bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diazaisoindigo bithiophene and terthiophene copolymers for application in field‐effect transistors and solar cells
Authors: Yue Wan , Li Cheng , Tian Xuelin , Li Weiwei , Neophytou Marios , Chen Hu , Du Weiyuan , Jellett Cameron , Chen Hung‐Yang , Onwubiko Ada , McCulloch Iain 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTTwo donor–acceptor conjugated polymers with azaisoindigo as acceptor units and bithiophene and terthiophene as donor units have been synthesized by Stille polymerization. These two polymers have been successfully applied in field‐effect transistors and polymer solar cells. By changing the donor component of the conjugated polymer backbone from bithiophene to terthiophene, the density of thiophene in the backbone is increased, manifesting as a decrease in both ionization potential and in electron affinity. Therefore, the charge transport in field‐effect transistors switches from ambipolar to predominantly hole transport behavior. PAIIDTT exhibits hole mobility up to 0.40 cm2/Vs and electron mobility of 0.02 cm2/Vs, whereas PAIIDTTT exhibits hole mobility of 0.62 cm2/Vs. Polymer solar cells were fabricated based on these two polymers as donors with PC61BM and PC71BM as acceptor where PAIIDTT shows a modest efficiency of 2.57% with a very low energy loss of 0.55 eV, while PAIIDTTT shows a higher efficiency of 6.16% with a higher energy loss of 0.74 eV. Our results suggest that azaisoindgo is a useful building block for the development of efficient polymer solar cells with further improvement possibility by tuning the alternative units on the polymer backbone. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2691–2699
Lethal effects of selected novel pesticides on immature stages of Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ashraf , Ruberson John R 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDTrichogramma pretiosum Riley is an important egg parasitoid and biological control agent of caterpillar pests. We studied the acute toxicity of 20 pesticides (14 insecticides/miticides, three fungicides and three herbicides) exposed to recommended field rates. Egg, larval, and pupal stages of the parasitoid in their hosts were dipped in formulated solutions of the pesticides and evaluated 10 days later for percentage of host eggs with holes, number of parasitoids emerged per egg with holes, and stage‐specific mortality of immature as well as adult wasps within the host eggs.RESULTSSeven insecticides (buprofezin, chlorantraniliprole, spirotetramat, flonicamid, flubendiamide) and miticides (spiromesifen, cyflumetofen), one herbicide (nicosulfuron), and three fungicides (myclobutanil, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole) caused no significant mortality to immature stages or pre‐emergent adult parasitoids relative to controls. By contrast, seven insecticides/miticides (abamectin, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, fipronil, novaluron, spinetoram, tolfenpyrad) adversely affected immature and pre‐emergent adult T. pretiosum, with tolfenpyrad being particularly lethal. Two herbicides had moderate (glufosinate ammonium) to severe (s‐metolachlor) acute lethal effects on the immature parasitoids.CONCLUSIONSThis study corroborates earlier findings with adult T. pretiosum. Over half of the pesticides – and all the fungicides – tested in the current study would appear to be compatible with the use of T. pretiosum in integrated pest management programs, with respect to acute parasitoid mortality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Brief Report: External Beam Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Teratomas
Authors: Lee Andrew S. , Tang Chad , Hong Wan Xing , Park Sujin , Bazalova-Carter Magdalena , Nelson Geoff , Sanchez-Freire Veronica , Bakerman Isaac , Zhang Wendy , Neofytou Evgenios , Connolly Andrew J. , Chan Charles K. , Graves Edward E. , Weissman Irving L. , Nguyen Patricia K. , Wu Joseph C. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced PSCs (hiPSCs), have great potential as an unlimited donor source for cell-based therapeutics. The risk of teratoma formation from residual undifferentiated cells, however, remains a critical barrier to the clinical application of these cells. Herein, we describe external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) as an attractive option for the treatment of this iatrogenic growth. We present evidence that EBRT is effective in arresting growth of hESC-derived teratomas in vivo at day 28 post-implantation by using a microCT irradiator capable of targeted treatment in small animals. Within several days of irradiation, teratomas derived from injection of undifferentiated hESCs and hiPSCs demonstrated complete growth arrest lasting several months. In addition, EBRT reduced reseeding potential of teratoma cells during serial transplantation experiments, requiring irradiated teratomas to be seeded at 1 × 103 higher doses to form new teratomas. We demonstrate that irradiation induces teratoma cell apoptosis, senescence, and growth arrest, similar to established radiobiology mechanisms. Taken together, these results provide proof of concept for the use of EBRT in the treatment of existing teratomas and highlight a strategy to increase the safety of stem cell-based therapies.
Soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 and placental growth factor kinetics during and after pregnancy in women with suspected or confirmed pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Saleh L. , van den Meiracker A. H. , Geensen R. , Kaya A. , Roeters van Lennep J. E. , Duvekot J. J. , Verdonk K. , Steegers E. A. P. , Russcher H. , Danser A. H. J. , Visser W. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo assess the evolution of the soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio in women with suspected or confirmed pre‐eclampsia (PE), and to investigate the changes in sFlt‐1 and PlGF levels in pre‐eclamptic women after delivery.MethodsThis was an exploratory study in which secondary analysis was performed on a prospective cohort study that enrolled women with a singleton pregnancy and suspected or confirmed PE from 18 weeks' gestation, carried out between December 2013 and April 2016 at the Department of Obstetrics of the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam. sFlt‐1 and PlGF were determined using Roche Diagnostics Elecsys assays in two groups of patients. In the first group, patients with suspected or confirmed PE had sFlt‐1 and PlGF levels measured at least twice during their pregnancy. Changes in these biomarkers over the course of pregnancy were compared for patients in this group with a baseline sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio of ≤ 38 and for those with a ratio > 38. In the second group, sFlt‐1 and PlGF levels of women with PE or HELLP syndrome were measured before and after delivery. For this group, pre‐ and postpartum sFlt‐1 and PlGF levels were compared and half‐lives were calculated.ResultsWomen with suspected or confirmed PE for whom sFlt‐1 and PlGF levels were measured at least twice during pregnancy (n = 46) had a median gestational age at inclusion of 26 weeks (range, 18–40 weeks). In 27 of the 30 patients with sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio ≤ 38 at baseline, thereby ruling out PE, the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio remained stable for up to 100 days. In the remaining three patients with a ratio ≤ 38 and in most of the 16 patients with a ratio > 38, the ratio increased further. For women diagnosed with PE or HELLP syndrome for whom sFlt‐1 and PlGF levels were measured before and after delivery (n = 26), median gestational age at inclusion was 29 weeks (range, 16–37 weeks) and median time between antepartum measurement and delivery was 2 days (range, 1–17 days). In this group, after delivery, sFlt‐1 dropped to < 1% of its pre‐delivery value, with a half‐life of 1.4 ± 0.3 days, while PlGF dropped to ∼30% of its pre‐delivery value, with a half‐life of 3.7 ± 4.3 days.ConclusionsBased on this small cohort, up to 10% of pregnant women admitted with suspected or confirmed PE presenting with a sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio of ≤ 38 display a rise in sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in subsequent weeks, implying that repeat determination of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio is required to exclude definitively a diagnosis of PE. Furthermore, the rapid and pronounced decline in sFlt‐1 levels after delivery in patients with PE/HELLP syndrome suggests that sFlt‐1, in contrast to PlGF, is almost entirely derived from the placenta. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Adjusting for body mass change in white‐tailed deer during hunting season
Authors: Strickland Bronson K. , Jones Phillip D. , Demarais Stephen , Dacus Chad M. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTAge‐specific body mass is a variable of interest to managers and hunters of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Long hunting seasons across much of the southern United States include most of the period of active rut, when individual body mass fluctuates over time. Adjusting body mass for harvest date would improve accuracy of age‐specific mass estimates and enable managers to make valid comparisons among years with different harvest patterns. We used 17 years (1991–2007) of harvest records from the Delta, Thin Loess, and Lower Coastal Plain (LCP) soil regions of Mississippi, USA, to develop age‐ and region‐specific models of average daily mass at harvest for male and female deer over a 121‐day hunting season. Models of female mass peaked in early winter near median population conception date. Among females, yearling mass exhibited the most marked fluctuations, with a projected increase of 7.3% from the start of hunting season to its seasonal peak. Modeled mass of harvested males fluctuated more strongly, peaking well before median conception date and decreasing an average of 13.8% from seasonal peak to the end of hunting season. Harvest mass of prime‐aged (5.5–7.5 years old) males began decreasing earliest in all regions, reflecting earlier participation in rut, and mass of older males always peaked earlier than younger males in the Delta and Thin Loess. In the LCP, projected peak male body mass did not correlate with age class and spacing between dates of peak mass was greatly truncated relative to other regions. Different patterns of mass change between the LCP and other regions may be explained by later breeding, greater overlap of rut‐related and seasonal hypophagy, and lower nutritional plane. Models to correct body mass for harvest date should be specific to sex and age class and distinguish among adjacent populations with different mating season phenology. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Suksdorfin Promotes Adipocyte Differentiation and Improves Abnormalities in Glucose Metabolism via PPARγ Activation
Authors: Iwase Mari , Yamamoto Takayuki , Nishimura Kanako , Takahashi Haruya , Mohri Shinsuke , Li Yongjia , Jheng Huei‐Fen , Nomura Wataru , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kim Chu‐Sook , Yu Rina , Taniguchi Masahiko , Baba Kimiye , Murakami Shigeru , Kawada Teruo , Goto Tsuyoshi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlthough the Apiaceae herb family has been traditionally used for the management of type 2 diabetes, its molecular mechanism has not been clarified. Coumarin derivatives, which are abundant in plants of the Apiaceae family, were evaluated for their effects on adipogenesis. We found that suksdorfin significantly promoted adipocyte differentiation and enhanced production of adiponectin, an anti‐diabetic adipokine. We also demonstrated that suksdorfin activates peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a master regulator of adipogenesis. Furthermore, we showed metabolic disorders in obese diabetic KK‐Ay mice were attenuated by suksdorfin feeding. Suksdorfin intake induced adipocyte miniaturization and increased expression levels of PPARγ target genes related to adipocyte differentiation. These results indicated that suksdorfin induces adipogenesis in white adipose tissue (WAT) via the activation of PPARγ, leading to improvement of obesity‐induced metabolic disorders. Therefore, suksdorfin‐mediated amelioration of WAT dysfunctions might be responsible for the anti‐diabetic effects of traditional herbal medicine therapy with Apiaceae.
Aqueous Surfactant‐Based Extraction of Cottonseed Collets from an Industrial Oilseed Processing Facility
Authors: Petts Alexander J. , Hou Lili , Sabatini David A. , Kibbey Tohren C. G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWhile cotton is largely produced for its fibers, the seed and hull byproducts are essential for agricultural economies around the world for their high oil content and wide range of uses. Cottonseed oil is often extracted by solvent extraction, a process that is of increasing concern due to its potential to impact human and ecological health. For this reason, environmentally‐benign extraction methods are increasingly being explored. The focus of this work is on aqueous surfactant‐based extraction of cottonseed collets taken directly from a conventional solvent‐based extraction facility. A propoxylated–ethoxylated extended anionic surfactant was tested for its ability to extract cottonseed oil. Results found that moderate (77%) extraction yields could be achieved by the surfactant given adequate surfactant concentration (0.5% in this case). However, unlike previous work with other oilseeds, the best extractions were achieved at moderate interfacial tensions (0.2–3.0 mN/m); surfactant formulations capable of producing ultralow interfacial tensions led to much lower extraction yields, as did water‐only extraction. Similar behavior was also observed for two different conventional surfactants, with decreasing interfacial tension values below 0.1 mN/m leading to decreasing yields for all surfactants tested.
Psychiatric outcomes associated with chronic illness in adolescence: A systematic review
Authors: Brady Ann Marie , Deighton Jessica , Stansfeld Stephen 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTRecent years have seen an increased focus on the high rates of psychiatric comorbidities in adults with chronic illness. This systematic review explored whether chronic illness in adolescents was similarly associated with poor psychiatric outcomes. The literature search identified 129 articles, only 5 of which were indicated to be at a low risk of methodological bias. Four of these articles found a strong relationship between asthma in adolescence and an increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders, while the remaining article, which focused on diabetes mellitus, indicated similarly increased rates of psychiatric illness. Trends among the remaining studies suggested that many illnesses were not associated with poor adolescent mental health. Please note that chronic conditions with a neurological aetiology were excluded from the main review due to indications of qualitative differences in comorbidities. Findings highlight that the well‐being of adolescents with chronic illness warrants a specific research focus.
Amyloid β–associated cognitive decline in the absence of clinical disease progression and systemic illness
Authors: Harrington Karra D. , Lim Yen Ying , Ames David , Hassenstab Jason , Laws Simon M. , Martins Ralph N. , Rainey‐Smith Stephanie , Robertson Joanne , Rowe Christopher C. , Salvado Olivier , Doré Vincent , Villemagne Victor L. , Snyder Peter J. , Masters Colin L. , Maruff Paul ,   AIBL Research Group
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionHigh levels of amyloid β (Aβ) are associated with cognitive decline in cognitively normal (CN) older adults. This study investigated the nature of cognitive decline in healthy individuals who did not progress to mild cognitive impairment or dementia.MethodCognition was measured over 72 months and compared between low (Aβ−) and high (Aβ+) CN older adults (n = 335) who did not progress to mild cognitive impairment or dementia and who remained free of severe or uncontrolled systemic illness.ResultsCompared to the Aβ− group, the Aβ+ group showed no cognitive impairment at baseline but showed substantial decline in verbal learning, episodic memory, and attention over 72 months.DiscussionModerate cognitive decline, particularly for learning and memory, was associated with Aβ+ in CN older adults in the absence of clinical disease progression and uncontrolled or serious comorbid illness.
Cephalad Lead Migration During a Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial: A Case Presentation
Authors: Agubuzu Ogoegbunam , Beckworth William J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSpinal cord stimulation is used in the treatment of a variety of pain conditions. Lead migration is among the most common complications associated with spinal cord stimulation. Although there have been reports of caudal lead migration, there have been no reports of significant cephalad lead migration during a spinal cord stimulation trial. Here we report what is potentially the first case of significant cephalad lead migration (from the initial T8 position to C2) during a spinal cord stimulation trial. This case demonstrates that significant lead migration is possible, and this case highlights the importance of adequately securing leads during a trial.Level of EvidenceV
Functional disability and depression symptoms in a paediatric persistent pain sample
Authors: Broadbent Jaclyn , Bertino Melanie D. , Brooke Leah , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Chalkiadis George 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background and Aims
Clinicians treating paediatric chronic pain conditions understand that persistent pain, functional ability, and symptoms of depression often co-exist, yet these relationships have only been described to a limited extent by research. This paper more closely examines the relationship between symptoms of depression and subtypes of functional disability.

Methods
Participants included a clinical sample of children and adolescents (N = 239) referred to a paediatric multidisciplinary pain clinic for treatment of persistent or recurrent (chronic) pain in Australia. The majority of participants were female, (76.6%), and were aged 7–17 years (mean age at the time of presentation was 13.8 years). Data from standardized instruments and interview data were collected from a clinical file audit. The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) was used as a measure of functional difficulties performing activities of daily living, and the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to measure depressive symptoms.

Results
High rates of depression and functional disability were observed, but were not associated with one another beyond relatively weak associations. Contrary to prior studies using different measures of physical functioning, depression symptoms were not associated with PODCI functional disability beyond a minor association with anhedonia symptoms (primarily driven by the pain/comfort subscale of the PODCI).

Conclusions and Implications
We argue that prior research has measured physical functional limitations in paediatric pain sufferers in a way that is heavily influenced by psychosocial factors, in particular by the symptoms of clinical depression. In contrast, using a measure of physical functioning (PODCI) less influenced by psychosocial factors suggests that the relationship between physical functioning during activities of daily living (e.g., use of upper limbs, basic gross and fine motor skills, basic mobility) and depression is weaker, despite both being heightened in this sample. Unlike other functional disability measures, the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) may allow researchers to assess functional limitations somewhat independently of depression symptoms. This conclusion requires replication in further studies, but if confirmed, then the PODCI could be advocated as a useful measure to obtain a more ‘pure’ measure of functional difficulties due to pain, relatively independent of depression.
Application of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy in patients treated with upper airway stimulation therapy
Authors: Ong Adrian A. , Ayers Christopher M. , Kezirian Eric J. , Tucker Woodson B. , de Vries Nico , Nguyen Shaun A. , Boyd Gillespie M. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the level of agreement among experienced operators of candidacy for upper airway stimulation (UAS) based on evaluation of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).MethodsThe trial was designed as a single‐blinded cross‐sectional study. Four otolaryngologists with extensive DISE experience were given 63 video clips from the STAR trial video library. These videos were graded using the VOTE classification. Percentage agreement and Cohen's κ (for inter‐rater reliability) were calculated between pairs of reviewers, assessing palatal complete concentric collapse (CCC) and determining UAS eligibility. Subjects were also grouped based on collapse severity for each reviewer.ResultsThe reviewers had excellent (approximately 90%) agreement on findings at the level of the soft palate and tongue base. The inter‐rater reliability for palatal CCC ranged from moderate to substantial. The agreement on determining the criteria for UAS implantation ranged from poor to moderate. All 4 upper airway structures as classified by the criteria of the VOTE were graded by all the reviewers as contributing to obstruction in a majority of subjects who were performed via application of DISE.ConclusionApplication of DISE remains a subjective examination, even among those experienced operators, therefore more studies need to be performed for evaluation of improvement in inter‐rater reliability after implantation of training videos.
Infectious disease research and the gender gap
Authors: Sommerfeld J. , Manderson L. , Ramirez B. , Guth J. A. , Reeder J. C. 
Published: June 2017

Historically, women have been less likely to be supported through higher degree training programmes, and they continue to hold more junior positions in science. This paper reviews the current gender research and gender capacity-building efforts led by the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR). Created more than 40 years ago as the only United Nations-based Special Programme dedicated to research and research capacity building on infectious diseases, TDR has a longstanding track record both in supporting research into gender-specific questions and in research capacity strengthening among women scientists. We provide an overview of these approaches, then describe a recent pilot programme on Women in Science, designed to understand and remedy the gender gaps in health research. The programme focused on Africa, but it is hoped that the replication of such schemes in TDR and other international funding agencies will lead to more attention being given to women in infectious diseases research in other continents.This article may not be reprinted or reused in any way in order to promote any commercial products or services.
Blunt laryngeal trauma secondary to sporting injuries
Authors: Mendis D , Anderson J A 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground:Laryngeal injury after blunt trauma is uncommon, but can cause catastrophic airway obstruction and significant morbidity in voice and airway function. This paper aims to discuss a case series of sports-related blunt laryngeal trauma patients and describe the results of a thorough literature review.Method:Retrospective case-based analysis of laryngeal trauma referrals over six years to a tertiary laryngology centre.Results:Twenty-eight patients were identified; 13 (46 per cent) sustained sports-related trauma. Most were young males, presenting with dysphonia, some with airway compromise (62 per cent). Nine patients were diagnosed with a laryngeal fracture. Four patients were managed conservatively and nine underwent surgery. Post-treatment, the majority of patients achieved good voice outcomes (83 per cent) and all had normal airway function.Conclusion:Sports-related neck trauma can cause significant injury to the laryngeal framework and endolaryngeal soft tissues, and most cases require surgical intervention. Clinical presentation may be subtle; a systematic approach along with a high index of suspicion is essential, as early diagnosis and treatment have been reported to improve airway and voice outcome.