bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Der Sachverständige für Geotechnik
Authors: Richwien Werner
Published: August 2017

Seit Einführung der aktuellen geotechnischen Normung gibt es den „Sachverständigen für Geotechnik“. Baugrunderkundung und Gründungsberatung werden seither nicht mehr als Ingenieurleistungen für Bodenmechanik oder Felsmechanik, Erd‐ und Grundbau oder Fels‐ und Tunnelbau bezeichnet, sondern als Leistungen der „Geotechnik“. Diese Änderung der Bezeichnung löste eine äußerst kontrovers geführte Debatte aus. Es ging darum, ob der Sachverständige für Geotechnik notwendigerweise ein Bauingenieur mit dem Schwerpunkt in Ausbildung und Erfahrungen in den Disziplinen Grundbau und Bodenmechanik, Felsmechanik und Tunnelbau sein muss, oder ob auch Geowissenschaftler, also insbesondere Geologen und Ingenieurgeologen, Baugrunderkundungen und Gründungsberatungen anbieten dürfen.

So wichtig diese Frage ist, hat die Debatte um die fachliche Qualifikation des Sachverständigen für Geotechnik eine ganz andere grundsätzliche Schwäche der neuen Regelungen aus dem Blick geraten lassen. Nach EC 7 ist nämlich vor Einschaltung des Sachverständigen für Geotechnik über die Einordnung in eine der geotechnischen Kategorien und damit darüber, ob überhaupt ein Sachverständiger für Geotechnik benötigt wird, zu entscheiden. Das macht dann der Objektplaner

In der Konsequenz wurden dann 2009 die verbindlichen Planungsleistungen der Bodenmechanik und des Erd‐ und Grundbaus der alten HOAI zu unverbindlichen Beratungsleistungen der Geotechnik herabgestuft.

Im Ergebnis muss man heute feststellen, dass hinsichtlich der Einschaltung eines Sachverständigen für Geotechnik und seiner fachlichen Qualifikation eine sehr große Verunsicherung herrscht. Es kommt immer wieder vor, dass ein Sachverständiger für Geotechnik überhaupt nicht oder erst eingeschaltet wird, wenn etwas schiefgegangen ist. Und oft genug werden auch Büros und Personen mit der Aufgabe des Sachverständigen für Geotechnik betraut, die weder die erforderliche Sachkunde noch Erfahrung für die wichtigen Planungsleistungen der Gründungsberatung mitbringen.

Ich erlaube mir mit meinem Beitrag auf diese Fehlentwicklung hinzuweisen. Dazu werde ich zunächst in Erinnerung rufen, was Geotechnik ist und welche Aufgaben im Zusammenhang mit einer soliden Gründungsberatung zu erledigen sind. Daraus folgen zwangsläufig die Anforderungen an Ausbildung, Sachkunde und Erfahrung des Sachverständigen für Geotechnik. Und wie es sich für Ingenieure ziemt, rege ich abschließend Maßnahmen an, die nach meiner Meinung dringend geboten sind, um der Fehlentwicklung der letzten Jahre entgegenzuwirken.
Protein transport into peroxisomes: Knowns and unknowns
Authors: Francisco Tânia , Rodrigues Tony A. , Dias Ana F. , Barros‐Barbosa Aurora , Bicho Diana , Azevedo Jorge E.
Published: August 2017

Peroxisomal matrix proteins are synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes and rapidly transported into the organelle by a complex machinery. The data gathered in recent years suggest that this machinery operates through a syringe‐like mechanism, in which the shuttling receptor PEX5 − the “plunger” − pushes a newly synthesized protein all the way through a peroxisomal transmembrane protein complex − the “barrel” − into the matrix of the organelle. Notably, insertion of cargo‐loaded receptor into the “barrel” is an ATP‐independent process, whereas extraction of the receptor back into the cytosol requires its monoubiquitination and the action of ATP‐dependent mechanoenzymes. Here, we review the main data behind this model.
Gene expression in the twilight of death
Authors: Pozhitkov Alexander E. , Noble Peter A.
Published: August 2017

After a vertebrate dies, many of its organ systems, tissues, and cells remain functional while its body no longer works as a whole. We define this state as the “twilight of death” − the transition from a living body to a decomposed corpse. We claim that the study of the twilight of death is important to ethical, legal and medical science. We examined gene expression at the twilight of death in the zebrafish and mouse reaching the conclusion that apparently thousands of transcripts significantly increase in abundance from life to several hours/days postmortem relative to live controls. Transcript dynamics of different genes provided “proof‐of‐principle” that models accurately predict an individual's elapsed‐time‐of‐death (i.e. postmortem interval). While many transcripts were associated with survival and stress compensation, others were associated with epigenetic factors, developmental control, and cancer. Future studies are needed to determine whether the high incidence of cancer in transplant recipients is due to the postmortem processes in donor organs.
Quantitative Evaluation of Recombinant Protein Packaged into Outer Membrane Vesicles of Escherichia coli Cells
Authors: Ojima Yoshihiro , Yamaguchi Kyota , Taya Masahito
Published: August 2017

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spherical bilayered proteolipids released from the cell surfaces of bacteria, which have gained traction in the biotechnology fields. Bacterial cellular machinery can be genetically engineered to produce and package heterologous enzymes into OMVs, producing nanocarriers and nanoparticle catalysts. However, the productivity or efficiency of packaging the target protein into OMVs has not been quantitatively evaluated. In this study, we packaged green fluorescence protein (GFP) into the OMVs of Escherichia coli through N‐terminal fused expression to outer membrane protein W (OmpW). The OMV productivity and amount of OmpW‐GFP packaged in the OMVs were quantitatively compared between two hypervesiculating mutant strains ΔnlpI and ΔdegP. Both strains increased the OMV production, but the ΔnlpI strain additionally enhanced the packaging of OmpW‐GFP into OMVs. It was further confirmed that Spr, a peptidoglycan endopeptidase, plays an important role in the enhanced packaging of OmpW‐GFP into OMVs through the increased OmpW‐GFP expression on the ΔnlpI cells. Finally, the amount of OmpW‐GFP released in the OMV fraction of both mutants was determined in terms of the OMV productivity and the packaging efficiency of OmpW‐GFP into OMVs. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:51–57, 2018
Advanced Operating Strategies to Extend the Applications of Simulated Moving Bed Chromatography
Authors: Kim Kyung-Min , Lee Ju Weon , Kim Sunhee , Santos da Silva Francisco Vitor , Seidel-Morgenstern Andreas , Lee Chang-Ha
Published: August 2017

Chromatographic separation with solid stationary and fluid mobile phases is widely used to isolate and purify compounds. One of the most productive improvements in preparative chromatography is the simulated moving bed (SMB) process, which enables continuous feed supply and product removal by periodic operation of a multicolumn to simulate a countercurrent flow between the phases. The SMB process produces high‐purity compounds, even with low selectivity, and offers higher productivity and lower eluent consumption than batch chromatography. Recently, intensive efforts have been made to expand the range of applications through the design, modeling, and optimization of the SMB process to produce advanced operating strategies, which are described and evaluated in this review.
Immittance Data Validation using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) Computation – Synthetic and Experimental Examples
Authors: Malkow T. , Papakonstantinou G. , Pilenga A. , Grahl‐Madsen L. , Tsotridis G.
Published: August 2017

Exact data of an electric circuit (EC) model of RLC (resistor, inductor, capacitor) elements representing rational immittance of LTI (linear, time invariant) systems are numerically Fourier transformed to demonstrate within error bounds applicability of the Hilbert integral tranform (HT) and Kramers‐Kronig (KK) integral tranform (KKT) method. Immittance spectroscopy (IS) data are validated for their HT (KKT) compliance using non‐equispaced fast Fourier transformation (NFFT) computations. Failing of HT (KKT) testing may not only stem from non‐compliance with causality, stability and linearity which are readily distinguished using anti HT (KKT) relations. It could also indicate violation of uniform boundedness to be overcome either by using singly or multiply subtracted KK transform (SSKK or MSKK) or by seeking KKT of the same set of data at a complementary immit‐ tance level. Experimental IS data of a fuel cell (FC) are also numerically HT (KKT) validated by NFFT assessing whether LTI principles are met. Figures of merit are suggested to measure success in numerical validation of IS data.
Azulene‐Based Donor–Acceptor Systems: Synthesis, Optical, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Shoji Taku , Ito Shunji
Published: August 2017

We describe the synthesis and properties of azulene‐substituted 1,1,4,4‐tetracyanobutadienes (AzTCBDs) and heteroazulenyl TCBDs. TCBD derivatives were prepared in good to excellent yields through reaction of the corresponding 1‐ethynylazulenes with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE). In contrast, the reaction between propargyl alcohols and the 1‐azulenyl group in TCNE generated 2‐aminofuran derivatives, which were transformed into 6‐aminofulvenes with a 1‐azulenyl substituent upon treatment with several amines. The optical and electrochemical properties of the AzTCBDs were clarified by UV/Vis and voltammetry. The AzTCBD derivatives exhibited electrochromism, showing a multi‐step color change under electrochemical redox conditions. The multistage redox properties of AzTCBDs could be useful for the development of novel organic electronic materials.
Chemical Potential of the Solvent: A Crucial Player for Rationalizing Host–Guest Affinities
Authors: Baudet Karine , Guerra Sebastiano , Piguet Claude
Published: August 2017

Access to reliable values of the thermodynamic constants
, which control simple host–guest ([HG]) association, is crucial in medicine, biology, pharmacy, and chemistry, since the optimum concentration of an effector (i.e., a drug) acting on a receptor is set to
. Intermolecular association between charged species in polar solvents, for which water is the archetype, largely obeys this principle. Any deviation from ideality, which alters the speciation in solution, is mastered by the Debye–Hückel theory of ionic atmosphere. Much less is known for related association reactions involving neutral species in non‐polar (lipophilic) media such as membranes, bilayers, or organic polymers. Taking the intermolecular association between [La(hfa)3dig] guest (hfa=hexafluoroacetylacetonate, dig=2‐{2‐methoxyethoxy}ethane) and tridentate polyaromatic host receptors L1–L3 in dichloromethane as a proof‐of‐concept, we show that the progress of the association reactions, as measured by the increase in the mole fraction of occupied sites of the receptors, disrupt the chemical potential of the solvent to such an extent that
may seemingly be shifted by two orders of magnitude, thus leading to erroneous dose‐response prescriptions. A simple chemical model, which considers a subset of solvent molecules in surface contact with the partners of the association reaction, restores reliable access to true and interpretable thermodynamic constants. The concomitant emergence of a concentration‐dependent corrective parameter reestablishes satisfying dose‐dependent response under real conditions. This “complement” to the law of mass action offers a simple method for safely taking care of the non‐predictable variations of the activity coefficients of the various partners when host–guest reactions are conducted in non‐polar media.
A Method for Analyzing Die Filling Process of Dry Compaction Shaping Operation
Authors: Gloess Bianca , Fries Manfred , Michaelis Alexander
Published: August 2017

Homogenität sowie Maß‐ und Massetoleranz von über uniaxiales Trockenpressen hergestellten Formkörpern werden u. a. durch den Prozessschritt des Matrizenfüllens beeinflusst. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird eine Methode zur Bewertung des Füllverhaltens keramischer Pressgranulate unter prozessnahen Bedingungen vorgestellt. Ein selbst entwickelter Messstand kombiniert mit bildanalytischen Methoden ermöglicht die visuelle und quantitative Analyse des Füllvorgangs. Mithilfe computertomographischer Untersuchungen kann die resultierende Schüttungsstruktur in der Matrize bewertet werden.
Bakterieller „Leibwächter“
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: August 2017

In einer von Mikroorganismen dominierten Umwelt ist die Raupe der Afrikanischen Baumwolleule einem hohen Infektionsrisiko ausgesetzt. Ein Bakterium ihrer eigenen Darmflora schützt sie davor, indem es mit Hilfe eines Antibiotikums gezielt pathogene Darmbakterien tötet, nützliche dagegen verschont. Das antibakterielle Peptid schädigt die Integrität der Bakterienzelle, indem es Poren in der Zellmembran bildet.
Advances in the diagnosis of hereditary kidney cancer: Initial results of a multigene panel test
Authors: Nguyen Kevin A. , Syed Jamil S. , Espenschied Carin R. , LaDuca Holly , Bhagat Ansh M. , Suarez‐Sarmiento Alfredo , O'Rourke Timothy K. , Brierley Karina L. , Hofstatter Erin W. , Shuch Brian
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Panel testing has been recently introduced to evaluate hereditary cancer; however, limited information is available regarding its use in kidney cancer.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed test results and clinical data from patients who underwent targeted multigene panel testing of up to 19 genes associated with hereditary kidney cancer from 2013 to 2016. The frequency of positive (mutation/variant likely pathogenic), inconclusive (variant of unknown significance), and negative results was evaluated. A logistic regression analysis evaluated predictive factors for a positive test.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 1235) had a median age at diagnosis of 46 years, which was significantly younger than the US population of individuals with kidney cancer (P < .0001). Overall, 6.1%, 75.5%, and 18.4% of individuals had positive, negative, and inconclusive results, respectively. The most commonly altered genes included folliculin (FLCN) and fumarate hydratase (FH), which were altered in 1.8% and 1.3% of patients, respectively. Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 (TSC2), mesenchymal epithelial transition factor proto‐oncogene (MET), and PMS1 homolog 2 (PMS2) had the highest rates of variants of unknown significance, which were identified in 2.7%, 2.2%, and 1.7% of patients, respectively. Early age of onset was the only factor that was identified as predictive of a positive test on multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 0.975; P = .0052) and may be the only identifying characteristic of low‐penetrant syndromes, such as those associated with MITF (melanogenesis‐associated transcription factor) mutations, which do not have singular histology or a family history of kidney cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Panel tests may be particularly useful for patients who lack distinguishing clinical characteristics of known hereditary kidney cancer syndromes. The current results support the use of early age of onset for genetic counseling and/or testing. Cancer 2017;123:4363‐71. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Double‐blind, randomized phase 3 trial of low‐dose 13‐cis retinoic acid in the prevention of second primaries in head and neck cancer: Long‐term follow‐up of a trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group‐ACRIN Cancer Research Group (C0590)
Authors: Bhatia Aarti K. , Lee Ju‐Whei , Pinto Harlan A. , Jacobs Charlotte D. , Limburg Paul J. , Rubin Philip , Arusell Robert M. , Dunphy Eamonn P. , Khandekar Janardan D. , Reiner Seth A. , Baez‐Diaz Luis , Celano Paul , Li Shuli , Li Yi , Burtness Barbara A. , Adams George L. , Pandya Kishan J.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

13‐Cis retinoic acid (13‐CRA) is a synthetic vitamin A derivative. High‐dose 13‐CRA in patients with squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (SCCHNs) reduces the incidence of second primary tumors (SPTs). The authors report long‐term results from a phase 3 randomized trial that compared treatment with low‐dose 13‐CRA versus placebo for patients who had early stage SCCHN, with a focus on the development of SPTs and overall survival (OS).

METHODS

In total, 176 patients who received treatment for stage I/II SCCHN were randomized to receive either low‐dose 13‐CRA (weight‐based dose of 7.5 mg or 10 mg) or placebo for 2 years. A competing‐risk approach and the log‐rank test were used to compare the time to SPT and OS, respectively, between groups.

RESULTS

13‐CRA neither significantly reduced the cumulative incidence of SPT (P = .61) nor improved the time to SPT (hazard ratio [HR] for 13‐CRA/placebo; 0.86;P = .61). Despite limited power, there was a trend toward improved OS for the 13‐CRA arm (HR, 0.75;P = .14), particularly among patients whose index tumor was surgically excised (N = 26; HR, 0.50;P = .057) and among women (N = 39; HR, 0.44;P = .065) and never/former smokers (N = 129; HR, 0.61;P = .055), with a median follow‐up of 16 years. The main 13‐CRA related toxicities were dry skin and cheilitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with low‐dose 13‐CRA for 2 years did not decrease the incidence of SPT; subset analysis indicates a potential survival advantage among patients who are women and never/former smokers. More targeted interventions based on clinical risk factors and molecular characterization of tumors may yield greater success in future prevention trials.Cancer2017;123:4653‐4662. ©2017 American Cancer Society.
Modular‐extramodular organization in developing multisensory shell regions of the mouse inferior colliculus
Authors: Dillingham Christopher H. , Gay Sean M. , Behrooz Roxana , Gabriele Mark L.
Published: August 2017

The complex neuroanatomical connections of the inferior colliculus (IC) and its major subdivisions offer a juxtaposition of segregated processing streams with distinct organizational features. While the tonotopically layered central nucleus is well‐documented, less is known about functional compartments in the neighboring lateral cortex (LCIC). In addition to a laminar framework, LCIC afferent‐efferent patterns suggest a multimodal mosaic, consisting of a patchy modular network with surrounding extramodular domains. This study utilizes several neurochemical markers that reveal an emerging LCIC modular‐extramodular microarchitecture. In newborn and post‐hearing C57BL/6J and CBA/CaJ mice, histochemical and immunocytochemical stains were performed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), cytochrome oxidase (CO), and calretinin (CR). Discontinuous layer 2 modules are positive for AChE, NADPH‐d, GAD, and CO throughout the rostrocaudal LCIC. While not readily apparent at birth, discrete cell clusters emerge over the first postnatal week, yielding an identifiable modular network prior to hearing onset. Modular boundaries continue to become increasingly distinct with age, as surrounding extramodular fields remain largely negative for each marker. Alignment of modular markers in serial sections suggests each highlight the same periodic patchy network throughout the nascent LCIC. In contrast, CR patterns appear complementary, preferentially staining extramodular LCIC zones. Double‐labeling experiments confirm that NADPH‐d, the most consistent developmental modular marker, and CR label separate, nonoverlapping LCIC compartments. Determining how this emerging modularity may align with similar LCIC patch‐matrix‐like Eph/ephrin guidance patterns, and how each interface with, and potentially influence developing multimodal LCIC projection configurations is discussed.
Current Landscape of Targeted Therapy in Lung Cancer
Authors: Mayekar Manasi K. , Bivona Trever G.
Published: August 2017

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Comprehensive genomic profiling of lung cancers revealed their genetic heterogeneity and complexity and identified numerous targetable oncogenic driver alterations. These molecular profiling efforts have made it possible to exploit the potential of molecularly targeted therapies. Selection of patients for targeted therapies is becoming biomarker‐driven, where the oncogenic drivers in patient tumors are first identified, and subsequently patients bearing drug‐sensitizing genetic aberrations are matched to the appropriate targeted therapy. Success of this design of clinical trials and practice was first demonstrated in EGFR inhibitor trials in lung cancer and has since been incorporated into subsequent targeted therapy trials including ALK‐, ROS1‐, and BRAF V600E‐targeted therapies. In this review we discuss the current landscape of clinically approved and other promising molecularly targeted approaches for the treatment of lung cancers, the challenges with these approaches, and the strategies that could be deployed to overcome these challenges.
Highly Efficient Sulfonic/Carboxylic Dual‐Acid Synergistic Catalysis for Esterification Enabled by Sulfur‐Rich Graphene Oxide
Authors: Zhang Honglei , Luo Xiang , Shi Kaiqi , Wu Tao , He Feng , Zhou Shoubin , Chen George Z. , Peng Chuang
Published: August 2017

A new sulfonic/carboxylic dual‐acid catalyst based on sulfur‐rich graphene oxide (GO‐S) was readily prepared and used as a highly efficient and reusable solid acid catalyst toward the esterification of oleic acid with methanol for biodiesel production. Higher yields of methyl oleate (98 %) and over 3 times higher turnover frequencies (TOFs) were observed for the GO‐S dual‐acid catalyst, compared to liquid sulfuric acid or other carbon‐based solid acid catalysts. The “acidity” of sulfonic acid groups was enhanced by the addition of carboxylic acid groups as the combination of the two acids enhances their inherent activity by associative interaction.
TDMA‐SDMA‐based RFID algorithm for fast detection and efficient collision avoidance
Authors: Saadi Hadjer , Touhami Rachida , Yagoub Mustapha C.E.
Published: August 2017

In radio frequency identification, collisions between tags and readers are among key weaknesses to address for reliable operation. To efficiently tackle the above issues and shorter the identification time, different algorithms have been adopted. However, they are still perfectible. For this aim, an efficient fast detection and collision avoidance (FD‐CA) algorithm is proposed to solve tag to tag collision drawbacks.

Design and Methods

Based on an innovative combination of TDMA and SDMA algorithms, it takes into account spatial distribution of tags to significantly reduce their identification time.

Results and Discussion

Besides, to further highlight its efficiency, the proposed algorithm was successfully applied to reader‐to‐reader collision with an increasing throughput and a decreasing average waiting time and average rate collision while compared to existing algorithms.

Conclusion

Finally, the proposed FD‐CA was demonstrated through practical examples, comparison with existing works, and successful FPGA implementation.
Recent Advances on Bioactive Constituents in Ferula
Authors: Zhou Yueting , Xin Fang , Zhang Guoqiang , Qu Hexiang , Yang Desong , Han Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2017

Preclinical Research

The genus Ferula (Umbelliferea) is widely distributed across Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Some plants of the genus Ferula have been used as sources of pharmaceuticals for centuries. Ferula is a rich source of biologically active compounds, including coumarin derivatives, sesquiterpene‐substituted compounds, daucane esters, humulane, and germacrane compounds, aromatic lactones and disulfide compounds. Therefore, utilizing these bioactive constituents with antimicrobial and insecticidal effects not only can provide a new strategy for developing drug and green pesticide, but also protect endangered plant resources. In the present review, research advances on the bioactive constituents of the genus Ferula the plant sources. Drug Dev Res 78 : 321‐331, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rebooting the collagen gel: Artificial hydrogels for the study of epithelial mesenchymal transformation
Authors: Dettman Robert W. , Simon Hans‐Georg
Published: August 2017

The collagen gel has been used to study epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) for over 30 years. With advances in the field of materials sciences, new options are available to design optically clear, three‐dimensional nature‐inspired matrix mimetics to study EMT. Here, we review the history of the collagen gel assay, discuss its current use and how newer artificial matrices can be built to simulate in vivo extracellular environments and investigate important current questions in the EMT field. We suggest that further collaborations between materials scientists and biologists will be critical to move the field of EMT forward. Developmental Dynamics 247:332–339, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Signatures of selection in mammalian clock genes with coding trinucleotide repeats: Implications for studying the genomics of high‐pace adaptation
Authors: Prentice Melanie B. , Bowman Jeff , Lalor Jillian L. , McKay Michelle M. , Thomson Lindsay A. , Watt Cristen M. , McAdam Andrew G. , Murray Dennis L. , Wilson Paul J.
Published: August 2017

Climate change is predicted to affect the reproductive ecology of wildlife; however, we have yet to understand if and how species can adapt to the rapid pace of change. Clock genes are functional genes likely critical for adaptation to shifting seasonal conditions through shifts in timing cues. Many of these genes contain coding trinucleotide repeats, which offer the potential for higher rates of change than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at coding sites, and, thus, may translate to faster rates of adaptation in changing environments. We characterized repeats in 22 clock genes across all annotated mammal species and evaluated the potential for selection on repeat motifs in three clock genes (NR1D1, CLOCK, and PER1) in three congeneric species pairs with different latitudinal range limits: Canada lynx and bobcat (Lynx canadensis and L. rufus), northern and southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus and G. volans), and white‐footed and deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus). Signatures of positive selection were found in both the interspecific comparison of Canada lynx and bobcat, and intraspecific analyses in Canada lynx. Northern and southern flying squirrels showed differing frequencies at common CLOCK alleles and a signature of balancing selection. Regional excess homozygosity was found in the deer mouse at PER1 suggesting disruptive selection, and further analyses suggested balancing selection in the white‐footed mouse. These preliminary signatures of selection and the presence of trinucleotide repeats within many clock genes warrant further consideration of the importance of candidate gene motifs for adaptation to climate change.
Allometric trajectories of body and head morphology in three sympatric Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) morphs
Authors: Simonsen Marianne Knutsdotter , Siwertsson Anna , Adams Colin Ean , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Præbel Kim , Knudsen Rune
Published: August 2017

A study of body and head development in three sympatric reproductively isolated Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) morphs from a subarctic lake (Skogsfjordvatn, northern Norway) revealed allometric trajectories that resulted in morphological differences. The three morphs were ecologically assigned to a littoral omnivore, a profundal benthivore and a profundal piscivore, and this was confirmed by genetic analyses (microsatellites). Principal component analysis was used to identify the variables responsible for most of the morphological variation of the body and head shape. The littoral omnivore and the profundal piscivore morph had convergent allometric trajectories for the most important head shape variables, developing bigger mouths and relatively smaller eyes with increasing head size. The two profundal morphs shared common trajectories for the variables explaining most of the body and head shape variation, namely head size relative to body size, placement of the dorsal and pelvic fins, eye size and mouth size. In contrast, the littoral omnivore and the profundal benthivore morphs were not on common allometric trajectories for any of the examined variables. The findings suggest that different selective pressures could have been working on traits related to their trophic niche such as habitat and diet utilization of the three morphs, with the two profundal morphs experiencing almost identical environmental conditions.
Standing out from the crowd: How to identify plasma cells
Authors: Tellier Julie , Nutt Stephen L
Published: August 2017

Being the sole source of antibody, plasmablasts and plasma cells are essential for protective immunity. Due to their relative rarity, heterogeneity and the loss of many canonical B‐cell markers, antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) have often been problematic to identify and further characterize. In the mouse, the combination of the expression of CD138 and BLIMP‐1, has led to many insights into ASC biology, although this approach requires the use of a GFP reporter strain. In the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology, two independent studies by Wilmore et al. and Pracht et al. provide alternative approaches to identify all murine ASCs using antibodies against the cell surface proteins, Sca‐1 and TACI, respectively. Here we will discuss the advantages of these new approaches to identify ASCs in the context of our emerging knowledge of the cell surface phenotype and gene expression program of various ASC subsets in the murine and human systems.
Coordination Polymers with Grinding‐Size‐Dependent Mechanoresponsive Luminescence Induced by π···π Stacking Interactions
Authors: Yan Yong , Zhang Ning‐Ning , Li Rong , Xu Jian‐Gang , Lu Jian , Zheng Fa‐Kun , Guo Guo‐Cong
Published: August 2017

Two new coordination polymers {[Zn(L)(dma)]2·H2O}n (1) and {[Cd(L)(H2O)3]·dma·H2O}n (2) {H2L = 5‐[(pyren‐9‐ylmethyl)amino]isophthalic acid, dma = N,N‐dimethylacetamide} were synthesized by the reaction of H2L and zinc(II) or cadmium(II) nitrate in mixed solvents. Single‐crystal XRD analyses show that polymers 1 and 2 have 1D chain structures. Due to the existence of π···π stacking interactions in the crystal structure, 1 exhibits mechanoresponsive luminescence, and the fluorescence color changes from weakly yellow to noticeably greenish yellow after application of external mechanical stimulus. Compound 1 shows grinding‐size‐dependent fluorescent emission.
Amides as Weak Coordinating Groups in Proximal C–H Bond Activation
Authors: Das Riki , Kumar Gangam Srikanth , Kapur Manmohan
Published: August 2017

Site selectivity is an inherent challenge in C–H functionalization reactions. The most intensively sought‐after approaches have involved the employment of Lewis‐basic coordinating groups to direct a metal to a proximal site, in the process generating a metallacycle capable of further organometallic reactivity. In the recent years considerable effort has been directed towards the development of new transformations involving transition‐metal‐mediated C–H functionalization directed by weakly coordinating groups. This microreview focuses on the role and utility of amides and anilides in directed, proximal C–H bond functionalization reactions.
Dopamine‐imprinted monolithic column for capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Aşır Süleyman , Sarı Duygu , Derazshamshir Ali , Yılmaz Fatma , Şarkaya Koray , Denizli Adil
Published: August 2017

A dopamine‐imprinted monolithic column was prepared and used in capillary electrochromatography as stationary phase for the first time. Dopamine was selectively separated from aqueous solution containing the competitor molecule norepinephrine, which is similar in size and shape to the template molecule. Morphology of the dopamine‐imprinted column was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the organic solvent content of mobile phase, applied pressure and pH of the mobile phase on the recognition of dopamine by the imprinted monolithic column has been evaluated, and the imprinting effect in the dopamine‐imprinted monolithic polymer was verified. Developed dopamine‐imprinted monolithic column resulted in excellent separation of dopamine from structurally related competitor molecule, norepinephrine. Separation was achieved in a short period of 10 min, with the electrophoretic mobility of 5.81 × 10–5 m2V–1s–1 at pH 5.0 and 500 mbar pressure.
Adaptive control‐theoretic detection of integrity attacks against cyber‐physical industrial systems
Authors: Rubio‐Hernan Jose , De Cicco Luca , Garcia‐Alfaro Joaquin
Published: August 2017

The use of control‐theoretic solutions to detect attacks against cyber‐physical industrial systems is a growing area of research. Traditional literature proposes the use of control strategies to retain, eg, satisfactory close‐loop performance, as well as safety properties, when a communication network connects the distributed components of a physical system (eg, sensors, actuators, and controllers). However, the adaptation of these strategies to handle security incidents is an ongoing challenge. In this paper, we survey the advantages of a watermark‐based detector against some integrity attacks as well as the weaknesses against other attacks. To cover these weaknesses, we propose a new control and security strategy that complements the watermark‐based detector. We validate the detection efficiency of the new strategy via numeric simulation. Experimental results are also presented by using a laboratory testbed based on supervisory control and data acquisition industrial protocols.
A tunable 3‐D statistical channel model for spatio‐temporal characteristics of wireless communication networks
Authors: Nawaz Syed Junaid , Wyne Shurjeel , Baltzis Konstantinos B. , Gulfam Sardar M. , Cumanan Kanapathippillai
Published: August 2017

A new 3‐dimensional geometric channel model is proposed with multiple degrees of freedom in its scattering volume geometry, which enables accurate modeling of realistic propagation scenarios for emerging machine‐to‐machine wireless networks. Analytical expressions for the joint and marginal statistics in delay and angular domains are derived, and we present the impact of various physical channel parameters such as link distance, antenna height, size and position of the scattering region, as well as shape and orientation of the scattering region on the delay and angular spread of the proposed model. The derived analytical results are validated with simulations and are also shown to provide a good fit to published empirical data sets. Relative to existing models, the proposed model is shown to more accurately adapt to different propagation environments envisioned for emerging communication scenarios such as in indoor picocellular and vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication applications.
Distributed ON/OFF switching and dynamic channel allocation: Decreasing complexity and improving energy efficiency
Authors: Hajijamali Arani Atefeh , Mehbodniya Abolfazl , Omidi Mohammad Javad , Adachi Fumiyuki
Published: August 2017

Heterogeneous network (HetNet) has emerged as a promising and viable approach to deliver higher‐rate data services. In HetNets, switching OFF base stations (BSs) is known as an effective solution to reduce the energy consumption of networks and thus enables the “greener” networks concept. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the number of energy‐saving modes for BSs on improving energy efficiency. We assume that BSs are able to switch among several modes, ie, different transmission power levels. We apply a no‐regret learning algorithm to choose the BS's operation mode while modeling the BS's operation under dynamic traffic with a Markov process. As a result, we face a trade‐off between energy savings and computational complexity. Furthermore, we use a distributed channel allocation algorithm based on the average cochannel interference power. Simulation results show that energy consumption reduces with increased number of modes. However, increasing the number of modes beyond a certain limit will not have a significant effect on energy efficiency.
Fatigue Life Analysis of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Liu B. , Wei M. Y. , Liu L. F. , Wu C. W.
Published: August 2017

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks usually undergo vibrations during packing, transportation and serving time, in particular for those used in automobiles and portable equipment. Using finite element method (FEM), the response stress of the stack under random vibration is analyzed in the present paper. Based on the Miner fatigue damage theory, the fatigue lifes of fuel cell components (such as bolts, gaskets and PEMs) are assessed. Then the component fatigue life contours under four working conditions, i.e., the three single‐axial (in x‐, y‐ and z‐axis separately) and multi‐axial random vibrations are obtained. Accordingly, the component damage under vibrations in different directions is evaluated. The stress distribution on gasket and PEM will greatly affect their fatigue lifes. Moreover, comparing the fatigue lifes of 4‐bolt‐ and 6‐bolt‐clamping stacks under the same total clamping force, it is found that increasing the bolt number could improve the bolt fatigue lifes.
Interplay of tectonism and eustasy during the Early Permian icehouse: Southern Sydney Basin, southeast Australia
Authors: Maravelis Angelos G. , Catuneanu Octavian , Nordsvan Adam , Landenberger Bill , Zelilidis Avraam
Published: August 2017

This investigation presents an outcrop‐based integrated study of sedimentological analysis and sequence stratigraphy applied to the Lower Permian sedimentary succession in the southern Sydney Basin, Australia. This succession accumulated in several depositional environments and sub‐environments that range from non‐marine (fluvial) to marine (outer shelf), representing the fill of a sedimentary basin that resembles a fault‐bounded, rift basin. The stratigraphic analysis indicates a deepening‐upward trend, and the sequence stratigraphic approach has established that these sediments can be attributed to the lowstand, transgressive, and highstand systems tracts. Lowstand sediments can be defined by fluvial facies that are located between the subaerial unconformity and the maximum regressive surface. Transgressive facies correspond to estuarine, upper and lower shoreface, and inner and outer shelf depositional environments and are located between the maximum regressive and the maximum flooding surfaces. Highstand bottomset sediments are accumulated above the maximum flooding surface and are represented by outer shelf facies. The stratigraphic architecture indicates the development of an almost complete depositional sequence, mainly developed under the control of tectonically induced subsidence, but also influenced by the high sedimentation rates and the high gradient of the inherited topography. Eustatic sea‐level fluctuations were of minor importance during the deposition of the examined sediments.
Formation mechanism of the moniliform seamounts outside the West Melanesian Trench
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Sanzhong , Tian Jiwei , Yang Pengjin , Ding Dong , Zang Yibo , Li Shaojun , Mu Dunling
Published: August 2017

Our study on the seamounts in the southeast Caroline Plate reveals a formation of a special kind of seamounts in the oceanic basin. These moniliform seamounts link up like the reason of hotspots, but the tectonic factors lead to their formation. The differential motions of the Caroline, North Bismarck, and Pacific plates resulted in the shear stress field by the West Melanesian Trench. The R and R′ faults can be distinguished obviously by seafloor topography. The evolution history of these seamounts can be subdivided into two stages as follows. (a) The R′ faults developed firstly as normal faults to generate ridges on these faults as the release of the underlying sediments. (b) The R faults appeared as shear faults and cut off the ridge from the older R′ faults. These faults can be very deep fractures, which cut through the lithosphere and produced a NW‐trending negative anomaly in isostatic gravity anomaly. As the pressure is released by the R faults, the sediments releasing under the R faults accumulated into these seamounts. The other sections of the R faults performed like a valley because of the leakage of sediments along the faults. Sediments would also release along the R faults to generate ridges when no seamount occurs on the faults.
Gold‐copper deposits in Wushitala, Southern Tianshan, Northwest China: Application of ASTER data for mineral exploration
Authors: Liu Lei , Li Yuan , Zhou Jun , Han Ling , Xu Xinliang
Published: August 2017

The Southern Tianshan area is one of the most important gold belts identified by many world‐class, super large and large gold deposits such as Muruntau (Uzbekistan), Kumtor (Kyrgyzstan), and Jilau (Tajikistan). Some medium‐ to small‐scale gold deposits, such as Sawayaerdun and Bulong, have been discovered and reported in recent years at the China part of the belt. The study area, named the Wushitala area, is located in the eastern part of Southern Tianshan, and it has a strong potential for gold and other metallic mineral deposits. This study utilizes various image processing techniques, including false colour composite, band ratios, and matched filtering, to process Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data and map the distribution of hydrothermal minerals (e.g., muscovite, kaolinite, chlorite, epidote, goethite, and malachite) related to the known deposits in the Wushitala area. The identified alteration zones are coincident with the known gold and copper deposits and field samples from the study area. The distribution of the alteration zones also indicates that the acid intrusions and regional structures play an important role in focusing the mineralizing fluids. The results show that ASTER data accompanied with image processing methods and reference spectra (e.g., JPL, lab, or field measured) could be an effective technique for mapping hydrothermal alteration zones in areas with no dominant vegetation cover. Due to the extensively distributed acid intrusions and structures along the Southern Tianshan Belt, the mineral prospecting methodology is suggested for application in similar geological settings in the belt.
The impact of dementia, depression and awareness on activities of daily living in a sample from a middle‐income country
Authors: Mograbi Daniel C. , Morris Robin G. , Fichman Helenice Charchat , Faria Camila Assis , Sanchez Maria Angélica , Ribeiro Pricila C. C. , Lourenço Roberto Alves
Published: August 2017

Objective

Previous studies have indicated that dementia and depression have a considerable impact on the functional capacity of older adults, also influencing awareness about ability. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the impact of dementia, depression and awareness on activities of daily living (ADL) in a sample from a middle‐income country.

Methods

The current study explored impairments in basic, instrumental and advanced ADL using a factorial design comparing four groups: people with dementia and depression, people with dementia without depression, older adults with depression but no dementia and healthy older adults. For each type of ADL, self‐report and informant report was contrasted in order to investigate the issue of lack of awareness in relation to ADL.

Results

Results indicate that dementia is associated with impairments in all types of ADL. Advanced ADL were also reduced in depressed participants. In addition, in the case of instrumental and basic ADL, informant report indicated less preserved abilities than participant self‐report, particularly in people with dementia.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of developing interventions and compensatory strategies to prevent loss of ADL in dementia, also suggesting that early intervention in older adults with depression should focus on advanced ADL to prevent social isolation and withdrawal. Finally, the findings indicate that self‐information about ADL may be compromised in dementia, so clinicians exploring disability should consider fully different aspects of ADL in this group. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing intentions to resist future change: Combined effects of commitment‐based HR practices and ethical leadership
Authors: Neves Pedro , Almeida Patrícia , Velez Maria João
Published: August 2017

Change management, and particularly the human side of change, is a central tenet of the strategy of contemporary organizations. However, there is little evidence concerning how strategic HR practices influence how individuals anticipate and react to the implementation of a major change and how direct supervisors influence that process. With a sample of 191 employees from multiple organizations, who completed two surveys with a four‐week lag, we examined the role of commitment‐based HR practices on employees’ intentions to resist future change. We found that commitment‐based HR practices contribute to a decrease in intentions to resist future change, measured four weeks later, via increased affective commitment to change. Moreover, we found that this relationship is conditional on ethical leadership, in that it is significant when ethical leadership is high but not when it is low. Building on social exchange and uncertainty reduction theories, our findings contribute to the literature by examining how and under what boundary conditions HR practices are an effective means for organizations to anticipate and manage change.
Prognosis of cancer in persons with infrequent consultations in general practice: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Jensen Henry , Vedsted Peter , Møller Henrik
Published: August 2017

Cancer survival rates are lower in Denmark than in comparable European countries. This may partly be attributable to subgroups of cancer patients who seek medical attention at late disease stages. It is unknown if differences in usual (i.e. customary) consultation frequency in general practice are associated with cancer prognosis. We aimed to estimate the cancer prognosis of cancer patients stratified by their usual consultation frequency in general practice. We performed a population‐based cohort study including 123,943 incident cancer patients aged 50 to 89 years diagnosed in Denmark in 2009 to 2013. We estimated associations between the patient's usual general practitioner (GP) consultation frequency 19 to 36 months before the cancer diagnosis and all‐cause mortality by using hazard ratios (HR), estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression. We also estimated the associations between the patient's usual GP consultation frequency and tumour stage, by using logistic regression estimates of odds ratios (ORs). Patients who usually did not see their GP (non‐consulters) had higher all‐cause mortality [HR = 1.39 (95% CI: 1.33–1.44)] compared to patients who usually saw their GP three to five times during an 18 months period (average consulters). Non‐consulters had higher odds of having distant tumour stage [OR = 1.46 (95% CI: 1.38–1.57)] than average consulters. Similar, yet less strong, patterns were seen among patients with low usual GP consultation frequency, yet not statistically significant for all cancer types. In conclusion, the association between usual GP non‐consultation and cancer prognosis is a combination of at least two things: a mechanism through more advanced tumour stage and other independent factors.