bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nonconjugated Spacers on Mechanical Properties of Semiconducting Polymers for Stretchable Transistors
Authors: Mun Jaewan , Wang Ging‐Ji Nathan , Oh Jin Young , Katsumata Toru , Lee Franklin L. , Kang Jiheong , Wu Hung‐Chin , Lissel Franziska , Rondeau‐Gagné Simon , Tok Jeffrey B.‐H. , Bao Zhenan
Published: September 2018

Nonconjugated segments in polymer semiconductors have been utilized to improve the processability of semiconducting polymers. Recently, several reports have described the improvement of stretchability of polymer semiconductors by incorporating nonconjugated spacers. However, the effect of relative flexibility of such conjugation breakers on mechanical and electrical properties has not yet been studied systematically. Here, conjugation breakers with different chain length and rigidity are incorporated into the backbone of diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based semiconductors. Interestingly, it is observed that the longer and more flexible conjugation breakers result in greater ductility and lower elastic modulus without significantly affecting mobility. The enhancement of stretchability is attributed to the reduced modulus and the decrease in crystallinity, as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. With this newly established molecular design, transistors are prepared with a semiconducting polymer containing dodecyl segments as conjugation breakers. It is observed that this polymer retains a mobility of >0.36 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 100% strain, and after 100 cycles at 50% strain. Finally, its high stability against strain is also observed with a fully stretchable transistor fabricated. Taken together, the above results indicate that molecular engineering of conjugated polymers, i.e., by incorporating suitable conjugation breakers, can effectively tune mechanical properties without significantly compromising their electrical properties.
Molecular Conformation‐Dependent Mechanoluminescence: Same Mechanical Stimulus but Different Emissive Color over Time
Authors: Yang Jie , Qin Jianwen , Geng Peiyao , Wang Jiaqiang , Fang Manman , Li Zhen
Published: September 2018

A phenothiazine derivative of FCO‐CzS with changeable mechanoluminescence is reported, which, upon continuous mechanical stimulus, shows mechanoluminescent emission from blue to white and yellow. Careful analysis of the experimental results, coupled with the well‐understood photoluminescence theory, show that the molecular conformation transition of the phenothiazine group from quasi‐axial to quasi‐equatorial is responsible for this dynamic mechanoluminescence effect.
Monsoon trough influences on multiple tropical cyclones events in the western North Pacific
Authors: Guo Bingyao , Ge Xuyang
Published: September 2018

In this study, the influences of the monsoon trough (MT) on the multiple tropical cyclones (MTCs) events over the western North Pacific are examined. The results suggest that both thermodynamical and dynamical conditions modulate the frequency of the MTCs events. During the active years, the enhanced MT extends eastwards, leading to a strong low‐level relative vorticity, upwards motion, and moist environment that are favourable for the occurrence of the MTCs events. The barotropic kinetic energy conversion diagnosis suggests that in the active years, the synoptic‐scale disturbances will develop through gaining the energy from the mean flow with the eastwards extending MT. The percentage contributions to the genesis potential index (GPI) change are from moisture field (75.9%), relative vorticity (18.5%), vertical shear (−24.2%), and vertical motion at 500 hPa (37.3%), suggesting the moisture field is the most important factor in the MTCs event. The enhanced moisture and convection processes likely contribute to more MTCs events through a positive convection–circulation–moisture feedback. Possible linkages between MT and MTCs events are proposed.
Gingival Ischemia and Petechiae in a Patient Medicated With PCSK9 Inhibitor for Hypercholesterolemia: An Adverse Drug Event?
Authors: Thermos Grigoris , Tosios Konstantinos I.
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Monoclonal antibodies against proprotein‐convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are a newly‐introduced therapeutic approach against hypercholesterolemia. Clinical trials have reported few adverse effects of PCSK9 inhibitors and there are no reports of oral adverse effects. We present the case of a patient that showed gingival discomfort on eating and toothbrushing, coupled with the presence of gingival ischemia and petechiae, 3 days after a subcutaneous abdominal injection of 75‐mg alirocumab for hypercholesterolemia, and contemplate on their possible pathogenesis.

Case Presentation

Αn 81‐year‐old male presented with gingival discomfort during eating and toothbrushing, 3 days after receiving a subcutaneous abdominal injection of alirocumab. Intraoral examination revealed that the anterior free and attached gingiva of both jaws appeared pale and the surrounding mucosa showed confluent petechiae that were more evident on the anterior palatal gingiva. The patient was asked to brush his teeth with a soft toothbrush and use a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide three times daily. At the 8‐day re‐examination he was symptom‐free, and the mucosa appeared totally normal. At the 5‐month follow‐up visit he reported having the same symptoms after each one of the 12 doses of alirocumab he received.

Conclusions

Adverse dugs effects associated with subcutaneous injection of alirocumab may manifest in the gingiva. Therefore, oral and periodontal examination should be included in the regular follow‐up of patients medicated with this drug.
“It is usually about the triumph of the coloniser”: Exploring young people's conceptualisations of Australian history and the implications for Australian identity
Authors: Farrugia Jack P. , Dzidic Peta L. , Roberts Lynne D.
Published: September 2018

Australians of European descent reconstruct Australian history to silence the mistreatment of Indigenous Australians and to favour the coloniser perspective. Literature suggests that although this reconstructed history is typically accepted uncritically, in recent times, young people may have become more critical of this historical account. Exploring young people's conceptualisations of Australian history may provide insight into emerging perspectives of Australian history, and ultimately young people's understanding of Australian identity. A qualitative research design with a social constructionist approach was adopted. Twelve young people aged 18 to 25 who self‐identified as having an interest in Australian history were recruited and participated in a semistructured interview. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Three major themes emerged: “learning and ‘relearning’ Australian history,” “making sense of what is happening,” and “who is an Australian?” Viewed through a Freirean lens, some young Australians of European descent appear to be undergoing a conceptual shift from holding perspectives associated with the oppressor to adopting a more critical stance of Australian history. Despite this, understandings of oppression were at times paradoxical. Further research is required to understand the phenomena of this proposed shift and to facilitate and encourage this process of siding with the oppressed.
Designing Metallic MoO2 Nanostructures on Rigid Substrates for Electrochemical Water Activation
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vivek , Alex C. , Nair Aruna N. , John Neena S.
Published: September 2018

In situ growth of metallic MoO2 films on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) and MoO2 powder in solution was achieved simultaneously by a simple hydrothermal process employing citric acid as the surfactant. The growth mechanism of MoO2 nanostructures (NSs) at the heterogeneous interface and in homogeneous medium proceeds in a different manner in which seeds grow in a preferred orientation on FTO, whereas they propagate in all directions in solution. The high lattice matching of FTO and MoO2 favours the film growth which could not be obtained on other conventional substrates. The disc morphology of MoO2 nanostructures was changed to other diverse morphology by varying the synthesis conditions, particularly by the addition of nitric acid. A competitive effect of nitric acid and citric acid on the structure direction produced various shapes. The electrochemical water activation studies show that hydrogen‐annealed MoO2 is an excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst with good stability. H‐MoO2 film/FTO displays a low onset overpotential of72 mV with a Tafel slope of 84.1 mV dec−1, whereas the powder form exhibits an onset overpotential of 46 mV with a Tafel slope of 71.6 mV dec−1. The large active surface area, exposure of fringe facets of (110) and the lesser electrochemical charge‐transfer resistance offered by the hydrogen‐annealed MoO2 NSs play a major role in the enhanced HER activity.
Recent Progress on Cyclic Nitrenoid Precursors in Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Nitrene‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Shimbayashi Takuya , Sasakura Kohei , Eguchi Akira , Okamoto Kazuhiro , Ohe Kouichi
Published: September 2018

Nitrene‐transfer reactions are powerful synthetic tools for the direct incorporation of nitrogen atoms into organic molecules. The discovery of novel nitrene‐transfer reactions has been dominantly supported not only by improvements in transition‐metal catalysts but also by the employment of novel precursors of nitrenoids. Since pioneering work involving the use of organic azides and iminoiodinanes as practical synthetic tools for nitrogen‐containing compounds was reported, a new approach using various N‐heterocycles containing strain energy or a weak bond has emerged. In this review, we briefly summarize the history of nitrene‐transfer chemistry from the viewpoint of its precursors. In particular, the use of N‐heterocycles such as 2H‐azirines, 1,4,2‐dioxazol‐5‐ones, 1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐5‐ones, isoxazol‐5(4H)‐ones, and isoxazoles is comprehensively described, showing the recent remarkable progress in this chemistry.
Improving networked music performance systems using application‐network collaboration
Authors: Lakiotakis Emmanouil , Liaskos Christos , Dimitropoulos Xenofontas
Published: September 2018

Networked Music Performance (NMP) systems involve musicians located in different places who perform music while staying synchronized via the Internet. The maximum end‐to‐end delay in NMP applications is called Ensemble Performance Threshold (EPT) and should be less than 25 milliseconds. Due to this constraint, NMPs require ultra–low‐delay solutions for audio coding, network transmission, relaying, and decoding, each one a challenging task on its own. There are two directions for study in the related work referring to the NMP systems. From the audio perspective, researchers experiment on low‐delay encoders and transmission patterns, aiming to reduce the processing delay of the audio transmission, but they ignore the network performance. On the other hand, network‐oriented researchers try to reduce the network delay, which contributes to reduced end‐to‐end delay. In our proposed approach, we introduce an integration of dynamic audio and network configuration to satisfy the EPT constraint. The basic idea is that, the major components participating in an NMP system, the application and the network interact during the live music performance. As the network delay increases, the network tries to equalize it by modifying the routing behavior using Software‐Defined Networking principles. If the network delay exceeds a maximum affordable threshold, the network reacts by informing the application to change the audio processing pattern to overcome the delay increase, resulting in below EPT end‐to‐end delay. A full prototype of the proposed system was implemented and extensively evaluated in an emulated environment.
Social–ecological landscape patterns predict woody encroachment from native tree plantings in a temperate grassland
Authors: Donovan Victoria M. , Burnett Jessica L. , Bielski Christine H. , Birgé Hannah E. , Bevans Rebecca , Twidwell Dirac , Allen Craig R.
Published: September 2018

Afforestation is often viewed as the purposeful planting of trees in historically nonforested grasslands, but an unintended consequence is woody encroachment, which should be considered part of the afforestation process. In North America's temperate grassland biome, Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) is a native species used in tree plantings that aggressively invades in the absence of controlling processes. Cedar is a well‐studied woody encroacher, but little is known about the degree to which cedar windbreaks, which are advocated for in agroforestry programs, are contributing to woody encroachment, what factors are associated with cedar spread from windbreaks, nor where encroachment from windbreaks is occurring in contemporary social–ecological landscapes. We used remotely sensed imagery to identify the presence and pattern of woody encroachment from windbreaks in the Nebraska Sandhills. We used multimodel inference to compare three classes of models representing three hypotheses about factors that could influence cedar spread: (a) windbreak models based on windbreak structure and design elements; (b) abiotic models focused on local environmental conditions; and (c) landscape models characterizing coupled human‐natural features within the broader matrix. Woody encroachment was evident for 23% of sampled windbreaks in the Nebraska Sandhills. Of our candidate models, our inclusive landscape model carried 92% of the model weight. This model indicated that encroachment from windbreaks was more likely near roadways and less likely near farmsteads, other cedar plantings, and waterbodies, highlighting strong social ties to the distribution of woody encroachment from tree plantings across contemporary landscapes. Our model findings indicate where additional investments into cedar control can be prioritized to prevent cedar spread from windbreaks. This approach can serve as a model in other temperate regions to identify where woody encroachment resulting from temperate agroforestry programs is emerging.
Genetically determined fungal pathogen tolerance and soil variation influence ectomycorrhizal traits of loblolly pine
Authors: Piculell Bridget J. , Eckhardt Lori G. , Hoeksema Jason D.
Published: September 2018

Selection on genetically correlated traits within species can create indirect effects on one trait by selection on another. The consequences of these trait correlations are of interest because they may influence how suites of traits within species evolve under differing selection pressures, both natural and artificial. By utilizing genetic families of loblolly pine either tolerant (t) or susceptible (s) to two different suites of pathogenic fungi responsible for causing either pine decline or fusiform rust disease, we investigated trait variation and trait correlations within loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) by determining how ectomycorrhizal (EM) colonization relates to pathogen susceptibility. We detected interactions between susceptibility to pathogenic fungi and soil inoculation source on loblolly pine compatibility with theEMfungiThelephora, and on relative growth rate of loblolly pine. Additionally, we detected spatial variation in the loblolly pine–EMfungi interaction, and found that variation in colonization rates by some members of theEMcommunity is not dictated by genetic variation in the host plant but rather soil inoculation source alone. The work presented here illustrates the potential for indirect selection on compatibility with symbioticEMfungi as a result of selection for resistance to fungal pathogens. Additionally, we present evidence that the host plant does not have a single “mycorrhizal trait” governing interactions with allEMfungi, but rather that it can interact with different fungal taxa independently.Synthesis. An understanding of the genetic architecture of essential traits in focal species is crucial if we are to anticipate and manage the results of natural and artificial selection. As demonstrated here, an essential but often overlooked symbiosis (that between plants and mycorrhizal fungi) may be indirectly influenced by directed selection on the host plant.
Accurately quantifying the shape of birds’ eggs
Authors: Biggins John D. , Thompson Jamie E. , Birkhead Tim R.
Published: September 2018

Describing the range of avian egg shapes quantitatively has long been recognized as difficult. A variety of approaches has been adopted, some of which aim to capture the shape accurately and some to provide intelligible indices of shape. The objectives here are to show that a (four‐parameter) method proposed by Preston (1953, The Auk, 70, 160) is the best option for quantifying egg shape, to provide and document an R program for applying this method to suitable photographs of eggs, to illustrate that intelligible shape indices can be derived from the summary this method provides, to review shape indices that have been proposed, and to report on the errors introduced using photographs of eggs at rest rather than horizontal.
Methylation divergence of invasive Ciona ascidians: Significant population structure and local environmental influence
Authors: Ni Ping , Li Shiguo , Lin Yaping , Xiong Wei , Huang Xuena , Zhan Aibin
Published: September 2018

The geographical expansion of invasive species usually leads to temporary and/or permanent changes at multiple levels (genetics, epigenetics, gene expression, etc.) to acclimatize to abiotic and/or biotic stresses in novel environments. Epigenetic variation such as DNA methylation is often involved in response to diverse local environments, thus representing one crucial mechanism to promote invasion success. However, evidence is scant on the potential role of DNA methylation variation in rapid environmental response and invasion success during biological invasions. In particular, DNA methylation patterns and possible contributions of varied environmental factors to methylation differentiation have been largely unknown in many invaders, especially for invasive species in marine systems where extremely complex interactions exist between species and surrounding environments. Using the methylation‐sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) technique, here we investigated population methylation structure at the genome level in two highly invasive model ascidians, Ciona robusta and C. intestinalis, collected from habitats with varied environmental factors such as temperature and salinity. We found high intrapopulation methylation diversity and significant population methylation differentiation in both species. Multiple analyses, such as variation partitioning analysis, showed that both genetic variation and environmental factors contributed to the observed DNA methylation variation. Further analyses found that 24 and 20 subepiloci were associated with temperature and/or salinity in C. robusta and C. intestinalis, respectively. All these results clearly showed significant methylation divergence among populations of both invasive ascidians, and varied local environmental factors, as well as genetic variation, were responsible for the observed DNA methylation patterns. The consistent findings in both species here suggest that DNA methylation, coupled with genetic variation, may facilitate local environmental adaptation during biological invasions, and DNA methylation variation molded by local environments may contribute to invasion success.
Exploring source water mixing and transient residence time distributions of outflow and evapotranspiration with an integrated hydrologic model and Lagrangian particle tracking approach
Authors: Maxwell Reed M. , Condon Laura E. , Danesh‐Yazdi Mohammad , Bearup Lindsay A.
Published: September 2018

Understanding the time water takes as it moves from rain or snowmelt through the terrestrial system to arrive as stream discharge, or evapotranspiration (ET) is an important hydrologic quantity. We develop a Lagrangian particle tracking method to capture transient residence times from source to either ET or outflow in an integrated hydrologic model. This method is parallel and efficiently captures time evolution of parcels of water in the model and tracks the source of water for hydrograph or ET separation. We demonstrate this model using hypothetical hillslope simulations driven by snow or rain dominated forcing and two different land cover types. We show that land cover and forcing both impact the outflow residence time distribution, which spans many years. We also introduce the idea of ET residence time distributions and show that while mean ET residence times are typically less than 1 year, land cover affects this quantity and simulated ET processes draw from much older water (many years old) depending on location on the hillslope or seasonal cycle. Finally, we study source water contribution to outflow and ET and explore assumptions about a residence time‐based definition of older, pre‐event, or groundwater end member. We show that simulated plant processes may switch to more opportunistic and younger sources of water, changing the composition of outflow.
When goals loom darker: Goal ambivalence moderates the effect of goal proximity on goal‐related motivation
Authors: Brandstätter Veronika , Koletzko Svenja H. , Bettschart Martin
Published: September 2018

This research extends previous work on the self‐regulation of goal striving as well as effects of temporal and psychological distance on motivation. Borrowing from classic work on goal gradients and approach‐avoidance conflicts, we predicted that the experience of ambivalence toward a personal goal moderates the extent to which feeling or being close to goal attainment affects motivation, such that greater proximity to the goal has a negative effect on motivation at higher levels of experienced goal ambivalence. We find evidence for the hypothesized effect across three studies examining different goals (pursuing a degree, running a half‐marathon) with varying operationalizations of goal proximity (self‐reported, manipulated, temporal) and motivation (goal commitment, intention strength). These results validate that classic concepts of motivation science such as goal gradients and approach‐avoidance conflict are both relevant and applicable to the everyday pursuit of self‐set personal goals.
Impact of truncation error and numerical scheme on the simulation of the early time growth of viscous fingering
Authors: Abdul Hamid S.A. , Adam A. , Jackson M.D. , Muggeridge A.H.
Published: September 2018

The truncation error associated with different numerical schemes (first order finite volume, second order finite difference, control volume finite element) and meshes (fixed Cartesian, fixed structured triangular, fixed unstructured triangular and dynamically adapting unstructured triangular) is quantified in terms of apparent longitudinal and transverse diffusivity in tracer displacements and in terms of the early time growth rate of immiscible viscous fingers. The change in apparent numerical longitudinal diffusivity with element size agrees well with the predictions of Taylor series analysis of truncation error but the apparent, numerical transverse diffusivity is much lower than the longitudinal diffusivity in all cases. Truncation error reduces the growth rate of immiscible viscous fingers for wavenumbers greater than 1 in all cases but does not affect the growth rate of higher wavenumber fingers as much as would be seen if capillary pressure were present. The dynamically adapting mesh in the control volume finite element model gave similar levels of truncation error to much more computationally intensive fine resolution fixed meshes, confirming that these approaches have the potential to significantly reduce the computational effort required to model viscous fingering.
Regularized aggregation of statistical parametric maps
Authors: Wang Li‐Yu , Chung Jongik , Park Cheolwoo , Choi Hosik , Rodrigue Amanda L. , Pierce Jordan E. , Clementz Brett A. , McDowell Jennifer E.
Published: September 2018

Combining statistical parametric maps (SPM) from individual subjects is the goal in some types of group‐level analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Brain maps are usually combined using a simple average across subjects, making them susceptible to subjects with outlying values. Furthermore, t tests are prone to false positives and false negatives when outlying values are observed. We propose a regularized unsupervised aggregation method for SPMs to find an optimal weight for aggregation, which aids in detecting and mitigating the effect of outlying subjects. We also present a bootstrap‐based weighted t test using the optimal weights to construct an activation map robust to outlying subjects. We validate the performance of the proposed aggregation method and test using simulated and real data examples. Results show that the regularized aggregation approach can effectively detect outlying subjects, lower their weights, and produce robust SPMs.
White matter tract microstructure of the mPFC‐amygdala predicts interindividual differences in placebo response related to treatment in migraine patients
Authors: Liu Jixin , Mu Junya , Chen Tao , Zhang Ming , Tian Jie
Published: September 2018

To investigate whether interindividual variability of white matter (WM) tract microstructure of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)‐amygdala circuit could predict 8‐week placebo treatment outcomes in patients with migraine without aura (MO) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with a tractography atlas‐based analysis algorithm and a linear support vector machine algorithm. This study received institutional review board approval, and all subjects gave informed consent. One hundred and twenty‐four MO had an 8‐week sham acupuncture treatment. Patients were subdivided into recovering (MOr, >50% improvement in migraine attack frequency after treatment) and persisting (MOp, <50% reduction in number of migraine days). Neuroimaging was collected via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in all subjects. Patients were imaged during the interictal phase of migraine (at least 72 hr after, and not within 24 hr of a migraine) before the treatment. WM microstructures were quantified along the selected fiber pathway and were used to evaluate the discrimination performance for classifying MOr and MOp. The combined features of diffusion measures from vertices along the pathways of the mPFC‐amygdala accurately discriminated MOr from MOp migraineurs with an accuracy of 84.0% (p < .005, permutation test). The most discriminative WM features that contributed to the classification were located in the external capsule and ACC/mPFC. Our findings suggested that the variability of placebo treatment outcomes in migraineurs could be predicted from priori diffusion measures along the fiber pathways of the mPFC‐amygdala, which may demonstrate a potential of WM neuroimaging features as imaging markers for identifying placebo responders in migraine patients.
Flesh and bone: An integrative approach towards sexual size dimorphism of a terrestrial salamander (genus Salamandrina)
Authors: Pogoda Peter , Kupfer Alexander
Published: September 2018

Males and females face different selection pressures due to a sexually biased investment into reproduction. This often results in different morphologies. Sexual size dimorphisms (SSD) can give us important hints on the evolution and biology of a species. Salamanders are a perfectly suited system for investigating SSD, including a diversity of reproductive modes and behaviors, and patterns of SSD combined with life history traits in a phylogenetic context help us to understand the evolution of these processes. Because spectacled salamanders (genus Salamandrina) are the phylogenetically most basal taxon of the Salamandridae, they play a key role in reconstructing the evolutionary pattern of SSD. Combining extensive external and skeletal measurements of the cranium, limbs, and the pelvic girdle using high‐resolution micro Computer Tomography (μCT) yielded an integrative analysis of expressed SSD of morphology and osteology of Salamandrina perspicillata. Multivariate analysis of external characters showed that males generally had larger cloacae, heads, and limbs relative to body size, while females had larger trunks. Analysis of osteology confirmed this pattern but also revealed new dimorphic characters in the cranium and the pelvic girdle. Dimorphic characters in external morphology and osteology are likely linked to the different reproductive roles of the sexes and support sexual rather than ecological selection as the primary force acting on the phenotype of the phylogenetically basal salamandrids.
Design and real‐time implementation of an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller for a coupled tank system
Authors: Mahapatro Soumya Ranjan , Subudhi Bidyadhar , Ghosh Subhojit
Published: September 2018

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller (AFSMC) is proposed for regulation of liquid level in a coupled tank system (CTS). In this controller design, a fuzzy variable is considered in the sliding surface in order to reduce the chattering effect. The proposed controller exhibits high robustness against external disturbances and also measurement error. To verify the efficacy of the proposed controller, we compared its performances with that of a linear matrix inequality (LMI)–based proportional integral (PI) controller. The efficacy of the proposed controller is verified by implementing this controller in real time on the coupled tank liquid level system. From both the obtained simulation and experimental results, it is observed that the proposed controller exhibits superior control performance to maintain the desired level as compared with the LMI‐based PI controller.
Long‐term probability of drought characteristics based on Monte Carlo simulation approach
Authors: Montaseri Majid , Amirataee Babak , Yasi Mehdi
Published: September 2018

In this study, an advanced stochastic procedure was applied to establish long‐term probability of different drought characteristics in 10 different parts of the world with various climatic conditions. Such purpose cannot be accomplished with a single historical data record, because the historical data record, no matter its length, represents only a realization of all such possible sequences of similar length. For this reason, a stochastic procedure was extensively used to generate alternative sequences of rainfall data in the selected 10 rainfall stations. Then, the generated synthetic rainfall sequences were served as a basis for drought monitoring using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which produce a set of realizations of possible drought characteristics. The long‐term probability distribution of non‐exceedance of drought duration, intensity, inter‐arrival time, density function of wet and dry periods, empirical joint probability of drought duration and severity, and transition probabilities of drought events were considered and developed as very useful guide on drought management and investigation. The results indicated the essential advantages of proposed methodology (Monte Carlo procedure) in long‐term drought characteristics investigations.
A comparison study of the transoral and bilateral axillo‐breast approaches in robotic thyroidectomy
Authors: Kim Wan Wook , Lee Jeeyeon , Jung Jin Hyang , Park Ho Yong , Tufano Ralph P. , Kim Hoon Yub
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) is a new remote access approach to avoid cervical incision. The purpose of this study is to compare two approaches used to avoid cervical incision: transoral approach and bilateral axillo‐breast approach (BABA) in robotic thyroidectomy.

Methods

A total of 90 patients were enrolled prospectively between September 2016 and April 2017. The BABA group had 43 and the TORT group had 47 patients, respectively. Parameters including clinicopathologic data, operative time, complications, laboratory data, hospital stay, postoperative pain, and cosmetic satisfaction were analyzed.

Results

Complications were not different among the two groups. The operative time of TORT was longer than BABA until 15 cases of TORT were completed, but there was no difference after that. The Visual Analogue Scale score in TORT was lower than BABA in all the periods. TORT showed a higher cosmetic satisfaction after surgery. There was no infection or permanent mental nerve hypoesthesia in TORT.

Conclusion

Our study showed that TORT had less postoperative pain and a greater cosmetic satisfaction than the BABA. There were no significant differences in the postoperative surgical results between the two groups. TORT was comparable to the BABA in outcome with higher cosmetic satisfaction and less pain.
Analytical feasibility of a solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation method for aroma analyses in bread crumb
Authors: Pico Joana , Oduber Fernanda , Gómez Manuel , Bernal José
Published: September 2018

The analysis of bread aroma is essential in order to evaluate its quality as well as to improve it. The use of different methodologies for the analysis of volatile compounds lead to varying results. In the present study, the matrix effect, extraction efficiency, limits of detection and quantification as well as the precision of a proposed solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation methodology were evaluated for the first time and compared with a reference method, both differing in the distillation step. The repeatability (<8%) and matrix effect (present in 15 of the 31 compounds) were improved with the proposed method but the extraction efficiencies (average of 52%) and the intermediate precision (>15%) were not as required. However, the applicability of the reference method was limited to breads with fat levels <2%. For breads higher in fat, the proposed method represents an alternative for aroma analysis.
Determination of three phenylethanoid glycosides in Osmanthus fragrans fruits by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Hu Fangli , Liao Xiaoyan , Chen Zilin
Published: September 2018

A simple and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method has been developed for the determination of active components in Osmanthus fragrans fruits. In this work, reversed‐phase liquid chromatography with a C18 column and mobile phase of methanol/water were applied to effectively separate three phenylethanoid glycosides, including salidroside, neonuezhenide, and nuezhenide. The limits of detection of salidroside, neonuezhenide, and nuezhenide were 3.9, 25.4, and 24.2 ng/mL respectively. Then this method was applied to determine the contents in several batches of O. fragrans fruits extract, which were collected from Wuhan, Hefei, and Changsha. Meanwhile, the method was used for the detection of rat plasma administrated with O. fragrans fruits extract, which could be an alternative method applied to the field of pharmacokinetics study in future. The results implied that the developed method was economical, simple, convenient, and sensitive, which was appropriate for the determination of salidroside, neonuezhenide, and nuezhenide in O. fragrans fruits.
Reconstruction of Baskakov operators preserving some exponential functions
Authors: Ozsarac Firat , Acar Tuncer
Published: September 2018

The present paper deals with a new modification of Baskakov operators in which the functions exp(μt) and exp(2μt), μ>0 are preserved. Approximation properties of the operators are captured, ie, uniform convergence and rate of convergence of the operators in terms of modulus of continuity, approximation behaviors of the operators exponential weighted spaces, and pointwise convergence of the operators by means of the Voronovskaya theorem. Advantages of the operators for some special functions are presented.
Identification of a Novel Function of Resveratrol and Genistein as a Regulator of β2‐Adrenergic Receptor Expression in Skeletal Muscle Cells and Characterization of Promoter Elements Required for Promoter Activation
Authors: Chikazawa Miho , Sato Ryuichiro
Published: September 2018

Scope

Modulating β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) expression and activation is important for maintaining skeletal muscle function. In this study, two food factors, resveratrol (RSV) and genistein (GEN), that are able to regulate β2‐AR promoter activity and may improve skeletal muscle function are identified.

Methods and results

Using luciferase reporter assay, 357 functional food factors as candidates for β2‐AR promoter activity have been screened and subsequently RSV and GEN increase β2‐AR promoter activity and β2‐AR mRNA expression. Using promoter sequence analysis, it is shown that the CCAAT box and the GC box on the β2‐AR promoter are required for the regulation of β2‐AR expression by RSV or GEN. It is also ascertained that transcription factor NF‐YA binds to the CCAAT box on the β2‐AR promoter and that the amount of NF‐YA bound to the CCAAT box is unchanged by RSV or GEN treatment. Finally, it is confirmed that a GEN‐containing diet increases β2‐AR expression in mouse skeletal muscle and increased skeletal muscle mass.

Conclusions

The findings show that food‐derived molecules have the potential to influence skeletal muscle mass and function by regulating G protein‐coupled receptor expression.
CEST‐MRI for glioma pH quantification in mouse model: Validation by immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ferrauto Giuseppe , Di Gregorio Enza , Auboiroux Vincent , Petit Manuel , Berger François , Aime Silvio , Lahrech Hana
Published: September 2018

In glioma, the acidification of the extracellular tumor microenvironment drives proliferation, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, invasion and chemoresistance. Therefore, quantification of glioma extracellular pH (pHe) is of crucial importance. This study is focused on the application of the YbHPDO3A (ytterbium 1,4,7‐triscarboxymethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane) probe for in vivo glioma pHe quantification using chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST)‐MRI and its correlation with tumor metabolism assessed by immunohistochemistry.

The U87 glioma mouse model was used (n = 18) and MRI performed at 4.7 T. CEST‐MRI of YbHPDO3A solutions at different pH values showed two resolved CEST spectra at 71 ppm and 99 ppm, both sensitive to pH variations, allowing therefore calculation of the ratiometric curve for in vivo pH quantification. In vivo MRI sequences consisted of T2w for tumor localization, T2w* to assess YbHPDO3A biodistribution by exploiting its magnetic susceptibility effect and CEST for glioma pHe mapping. T2w* images show that YbHPDO3A extravasates in tumor in regions with damaged blood–brain barrier. The pHe is calculated only in these regions.

Hematoxylin/eosin histology and Ki‐67, CA‐IX (carbonic anhydrase 9) and NHE‐1 immunohistochemical staining were performed; their expression rates were compared with the in vivo pHe values.

On the basis of the cell proliferation marker Ki‐67, two groups were defined: one group with a lower mitotic index (MI% < 20% = mean value) and a mean pHe value of 7.00 (low‐proliferation/high‐pH group) and the other with MI% > 20% and an acidic pHe of 6.6 (high‐proliferation/low‐pH group). CA‐IX and NHE‐1 were over‐expressed in the high‐proliferation/low‐pH group (CA‐IX, 92 ± 7% versus 30 ± 13%; NHE‐1, 84 ± 8% versus 35 ± 11%), indicating an acidic/hypoxic microenvironment. These immunohistochemical results are consistent with our pHe mapping (Pearson correlation coefficient > 0.70) and provide evidence for the feasibility of the CEST‐MRI method with the YbHPDO3A probe for glioma pHe quantification at 4.7 T. Importantly, the YbHPDO3A probe has similar chemical and biological properties to the clinically approved MRI contrast agent GdHPDO3A. This makes the method promising for a clinical translation.
Comparison of Artemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium by simultaneous determination of multi‐components with single reference standard method and chemometric analysis
Authors: Guo Long , Zhang Dan , Xue Zi‐jing , Jiao Qian , Liu Ai‐peng , Zheng Yu‐guang , Liu E‐Hu , Duan Li
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Artemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium, two morphologically similar herbal medicines derived from Artemisia genus. Although the two Artemisia herbs have been used as medicines for a long time in China, the study of their phytochemical and bioactive composition is limited.

Objective

To comprehensively compare and evaluate the composition of Artemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium, and find the chemical makers for quality evaluation of the two Artemisia herbal medicines.

Methodology

Eight compounds including six phenolic acids and two flavonoids were assayed by a single reference standard for simultaneous determination of multi‐components method using 3‐caffeoylquinic acid as the reference standard. The quantitative data were further analysed by chemometric approaches to compare and distinguish the two herbal medicines.

Results

The credibility and feasibility of the single reference standard for simultaneous determination of the multi‐components method were carefully validated. The validated method was applied to analyse 16 batches of Artemisiae argyi Folium and 10 batches of Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium samples. The quantitative results showed that 3,5‐di‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid was the most abundant constituent, and the contents of flavonoids were notably different between the two herbal medicines. The chemometric analysis results indicated the two flavonoids, jaceosidin and eupatilin could be used as chemical markers for quality evaluation of the two herbal medicines.

Conclusion

The single reference standard for simultaneous determination of the multi‐components method coupled with chemometrics analysis could be a well‐acceptable strategy to compare and evaluate the quality of Artemisiae argyi Folium and Artemisiae lavandulaefoliae Folium.
1H‐NMR metabolomics for evaluating the protective effect of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f) Lindau water extract against nitric oxide production in LPS‐IFN‐γ activated RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Khoo Leng Wei , Kow Audrey Siew Foong , Maulidiani Maulidiani , Ang May Yen , Chew Won Yin , Lee Ming Tatt , Tan Chin Ping , Shaari Khozirah , Tham Chau Ling , Abas Faridah
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Clinacanthus nutans, a small shrub that is native to Southeast Asia, is commonly used in traditional herbal medicine and as a food source. Its anti‐inflammation properties is influenced by the metabolites composition, which can be determined by different binary extraction solvent ratio and extraction methods used during plant post‐harvesting stage.

Objective

Evaluate the relationship between the chemical composition of C. nutans and its anti‐inflammatory properties using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics approach.

Methodology

The anti‐inflammatory effect of C. nutans air‐dried leaves extracted using five different binary extraction solvent ratio and two extraction methods was determined based on their nitric oxide (NO) inhibition effect in lipopolysaccharide‐interferon‐gamma (LPS‐IFN‐γ) activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The relationship between extract bioactivity and metabolite profiles and quantifications were established using 1H‐NMR metabolomics and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The possible metabolite biosynthesis pathway was constructed to further strengthen the findings.

Results

Water and sonication prepared air‐dried leaves possessed the highest NO inhibition activity (IC50 = 190.43 ± 12.26 μg/mL, P < 0.05). A total of 56 metabolites were tentatively identified using 1H‐NMR metabolomics. A partial least square (PLS) biplot suggested that sulphur containing glucoside, sulphur containing compounds, phytosterols, triterpenoids, flavones and some organic and amino acids were among the potential NO inhibitors. LC–MS/MS targeted quantification further supported sonicated water extract was among the extract that possessed the most abundant C‐glycosyl flavones.

Conclusion

The present study may serve as a preliminary reference for the selection of optimum extract in further C. nutans in vivo anti‐inflammatory study.
Prenatal and preimplantation genetic diagnosis for single gene disorders: A population‐based study from 1977 to 2016
Authors: Poulton Alice , Lewis Sharon , Hui Lisa , Halliday Jane L.
Published: September 2018

Objective

To examine the statewide utilisation of prenatal diagnosis (PNDx) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT‐M) for single gene disorders.

Methods

Population‐based study of all women utilising PNDx in the Australian state of Victoria from 1977 to 2016. Single gene disorders were categorised using a systematic approach that aimed to reflect aspects of the PNDx decision‐making process. Data on PGT‐M for single gene disorders from 2005 to 2016 were similarly examined for comparison. Statistical significance testing was performed with χ2 test.

Results

Following an initial uptake period, annual PNDx rates for single gene disorders stabilised between 1.3 and 2.2 per 1000 births after the year 2000. The majority of PNDx (72%) was performed for disorders that primarily impair physical ability, while PNDx for adult onset conditions was rare (3%). PGT‐M for single gene disorders has seen rapid growth since its introduction, and annual numbers now equal that of PNDx. In contrast to PNDx, one quarter of PGT‐M tests were performed for adult onset conditions.

Conclusions

Our population‐wide analysis has demonstrated a steady demand for PNDx for single gene disorders over the past decade, in contrast to the rapidly increasing utilisation of PGT‐M. PGT‐M appears to be the preferred testing modality for adult onset disorders.
Seawater‐mixed Ordinary Portland Cement – a neat solution
Authors: Bartminn Daniel , Billington Colin , Powell Dan , Haeberle Alexander
Published: September 2018

Mit Seewasser angemachter Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) – eine elegante Lösung. Materialeigenschaften für die Bemessung von Offshore‐Groutverbindungen mit OPC: Die Historische Entwicklung der Bemessungsgrundlagen für konzentrische Groutverbindungen wird dargestellt. An Hand einer statistischen Auswertung von umfangreichen Material Tests an mit Seewasser angemachten OPC Zementleim wird der Zusammenhang zu semi‐probabilistischen Bemessungsvorschriften hergestellt und Empfehlungen zur Anwendung von Konformitätskriterien gegeben. Die Auswirkungen hoher Hydrationstemperaturen werden dargestellt, während die Testreihen keine negativen Auswirkungen auf die Festigkeitsentwicklung für die betrachteten Zeiträume feststellen konnten.
Developing Graphene‐Based Nanohybrids for Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Song He , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Liu Yunfang , Su Zhiqiang
Published: September 2018

Graphene‐based nanohybrid is considered to be the most promising nanomaterial for electrochemical sensing applications due to the defects created on the graphene oxide layers. These defects provide graphene oxide unique properties, such as excellent conductivity, large specific surface area, and electrocatalytic activity. These unique properties encourage scientists to develop novel graphene‐based nanohybrids and improve the sensing efficiency. This review, therefore, addresses this topic by comprehensively discussing the strategies to fabricate novel graphene based nanohybrids with high sensitivity. The combinations of graphene with various nanomaterials, such as metal nanoclusters, metal compound nanoparticles, carbon materials, polymers and peptides, in the direction of electrochemical sensing, were systematically analyzed. Meanwhile, the challenges in the functional design and application of graphene‐based nanohybrids were described and the reasonable solutions were proposed.