bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superposed and refolded metamorphic isograds and superposed directions of shear during late orogenic extension in the Alborán Domain, southern Spain
Authors: Williams J. R. , Platt J. P.
Published: March 2017

The timing, kinematics, and mode of exhumation within the Alpujárride Complex, the largest tectonic unit of the Alborán Domain, are controversial. Alternative tectonic models include synorogenic exhumation during pre‐Miocene crustal thickening, intraorogenic exhumation during repeated phases of contraction and extension, and late orogenic exhumation during early Miocene crustal thinning. New structural and petrographic relationships documented in this study support the latter model: subhorizontal foliations, stretching lineations, and recumbent folds are associated with early Miocene high‐temperature decompressional metamorphism and vertical condensation of the metamorphic sequence. Relict isograds associated with high‐pressure metamorphism and burial are systematically overprinted by isograds associated with high‐temperature metamorphism and rapid decompression. During the early stages of extensional exhumation and growth of sillimanite, ENE directed shear (D2) overprinted thrusts and foliations associated with crustal thickening (D1). During the later stages of extensional exhumation and growth of andalusite, from ductile to semibrittle conditions, north directed shear (D3) produced kilometer‐scale recumbent folds that refold isograds. Stretching lineations characterize superposed directions of orogen‐parallel (L2) and later orogen‐perpendicular (L3) shear associated with a rapid temporal transition in the kinematics of extensional exhumation. During the final stages of crustal thinning and cooling, ductile structures (D2/D3) were cut by brittle low‐angle normal faults (D4).
Stepwise exhumation of the Triassic Lanling high‐pressure metamorphic belt in Central Qiangtang, Tibet: Insights from a coupled study of metamorphism, deformation, and geochronology
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wang Genhou , Yang Bo , Ran Hao , Zheng Yilong , Du Jinxue , Li Lingui
Published: March 2017

The E‐W trending Central Qiangtang metamorphic belt (CQMB) is correlated to the Triassic orogeny of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean prior to Cenozoic growth of the Tibetan Plateau. The well‐exposed Lanling high‐pressure, low‐temperature (HP‐LT) metamorphic complex was chosen to decipher the process by which it was exhumed, which thereby provides insights into the origin of the CQMB and Qiangtang terrane. After a detailed petrological and structural mapping, three distinct N‐S‐trending metamorphic domains were distinguished. Microscopic observations show that core domain garnet (Grt)‐bearing blueschist was exhumed in a heating plus depressurization trajectory after peak eclogitic conditions, which is more evident in syntectonic vein form porphyroblastic garnets with zoning typical of a prograde path. Grt‐free blueschist of the mantle domain probably underwent an exhumation path of temperature increasing and dehydration, as evidenced by pervasive epidote veins. The compilation of radiometric results of high‐pressure mineral separates in Lanling and Central Qiantang, and reassessments on the published phengite data sets of Lanling using Arrhenius plots allow a two‐step exhumation model to be formulated. It is suggested that core domain eclogitic rocks were brought onto mantle domain blueschist facies level starting at 244–230 Ma, with exhumation continuing to 227–223.4 Ma, and subsequently were exhumed together starting at 223–220 Ma, reaching lower greenschist facies conditions generally after 222–217 Ma. These new observations indicate that the CQMB formed as a Triassic autochthonous accretionary complex resulting from the northward subdcution of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean and that HP‐LT rocks therein were very probably exhumed in an extensional regime.
Tropical river suspended sediment and solute dynamics in storms during an extreme drought
Authors: Clark Kathryn E. , Shanley James B. , Scholl Martha A. , Perdrial Nicolas , Perdrial Julia N. , Plante Alain F. , McDowell William H.
Published: March 2017

Droughts, which can strongly affect both hydrologic and biogeochemical systems, are projected to become more prevalent in the tropics in the future. We assessed the effects of an extreme drought during 2015 on stream water composition in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico. We demonstrated that drought base flow in the months leading up to the study was sourced from trade‐wind orographic rainfall, suggesting a resistance to the effects of an otherwise extreme drought. In two catchments (Mameyes and Icacos), we sampled a series of four rewetting events that partially alleviated the drought. We collected and analyzed dissolved constituents (major cations and anions, organic carbon, and nitrogen) and suspended sediment (inorganic and organic matter (particulate organic carbon and particulate nitrogen)). The rivers appeared to be resistant to extreme drought, recovering quickly upon rewetting, as (1) the concentration‐discharge (C‐Q) relationships deviated little from the long‐term patterns; (2) “new water” dominated streamflow during the latter events; (3) suspended sediment sources had accumulated in the channel during the drought flushed out during the initial events; and (4) the severity of the drought, as measured by the US drought monitor, was reduced dramatically after the rewetting events. Through this interdisciplinary study, we were able to investigate the impact of extreme drought through rewetting events on the river biogeochemistry.
Debates—Hypothesis testing in hydrology: A subsurface perspective
Authors: Neuweiler Insa , Helmig Rainer
Published: March 2017

Models for flow in environmental systems are subject to uncertainty. Models can thus be interpreted as hypotheses on the validity of the underlying model assumptions. One important source of uncertainty in models for flow and transport processes in the subsurface is the model concept. While uncertain model parameters or forcing terms can be captured as random processes and random fields, this type of uncertainty cannot be included into a model in a straightforward manner. This is particularly true if established model descriptions of a given process are not known or are still being debated. In this contribution, we outline several examples of subsurface flow and transport modeling where uncertainty of the model concept plays an important role. We discuss the need for the development of methods and standards to deal with this type of uncertainty in model hypothesis testing.
Developing reservoir monthly inflow forecasts using artificial intelligence and climate phenomenon information
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Asanjan Ata Akbari , Welles Edwin , Gao Xiaogang , Sorooshian Soroosh , Liu Xiaomang
Published: March 2017

Reservoirs are fundamental human‐built infrastructures that collect, store, and deliver fresh surface water in a timely manner for many purposes. Efficient reservoir operation requires policy makers and operators to understand how reservoir inflows are changing under different hydrological and climatic conditions to enable forecast‐informed operations. Over the last decade, the uses of Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining [AI & DM] techniques in assisting reservoir streamflow subseasonal to seasonal forecasts have been increasing. In this study, Random Forest [RF), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) are employed and compared with respect to their capabilities for predicting 1 month‐ahead reservoir inflows for two headwater reservoirs in USA and China. Both current and lagged hydrological information and 17 known climate phenomenon indices, i.e., PDO and ENSO, etc., are selected as predictors for simulating reservoir inflows. Results show (1) three methods are capable of providing monthly reservoir inflows with satisfactory statistics; (2) the results obtained by Random Forest have the best statistical performances compared with the other two methods; (3) another advantage of Random Forest algorithm is its capability of interpreting raw model inputs; (4) climate phenomenon indices are useful in assisting monthly or seasonal forecasts of reservoir inflow; and (5) different climate conditions are autocorrelated with up to several months, and the climatic information and their lags are cross correlated with local hydrological conditions in our case studies.
Similarity, Dissimilarity, and Distance, Measures of
Authors: Gower John C. , Warrens Matthijs J.
Published: March 2017

We discuss definitions and properties of similarity and dissimilarity coefficients, including their metric and Euclidean status. Among the plethora of available coefficients, we give details of some of the more commonly used with binary and quantitative variables. First, we discuss measures for evaluating similarity between a pair of units, showing that some coefficients are monotonic functions of each other and that many coefficients are particular instances of an overall measure of similarity. We end with measures that can be used to assess interpopulation similarity.
Inspection Sampling
Authors: Heikes Russell G. , Cudney Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2017

Variation exists in all processes, which can lead to defects in incoming material. Further, as product complexity of multicomponent products continue to increase, it is becoming more difficult to control quality throughout the supply chain. Inspection sampling is commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and electronic industries, among many others, as a method to reduce the probability of defective products from entering the supply chain. Selecting the appropriate inspection scheme requires balancing risk, resources, and cost for optimal quality. As such, the topics of sampling schemes, process control, economically based sampling, and inspection errors are explored and discussed.
Statistical Engineering
Authors: Hoerl Roger W. , Snee Ronald D.
Published: March 2017

Statistical engineering, the engineering of statistical solutions involving the integration of multiple methods, has recently been recognized as a unique discipline alongside statistical science. Solutions to basic and even difficult problems that are narrow and well defined generally do not require engineering of a solution, just the application of the single, correct statistical method. These methods are typically found in textbooks. However, when facing large, complex, and unstructured problems, individual tools rarely suffice. An overall strategy or plan of attack is needed, typically one that integrates multiple methods and even multiple disciplines in a sequential manner. Such strategies are rarely, if ever, found in textbooks; leadership is needed. The solution must be engineered, that is, statistical engineering is required.
Media Effects: Levels of Analysis
Authors: Maurer Marcus
Published: March 2017

Levels of analysis in media effects research concerns, first, theoretical levels of analysis: the macro level, the meso level, and the micro level. In this case, the question is how theories of media effects are theoretically conceptualized and how the different levels can be linked. Second, it concerns empirical levels of data analysis: the aggregate and the individual levels. In this case, the question is what kind of data have been collected for an empirical study and how they are analyzed. This entry discusses the role of the theoretical and the empirical levels for research designs, strategies of data analysis, and findings in media effects research.
Social Network Theory
Authors: Liu Wenlin , Sidhu Anupreet , Beacom Amanda M. , Valente Thomas W.
Published: March 2017

Social network theory focuses on the role of social relationships in transmitting information, channeling personal or media influence, and enabling attitudinal or behavioral change. Since the 1960s, social network theory has significantly expanded the horizon of media effects research, with increasing application of network analytic methods in various empirical contexts. The two‐step flow of communication hypothesis, the theory of weak ties, and the theory of diffusion of innovations are three major theoretical approaches that integrate network concepts in understanding the flow of mediated information and its effects.
Online Identity Construction
Authors: Wright Michelle F.
Published: March 2017

Research on online identity construction began with examining textual forms of electronic communications. Following these early investigations, current research focuses on online identity construction through a variety of tools, including social networking sites and massively multiplayer online games. These recent investigations indicate that identity is constructed somewhat differently in the anonymous and less anonymous online settings. This entry draws on multidisciplinary research to review online identity construction.
Concurrent Synthesis of High‐Performance Monolayer Transition Metal Disulfides
Authors: Sun Linfeng , Leong Wei Sun , Yang Shize , Chisholm Matthew F. , Liang Shi‐Jun , Ang Lay Kee , Tang Yongjian , Mao Yunwei , Kong Jing , Yang Hui Ying
Published: March 2017

To date, the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach has been widely used for the growth of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). However, the reported CVD methods to synthesize TMDs cannot be used to grow more than one type of TMDs. This work reports a promising CVD technique to concurrently synthesize multiple monolayer transition metal disulfides once. The optoelectrical characterization and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy show the high quality of monolayer crystals, and, more importantly, there is no mixing between different precursors during the growth process, which has been investigated by considering the gas flow dynamics and concentration distribution of precursors in our setup. This strategy indicates the promising future for the batch production of 2D materials and the concurrent synthesis techniques in standard state‐of‐the‐art complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication technology.
Ionic Thermoelectric Figure of Merit for Charging of Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhao Dan , Khan Zia Ulla , Puzinas Skomantas , Jonsson Magnus P. , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier
Published: March 2017

Thermoelectric materials enable conversion of heat to electrical energy. The performance of electronic thermoelectric materials is typically evaluated using a figure of merit ZT = σα2T/λ, where σ is the conductivity, α is the so‐called Seebeck coefficient, and λ is the thermal conductivity. However, it has been unclear how to best evaluate the performance of ionic thermoelectric materials, like ionic solids and electrolytes. These systems cannot be directly used in a traditional thermoelectric generator, because they are based on ions that cannot pass the interface between the thermoelectric material and external metal electrodes. Instead, energy can be harvested from the ionic thermoelectric effect by charging a supercapacitor. In this study, the authors investigate the ionic thermoelectric properties at varied relative humidity for the polyelectrolyte polystyrene sulfonate sodium and correlate these properties with the charging efficiency when used in an ionic thermoelectric supercapacitor (ITESC). In analogy with electronic thermoelectric generators, the results show that the charging efficiency of the ITESC can be quantitatively related to the figure of merit ZTi = σiαi2T/λ. This means that the performance of ionic thermoelectric materials can also be compared and predicted based on the ZT, which will be highly valuable in the design of high‐performance ITESCs.
Equation‐oriented simulation and optimization of process flowsheets incorporating detailed spiral‐wound multistream heat exchanger models
Authors: Tsay Calvin , Pattison Richard C. , Baldea Michael
Published: March 2017

Multiple chemical processes rely on multistream heat exchangers (MHEXs) for heat integration, particularly at cryogenic temperatures. Owing to their geometric complexity, the detailed design of MHEXs is typically iterative: the exchanger geometric parameters are selected to match process specifications resulting from a flowsheet optimization step; then, the flowsheet is reoptimized with the predictions of the MHEX model, and these steps are repeated until a convergence criterion is met. This paper presents a novel framework that allows—for the first time, to our knowledge—for the simultaneous optimization of the process flowsheet and the detailed MHEX design. Focusing on spiral‐wound MHEXs, we develop an equation‐oriented exchanger model using industry‐accepted heat transfer and pressure drop correlations for single‐phase and multiphase streams. We embed this model in our previously developed pseudo‐transient equation‐oriented process simulation and optimization framework. We demonstrate our approach on an industrial case study, the PRICO® natural gas liquefaction process. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3778–3789, 2017
Distributed economic model predictive control for operational safety of nonlinear processes
Authors: Albalawi Fahad , Durand Helen , Christofides Panagiotis D.
Published: March 2017

Achieving operational safety of chemical processes while operating them in an economically‐optimal manner is a matter of great importance. Our recent work integrated process safety with process control by incorporating safety‐based constraints within model predictive control (MPC) design; however, the safety‐based MPC was developed with a centralized architecture, with the result that computation time limitations within a sampling period may reduce the effectiveness of such a controller design for promoting process safety. To address this potential practical limitation of the safety‐based control design, in this work, we propose the integration of a distributed model predictive control architecture with Lyapunov‐based economic model predictive control (LEMPC) formulated with safety‐based constraints. We consider both iterative and sequential distributed control architectures, and the partitioning of inputs between the various optimization problems in the distributed structure based on their impact on process operational safety. Moreover, sufficient conditions that ensure feasibility and closed‐loop stability of the iterative and sequential safety distributed LEMPC designs are given. A comparison between the proposed safety distributed EMPC controllers and the safety centralized EMPC is demonstrated via a chemical process example. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3404–3418, 2017
Patterns of long bone growth in a mid‐19th century documented sample of the urban poor from Bethnal Green, London, UK
Authors: Ives Rachel , Humphrey Louise
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Studies of male and female long bone growth in past populations are limited and usually constrained by the lack of personal identification. This article aimed to evaluate long bone growth in a series of mid‐19th century documented burials associated with the urban poor from Bethnal Green, London, UK.

Materials and methods

Maximum diaphyseal lengths from 74 males and 70 females (2 months to 12 years) were compared to modern reference data from North America. Diaphyseal lengths were expressed as a percentage of expected length and an average percentage value was calculated across all available long bones. An index of growth progression was introduced to explore differences in the progress of males and females towards their projected adult size.

Results

Deviation from the expected growth attainment was evident in both sexes in the archaeological series by 2–4 months of age. Only 19.4% (28/144) of the children had attained an average long bone length >90% of the predicted mean in the reference series. The percentage of expected growth attainment decreased steadily in both sexes during infancy and early childhood. Overall, females deviated further from their expected growth progression than males.

Discussion

Growth faltering in both males and females was established during infancy (<1 year) with no evidence for recovery in older age groups. Early weaning and inadequate artificial feeding, together with impoverished living conditions and limited sanitary provision, most likely impacted on childhood growth.
An International Perspective on Feigned Mental Disabilities: Conceptual Issues and Continuing Controversies
Authors: Merten Thomas , Rogers Richard
Published: March 2017

In forensic contexts, an increased prevalence of feigned symptom presentations should be expected, although it will probably vary by the context and specific forensic issue. Forensic experts should examine this possibility proactively while maintaining a balanced perspective that actively considers clinical data for both feigning and genuine responding. Psychological measures and standardized methods developed for feigning and other response styles can facilitate these often complex determinations. The current article provides an international perspective on the issue of feigned mental disabilities. In particular, important conceptual issues are discussed, such as the categorical versus dimensional approaches to feigning, and the advisability of well‐defined rather than single‐point cut scores for accuracy in clinical decision‐making. Salient problems of differential diagnosis include a spectrum from malingering and factitious disorders to somatoform and conversion disorders. In rendering these important diagnostic distinctions, the questions of motivations and intentions remain key. However, the establishment of motivation cannot be facilely assumed from the context. Instead, forensic psychologists and psychiatrists bear the professional burden of carefully evaluating motivation and recognizing the clinical reality that sometimes the motivation in especially challenging cases may not be fully determined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Coumarinyl Ethers in Daphne oleoides Schreb. Collected from Sardinia Island
Authors: Venditti Alessandro , Sanna Cinzia , Lorenzetti Lorenzo M. , Ballero Mauro , Bianco Armandodoriano
Published: March 2017

The phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract obtained from D. oleoides collected from Sardinia Island allowed the isolation of several new constituents for the species (3, 8, and 9) together with two new coumarinyl ethers (1 and 2) besides the chemotaxonomic markers of the Daphne genus (4 – 7 and 10) which are also known to possess interesting biological activities. The structure of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic and spectrometric analyses. The identification of these compounds gives an experimental evidence of the variability in the secondary metabolites pattern owned by populations growing in restricted area in respect to populations not confined by geographical barrier.
Sheath/Core Hybrid FeCO3/Carbon Nanofibers as Anode Materials for Superior Cycling Stability and Rate Performance
Authors: Zhao Mengxi , Liu Ye , Jiang Jialin , Ma Chao , Yang Gang , Yin Fan , Yang Yang
Published: March 2017

FeCO3 is a potential anode material, owing to advantages such as facile synthesis, low cost, and abundant natural resources, but its poor cyclic stability and low rate performance seriously limit practical applications in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In this paper, the sheath/core hybrid of FeCO3/carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as a binder‐free anode for high‐performance LIBs has been synthesized by using a facile hydrothermal method. Porous FeCO3 nanosheets grow in a stable manner on the surface of CNFs, and the flexible FeCO3/CNF film gives a specific surface area as high as 302.6 m2 g−1. The FeCO3/CNF film, with its porous architecture, provides open and continuous channels for fast diffusion of Li+ to the active material of FeCO3, whereas the CNFs effectively play the leading role as the conductive core to efficiently transfer electrons for rapid lithiation/delithiation of FeCO3, and offer a buffering network to reduce the volume change during cycling. The hybrid FeCO3/CNF film, as a binder‐free anode, delivers 592.2 mAh g−1 at the 3rd cycle and 546.2 mAh g−1 at the 200th cycle. As a comparison, bare FeCO3 drops to 101 mAh g−1 at the 200th cycle. At a current density of 2 A g−1, FeCO3/CNF delivers 308.2 mAh g−1, which is far higher than the 11 mAh g−1 of bare FeCO3 and 52 mAh g−1 of bare CNFs. The FeCO3/CNF film presents an applicable hybrid structure as a binder‐free anode material for ultrathin and ultralight energy‐storage devices.
High Areal Capacity Si/LiCoO2 Batteries from Electrospun Composite Fiber Mats
Authors: Self Ethan C. , Naguib Michael , Ruther Rose E. , McRen Emily C. , Wycisk Ryszard , Liu Gao , Nanda Jagjit , Pintauro Peter N.
Published: March 2017

Freestanding nanofiber mat Li–ion battery anodes containing Si nanoparticles, carbon black, and poly(acrylic acid) (Si/C/PAA) are prepared using electrospinning. The mats are compacted to a high fiber volume fraction (≈0.85), and interfiber contacts are welded by exposing the mat to methanol vapor. A compacted+welded fiber mat anode containing 40 wt % Si exhibits high capacities of 1484 mA h g−1 (3500 mA h g
) at 0.1 C and 489 mA h g−1 at 1 C and good cycling stability (e.g., 73 % capacity retention over 50 cycles). Post‐mortem analysis of the fiber mats shows that the overall electrode structure is preserved during cycling. Whereas many nanostructured Si anodes are hindered by their low active material loadings and densities, thick, densely packed Si/C/PAA fiber mat anodes reported here have high areal and volumetric capacities (e.g., 4.5 mA h cm−2 and 750 mA h cm−3, respectively). A full cell containing an electrospun Si/C/PAA anode and electrospun LiCoO2‐based cathode has a high specific energy density of 270 Wh kg−1. The excellent performance of the electrospun Si/C/PAA fiber mat anodes is attributed to the: i) PAA binder, which interacts with the SiOx surface of Si nanoparticles and ii) high material loading, high fiber volume fraction, and welded interfiber contacts of the electrospun mats.
Tree species diversity and identity effects on soil properties in the Huoditang area of the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Zheng Xiaofeng , Wei Xin , Zhang Shuoxin
Published: March 2017

Soil properties, such as carbon stock, nitrogen stock, cation exchange capacity (CEC), bulk density (BD), and pH, may have a different status when the forest type changes. We were interested in how tree species identity and diversity affect soil properties. Forest soil profiles were sampled at a fixed depth (0–10, 10–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm). The abovementioned soil properties were compared by species to demonstrate the influence of tree species identity. We calculated the true Shannon diversity index and evaluated tree species diversity effects on soil properties. We found that the soil BD, CEC, and pH were all influenced by tree species identity. Tree species diversity only showed a negative effect on soil carbon stock; in contrast, a positive effect on soil nitrogen stock in the 0‐ to 10‐cm soil layer was found. High diversity could lead to a change in the soil nutrient conditions in the form of C/N ratio decreases. In contrast, tree species diversity had a marginal effect on the soil BD, pH, and CEC. We concluded that tree species identity was a strong driver of soil properties in the study area, especially in the 0‐ to 10‐cm layer, and that tree species diversity only altered the soil nutrient condition to some extent.
Cu‐Catalyzed Hydrophosphonylation of 2‐(2‐Enynyl)pyridines: Easy Access to Indolizine‐Containing Diarylmethylphosphonates
Authors: Mahesh Sriram , Anand Ramasamy Vijaya
Published: March 2017

A competent method for the synthesis of indolizine‐based diarylmethylphosphonates is described. This protocol involves a metal‐catalyzed 5‐endo‐dig‐cyclization of 2‐(2‐enynyl)pyridine derivatives followed by a remote addition of diarylphosphites to provide indolizine‐containing diarylmethylphosphonates in good yields.
Dissecting copper homeostasis in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lowe Jennifer , Taveira‐da‐Silva Rosilane , Hilário‐Souza Elaine
Published: March 2017

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). It can occur due to impaired secretion or action of the hormone insulin, which is produced by pancreatic beta‐cells to promote the entry of glucose into the cells. It is known that hyperglycemia has an important role in the production of reactive oxygen species in all types of DM and that an imbalance of transition metal as Cu and Fe plays a pivotal role in stimulating the oxidative stress. Different levels of some transition metals, as Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn has been reported comparing diabetic animal models with the control group. An increased Cu status is also described in diabetic patients. Homeostasis of Cu depends on distinct proteins, where Cu(I)‐ATPases are important transmembrane proteins for acquisition, active transport, distribution and elimination of Cu ions. In this review we first provide an overview of the literature about the relationship between diabetes and copper, the modulation of Cu(I)‐ATPases activity and protein expression in DM, to next discuss the alternative treatments for diabetes using Cu chelation. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 69(4):255–262, 2017
Iron and ferroptosis: A still ill‐defined liaison
Authors: Doll Sebastian , Conrad Marcus
Published: March 2017

Ferroptosis is a recently described form of regulated necrotic cell death, which appears to contribute to a number of diseases, such as tissue ischemia/reperfusion injury, acute renal failure, and neurodegeneration. A hallmark of ferroptosis is iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation, which can be inhibited by the key ferroptosis regulator glutathione peroxidase 4(Gpx4), radical trapping antioxidants and ferroptosis‐specific inhibitors, such as ferrostatins and liproxstatins, as well as iron chelation. Although great strides have been made towards a better understanding of the proximate signals of distinctive lipid peroxides in ferroptosis, still little is known about the mechanistic implication of iron in the ferroptotic process. Hence, this review aims at summarizing recent advances in our understanding to what is known about enzymatic and nonenzymatic routes of lipid peroxidation, the involvement of iron in this process and the identification of novel players in ferroptotic cell death. Additionally, we review early works carried out long time before the term “ferroptosis” was actually introduced but which were instrumental in a better understanding of the role of ferroptosis in physiological and pathophysiological contexts. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(6):423–434, 2017
Silicates in orthopedics and bone tissue engineering materials
Authors: Zhou Xianfeng , Zhang Nianli , Mankoci Steven , Sahai Nita
Published: March 2017

Following the success of silicate‐based glasses as bioactive materials, silicates are believed to play important roles in promoting bone formation and have therefore been considered to provide a hydroxyapatite (HAP) surface layer capable of binding to bone as well as potentially being a pro‐osteoinductive factor. Natural silicate minerals and silicate‐substituted HAPs are also being actively investigated as orthopaedic bone and dental biomaterials for application in tissue engineering. However, the mechanisms for the proposed roles of silicate in these materials have not been fully understood and are controversial. Here, we review the potential roles of silicate for bone tissue engineering applications and recent breakthroughs in identifying the cellular‐level molecular mechanisms for the osteoinductivity of silica. The goal of this article is to inspire new ideas for the rational design of third‐generation cell‐and gene‐affecting biomaterials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2090–2102, 2017.
Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Lee Melissa H , Ebeling Peter R , Milat Frances
Published: March 2017

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is an uncommon benign skeletal disorder, characterized by bone pain, deformities, and the development of pathological fractures. It is caused by osteoblastic lineage differentiation defects, leading to the replacement of normal bone with benign disorganized fibrous connective tissue. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is an insidious condition that can often be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. The pathogenesis of AVN is not well understood; however, it causes femoral head ischemia and collapse, often requiring hip arthroplasty. We report the first case of FD and bilateral AVN of the femoral head in the absence of an antecedent fracture. We postulate several mechanisms to explain how FD may result in AVN; however, further research is required to understand its pathophysiology and thus to guide clinical practice. © 2017 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Plant‐mediated synthesis in a microfluidic chip yields spherical Ag nanoparticles and PSD simulation by a PBE‐assisted strategy
Authors: Liu Hongyu , Huang Jiayang , Zhang Huan , Wang Jie , Wei Junfu
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) were plant‐mediated synthesized in a microfluidic chip at room temperature. The formation process and particle size distribution (PSD) were numerically simulated by a multiphase flow model incorporating reactive kinetics and a population balance equation (PBE). The influences of flow rate on particle size distribution were demonstrated in detail by both experimental research and simulative analysis.

RESULTS

It was found that there was an identified microfluidic chip flow rate distinguishing the influences into two stages. At the first stage, mixing efficiency was the restrictive factor while residence time was the restrictive factor at the second stage.

CONCLUSION

It has been concluded that the identified flow rate is the balance between mixing efficiency and residence time at which the average particle size can achieve the maximum value. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Functional properties of native and tissue‐engineered cartilage toward understanding the pathogenesis of chondral lesions at the knee: A bovine cadaveric study
Authors: Paschos Nikolaos K. , Lim Nikita , Hu Jerry C. , Athanasiou Kyriacos A.
Published: March 2017

Chondral lesions frequently occur in different topographic locations of the knee. This study evaluated the functional properties among the articulating surfaces of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints, and whether neo‐cartilage engineered using chondrocytes from different knee locations would reflect these differences. The biomechanical properties of bovine cartilage isolated from eight locations within the tibiofemoral (medial and lateral condyle, medial and lateral tibial plateau) and patellofemoral joints (medial and lateral trochlea, medial and lateral patella) were examined. Tensile Young's moduli (tensile moduli) and aggregate moduli of the medial condyle were lower than those of the medial tibial plateau (6.11 ± 0.89 MPa vs. 7.19 ± 1.05 MPa, p = 0.04 and 354.4 ± 38.3 kPa vs. 419.4 ± 31.3 kPa, p = 0.002, respectively). Patella tensile and compressive moduli were lower than the trochlea (4.79 ± 2.01 MPa vs. 6.91 ± 2.46 MPa, p = 0.01 and 337.4 ± 37.2 kPa vs. 389.1 ± 38.3 kPa, p = 0.0005, respectively). Furthermore, chondrocytes from the above locations were used to engineer neo‐cartilage, and its respective properties were evaluated. In neo‐cartilage, medial condyle tensile and aggregate moduli were lower than in the medial tibial plateau (0.96 ± 0.23 MPa vs. 1.31 ± 0.31 MPa, p = 0.02, and 115.8 ± 26.0 kPa vs. 160.8 ± 18.8 kPa, p = 0.001, respectively). Compared to trochlear chondrocytes, neo‐cartilage formed from patellar chondrocytes exhibited lower tensile and compressive moduli (1.16 ± 0.27 MPa vs. 0.74 ± 0.25 MPa, p < 0.001, and 109.1 ± 24.0 kPa vs. 82.5 ± 18.1 kPa, p < 0.001). A significant degree of disparity in biomechanical properties of the opposing articular surfaces was detected; the medial condyle and patella exhibited inferior properties compared to the opposing medial tibial plateau and trochlea, respectively. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2452–2464, 2017.
Beneficial effects of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace and Serenoa repens on prostate and bladder health in obese male Wistar rats
Authors: Espinosa‐Juárez Josué V , Colado‐Velázquez Juventino III , Mailloux‐Salinas Patrick , Medina‐Contreras JML , Correa‐López P Valentín , Gómez‐Viquez Norma L , Meza‐Cuenca Fabián , Huang Fengyang , Bravo Guadalupe
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with increased risk of a number of serious medical conditions, including urological disorders. This study investigated the effect of lipidic extracts of saladette tomato pomace (STP) and Serenoa repens (SR) on the prostate and bladder in a rat obese model induced by high‐carbohydrate diet.

RESULTS

High‐sucrose‐fed rats showed higher prostate weight as well as increased contractility and stromal and epithelial hyperplasia in the prostate. Treatment with STP and SR improved contractility and diminished hyperplasia and hypertrophy in the prostate. Obese animals also showed impaired bladder contractility, but neither extract reversed this deterioration. In the histological study, a disarray in the process of smooth muscle cell proliferation with non‐parallel fibers was observed; interestingly, treatment with STP and SR led to improvement in this derangement.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated impaired contractility and hyperplasia in the prostate and bladder of obese rats induced by high sucrose. STP and SR could enhance prostate function by reducing contractility and hyperplasia and improve smooth muscle fiber structure and decrease cell proliferation in the bladder, suggesting their possible health‐beneficial effects on lower urinary tract symptoms. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Harvest dynamics and annual survival of mallards and grey ducks
Authors: McDougall Matthew B. , Amundson Courtney L.
Published: March 2017

We examined how hunter behavior, environmental covariates, and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and grey duck (A. superciliosa) population indices affected per capita harvest, hunter effort (i.e., hours hunted), and hunter participation (i.e., license sales) between 1997 and 2012 in the Eastern Fish and Game Region of New Zealand. Additionally, we examined how total annual hunter effort and harvest affected annual survival and harvest rates (i.e., the proportion of the population that is harvested). Per capita harvest increased with hunter effort and bag limits; hunter effort decreased over time, but effort and participation increased with mallard population size. Juvenile harvest rates were greater than for adults and negatively associated with population size. The relationship between harvest regulations and harvest rates was inconsistent. The 44‐day seasons had greater juvenile harvest rates than the 57‐ and 72‐day seasons. Similarly, years with a 7‐bag limit had higher juvenile harvest rates than years with a 10‐bag limit. Hunter effort affected annual survival rates, especially for females. Alternatively or concordantly, hunter effort may be a surrogate for population size and thus, survival rate may have been density dependent. The relationship between harvest and density‐dependent mortality may in part be augmented by hunter behavior; fewer hunters hunted for fewer hours in years with relatively few birds. Our results suggest bag limits are more effective than season length at managing harvest; reducing bag limits to <2 birds/day from ≥7 could decrease harvest by as much as 50%. Furthermore, regulation consistency, better education, and enforcement of season regulations may improve harvest management; 58% of active hunters reported they shot mallards or grey ducks after the close of the 31‐day season, which accounted for 13% of total harvest. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Seasonal survival of adult female mottled ducks
Authors: Moon Jena A. , Haukos David A. , Conway Warren C.
Published: March 2017

The mottled duck (Anas fulgivula) is a non‐migratory duck dependent on coastal habitats to meet all of its life cycle requirements in the Western Gulf Coast (WGC) of Texas and Louisiana, USA. This population of mottled ducks has experienced a moderate decline during the past 2 decades. Adult survival has been identified as an important factor influencing population demography. Previous work based on band‐recovery data has provided only annual estimates of survival. We assessed seasonal patterns of female mottled duck survival from 2009 to 2012 using individuals marked with satellite platform transmitter terminals (PTTs). We used temperature and movement sensors within each PTT to indicate potential mortality events. We estimated cumulative weekly survival and ranked factors influential in patterns of mortality using known‐fate modeling in Program MARK. Models included 4 predictors: week; hunting and non‐hunting periods; biological periods defined as breeding, brooding, molt, and pairing; and mass at time of capture. Models containing hunt periods, during and outside the mottled duck season, comprised essentially 100% of model weights where both legal and illegal harvest had a negative influence on mottled duck survival. Survival rates were low during 2009–2011 (12–38% annual rate of survival), when compared with the long‐term banding average of 53% annual survival. During 2011, survival of female mottled ducks was the lowest annual rate (12%) ever documented and coincided with extreme drought. Management actions maximizing the availability of wetlands and associated upland habitats during hunting seasons and drought conditions may increase adult female mottled duck survival. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
The historical dependency of organic carbon burial efficiency
Authors: Radbourne Alan D. , Ryves David B. , Anderson N. John , Scott Daniel R.
Published: March 2017

Many studies have viewed lakes as quasi‐static systems with regard to the rate of organic carbon (OC) burial, assuming that the dominant control on BE is sediment mineralization. However, in systems undergoing eutrophication or oligotrophication (i.e., altered nutrient loading), or climatic forcing, the changes in primary production will vary on both longer (> 10 yr) and shorter (seasonal) timescales, influencing the rate of OC accumulation and subsequent permanent burial. Here, we consider the extent to which permanent OC burial reflects changing production in a deep monomictic lake (Rostherne Mere, UK) that has been culturally eutrophied (present TP > 200 μg L−1), but has undergone recent reductions in nutrient loading. We compare multi‐year dynamics of OC fluxes using sediment traps to longer‐term burial rates estimated from two 210Pb‐dated sediment cores. The recent sediment record demonstrates that most of the autochthonous OC is preserved (∼95% of OC captured in the deep trap and 86% of the NEP in the contemporary system), contrary to widely held assumptions that this more labile, algal‐dominated OC component is not well preserved in lake sediments. A revised method for calculating BE for lakes which have undergone changes in primary productivity in recent decades is developed, which reduces some of problems inherent in existing approaches using historical sediment records averaged over the last 25–150 yr. We suggest that an appreciation of lakes in all biomes as ecosystems responding dynamically to recent human impact and climate change (for example) can improve up‐scaled regional and global estimates of lake OC burial.
Examining Consumers’ Motivations to Engage in Firm‐Hosted Virtual Communities
Authors: Claffey Ethel , Brady Mairead
Published: March 2017

Consumer engagement is a complex phenomenon and understanding the underlying dynamics that facilitate its development, particularly in the virtual environment, is an important contemporary research priority due to its ability to influence value creation for customers and organizations, and because it introduces ongoing and multifaceted challenges for marketers. This research empirically tests hypotheses regarding the motivational drivers of consumer engagement with 308 members of two firm‐hosted virtual communities. The results suggest that marketers need a multidimensional lens to identify, understand, and manage consumers’ distinctive cognitive and affective states within this environment. Findings support the need for these firm‐hosted virtual communities to be carefully designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, provide social support, deliver an enjoyable and useful experience, and enable consumers to cocreate value through emotional empathy. This research provides critical managerial input into how best to monitor, understand, support, and ultimately leverage firm‐hosted virtual communities aligned to the emotional valence of the consumers.
Loss of desmoglein 2 promotes tumorigenic behavior in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Hütz Katharina , Zeiler Julian , Sachs Lena , Ormanns Steffen , Spindler Volker
Published: March 2017

The ability to maintain cell‐cell adhesion is crucial for tissue integrity and organization. Accordingly, loss of cohesiveness plays a critical role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Desmosomes are cell junctions providing strong intercellular adhesive strength and dysregulation of desmosomal constituents contributes to cancer progression through altered cell signaling pathways. Here, we focused on the desmosomal adhesion molecules Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) and Desmocollin 2 (Dsc2), and their contribution to migration and invasion in pancreatic cancer cells. Silencing of Dsg2 but not Dsc2 resulted in loss of cell cohesion and enhanced migration, and invasion of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. To identify potential pathways regulated by Dsg2, we performed kinase arrays and detected the activity of ERK and growth factor receptors to be significantly enhanced in Dsg2‐deficient cells. Consequently, inhibition of ERK phosphorylation in Dsg2 knockdown cells normalized migration. Loss of Dsg2 resulted in reduced levels of the desmosomal adapter protein and transcriptional regulator Plakoglobin (PG) in an ERK‐dependent manner, whereas other desmosomal molecules were not altered. Overexpression of PG rescued enhanced migration induced by silencing of Dsg2. These results identify a novel pro‐migratory pathway of pancreatic cancer cells in which loss of Dsg2 reduces the levels of PG via deregulated MAPK signaling.
Similar Critiques on Neoliberalism and Different Post‐Neoliberal Responses in Bolivia and Ecuador
Authors: Bastidas R.  María Cristina
Published: March 2017

This article aims to contribute to the understanding of recent democratization processes in Bolivia and Ecuador, two Andean countries that underwent similar processes of contestation to neoliberalism and implemented different strategies and policies to respond to it. In this article, I will focus on the similarities between the democratic processes of Bolivia and Ecuador in the context of neoliberalism and the divergent post‐neoliberal responses implemented in the last decade.
Ultra‐small CuO nanoparticles with tailored energy‐band diagram synthesized by a hybrid plasma‐liquid process
Authors: Velusamy Tamilselvan , Liguori Anna , Macias‐Montero Manuel , Padmanaban Dilli Babu , Carolan Darragh , Gherardi Matteo , Colombo Vittorio , Maguire Paul , Svrcek Vladimir , Mariotti Davide
Published: March 2017

CuO is a versatile p‐type material for energy applications capable of imparting diverse functionalities by manipulating its band‐energy diagram. We present ultra‐small quantum confined cupric oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized via a simple one‐step environmentally friendly atmospheric pressure microplasma synthesis process. The proposed method, based on the use of a hybrid plasma‐liquid cell, enables the synthesis of CuO NPs directly from solid metal copper in ethanol with neither surfactants nor reducing agents. CuO NPs films are then used for the first time in all‐inorganic third generation solar cell devices demonstrating highly effective functionalities as blocking layer.