self-assembly of colloids which exhibit both patch–patch as well as patch/non-patch attractions. The patches are assumed to be monovalent, but the maximum number of bonds the non-patch region can receive is set by steric hindrance.
Molecular dynamics simulations of oligoester brushes: the origin of unusual conformations
Authors: Glova A. D. , Larin S. V. , Falkovich S. G. , Nazarychev V. M. , Tolmachev D. A. , Lukasheva N. V. , Lyulin S. V.
Published: September 2017

In brushes of grafted ester chains, the dipole–dipole interactions lead to the segregation of grafts into two populations.
Synthesis of hierarchical porous CuO Nanowire@NiCo-layered double hydroxide core-shell structured nanoarrays on copper foam for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Hengzhi Guo , Qing Ben , Wu Shuxing , Hui Oscar K.S. , Erfan Zalnezhad
Published: September 2017

In this work, a facile potentiostatic deposition technique was used to fabricate a three-dimensional (3D) core-shell structured nanoarray composed of hierarchical porous CuO nanowires@NiCo layered double hydroxide nanosheets (CuO NWAs@NiCo-LDH)...
A conductive thin layer on prepared positive electrodes by vapour reaction printing for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ahn Jinhyeok , Yoon Sukeun , Jung Seul Gi , Yim Jin-Heong , Cho Kuk Young
Published: September 2017

By covering prepared electrodes with a PEDOT layer via VRP, the electrodes exhibited improved electrochemical performance compared to bare electrodes.
Earth abundant transition metal-doped few-layered MoS2 nanosheets on CdS nanorods for ultra-efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Hong Sangyeob , Kumar D. Praveen , Kim Eun Hwa , Park Hanbit , Gopannagari Madhusudana , Reddy D. Amaranatha , Kim Tae Kyu
Published: September 2017

This work demonstrates few-layered copper doped MoS2 nanosheets used as efficient cocatalysts on CdS nanorods to achieve ultra-efficient photocatalytic production of H2 under solar light irradiation.
Readability Level of Spanish-Language Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Audiology and Otolaryngology
Authors: Coco Laura , Colina Sonia , Atcherson Samuel R. , Marrone Nicole
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the readability level of the Spanish versions of several audiology- and otolaryngology-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and include a readability analysis of 2 translation approaches when available—the published version and a “functionalist” version—using a team-based collaborative approach including community members.

Method

Readability levels were calculated using the Fry Graph adapted for Spanish, as well as the Fernandez-Huerta and the Spaulding formulae for several commonly used audiology- and otolaryngology-related PROMs.

Results

Readability calculations agreed with previous studies analyzing audiology-related PROMs in English and demonstrated many Spanish-language PROMs were beyond the 5th grade reading level suggested for health-related materials written for the average population. In addition, the functionalist versions of the PROMs yielded lower grade-level (improved) readability levels than the published versions.

Conclusion

Our results suggest many of the Spanish-language PROMs evaluated here are beyond the recommended readability levels and may be influenced by the approach to translation. Moreover, improved readability may be possible using a functionalist approach to translation. Future analysis of the suitability of outcome measures and the quality of their translations should move beyond readability and include an evaluation of the individual's comprehension of the written text.
Closed 𝓐-pQuasiconvexity and Variational Problems with Extended Real-Valued Integrands
Authors: Prosinski Adam
Published: September 2017

This paper relates the lower semi-continuity of an integral functional in the compensated compactness setting of vector fields satisfying a constant-rank first-order differential constraint, to closed 𝓐-pquasiconvexity of the integrand. The lower semi-continuous envelope of relaxation is identified for continuous, but potentially extended real-valued integrands. We discuss the continuity assumption and show that when it is dropped our notion of quasiconvexity is still equivalent to lower semi-continuity of the integrand under an additional assumption on the characteristic cone of 𝓐.
Preventing Abuse and Providing Access to Justice for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs: The Role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Bornman Juan
Published: September 2017

Individuals with disabilities, in particular those with complex communication needs, have an increased risk of falling victim to crimes such as abuse and violence. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) highlights the human rights that all persons should enjoy. It recognizes the importance of communication, not only as a basic human right that is essential to ensure one's protection and one's participation in all spheres of life, but also as an essential human need through which opinions, thoughts, emotions, and points of view can be shared. This article will address four specific articles of the CRPD that are essential for preventing abuse (including sexual abuse) and for providing access to justice for these at-risk individuals. These are: Article 6 (Women with Disabilities); Article 16 (Freedom from Exploitation, Violence and Abuse); Article 12 (Equal Recognition before the Law); and Article 13 (Access to Justice). Seven South African studies that focused on these four articles will be described in terms of their aims, methods, results, and clinical implications.
Structural and optical characterization of AlGaN multiple quantum wells grown on semipolar (20-21) bulk AlN substrate
Authors: Wunderer Thomas , Yang Zhihong , Feneberg Martin , Batres Max , Teepe Mark , Johnson Noble
Published: September 2017

Heterostructures of AlGaN with multiple quantum wells were grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy on semipolar (20-21) bulk AlN substrates. Smooth epitaxial surfaces with excellent heterostructure interfaces were demonstrated. Luminescence from the AlGaN multiple quantum wells emitting at λ  =  237 nm show a substantial degree of polarization of about 35% as determined by low-temperature photoluminescence measurements.
Bianchi I solutions of the Einstein-Boltzmann system with a positive cosmological constant
Authors: Lee Ho , Nungesser Ernesto
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we study the future global existence and late-time behaviour of the Einstein-Boltzmann system with Bianchi I symmetry and a positive cosmological constant Λ>0. For the Boltzmann equation, we consider the scattering kernel of Israel particles which are the relativistic counterpart of Maxwellian particles. Under a smallness assumption on initial data in a suitable norm, we show that solutions exist globally in time and isotropize at late times.
Tracking ferroelectric domain growth using laser scattering tomography
Authors: Lee Howard S. , De Mattei Robert C. , Feigelson Robert S.
Published: September 2017

The movement and growth of macroscopic ferroelectric domains in a crystal under an electric field (poling voltage) have been studied using laser scattering tomography, a technique heretofore used mainly for studying microscopic defects in crystals. This technique involves scanning successive planes in a crystal with a laser beam and collecting the scattered light in a computer. The data collected can then be visualized as two- or three-dimensional static images or as a video to study structural changes as a function of time. An important feature of this method is that these images can be viewed along any axis in the crystal. Using this technique, we were able to generate images of domain wall nucleation and growth as a function of electric field strength and time. It also allowed for the observation of domain wall movement along any crystallographic direction including down the poling axis which is covered with opaque metallic electrodes. Details of the technique and its use during the poling of a strontium barium niobate crystal are discussed.
Evaporation boundary conditions for the R13 equations of rarefied gas dynamics
Authors: Struchtrup Henning , Beckmann Alexander , Rana Anirudh Singh , Frezzotti Aldo
Published: September 2017

The regularized 13 moment (R13) equations are a macroscopic model for the description of rarefied gas flows in the transition regime. The equations have been shown to give meaningful results for Knudsen numbers up to about 0.5. Here, their range of applicability is extended by deriving and testing boundary conditions for evaporating and condensing interfaces. The macroscopic interface conditions are derived from the microscopic interface conditions of kinetic theory. Tests include evaporation into a half-space and evaporation/condensation of a vapor between two liquid surfaces of different temperatures. Comparison indicates that overall the R13 equations agree better with microscopic solutions than classical hydrodynamics.
Broadband antireflection property of silicon nanocone arrays with porous sidewalls fabricated by Ag-catalyzed etching
Authors: Bai Fan , Zhang Yan , Duan Zhiqiang , Hoye Robert , Trevor Mwenya , Li Yingfeng , Li Meicheng
Published: September 2017

Siliconnanocone (SiNC) arrays with porous sidewallswere successfully fabricated through a simple, low-cost Ag-catalyzed etching method. By electron spin resonance technique and TEM analysis, it has been verified that the formation of porous SiNC arrays is due to the gradual dissolution of the pristine Ag nanoislands as they sank into the Si and the lateral etching of the regenerated Ag nanoparticles to the SiNC sidewalls. Theoretical calculation results suggest that the reflectance of the porous SiNC arrays is much lower than that of the smooth SiNC arrays over wide wavelengths ranging from 300nm to 1700nm. The long-wavelength reflectance can be further suppressed by increasing surface porosity of the SiNCs and their length. Experimental test results show the lowest average reflectance of 1.7% in the wavelength range of 300-1000nm while approximately 30% in the wavelength ranges of 1200-1700nm, which is generally consistent with the theoretical results. This shows that the porous SiNC arrays had excellent broadband antireflection properties, making them attractive for a wide range of potential applications in Si-based optoelectronic devices.
Transition between laser absorption dominated regimes in carbon-based plasma
Authors: Hajisharifi K. , Kargarian A. , Mehdian H.
Published: September 2017

In this work, we investigate the energy absorption enhancement of a laser by adding a variety of light ion species to a primarily carbon-based plasma during the high-power laser interaction with the finite size targets. A developed Particle-In-Cell simulation code is used to study the reduction of laser reflectivity (stimulated backward scatterings) in both Brillouin- and Raman-dominated regimes. The simulation is performed in various Carbon-light ion plasmas such as Carbon-Hydrogen, Carbon-Helium, Carbon-Deuterium, and Carbon-Tritium. The results show that, in the optimized condition, the inclusion of light Hydrogen ions into the Carbon-based plasma up to 50%-50% mixture enhances the laser absorption exceeding 20% in the Brillouin regime due to the suppression of laser reflectivity in contract to 4% in the Raman-dominated regime. Moreover, the absorption dominated regime switches from Raman to Brillouin regime by adding 50% of Hydrogen ions to a purely carbon target. The results of this investigation will be applicable to the laser-plasma experiments so long as the laser energy absorption in the Carbon plasma target, the most readily available material in laboratory, is concerned.
Two-dimensional turbulence in three-dimensional flows
Authors: Xia H. , Francois N.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a review of experiments performed in three-dimensional flows that show behaviour associated with two-dimensional turbulence. Experiments reveal the presence of the inverse energy cascade in two different systems, namely, flows in thick fluid layers driven electromagnetically and the Faraday wave driven flows. In thick fluid layers, large-scale coherent structures can shear off the vertical eddies and reinforce the planarity of the flow. Such structures are either self-generated or externally imposed. In the Faraday wave driven flows, a seemingly three-dimensional flow is shown to be actually two-dimensional when it is averaged over several Faraday wave periods. In this system, a coupling between the wave motion and 2D hydrodynamic turbulence is uncovered.
A new insight into diffusional escape from a biased cylindrical trap
Authors: Berezhkovskii Alexander M. , Dagdug Leonardo , Bezrukov Sergey M.
Published: September 2017

Recent experiments with single biological nanopores, as well as single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and pulling studies of protein and nucleic acid folding raised a number of questions that stimulated theoretical and computational investigations of barrier crossing dynamics. The present paper addresses a closely related problem focusing on trajectories of Brownian particles that escape from a cylindrical trap in the presence of a force F parallel to the cylinder axis. To gain new insights into the escape dynamics, we analyze the “fine structure” of these trajectories. Specifically, we divide trajectories into two segments: a looping segment, when a particle unsuccessfully tries to escape returning to the trap bottom again and again, and a direct-transit segment, when it finally escapes moving without touching the bottom. Analytical expressions are derived for the Laplace transforms of the probability densities of the durations of the two segments. These expressions are used to find the mean looping and direct-transit times as functions of the biasing force F. It turns out that the force-dependences of the two mean times are qualitatively different. The mean looping time monotonically increases as F decreases, approaching exponential F-dependence at large negative forces pushing the particle towards the trap bottom. In contrast to this intuitively appealing behavior, the mean direct-transit time shows rather counterintuitive behavior: it decreases as the force magnitude, |F|, increases independently of whether the force pushes the particles to the trap bottom or to the exit from the trap, having a maximum at F = 0.
Relative contribution of photorespiration and antioxidative mechanisms in Caragana korshinskii under drought conditions across the Loess Plateau
Authors: Bai Juan , Kang Tai , Wu Hongdou , Lu Baiyan , Long Xiaogang , Luo Xinjuan , Zhang Yanyu , Zhou Yulu , Gong Chunmei
Published: September 2017

The drought-tolerant plant Caragana korshinskii Kom. was used to investigate the relative contribution of photorespiration and antioxidative mechanisms to water-stress adaptations across the Loess Plateau. The samples were collected from Shenmu, Yulin and Dongsheng along with the reduction of rainfall. The results showed the lower leaf water potential and the lower content of O2•– and malondialdehyde (MDA) were found in the plants in drier zone. H2O2 didn’t show a significant difference among these sampling sites. Both photorespiratory rate (PR) and net photosynthetic rate (PN) increased with the decrease of rainfall. Low rainfall upregulated the gene expression and activities of photorespiratory enzymes. In addition, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AsA) contents increased with the decrease of rainfall, whereas catalase (CAT) activity decreased. These results indicate photorespiration could play a protective role for the photosynthetic apparatus from photoinhibition and photodamage under low rainfall levels, which could also act together with the antioxidation system to improve the tolerance to drought in C. korshinskii.
Political campaign and democratisation
Authors: Ikeanyibe Okey Marcellus , Ezeibe Christian Chukwuebuka , Mbah Peter Oluchukwu , Nwangwu Chikodiri
Published: September 2017

The use of hate speech for political mobilisation and its overall impact on democratisation have generated debate and controversy in both post-colonial formations and more advanced democracies. This is because hate speech tends to promote hatred between different ethnic groups. In Nigeria, it is usually deployed in the build up to elections. Using mixed methods approach, this study interrogates the consequences of hate speech as a political campaign strategy on electioneering and democratisation in Nigeria. The study argues that the use of hate speech in political campaign entrenches hatred and discriminatory voting pattern among citizens. It grossly affects democratisation, the quality of party programmes and candidates chosen by voters. Despite its appeal to extreme right populism based on ethnic voting and other forms of exclusionary politics, the use of hate speech as a political campaign strategy neither promotes the principles of majoritarian democracy nor protects minority rights.
Online negativity in Canada
Authors: Small Tamara A.
Published: September 2017

Negative campaigning emphasizes what is wrong with an opponent, in terms of policy or personality. American research shows that negative campaigning online has become entrenched. The objective of this paper is to provide an empirical account of the amount and condition of negative messages produced on Twitter by Canadian party leaders. The data comes from a content analysis of tweets in two elections held in 2011. This paper has two research questions: first, what is the tone of Twitter communication? Is there differential use of Twitter by incumbents and challengers in terms of tone? Despite expectations, the data shows Canadian party leaders infrequently attack opponents on Twitter; less than 10% of tweets are negative. This said, we do find evidence that challengers are more likely than incumbents to go negative on Twitter. The paper concludes by considering the implications of this finding for future research on online negativity.
Greek citizenship tradition in flux? Investigating contemporary tensions between ethnic and civic elements of nationality
Authors: Mavrommatis George
Published: September 2017

Although the Greek citizenship tradition has contained both ethnic and civic elements all along, up until recently, at least according to the existing literature, it has replicated the geographical logic of a European divide between the East (ethnic) and West (civic). Lately, this tradition has been in flux as it appears to be moving along and changing positions across a hypothetical citizenship axis running along the two constitutional poles of nationality: ethnic descent and civic community. This paper attempts to shed light on this tradition in transit by bringing to the fore contemporary tensions between ethnic and civic elements of citizenship. More specifically, these ongoing frictions have been mostly manifested in the ever-changing conditionality of the terms of acquisition of Greek citizenship by second- and “one-and-a-half” generation migrant children. Most importantly, these antagonisms between an ethnicized (ethnic) citizenship and a politicized (civic) nationality became discursively played out within the arena of migrant integration discourse. However, one question remains: What can the Greek case tell us about the broader politics of citizenship and belonging in Europe and beyond?
NetProphet 2.0: mapping transcription factor networks by exploiting scalable data resources
Authors: Kang Yiming , Liow Hien-Haw , Maier Ezekiel J , Brent Michael R
Published: September 2017

Motivation

Cells process information, in part, through transcription factor (TF) networks, which control the rates at which individual genes produce their products. A TF network map is a graph that indicates which TFs bind and directly regulate each gene. Previous work has described network mapping algorithms that rely exclusively on gene expression data and ‘integrative’ algorithms that exploit a wide range of data sources including chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) of many TFs, genome-wide chromatin marks, and binding specificities for many TFs determined in vitro. However, such resources are available only for a few major model systems and cannot be easily replicated for new organisms or cell types.

Results

We present NetProphet 2.0, a ‘data light’ algorithm for TF network mapping, and show that it is more accurate at identifying direct targets of TFs than other, similarly data light algorithms. In particular, it improves on the accuracy of NetProphet 1.0, which used only gene expression data, by exploiting three principles. First, combining multiple approaches to network mapping from expression data can improve accuracy relative to the constituent approaches. Second, TFs with similar DNA binding domains bind similar sets of target genes. Third, even a noisy, preliminary network map can be used to infer DNA binding specificities from promoter sequences and these inferred specificities can be used to further improve the accuracy of the network map.

Availability and implementation

Source code and comprehensive documentation are freely available at https://github.com/yiming-kang/NetProphet_2.0.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Autoimmunity associated with chemically induced thymic dysplasia
Authors: Nagakubo Daisuke , Swann Jeremy B , Birmelin Stefanie , Boehm Thomas
Published: September 2017

Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are frequent complications in patients with reduced numbers of T cells. Here, we describe a mouse model of thymic stromal dysplasia resulting in peripheral T-cell lymphopenia. In Foxn1:CFP-NTR transgenic mice, the bacterial nitroreductase enzyme is expressed in thymic epithelial cells and converts the prodrug CB1954 into a cytotoxic agent. This strategy enables titratable and durable destruction of thymopoietic tissue in early embryogenesis. Our results indicate that the resulting low levels of thymic capacity for T-cell production create a predisposition for the development of a complex autoimmune syndrome, chiefly characterized by inflammatory bowel disease and lymphocytic organ infiltrations. We conclude that the Foxn1:CFP-NTR transgenic mouse strain represents a suitable animal model to optimize established clinical protocols, such as thymus transplantation, to correct various forms of thymic dysplasia and to explore novel treatment options.
X-ray flares from dense shells formed in gamma-ray burst explosions
Authors: Hascoët R. , Beloborodov A. M. , Daigne F. , Mochkovitch R.
Published: September 2017

Bright X-ray flares are routinely detected by the Swift satellite during the early afterglow of gamma-ray bursts, when the explosion ejecta drives a blast wave into the external medium. We suggest that the flares are produced as the reverse shock propagates into the tail of the ejecta. The ejecta is expected to contain a few dense shells formed at an earlier stage of the explosion. We show an example of how such dense shells form and describe how the reverse shock interacts with them. A new reflected shock is generated in this interaction, which produces a short-lived X-ray flare. The model provides a natural explanation for the main observed features of the X-ray flares – the fast rise, the steep power-law decline and the characteristic peak duration Δt/t ≃ 0.1–0.3.
FRB strength distribution challenges the cosmological principle
Authors: Katz J. I.
Published: September 2017

The distribution of fast radio burst (FRB) fluxes and fluences is characterized by a few very bright events and a deficiency of fainter events, compared to expectations for a homogeneous space-filling distribution. I define a metric to quantify this, and apply it to the 17 presently known Parkes FRB, products of a comparatively homogeneous search. With 98 per cent confidence, we reject the hypothesis of a homogeneous distribution in Euclidean space. Possible explanations include a reduction of fainter events by cosmological redshifts or evolution or a cosmologically local concentration of events. The former is opposed by the small value of the one known FRB redshift. The latter contradicts the Cosmological Principle, but may be explained if the brighter FRB originates in the Local Supercluster.
Association of Socioeconomic and Geographic Factors With Google Trends for Tanning and Sunscreen
Authors: Seth Divya , Gittleman Haley , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill , Bordeaux Jeremy S.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Internet search trends are used to track both infectious diseases and noncommunicable conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The authors sought to characterize Google Trends search volume index (SVI) for the terms “sunscreen” and tanning (“tanning salon” and “tanning bed”) in the United States from 2010 to 2015 and analyze association with educational attainment, average income, and percent white data by state.

METHODS

SVI is search frequency data relative to total search volume. Analysis of variance, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to assess seasonal variations in SVI and the association of state-level SVI with state latitudes and census data.

RESULTS

Hawaii had the highest SVI for sunscreen searches, whereas Alaska had the lowest. West Virginia had the highest SVI for tanning searches, whereas Hawaii had the lowest. There were significant differences between seasonal SVI for sunscreen and tanning searches (p < .001). Sunscreen SVI by state was correlated with an increase in educational attainment and average income, and a decrease in latitude (p < .05) in a multivariate model. Tanning SVI was correlated with a decrease in educational attainment and average income, and an increase in latitude (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Internet search trends for sunscreen and tanning are influenced by socioeconomic factors, and could be a tool for skin-related public health.
Comparison of Oral Voriconazole Versus Oral Ketoconazole as an Adjunct to Topical Natamycin in Severe Fungal Keratitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sharma Namrata , Singhal Deepali , Maharana Prafulla K. , Sinha Rajesh , Agarwal Tushar , Upadhyay Ashish D. , Velpandian Thirumurthy , Satpathy Gita , Titiyal Jeewan S.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of oral voriconazole (VCZ) with oral ketoconazole (KCZ) as an adjunct to topical natamycin in severe fungal keratitis.

Methods:

Fifty eyes of 50 patients with proven severe fungal keratitis, (>5 mm size, involving >4 mm central cornea and >50% stromal depth), smear, and/or culture positive were randomized to receive either oral VCZ (n = 25) or oral KCZ (n = 25) 200 mg twice a day. Both groups received topical natamycin along with oral medication. The primary outcome measure was best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at 3 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes were the percentage of healed cases and scar size.

Results:

The mean BSCVA after treatment was 1.3 ± 0.35 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution units in the VCZ group and 1.6 ± 0.39 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution units in the KCZ group [P = 0.004, 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.10 to 0.54]. The final mean scar size was smaller for oral VCZ than for oral KCZ (P = 0.04, 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.93 mm). The percentage of cases healed were 80% and 72% in VCZ and KCZ groups, respectively (P = 0.51, 95% CI, −0.15 to 0.31). The ratio of tear film to serum concentration of oral VCZ was better than oral KCZ at days 14 (P = 0.002) and 21 (P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

Although the duration and percentage of healing was similar in both groups, oral VCZ attained a significantly better tear film concentration with a smaller scar size and better BSCVA compared with oral KCZ. Thus, oral VCZ may be preferred over oral KCZ in severe fungal keratitis.
Factors Impacting Discharge Destination From Acute Care for Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Recker Alexander , Putt Rachelle , Broome Elizabeth , Farrell Anne , McCallum Christine , Paz Jaime
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify factors likely to impact discharge destination from acute care in patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods:

PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were systematically searched in November 2016 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients diagnosed with TBI in the acute care setting, descriptive and quantitative factors impacting discharge destination, and publishing dates from 2007 to 2016.

Results:

Nine articles were included in this review and demonstrated good validity determined by the Evidence Based Library and Information Practice Critical Appraisal Checklist. Findings suggest that increased length of stay, high injury severity, and older age have the greatest effect on discharge destination. These factors increased the likelihood of discharge to post–acute care, including settings such as skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, or home health services.

Conclusion:

This review presents quantitative information related to factors likely to impact the corresponding discharge destination for patients with TBI. Clinically, professionals may consider this information when determining discharge destination for a patient with TBI following an acute care hospital stay.
Systematic Review of the Topical Steroid Addiction and Topical Steroid Withdrawal Phenomenon in Children Diagnosed With Atopic Dermatitis and Treated With Topical Corticosteroids
Authors: Juhász Margit L. W. , Curley Rosemarie A. , Rasmussen Annelise , Malakouti Mona , Silverberg Nanette , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: September 2017

Background

A 2015 National Eczema Association study concluded that topical steroid withdrawal is an effect of prolonged, frequent use of topical steroids occurring mostly in adult women. It is unclear whether children develop topical steroid withdrawal.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess current evidence regarding topical steroid withdrawal in children.

Methods

This study is a systematic review of medical literature as well as online social media sites and blogs regarding topical steroid withdrawal in children.

Results

Literature search yielded zero studies on/or reporting classic topical steroid withdrawal in children; however, periorificial dermatitis, which is generally a steroid-induced disorder in children, was reported in >320 cases. Of 142 social media blogs on topical steroid withdrawal, 26 were blogs discussing children. Twenty-seven cases were included in this review. Length of topical steroid use ranged from 2 months to 12 years.

Conclusions

Topical steroid withdrawal occurs in children and can result from discontinuing topical steroids used for as little as 2 months. Resultant signs/symptoms can last >12 months, even with short duration of use. Clinicians and caregivers should be aware of this possible adverse effect of topical steroids and monitor the effects of topical steroids on infants/children, but more data are needed on this condition.
Cochlear Implantation in Otosclerosis: Surgical and Auditory Outcomes With a Brief on Facial Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Vashishth Ashish , Fulcheri Andrea , Rossi Gianluca , Prasad Sampath Chandra , Caruso Antonio , Sanna Mario
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

1) To review the surgical and auditory outcomes in patients of cochlear implantation in otosclerosis. 2) To review complications and postimplantation facial nerve stimulation (FNS). 3) To compare the auditory outcomes between patients displaying cochlear ossification to the nonossified ones.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Quaternary Otology and Skull base surgery center.

Subjects and Methods:

Charts of 36 patients (38 ears) with otosclerosis undergoing cochlear implantation were reviewed from the cochlear implant database. Demographic features, operative findings, auditory outcomes, and postimplantation FNS were analyzed. Operative findings included extent of cochlear ossification, approach (posterior tympantomy/subtotal petrosectomy), electrode insertion (partial/complete, scala tympani/vestibuli), and complications. All the patients underwent implantation using straight electrodes. Auditory outcomes were assessed over a 4-year follow-up period using vowel, word, sentence, and comprehension scores. Patients were divided into two groups (with and without cochlear ossification) for comparison of auditory outcomes.

Results:

The mean age and duration of deafness of patients was 59.72 and 28.9 years respectively. Twenty-three of 38 ears had cochlear ossification, with exclusive round window involvement in 60% of the patients, with the rest having partial or complete basal turn ossification. 36.8% ears underwent subtotal petrosectomy for cochlear ossification. One patient underwent scala vestibuli insertion and two had incomplete electrode insertion. Patients with no ossification had no intra or postoperative complications. One patient had bilateral FNS managed by alterations in programming strategy. Auditory outcomes in patients without any ossification were better than in patients with ossification, though statistically insignificant in most parameters.

Conclusion:

Cochlear implantation in otosclerosis provides good auditory outcomes, despite high incidence of cochlear ossification. Patients of FNS can be managed by alterations in programming strategy, without affecting auditory outcomes.
High-definition i-Scan colonoscopy is superior in the detection of diminutive polyps compared with high-definition white light colonoscopy: a prospective randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Shan Jing , Liu Li , Sun Xiaobin , Xi Weidong , Yang Mei , Tang Yu , Ren Chunrong , Shi Wei
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Recognition of flat and small neoplastic lesions by colonoscopy is still challenging. High-definition (HD) i-Scan colonoscopy is a promising technique to maximize the sensitivity of colonoscopy; however, whether i-Scan can increase the detection rate of polyps is still unclear. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare HD i-Scan colonoscopy with HD colonoscopy for the detection rate of polyps in routine practice.

Materials and methods

A total of 449 patients who underwent total colonoscopy for the first time were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to undergo HD+i-Scan colonoscopy or HD colonoscopy. Detected colorectal polyps were judged according to type, location, and size. The primary endpoint was the detection rate and the total number of polyps.

Results

The number of polyps identified in the HD+i-Scan group was significantly higher than that in the HD group (P=0.041), and this difference was more obvious for diminutive polyps (P=0.035). The number of patients with at least one polyp was not significantly different between the two groups irrespective of the size or the location. Overall, 268 polyps were removed, 130 in the HD+i-Scan group and 138 in the HD group. Among these, three high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia were found in diminutive polyps.

Conclusion

HD+i-Scan colonoscopy is superior to HD colonoscopy in detecting diminutive polyps on the basis of this prospective randomized-controlled trial.
New approaches to address dyslipidemia
Authors: Parhofer Klaus G.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review

Although lipid-lowering treatment with statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors is a very successful strategy to prevent cardiovascular events, there is a need for further drug developments. Not all patients respond sufficiently to the available therapy (very high baseline values, intolerance). Furthermore, patients may be characterized by dyslipidemias not accessible to available drugs such as patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, chylomicronemia syndrome, or elevated lipoprotein(a). A number of drugs are being developed to close these gaps.

Recent findings

The focus is on new antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides, and small molecules that address different aspects of lipid metabolism. Many of these developments are promising as they decrease LDL-cholesterol and/or non-HDL-cholesterol and/or triglycerides and/or lipoprotein(a) in patients who so far cannot be treated sufficiently. These drugs are currently in different stages of development and being tested in clinical trials.

Some of the new lipid-lowering drugs have a very promising profile. However, eventually phase 3 and outcome trials will be required to prove the usefulness of these compounds in clinical practice. Furthermore, it is unlikely that they will change the primary lipidological approach (statin and ezetimibe) even if they prove successful.
Pancreatic Cancer Arising From the Remnant Pancreas
Authors: Hashimoto Daisuke , Chikamoto Akira , Masuda Toshiro , Nakagawa Shigeki , Imai Katsunori , Yamashita Yo-ichi , Reber Howard A. , Baba Hideo
Published: September 2017

Local recurrence of pancreatic cancer (PC) can occur in the pancreatic remnant. In addition, new primary PC can develop in the remnant. There are limited data available regarding this so-called remnant PC. The aim of this review was to describe the characteristics and therapeutic strategy regarding remnant PC. A literature search was performed using Medline published in English according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The incidence of remnant PC has been reported to be 3% to 5%. It is difficult to distinguish local recurrence from new primary PC. Genetic diagnosis such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutation may resolve this problem. For patients with remnant PC, repeated pancreatectomy can be performed. Residual total pancreatectomy is the most common procedure. Recent studies have described the safety of the operation because of recent surgical progress and perioperative care. The patients with remnant PC without distant metastasis have shown good long-term outcomes, especially those who underwent repeated pancreatectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy may contribute to longer survival. In conclusion, this review found that both local recurrence and new primary PC can develop in the pancreatic remnant. Repeated pancreatectomy for the remnant PC is a feasible procedure and can prolong patient survival.