bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Output Feedback Control for Systems Subject to Actuator Saturation via Event‐Triggered Scheme
Authors: Li Hongchao , Zuo Zhiqiang , Wang Yijing
Published: November 2017

In this paper, the event‐triggered dynamic output feedback control problem for linear systems with actuator saturation is investigated. Event‐triggered scheme only transmits the corresponding signal when the event‐triggered condition is violated. Due to its advantage of saving communication resources, it is utilized to design the dynamic output feedback controller. A criterion is established to guarantee the stability of the closed‐loop system by introducing an exponential term for the Lyapunov function, which corresponds to the exponential term in the event‐triggered condition. The explicit design of the coefficient matrices of the controller is presented. Furthermore, a lower bound of the inter‐event time is calculated to avoid Zeno behavior. An optimization algorithm is then formulated to maximize the estimation of the domain of attraction. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of our methods and to show the trade‐off between the size of the domain of attraction and communication resources saving.
Hypoxia and Placental Development
Authors: Soares Michael J. , Iqbal Khursheed , Kozai Keisuke
Published: November 2017

Hemochorial placentation is orchestrated through highly regulated temporal and spatial decisions governing the fate of trophoblast stem/progenitor cells. Trophoblast cell acquisition of specializations facilitating invasion and uterine spiral artery remodeling is a labile process, sensitive to the environment, and represents a process that is vulnerable to dysmorphogenesis in pathologic states. Hypoxia is a signal guiding placental development, and molecular mechanisms directing cellular adaptations to low oxygen tension are integral to trophoblast cell differentiation and placentation. Hypoxia can also be used as an experimental tool to investigate regulatory processes controlling hemochorial placentation. These developmental processes are conserved in mouse, rat, and human placentation. Consequently, elements of these developmental events can be modeled and hypotheses tested in trophoblast stem cells and in genetically manipulated rodents. Hypoxia is also a consequence of a failed placenta, yielding pathologies that can adversely affect maternal adjustments to pregnancy, fetal health, and susceptibility to adult disease. The capacity of the placenta for adaptation to environmental challenges highlights the importance of its plasticity in safeguarding a healthy pregnancy. Birth Defects Research 109:1309–1329, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The ACHIEVE! program: A point and level system for reducing severe problem behavior
Authors: Pritchard Duncan , Penney Heather , Mace F. Charles
Published: November 2017

Token economies are routinely used in residential programs for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (IDD), but research demonstrating the effectiveness of token economies has declined in recent years. Advocates of token economies argue that they provide children and young people with IDD a predictable structure that is effective in increasing prosocial behavior and reducing problem behavior. Critics have argued that they are too restrictive and not flexible enough to meet the needs of all individuals. We present a program description and correlational study of a variation of a token economy. It illustrates how a school‐wide points and level system that emphasizes and reinforces demonstration of important prosocial skills, without the use of punishment, can be inversely correlated with occurrences of severe problem behavior (i.e., aggression, harmful sexual behavior, and property damage) in students with IDD attending a residential program. Directions for future research on token economies is discussed.
Preferential capture of EpCAM‐expressing extracellular vesicles on solid surfaces coated with an aptamer‐conjugated zwitterionic polymer
Authors: Yoshida Mitsutaka , Hibino Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Satoshi , Matsumura Sachiko , Yajima Yasutomo , Shiba Kiyotaka
Published: November 2017

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) collectively represent small vesicles that are secreted from cells and carry biomolecules (e.g., miRNA, lncRNA, mRNA, proteins, lipids, metabolites, etc.) that originate in those cells. Body fluids, such as blood and saliva, include large numbers of EVs, making them potentially a rich source of diagnostic information. However, these EVs are mixtures of vesicles released from diseased tissues as well as from normal cells. This heterogeneous nature therefore blurs the clinical information obtainable from EV‐based diagnosis. Here, we synthesized an EpCAM‐affinity coating agent, which consists of a peptide aptamer for EpCAM and a zwitterionic MPC polymer, and have shown that this conjugate endowed the surfaces of inorganic materials with the preferential affinity to EpCAM‐expressing EVs. This coating agent, designated as EpiVeta, could be useful as a coating for various diagnostic devices to allow concentration of cancer‐related EVs from heterogeneous EV mixtures.
Pharmacokinetics of pidotimod in broiler chickens by UHPLC–MS/MS after oral and intravenous administration
Authors: Zhang Ruili , Qiu Mei , Zhao Li , Cui Liangliang , Wang Chunyuan , Zhu Jiajia , Hao Zhihui
Published: November 2017

Pidotimod is widely used in children as an immune promoter but it has not been fully evaluated in animals. The pharmacokinetics of pidotimod and its oral bioavailability have not been described in broiler chickens. We developed a simple and sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS assay for rapid determination of pidotimod levels in chicken blood. Recoveries were nearly 100% and the coefficients of accuracy and precision were minimal. Healthy broiler chickens were given 10 mg/kg pidotimod either orally or intravenously. The oral pidotimod was rapidly absorbed (time to reach maximum concentration, 1.25 h) and rapidly eliminated (the mean residence time was 3.2 h). A noncompartmental analysis of the intravenous route indicated a mean plasma clearance of 2.2 L (h kg)−1 with an estimated mean volume of distribution at steady state of 12.69 L/kg. The bioavailability of pidotimod after oral dosing was 27%.
Does the end justify the means? The contemporary role of dissection/re‐entry strategies for recanalization of coronary chronic total occlusions
Authors: Karatasakis Aris , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Antegrade and retrograde dissection/re‐entry techniques are frequently utilized in contemporary CTO PCI, especially for complex lesions.

One‐year outcomes with modern dissection/re‐entry techniques appear favorable and comparable with those achieved after intraplaque crossing, supporting their increased use.

Randomized data on the procedural safety, efficiency, and long‐term outcomes of subadventitial CTO PCI techniques are needed.
Comparison of self‐expanding and balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valves morphology and association with paravalvular regurgitation: Evaluation using multidetector computed tomography
Authors: Almeida João G. , Ferreira Sara M. , Fonseca Paulo , Dias Tiago , Guerreiro Cláudio , Barbosa Ana , Teixeira Pedro , Carvalho Mónica , Ferreira Wilson , Ferreira Nuno D. , Braga Pedro , Ribeiro José , Ribeiro Vasco G.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Compare final morphology of self‐expanding and balloon‐expandable prosthesis and association with paravalvular regurgitation (PVR).

Background

PVR after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains a frequent complication. A better understanding of the prosthesis geometry may be important to improve selection of the best device for each case and possibly reduce the rates of PVR.

Methods

Retrospective study including patients consecutively submitted to transcatheter aortic valve replacement: August/2007‐October/2016. Three months after the procedure a multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed to assess prosthesis geometry: dimensions, eccentricity, and expansion.

Results

A total of 147 individuals were included (mean age of 78.8 ± 6.7 and 50.3% males), 57% treated with a self‐expanding prosthesis. On the postprocedure MDCT, the self‐expanding group had higher eccentricity index (15.0 vs. 7.1%, p < .001) and lower expansion (68.3 vs. 82.8%, p < .001). In that group, the volume of calcium of landing zone had a significant correlation with eccentricity index and under‐expansion. Patients with ≥mild PVR presented higher eccentricity (12.6 vs. 7.9%, p < .001) and lower expansion (68 vs. 75%, p = .012). Eccentricity index and landing zone calcium volume were independent predictors of PVR.

Conclusions

Self‐expanding prosthesis have greater eccentricity and under‐expansion. Calcium burden exerts more influence in the final morphology of that type of valve. Calcification and eccentricity are associated with the development of PVR. These factors should be considered in the selection of the most appropriate type of prosthesis for each scenario.
Fabricating Sulfur/Oxygen Co‐Doped Crumpled Graphene for High‐Performance Oxygen Reduction Reaction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Guo Mei , Qiu Chaochao , Li Yu , Jin Xiuyan , Zhang Guoxin , Sun Xiaoming
Published: November 2017

Herein, defect‐rich graphene oxide with a crumpled form was fabricated through the fast thermal expansion of H2SO4‐intercalated graphite oxide. The fast removal of intercalated H2SO4 molecules and by‐product gases result in the formation of crumpled edges, whereas the partial reduction of H2SO4 leads to a large amount of defects and minor S doping (ca. 0.55 at%). The expanded graphene oxide with a crumpled form and rich defects was used as electrode materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and a very high ORR performance was observed in 0.1 mol L−1 KOH, exhibiting an onset potential of 0.92 V, a half‐wave potential of 0.83 V, and a roughly 5.68 mA cm−2 limiting current density with catalyst loading of 0.1274 mg cm−2. Our work provides reliable GO‐based catalyst materials for the ORR; moreover, it will expand the knowledge one type of high‐activity site for the ORR: defects on crumpled edges.
A Critical Check for the Role of Resonance in Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Jiang Xiaoyu , Zhang Huaiyu , Wu Wei , Mo Yirong
Published: November 2017

Although resonance‐assisted H‐bonds (RAHBs) are well recognized, the role of π resonance in RAHBs is controversial, as the seemingly enhanced H‐bonds in unsaturated compounds may result from the constraints imposed by the σ skeleton. Herein the block‐localized wave function (BLW) method, which can derive optimal yet resonance‐quenched structures with related physiochemical properties, was employed to examine the correlation between π resonance and the strength of intramolecular RAHBs. Examination of a series of paradigmatic molecules with RAHBs and their saturated analogues showed that it is inappropriate to compare a conjugated system with its saturated counterpart, as they may have quite different σ frameworks. Nevertheless, comparison between a conjugated system and its resonance‐quenched (i.e., electron‐localized) state, which have identical σ skeletons, shows that in all studied cases, π resonance unanimously reduces the bonding distance by 0.111–0.477 Å, strengthens the bonding by 40–56 %, and redshifts the D−H vibrational frequency by 104–628 cm−1. Furthermore, there is an excellent correlation between hydrogen‐bonding strength and the classical Coulomb attraction between the hydrogen‐bond donor and the acceptor, which suggests that the dominant role of the electrostatic interaction in H‐bonds and RAHBs originates from the charge flow from H‐bond donors to acceptors through π conjugation.
Inserting Porphyrin Quantum Dots in Bottom‐Up Synthesized Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Perkins Wade , Fischer Felix R.
Published: November 2017

Diels–Alder copolymerization of tetraphenylcyclopentadienone, a precursor for cove graphene nanoribbons (cGNRs), with bifunctional porphyrins yields defined nanostructures comprised of a single cGNR‐porphyrin‐cGNR heterojunction within each ribbon. 13C NMR labeling and high‐resolution mass spectrometry of solubilized polymer intermediates indicates that every porphyrin is covalently linked to two extended segments of cGNRs. UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy reveal a strong electronic correlation between the porphyrin and the adjacent cGNR segments that can be attenuated through reversible metalation of the porphyrin core. This versatile bottom‐up synthetic strategy provides access to structurally well‐defined, functional GNR‐quantum dot‐GNR heterostructures within a single graphene nanoribbon.
Elliptic Regularity and Quantitative Homogenization on Percolation Clusters
Authors: Armstrong Scott , Dario Paul
Published: November 2017

We establish quantitative homogenization, large‐scale regularity, and Liouville results for the random conductance model on a supercritical (Bernoulli bond) percolation cluster. The results are also new in the case that the conductivity is constant on the cluster. The argument passes through a series of renormalization steps: first, we use standard percolation results to find a large scale above which the geometry of the percolation cluster behaves (in a sense, made precise) like that of euclidean space. Then, following the work of Barlow [8], we find a succession of larger scales on which certain functional and elliptic estimates hold. This gives us the analytic tools to adapt the quantitative homogenization program of Armstrong and Smart [7] to estimate the yet larger scale on which solutions on the cluster can be well‐approximated by harmonic functions on ℝd. This is the first quantitative homogenization result in a porous medium, and the harmonic approximation allows us to estimate the scale on which a higher‐order regularity theory holds. The size of each of these random scales is shown to have at least a stretched exponential moment. As a consequence of this regularity theory, we obtain a Liouville‐type result that states that, for each k ∊ ℕ, the vector space of solutions growing at most like o(|x|k+1) as |x| → ∞ has the same dimension as the set of harmonic polynomials of degree at most k, generalizing a result of Benjamini, Duminil‐Copin, Kozma, and Yadin from k ≤ 1 to k ∊ ℕ. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inversion of Bicyclic Decanes: Rotational Spectra of the Trans and Double Cis Conformations of 2‐Decalone
Authors: Wachsmuth Dennis , Jahn Michaela K. , Blanco Susana , Gigosos Marco A. , Lesarri Alberto , Grabow Jens‐Uwe
Published: November 2017

The conformational landscape of the bicyclic molecule 2‐decalone has been studied in a jet‐cooled expansion by using rotational spectroscopy. The investigation covered the frequency region 7–19 GHz using broadband fast‐passage IMPACT Fourier‐transform microwave techniques. The introduction of the asymmetric carbonyl substituent in the double‐chair decalin skeleton originates two distinct inverting conformers with cis ring junction, which were independently identified and characterized in the gas phase. Additionally, a single trans conformer was detected, as expected for the non‐inverting equatorial ring junction. Accurate rotational parameters and quartic centrifugal distortion constants have been determined for the three observed species. A population estimation is given for the observed conformations based on relative intensities. Supporting ab initio calculations up to MP2/cc‐pVTZ complement the experimental work.
A Two‐Photon Luminescent Dye‐Loaded Metal–Organic Framework for Physiological Temperature Sensing within Biological Windows
Authors: Wan Yating , Xia Tifeng , Cui Yuanjing , Yang Yu , Qian Guodong
Published: November 2017

Luminescent temperature sensing in biological windows is uniquely superior compared to traditional temperature sensing methods because the scattering and absorption by skin, tissue and blood is minimal. In this study, the two‐photon luminescence from dyes loaded into a metal–organic framework was utilised to achieve physiological temperature sensing within two biological windows. A composite was prepared that can be excited at 1064 nm to emit at 650 nm, well within the two biological windows. The two‐photon luminescence intensity at 650 nm has a linear relationship with temperature over the range 20 to 60 °C. In addition, the stability and quantum efficiency were significantly improved after loading into the MOF and, with high temperature resolution, excellent repeatability and low biological toxicity, measurements with this composite has great potential to be applied to physiological temperature sensing in cells or tissues.
Research Directions in Genetic Predispositions to Stevens–Johnson Syndrome / Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Manolio Teri A. , Hutter Carolyn M. , Avigan Mark , Cibotti Ricardo , Davis Robert L. , Denny Joshua C. , Grenade Lois La , Wheatley Lisa M. , Carrington Mary N. , Chantratita Wasun , Chung Wen‐Hung , Dalton Andrea D. , Hung Shuen‐Iu , Lee Ming Ta Michael , Leeder J. Steven , Lertora Juan J.L. , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , McLeod Howard L. , Mockenhaupt Maja , Pacanowski Michael , Phillips Elizabeth J. , Pinheiro Simone , Pirmohamed Munir , Sung Cynthia , Suwankesawong Wimon , Trepanier Lauren , Tumminia Santa J. , Veenstra David , Yuliwulandari Rika , Shear Neil H.
Published: November 2017

Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is one of the most devastating of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and was, until recently, essentially unpredictable. With the discovery of several risk alleles for drug‐induced SJS/TEN and the demonstration of effectiveness of screening in reducing incidence, the stage is set for implementation of preventive strategies in populations at risk. Yet much remains to be learned about this potentially fatal complication of commonly used drugs.
Promoting Safe Early Clinical Research of Novel Drug Candidates: A European Union Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Ponzano Stefano , Blake Kevin , Bonelli Milton , Enzmann Harald ,   on behalf of the European Medicines Agency Committee for Human Medicinal Products “First‐in‐Human Guideline Drafting Group”
Published: November 2017

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) revises its guideline on minimizing risk in first‐in‐human trials to reflect changing practice and in light of a recent tragic incident.
Electrolyte Engineering towards Efficient Water Splitting at Mild pH
Authors: Shinagawa Tatsuya , Ng Marcus Tze‐Kiat , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: November 2017

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Takanabe Kazuhiro at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The image shows how buffer species plays a crucial role for efficient water electrolysis at near‐neutral pH. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201701266.
High sensitivity of the Hematoflow™ solution for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia screening
Authors: Vazquez Romain , Roussel Mikael , Badaoui Bouchra , Freynet Nicolas , Tarfi Sihem , Solary Eric , Selimoglu‐Buet Dorothée , Wagner‐Ballon Orianne ,   on behalf of the Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies (GFM)
Published: November 2017

Background

Accumulation of classical monocytes CD14++CD16– (also called MO1) ≥ 94% can accurately distinguish chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) from reactive monocytosis. The HematoFlow™ solution, able to quantify CD16 negative monocytes, could be a useful tool to manage monocytosis which remains a common issue in routine laboratories.

Methods

Classical monocytes were quantified from 153 whole blood samples collected on EDTA using both flow cytometry methods, either MO1 percentage determination by the multiparameter assay previously published and regarded here as the reference method, or CD16 negative monocyte percentage determination by the means of HematoFlow™.

Results

Both methods of classical monocyte percentage determination were highly and significantly correlated (r = 0.87, P < 0.0001). The HematoFlow™ solution leant toward an overestimation of the genuine classical monocyte percentages obtained by the reference method. Percentages of CD16 negative monocytes provided by HematoFlow were higher than 94% for all the 73 patients displaying classical monocytes MO1 found ≥94% by the reference method, indicating a sensitivity of 100%. Furthermore, the calculation of CD16 negative monocyte percentage can be easily computerized and integrated to the middleware.

Conclusions

We propose a new application of the Hematoflow™ solution that can be used as a flag system for monocytosis management and CMML detection. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
The adoption of socio‐ and bio‐inspired algorithms for trust models in wireless sensor networks: A survey
Authors: Nunoo‐Mensah Henry , Boateng Kwame Osei , Gadze James Dzisi
Published: November 2017

The security of a wireless sensor network is greatly increased with increasing levels of trustworthiness of nodes on the network. There are a number of trust models proposed that use various trust evaluation methods. The paper categorises trust evaluation methods for wireless sensor networks into socio‐inspired, bio‐inspired, and analytical methods. Biologically inspired methods and socio constructs are rarely used in the design of trust schemes as opposed to analytical methods (probability, agent based, fuzzy, etc). The paper discusses existing bio‐ and socio‐inspired–based trust schemes implemented for wireless sensor networks, viz quality‐based distance vector protocol, enhanced bio‐inspired trust and reputation model for wireless sensor network, bio‐inspired trust routing protocol, machine learning–based bio‐inspired trust and reputation model, socio‐psychological trust and reputation model, and finally reputation framework for sensor network. The contributions, trust evaluation methods and limitations of recent trust models (i.e. analytical based, biological and socio‐inspired models) are discussed in this paper. The pros and cons of analytical, socio, and biologically inspired algorithms for computing are outlined to easily ascertain the relevance of adopting either biological or socio‐inspired approaches for solving trust‐related problems in wireless sensor networks.
Urine reference intervals for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) isoforms by immunoextraction–tandem mass spectrometry to detect hCG use
Authors: Butch Anthony W. , Ahrens Brian D. , Avliyakulov Nuraly K.
Published: November 2017

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates testosterone production by the testicles and can normalize suppressed testosterone concentrations in males following prolonged anabolic steroid use. Because of the potential for abuse by males, hCG is on the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) list of prohibited substances. The majority of WADA‐accredited laboratories measure urinary hCG using an automated immunoassay. Only immunoassays that recognize the intact alpha and beta heterodimer of hCG (intact hCG) should be used to measure urinary hCG for doping control purposes since intact hCG is the only biologically active molecule. WADA further requires that confirmation testing is performed using an intact hCG immunoassay that is different from the one used in the initial testing procedure or by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). In this study we measured the concentration of intact hCG, free β‐subunit (hCGβ) and β‐subunit core fragment (hCGβcf) in 570, 275, and 256 male urine samples, respectively, by an immunoextraction LC–MS/MS method. Mean concentrations of intact hCG, hCGβ and hCGβcf were 0.04 IU/L, 0.47 pmol/L and 0.16 pmol/L, respectively. The upper reference limits (97.5th percentile) for intact hCG, hCGβ and hCGβcf were 0.21 IU/L, 0.40 pmol/L, and 1.86 pmol/L, respectively. Based on these data, we recommend a threshold of 1.0 IU/L for intact hCG (false positive rate of <1 in 10 000) for detecting male athletes that dope with hCG.
Stress is associated with exercise differently among individuals with higher and lower eating disorder symptoms: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Sala Margarita , Brosof Leigh C. , Rosenfield David , Fernandez Katya C. , Levinson Cheri A.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Stress is associated with the maintenance of eating disorders and exercise behaviors. However, it is unclear how stress is associated with exercise and vice‐versa among individuals with higher levels of eating disorder symptoms in daily life. The current study tested the moderating effect of eating disorder symptoms on the relationships between (1) daily stress and later exercise behavior and (2) daily exercise behavior and later stress.

Method

Female college students [N =129, mean age = 19.19 (SD = 1.40)] completed the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2. Participants then completed measures of stress and exercise four times daily across seven days using an automated telephone ecological momentary assessment system. Data were analyzed using multilevel models.

Results

Drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms, and body dissatisfaction significantly moderated the relationship between daily stress and later exercise (ps = .01–.05), such that higher daily stress predicted higher later exercise only in individuals who were low (but not average or high) in drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms, and body dissatisfaction symptoms.

Discussion

Stress is associated with exercise differentially depending on individuals’ eating disorder symptoms. Our findings suggest that only individuals with lower levels of eating disorder symptoms exercise when stressed.
The blind men and the elephant examine biodiversity at low‐head dams: Are we all dealing with the same dam reality?
Authors: Fencl Jane S. , Mather Martha E. , Smith Joseph M. , Hitchman Sean M.
Published: November 2017

Dams are ubiquitous environmental impacts that threaten aquatic ecosystems. The ability to compare across research studies is essential to conserve the native biodiversity that is impacted by the millions of low‐head dams that currently fragment streams and rivers. Here, we identify a previously unaddressed obstacle that impedes this generalization. Specifically, divergent spatial and taxonomic approaches that result from different conceptualizations of the dam‐biodiversity problem can produce conflicting science‐based conclusions about the same dam impact. In this research, using the same dammed and undammed sites, we evaluated the scientific generality of different conceptualizations of the dam‐biodiversity problem. We compared two different but commonly used spatial approaches—(1) above dam–below dam vs. (2) undammed–dammed comparisons—and 11 different, commonly used taxonomic approaches (three assemblage summaries, eight guilds). Sites above the dam structure had less diverse fish assemblages than sites below dams, whereas sites below the dam structure were similar to undammed sites. Thus, spatial approach 1 detected a large dam effect and spatial approach 2 detected a small dam effect. Similarly, some taxonomic responses (species richness, diversity, abundance, and number of guilds) detected large dam effects; other responses detected small (riffle specialist guild) or no dam effects (pool generalists). In summary, our results showed that how the problem was framed altered scientific conclusions and created different dam realities. The metaphor of how individual blind men disagree about the structure of an elephant, based on examinations of different body parts, reinforces the need for a coordinated, holistic perspective on dam research. Although no single approach is adequate for all problems, identifying the form, consequences of, and relationships among different research conceptualizations will set the stage for future syntheses of dam‐biodiversity research to advance science‐based conservation.
Plant diversity increases predation by ground‐dwelling invertebrate predators
Authors: Hertzog Lionel R. , Ebeling Anne , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Meyer Sebastian T.
Published: November 2017

Global declines in biodiversity have raised concerns over the implications of diversity loss for the functioning of ecosystems. Plant diversity loss has impacts throughout food webs affecting both consumer communities and ecosystem functions mediated by consumers. Effects of plant diversity loss on communities of invertebrate predators have been documented, yet little is known about how these translate into variations in predation rates. We measured predation rates along two plant diversity gradients in grassland experiments manipulating species richness and functional diversity. Measurements were conducted at two different heights (ground and vegetation) and in two different seasons (spring and summer), using three different types of baits. Our results show that overall predation rates increase with plant species richness, but effects are seasonally variable and are much more pronounced on the ground than in the vegetation. Plant functional diversity did not consistently affect predation rates in our experiments. Potential mechanistic explanations for an effect of plant diversity on predation include higher complementarity between predator species or reduced intraguild predation with increasing structural complexity at higher plant diversity. These results underline the importance of high local plant diversity for natural pest control.
Resource availability underlies the plant‐fungal diversity relationship in a grassland ecosystem
Authors: Cline Lauren C. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Madritch Michael D. , Buyarski Christopher R. , Tilman David , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine M.
Published: November 2017

It is commonly assumed that microbial communities are structured by “bottom‐up” ecological forces, although few experimental manipulations have rigorously tested the mechanisms by which resources structure soil communities. We investigated how plant substrate availability might structure fungal communities and belowground processes along an experimental plant richness gradient in a grassland ecosystem. We hypothesized that variation in total plant‐derived substrate inputs, plant functional group diversity, as well as the relative abundance of C4 grasses and legumes would modulate fungal α‐ and β‐diversity and their rates of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. To test these predictions, we molecularly characterized fungal communities, as well as potential extracellular enzyme activity, net N mineralization, and soil organic matter respiration. We found higher fungal richness was associated with increasing aboveground plant biomass; whereas, fungal β‐diversity was explained by contributions from C4 grass and legume relative dominance, plant functional group diversity, as well as plant biomass. Furthermore, aboveground plant biomass consistently shaped the richness and composition of individual fungal trophic modes (i.e., saprotrophs, symbiotrophs, pathotrophs). Finally, variation in extracellular enzyme activity, net N mineralization rates, and soil organic matter respiration was significantly explained by fungal β‐diversity when fungi were functionally classified. Via changes in the supply and composition of organic substrates entering soil, our study demonstrates that changes in the plant species richness and functional composition collectively influence fungal communities and rates of soil C and N cycling.
Cationic Palladium(II) Complexes for Catalytic Wacker‐Type Oxidation of Styrenes to Ketones Using O2 as the Sole Oxidant
Authors: Chai Hongxin , Cao Qun , Dornan Laura M. , Hughes N. Louise , Brown Clare L. , Nockemann Peter , Li Jiarong , Muldoon Mark J.
Published: November 2017

A series of new cationic palladium(II) complexes were prepared and studied for their ability to catalyze the Wacker‐type oxidation of styrenes to their corresponding acetophenones using O2 as the sole oxidant. Catalysts are active at room temperature and the study highlights the importance of solvent choice and the need for ligand development in improving catalyst performance.
Catalytic Cooperativity, Nuclearity, and O2/H2O2 Specificity of Multi‐Copper(II) Complexes of Cyclen‐Tethered Cyclotriphosphazene Ligands in Aqueous Media
Authors: Wang Le , Ye Yong , Lykourinou Vasiliki , Yang Junliang , Angerhofer Alexander , Zhao Yufen , Ming Li‐June
Published: November 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Y. Ye from Zhengzhou University, China, A. Angerhofer from the University of Florida, USA, Y. Zhao from Xiamen University, China, and L.‐J. Ming from the University of South Florida, USA. The cover image shows the pathways for dinuclear catechol oxidation by CuII complexes of cyclotriphosphazene derivatives with up to six metal‐binding sites.
Radical Aromatic Trifluoromethylthiolation: Photoredox Catalysis vs. Base Mediation
Authors: Koziakov Denis , Majek Michal , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel
Published: November 2017

Trifluoromethyl aryl sulfides (Ar‐SCF3) constitute highly attractive building blocks due to their exceptional lipophilicity and chemical properties. Related protocols of radical aromatic trifluoro‐methylthiolation of arenediazonium salts were developed that are based on the facile generation of intermediate aryl radicals. Their reactions with commercial F3CS‐SCF3 under very mild conditions afforded a diverse set of Ar‐SCF3 (< 90 % yield). Direct comparison of photoredox catalysis {eosin Y or [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2} with the weak base‐mediated dark reaction documented higher synthetic efficiency of the former but higher operational simplicity of the latter strategy.
Water quality monitoring for coupled food, energy, and water systems
Authors: Mickelson Alan , Tsvankin Daniel
Published: November 2017

The focus is on generating real time data for predictive models of food, energy, and water (FEW) systems. It is hypothesized that stressors affecting a FEW system universally impact the water quality of the system. Conversely, fine grain temporal and spatial data describing the water quality of a FEW system can be used to locate system stressors. A high level, predictive model of a FEW system is presented. It is noted that the dynamics of the system are driven by steady state operating characteristics and system stressors. An approach to generation of fine grained spatial temporal water quality data is discussed and an archetypical element of a sensor array is fabricated. The archetypical micro‐controlled sensor element is experimentally evaluated. The results are applied to determining the characteristics necessary of an element of a sensor arrays that is to be used in the prediction of the dynamics of a FEW system. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 165–171, 2018
Synthesis and characterization of thienyl‐substituted methanofullerene dyads
Authors: Zhang Dan , Gao Xue , Zhao Yucui , Sun Qiuju , Bai Jiao , Han Aihong
Published: November 2017

Two derivatives of methano[60]fullerene derivatives based on cyclopenta[c]thiophene were prepared as the precursors for polythiophene with fullerene side chains, and were fully characterized by NMR and MALDI TOF, the photo‐electric and spectral properties were investigated through the analysis of UV and cyclic voltammetry. Meanwhile, the mono‐adduct was applied as electron acceptor for bulk‐heterojunction solar cell, which exhibited the power conversion efficiency of 0.5%. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1433–1437, 2018
Global agriculture as an energy transfer system and the energy yield of world agriculture 1961–2013
Authors: Boss Stephen K. , Montana Quinn , Barnett Barbara
Published: November 2017

The global agricultural system is an energy transfer system converting solar radiation to stored chemical energy in the biosphere through photosynthesis and animal metabolism. Stored energy in the agricultural system is principally in the form of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and oils that humanity appropriates for food, fiber, and fuel. The total annual production of global agriculture was tabulated using data from the Food and Agriculture Organization from 1961 to 2013. Annual agricultural production for each agricultural item (T y−1) was converted to energy yield (kJ y−1) utilizing published proximate analyses (% moisture, % protein, % carbohydrate, % fat/lipid, and % ash). Global agricultural energy yield grew linearly over the 1961–2002 interval. From 2002 onward, global agricultural energy yield also grew linearly, but at a rate 2 times the 1961–2002 rate. Overall, agricultural energy yield more than tripled from 1961 to 2013. Unsurprisingly, energy output of global crops dominated, averaging 85.5 ± 0.4% of total energy output. Livestock and poultry production averaged 13.6 ± 0.4% of annual agricultural energy output, while world fisheries and aquaculture averaged 0.8 ± 0.1% of global energy output. From 1961 to 2013, the feeding potential of global agricultural energy yield exceeded the human metabolic energy requirement by an average multiple of 2.1 ± 0.18. Thus, agricultural production is more than sufficient to feed “The Global Mouth” into the future, and feeding world population is not a production problem per se. Instead, the inability of global agriculture to meet worldwide food requirements results from systemic energy losses associated with significant global food waste, diversion of food energy as feed to livestock and poultry, and appropriation of primary agricultural output for biofuels synthesis. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 108–121, 2018
Trend of biodiesel feedstock and its impact on biodiesel emission characteristics
Authors: Kim Dong‐Shik , Hanifzadeh Mohammadmatin , Kumar Ashok
Published: November 2017

Feedstock for biodiesel production has changed over time and it varies depending on regions. Reports and journal articles on biodiesel feedstock resources over the last decade from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed in this article. The regional trends still maintain as the USA and the EU still predominantly use soybean oil and rapeseed oil, respectively, and palm oil is the major source of biodiesel in Asia. It is expected that the food‐crop based biodiesel will continue to be dominant for the next decade. However, it was found that uses of animal fats and used cooking oil are increasing both in the USA and the EU. Because of the increasing diversity in feedstock inputs to biodiesel, it is necessary to better understand the effects of feedstock characteristics on engine performance and emissions. In this review, we limit the reports on biodiesel emissions to those who used 100% biodiesel combusted in a one‐cylinder, four‐stroke, direct injection engine set up in a laboratory. All the emission results were obtained from the same or similar engine conditions to fairly compare them. CO, CO2, NOx, and PM emissions are compared between the biodiesels derived from soybean oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, jatropha oil, used cooking oil, animal fats, and algal oil. It was found that more emission studies are needed for algal biodiesel. More in‐depth studies are necessary for PM characteristics including the compositions of trace metals, elemental and organic carbon. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 7–19, 2018
On the descending branch of the pushover curve for multistory buildings
Authors: Hall John F.
Published: November 2017

The paper discusses nonlinear pushover curves for multistory moment‐frame buildings. Attention is brought to the steepening effect that elastic unloading has on the slope of the descending branch of the pushover curve, with the possibility of snapback. Displacement control is shown to be effective for the entire range of pushover analysis, including the descending branch. The method is enhanced by controlling the difference in displacement of 2 floors in the vicinity of the collapse mechanism rather than, say, controlling the roof displacement. An automated drift control version is described and tested. Analysis of a 20‐story building demonstrates that variable strength of plastic hinges and inclusion of the strength and stiffness of the gravity frames in the model affect the pushover curve significantly, especially the descending branch. The concept of dynamic pushover is described, and results are compared with the static version.
Use of group method of data handling for transport energy demand modeling
Authors: Teng Geer , Xiao Jin , He Yue , Zheng Tingting , He Changzheng
Published: November 2017

As transport sector takes a big share of the whole energy consumption in China, it is crucial to predict its energy demand. To forecast China's transport energy demand, group method of data handling (GMDH) was introduced. The model can help policymakers’ select influential variables and build prediction models automatically. Furthermore, it can reduce the negative impact of the noise in the Chinese statistical data. To produce comparable results, four of the six data sets used in this paper contain the same variables as in previously published research. Artificial neural networks (ANN), GMDH, multiple linear regression (MLR), and support vector machine (SVM) models were trained using fivefold cross‐validation. The performance of these models was measured in terms of coefficient of determination and root mean square error. Results showed that GMDH achieved better performance than the other models. Finally, projections were made with two scenarios. Both of the projected results showed that the energy demands peak in certain years and then decrease gradually. This study suggests that GDP is not the essential variable, while urbanization rate is an important variable to forecast the transport energy demand in China. It also suggests that Chinese government needs to prepare for the development and deployment of transport energy.
Characterization of an H2/O2 PEMFC Short‐Stack Performance Aimed to Health‐State Monitoring and Diagnosis
Authors: Petrone R. , Vitagliano C. , Péra M.‐C. , Chamagne D. , Sorrentino M.
Published: November 2017

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising technologies in energy conversion. Nevertheless, improper operating conditions can severely affect the fuel cell (FC) lifespan. It is a matter of fact, that several degradation mechanisms could take place inside the cell in case of abnormal operating conditions. Among these, improper water managements, fuel quality and starvation conditions can show critical effects on PEMFC performance. Furthermore, if the exposure time to these faulty conditions resulted quite long, irreversible degradations and system ageing would occur. This work aims to investigate the impact of both improper water managements and reactants starvation conditions on H2/O2 PEMFC short‐stacks performance. To this purpose, the experimental activity performed to characterize the stack health‐state both in normal and abnormal conditions is presented. Particular attention is dedicated to the effects caused by improper conditions on stack electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements' variations. Depending on the faulty conditions, the experimental results are then analyzed for health‐state monitoring and diagnosis purposes.
VIX futures calendar spreads
Authors: Hou Ai Jun , Nordén Lars L.
Published: November 2017

A VIX futures calendar spread involves buying a futures contract maturing in 1 month and selling another one maturing in a different month. VIX futures calendar spreads represent a daily turnover above 500 million dollars, or roughly 20% of the total VIX futures trading volume. Speculation, rather than information about changes in the slope of the volatility term structure, is the main driving force behind calendar spread trades. On average, a calendar spread costs a little less than $100 (about 15 basis points). If settled at the end of the trading day, 43% of the calendar spreads are profitable.
AParkinson's disease gene, DJ‐1, repairs brain injury through Sox9 stabilization and astrogliosis
Authors: Choi Dong‐Joo , Eun Jin‐Hwa , Kim Byung Gon , Jou Ilo , Park Sang Myun , Joe Eun‐Hye
Published: November 2017

Defects in repair of damaged brain accumulate injury and contribute to slow‐developing neurodegeneration. Here, we report that a deficiency of DJ‐1, a Parkinson's disease (PD) gene, delays repair of brain injury due to destabilization of Sox9, a positive regulator of astrogliosis. Stereotaxic injection of ATP into the brain striatum produces similar size of acute injury in wild‐type and DJ‐1‐knockout (KO) mice. However, recovery of the injury is delayed in KO mice, which is confirmed by 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging and tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining. DJ‐1 regulates neurite outgrowth from damaged neurons in a non‐cell autonomous manner. In DJ‐1 KO brains and astrocytes, Sox9 protein levels are decreased due to enhanced ubiquitination, resulting in defects in astrogliosis and glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor/ brain‐derived neurotrophic factor expression in injured brain and astrocytes. These results indicate that DJ‐1 deficiency causes defects in astrocyte‐mediated repair of brain damage, which may contribute to the development of PD.
Different shades of default mode disturbance in schizophrenia: Subnodal covariance estimation in structure and function
Authors: Lefort‐Besnard Jérémy , Bassett Danielle S. , Smallwood Jonathan , Margulies Daniel S. , Derntl Birgit , Gruber Oliver , Aleman Andre , Jardri Renaud , Varoquaux Gaël , Thirion Bertrand , Eickhoff Simon B. , Bzdok Danilo
Published: November 2017

Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disease with an apparent disruption in the highly associative default mode network (DMN). Interplay between this canonical network and others probably contributes to goal‐directed behavior so its disturbance is a candidate neural fingerprint underlying schizophrenia psychopathology. Previous research has reported both hyperconnectivity and hypoconnectivity within the DMN, and both increased and decreased DMN coupling with the multimodal saliency network (SN) and dorsal attention network (DAN). This study systematically revisited network disruption in patients with schizophrenia using data‐derived network atlases and multivariate pattern‐learning algorithms in a multisite dataset (n = 325). Resting‐state fluctuations in unconstrained brain states were used to estimate functional connectivity, and local volume differences between individuals were used to estimate structural co‐occurrence within and between the DMN, SN, and DAN. In brain structure and function, sparse inverse covariance estimates of network coupling were used to characterize healthy participants and patients with schizophrenia, and to identify statistically significant group differences. Evidence did not confirm that the backbone of the DMN was the primary driver of brain dysfunction in schizophrenia. Instead, functional and structural aberrations were frequently located outside of the DMN core, such as in the anterior temporoparietal junction and precuneus. Additionally, functional covariation analyses highlighted dysfunctional DMN‐DAN coupling, while structural covariation results highlighted aberrant DMN‐SN coupling. Our findings reframe the role of the DMN core and its relation to canonical networks in schizophrenia. We thus underline the importance of large‐scale neural interactions as effective biomarkers and indicators of how to tailor psychiatric care to single patients.