bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratigraphy of the north polar layered deposits of Mars from high‐resolution topography
Authors: Becerra Patricio , Byrne Shane , Sori Michael M. , Sutton Sarah , Herkenhoff Kenneth E.
Published: August 2016

The stratigraphy of the layered deposits in the polar regions of Mars is theorized to contain a record of recent climate change linked to insolation changes driven by variations in the planet's orbital and rotational parameters. In order to confidently link stratigraphic signals to insolation periodicities, a description of the stratigraphy is required based on quantities that directly relate to intrinsic properties of the layers. We use stereo digital terrain models (DTMs) from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment to derive a characteristic of north polar layered deposit (NPLD) strata that can be correlated over large distances: the topographic protrusion of layers exposed in troughs, which is a proxy for the layers' resistance to erosion. Using a combination of image analysis and a signal‐matching algorithm to correlate continuous depth‐protrusion signals taken from DTMs at different locations, we construct a stratigraphic column that describes the upper ~500 m of at least 7% of the area of the NPLD and find accumulation rates that vary by factors of up to 2. We find that, when coupled with observations of exposed layers in images, the topographic expression of the strata is consistently continuous across large distances in the top 300–500 m of the NPLD, suggesting that it is better related to intrinsic layer properties than the brightness of exposed layers alone.
Cenozoic volcanism in the Bohemian Massif in the context of P‐ and S‐velocity high‐resolution teleseismic tomography of the upper mantle
Authors: Plomerová Jaroslava , Munzarová Helena , Vecsey Luděk , Kissling Eduard , Achauer Ulrich , Babuška Vladislav
Published: August 2016

New high‐resolution tomographic models of P‐ and S‐wave isotropic‐velocity perturbations for the Bohemian upper mantle are estimated from carefully preprocessed travel‐time residuals of teleseismic P, PKP and S waves recorded during the BOHEMA passive seismic experiment. The new data resolve anomalies with scale lengths 30–50 km. The models address whether a small mantle plume in the western Bohemian Massif is responsible for this geodynamically active region in central Europe, as expressed in recurrent earthquake swarms. Velocity‐perturbations of the P‐ and S‐wave models show similar features, though their resolutions are different. No model resolves a narrow subvertical low‐velocity anomaly, which would validate the “baby‐plume” concept. The new tomographic inferences complement previous studies of the upper mantle beneath the Bohemian Massif, in a broader context of the European Cenozoic Rift System (ECRIS) and of other Variscan Massifs in Europe. The low‐velocity perturbations beneath the Eger Rift, observed in about 200km‐broad zone, agree with shear‐velocity models from full‐waveform inversion, which also did not identify a mantle plume beneath the ECRIS. Boundaries between mantle domains of three tectonic units that comprise the region, determined from studies of seismic anisotropy, represent weak zones in the otherwise rigid continental mantle lithosphere. In the past, such zones could have channeled upwelling of hot mantle material, which on its way could have modified the mantle domain boundaries and locally thinned the lithosphere.
Three‐dimensional electrical resistivity model of the hydrothermal system in Long Valley Caldera, California, from magnetotellurics
Authors: Peacock J. R. , Mangan M. T. , McPhee D. , Wannamaker P. E.
Published: August 2016

Though shallow flow of hydrothermal fluids in Long Valley Caldera, California, has been well studied, neither the hydrothermal source reservoir nor heat source has been well characterized. Here a grid of magnetotelluric data were collected around the Long Valley volcanic system and modeled in 3‐D. The preferred electrical resistivity model suggests that the source reservoir is a narrow east‐west elongated body 4 km below the west moat. The heat source could be a zone of 2–5% partial melt 8 km below Deer Mountain. Additionally, a collection of hypersaline fluids, not connected to the shallow hydrothermal system, is found 3 km below the medial graben, which could originate from a zone of 5–10% partial melt 8 km below the south moat. Below Mammoth Mountain is a 3 km thick isolated body containing fluids and gases originating from an 8 km deep zone of 5–10% basaltic partial melt.
Investigation of wing crack formation with a combined phase‐field and experimental approach
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , Reber Jacqueline E. , Hayman Nicholas W. , Wheeler Mary F.
Published: August 2016

Fractures that propagate off of weak slip planes are known as wing cracks and often play important roles in both tectonic deformation and fluid flow across reservoir seals. Previous numerical models have produced the basic kinematics of wing crack openings but generally have not been able to capture fracture geometries seen in nature. Here we present both a phase‐field modeling approach and a physical experiment using gelatin for a wing crack formation. By treating the fracture surfaces as diffusive zones instead of as discontinuities, the phase‐field model does not require consideration of unpredictable rock properties or stress inhomogeneities around crack tips. It is shown by benchmarking the models with physical experiments that the numerical assumptions in the phase‐field approach do not affect the final model predictions of wing crack nucleation and growth. With this study, we demonstrate that it is feasible to implement the formation of wing cracks in large scale phase‐field reservoir models.
The Draupner wave: A fresh look and the emerging view
Authors: Cavaleri Luigi , Barbariol Francesco , Benetazzo Alvise , Bertotti Luciana , Bidlot Jean‐Raymond , Janssen Peter , Wedi Nils
Published: August 2016

Using the new high‐resolution operational model of ECMWF, we revisit the storm during which the Draupner freak wave of 1 January 1995 was recorded. The modeling system gives a realistic evolution of the storm highlighting the crucial role played by the southward propagating polar low in creating the extreme wave conditions present at the time the freak wave was recorded. We also discuss the predictability of the meteorological event. The hindcast wave spectra allow a new analysis of the probability of occurrence of the Draupner wave that we analyze not only in time at a specific position, but also in space. This leads us to discuss how exceptional the so‐called freak waves really are. For a given sea state, as characterized by the significant wave height, they are namely part of the reality of the ocean, the key point being the probability of encountering them. In this respect, the often considered record at a specific location can be misleading because the probability of detecting a freak wave must be considered both in space and time.
Seasonal variation of speed and width from kinematic parameters of mode‐1 nonlinear internal waves in the northeastern East China Sea
Authors: Cho Chomgun , Nam SungHyun , Song Heechun
Published: August 2016

To better understand the statistical and theoretical characteristics of nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs) in the broad continental shelf of the northeastern East China Sea (ECS), historical hydrographic data collected over 50 years between 1962 and 2011 are analyzed to calculate monthly climatology. Based on KdV and extended KdV models under the two‐layer approximation (i.e., mode‐1 NLIWs), the monthly climatology for propagating speed and characteristic width is constructed, ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 m s−1 and from O(102) to O(103) m, respectively. The result is consistent with a few previous in situ observations in the region. When NLIWs originating in the southeastern slope area approach the shallower regime (northwestward propagation), they propagate more slowly with neither break nor extinction, but with a shorter width, since both the Iribarren and Ostrovsky numbers are small (Ir ≪ 0.45 and Os ≪ 1, respectively). Limitations of the two‐layered KdV‐type models are discussed (e.g., an importance of mode‐2 waves) in the context of occasional extension of the low‐salinity Changjiang Discharged Water onto the area, which implies distinct effects on the kinematic parameters of NLIWs in the ECS.
Reassessing properties and radiative forcing of contrail cirrus using a climate model
Authors: Bock Lisa , Burkhardt Ulrike
Published: August 2016

Contrail cirrus is the largest known component contributing to the radiative forcing associated with aviation. Despite major advances simulating contrail cirrus, their microphysical and optical properties and the associated radiative forcing remain largely uncertain. We use a contrail cirrus parameterization in a global climate model which was extended to include a microphysical two‐moment scheme. This allows a more realistic representation of microphysical processes, such as deposition and sedimentation, and therefore of the microphysical and optical properties of contrail cirrus. The simulated contrail microphysical and optical properties agree well with in situ and satellite observations. As compared to estimates using an older version of the contrail cirrus scheme, the optical depth of contrail cirrus is significantly higher, particularly in regions with high air traffic density, due to high ice crystal number concentrations on the main flight routes. Nevertheless, the estimated radiative forcing for the year 2002 supports our earlier results. The global radiative forcing of contrail cirrus for the year 2006 is estimated to be 56mW/m2. A large uncertainty of the radiative forcing estimate appears to be connected with the, on average, very small ice crystal radii simulated in the main air traffic areas, which make the application of a radiative transfer parameterization based on geometric optics questionable.
French Connectives
Authors: Degand Liesbeth , Zufferey Sandrine
Published: August 2016

An overview is given of pioneering work in the field of French connectives. Among the seminal notions and distinctions introduced in descriptive studies of French connectives are (1) the distinction between objective and subjective readings of causal relations; (2) the notion of procedural meaning of connectives; and (3) language‐specific semantic distributions of connectives. The entry closes with discussion of the ongoing LEXCONN project, which aims at providing an exhaustive list of French connectives and an indication of their grammatical category, function(s), and semantic relation(s).
Modal Particles inGerman
Authors: Schoonjans Steven
Published: August 2016

This entry gives an overview of the research on modal particles in German. After a brief reference to the beginnings of modal particle research, an overview of the typical characteristics (both meaning and form) of German modal particles is presented. This is followed by a brief survey of open questions and main topics in present‐day particle research.
Hybrid Language Learning
Authors: Arispe Kelly
Published: August 2016

Hybrid or blended learning incorporates a mix of traditional, face‐to‐face, and online contexts in a single course. By definition, a hybrid course has a range of 30–79% of online implementation and is typically adopted for economic, practical and/or pedagogic reasons. Specifically, within the field of computer‐assisted language learning, researchers have characterized the value that hybrid language learning can contribute to the process of second‐language development. Many studies have compared hybrid language‐learning environments to traditional ones, while others have set out to characterize the affordances associated with hybrid language learning. As Web 2.0 technologies become more ubiquitous in language‐learning environments, models for hybrid language‐learning implementation will be of utmost importance.
Carbon Nanotubes Rooted in Porous Ternary Metal Sulfide@N/S‐Doped Carbon Dodecahedron: Bimetal‐Organic‐Frameworks Derivation and Electrochemical Application for High‐Capacity and Long‐Life Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Hao , Su Yun , Sun Weiwei , Wang Yong
Published: August 2016

Lithium ion battery is the predominant power source for portable electronic devices, electrical vehicles, and back‐up electricity storage units for clean and renewable energies. High‐capacity and long‐life electrode materials are essential for the next‐generation Li‐ion battery with high energy density. Here bimetal‐organic‐frameworks synthesis of Co0.4Zn0.19S@N and S codoped carbon dodecahedron is shown with rooted carbon nanotubes (Co‐Zn‐S@N‐S‐C‐CNT) for high‐performance Li‐ion battery application. Benefiting from the synergetic effect of two metal sulfide species for Li‐storage at different voltages, mesoporous dodecahedron structure, N and S codoped carbon overlayer and deep‐rooted CNTs network, the product exhibits a larger‐than‐theoretical reversible Li‐storage capacity of 941 mAh g−1 after 250 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and excellent high‐rate capability (734, 591, 505 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at large current densities of 1, 2, and 5 A g−1 , respectively).
Regio‐ and Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Conjugate Addition of Trimethylaluminium to Linear α,β,γ,δ‐Unsaturated Alkyl Ketones
Authors: Wu Xiaoting , Xie Fang , Ling Zheng , Tang Liang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: August 2016

A regio‐ and enantioselective copper‐catalyzed 1,4‐conjugate addition of trimethylaluminium to linear δ‐aryl‐substituted α,β,γ,δ‐unsaturated alkyl ketones was developed. A series of γ,δ‐unsaturated alkyl ketones were obtained in good yields with high regio‐ and enantioselectivity (up to 88% ee and 96:4 dr). Expansion of the reaction scope to substrates containing aromatic heterocycles also afforded good yields and enantioselectivities (up to 91% ee) with very high regioselectivities, exclusively providing the single 1,4‐products.

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Base‐Metal Catalysis: Embrace the Wild Side
Authors: White M. Christina
Published: August 2016

No Abstract

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Exceptional Visible‐Light‐Driven Cocatalyst‐Free Photocatalytic Activity of g‐C3N4 by Well Designed Nanocomposites with Plasmonic Au and SnO2
Authors: Zada Amir , Humayun Muhammad , Raziq Fazal , Zhang Xuliang , Qu Yang , Bai Linlu , Qin Chuanli , Jing Liqiang , Fu Honggang
Published: August 2016

In this work, plasmonic Au/SnO2/g‐C3N4 (Au/SO/CN) nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized and applied in the H2 evolution as photocatalysts, which exhibit superior photocatalytic activities and favorable stability without any cocatalyst under visible‐light irradiation. The amount‐optimized 2Au/6SO/CN nanocomposite capable of producing approximately 770 μmol g−1 h−1 H2 gas under λ > 400 nm light illumination far surpasses the H2 gas output of SO/CN (130 μmol g−1), Au/CN (112 μmol g−1 h−1), and CN (11 μmol g−1 h−1) as a contrast. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of 2Au/6SO/CN maintains unchanged for 5 runs in 5 h. The enhanced photoactivity for H2 evolution is attributed to the prominently promoted photogenerated charge separation via the excited electron transfer from plasmonic Au (≈520 nm) and CN (470 nm > λ > 400 nm) to SO, as indicated by the surface photovoltage spectra, photoelectrochemical I–V curves, electrochemical impedance spectra, examination of formed hydroxyl radicals, and photocurrent action spectra. Moreover, the Kelvin probe test indicates that the newly aligned conduction band of SO in the fabricated 2Au/6SO/CN is indispensable to assist developing a proper energy platform for the photocatalytic H2 evolution. This work distinctly provides a feasible strategy to synthesize highly efficient plasmonic‐assisted CN‐based photocatalysts utilized for solar fuel production.
Unilateral cardiogenic pulmonary edema associated with acute mitral regurgitation
Authors: Kashiura Masahiro , Tateishi Kazuya , Yokoyama Taro , Jujo Mioko , Tanabe Takahiro , Sugiyama Kazuhiro , Akashi Akiko , Hamabe Yuichi
Published: August 2016

Case

Two cases of cardiogenic unilateral pulmonary edema are reported. Both patients presented to the emergency department with dyspnea, and chest radiography revealed unilateral infiltration, which mimics pulmonary disease. However, the patients were diagnosed with cardiogenic pulmonary edema, because echocardiography showed severe mitral regurgitation with an eccentric jet.

Outcome

The patients underwent mitral valve replacement and were discharged without complications.

Conclusion

Unilateral cardiogenic pulmonary edema is rare, and early diagnosis and treatment are difficult. Delayed treatment leads to high mortality. The major cause of unilateral pulmonary edema is acute mitral regurgitation, and the direction of the jet is suggested as a mechanism of laterality.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Alkyne Hydrosilylation and Sequential Vinylsilane Hydroboration with Markovnikov Selectivity
Authors: Zuo Ziqing , Yang Ji , Huang Zheng
Published: August 2016

A pyridinebis(oxazoline) cobalt complex is a very efficient precatalyst for the hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes with Ph2SiH2, providing α‐vinylsilanes with high (Markovnikov) regioselectivity and broad functional‐group tolerance. The vinylsilane products can be further converted into geminal borosilanes through Markovnikov hydroboration with pinacolborane and a bis(imino)pyridine cobalt catalyst.
Survey and empirical evaluation of nonhomogeneous arrival process models with taxi data
Authors: Sayarshad Hamid R. , Chow Joseph Y. J.
Published: August 2016

Arrival processes are important inputs to many transportation system functions, such as vehicle prepositioning, taxi dispatch, bus holding strategies, and dynamic pricing. We conduct a comprehensive survey of the literature which shows that many transport systems employ basic homogeneous arrival process models or static nonhomogeneous processes. We conduct an empirical experiment to compare five state of the art arrival process short term prediction models using a common transportation system data set: New York taxi passenger pickups in 2013. Pickup data is split between 672 observations for model estimation and 96 observations for validation. From our experiment, we obtain evidence to support a recent model called FM‐IntGARCH, which is able to combine the benefits of both time series models and discrete count processes. Using a set of seven performance metrics from the literature, FM‐IntGARCH is shown to outperform the offline models—seasonal factor method, piecewise linear model—as well as the online models—ARIMA, Gaussian Cox process. Implications for operating data‐driven “smart” transit systems and urban informatics are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serotonin neuron abnormalities in the BTBR mouse model of autism
Authors: Guo Yue‐Ping , Commons Kathryn G.
Published: August 2016

The inbred mouse strain BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) is studied as a model of idiopathic autism because they are less social and more resistant to change than other strains. Forebrain serotonin receptors and the response to serotonin drugs are altered in BTBR mice, yet it remains unknown if serotonin neurons themselves are abnormal. In this study, we found that serotonin tissue content and the density of serotonin axons is reduced in the hippocampus of BTBR mice in comparison to C57BL/6J (C57) mice. This was accompanied by possible compensatory changes in serotonin neurons that were most pronounced in regions known to provide innervation to the hippocampus: the caudal dorsal raphe (B6) and the median raphe. These changes included increased numbers of serotonin neurons and hyperactivation of Fos expression. Metrics of serotonin neurons in the rostral 2/3 of the dorsal raphe and serotonin content of the prefrontal cortex were less impacted. Thus, serotonin neurons exhibit region‐dependent abnormalities in the BTBR mouse that may contribute to their altered behavioral profile. Autism Res 2017, 10: 66–77. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating negative binomial parameters from occurrence data with detection times
Authors: Hwang Wen‐Han , Huggins Richard , Stoklosa Jakub
Published: August 2016

The negative binomial distribution is a common model for the analysis of count data in biology and ecology. In many applications, we may not observe the complete frequency count in a quadrat but only that a species occurred in the quadrat. If only occurrence data are available then the two parameters of the negative binomial distribution, the aggregation index and the mean, are not identifiable. This can be overcome by data augmentation or through modeling the dependence between quadrat occupancies. Here, we propose to record the (first) detection time while collecting occurrence data in a quadrat. We show that under what we call proportionate sampling, where the time to survey a region is proportional to the area of the region, that both negative binomial parameters are estimable. When the mean parameter is larger than two, our proposed approach is more efficient than the data augmentation method developed by Solow and Smith (, Am. Nat. 176, 96–98), and in general is cheaper to conduct. We also investigate the effect of misidentification when collecting negative binomially distributed data, and conclude that, in general, the effect can be simply adjusted for provided that the mean and variance of misidentification probabilities are known. The results are demonstrated in a simulation study and illustrated in several real examples.
Use of an absorbable embolization material for reversible portal vein embolization in an experimental model
Authors: Olthof P B , Huisman F , van Golen R F , Cieslak K P , van Lienden K P , Plug T , Meijers J C M , Heger M , Verheij J , van Gulik T M
Published: August 2016

Background

Portal vein embolization (PVE) is used to increase future remnant liver size in patients requiring major hepatic resection. PVE using permanent embolization, however, predisposes to complications and excludes the use of PVE in living donor liver transplantation. In the present study, an absorbable embolization material containing fibrin glue and different concentrations of the fibrinolysis inhibitor aprotinin was used in an experimental animal model.

Methods

PVE of the cranial liver lobes was performed in 30 New Zealand White rabbits, which were divided into five groups, fibrin glue + 1000, 700, 500, 300 or 150 kunits/ml aprotinin, and were compared with a previous series of permanent embolization using the same experimental set-up. Caudal liver lobe hypertrophy was determined by CT volumetry, and portal recanalization was identified on contrast-enhanced CT images. Animals were killed after 7 or 42 days, and the results were compared with those of permanent embolization.

Results

PVE using fibrin glue with aprotinin as embolic material was effective, with 500 kunits/ml providing the optimal hypertrophic response. Lower concentrations of aprotinin (150 and 300 kunits/ml) led to reduced hypertrophy owing to early recanalization of the embolized segments. The regeneration rate over the first 3 days was higher in the group with 500 kunits/ml aprotinin than in the groups with 300 or 150 kunits/ml or permanent embolization. In the 500-kunits/ml group, four of five animals showed recanalization 42 days after embolization, with minimal histological changes in the cranial lobes following recanalization.

Conclusion

Fibrin glue combined with 500 kunits/ml aprotinin resulted in reversible PVE in 80 per cent of animals, with a hypertrophy response comparable to that achieved with permanent embolization material. Surgical relevancePortal vein embolization (PVE) is used to increase future remnant liver volume in patients scheduled for major liver resection who have insufficient future remnant liver size to perform a safe resection. The current standard is PVE with permanent embolization materials, which renders patients found to have unresectable disease prone to complications owing to the permanently deportalized liver segments. Absorbable embolization might prevent the PVE-associated morbidity and lower the threshold for its application.In this study, PVE using fibrin glue and aprotinin resulted in an adequate hypertrophy response with 80 per cent recanalization after 42 days. Considering the minor histological changes following recanalization of embolized segments and potentially preserved function, reversible PVE might also be applied in living donor liver transplantation.
The feasibility of 11C‐PIB‐PET/CT for amyloid plaque burden: validation of the effectiveness of CT‐based partial volume correction
Authors: Sasaki Kei , Maikusa Norihide , Imabayashi Etsuko , Yuasa Tetsuya , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Amyloid positron‐emission tomography (PET) imaging with 11C‐Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) is an effective tool for assessing brain amyloid deposits. PET imaging, however, can suffer from the partial volume effect (PVE). PVE has been corrected using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) image data. However, correction of the PVE of PET using MRI usually requires two separate procedures, imposing a burden on patients and leading to low throughput and inefficient diagnoses. The advent of PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) may potentially overcome these problems and offer higher throughput and reliable quantification of amyloid plaques and assessment of Alzheimer disease (AD).

Methods

We investigated the feasibility of correcting PVE in amyloid PET using CT, obtained by PET/CT, instead of MRI. We demonstrated the efficacy of partial volume correction (PVC) based on CT by comparing the results of CT‐based PVC and those of MRI‐based PVC using images acquired from AD patients and controls.

Results

Both methods were able to perform PVC. Slight but significant differences between standard uptake volume ratio (SUVR) values were noted between the two modalities; these were attenuated by constant multiplication.

Conclusion

CT will potentially replace MRI for PVC, allowing the use of a single PET/CT scanner for amyloid plaque quantitation.
Fatty Acid Diversity is Not Associated with Neutral Genetic Diversity in Native Populations of the Biodiesel Plant Jatropha curcas L.
Authors: Martínez‐Díaz Yesenia , González‐Rodríguez Antonio , Rico‐Ponce Héctor Rómulo , Rocha‐Ramírez Víctor , Ovando‐Medina Isidro , Espinosa‐García Francisco J.
Published: August 2016

Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) is a shrub native to Mexico and Central America, which produces seeds with a high oil content that can be converted to biodiesel. The genetic diversity of this plant has been widely studied, but it is not known whether the diversity of the seed oil chemical composition correlates with neutral genetic diversity. The total seed oil content, the diversity of profiles of fatty acids and phorbol esters were quantified, also, the genetic diversity obtained from simple sequence repeats was analyzed in native populations of J. curcas in Mexico. Using the fatty acids profiles, a discriminant analysis recognized three groups of individuals according to geographical origin. Bayesian assignment analysis revealed two genetic groups, while the genetic structure of the populations could not be explained by isolation‐by‐distance. Genetic and fatty acid profile data were not correlated based on Mantel test. Also, phorbol ester content and genetic diversity were not associated. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that total oil content was associated with altitude and seasonality of temperature. The content of unsaturated fatty acids was associated with altitude. Therefore, the cultivation planning of J. curcas should take into account chemical variation related to environmental factors.
Photochromic Dithienylethene‐Containing Boron(III) Ketoiminates: Modulation of Photo‐Responsive Behavior through Variation of Intramolecular Motion
Authors: Wong Cheok‐Lam , Poon Chun‐Ting , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: August 2016

A series of dithienylethene‐containing boron(III) ketoiminates, as well as their corresponding β‐ketoimine ligands, have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical, electrochemical, and photochromic properties of the compounds have been studied. Photocyclization has been found to be suppressed upon introduction of a phenyl substituent on the nitrogen atom of the β‐ketoiminate core, whereas photochromism could be observed by replacement of the phenyl substituent with a bulky mesityl group. It is believed that the steric effect of the mesityl unit restricts molecular rotation, resulting in such a prominent difference in the photochromic properties.
CRUSTAL STRUCTURE OF XISHA BLOCK AND ITS TECTONIC ATTRIBUTES
Authors: Xiao-Ran GUO , Ming-Hui ZHAO , Hai‐Bo HUANG , Xue-Lin QIU , Jian WANG , En-Yuan HE , Jia-Zheng ZHANG
Published: August 2016

Xisha block, as a micro‐continental massif formed during the process of the formation of the South China Sea (SCS), has recorded important information about the evolutionary history of the SCS. The crustal structure, petrological properties and tectonic attributes of Xisha block are critical to the theory of formation and evolution of the SCS. Based on Ocean Bottom Seismometers (OBS) data acquired from Line OBS2013–3, the P‐wave velocity model of Xisha block along this line is established employing the ray‐tracing and forward travel‐time modeling method. The velocity structure shows that the sedimentary layer is various with a velocity of 2.2∼3.2 km·s–1 and a thickness of 0.8∼3.0 km. The basement interface is locally rugged and rough. The velocity values of the upper and lower crusts are 5.0∼6.4 km·s–1 and 6.5∼6.9 km·s–1, and the upper mantle is a layer with an velocity of 8.0 km·s–1. The average crustal thickness of Xisha block is about 23 km. The depths of the upper and lower crusts are 9 km and 14 km. Moho interface lies at the depth of 23∼27 km. Xisha block is a thinned continental crust as compared with the South China continental margin; it has a size about 9.2×105 km3 calculated from two mutually perpendicular seismic profiles crossing the block. Xisha block and Nansha block are distributed on the two sides of the fossil spreading ridge of Northwest Sub‐basin. They are conjugate to each other since their velocity structures are very similar.
Diagnostic and treatment strategy for small gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Nishida Toshirou , Goto Osamu , Raut Chandrajit Premanand , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: August 2016

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are considered to be potentially malignant mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinically relevant GISTs are rare; however, subclinical GISTs (mini‐GISTs) (1‐2 cm) and pathologic GISTs (micro‐GISTs) (<1 cm) are frequently reported. Most mini‐GISTs and almost all micro‐GISTs of the stomach may exhibit benign clinical behavior, and only mini‐GISTs with high‐risk features may progress. For this review, a provisional algorithm was used to propose diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with small GISTs. Because surgery is the only potentially curative treatment, in its application for small GISTs, the principles of sarcoma surgery should be maintained, and cost effectiveness should be considered. Indications for surgery include GISTs measuring ≥2 cm, symptomatic GISTs, and mini‐GISTs with high‐risk features (irregular borders, cystic spaces, ulceration, echogenic foci, internal heterogeneity, and tumor progression during follow‐up); however, a preoperative pathologic diagnosis is infrequently obtained. For small intestinal and colorectal GISTs, surgery is indicated irrespective of size because of their greater malignant potential. Otherwise, mini‐GISTs without high‐risk features, micro‐GISTs, and small submucosal tumors measuring <5 cm without high‐risk features may be followed by periodical endoscopic ultrasonography. Although surgical approaches and operative methods are selected according to tumor size, location, growth pattern, and surgical teams, laparoscopic surgery has produced similar oncologic outcomes and is less invasiveness compared with open surgery. After resection, pathologic examination for diagnosis and risk assessment is mandatory, and genotyping is also recommended for high‐risk GISTs. Endoscopic resection techniques, although feasible, are not routinely indicated for most mini‐GISTs or micro‐GISTs. Cancer 2016;122:3110–8. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made.
A self‐organized load balancing mechanism for cloud computing
Authors: Khani Hadi , Yazdani Nasser , Mohammadi Siamak
Published: August 2016

The growth in computer and networking technologies over the past decades established cloud computing as a new paradigm in information technology. The cloud computing promises to deliver cost‐effective services by running workloads in a large scale data center consisting of thousands of virtualized servers. The main challenge with a cloud platform is its unpredictable performance. A possible solution to this challenge could be load balancing mechanism that aims to distribute the workload across the servers of the data center effectively. In this paper, we present a distributed and scalable load balancing mechanism for cloud computing using game theory. The mechanism is self‐organized and depends only on the local information for the load balancing. We proved that our mechanism converges and its inefficiency is bounded. Simulation results show that the generated placement of workload on servers provides an efficient, scalable, and reliable load balancing scheme for the cloud data center. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of classifiers and features for authorship authentication of social networking messages
Authors: Li Jenny S. , Chen Li‐Chiou , Monaco John V. , Singh Pranjal , Tappert Charles C.
Published: August 2016

This paper develops algorithms and investigates various classifiers to determine the authenticity of short social network postings, an average of 20.6 words, from Facebook. This paper presents and discusses several experiments using a variety of classifiers. The goal of this research is to determine the degree to which such postings can be authenticated as coming from the purported user and not from an intruder. Various sets of stylometry and ad hoc social networking features were developed to categorize 9259 posts from 30 Facebook authors as authentic or non‐authentic. An algorithm to utilize machine‐learning classifiers for investigating this problem is described, and an additional voting algorithm that combines three classifiers is investigated. This research is one of the first works that focused on authorship authentication in short messages, such as postings on social network sites. The challenges of applying traditional stylometry techniques on short messages are discussed. Experimental results demonstrate an average accuracy rate of 79.6% among 30 users. Further empirical analyses evaluate the effect of sample size, feature selection, user writing style, and classification method on authorship authentication, indicating varying degrees of success compared with previous studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive human detection approach using FPGA‐based parallel architecture in reconfigurable hardware
Authors: Li Yibin , Gai Keke , Qiu Meikang , Dai Wenyun , Liu Meiqin
Published: August 2016

Currently, the rapid increment of human detections has been changing people's daily life, However, the implementation is still facing the challenges caused by the restrictions of power and hardware. The computation process results in a heavy workload even though prior researches had made efforts to reduce the complexity. We focus on this issue and propose a new approach that employs the binarization‐based optimization algorithm to simplify the computation processes. Our approach is designed to minimize the necessary calculations and memory space. Moreover, we have developed the field‐programmable gate array‐based parallel architecture to apply partial dynamic reconfiguration, which enables the remote configurations for the number of processing units. An experimental evaluation is completed in order to examine our proposed approach. According to our experimental results, the detection precision can reach a miss rate less than 1.97% and a false positive rate of 1%. The energy cost is also reduced up to 36% comparing with the prior methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TepiTool: A Pipeline for Computational Prediction of T Cell Epitope Candidates
Authors: Paul Sinu , Sidney John , Sette Alessandro , Peters Bjoern
Published: August 2016

Computational prediction of T cell epitope candidates is currently being used in several applications including vaccine discovery studies, development of diagnostics, and removal of unwanted immune responses against protein therapeutics. There have been continuous improvements in the performance of MHC binding prediction tools, but their general adoption by immunologists has been slow due to the lack of user‐friendly interfaces and guidelines. Current tools only provide minimal advice on what alleles to include, what lengths to consider, how to deal with homologous peptides, and what cutoffs should be considered relevant. This protocol provides step‐by‐step instructions with necessary recommendations for prediction of the best T cell epitope candidates with the newly developed online tool called TepiTool. TepiTool, which is part of the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), provides some of the top MHC binding prediction algorithms for number of species including humans, chimpanzees, bovines, gorillas, macaques, mice, and pigs. The TepiTool is freely accessible at http://tools.iedb.org/tepitool/. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of the SHuffle Strains in Production of Proteins
Authors: Ren Guoping , Ke Na , Berkmen Mehmet
Published: August 2016

Escherichia coli continues to be a popular expression host for the production of proteins, yet successful recombinant expression of active proteins to high yields remains a trial and error process. This is mainly due to decoupling of the folding factors of a protein from its native host, when expressed recombinantly in E. coli. Failure to fold could be due to many reasons but is often due to lack of post‐translational modifications that are absent in E. coli. One such post‐translational modification is the formation of disulfide bonds, a common feature of secreted proteins. The genetically engineered SHuffle cells offer an expression solution to proteins that require disulfide bonds for their folding and activity. The purpose of this protocol unit is to familiarize the researcher with the biology of SHuffle cells and guide the experimental design in order to optimize and increase the chances of successful expression of their desired protein of choice. Example of the expression and purification of a model disulfide‐bonded protein DsbC is described in detail. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vivo Determination of Mitochondrial Function Using Luciferase‐Expressing Caenorhabditis elegans: Contribution of Oxidative Phosphorylation, Glycolysis, and Fatty Acid Oxidation to Toxicant‐Induced Dysfunction
Authors: Luz Anthony L. , Lagido Cristina , Hirschey Matthew D. , Meyer Joel N.
Published: August 2016

Mitochondria are a target of many drugs and environmental toxicants; however, how toxicant‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the progression of human disease remains poorly understood. To address this issue, in vivo assays capable of rapidly assessing mitochondrial function need to be developed. Here, using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, we describe how to rapidly assess the in vivo role of the electron transport chain, glycolysis, or fatty acid oxidation in energy metabolism following toxicant exposure, using a luciferase‐expressing ATP reporter strain. Alterations in mitochondrial function subsequent to toxicant exposure are detected by depleting steady‐state ATP levels with inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, glycolysis, or fatty acid oxidation. Differential changes in ATP following short‐term inhibitor exposure indicate toxicant‐induced alterations at the site of inhibition. Because a microplate reader is the only major piece of equipment required, this is a highly accessible method for studying toxicant‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in vivo. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A High‐Throughput Screening Assay to Identify Kidney Toxic Compounds
Authors: Ramm Susanne , Adler Melanie , Vaidya Vishal S.
Published: August 2016

Kidney toxicity due to drugs and chemicals poses a significant health burden for patients and a financial risk for pharmaceutical companies. However, currently no sensitive and high‐throughput in vitro method exists for predictive nephrotoxicity assessment. Primary human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HPTECs) possess characteristics of differentiated epithelial cells, making them a desirable model to use in in vitro screening systems. Additionally, heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) protein expression is upregulated as a protective mechanism during kidney toxicant‐induced oxidative stress or inflammation in HPTECs and can therefore be used as a biomarker for nephrotoxicity. In this article, we describe two different methods to screen for HO‐1 increase: A homogeneous time resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay and an immunofluorescence assay. The latter provides lower throughput but higher sensitivity due to the combination of two readouts, HO‐1 intensity and cell number. The methods described in the protocol are amendable for other cell types as well. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Subpopulations of T Regulatory Cells in Blood Stem Cell Harvests Influence Development of Acute Graft Versus Host Disease in Allogeneic Transplant Recipients
Authors: Roschupkina Teona , Juliusson Gunnar
Published: August 2016

Background

CD4+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the potent suppressors of activation and proliferation of conventional T cells. Tregs subdivided by their expression of FoxP3 and CD45RA identify clinically important functional subsets.

Methods

We analyzed Treg subpopulations in hematopoietic stem cell harvests (SCH) from 22 allogeneic (matched unrelated and sibling) donors with flow cytometry by their expression of CD45RA, CD127, CD25, and FoxP3 marker combinations.

Results

A high fraction of “activated Tregs”, defined as CD4+ FoxP3hiCD45RAlo (aTreg) cells relative to all CD4+ T‐cells, in the SCH correlated with no subsequent development of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) in the corresponding transplant recipients (aTreg 1.29%, range 0.96–1.64%, vs. 0.23%, range 0.14‐0.56%, with subsequent aGvHD; P = 0.0015). The “non‐Treg” cells, defined by CD4+ FoxP3med/loCD45RAlo, and resting Treg (rTreg) cells, defined by CD4+ FoxP3medCD45RAhi, did not correlate with aGvHD development. We also showed that phenotypic aTregs could be induced in vitro from nonTregs under homeostatic proliferation conditions and that this ability correlated with the CD127 and CD25 expression patterns.

Conclusions

We identified a subset of T CD4+ FoxP3+ cells, i.e., aTregs that were correlated to aGvHD development, and demonstrated plasticity of the nonTreg population to provide phenotypic aTregs. This could have both a predictive clinical relevance in inflammatory conditions as well as support a rationale for development of cell targeted therapy. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Identification of a new psychoactive substance in seized material: the synthetic opioid N‐phenyl‐N‐[1‐(2‐phenethyl)piperidin‐4‐yl]prop‐2‐enamide (Acrylfentanyl)
Authors: Breindahl Torben , Kimergård Andreas , Andreasen Mette Findal , Pedersen Daniel Sejer
Published: August 2016

Among the new psychoactive substances (NPS) that have recently emerged on the market, many of the new synthetic opioids have shown to be particularly harmful. A new synthetic analogue of fentanyl, N‐phenyl‐N‐[1‐(2‐phenethyl)piperidin‐4‐yl]prop‐2‐enamide (acrylfentanyl), was identified in powder from a seized capsule found at a forensic psychiatric ward in Denmark. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) identified a precursor to synthetic fentanyls, N‐phenyl‐1‐(2‐phenylethyl)piperidin‐4‐amine; however, the precursor 1‐(2‐phenethyl)piperidin‐4‐one, was not detected. Analysis of the electron impact mass spectrum of the main, unknown chromatographic peak (GC) tentatively identified an acryloyl analogue of fentanyl. Further analyses by quadrupole time‐of‐flight high resolution mass spectrometry (QTOF‐MS), matrix‐assisted laser ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry (MALDI‐Orbitrap‐MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and infra‐red spectroscopy (IR) confirmed the presence of acrylfentanyl (also known as acryloylfentanyl). Quantitative analysis with liquid chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) determined the content of acrylfentanyl in the powder, equal to 88.3 mass‐% acrylfentanyl hydrochloride. An impurity observed by NMR was identified as triethylamine hydrochloride. Acrylfentanyl is sold on the Internet as a ‘research chemical’. Like other synthetic fentanyls, such as acetylfentanyl, it poses a serious risk of fatal intoxication. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Drug Testing and Analysis Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Optical water quality and human perceptions of rivers: an ethnohydrology study
Authors: West Amie O. , Nolan Justin M. , Scott J. Thad
Published: August 2016

Rivers are revered worldwide for their ecologic, scenic, and recreational value. The capacity to communicate effectively among human groups with vested interest in rivers hinges on understanding the nature of human perceptions of water quality and the extent to which they vary intraculturally. Recognizing the intersection between measured water quality and the characteristics of rivers that influence human perceptions facilitates potential for better communication across disciplines and among stakeholders. We conducted interviews and a pile‐sort task with water quality experts and nonexperts. Our analysis suggested human evaluation of water quality is guided by culturally constructed criteria, regardless of respondent expertise, experience, or demographics. Cluster analysis results implied that measured physical and chemical parameters of rivers were directly related to the visible attributes used in human judgments. We suggest that, regardless of variability among individual stakeholders, observable characteristics may be the foundation for a common understanding of water quality in rivers.
Determination of Total Monoamines in Rat Brain via Nanotubes Based Human Monoamine Oxidase B Biosensor
Authors: Aigner Maximilian , Kalcher Kurt , Macheroux Peter , Lienhart Wolf‐Dieter , Wallner Silvia , Edmondson Dale , Ortner Astrid
Published: August 2016

A specific and sensitive electrochemical biosensor with human monoamine oxidase B (hMAO B) as biological receptor and a MnO2 modified nanomaterial based transducer system has been developed and optimised. Best results for the biosensor were achieved when using enzyme immobilisation with a dialysis membrane (regenerated cellulose, molecular weight cut‐off 14000) and a 20 % (m/m) MnO2 modified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, ratio of fluid to solid compounds of 1 : 0.7 (m/m)) paste electrode smoothed with a glassy carbon paste (GCP, ratio 1 : 3.6 (m/m)) containing the same mediator concentration. The biosensor was operated in a flow injection analysis (FIA) system with Sørensen phosphate buffer (33 mM, pH 7.5) and amperometric detection at a fixed potential of +400 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. The developed sensor underwent validation using phenylethylamine (PEA) as standard substrate showing linearity between 5.0 and 400 µM PEA and limits of detection and quantification of 1.5 and 5.0 µM PEA, respectively. The sensor was successfully tested for the determination of total monoamines in rat brain calculated as PEA equivalents showing a result of 1.2 µg/g brain tissue (n=3, relative standard deviation 4.4 %).