bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Landscape composition and configuration in the central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Tolessa Terefe , Senbeta Feyera , Kidane Moges 
Published: September 2016

AbstractLandscape dynamics are common phenomenon in the human‐dominated environments whereby it can be observed that the composition and configuration between landscape elements change over time. This dynamism brings about habitat loss and fragmentation that can greatly alter ecosystem services at patch, class, and landscape levels. We conducted a study to examine composition and configuration of forested landscape in the central highlands of Ethiopia using satellite images of over a period of four decades, and FRAGSTAT raster dataset was used to analyze fragmentation. Our result showed five land use/land cover (LULC) types in the study area. Cultivated land and settlement land increased at the expense of forestland, shrubland, and grassland. Fragmentation analysis showed the number of patches increased for all LULC types, indicating the level of fragmentation and interspersion. Juxtaposition increased for shrubland, grassland, and cultivated lands and decreased for settlement and forestland resulting in the fragmentation and isolation of patches. The study of LULC along with fragmentation at the landscape level can help improve our understanding of the pace at which conversion of landscape elements is happening and the impacts on ecosystem services as studies of LULC are courser in nature and would not show how each land use is reducing in size, proximity and shape among other things that determine ecosystem services. Such type of studies in rural landscapes are very vital to consider appropriate land management policies for the landscape level by taking into account the interaction between each element for sustainable development. We recommend land managers, conservationists, and land owners for observing the roles of each patch in the matrix to maximize the benefits than focusing on a single element.
Nickel Network Derived from a Block Copolymer Template for MnO2 Electrodes as Dimensionally Stabilized Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Tillmann Selina D. , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora , Winter Martin , Loos Katja 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTo improve lithium‐ion batteries further, novel concepts for the reproducible preparation of highly structured bicontinuous battery electrodes are required. With this in mind, the main focus of this work is based on the block copolymer template‐directed synthesis of metal nanofoams suitable for the rational study and design of the final conductive matrix through molecular engineering of the starting polymer. As a proof of concept, diverse MnO2 electrodes with nickel foam as substrates are prepared and morphologically and structurally characterized by means of SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD. To investigate the electrochemical properties of the prepared MnO2–nickel foam electrodes, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling experiments, including C‐rate tests, are performed and the obtained results are discussed with respect to the deposition time. Compared with the reference, namely, bulk MnO2–nickel foil electrodes, superior electrochemical characteristics, particularly regarding C‐rate capability and long‐term cycling stability, are achieved, which is attributed to better dimensional stability of the composite electrode.
Advancing Lithium–Oxygen Battery Technology with an Iron–Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Core–Shell Carbon Cathode Loaded with Ruthenium(IV) Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Ming , Li Chi‐Ying Vanessa , Chan Kwong‐Yu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAn iron‐nitrogen‐doped core–shell mesoporous carbon support loaded with a RuO2 catalyst was used as a Li–O2 cathode. Corrosion and degradation problems were avoided by doping carbon with iron and nitrogen. Well‐dispersed RuO2 in the hierarchical porous structure facilitated a reversible nanoscale solid‐phase reaction. At 2.0 A g−1 (on the basis of catalyst plus carbon support), a capacity of 10 Ah g−1 was demonstrated with a discharge potential of 2.4 V and a corresponding recharge potential of 3.6 V. On the other hand, at 1.0 A g−1, the discharge and recharge potentials are maintained at 2.5 V and 3.5 V, respectively, over 50 cycles.
Correlations between macrophage polarizing cytokines, inflammatory mediators, osteoclast activity, and toll‐like receptors in tissues around aseptically loosened hip implants
Authors: Jämsen Eemeli , Kouri Vesa‐Petteri , Ainola Mari , Goodman Stuart B. , Nordström Dan C. , Eklund Kari K. , Pajarinen Jukka 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAseptic loosening and osteolysis of joint replacements are driven by macrophage‐mediated inflammatory reactions to implant‐derived wear debris, but many aspects of these events remain poorly characterized. To better understand the relationships among inflammatory and chemotactic mediators, macrophage phenotype and polarizing cytokines, osteoclast activity, and Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening, we determined how the relative expressions of these factors in the peri‐implant tissues correlate to each other and to the life span of the implants using Pearson correlation. The expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators and chemokines showed positive correlations among themselves, and with TLR4. Furthermore, M1‐polarizing IFN‐γ showed positive correlations with a number of pro‐inflammatory and chemotactic mediators, whereas M2‐polarizing IL‐4 showed no such association. IL‐8 expression significantly correlated with early time to revision. Similar trends were observed for TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, and CCL3, while the opposite was detected for IL‐4. However, none of the inflammatory mediators correlated with the markers of osteoclast activity or the RANKL/OPG ratio. The results highlight the importance of the inflammatory mediators, IFN‐γ and TLR4, in the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening; increased pro‐inflammatory status was associated with early time to revision, whereas IL‐4 correlated with longer implant survival. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 454–463, 2017.
Increased troponin I is associated with fatal outcome in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Brazelton Jason , Oster Robert A. , McCleskey Brandi , Fuller Jessica , Adamski Jill , Marques Marisa B. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) has >90% mortality without therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Despite TPE, approximately 10% of patients still die, presumably from cardiac ischemia. We sought clinical or laboratory parameters associated with death by reviewing the records of all patients hospitalized with acquired TTP in our institution for 10 years, and collect demographics and results for hemoglobin, platelet count, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, transaminases, total bilirubin, creatinine kinase (CK), CK‐MB, and troponin I. Sixty‐eight patients were admitted 88 times, and 11 died. Survivors and non‐survivors were similar in terms of sex, ethnicity, thrombocytopenia, and degree of anemia at presentation, while the latter were older, had worse renal function and higher CK, CK‐MB, and troponin I (univariate analysis). However, only troponin I remained significant on multivariate analyses. We propose that patients with TTP should be monitored with troponin I to detect significant myocardial ischemia that could predict death despite TPE.
Genetic disruption of the KLF1 gene to overexpress the γ‐globin gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Shariati Laleh , Khanahmad Hossein , Salehi Mansoor , Hejazi Zahra , Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundβ‐thalassemia comprises a major group of human genetic disorders involving a decrease in or an end to the normal synthesis of the β‐globin chains of hemoglobin. KLF1 is a key regulatory molecule involved in the γ‐ to β‐globin gene switching process directly inducing the expression of the β‐globin gene and indirectly repressing γ‐globin. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of an engineered CRISPR/Cas9 system with respect to disrupting the KLF1 gene to inhibit the γ‐ to β‐hemoglobin switching process in K562 cells.MethodsWe targeted three sites on the KLF1 gene, two of which are upstream of codon 288 in exon 2 and the other site being in exon 3.ResultsThe average indel percentage in the cells transfected with CRISPR a, b and c was approximately 24%. Relative quantification was performed for the assessment of γ‐globin expression. The levels of γ‐globin mRNA on day 5 of differentiation were 8.1‐, 7.7‐ and 1.8‐fold in the cells treated with CRISPR/Cas9 a, b and c, respectively,compared to untreated cells. The measurement of HbF expression levels confirmed the same results.ConclusionsThe findings obtained in the present study support the induction of an indel mutation in the KLF1 gene leading to a null allele. As a result, the effect of KLF1 on the expression of BCL11A is decreased and its inhibitory effect on γ‐globin gene expression is removed. Application of CRISPR technology to induce an indel in the KLF1 gene in adult erythroid progenitors may provide a method for activating fetal hemoglobin expression in individuals with β‐thalassemia or sickle cell disease.
Carbon screen‐printed electrodes on ceramic substrates for label‐free molecular detection of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Obaje Eleojo A. , Cummins Gerard , Schulze Holger , Mahmood Salman , Desmulliez Marc P.Y. , Bachmann Till T. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe growing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance on the healthcare and economic well‐being of mankind is pushing the need to develop novel and improved diagnostic platforms for its rapid detection at point of care, facilitating better patient management strategies during antibiotic therapy. In this paper, we present the manufacturing and characterisation of a low‐cost carbon screen‐printed electrochemical sensor on a ceramic substrate. Using label‐free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the sensor is demonstrated for the detection of blaNDM, which is one of the main antimicrobial resistance factors in carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The electrochemical performance of the newly fabricated sensor was initially investigated in relation to the function of its underlying composite materials, evaluating the choice of carbon and dielectric pastes by characterising properties like surface roughness, wetting and susceptibility of unspecific DNA binding. Subsequently, the sensor was used in an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy assay for the sensitive and specific detection of synthetic blaNDM targets achieving a detection limit of 200 nM. The sensor properties and performance demonstrated in this study proved the suitability of the new electrode materials and manufacturing for further point‐of‐care test development as an inexpensive and effective alternative to gold electrodes sensor.
Measuring Stakeholder Perspectives on Environmental and Community Stability in a Tourism‐Dependent Economy
Authors: Carr Liam M. , Liu Daniel Y. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTourism is promoted as an environmentally beneficial activity for Caribbean economies. Yet degradation still occurs and more integrated policy approaches are needed. Using Q‐methodology within a social‐ecological system (SES) framework, we quantified the importance of various policy issues to stakeholders in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, where tourism produces 77% of its GDP. Stakeholders agree Providenciales' economy benefits from a healthy marine environment, but disagree over which SES drivers are functionally important. Our results show that Q‐methodology is a robust tool for informing the policy‐making process and quantifying stakeholder views in a tourism‐dependent economy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavioral connectivity among bighorn sheep suggests potential for disease spread
Authors: Borg Nathan J. , Mitchell Michael S. , Lukacs Paul M. , Mack Curt M. , Waits Lisette P. , Krausman Paul R. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTConnectivity is important for population persistence and can reduce the potential for inbreeding depression. Connectivity between populations can also facilitate disease transmission; respiratory diseases are one of the most important factors affecting populations of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). The mechanisms of connectivity in populations of bighorn sheep likely have implications for spread of disease, but the behaviors leading to connectivity between bighorn sheep groups are not well understood. From 2007–2012, we radio‐collared and monitored 56 bighorn sheep in the Salmon River canyon in central Idaho. We used cluster analysis to define social groups of bighorn sheep and then estimated connectivity between these groups using a multi‐state mark‐recapture model. Social groups of bighorn sheep were spatially segregated and linearly distributed along the Salmon River canyon. Monthly probabilities of movement between adjacent male and female groups ranged from 0.08 (±0.004 SE) to 0.76 (±0.068) for males and 0.05 (±0.132) to 0.24 (±0.034) for females. Movements of males were extensive and probabilities of movement were considerably higher during the rut. Probabilities of movement for females were typically smaller than those of males and did not change seasonally. Whereas adjacent groups of bighorn sheep along the Salmon River canyon were well connected, connectivity between groups north and south of the Salmon River was limited. The novel application of a multi‐state model to a population of bighorn sheep allowed us to estimate the probability of movement between adjacent social groups and approximate the level of connectivity across the population. Our results suggest high movement rates of males during the rut are the most likely to result in transmission of pathogens among both male and female groups. Potential for disease spread among female groups was smaller but non‐trivial. Land managers can plan grazing of domestic sheep for spring and summer months when males are relatively inactive. Removal or quarantine of social groups may reduce probability of disease transmission in populations of bighorn sheep consisting of linearly distributed social groups. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Stable benefits of bilateral over unilateral cochlear implantation after two years: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Zon Alice , Smulders Yvette E. , Stegeman Inge , Ramakers Geerte G. J. , Kraaijenga Veronique J. C. , Koenraads Simone P. C. , Zanten Gijsbert A. Van , Rinia Albert B. , Stokroos Robert J. , Free Rolien H. , Frijns Johan H. M. , Huinck Wendy J. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M. , Tange Rinze A. , Smit Adriana L. , Thomeer Hans G. X. M. , Topsakal Vedat , Grolman Wilko 
Published: September 2016

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate hearing capabilities and self‐reported benefits of simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation (BiCI) compared with unilateral cochlear implantation (UCI) after a 2‐year follow‐up and to evaluate the learning effect of cochlear implantees over time.Study DesignMulticenter randomized controlled trial.MethodsThirty‐eight postlingually deafened adults were included in this study and randomly allocated to either UCI or simultaneous BiCI. Our primary outcome was speech intelligibility in noise, with speech and noise coming from straight ahead (Utrecht–Sentence Test with Adaptive Randomized Roving levels). Secondary outcomes were speech intelligibility in noise with spatially separated sources, speech intelligibility in silence (Dutch phoneme test), localization capabilities and self‐reported benefits assessed with different quality of hearing and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. This article describes the results after 2 years of follow‐up.ResultsWe found comparable results for the UCI and simultaneous BiCI group, when speech and noise were both presented from straight ahead. Patients in the BiCI group performed significantly better than patients in the UCI group, when speech and noise came from different directions (P = .01). Furthermore, their localization capabilities were significantly better. These results were consistent with patients' self‐reported hearing capabilities, but not with the questionnaires regarding QoL. We found no significant differences on any of the subjective and objective reported outcomes between the 1‐year and 2‐year follow‐up.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates important benefits of simultaneous BiCI compared with UCI that remain stable over time. Bilaterally implanted patients benefit significantly in difficult everyday listening situations such as when speech and noise come from different directions. Furthermore, bilaterally implanted patients are able to localize sounds, which is impossible for unilaterally implanted patients.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope, 127:1161–1168, 2017
Risk of tinnitus in patients with sleep apnea: A nationwide, population‐based, case‐control study
Authors: Koo Malcolm , Hwang Juen‐Haur 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk of tinnitus in patients with sleep disturbance or sleep apnea.Study DesignCase control study.MethodsWe identified 21,798 middle‐aged and elderly patients with otolaryngologist‐diagnosed tinnitus between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2012, from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 108,990 controls were also identified from the same database based on frequency‐matching on 10‐year age interval, sex, and year of index date of the cases. Diagnoses of sleep disturbance (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD‐9‐CM] codes 780.50, 780.52, 307.4) and sleep apnea (ICD‐9‐CM codes 780.51, 780.53, 780.57) in the cases and controls prior to the index date were assessed. The risks of tinnitus in patients with sleep disturbance and sleep apnea were separately evaluated with multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsThe mean age of the total 130,788 patients was 59.8 years, and 47% of them were males. The risk of tinnitus was higher in patients with sleep disturbance compared to those without the condition (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] [95% CI] = 1.11–1.17), and the risk of tinnitus was higher in patients with sleep apnea compared to those without the condition (adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16–1.60).ConclusionIn this population‐based, case‐control study, the risk of tinnitus was found to be significantly higher among middle‐aged and elderly Taiwanese patients with sleep disturbances, especially with sleep apnea.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 127:2171–2175, 2017
Synthesis of Unsaturated Nonionic Poly(ester‐sulfones) via Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization and Anode‐Selective Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Kawarazaki Isamu , Takasu Akinori 
Published: September 2016

Nonionic aliphatic polymers containing ester and sulfonyl moieties, [poly(ester‐sulfones)s] were found to undergo anode‐selective electrophoresis under electrophoretic deposition conditions. Herein are reported the syntheses of unsaturated nonionic polyesters containing sulfide linkages and double bonds on the polymer backbone via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization using a Grubbs' catalyst. Subsequent oxone oxidation was carried out, affording the corresponding poly(ester‐sulfone), followed by electrophoretic deposition of the unsaturated poly(ester‐sulfone) onto stainless steel. Subsequent UV‐irradiation cured the deposited film, improving the peeling strength of the coating.
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Directional Mechanochromic Luminescent Behavior in Liquid Crystalline Composite Polymeric Films
Authors: Kondo Mizuho , Nakanishi Takao , Matsushita Takumi , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro 
Published: September 2016

The doping of a liquid crystalline (LC) photoemissive compound into a LC polymethacrylate with photoemissive side groups induces repeatable changes in the photoemission wavelength upon mechanical grinding and thermal annealing. The color changes observed in a handwritten pattern demonstrate the successful induction of anisotropic photoemission behavior in a LC composite polymeric film parallel to the grinding direction. The LC characteristics of the composite films play an important role in the directional selectivity of the polarized mechanoinduced color change.image
Using Nucleobase Pairing as Supermolecule Linker to Assemble the Bionic Copolymer Nanoparticles with Small Size
Authors: Zhao Xuefei , Deng Hongzhang , Feng Hailiang , Zhang Jianhua , Dong Anjie , Deng Liandong 
Published: September 2016

The specificity hydrogen bonds of nucleobase pairs are the main linker in DNA and RNA. Compared with conventional covalent‐linking polymer to prepare nanoparticles (NPs), nucleobase pairs as supermolecule linker to assemble the bionic copolymer NPs may be an innovative way. Adenine (A) modified poly(ε‐caprolactone) and thymine (T) modified poly(ethylene glycol) are prepared to assemble multiple hydrogen bonds linked NPs in situ. The introduction of multiple hydrogen bonds into NPs results in a unique method to prepare NPs replacing the conventional assemble method. These NPs exhibit narrow size distribution with the average diameter of 45 nm under pH 7.4. The chemical shift of T NH proton moves from 11.30 to 11.05 ppm with increasing temperature from 25 to 80 °C, and the same phenomenon also appears in A NH2 proton resonance, which demonstrate the existence of hydrogen bonds. The low cytotoxicity of NPs is confirmed by MTT assay using MCF7 tumor cells. Collectively, the novel method opens the possibilities to combine bionics in assembling small size nanoparticles.
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Ultrasonic Cavitation Induced Shape‐Memory Effect in Porous Polymer Networks
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Behl Marc , Peng Xingzhou , Razzaq Muhammad Yasar , Lendlein Andreas 
Published: September 2016

Inspired by the application of ultrasonic cavitation based mechanical force (CMF) to open small channels in natural soft materials (skin or tissue), it is explored whether an artificial polymer network can be created, in which shape‐changes can be induced by CMF. This concept comprises an interconnected macroporous rhodium‐phosphine (Rh‐P) coordination polymer network, in which a CMF can reversibly dissociate the Rh‐P microphases. In this way, the ligand exchange of Rh‐P coordination bonds in the polymer network is accelerated, resulting in a topological rearrangement of molecular switches. This rearrangement of molecular switches enables the polymer network to release internal tension under ultrasound exposure, resulting in a CMF‐induced shape‐memory capability. The interconnected macroporous structure with thin pore walls is essential for allowing the CMF to effectively permeate throughout the polymer network. Potential applications of this CMF‐induced shape‐memory polymer can be mechanosensors or ultrasound controlled switches.image
Comb‐Like Poly(Ether‐Sulfone) Membranes Derived from Planar 6,12‐Diaryl‐5,11‐Dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]Carbazole Monomer for Alkaline Fuel Cells
Authors: Zuo Peipei , Su Yumiao , Li Wenmu 
Published: September 2016

Highly conductive anion exchange membranes (AEMs), along with the ability to suppress swelling, are critical but challenging requirements for alkaline fuel cell applications. To achieve this criterion, a series of poly(ether sulfone)s (PESFs) with flexible alkyl imidazolium pendants attached directly on large planar 6,12‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (DCP) units is reported. The planar DCP units stabilize the hydrophobic phase through strong π‐π interactions and also facilitate the formation of ionic conducting channels through self assembly of hydrophilic pendants. The AEM prepared here, based on rational design, has a relatively low ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 1.86 × 10–3 mol g–1 and exhibits high hydroxide ion (OH–) conductivity of 101 × 10–3 S cm–1, a low swelling ratio of 9.3% and a water uptake of 39.6%. Furthermore, the AEMs reported in this paper have excellent stability in 1 m NaOH solution at 80 °C over 500 h. Therefore, the synthesized polymers offer a new insight into the design of high performance materials for AEMs.
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