bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation in adult sex ratio across multiple scales in the invasive golden apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Xu Meng , Fang Miao , Yang Yexin , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Song Hongmei , Luo Du , Mu Xidong , Gu Dangen , Luo Jianren , Hu Yinchang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAdult sex ratio (ASR) has critical effects on behavior and life history and has implications for population demography, including the invasiveness of introduced species. ASR exhibits immense variation in nature, yet the scale dependence of this variation is rarely analyzed. In this study, using the generalized multilevel models, we investigated the variation in ASR across multiple nested spatial scales and analyzed the underlying causes for an invasive species, the golden apple snail Pomacea canaliculata. We partitioned the variance in ASR to describe the variations at different scales and then included the explanatory variables at the individual and group levels to analyze the potential causes driving the variation in ASR. We firstly determined there is a significant female‐biased ASR for this species when accounting for the spatial and temporal autocorrelations of sampling. We found that, counter to nearly equal distributed variation at plot, habitat and region levels, ASR showed little variation at the town level. Temperature and precipitation at the region level were significantly positively associated with ASR, whereas the individual weight, the density characteristic, and sampling time were not significant factors influencing ASR. Our study suggests that offspring sex ratio of this species may shape the general pattern of ASR in the population level while the environmental variables at the region level translate the unbiased offspring sex ratio to the female‐biased ASR. Future research should consider the implications of climate warming on the female‐biased ASR of this invasive species and thus on invasion pattern.
Are more diverse parts of the mammalian skull more labile?
Authors: Linde‐Medina Marta , Boughner Julia C. , Santana Sharlene E. , Diogo Rui 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMorphological variation is unevenly distributed within the mammalian skull; some of its parts have diversified more than others. It is commonly thought that this pattern of variation is mainly the result of the structural organization of the skull, as defined by the pattern and magnitude of trait covariation. Patterns of trait covariation can facilitate morphological diversification if they are aligned in the direction of selection, or these patterns can constrain diversification if oriented in a different direction. Within this theoretical framework, it is thought that more variable parts possess patterns of trait covariation that made them more capable of evolutionary change, that is, are more labile. However, differences in the degree of morphological variation among skull traits could arise despite variation in trait lability if, for example, some traits have evolved at a different rate and/or undergone stabilizing selection. Here, we test these hypotheses in the mammalian skull using 2D geometric morphometrics to quantify skull shape and estimating constraint, rates of evolution, and lability. Contrary to the expectations, more variable parts of the skull across mammalian species are less capable of evolutionary change than are less variable skull parts. Our results suggest that patterns of morphological variation in the skull could result from differences in rate of evolution and stabilizing selection.
The Impact of a Pay‐for‐Performance Scheme on Prescription Quality in Rural China
Authors: Sun Xiaojie , Liu Xiaoyun , Sun Qiang , Yip Winnie , Wagstaff Adam , Meng Qingyue 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this prospective study, conducted in China where providers have traditionally been paid fee‐for‐service, and where drug spending is high and irrational drug prescribing common, township health centers in two counties were assigned to two groups: in one fee‐for‐service was replaced by a capitated global budget (CGB); in the other by a mix of CGB and pay‐for‐performance. In the latter, 20% of the CGB was withheld each quarter, with the amount returned depending on points deducted for failure to meet performance targets. Outcomes studied included indicators of rational drug prescribing and prescription cost. Impacts were assessed using differences‐in‐differences, because political interference led to non‐random assignment across the two groups. The combination of capitated global budget and pay‐for‐performance reduced irrational prescribing substantially relative to capitated global budget but only in the county that started above the penalty targets. Endline rates were still appreciable, however, and no effects were found in either county on out‐of‐pocket spending. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of chemically modified alginates on macrophage phenotype and biomolecule transport
Authors: Bygd Hannah C. , Bratlie Kaitlin M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMacrophage (MΦ) reprogramming has received significant attention in applications such as cancer therapeutics and tissue engineering where the host immune response to biomaterials is crucial in determining the success or failure of an implanted device. Polymeric systems can potentially be used to redirect infiltrating M1 MΦs toward a proangiogenic phenotype. This work exploits the concept of MΦ reprogramming in the engineering of materials for improving the longevity of tissue engineering scaffolds. We have investigated the effect of 13 different chemical modifications of alginate on MΦ phenotype. Markers of the M1 response—tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase—and the M2 response—arginase—were measured and used to determine the ability of the materials to alter MΦ phenotype. It was found that some modifications were able to reduce the pro‐inflammatory response of M1 MΦs, others appeared to amplify the M2 phenotype, and the results for two materials suggested they were able to reprogram a MΦ population from M1 to M2. These findings were supplemented by studies done to examine the permselectivity of the materials. Diffusion of TNF‐α was completely prevented through some of these materials, while up to 84% was found to diffuse through others. The diffusion of insulin through the materials was statistically consistent. These results suggest that the modification of these materials might alter mass transport in beneficial ways. The ability to control polarization of MΦ phenotypes with immunoprotective materials has the potential to augment the success of tissue engineering scaffolds. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1707–1719, 2016.
Changes in volatile profile of soybean residue (okara) upon solid‐state fermentation by yeasts
Authors: Vong Weng Chan , Liu Shao‐Quan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundSoybean residue (okara), a by‐product of soymilk, is produced in large volumes by the soy food industry and is often discarded due to its undesirable flavour. As it contains a considerable amount of protein and fats, biotransformation of okara to improve its flavour presents an opportunity for alternative utilisation. This paper evaluated 10 yeasts in the solid‐state fermentation of okara based on their volatile profiles as analysed with HS‐SPME GC‐MS/FID. Four ‘dairy yeasts’ (Geotrichum candidum, Yarrowia lipolytica, Debaryomyces hansenii and Kluyveromyces lactis) and six ‘wine yeasts’ (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, Pichia kluyveri, Torulaspora delbrueckii, and Williopsis saturnus) were studied.ResultsThe main off‐odourants in okara, hexanal and trans‐2‐hexenal, significantly decreased after fermentation due to their bioconversion into methyl ketones and/or esters. The okara fermented by dairy yeasts contained greater proportions of methyl ketones, while that by wine yeasts contained more ethyl and acetyl esters. Notably, the okara fermented by W. saturnus contained 13 esters and the total GC‐FID peak area of esters was about 380 times that in fresh okara, leading to a perceptible fruity note.ConclusionOkara can be exploited as an inexpensive substrate for bioflavour extraction and/or a more pleasant food ingredient via yeast fermentation. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
CuBr2‐induced charge screening on photoactive nanocolloidal polypyrrole:poly(styrene sulfonate) composite multilayer thin‐film counter electrodes for high‐efficiency dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Maruthamuthu S , Chandrasekaran J , Manoharan D , Karthick SN , Kim Hee‐Je , Saravanakumar B 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNanocolloidal polypyrrole (PPy):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) particles were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization using 15 wt% of PSS. The highly processable polymer composite (PPy:PSS) was spin‐coated at 4000 rpm on fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass and subsequently employed as a counter electrode (CE) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). PPy:PSS multilayer (one, three, five) CEs were treated with CuBr2 salt, which enhances the efficiency of the DSCs. Optical studies reveal that a bulkier counterion hinders interchain interactions of PPy which on salt treatment shows a moderate redshift in absorption maxima. Salt‐treated PPy:PSS films exhibit lower charge transfer resistance, higher surface roughness and better catalytic performance for the reduction of I3−, when compared with untreated films. The improved catalytic performance of salt‐treated PPy:PSS multilayer films is attributed to charge screening and conformational change of PPy, along with the removal of excess PSS. Under standard AM 1.5 sunlight illumination, salt treatment is shown to boost the efficiency of multilayer PPy:PSS composite film‐based DSCs, leading to enhanced power conversion efficiency of 6.18, 6.33 and 6.37% for one, three and five layers, respectively. These values are significantly higher (ca 50%) than those for corresponding devices without CuBr2 salt treatment (3.48, 2.90 and 2.01%, respectively). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Simplified strigolactams as potent analogues of strigolactones for the seed germination induction of Orobanche cumana Wallr.
Authors: Lumbroso Alexandre , Villedieu‐Percheron Emmanuelle , Zurwerra Didier , Screpanti Claudio , Lachia Mathilde , Dakas Pierre‐Yves , Castelli Laure , Paul Verity , Wolf Hanno Christian , Sayer Danielle , Beck Andreas , Rendine Stefano , Fonné‐Pfister Raymonde , De Mesmaeker Alain 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDStrigolactones play an important role in the rhizosphere as signalling molecules stimulating the seed germination of parasitic weed seeds and hyphal branching of arbuscular micorrhiza, and also act as hormones in plant roots and shoots. Strigolactone derivatives, e.g. strigolactams, could be used as suicidal germination inducers in the absence of a host crop for the decontamination of land infested with parasitic weed seeds.RESULTSWe report the stereoselective synthesis of novel strigolactams, together with some of their critical physicochemical properties, such as water solubility, hydrolytic stability, as well as their short soil persistence. In addition, we show that such strigolactams are potent germination stimulants of O. cumana parasitic weed seeds and do not affect the seed germination and the root growth of sunflower.CONCLUSIONSThe novel strigolactam derivatives described here compare favourably with the corresponding GR‐28 strigolactones in terms of biological activity and physicochemical properties. However, we believe strigolactone and strigolactam derivatives require further structural optimisation to improve their soil persistence to demonstrate a potential for agronomical applications. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Highly Selective Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes for Detection of Perborate Based on Excited‐State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) in Environmental Samples and Living Cells
Authors: Mahapatra Ajit Kumar , Mondal Sanchita , Manna Saikat Kumar , Maiti Kalipada , Maji Rajkishor , Ali Syed Samim , Mandal Sukhendu , Uddin Md. Raihan , Maiti Dilip Kumar 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBenzthiazole‐based ratiometric fluorescent probes acetylphenylbenzthiazole (APBT) and acetylnaphthylbenzthiazole (ANBT), were synthesized and characterized. These two excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)‐based first ratiometric fluorescent probes were shown to be selective and sensitive for perborate (BO3–) among the 15 anions studied in HEPES buffer medium by fluorescence, absorption, and visual emission color change. Upon treatment with perborate in aqueous HEPES buffer solution, the acetyl protective group of probes APBT and ANBT was removed readily and ESIPT of the probes was switched on, which resulted in remarkable photo‐physical changes. Time dependent‐ density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations were performed in order to demonstrate the electronic properties of APBT and ANBT and their anion. An easy‐to‐prepare test paper, obtained by dipping the paper into the solution of APBT, was able to detect BO3– in practical samples. Moreover, the utility of the APBT and ANBT probes in perborate recognition has also been demonstrated in Vero cells using Confocal imaging.
Intelligent Nucleic Acid Functionalized Dual‐Responsive Gold Nanoflare: Logic‐Gate Nanodevice Visualized by Single‐Nanoparticle Imaging
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Ji Haining , Huang Jin , Li Li , Wang Qing , Yang Xiaohai , Wang Kemin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAn intelligent nucleic acid functionalized dual‐responsive gold nanoflare was developed, and its exclusive‐OR (XOR) logic response was demonstrated by single‐nanoparticle imaging technology. Cy5 labelled adenosine aptamer and DNA molecule beacon were modified on the surface of gold nanoflares and consequence XOR logic‐gate operation was successfully achieved based on adenosine aptamer binding induced fluorescence quenching and cDNA bind triggered fluorescence recovery. Their photophysical properties, concentration‐dependent fluorescence variation and logic‐gate response were systematically studied at the single‐nanoparticle level. Single logic gate imaging demonstrated that a larger input was required to produce a change sufficient for single‐nanoparticle analysis, and the logic gate can be well used for a stimulated biologic process. This work will be significant in the future fabrication of nanodevices and DNA computer at single‐particle level.
Oxidative Functionalization of Styrenes: Synthesis of 1,3,5‐triazines from Styrenes via Tandem Cyclization with Amidines
Authors: Tiwari Abhishek R. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis work reports an efficient method for the synthesis of 1,3,5‐triazines form styrenes and amidines. The developed methodology was accomplished under transition‐metal free and solvent free conditions. Various substituted styrenes and amidines were well tolerated and provided 1,3,5‐triazines in good to excellent yields. This is the first time C=N bond formation has been achieved via oxidative functionalization of sp2 C−H bond in styrene. The reaction progressed through in situ generation of aldehyde.
Physical and cyber security in a smart grid environment
Authors: Xie Jing , Stefanov Alexandru , Liu Chen‐Ching 
Published: March 2016

As a critical infrastructure, the electric power grid is vulnerable with respect to malicious physical and cyber attacks. Indeed, the importance of physical and cyber security for smart grids has been highlighted by recent intrusion incidents worldwide. Various types of sensors, instrumentation, information and communications technology (ICT), computational methodologies, and security controls have been developed to enhance the physical and cyber security of the smart grid. In this paper, critical vulnerabilities of a smart grid that can be exploited for physical and cyber intrusions are discussed. A comprehensive survey is conducted on the state‐of‐the‐art research to enhance the physical and cyber security in a smart grid environment. Furthermore, the interdependency of physical and cyber security is illustrated with an intrusion scenario. The emphasis is on the physical and cyber security of power substations. Computer simulation results for a case study are presented. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:519–542. doi: 10.1002/wene.202This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure
From steam engine to solar cells: can thermodynamics guide the development of future generations of photovoltaics?
Authors: Markvart Tom 
Published: March 2016

Thermodynamics has played a singular role in the development of virtually all energy technologies to‐date. This review argues that it also has a role to play in the understanding and design of solar cell operation, particularly looking toward the future, high‐efficiency solar cells. After a historical overview of the key developments in the ‘thermodynamics of light,’ the conversion of a monochromatic light beam is used as a starting point to analyze the conversion process, examine the fundamental losses in terms of irreversible entropy generation, and consider in detail one of the key applications: the Shockley–Queisser detailed balance. We review and compare the principal suggestions for the highest theoretical efficiency of solar energy conversion, and analyze one possible embodiment of such a third‐generation structure: the hot‐carrier solar cell. A somewhat different application of the statistical approach—light trapping—is reviewed at a fundamental level, and the future potential is considered for devices which combine such a ‘thermodynamic squeezing’ of light with latest developments in photonics, leading to a photonic bandgap solar cell. We argue that the widespread use of thermodynamic tools in the current photovoltaics research, especially when combined with the potential benefits to future devices, already indicates that our thinking should not be about if but how thermodynamics can guide us to make better solar cells. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:543–569. doi: 10.1002/wene.204This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Science and Materials
Solar Heating and Cooling > Science and Materials
Intracerebroventricular d‐galactose administration impairs memory and alters activity and expression of acetylcholinesterase in the rat
Authors: Rodrigues André Felipe , Biasibetti Helena , Zanotto Bruna Stela , Sanches Eduardo Farias , Pierozan Paula , Schmitz Felipe , Parisi Mariana Migliorini , Barbé‐Tuana Florencia , Netto Carlos Alexandre , Wyse Angela T.S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTissue accumulation of galactose is a hallmark in classical galactosemia. Cognitive deficit is a symptom of this disease which is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of galactose on memory (inhibitory avoidance and novel object recognition tasks) of adult rats. We also investigated the effects of galactose on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, immunocontent and gene expression in hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Wistar rats received a single injection of galactose (4 mM) or saline (control). For behavioral parameters, galactose was injected 1 h or 24 h previously to the testing. For biochemical assessment, animals were decapitated 1 h, 3 h or 24 h after galactose or saline injection; hippocampus and cerebral cortex were dissected. Results showed that galactose impairs the memory formation process in aversive memory (inhibitory avoidance task) and recognition memory (novel object recognition task) in rats. The activity of AChE was increased, whereas the gene expression of this enzyme was decreased in hippocampus, but not in cerebral cortex. These findings suggest that these changes in AChE may, at least in part, to lead to memory impairment caused by galactose. Taken together, our results can help understand the etiopathology of classical galactosemia.
Articulating Work and Family: Lay Papal Relatives in the Papal States, 1420–1549
Authors: DeSilva Jennifer Mara 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries popes increasingly depended on clerical and lay kin to supervise the implementation of papal policy. This article argues that the charge of papal nepotism is a result of the continuing idealization of the pope as separate from the issues of work and family. By acknowledging that the preoccupations of the early modern pope extended beyond pastoral activities into a world of administration, legislation, militarism, and diplomacy, historians can better understand the pope’s use of and observers’ criticism of nepotism.
Evaluation of the Effects of CHF6001, an Inhaled PDE4 Inhibitor, on Cardiac Repolarization and Cardiac Arrhythmias in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ferrari Antonio , Compagnoni Anna , Nandeuil Anne , Maison-Blanche Pierre 
Published: March 2016

Abstract:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multicomponent condition characterized by airway inflammation and associated to comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases. Among anti-inflammatory agents in development for COPD, the phosphodiesterase inhibitors administrated by inhalation have the potential for increased efficacy and reduced systemic side effects. CHF6001 is an inhaled PDE4 inhibitor with proven anti-inflammatory properties in animal models. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was aimed to demonstrate its cardiovascular safety and tolerability in healthy male volunteers with normal electrocardiogram and cardiac parameters. Single and multiple ascending doses (7 days of administration) of CHF6001 were administered. Three electrocardiograms were recorded at several pharmacokinetic time points and at each time points, postdose heart rate, QRS and PR intervals, and presence of arrhythmia were evaluated. In single ascending dose, QTcF intervals did not increase more than 30 milliseconds from the baseline, all heart rate was between 45 and 100 bpm, and no statistically significant differences were observed in PR and QRS intervals. In multiple ascending dose, cardiac parameters did not differ significantly from baseline. In the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis, no medically or clinically significant changes were found. Further studies are ongoing to demonstrate that CHF6001 is safe and well tolerated in COPD patients as well.
Transconjunctival Revision With Mitomycin-C Following Failed Trabeculectomy
Authors: Panarelli Joseph F. , Vinod Kateki , Huang Gintien , Sidoti Paul A. 
Published: March 2016

Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy of transconjunctival revision (TCR) with mitomycin-C (MMC) following failed trabeculectomy.

Materials and Methods:
The medical records of 27 patients (27 eyes) who underwent TCR with subconjunctival injection of MMC by a single surgeon between September 2001 and August 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The same surgical protocol was followed for all patients. Revision was performed using a microvitreoretinal blade through a small conjunctival incision. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and number of glaucoma medications. Failure was defined as an IOP<5 or >14 mm Hg, loss of light perception, or need for additional glaucoma surgery.

Results:
Mean interval between trabeculectomy and TCR was 56.4±57.2 months. Mean preoperative IOP was 21.9±6.8 mm Hg using 4.0±1.2 glaucoma medications. Fifteen (55.6%) patients met success criteria. At most recent follow-up, mean IOP and number of glaucoma medications for successful patients were 9.7±3.8 mm Hg and 0.6±1.1, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed 1-, 2-, and 3-year success rates of 62%, 58%, and 53%, respectively. Three additional patients achieved success after undergoing a second TCR, and 1 patient achieved success after a third TCR. Postoperative complications included transient choroidal effusion (n=8), shallow anterior chamber requiring reformation (n=5), 5-fluorouracil-related corneal epitheliopathy (n=10), and bleb leak (n=1).

Conclusions:
TCR with adjunctive MMC is a safe and effective procedure following failure of a trabeculectomy. More than 1 revision may be necessary to achieve long-term IOP reduction.