bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New methodology to reconstruct in 2‐D the cuspal enamel of modern human lower molars
Authors: Modesto‐Mata Mario , García‐Campos Cecilia , Martín‐Francés Laura , Martínez de Pinillos Marina , García‐González Rebeca , Quintino Yuliet , Canals Antoni , Lozano Marina , Dean M. Christopher , Martinón‐Torres María , Bermúdez de Castro José María
Published: May 2017

Objectives

In the last years different methodologies have been developed to reconstruct worn teeth. In this article, we propose a new 2‐D methodology to reconstruct the worn enamel of lower molars. Our main goals are to reconstruct molars with a high level of accuracy when measuring relevant histological variables and to validate the methodology calculating the errors associated with the measurements.

Methods

This methodology is based on polynomial regression equations, and has been validated using two different dental variables: cuspal enamel thickness and crown height of the protoconid. In order to perform the validation process, simulated worn modern human molars were employed. The associated errors of the measurements were also estimated applying methodologies previously proposed by other authors.

Results

The mean percentage error estimated in reconstructed molars for these two variables in comparison with their own real values is −2.17% for the cuspal enamel thickness of the protoconid and −3.18% for the crown height of the protoconid. This error significantly improves the results of other methodologies, both in the interobserver error and in the accuracy of the measurements.

Conclusions

The new methodology based on polynomial regressions can be confidently applied to the reconstruction of cuspal enamel of lower molars, as it improves the accuracy of the measurements and reduces the interobserver error. The present study shows that it is important to validate all methodologies in order to know the associated errors. This new methodology can be easily exportable to other modern human populations, the human fossil record and forensic sciences.
Use of Supramolecular Assemblies as Lithographic Resists
Authors: Lewis Scott M. , Fernandez Antonio , DeRose Guy A. , Hunt Matthew S. , Whitehead George F. S. , Lagzda Agnese , Alty Hayden R. , Ferrando‐Soria Jesus , Varey Sarah , Kostopoulos Andreas K. , Schedin Fredrik , Muryn Christopher A. , Timco Grigore A. , Scherer Axel , Yeates Stephen G. , Winpenny Richard E. P.
Published: May 2017

A new resist material for electron beam lithography has been created that is based on a supramolecular assembly. Initial studies revealed that with this supramolecular approach, high‐resolution structures can be written that show unprecedented selectivity when exposed to etching conditions involving plasmas.
Directed C−H Activation and Tandem Cross‐Coupling Reactions Using Palladium Nanocatalysts with Controlled Oxidation
Authors: Kim Kiseong , Jung Younjae , Lee Suyeon , Kim Mijong , Shin Dongwoo , Byun Hyeeun , Cho Sung June , Song Hyunjoon , Kim Hyunwoo
Published: May 2017

Controlled oxidation of palladium nanoparticles provided high‐valent PdIV oxo‐clusters which efficiently promote directed C−H halogenation reactions. In addition, palladium nanoparticles can undergo changes in oxidation states to provide both high‐valent PdIV and low‐valent Pd0 species within one system, and thus a tandem reaction of C−H halogenation and cross‐coupling (C−N, C−C, and C−S bond formation) was successfully established.
Inducing Complexity in Intermetallics through Electron–Hole Matching: The Structure of Fe14Pd17Al69
Authors: Peterson Gordon G. C. , Yannello Vincent J. , Fredrickson Daniel C.
Published: May 2017

We illustrate how the crystal structure of Fe14Pd17Al69 provides an example of an electron–hole matching approach to inducing frustration in intermetallic systems. Its structure contains a framework based on IrAl2.75, a binary compound that closely adheres to the 18−n rule. Upon substituting the Ir with a mixture of Fe and Pd, a competition arises between maintaining the overall ideal electron concentration and accommodating the different structural preferences of the two elements. A 2×2×2 supercell results, with Pd‐ and Fe‐rich regions emerging. Just as in the original IrAl2.75 phase, the electronic structure of Fe14Pd17Al69 exhibits a pseudogap at the Fermi energy arising from an 18−n bonding scheme. The electron–hole matching approach's ability to combine structural complexity with electronic pseudogaps offers an avenue to new phonon glass–electron crystal materials.
Highly Ordered Self‐Assembly of Native Proteins into 1D, 2D, and 3D Structures Modulated by the Tether Length of Assembly‐Inducing Ligands
Authors: Yang Guang , Ding Hong‐ming , Kochovski Zdravko , Hu Rongting , Lu Yan , Ma Yu‐qiang , Chen Guosong , Jiang Ming
Published: May 2017

In nature, proteins self‐assemble into various structures with different dimensions. To construct these nanostructures in laboratories, normally proteins with different symmetries are selected. However, most of these approaches are engineering‐intensive and highly dependent on the accuracy of the protein design. Herein, we report that a simple native protein LecA assembles into one‐dimensional nanoribbons and nanowires, two‐dimensional nanosheets, and three‐dimensional layered structures controlled mainly by small‐molecule assembly‐inducing ligands RnG (n=1, 2, 3, 4, 5) with varying numbers of ethylene oxide repeating units. To understand the formation mechanism of the different morphologies controlled by the small‐molecule structure, molecular simulations were performed from microscopic and mesoscopic view, which presented a clear relationship between the molecular structure of the ligands and the assembled patterns. These results introduce an easy strategy to control the assembly structure and dimension, which could shed light on controlled protein assembly.
Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed Tertiary Phosphine Directed C−H Arylation: Rapid Construction of Ligand Libraries
Authors: Qiu Xiaodong , Wang Minyan , Zhao Yue , Shi Zhuangzhi
Published: May 2017

Modification of commercially available monophosphine ligands with either aryl bromides or chlorides by rhodium(I)‐catalyzed, tertiary phosphine directed C−H activation is described. A series of ligand libraries containing mono‐ and diaryl‐substituted groups, having different steric and electronic properties, were obtained in high yields. Based on the outstanding properties of their parent scaffolds, the modified ligands have been found to be powerful in organic reactions.
Facile Phenylphosphinidene Transfer Reactions from Carbene–Phosphinidene Zinc Complexes
Authors: Krachko Tetiana , Bispinghoff Mark , Tondreau Aaron M. , Stein Daniel , Baker Matthew , Ehlers Andreas W. , Slootweg J. Chris , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: May 2017

Phosphinidenes [R‐P] are convenient P1 building blocks for the synthesis of a plethora of organophosphorus compounds. Thus far, transition‐metal‐complexed phosphinidenes have been used for their singlet ground‐state reactivity to promote selective addition and insertion reactions. One disadvantage of this approach is that after transfer of the P1 moiety to the substrate, a challenging demetallation step is required to provide the free phosphine. We report a simple method that enables the Lewis acid promoted transfer of phenylphosphinidene, [PhP], from NHC=PPh adducts (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) to various substrates to produce directly uncoordinated phosphorus heterocycles that are difficult to obtain otherwise.
A Simple Post‐Polymerization Modification Method for Controlling Side‐Chain Information in Digital Polymers
Authors: König Niklas Felix , Al Ouahabi Abdelaziz , Poyer Salomé , Charles Laurence , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: May 2017

A three‐step post‐polymerization modification method was developed for the design of digitally encoded poly(phosphodiester)s with controllable side groups. Sequence‐defined precursors were synthesized, either manually on polystyrene resins or automatically on controlled pore glass supports, using two phosphoramidite monomers containing either terminal alkynes or triisopropylsilyl (TIPS) protected alkyne side groups. Afterwards, these polymers were modified by stepwise copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The terminal alkynes were first reacted with a model azide compound, and after removal of the TIPS groups, the remaining alkynes were reacted with another organic azide. This simple method allows for quantitative side‐chain modification, thus opening up interesting avenues for the preparation of a wide variety of digital polymers.
Visualizing Biological Copper Storage: The Importance of Thiolate‐Coordinated Tetranuclear Clusters
Authors: Baslé Arnaud , Platsaki Semeli , Dennison Christopher
Published: May 2017

Bacteria possess cytosolic proteins (Csp3s) capable of binding large quantities of copper and preventing toxicity. Crystal structures of a Csp3 plus increasing amounts of CuI provide atomic‐level information about how a storage protein loads with metal ions. Many more sites are occupied than CuI equiv added, with binding by twelve central sites dominating. These can form [Cu4(S‐Cys)4] intermediates leading to [Cu4(S‐Cys)5]−, [Cu4(S‐Cys)6]2−, and [Cu4(S‐Cys)5(O‐Asn)]− clusters. Construction of the five CuI sites at the opening of the bundle lags behind the main core, and the two least accessible sites at the opposite end of the bundle are occupied last. Facile CuI cluster formation, reminiscent of that for inorganic complexes with organothiolate ligands, is largely avoided in biology but is used by proteins that store copper in the cytosol of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, where this reactivity is also key to toxicity.
Calotropis procera mediated one pot green synthesis of Cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐NPs) for adsorptive removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Dubey Shikha , Sharma Yogesh Chandra
Published: May 2017

The present study deals with the synthesis of CuO‐NPs via green route and investigated its application for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The experimental parameters were optimized through Box–Behnken Design (BBD) of response surface methodology for the optimum response. The adsorption equilibrium data was well fitted to Freundlich isotherm model and the kinetics was explained through pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The overall process was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic. Linear approach for analysing the isotherm as well as kinetic parameters was found more appropriate than the non‐linear approach. The adsorbent was successfully regenerated and reused up to five consecutive cycles without significant loss in removal capacity. The experimental results exhibited that CuO‐NPs can be a good alternative for Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solutions.
Distributed Consensus Filter for a Class of Continuous‐Time Nonlinear Stochastic Systems in Sensor Networks
Authors: Jenabzadeh Ahmadreza , Safarinejadian Behrouz , Mohammadnia Foroogh
Published: May 2017

This paper investigates the state estimation problem for continuous‐time nonlinear stochastic systems in sensor networks. For this purpose, a distributed consensus filter (DCF) is proposed based on Lyapunov stability theory for every node in a sensor network. It will be proved that the mean square of the estimation error is exponentially ultimately bounded. This filter can estimate the states of nonlinear stochastic systems, the nonlinear functions of which satisfy a pseudo Lipschitz condition. Sufficient conditions for the existence of this filter are sensor network connectivity and LMI solvability of DCF. Furthermore, a criterion is presented to optimize the filter gain based on minimizing the upper consensus bound of estimation error. Simulation results show the promising performance of the proposed filter.
Effects of SA237, a humanized anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor monoclonal antibody, on pre‐ and postnatal development in cynomolgus monkey
Authors: Katagiri Ryuichi , Ishihara‐Hattori Kana , Frings Werner , Amano Jun , Fuchs Antje , Chiba Shuichi
Published: May 2017

Background

SA237 is a humanized anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) monoclonal antibody in which the constant and variable regions have been engineered for a longer plasma half‐life. According to literature, blocking of IL‐6 related functions could have an influence on pregnancy sustainment, development of the immune system, and brain growth.

Methods

SA237 effects on dams, embryo‐fetal development, parturition and postnatal development were investigated in an enhanced pre‐ and postnatal development study, in which SA237 was subcutaneously administered to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys at dose levels of 2 or 50 mg/kg once weekly from gestation day 20 until parturition. Infant development, including immune function and learning ability tests, was comprehensively assessed at multiple examinations until approximately 10 months after birth.

Results

SA237 plasma concentrations were almost equivalent between dams and their infants and dropped throughout the postnatal period, pharmacologically relevant exposure was maintained for 147 days after birth at 50 mg/kg. Because the binding of SA237 to IL‐6R inhibited IL‐6R‐mediated clearance of IL‐6, serum IL‐6 increased in dams and infants. However, there were no SA237‐related adverse effects on dams, embryos, fetuses, or infants. SA237 pharmacological effects contributed to the suppression of plasma cell differentiation and antibody production by inhibiting IL‐6 signaling, and T cell‐dependent antibody reaction was minimally suppressed in infants, but physiological immunoglobulin class switching and general antibody production against a T cell‐dependent antigen were maintained.

Conclusion

The exposure to SA237 did not adversely affect dams, embryo‐fetal development, parturition, and postnatal development, including immune function and neuronal development. Birth Defects Research 109:843–856, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proton gradients at the origin of life
Authors: Lane Nick
Published: May 2017

Chemiosmotic coupling − the harnessing of electrochemical ion gradients across membranes to drive metabolism − is as universally conserved as the genetic code. As argued previously in these pages, such deep conservation suggests that ion gradients arose early in evolution, and might have played a role in the origin of life. Alkaline hydrothermal vents harbour pH gradients of similar polarity and magnitude to those employed by modern cells, one of many properties that make them attractive models for life's origin. Their congruence with the physiology of anaerobic autotrophs that use the acetyl CoA pathway to fix CO2 gives the alkaline vent model broad appeal to biologists. Recently, however, a paper by Baz Jackson criticized the hypothesis, concluding that natural pH gradients were unlikely to have played any role in the origin of life. Unfortunately, Jackson mainly criticized his own interpretations of the theory, not what the literature says. This counterpoint is intended to set the record straight.
Thermoluminescence properties of Eu‐doped and Eu/Dy‐codoped Sr2Al2SiO7 phosphors
Authors: Jadhaw Akhilesh , Sonwane Vivek D. , Gour Anubha S. , Jha Piyush
Published: May 2017

We report the thermoluminescence properties of Sr1.96Al2SiO7:Eu0.04 and Sr1.92Al2SiO7:Eu0.04Dy0.04 phosphors. These phosphors were prepared by a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. The prepared phosphors were characterized by X‐ray diffraction. A 254 nm source was used for ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and a 60Co source was used for γ‐irradiation. The effect of heating rate and UV‐exposure were examined. The thermoluminescence temperature shifts to higher values with increasing heating rate and thermoluminescence intensity increases with increasing UV exposure time. The trapping parameters such as activation energy (E), order of kinetics and frequency factor (s) were calculated by peak shape method. The effect of γ‐ and UV‐irradiation on thermoluminescence studies was also examined.
Structural differences in impaired verbal fluency in essential tremor patients compared to healthy controls
Authors: Pelzer Esther A. , Nelles Christian , Pedrosa David J. , Eggers Carsten , Burghaus Lothar , Melzer Corina , Tittgemeyer Marc , Timmermann Lars
Published: May 2017

Objective

We wanted to identify differences in grey and white matter in essential tremor patients compared to controls in the non‐motor domain, using the example of impaired verbal fluency.

Background

A disturbance of verbal fluency in essential tremor patients compared to healthy controls is behaviorally well described.

Methods

Voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics were used to analyze structural differences in grey and white matter in 19 essential tremor patients compared to 23 age‐ and gender‐matched controls.

Results

Several significant observations were made. (I) There was less grey matter in the predominantly right precuneus in the essential tremor group compared to controls [p < .001]. (II) In ET patients mean, axial, and radial diffusivity values broadly correlated with the tremor rating scale, pronounced in fronto‐parietal regions [p < .05]. (III) In ET patients there was a significant decline in fractional anisotropy values in the corpus callosum in the correlation with verbal fluency results [p < .05]; by inclusion of the tremor rating scale as covariate of no interest this significance was however diminished to a tendency (p < .1). No significant results were found in these within‐group correlations in grey matter analyses for ET patients (p > .05).

Conclusion

The present results indicate that non‐motor symptoms such as verbal fluency (VBF) in ET have a structural substrate; their reproduction requires the integration of potential environmental plasticity effects, differentiation into individual clinical subtypes and a careful handling with methodological peculiarities of structural MR imaging.
A minor role of asparaginase in predisposing to cerebral venous thromboses in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients
Authors: Roininen Saara , Laine Outi , Kauppila Marjut , Vesanen Marko , Rämet Maria , Sinisalo Marjatta , Jantunen Esa , Säily Marjaana , Räty Riikka , Elonen Erkki , Wartiovaara‐Kautto Ulla
Published: May 2017

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) covers up to a third of all venous thromboses (VTs) detected in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It usually hampers patients' lives and may also endanger efficient leukemia treatment. Although many factors have been suggested to account for an elevated risk of VTs in patients with ALL, there still is a lack of studies focusing on CVTs and especially in the setting of adult ALL patients. We studied in our retrospective population‐based cohort the occurrence, characteristics, as well as risk factors for VTs in 186 consecutively diagnosed Finnish adult ALL patients treated with a national pediatric‐inspired treatment protocol ALL2000. In the risk factor analyses for VTs we found a distinction of the characteristics of the patients acquiring CVT from those with other kinds of VTs or without thrombosis. In contrast to previous studies we were also able to compare the effects of asparaginase in relation to CVT occurrence. Notably, more than half of the CVTs were diagnosed prior the administration of asparaginase which accentuates the role of other risk factors on the pathophysiology of CVT compared to truncal or central venous line (CVL) VTs in adult ALL patients.
Controlling the Regioselectivity of Baeyer–Villiger Monooxygenases by Mutation of Active‐Site Residues
Authors: Balke Kathleen , Bäumgen Marcus , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: May 2017

Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO)‐mediated regiodivergent conversions of asymmetric ketones can lead to the formation of “normal” or “abnormal” lactones. In a previous study, we were able to change the regioselectivity of a BVMO by mutation of the active‐site residues to smaller amino acids, which thus created more space. In this study, we demonstrate that this method can also be used for other BVMO/substrate combinations. We investigated the regioselectivity of 2‐oxo‐Δ3‐4,5,5‐trimethylcyclopentenylacetyl‐CoA monooxygenase from Pseudomonas putida (OTEMO) for cis‐bicyclo[3.2.0]hept‐2‐en‐6‐one (1) and trans‐dihydrocarvone (2), and we were able to switch the regioselectivity of this enzyme for one of the substrate enantiomers. The OTEMO wild‐type enzyme converted (−)‐1 into an equal (50:50) mixture of the normal and abnormal products. The F255A/F443V variant produced 90 % of the normal product, whereas the W501V variant formed up to 98 % of the abnormal product. OTEMO F255A exclusively produced the normal lactone from (+)‐2, whereas the wild‐type enzyme was selective for the production of the abnormal product. The positions of these amino acids were equivalent to those mutated in the cyclohexanone monooxygenases from Arthrobacter sp. and Acinetobacter sp. (CHMOArthro and CHMOAcineto) to switch their regioselectivity towards (+)‐2, which suggests that there are hot spots in the active site of BVMOs that can be targeted with the aim to change the regioselectivity.
Exploring the Structural Space of the Galectin‐1–Ligand Interaction
Authors: Bertleff‐Zieschang Nadja , Bechold Julian , Grimm Clemens , Reutlinger Michael , Schneider Petra , Schneider Gisbert , Seibel Jürgen
Published: May 2017

Galectin‐1 is a tumor‐associated protein recognizing the Galβ1‐4GlcNAc motif of cell‐surface glycoconjugates. Herein, we report the stepwise expansion of a multifunctional natural scaffold based on N‐acetyllactosamine (LacNAc). We obtained a LacNAc mimetic equipped with an alkynyl function on the 3′‐hydroxy group of the disaccharide facing towards a binding pocket adjacent to the carbohydrate‐recognition domain. It served as an anchor motif for further expansion by the Sharpless–Huisgen–Meldal reaction, which resulted in ligands with a binding mode almost identical to that of the natural carbohydrate template. X‐ray crystallography provided a structural understanding of the galectin‐1–ligand interactions. The results of this study enable the development of bespoke ligands for members of the galectin target family.
Experimental Assessment of an Innovative Device to Mimic Bubble Swarm Turbulence
Authors: Mießner Ulrich , Kück Ulf D. , Haase Katharina , Kähler Christian J. , Fritsching Udo , Thöming Jorg
Published: May 2017

The local mass transfer of a bubble under swarm turbulence influence is the key to the performance of gas‐liquid contactors. For measurements, optical accessibility is reduced due to an increased void fraction. The performance of a flexible grid of rigid particles to mimic the hydrodynamic conditions of bubble‐induced swarm turbulence is assessed using spectral energy density distribution and an approach to connect the turbulent intensity to the according length scale of the flow. Despite the significant physical property differences to real bubbly flow the flexible grid is found to realistically mimic the swarm turbulence of a cocurrent bubble column. Hence, a single bubble approaching the proposed flexible grid experiences hydrodynamic conditions comparable to real bubble‐induced turbulence.
Visible Light Induced Organic Transformations Using Metal‐Organic‐Frameworks (MOFs)
Authors: Deng Xiaoyu , Li Zhaohui , García Hermenegildo
Published: May 2017

With the aim of developing renewable energy based processes, researchers are paying increasing interest to light induced organic transformations. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of micro‐/mesoporous hybrid materials, are recently emerging as a new type of photoactive materials for organic syntheses due to their unique structural characteristics. In this Review, we summarized the recent applications of MOFs as photocatalysts for light induced organic transformations, including (1) oxidation of alcohols, amines, alkene, alkanes and sulfides; (2) hydroxylation of aromatic compounds like benzene; (3) activation of the C−H bonds to construct new C−C or C−X bonds; (4) atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). This Review starts with general background information of using MOFs in photocatalysis, followed by a description of light induced organic transformations promoted by photoactive inorganic nodes and photocatalytic active ligands in MOFs, respectively. Thereafter, the use of MOFs as multifunctional catalysts for light induced organic transformations via an efficient merge of the metal/ligand/guest based catalysis where the photocatalytic activity of MOFs plays a key role are discussed. Finally, the limitations, challenges and the future perspective of the application of MOFs for light induced organic transformations were addressed. The objective of this Review is to serve as a starting point for other researchers to get into this largely unexplored field. It is also our goal to stimulate intensive research in this field for rational designing of MOF materials to overcome their current limitations in photocatalysis, which can lead to more creative visible‐light‐induced organic transformations.
Naphthalimide‐Based Polyammonium Chemosensors for Anions: Study of Binding Properties and Sensing Mechanisms
Authors: Oshchepkov Aleksandr S. , Mittapalli Ramana R. , Fedorova Olga A. , Kataev Evgeny A.
Published: May 2017

New naphthalimide‐based receptors for anions have been synthesized. Efficient synthetic routes have been discovered to functionalize the naphthalimide core with branched polyamines. Binding and sensing properties of the receptors were studied by potentiometric, NMR and fluorescence titrations. The receptors bind selectively to the pyrophosphate anion in buffered aqueous solutions. The receptors with more than six amine groups in the structure demonstrated the highest affinities for pyrophosphate. The fluorescence response towards anions was found to be dependent on the position of the amine groups relative to the naphthalimide core, and on the pH of the buffered solution. Three sensing mechanisms have been found that explain fluorescence responses of receptors towards anions in an aqueous solution.
Study of the Aggregation of DNA‐Capped Gold Nanoparticles: A Smart and Flexible Aptasensor for Spermine Sensing
Authors: Tsoi Tik‐Hung , Gu Yan‐Juan , Lo Wai‐Sum , Wong Wai‐Ting , Wong Wing‐Tak , Ng Chi‐Fai , Lee Chi‐Sing , Wong Ka‐Leung
Published: May 2017

A smart gold nanoparticle based aptasensor is developed for the sensing of this biomarker in a convenient and fast manner. A comprehensive study was performed to elucidate the driving force of DNA adsorption, different factors’ effects, such as gold nanoparticle size, DNA length, concentration, and working pH towards spermine sensing by using UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. It was found that the developed aptasensor could detect spermine by two different sensing mechanisms simply by adjusting the DNA concentration without complicated procedures. Good performance in complicated matrices was proven by the satisfactory results obtained in the spike analysis of both artificial urine and clinical urine samples. Such a flexible and smart approach described here would provide a useful tool for the fast sensing of spermine and prostate cancer screening.
Quasi‐Customary Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in Israel's Darfuri Refugees
Authors: Pely Doron
Published: May 2017

About 3,500 Darfuri male (and a few female) asylum seekers live in Israel. The majority are 25 to 40 years old. Older men, including village and community dignitaries, stand little chance of surviving the brutal trek.

In Darfur, where most inhabitants live in small villages, inter‐ and intracommunal conflicts are traditionally resolved through the customary justice process of Judiya. But in Israel, Darfuri asylum seekers no longer reside with their kin groups (villages, tribes, clans); instead they often cohabit with asylum seekers from other tribes, clans, and villages, living in crowded conditions, mostly in the poor south side of Tel Aviv—a situation that gives rise to multiple small conflicts.

In the absence of their familiar tribal structure, dignitaries, and other interveners, the refugees have no access to the traditional dispute resolution mechanisms they have grown up with. Furthermore, these asylum seekers avoid bringing their conflicts to the attention of the Israeli authorities, for fear of endangering their asylum petitions. The result is that this community finds itself trying to cope with difficult, intracommunal, conflict‐rich conditions, without being able to use either traditional conflict resolution mechanisms or local formal justice processes.

The response of the Darfuri asylum seekers community to this circumstance has been to develop their own multitier, quasi‐customary intracommunal dispute resolution mechanism. This new mechanism combines elements of their traditional, Darfur‐based processes, along with newly constructed modifications designed to compensate for the missing elements (e.g., lack of village elders) and make use of available resources (e.g., young community activists).

This article employs analysis of multiple interviews and review of relevant literature to identify and describe the unique, informal dispute resolution mechanism that the Darfuri community developed in Israel.

Insights developed in this article may help community activists, municipalities, policy makers, nongovernmental organizations, and other individuals and organizations in understanding and facilitating alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within similarly structured and similarly affected displaced persons and asylum seeker communities around the world.
Cooperative Action Acquisition Based on Intention Estimation in a Multi‐Agent Reinforcement Learning System
Authors: TSUBAKIMOTO TATSUYA , KOBAYASHI KUNIKAZU
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we propose a method to acquire a series of cooperative actions to reach an appropriate goal without the designer controlling the reward. To accomplish this, we introduce a new concept of “reward interpretation.” This is the idea that an agent can increase or decrease the reward given by the environment through the reward interpretation on its won. We applied this idea to the Q‐learning method. The simulation results show that the proposed method is superior to a standard Q‐learning method and a Q‐learning method with cooperation in terms of the number of successful instances of cooperation.
A Study of Relationship between Link Length Configuration and Foot Positioning Accuracy of Leg Extender Exoskeleton
Authors: TATENO SABURO , MINAKATA HIDEAKI
Published: May 2017

We developed a leg extender exoskeleton that extends leg length by 40 cm. We also propose a linearity index to evaluate the feeling of operating the exoskeleton. We developed an evaluation method for the foot positioning accuracy of the leg extender exoskeleton. This method uses three types of target marker trajectories to consider various walking situations. We performed a real‐world experiment using four types of link configurations. The foot positioning accuracy was measured and evaluated according to the linearity index for each exoskeleton. The results showed that an exoskeleton with good linearity provides better foot positioning accuracy.
Sampling‐Based Motion Planning with a Prediction Model using Fast Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: OKADOME YUTA , NAKAMURA YUTAKA , ISHIGURO HIROSHI
Published: May 2017

Recently, motion/path planning methods have become popular and been put to use in practical applications such as autonomous cars. Most studies focus on planning based on a given mathematical model, but the development of the data‐driven system identification method is also crucial for practical applications, because the precise model of a control target is not always available in advance. In this research, we propose a motion planning method where a fast Gaussian process regression is used as a model of the control target, since Gaussian process regression is a powerful nonparametric method that is widely used in various practical and complicated applications. Thanks to the Bayesian property of Gaussian process regression, our method can deal with uncertainty in the predictions. We apply our method to the control problem of simple‐pendulum with nonlinearity, and complete the swing‐up task.
Finger Joint Angle Estimation from Electrical Contact Resistance
Authors: KAWAGUCHI JUNKI , YOSHIMOTO SHUNSUKE , IMURA MASATAKA , OSHIRO OSAMU
Published: May 2017

Hand motion capture is an important topic for understanding the mechanism of the hand. General hand motion capture methods using cameras or bent sensors can capture the limited action in the restricted environments. This study proposes a novel hand motion capture method without restrictions of usage environment and user’ action. The proposed method is based on the electrical contact resistance between the wrist skin and the electrode to measure the deformation of the wrist which is related to the hand motion. We fabricate the contact resistance measurement circuit consists of three electrodes and a multiplexer. The output voltage corresponding to each contact resistance of the electrode is measured with the circuit by switching the working electrode temporally. We confirm that the output voltage is related to the wrist shape and changes according to the hand posture. Furthermore, the result suggests that the finger joint angles can be estimated from the output voltage due to the correlation between them.
Relationships between gas field development and the presence and abundance of pygmy rabbits in southwestern Wyoming
Authors: Germaine Stephen S. , Carter Sarah K. , Ignizio Drew A. , Freeman Aaron T.
Published: May 2017

More than 5957 km2 in southwestern Wyoming is currently covered by operational gas fields, and further development is projected through 2030. Gas fields fragment landscapes through conversion of native vegetation to roads, well pads, pipeline corridors, and other infrastructure elements. The sagebrush steppe landscape where most of this development is occurring harbors 24 sagebrush‐associated species of greatest conservation need, but the effects of gas energy development on most of these species are unknown. Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are one such species. In 2011, we began collecting three years of survey data to examine the relationship between gas field development density and pygmy rabbit site occupancy patterns on four major Wyoming gas fields (Continental Divide–Creston–Blue Gap, Jonah, Moxa Arch, Pinedale Anticline Project Area). We surveyed 120 plots across four gas fields, with plots distributed across the density gradient of gas well pads on each field. In a 1 km radius around the center of each plot, we measured the area covered by each of 10 gas field infrastructure elements and by shrub cover using 2012 National Agriculture Imagery Program imagery. We then modeled the relationship between gas field elements, pygmy rabbit presence, and two indices of pygmy rabbit abundance. Gas field infrastructure elements—specifically buried utility corridors and a complex of gas well pads, adjacent disturbed areas, and well pad access roads—were negatively correlated with pygmy rabbit presence and abundance indices, with sharp declines apparent after approximately 2% of the area consisted of gas field infrastructure. We conclude that pygmy rabbits in southwestern Wyoming may be sensitive to gas field development at levels similar to those observed for greater sage‐grouse, and may suffer local population declines at lower levels of development than are allowed in existing plans and policies designed to conserve greater sage‐grouse by limiting the surface footprint of energy development. Buried utilities, gas well pads, areas adjacent to well pads, and well pad access roads had the strongest negative correlation with pygmy rabbit presence and abundance. Minimizing the surface footprint of these elements may reduce negative impacts of gas energy development on pygmy rabbits.
Differential effects of temperature and precipitation on early‐ vs. late‐flowering species
Authors: Moore Lynn M. , Lauenroth William K.
Published: May 2017

Shifts in flowering dates have been associated with climate change and warming temperatures. However, the influence of temperature and precipitation on annual phenology patterns in semiarid ecosystems is not well understood. We observed the flowering stages of 21 shortgrass steppe species from 1995 to 2014. We compared first and last flowering dates and used climatic data to interpret relationships between the timing of flowering and temperature and precipitation. On average, the first flowering dates of 21 species advanced 0.53 d over the 20‐yr period. This advance was significantly related to an increase in annual March–September mean temperature in that first flowering date advanced at the rate of 7.5 d°C−1. The advance of the first flowering date was significantly related to increased spring temperatures in early‐season species. Late‐blooming species flowered longer; this delay in end of flowering was significantly related to wetter conditions. Significant advances in first flowering date were related to increasing temperatures over time, suggesting a response to climate change. In the water‐limited shortgrass steppe, the effect of the environment on flowering phenology is controlled by warmer temperatures early in the growing season and precipitation later in the growing season.
Exploiting scavenger receptors in cancer immunotherapy: Lessons from CD5 and SR‐B1
Authors: Vasquez Marcos , Simões Inês , Consuegra‐Fernández Marta , Aranda Fernando , Lozano Francisco , Berraondo Pedro
Published: May 2017

Scavenger receptors (SRs) are structurally heterogeneous cell surface receptors characterized by their capacity to remove extraneous or modified self‐macromolecules from circulation, thus avoiding the accumulation of noxious agents in the extracellular space. This scavenging activity makes SRs important molecules for host defense and homeostasis. In turn, SRs keep the activation of the steady‐state immune response in check, and participate as co‐receptors in the priming of the effector immune responses when the macromolecules are associated with a threat that might compromise host homeostasis. Therefore, SRs built up sophisticated sensor mechanisms controlling the immune system, which may be exploited to develop novel drugs for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on the regulation of the anti‐tumor immune response by two paradigmatic SRs: the lymphocyte receptor CD5 and the more broadly distributed scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR‐B1). Cancer immunity can be boosted by blockade of SRs working as immune checkpoint inhibitors (CD5) and/or by proper engagement of SRs working as innate danger receptor (SR‐B1). Thus, these receptors illustrate both the complexity of targeting SRs in cancer immunotherapy and also the opportunities offered by such an approach.
Low‐seismic damage strategies for infilled RC frames: shake‐table tests
Authors: Zhang Hanhui , Kuang J.S. , Yuen Terry Y.P.
Published: May 2017

Unreinforced masonry (URM) infill panels are widely used as partitions in RC frames and typically considered as non‐structural elements in the design process. However, observations from recent major earthquakes have shown that under seismic excitation, the structural interaction between columns and infill walls can significantly alter the structural behaviour, thus causing catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this research was to propose and test an innovative low seismic damage detailing method, which isolates the infill panel from bounding columns with finite width vertical gaps during the infill panel construction phase and deploys steel wire connections in mortar layers anchored to columns. Taking into account the similitude requirements, a total of six one‐third scale, single‐storey single‐bay RC frames with different infill configurations and flexible connection details were carefully designed and tested on a shake‐table. Three real earthquake records were selected and scaled to ascending intensity levels and used as input signals. A series of thorough investigations including dynamic characteristics, hysteretic behaviour, failure mechanisms, out‐of‐plane vulnerabilities and the effect of different gap filling materials and load transfer mechanisms were rigorously studied. The experimental results indicate that the undesirable interaction between infill panels and bounding frame is significantly reduced using the proposed low seismic damage detailing concept. Direct shear failure of columns at an early stage is prevented, and structural redundancy at high levels of excitation can be provided. In general, the structural stability and integrity, and displacement ductility of infilled RC frames can remarkably be improved. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A low‐complexity QoS aware resource allocation algorithm for multi pair device‐to‐device (D2D) communications
Authors: Bagheri Hamidreza , Miranda Bonomi Fernando Alberto , Katz Marcos
Published: May 2017

Device‐to‐device (D2D) communication underlaying cellular networks is considered a promising technology to enhance network throughput, spectral efficiency, and performance of next generation networks. However, these potential gains hinge on the exploiting mechanism for resource sharing between cellular users (CUs) and D2D pairs. In this paper, we analytically formulate the problem of resource sharing as an optimization problem to maximize network throughput while guaranteeing the required quality‐of‐service (QoS) for both cellular and D2D users. We propose a low‐complexity four‐step resource allocation algorithm to address the optimization problem. We exploit a distance‐based method to derive a resource reuse candidacy graph (RCG) and three exclusive regions (ERs) to evaluate the suitability of resource sharing between each CU and D2D pair. Then, we use a paring mechanism to find the optimal set of D2D pairs for spectrum sharing with each CU to maximize network throughput. The performance of the proposed algorithm is investigated in terms of network throughput, outage probability, and computational complexity. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm provides high throughput and spectrum utilization with low complexity while efficiently guaranteeing QoS for CUs and D2D pairs.
Lactadherin orthologs inhibit migration of human, porcine and murine intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Nyegaard Steffen , Andreasen Trine , Rasmussen Jan Trige
Published: May 2017

Lactadherin was originally described due to its appearance in milk, but is abundantly expressed especially by professional and nonprofessional phagocytes. The proteins has been shown to have a multitude of bioactive effects, including inhibition of inflammatory phospholipases, induction of effero‐ and phagocytosis, prevent rotavirus induced gastroenteritis, and modulate intestinal homeostasis by regulating epithelial cell migration. The level of expression seems to be important in a row of serious pathologies linked to the intestinal epithelial barrier function, vascular‐ and autoimmune disease. This study examines the ability of lactadherin to modulate migration of intestinal epithelium. A cell exclusion assay is used to quantify the ability of human, bovine and murine lactadherin orthologs to affect migration of primary small intestine epithelium cells. Previous reports show that recombinant murine lactadherin stimulate rat small intestine cell migration. The present study could not confirm this. Conversely, 10 μg/ml lactadherin inhibits migration. Therefore, as lactadherins enteroprotective properties is well established using in vivo models we conclude that the protective effects are linked to lactadherins ability operate as an opsonin, or other modulating effects, and not a direct lactadherin‐cell induction of migration. Thus, the molecular mechanism behind the enteroprotective role of lactadherin remains to be established.
Diagnosis and treatment of cervical papillary squamous cell carcinoma with unknown depth of stromal invasion
Authors: Zhang Xuyin , Ding Jingxin , Tao Xiang , Qian Huijun , Hua Keqin
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of papillary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) of the uterine cervix with unknown depth of stromal invasion.

Methods

In a retrospective study, the diagnostic and treatment strategies after colposcopy‐guided biopsy sampling were assessed among patients seen at a university hospital in Shanghai, China, in 2008–2015.

Results

Among 55 patients, 29 with clinically visible lesions underwent radical hysterectomy; the final pathologic diagnosis was invasive squamous cell carcinoma in all patients. Of these patients, eight had undergone loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and two had undergone a second biopsy sampling before radical hysterectomy was performed. Of the 26 patients with no clinically visible lesions, 17 had cervical lesions as confirmed by medical imaging and 12 of these patients underwent LEEP. The pathologic examination showed lesions of varying severity but no cancer in situ. The remaining five patients underwent radical hysterectomy; one of these patients was found to have micro‐invasive cancer.

Conclusion

Patients with PSCC with unknown depth of stromal invasion and clinically visible lesions receive radical hysterectomy rather than undergoing a second biopsy sampling or LEEP. Less invasive surgery is recommended for patients with no clinically visible lesions.
Postnatal mandible growth in wild and laboratory mice: Differences revealed from bone remodeling patterns and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Martínez‐Vargas Jessica , Muñoz‐Muñoz Francesc , Martinez‐Maza Cayetana , Molinero Amalia , Ventura Jacint
Published: May 2017

Comparative information on the variation in the temporospatial patterning of mandible growth in wild and laboratory mice during early postnatal ontogeny is scarce but important to understand variation among wild rodent populations. Here, we compare mandible growth between two ontogenetic series from the second to the eighth week of postnatal life, corresponding to two different groups of mice reared under the same conditions: the classical inbred strain C57BL/6J, andMus musculus domesticus. We characterize the ontogenetic patterns of bone remodeling of the mandibles belonging to these laboratory and wild mice by analyzing bone surface, as well as examine their ontogenetic form changes and bimodular organization using geometric morphometrics. Through ontogeny, the two mouse groups display similar directions of mandible growth, according to the temporospatial distribution of bone remodeling fields. The allometric shape variation of the mandibles of these mice entails the relative enlargement of the ascending ramus. The organization of the mandible into two modules is confirmed in both groups during the last postnatal weeks. However, especially after weaning, the mandibles of wild and laboratory mice differ in the timing and localization of several remodeling fields, in addition to exhibiting different patterns of shape variation and differences in size. The stimulation of dentary bone growth derived from the harder post‐weaning diet might account for some features of postnatal mandible growth common to both groups. Nonetheless, a large component of the postnatal growth of the mouse mandible appears to be driven by the inherent genetic programs, which might explain between‐group differences.
A nationwide seroprevalence screening for West Nile virus and Tick‐borne encephalitis virus in the population of Bulgaria
Authors: Christova Iva , Panayotova Elitsa , Tchakarova Simona , Taseva Evgenia , Trifonova Iva , Gladnishka Teodora
Published: May 2017

To assess local circulation and risk for human infections with West Nile virus (WNV) and Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in Bulgaria, a nationwide seroprevalence study was conducted. In total, 1451 residents of all 28 districts in Bulgaria were tested for WNV‐specific and TBEV‐specific IgG antibodies. The survey found overall seroprevalence of 1.5% and 0.6%, respectively. The highest WNV seroprevalence was found in Sofia Province and districts near the river Danube. TBEV circulation was detected among residents of six districts. The results showed that the two virus infections seem to be more wide‐spread in the country as has been described.