bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in Portuguese pregnant women and vaginal colonization byGardnerella vaginalis
Authors: Machado Daniela , Castro Joana , Martinez-de-Oliveira José , Nogueira-Silva Cristina , Cerca Nuno
Published: August 2017

Background

We aimed to determine the prevalence of vaginal colonization byGardnerella vaginalisand of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in Portuguese pregnant women, and to identify risk factors for BV andG. vaginaliscolonization in pregnancy.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years who were attending in two public hospitals of the Northwest region of Portugal. Epidemiological data was collected by anonymous questionnaire. BV was diagnosed by Nugent criteria andG. vaginalispresence was identified by polymerase chain reaction. Crude associations between the study variables and BV orG. vaginaliscolonization were quantified by odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The prevalences of BV and ofG. vaginaliscolonization among Portuguese pregnant women were 3.88% and 67.48%, respectively. Previous preterm delivery and colonization byG. vaginaliswere factors with very high OR, but only statistically significant for a 90% CI. Conversely, higher rates ofG. vaginaliscolonization were found in women with basic educational level (OR = 2.77, 95% CI [1.33–5.78]), during the second trimester of pregnancy (OR = 6.12, 95% CI [1.80–20.85]) and with BV flora (OR = 8.73, 95% CI [0.50–153.60]).

Discussion

Despite the lower number of women with BV, prevalence ratios and association with risk factors were similar to recent European studies. However, the percentage of healthy women colonized byG. vaginaliswas significantly higher than many previous studies, confirming thatG. vaginaliscolonization does not always lead to BV development.
Residência Social em Angola: Traçando Caminhos, Enlaçando Parcerias e Afirmando Identidades
Authors: Brito Benilda Regina Paiva de , Oliveira George
Published: August 2017

Este artigo apresenta as principais motivações, estratégias e aprendizados vivenciados a partir da experiência da Residência Social em Angola. Como parte do Mestrado Interdisciplinar e Profissional em Desenvolvimento e Gestão Social da Universidade Federal da Bahia – UFBA/ CIAGS, a Residência Social ocorreu em novembro de 2013 e teve o objetivo de enriquecer a formação e permitir a troca de experiência entre mestrandos e a cultura angolana, ao possibilitar-lhes um espaço prático para formação, no qual foi possível articular diferentes saberes, desenvolvidos ao longo do curso, aliados aos seus próprios saberes, em uma vivência prática intensiva. Atreladas ao cumprimento desta disciplina obrigatória do mestrado, foram realizadas atividades do “Aprender Convivendo”, como parte prática do Kwetu – Programa de Desenvolvimento de Lideranças para a Equidade Racial e de Gênero no Nordeste Brasileiro, desenvolvido pelo Instituto Steve Biko. Essas duas experiências, a Residência Social e o Aprender Convivendo, serão apresentadas em cinco partes: Introdução, Traçando Caminhos, Enlaçando Parcerias, Afirmando Identidades e Reflexões Conclusivas. Os dois mestrandos e membros do Instituto relatam o processo de articulação, parcerias e desdobramentos da experiência exitosa e, sobretudo, suas aspirações movidas pela identidade de pertencimento afro-brasileiro, cientes da possibilidade de contribuição para a história de Angola, neste cenário de reconstrução nacional pós-guerra civil.
A Articulação Social e o Poder Político Legitimado: Uma Contribuição para a Análise das Transformações do Contexto Social Contemporâneo
Authors: Daltro Emmanuelle Fonseca Marinho de Anias , Borges Sivanildo Da Silva , Ribeiro Elizabeth Matos , Miranda Bárbara Leonora Souza de
Published: August 2017

A preocupação com danos ao meio ambiente e à saúde da população advindos da possível instalação de duas usinas termoelétricas levou a população de um pequeno município do interior da Bahia a desencadear uma série de manifestações contrárias à implantação de tais equipamentos nos limites do município e adjacências. Este estudo de caso único, o qual adota como estratégia metodológica a pesquisa documental e tangencia a Teoria da Administração Política, revela que o Movimento Termoelétricas Jamais, organizado pela sociedade civil de um pequeno município brasileiro, trouxe uma contribuição para a sociedade na medida em que despertou a população para a possibilidade de interferir nas políticas sociais e na conformação política local.
O Poeta e a Cidade: Um Estudo Semissimbólico sobre Artefatos Culturais
Authors: Saraiva Luiz Alex Silva
Published: August 2017

Neste artigo, o objetivo é analisar, por meio de procedimentos semissimbólicos, artefatos culturais no contexto urbano, em particular, os referentes a Carlos Drummond de Andrade na cidade de Itabira, em Minas Gerais, algo necessário tendo em vista que ainda são poucos os trabalhos com base em dados visuais nos estudos organizacionais. Para tanto, a partir de fotografias, a análise aqui empregada revelou ser a figura do poeta itabirano, algo simultaneamente próximo e distante. A proximidade vem da sua presença em vários pontos da cidade. A distância deve-se ao fato de sua poesia, em grande parte, ser desconhecida da população local. As principais implicações do estudo referem-se aos efeitos da indústria cultural, valendo-se da cultura para manter as disparidades sociais. No caso em foco, isso significa, por um lado, a tentativa sistemática de um pequeno grupo de invocar e impor, por meio de monumentos, uma figura como mote da cultura local; por outro, que essa figura seja rejeitada pelos nativos, os quais não reconhecem, na sua obra, a cultura de que necessitam.
Influence of weakening minerals on ensemble strength and slip stability of faults
Authors: Wang Chaoyi , Elsworth Derek , Fang Yi
Published: August 2017

We explore the impact of phyllosilicate (weak but velocity strengthening) in a majority tectosilicate (strong but velocity weakening) matrix on bulk shear strength and slip stability of faults. Numerical simple shear experiments using a distinct element model (DEM) are conducted on both uniform mixtures of quartz and talc analogs and on textured mixtures consisting of a talc layer embedded in a quartz matrix. The mechanical response of particles is represented by a linear elastic contact model with a slip‐weakening constitutive relation representing the essence of rate‐state friction. The weight percentage of the talc in the uniform mixtures and the relative thickness of the talc layer in the textured mixtures are varied to investigate the transitional behavior of shear strength and slip stability. Specifically, for uniform mixtures, ~50% reduction on bulk shear strength is observed with 25% talc present, and a dominant influence of talc occurs at 50%; for textured mixtures, a noticeable weakening effect is shown at a relative layer thickness of 1 particle, ~50% shear strength reduction is observed with 3‐particles, and a dominant influence occurs at 5 particles. In terms of slip stability, a transition from velocity weakening to velocity strengthening is observed with 10% to 25% talc present in the uniform mixtures or with 3 particles to 5 particles in the textured mixtures. In addition, further analysis suggests that quartz has a high tendency toward dilation, potentially promoting permeability; while talc dilates with increased slip rate but compacts rapidly when slip rate is reduced, potentially destroying permeability. The simulation results match well with previous laboratory observations.
The isotopic composition of near‐surface water vapor at the Maïdo observatory (Reunion Island, southwestern Indian Ocean) documents the controls of the humidity of the subtropical troposphere
Authors: Guilpart Etienne , Vimeux Françoise , Evan Stéphanie , Brioude Jérôme , Metzger Jean‐Marc , Barthe Christelle , Risi Camille , Cattani Olivier
Published: August 2017

We present a 1 year long record of the isotopic composition of near‐surface water vapor (δ18Ov) at the Maïdo atmospheric observatory (Reunion Island, Indian Ocean, 22°S, 55°E) from 1 November 2014 to 31 October 2015, using wavelength‐scanned cavity ring down spectroscopy. Except during cyclone periods where δ18Ov is highly depleted (−20.5‰), a significant diurnal variability can be seen on both δ18Ov and qv with enriched (depleted) water vapor (mean δ18Ov is −13.4‰ (−16.6‰)) and moist (dry) conditions (mean qv is 9.7 g/kg (6.4 g/kg)) during daytime (nighttime). We show that δ18Ov diurnal cycle arises from mixing processes for 65% of cases with two distinct sources of water vapor. We suggest that δ18Ov diurnal cycle is controlled by an interplay of thermally driven land‐sea breezes and upslope‐downslope flows, bringing maritime air to the observatory during daytime, whereas at night, the observatory is above the atmospheric boundary layer and samples free tropospheric air. Interestingly, δ18Ov record also shows that some nights (15%) are extremely depleted (mean δ18Ov is −21.4‰). They are among the driest of the record (mean qv is 2.9 g/kg). Based on different modeling studies, we suggest that extreme nocturnal isotopic depletions are caused by large‐scale atmospheric transport and subsidence of dry air masses from the upper troposphere to the surface, induced by the subtropical westerly jet.
High‐Precision Temperature‐Controllable Metal‐Coated Polymeric Molds for Programmable, Hierarchical Patterning
Authors: Kim Kwang Su , Kim Jong Uk , Lee Sori , Lee Ju Seung , Jo Young Jin , Park Byeonghak , Tak Hyowon , Yoo Pil J. , Kim Tae‐il
Published: August 2017

Nanofabrication is an indispensable process in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Unconventional lithographic techniques are often used for fabrication as alternatives to photolithography because they are faster, more cost‐effective, and simpler to use. However, these techniques are limited in scalability and utility because of the collapse of preprinted structures during step‐and‐repeat processes. This study proposes a new class of temperature‐controllable polymeric molds that are coated with a metal such that any site‐specific patterning can be accomplished in a programmable manner using selective contact‐dewetting lithography. The lithography allows sub‐100 nm patterning, step‐and‐repeat processing, and hierarchical structure fabrication. The programmable feature of the lithography can be utilized for the structural coloring and shaping of objects. Large‐area programmable patterning, semiconductor device manufacturing, and the fabrication of iridescent security devices would benefit from the unique features of the proposed strategy.
Biomimetic Radial Tandem Junction Photodetector with Natural RGB Color Discrimination Capability
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Junzhuan , Lu Jiawen , Yu Zhongwei , Yu Linwei , Xu Jun , Shi Yi , Chen Kunji , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere
Published: August 2017

Imitating natural rod or cone cells in human eyes can inspire a biomimetic design of filter‐free color sensing photodetector with the aid of three‐dimensional (3D) nanophotonic engineering. Here, a novel radial tandem junction (RTJ) super‐rod structure is proposed and demonstrated, which consists of coaxially stacking hydrogenated amorphous silicon PIN junctions upon silicon nanowires, resembling to the live retinal cells in terms of both geometry and dimension. As a consequence, these RTJ units enjoy a unique wavelength‐selective and cavity‐mode‐assisted light absorption/responses in the inner and the outer radial PIN junctions, which are readily tunable to achieve natural RGB color discrimination in the RTJ rod‐cells without the need of any filter system. This unique RTJ design can indicate a new 3D implementation of color sensing photodetectors enabled by advanced nanophotonic structuring and engineering.
Long‐term survival of beta thalassemia major patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared with survival with conventional treatment
Authors: Caocci Giovanni , Orofino Maria Grazia , Vacca Adriana , Piroddi Antonio , Piras Eugenia , Addari Maria Carmen , Caria Rossella , Pilia Maria Paola , Origa Raffaella , Moi Paolo , La Nasa Giorgio
Published: August 2017

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in thalassemia remains a challenge. We reported a single‐centre case‐control study of a large cohort of 516 children and adult patients treated with HSCT or blood transfusion support and iron chelation therapy; 258 patients (median age 12, range 1‐45) underwent sibling (67%) or unrelated (33%) HSCT; 97 patients were adults (age ≥ 16 years). The median follow‐up after HSCT was 11 years (range 1‐30). The conditioning regimen was busulfan (80.6%) or treosulfan‐based (19.4%). A cohort of 258 age‐sex matched conventionally treated (CT) patients was randomly selected. In transplanted patients the 30‐year overall survival (OS) and thalassemia‐free survival (TFS) were 82.6 ± 2.7% and 77.8 ± 2.9%, compared to the OS of 85.3 ± 2.7% in CT patients (P = NS); The incidence of grade II‐IV acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GvHD) was 23.6% and 12.9% respectively. The probability of rejection was 6.9%. Transplant‐related mortality (TRM) (13.8%) was similar to the probability of dying of cardiovascular events in CT patients (12.2%). High‐risk Pesaro score (class 3) was associated with lower OS (OR = 1.99, 95% C.I.=1.31‐3.03) and TFS (OR = 1.54, 95% C.I.=1.12‐2.12). In adult patients, the 23‐years OS and TFS after HSCT were 70 ± 5% and 67.3 ± 5%, compared to 71.2 ± 5% of OS in CT (P = NS). Finally, treosulfan was associated with lower risk of acute GvHD (P = .004; OR = 0.28, 95% C.I.=0.12‐0.67). In conclusion, the 30‐year survival rate of ex‐thalassemia patients after HSCT was similar to that expected in CT thalassemia patients, with the vast majority of HSCT survivors cured from thalassemia.
Conjugated Polymer with Intrinsic Alkyne Units for Synergistically Enhanced Raman Imaging in Living Cells
Authors: Li Shengliang , Chen Tao , Wang Yunxia , Liu Libing , Lv Fengting , Li Zhiliang , Huang Yanyi , Schanze Kirk S. , Wang Shu
Published: August 2017

Development of Raman‐active materials with enhanced and distinctive Raman vibrations in the Raman‐silent region (1800–2800 cm−1) is highly required for specific molecular imaging of living cells with high spatial resolution. Herein, water‐soluble cationic conjugated polymers (CCPs), poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) derivatives, are explored for use as alkyne‐state‐dependent Raman probes for living cell imaging due to synergetic enhancement effect of alkyne vibrations in Raman‐silent region compared to alkyne‐containing small molecules. The enhanced alkyne signals result from the integration of alkyne groups into the rigid backbone and the delocalized π‐conjugated structure. PPE‐based conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) were also prepared as Raman‐responsive nanomaterials for distinct imaging application. This work opens a new way into the development of conjugated polymer materials for enhanced Raman imaging.
Effect of MIL‐53 (Al) MOF particles on the chain mobility and crystallization of poly(L‐lactic acid)
Authors: Kathuria Ajay , Brouwers Niels , Buntinx Mieke , Harding Trevor , Auras Rafael
Published: August 2017

Polymer‐filler interactions significantly influence morphology, functionality, and various desirable properties of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). In this study, chain mobility and crystallization of poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) MMM films prepared by solvent casting PLLA with 1, 5, 10, and 20% wt/wt of MIL‐53(Al) metal organic framework (MOF) were evaluated. The fabricated MMMs were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated that the addition of MOF particles in the PLLA matrix reduces the polymeric chain mobility, which affects the crystallization process. The percent crystallinity of neat PLLA was found to decrease from 4% in neat PLLA to completely amorphous structures in PLLA‐10% and PLLA‐20% MMMs, as observed in the second heating cycle. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data supports these observations. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that PLLA‐MOF films are thermally less stable than neat PLLA suggesting that MOF particles act as a depolymerization catalyst for PLLA. Partial agglomeration of MOF particles was observed in the samples using scanning electron microscopy studies. This study indicates strong PLLA‐MIL‐53(Al) MOF interactions. In addition, this study also provides insight into the effect of MOF particles on the segmental mobility and morphology of PLLA‐MIL‐53 (Al) composite films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45690.
LRF inhibits p53 expression in colon cancer cells via modulating DAP5 activity
Authors: Zhu Min , Wang Peng , Feng Fan , Li Ming‐Yang
Published: August 2017

The p53 protein plays a critical role in suppression of tumour growth; its regulation is not fully understood. Leukaemia/lymphoma‐related factor (LRF) promotes tumour cell growth. This study tests a hypothesis that LRF inhibits p53 expression in colon cancer cells. In this study, human colon cancer cell lines, LIM1215 and HCT116 cells, were used. The expression of LRF and p53 in the cells was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. We observed that the expression of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) was detected in both LIM1215 and HCT116 human colon cancer cells. Activation of PAR2 increased the expression of LRF and inhibited the p53 expression in the cancer cells. We also detected a complex of LRF and DAP5, one of the p53 gene transcription factors. The interaction of LRF and DAP5 resulted in the repression of p53 expression in the colon cancer cells. In conclusion, PAR2 activation increases the expression of LRF in colon cancer cells, which interacts with DAP5 to repress the p53 expression. Leukaemia/lymphoma‐related factor may be a novel target in the treatment of colon cancer.
4‐Phenybutyric acid promotes gastric cancer cell migration via histone deacetylase inhibition‐mediated HER3/HER4 up‐regulation
Authors: Shi Xiaonan , Zheng Chunlei , Li Ce , Hou Kezuo , Wang Xiaoxun , Yang Zichang , Liu Chang , Liu Yunpeng , Che Xiaofang , Qu Xiujuan
Published: August 2017

Dysregulation of histone acetylation plays an important role in tumor development. Histone acetylation regulates gene transcription and expression, which is reversibly regulated by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). As an HDAC inhibitor, 4‐phenylbutyric acid (4‐PBA) can increase histone acetylation levels by inhibiting HDAC activity. While 4‐PBA inhibits proliferation of tumor cells in vitro, clinical trials have failed to show benefits of 4‐PBA for refractory solid tumors. Here, we found that 4‐PBA could enhance the migration capacity of gastric cancer cells. Upregulation of HER3/HER4 and activation of HER3/HER4‐ERK pathway was shown to be involved in 4‐PBA‐induced gastric cancer cell migration. Knockdown of HER3/HER4 blocked HER3/HER4‐ERK activation and partially prevented 4‐PBA‐induced cell migration. Consistently, the ERK inhibitor PD98059 also partially prevented 4‐PBA‐induced cell migration. Moreover, enhanced levels of acetyl‐histones were detected following 4‐PBA‐treatment, and histone3 acetylation in promoter regions of HER3 and HER4 were confirmed by ChIP. These results demonstrate that 4‐PBA promotes gastric cancer cells migration through upregulation of HER3/HER4 subsequent to increased levels of acetyl‐histone and activation of ERK signaling. These novel findings provide important considerations for the use of 4‐PBA in cancer therapeutics.
Metal‐Free, Oxidant‐Free, and Controllable Graphene Oxide Catalyzed Direct Iodination of Arenes and Ketones
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Li Shiguang , Deng Guo‐Jun , Gong Hang
Published: August 2017

A direct, metal‐free, and oxidant‐free method for the graphene oxide (GO)‐catalyzed iodination of arenes and ketones with iodine in a neutral medium was explored. This iodination protocol was performed by using a simple technique to avoid the use of external metal catalysts and oxidants and harsh acidic/basic reaction conditions. In addition, by this method the degree of iodination could be controlled, and the reaction was scalable and compatible with air. This strategy opens a new field for GO‐catalyzed chemistry and provides an avenue for the convenient direct iodination of arenes and ketones.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Cyclodextrin‐Doped Cu‐SiO2 Catalysts for Efficient Hydrogenation of Dimethyl Oxalate to Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Ye Run‐Ping , Lin Ling , Liu Chang‐Qing , Chen Chong‐Chong , Yao Yuan‐Gen
Published: August 2017

The β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) was successfully applied to synthesize Cu‐SiO2 catalysts by the sol‐gel method. The first and most important question addressed was increasing the copper loading with higher dispersion in the silica support. Another task was to elucidate the structure–performance relationship. Furthermore, catalysts with various β‐CD doping levels were systematically characterized and employed in the hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate (DMO) to ethylene glycol (EG). The 0.1CD‐Cu‐SiO2 catalyst with 17.39 wt % copper showed 99.9 % DMO conversion and the highest EG selectivity of 95.0 % at 210 °C, as well a lifetime of over 240 h. The reaction results disclosed that the catalytic performance could be tuned facilely by changing the amount of β‐CD doping, which effectively influenced the Cu metallic surface area and dispersion.
Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Oxidative Dehydrogenation of 1‐Butene by Iron‐Doped Ordered Mesoporous Alumina
Authors: Yan Bing , Gao Yue , Wang Bolong , Fan Xingting , Alam Fakhre , Li Jian , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2017

Iron‐doped ordered mesoporous alumina (meso‐FeAl) was synthesized through a “one‐pot” method and used in the synthesis of 1,3‐butadiene (BD) through the oxidative dehydrogenation of 1‐butene by using CO2 as a soft oxidant. X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption, and transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the ordered mesoporous structure of the meso‐FeAl catalyst with a high specific surface area and a large pore volume. The results also revealed that iron species were highly dispersed inside the alumina matrix. Relative to the Fe2O3‐impregnated meso‐Al2O3 catalyst and the conventional Fe2O3/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst, meso‐FeAl showed excellent catalytic activity, good stability, and high selectivity for the synthesis of BD. The structural properties as well as the form of the iron species existing in the meso‐FeAl matrix positively contributed to the performance of the catalyst.
Prediction of pitting corrosion status of EN 1.4404 stainless steel by using a 2‐stage procedure based on support vector machines
Authors: Jiménez‐Come María Jesús , Turias Domínguez Ignacio José , Matres Victora
Published: August 2017

The excellent properties of EN 1.4404 have made this material one of the most popular types of austenitic stainless steel used for many applications. However, in aggressive environments, this alloy may suffer corrosion. Electrochemical analyses have been extensively used in order to evaluate pitting corrosion behaviour of stainless steel. These techniques may be followed by microscopic analysis in order to determine the resistance of the passive layer. This step requires the human interpretation, and therefore, subjectivity may be included in the results. This work aims to solve this drawback by the development of an automatic model with the capability to predict pitting corrosion status of this material. A combined model based on support vector machines (SVMs) is presented in this work. With the aim to improve the prediction performance, the model considers the breakdown potential values estimated by itself at a first stage. The performance is evaluated based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy results (0.998 and 0.952, respectively) demonstrate the utility of the proposed model as an efficient and accurate tool to predict pitting behaviour of EN 1.4404 automatically.
Optimization of Rate Capability and Cyclability Performance in Li3VO4 Anode Material through Ca Doping
Authors: Zhou Jiafeng , Zhao Bangchuan , Song Jiyue , Chen Bozhou , Ma Xiaohang , Dai Jianming , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: August 2017

A series of Ca‐doped lithium vanadates Li3−xCaxVO4 (x=0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) are synthesized successfully through a simple sol‐gel method. XRD patterns and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) mappings reveal that the doped Ca2+ ions enter into the lattice successfully and are distributed uniformly throughout the Li3VO4 (LVO) grains. XRD spectra and SEM images show that Ca doping can lead to an enlarged lattice and refined Li3VO4 particles. A small quantity of V ions will transfer from V5+ to V4+ in the Ca‐doped samples, as demonstrated by the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, which leads to an increase of an order of magnitude in the electronic conductivity. Improved rate capability and cycling stability are observed for the Ca‐doped samples, and Li2.97Ca0.03VO4 exhibits the best electrochemical performance among the studied materials. The initial charge/discharge capacities at 0.1 C increase from 480/645 to 527/702 mA h g−1 as x varies from 0 to 0.03. The charge capacity of Li2.97Ca0.03VO4 at 1 C retains 95.3 % of its initial value after 180 cycles, whereas the capacity retention is only 40 % for the pristine sample. Moreover, Li2.97Ca0.03VO4 maintains a high discharge capacity of 301.7 mA h g−1 at a high discharge rate (4 C), whereas the corresponding value is only 95.2 mA h g−1 for the pristine LVO sample. The enhanced cycling and rate performances are ascribed to the increased lithium ion diffusivity and electrical conductivity induced by Ca doping.
Reactive Distillation in a Dividing‐Wall Column: Model Development, Simulation, and Error Analysis
Authors: von Harbou Erik , Ryll Oliver , Schrabback Marc , Bortz Michael , Hasse Hans
Published: August 2017

A process model of a reactive dividing wall column process is developed and tested by comparing simulation results to data from pilot‐plant experiments. In general, the experimental data and the model prediction agree well in a simple comparison. By means of a sensitivity and error analysis both the influence of the choice of the model and the influence of uncertainties of the input parameters on the simulation results are studied. It is shown that the insight gained by such an enhanced analysis by far exceeds that from a simple comparison, and that such a simple comparison can easily lead to erroneous conclusions.
Energy and activity monitoring over wireless sensor networks
Authors: Blanchard Frédéric , Fouchal Hacène , Herbin Michel
Published: August 2017

Wireless sensor networks are one the most challenging fields in computer science and networking in particular with the exposition of Internet of things. The energy management is a crucial issue on wireless sensor network since it has a real influence on then network lifetime. Since such networks are used for many sensitive applications, they need to guarantee some quality of service requirements as continuous connectivity or continuous monitoring or balanced energy consumption over all the network nodes. In this paper, we suggest an algorithm which monitors the energy consumption of all nodes (in relation with their main activity: communication). We present an activity model of the network and evaluate how the remaining energy behaves. Our main objective is to predict (after a learning step) the energy consumption of all the nodes. Then, various techniques could be used to find a cure to such troubles (wake up sleeping neighbor nodes, increasing radio ranges of some neighbor nodes, etc). Simulations have shown interesting results, and large‐scale evaluation has to be undertaken to confirm the early results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The identification and analytical characterization of 2,2′‐difluorofentanyl
Authors: Liu Cuimei , Li Tao , Han Yu , Hua Zhendong , Jia Wei , Qian Zhenhua
Published: August 2017

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have expanded their distribution and become widely available in the global market in recent years. The illicit use of fentanyl and its analogs has become an important worldwide concern linked to their high potency and risk of fatal overdose. This study describes the analytical characterization of a new fentanyl derivative N‐(1‐(2‐fluorophenethyl)‐4‐piperidinyl)‐N‐(2‐fluorophenyl)propionamide (2,2′‐difluorofentanyl). Identification was based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF–MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report on analytical data for this compound. The most abundant fragment ion in the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrum under collision‐induced dissociation (CID) mode was formed by the cleavage between the piperidine ring and the N‐phenyl‐amide moiety of the protonated molecule. Two diagnostic ions in the electron ionization (EI) mass spectrum were formed by the loss of a tropylium ion (M‐91), and by the degradation of the piperidine ring and dissociate of the COC2H5 moiety altogether, respectively.
Annual killifish adaptations to ephemeral environments: Diapause i in two austrolebias species
Authors: Arezo María José , Papa Nicolás G. , Berois Nibia , Clivio Graciela , Montagne Jimena , De la Piedra Soledad
Published: August 2017

Background: Many organisms are able to survive in extreme environments by entering a state of dormancy. In dormancy, vital activities are reduced until environmental conditions are compatible with active life. Annual killifishes show a special developmental pattern characterized by a phase of dispersion‐reaggregation of the blastomeres that separates epiboly from organogenesis, and the capability to enter dormancy in diapause. High tolerance to environmental stress confers annual killifish embryos the condition of extremophiles. At present, the questions of our research group are focused on the understanding of the mechanisms involved in diapause regulation through an interdisciplinary approach. As a first step, it is necessary to characterize diapauses at morphological and physiological levels and to evaluate induction cues under laboratory conditions. In this context, we characterized diapause I in two Austrolebias species. Results: Our experimental approach to induce diapause I was successful and revealed the co‐existence of two diapause I phenotypes named A and B instead of one. These phenotypes showed a tendency for lower total extractable RNA content compared with active developmental stages (80–100% epiboly and early reaggregate). Conclusions: These phenotypes are alternative diapause I stages and may have ecological relevance because both were found in embryos in natural ponds. Developmental Dynamics 246:848–857, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of a large wildfire on vegetation structure in a variable fire mosaic
Authors: Foster C. N. , Barton P. S. , Robinson N. M. , MacGregor C. I. , Lindenmayer D. B.
Published: August 2017

Management guidelines for many fire‐prone ecosystems highlight the importance of maintaining a variable mosaic of fire histories for biodiversity conservation. Managers are encouraged to aim for fire mosaics that are temporally and spatially dynamic, include all successional states of vegetation, and also include variation in the underlying “invisible mosaic” of past fire frequencies, severities, and fire return intervals. However, establishing and maintaining variable mosaics in contemporary landscapes is subject to many challenges, one of which is deciding how the fire mosaic should be managed following the occurrence of large, unplanned wildfires. A key consideration for this decision is the extent to which the effects of previous fire history on vegetation and habitats persist after major wildfires, but this topic has rarely been investigated empirically. In this study, we tested to what extent a large wildfire interacted with previous fire history to affect the structure of forest, woodland, and heath vegetation in Booderee National Park in southeastern Australia. In 2003, a summer wildfire burned 49.5% of the park, increasing the extent of recently burned vegetation (<10 yr post‐fire) to more than 72% of the park area. We tracked the recovery of vegetation structure for nine years following the wildfire and found that the strength and persistence of fire effects differed substantially between vegetation types. Vegetation structure was modified by wildfire in forest, woodland, and heath vegetation, but among‐site variability in vegetation structure was reduced only by severe fire in woodland vegetation. There also were persistent legacy effects of the previous fire regime on some attributes of vegetation structure including forest ground and understorey cover, and woodland midstorey and overstorey cover. For example, woodland midstorey cover was greater on sites with higher fire frequency, irrespective of the severity of the 2003 wildfire. Our results show that even after a large, severe wildfire, underlying fire histories can contribute substantially to variation in vegetation structure. This highlights the importance of ensuring that efforts to reinstate variation in vegetation fire age after large wildfires do not inadvertently reduce variation in vegetation structure generated by the underlying invisible mosaic.
Tropical tree species traits drive soil cation dynamics via effects on pH: a proposed conceptual framework
Authors: Russell Ann E. , Hall Steven J. , Raich James W.
Published: August 2017

Humid tropical forests are major players in the global carbon cycle, despite evidence that cations (rock‐derived, positively charged ions) can limit or co‐limit net primary productivity (NPP). In mature forests, tight cation cycling, i.e., without leaching losses, could maintain cation stocks on site. That mechanism does not explain how regenerating tropical secondary forest trees start from seeds and accrue large cation stocks in biomass, when growing on soils depleted in available cations. We propose a new mechanism that links tree species’ traits to soil cation availability via impacts on soil pH, a master biogeochemical driver. We tested plot‐level effects of tree species on soil pH, soil extractable cations, and cation accrual in biomass in a unique, 25‐yr‐old, randomized‐complete‐block experiment in which climate, soil, and previous land‐use history were similar across four native tree species grown in mono‐dominant plantations in Costa Rica. Surface‐soil pH in this Oxisol, initially 4.52 ± 0.02 (mean ± SE (standard error)), declined to 4.14 ± 0.02 under Pentaclethra macroloba, a nodulated legume, and increased to 4.71 ± 0.08 under Vochysia guatemalensis, an aluminum (Al) accumulator. The range in pH corresponds to a five‐fold difference in proton concentrations, which is sufficient to alter dispersion of organo‐mineral colloids. Cation stocks in biomass differed across species by 1.7‐, 1.9‐, 2.8‐, 2.9‐, 3.1‐, 3.5‐, and 17.2‐fold for iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), strontium (Sr), magnesium (Mg), and Al, respectively. Differential acquisition of available soil cations was an unlikely explanation for measured differences among species because changes in extractable soil cation stocks were unrelated to cation accrual in biomass. Soil pH and biomass cation stocks were highly correlated, however. By our proposed conceptual framework, species traits that strongly increase proton concentrations and decrease pH in soil, e.g., support of N fixation, increase colloid aggregation, reducing cation availability. Traits that reduce soil protons and increase pH, e.g., Al+3 accumulation, disperse colloids, thereby releasing cations occluded during pedogenesis. This highlights a novel biogeochemical role for the Al‐accumulation trait, i.e., liberation of occluded soil cations. Further studies would clarify effects of soil pH on cation supply via colloid dispersion, and its importance for nutrient acquisition in cation‐depleted soils.
Women's attraction to benevolent sexism: Needing relationship security predicts greater attraction to men who endorse benevolent sexism
Authors: Cross Emily J. , Overall Nickola C.
Published: August 2017

Benevolent sexism prescribes that men should cherish and protect women in intimate relationships. Despite the romantic tone of these attitudes, prior research indicates that benevolent sexism undermines women's competence, ambition, and independence. Ambivalent sexism theory proposes that benevolent sexism is able to incur these costs because the promise of a chivalrous and protective partner offers women security in their intimate relationships. We tested this key proposition by examining whether women who intensely need relationship security—women higher in attachment anxiety—are more attracted to men who endorse benevolent sexism. Highly anxious women (N = 632) rated men described as endorsing benevolent sexism as relatively more attractive, and reported greater preferences for partners to hold benevolently sexist attitudes. These results advance understanding regarding the underlying reasons women find benevolent sexism appealing and identify who will be most vulnerable to the potential costs of benevolent sexism.
Making Levulinic Acid and Ethyl Levulinate Economically Viable: A Worldwide Technoeconomic and Environmental Assessment of Possible Routes
Authors: Leal Silva Jean Felipe , Grekin Rebecca , Mariano Adriano Pinto , Maciel Filho Rubens
Published: August 2017

Ethyl levulinate is a diesel additive that has received special attention recently due to its potential for production in large quantities from inexpensive feedstocks. Several processes have been developed for the conversion of biomass into levulinic acid and ethyl levulinate, and an economic analysis of these routes would indicate the main hindering factors of their commercialization. This Review focuses on filling this gap in current knowledge by gathering data from scientific papers and patents to create a simulation to analyze processes by focusing on the production of ethyl levulinate in nine countries or regions across the globe. The key indicator to analyze the economic feasibility of ethyl levulinate production is a comparison of its minimum selling price to the local wholesale price of diesel on an energy basis. Processes simulated in Brazil, China, and India presented promising results with feedstocks such as sugarcane bagasse and rice residues. Also, the integration of ethyl levulinate production into existing ethanol plants is a factor that may improve process economics. Overall, this Review specifies key factors in economic and environmental performances of the processes to indicate research topics that could achieve high impact on industrial‐scale processes once matured.
Biotic drivers of river and floodplain geomorphology – New molecular methods for assessing present‐day and past biota
Authors: Larsen Annegret , Alvarez Nadir , Sperisen Christoph , Lane Stuart N.
Published: August 2017

Geomorphology has increasingly considered the role of biotic factors as controls upon geomorphic processes across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Where timescales are long (centennial and longer), it has been possible to quantify relationships between geomorphic processes and vegetation using, for example, the pollen record. However, where the biotic agents are fauna, longer term reconstruction of the impacts of biological activity upon geomorphic processes is more challenging. Here, we review the prospect of using environmental DNA as a molecular proxy to decipher the presence and nature of faunal influences on geomorphic processes in both present and ancient deposits. When used appropriately, this method has the potential to improve our understanding of biotic drivers of geomorphic processes, notably fauna, over long timescales and so to reconstruct how such drivers might explain the landscape as we see it today. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The genomic basis of cichlid fish adaptation within the deepwater “twilight zone” of Lake Malawi
Authors: Hahn Christoph , Genner Martin J , Turner George F , Joyce Domino A
Published: August 2017

Deepwater environments are characterized by low levels of available light at narrow spectra, great hydrostatic pressure, and low levels of dissolved oxygen—conditions predicted to exert highly specific selection pressures. In Lake Malawi over 800 cichlid species have evolved, and this adaptive radiation extends into the “twilight zone” below 50 m. We use population-level RAD-seq data to investigate whether four endemic deepwater species (Diplotaxodon spp.) have experienced divergent selection within this environment. We identify candidate genes including regulators of photoreceptor function, photopigments, lens morphology, and haemoglobin, many not previously implicated in cichlid adaptive radiations. Colocalization of functionally linked genes suggests coadapted “supergene” complexes. Comparisons of Diplotaxodon to the broader Lake Malawi radiation using genome resequencing data revealed functional substitutions and signatures of positive selection in candidate genes. Our data provide unique insights into genomic adaptation within deepwater habitats, and suggest genome-level specialization for life at depth as an important process in cichlid radiation.
Complementary or conflictual? Formal participation, informal participation, and organizational performance
Authors: Litwin Adam Seth , Eaton Adrienne E.
Published: August 2017

Most studies of worker participation examineeitherformal participatory structures or informal participation. Yet, increasingly, works councils and other formal participatory bodies are operating in parallel with collective bargaining or are filling the void left by its decline. Moreover, these bodies are sprouting in workplaces in which workers have long held a modicum of influence, authority, and production‐ or service‐related information. This study leverages a case from the health care sector to examine theinteractionbetween formal and informal worker participation. Seeking to determine whether or not these two forces—each independently shown to benefit production or service delivery—complement or undermine one another, we find evidence for the latter. In the case of the 27 primary care departments that we study, formal structures appeared to help less‐participatory departments improve their performance. However, these same structures also appeared to impede those departments with previously high levels of informal participation. While we remain cautious with respect to generalizability, the case serves as a warning to those seeking to institute participation in an environment in which some workers have long felt they had the requisite authority, influence, and information necessary to perform their jobs effectively.
The effect of hormone manipulations on sex ratios varies with environmental conditions in a turtle with temperature‐dependent sex determination
Authors: Warner Daniel A. , Mitchell Timothy S. , Bodensteiner Brooke L. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: August 2017

Exogenous application of steroids and related substances to eggs affects offspring sex ratios in species with temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD). Laboratory studies demonstrate that this effect is most pronounced near the constant temperature that produces 1:1 sex ratios (i.e., pivotal temperature). However, the impact of such chemicals on sex determination under natural nest temperatures (which fluctuate daily) is unknown, but could provide insight into the relative contributions of these two factors under natural conditions. We applied estradiol (E2) and an aromatase inhibitor (fadrozole) to eggs of the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), a species with TSD, and allowed eggs to incubate under natural conditions during two field seasons (in 2012 and 2013). Exogenous E2, fadrozole, and nest temperature contributed to variation in offspring sex ratio, but the relative contributions of these factors differed between years. In 2012, a much hotter than average season, sex ratios were heavily female biased regardless of nest temperature and chemical treatment. However, in 2013, a milder season, both nest temperature and chemical treatment were important. Moreover, a significant interaction between nest temperature and treatment demonstrated that exogenous estradiol induces female development regardless of nest temperature, but aromatase inhibition widens the range of temperatures that produces both sexes.
Dynamic imaging demonstrates that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) suppress IL‐6 transcription in bovine nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Tang Xinyan , Alliston Tamara , Coughlin Dezba , Miller Stephanie , Zhang Nianli , Waldorff Erik I. , Ryaby James T. , Lotz Jeffrey C.
Published: August 2017

Inflammatory cytokines play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of disc degeneration. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are noninvasive biophysical stimulus that has been used extensively in the orthopaedic field for many years. However, the specific cellular responses and mechanisms involved are still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the time‐dependent PEMF effects on pro‐inflammatory factor IL‐6 expression in disc nucleus pulposus cells using a novel green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter system. An MS2‐tagged GFP reporter system driven by IL‐6 promoter was constructed to visualize PEMF treatment effect on IL‐6 transcription in single living cells. IL‐6‐MS2 reporter‐labeled cells were treated with IL‐1α to mimic the in situ inflammatory environment of degenerative disc while simultaneously exposed to PEMF continuously for 4 h. Time‐lapse imaging was recorded using a confocal microscope to track dynamic IL‐6 transcription activity that was demonstrated by GFP. Finally, real‐time RT‐PCR was performed to confirm the imaging data. Live cell imaging demonstrated that pro‐inflammatory factor IL‐1α significantly promoted IL‐6 transcription over time as compared with DMEM basal medium condition. Imaging and PCR data demonstrated that the inductive effect of IL‐1α on IL‐6 expression could be significantly inhibited by PEMF treatment in a time‐dependent manner (early as 2 h of stimulus initiation). Our data suggest that PEMF may have a role in the clinical management of patients with chronic low back pain. Furthermore, this study shows that the MS2‐tagged GFP reporter system is a useful tool for visualizing the dynamic events of mechanobiology in musculoskeletal research. © 2017 The Authors.Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 35:778–787, 2018.