bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of side‐chain length on the phase structures of P3ATs and P3AT:PCBM films as revealed by SSNMR and FTIR
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Yuan Yuan , Cui Xiang , Yin Hongnan , Gu Jiali , Huang He , Shu Jie 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIt is known that poly(3‐alkylthiophene) (P3AT) side‐chain length notably influences the photovoltaic performances of relating devices. However, comprehensively study on its impact on the structures of P3ATs and their blends with [6, 6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is insufficient. By using solid‐state NMR and FTIR techniques, four P3ATs and their PCBM blends are investigated in this work, focusing on the phase structures as modulated by side‐chain length. Recently, we revealed multiple crystalline main‐chain packings of packing a and b together with a mesophase in poly(3‐butylthiophene) (P3BT) films (DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b01828). Here, the semicrystalline structures are investigated on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), poly(3‐octylthiophene) (P3OT), and poly(3‐dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT) with traditional form I modification, where packing a and the amorphous phase are probed. Furthermore, crystallized side chain within packing a is detected in both P3OT and P3DDT films, which shows a FTIR absorption at 806 cm−1. Structural studies are also conducted on P3AT:PCBM blends. Compared with the pure P3ATs, the polymer crystallinities of the blends show reduction of about 40% for P3OT and P3DDT, whereas only about 10% for P3HT. Moreover, in P3BT:PCBM and P3HT:PCBM, the crystalline polymers and PCBM are phase separated, while in P3OT:PCBM and P3DDT:PCBM, blend components are mostly miscible. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 751–761
Reduced alcohol‐seeking in male offspring of sires exposed to alcohol self‐administration followed by punishment‐imposed abstinence
Authors: Campbell Erin J. , Flanagan Jeremy P. M. , Marchant Nathan J. , Lawrence Andrew J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEmerging evidence has demonstrated that paternal alcohol use can modify the behavior of offspring, particularly male offspring. However, preclinical studies to date have not used voluntary self‐administration of alcohol to examine alcohol‐related behaviors in offspring. Here, we tested the hypothesis that paternal alcohol self‐administration followed by punishment‐imposed abstinence alters alcohol consumption and seeking in male offspring. Male inbred alcohol preferring iP rats were trained to self‐administer alcohol in one context followed by punishment‐imposed suppression of alcohol‐seeking in a different context using contingent footshock. Following this, all rats were bred with alcohol naïve female iP rats. F1 offspring were then trained to self‐administer alcohol in an identical operant paradigm as sires. Alcohol intake and self‐administration behaviors of alcohol‐sired offspring were compared to control‐sired offspring whose fathers had not been exposed to the alcohol operant conditioning experience. We found that paternal alcohol self‐administration reduced context‐induced relapse to alcohol‐seeking in male offspring. These findings indicate that voluntary paternal alcohol experience, operant conditioning, and punishment can result in intergenerational changes in offspring behavior, and that this effect may protect against the vulnerability to relapse after alcohol use. We also noted reduced alcohol responding in the punishment‐associated context in alcohol‐sired offspring, suggesting altered perception of punishment sensitivity or the anxiogenic response to footshock. Collectively, these findings provide evidence that paternal alcohol abuse can impact alcohol‐related behaviors in male offspring.
Does selective hormesis impact herbicide resistance evolution in weeds? ACCase‐resistant populations of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. as a case study
Authors: Belz Regina G , Farooq Muhammad B , Wagner Jean 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDA field‐evolved herbicide‐resistant weed population can represent a heterogeneous composite of subpopulations that differ in their susceptibility and responsiveness to herbicide hormesis. Variable hormesis responsiveness can result in selection for and against certain subpopulations under low herbicide doses, and this has the potential to contribute to the evolution of resistance. The relevance of this hypothesis at practical field rates was studied for two field‐collected acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) target‐site resistant (TSR) biotypes of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. (haplotype Leu1781) exposed to three ACCase inhibitors. Herbicide dose responses were evaluated at the population level and at different subpopulation levels after the dissection of individual plants by herbicide selection and genotyping.RESULTSThe practical field rates of fenoxaprop‐P were lower than the observed hormetic doses in the resistant subpopulation, whereas the field rates of clodinafop and cycloxydim stimulated the shoot biomass in different resistant subpopulations by 21–38% above that of the control. Because variable dose levels induced hormesis in the different subpopulations, the practical field rates showed a significant potential to selectively enhance parts of a resistant field population, but did not impact or adversely affect other parts of the population.CONCLUSIONAs a consequence of population heterogeneity, herbicide hormesis may impact resistance evolution in weeds at realistic use rates via the selective promotion of individual genotypes. However, the practical relevance of this phenomenon may be influenced by many factors, such as the herbicidal active ingredient used, as indicated in this study. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Instructional leadership in the era of the NGSS: Principals’ understandings of science practices
Authors: McNeill Katherine L. , Lowenhaupt Rebecca J. , Katsh‐Singer Rebecca 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSchool principals play a key role as instructional leaders in reform efforts, yet little is known about their knowledge of science. A key focus in recent reform efforts is the inclusion of science practices, which are potentially a significant challenge for schools. Consequently, we investigated K–8 principals’ views of good science instruction and their abilities to analyze classroom videos in relation to the science practices. Our research suggests that K–8 principals have limited understandings. Principals often described good science instruction as including the investigating practices, but rarely included the sensemaking or critiquing science practices. They also frequently discussed good science instruction as being hands‐on, but had different meanings of what counted as hands‐on. When evaluating videos, all of the principals focused on general pedagogy with few principals focused on the science practices and limited understandings of the quality of the science practices. If we want to support systemic change, we need to develop the capacity of principals to effectively supervise science that reflects recent reform efforts. However, principals need a vision that aligns with the science practices, but do not require (or have the time to obtain) the same level of expertise as their science teachers.
Are Age Estimates for Longnose Gar and Spotted Gar Accurate? An Evaluation of Sagittal Otoliths, Pectoral Fin Rays, and Branchiostegal Rays
Authors: Buckmeier David L. , Snow Richard , Smith Nathan G. , Porter Clayton 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe evaluated the accuracy and precision of age estimates from ground sagittal otoliths, sectioned pectoral fin rays, and whole branchiostegal rays of Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus and Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus using fish marked with oxytetracycline (OTC). The presence of OTC time stamps in these calcified structures and the ability to correctly identify post–time stamp annuli varied greatly. We identified time stamps in 66.7% and 91.7% of the otoliths and 43.8% and 61.4% of the pectoral fin rays for Longnose Gars and Spotted Gars, respectively; OTC marks were not observed in branchiostegal rays. Annual increment periodicity was validated in ground sagittal otoliths through age 10 for both species. For fish older than age 10, accuracy declined to about 60%, with most estimates being less than the number of post–time stamp annuli by 1 year. Age estimates derived from pectoral fin rays were consistently less than the number of post–time stamp annuli because OTC marks were generally associated with the outer edge of this bone. Overall accuracy from pectoral fin rays was only 14.3% for Longnose Gars and 22.6% for Spotted Gars. Although the lack of time stamps in branchiostegal rays prevented formal evaluation, age estimates derived from this structure were substantially lower than those from otoliths. Precision among readers was poor for all structures, reflecting the difficulties associated with age estimation for these two species. Based on our evaluation, past age estimates from branchiostegal rays and pectoral fin rays should be considered suspect. Ages derived from sagittal otoliths can be reliable through age 10. However, we recommend that readers verify their ability to produce accurate estimates and consider the implications of underestimating age for fish greater than age 10. Future efforts should work to refine or develop alternative preparation procedures for otoliths to improve the visibility of annuli and validate age estimates for older age‐classes.
Transitions From Sexual Relationships Into Cohabitation and Beyond
Authors: Sassler Sharon , Michelmore Katherine , Qian Zhenchao 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Much research on cohabitation has focused on transitions from cohabitation to marriage or dissolution, but less is known about how rapidly women progress into cohabitation, what factors are associated with the tempo to shared living, and whether the timing into cohabitation is associated with subsequent marital transitions. We use data from the 2006–2013 National Survey of Family Growth to answer these questions among women whose most recent sexual relationship began within 10 years of the interview. Life table results indicate that transitions into cohabitation are most common early in sexual relationships; nearly one-quarter of women had begun cohabiting within six months of becoming sexually involved. Multivariate analyses reveal important social class disparities in the timing to cohabitation. Not only are women from more-advantaged backgrounds significantly less likely to cohabit, but those who do cohabit enter shared living at significantly slower tempos than women whose mothers lacked a college degree. In addition, among sexual relationships that transitioned into cohabiting unions, college-educated women were significantly more likely to transition into marriage than less-educated women. Finally, although the tempo effect is only weakly significant, women who moved in within the first year of their sexual relationship demonstrated lower odds of marrying than did women who deferred cohabiting for over a year. Relationship processes are diverging by social class, contributing to inequality between more- and less-advantaged young adults.
Os Intermetatarseum May not Interfere with Metatarsus Primus Varus Deformity Correction: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Daniel Y. 
Published: February 2018

It has been believed that the correction of metatarsus primus varus (MPV) deformity of hallux valgus foot using nonosteotomy procedures would be compromised by the presence of os intermetatarseum (OI). Therefore, no soft tissue procedure has ever been reported for the correction of MPV deformity of hallux valgus foot. This is a case report of a female patient with bilateral hallux valgus deformity and also a large OI of her left foot that was corrected, satisfactorily and simultaneously, with a soft tissue technique called syndesmosis procedure, without osteotomy or OI resection. Excellent feet function was observed for 2 years until her last follow-up examination without any symptoms or signs of problems relating to the OI in her left foot. This case report demonstrated for the first time that OI may not interfere with proper MPV deformity correction because it can be preexisting and X-ray can be misleading.
Emergency Management and Preparedness Training for Youth (EMPTY): The Results of the First Swedish Pilot Study
Authors: Khorram-Manesh Amir , Berlin Johan , Roseke Lina Ljung , Aremyr Johan , Sörensson Josef , Carlström Eric 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the impact of a simulation training in raising a group of young students’ personal and situational awareness in disasters and emergencies.MethodsIn total, 25 young students participated in two simulation scenarios representing two actual events, fire, and shooting, using a combination of two validated simulation training (Emergency Management and Preparedness Training for Youth [EMPTY]). The changes in their knowledge and awareness were evaluated by using questionnaires and the whole simulation was evaluated by three independent observers and a reference group.ResultsNew concepts of emergency management, for example, evacuation, and barricading, could be trained in a safe environment. There was a significant increase in students’ personal and situational awareness and their active engagement in the management of emergencies.ConclusionEMPTY could raise the youth basic knowledge and ability to understand the concept of preparedness by being mentally prepared, available for collaboration, gaining a higher confidence, understanding the physical and psychological consequences of a major incident and the importance of their own safety. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:685-688)
A Note on Rényi's ‘Record’ Problem and Engel's Series
Authors: Fang Lulu , Wu Min 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn 1973, Williams [D. Williams, On Rényi's ‘record’ problem and Engel's series,Bull. London Math. Soc.5(1973), 235–237] introduced two interesting discrete Markov processes, namelyC-processes andA-processes, which are related to record times in statistics and Engel's series in number theory respectively. Moreover, he showed that these two processes share the same classical limit theorems, such as the law of large numbers, central limit theorem and law of the iterated logarithm. In this paper, we consider the large deviations for these two Markov processes, which indicate that there is a difference betweenC-processes andA-processes in the context of large deviations.
Recurrence to Shrinking Targets on Typical Self-Affine Fractals
Authors: Koivusalo Henna , Ramírez Felipe A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe explore the problem of finding the Hausdorff dimension of the set of points that recur to shrinking targets on a self-affine fractal. To be exact, we study the dimension of a certain related symbolic recurrence set. In many cases, this set is equivalent to the recurring set on the fractal.
Psychological treatments delivered by community health workers in low-resource government health systems: effectiveness of group interpersonal psychotherapy for caregivers of children affected by nodding syndrome in Uganda
Authors: Mutamba Byamah B. , Kane Jeremy C. , de Jong Joop T. V. M. , Okello James , Musisi Seggane , Kohrt Brandon A. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundDespite increasing evidence for the benefits of psychological treatments (PTs) in low- and middle-income countries, few national health systems have adopted PTs as standard care. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G) intervention, when delivered by lay community health workers (LCHWs) in a low-resource government health system in Uganda. The intended outcome was reduction of depression among caregivers of children with nodding syndrome, a neuropsychiatric condition with high morbidity, mortality and social stigma.MethodsA non-randomized trial design was used. Caregivers in six villages (n = 69) received treatment as usual (TAU), according to government guidelines. Caregivers in seven villages (n = 73) received TAU as well as 12 sessions of IPT-G delivered by LCHWs. Primary outcomes were caregiver and child depression assessed at 1 and 6 months post-intervention.ResultsCaregivers who received IPT-G had a significantly greater reduction in the risk of depression from baseline to 1 month [risk ratio (RR) 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10–0.62] and 6 months (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.11–0.95) post-intervention compared with caregivers who received TAU. Children of caregivers who received IPT-G had significantly greater reduction in depression scores than children of TAU caregivers at 1 month (Cohen's d = 0.57, p = 0.01) and 6 months (Cohen's d = 0.54, p = 0.03). Significant effects were also observed for psychological distress, stigma and social support among caregivers.ConclusionIPT-G delivered within a low-resource health system is an effective PT for common mental health problems in caregivers of children with a severe neuropsychiatric condition and has psychological benefits for the children as well. This supports national health policy initiatives to integrate PTs into primary health care services in Uganda.
Isolated aortic dilation without osteoarthritis: a case of SMAD3 mutation
Authors: Arroyave Jose , Carretero Juan Manuel , Gruosso Domenico 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAneurysm–osteoarthritis syndrome is a recently discovered inherited autosomal dominant connective tissue disease caused by SMAD3 mutations. Aneurysm–osteoarthritis syndrome is responsible for 2% of familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections and is characterised by aneurysms, dissections, and tortuosity throughout the arterial tree in combination with osteoarthritis. Early-onset osteoarthritis is present in almost all patients. We present the case of a non-syndromic young boy with SMAD3 mutation isolated from the dilated aortic root and ascending aorta without osteoarthritis.
Recognition of the complexity facing residential care homes: a practitioner inquiry
Authors: Dudman Jenny , Meyer Julienne , Holman Cheryl , Moyle Wendy 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimTo explore the experiences and challenges for residential care home staff when managing the healthcare needs of their residents, in particular those living with dementia.BackgroundIncreasing number of older people, with complex health and social care needs are living in residential care homes. Yet there is limited appreciation of why staff sometimes struggle to manage residents’ healthcare needs, or understanding of their working relationship with district nurses (DNs), whose responsibility it is to provide nursing support.MethodsThis PhD study, in a metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, was conducted by an experienced DN and involved three phases. This paper focuses on the first two phases. Phase 1 data included: semi-structured interviews (n=8), reflective field notes based on non-participant observation, documentary analysis of policies, procedures and assessment tools and other contextual data from one care home (case study site). The practitioner researcher reflected on the findings from the case study, in relation to her own knowledge and experience as a DN, focusing in particular on findings that were familiar, or which surprised. In Phase 2 she fed these findings back to other care homes (n=11) to check whether the findings from the single case study were unique or resonated with others. She gathered their feedback through semi-structured interviews with senior care staff (n=14). Data were analysed using thematic data analysis.FindingsFindings highlight the complexity facing residential care homes: high levels of healthcare needs amongst residents, the demands of caring for residents living with dementia, variations in the knowledge and skill set of care staff, inequity in the level of healthcare support, the challenges of building a good relationship with DNs, and funding pressures facing care homes.ImplicationsAny, or all of these factors can prevent care home staff from managing the healthcare needs of their residents.
CAR-T cells: the long and winding road to solid tumors
Authors: D’Aloia Maria Michela , Zizzari Ilaria Grazia , Sacchetti Benedetto , Pierelli Luca , Alimandi Maurizio 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAdoptive cell therapy of solid tumors with reprogrammed T cells can be considered the “next generation” of cancer hallmarks. CAR-T cells fail to be as effective as in liquid tumors for the inability to reach and survive in the microenvironment surrounding the neoplastic foci. The intricate net of cross-interactions occurring between tumor components, stromal and immune cells leads to an ineffective anergic status favoring the evasion from the host’s defenses. Our goal is hereby to trace the road imposed by solid tumors to CAR-T cells, highlighting pitfalls and strategies to be developed and refined to possibly overcome these hurdles.
Genetic variations in ARE1 mediate grain yield by modulating nitrogen utilization in rice
Authors: Wang Qing , Nian Jinqiang , Xie Xianzhi , Yu Hong , Zhang Jian , Bai Jiaoteng , Dong Guojun , Hu Jiang , Bai Bo , Chen Lichao , Xie Qingjun , Feng Jian , Yang Xiaolu , Peng Juli , Chen Fan , Qian Qian , Li Jiayang , Zuo Jianru 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn crops, nitrogen directly determines productivity and biomass. However, the improvement of nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) is still a major challenge in modern agriculture. Here, we report the characterization of are1, a genetic suppressor of a rice fd-gogat mutant defective in nitrogen assimilation. ARE1 is a highly conserved gene, encoding a chloroplast-localized protein. Loss-of-function mutations in ARE1 cause delayed senescence and result in 10–20% grain yield increases, hence enhance NUE under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Analysis of a panel of 2155 rice varieties reveals that 18% indica and 48% aus accessions carry small insertions in the ARE1 promoter, which result in a reduction in ARE1 expression and an increase in grain yield under nitrogen-limiting conditions. We propose that ARE1 is a key mediator of NUE and represents a promising target for breeding high-yield cultivars under nitrogen-limiting condition.
Identification of the fungal ligand triggering cytotoxic PRR-mediated NK cell killing of Cryptococcus and Candida
Authors: Li Shu Shun , Ogbomo Henry , Mansour Michael K. , Xiang Richard F. , Szabo Lian , Munro Fay , Mukherjee Priyanka , Mariuzza Roy A. , Amrein Matthias , Vyas Jatin M. , Robbins Stephen M. , Mody Christopher H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells use the activating receptor NKp30 as a microbial pattern-recognition receptor to recognize, activate cytolytic pathways, and directly kill the fungiCryptococcus neoformansandCandida albicans. However, the fungal pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that triggers NKp30-mediated killing remains to be identified. Here we show that β-1,3-glucan, a component of the fungal cell wall, binds to NKp30. We further demonstrate that β-1,3-glucan stimulates granule convergence and polarization, as shown by live cell imaging. Through Src Family Kinase signaling, β-1,3-glucan increases expression and clustering of NKp30 at the microbial and NK cell synapse to induce perforin release for fungal cytotoxicity. Rather than blocking the interaction between fungi and NK cells, soluble β-1,3-glucan enhances fungal killing and restores defective cryptococcal killing by NK cells from HIV-positive individuals, implicating β-1,3-glucan to be both an activating ligand and a soluble PAMP that shapes NK cell host immunity.