bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iodine(III)‐Promoted Ring Contractive Cyanation of Exocyclic β‐Enaminones for the Synthesis of Cyanocyclopentanones
Authors: Bhattacherjee Dhananjay , Thakur Vandna , Sharma Saurabh , Kumar Sandeep , Bharti Richa , Reddy C. Bal , Das Pralay
Published: March 2017

A highly efficient hypervalent iodine‐promoted regiocontrolled ring contractive cyanation (RCC) reaction of exocyclic β‐enaminones for the synthesis of cyanocyclopentanone (CCP) was demonstrated at ambient temperature with a wide substrate scope. The methodology offers a facile technique to construct an amino carbonitrile‐containing quaternary stereocenter at the α‐position of cyclopentanone in good yields. The sequence of substrate addition that can facilitate the reaction to follow different pathways (free radical/non‐radical) to afford the same final product was critically investigated.

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Addressing Toxicity of Lead: Progress and Applications of Low‐Toxic Metal Halide Perovskites and Their Derivatives
Authors: Lyu Miaoqiang , Yun Jung‐Ho , Chen Peng , Hao Mengmeng , Wang Lianzhou
Published: March 2017

Metal halide perovskites have been brought to the forefront of research focus in solution‐processable photovoltaics, with the device efficiency swiftly surging to over 22% over the past few years. The state‐of‐the‐art metal halide perovskites that have been intensively investigated include toxic lead, which potentially hampers their commercialization process. To address this toxicity issue, intensive recent research effort has been devoted to developing low‐toxic metal halide perovskites and their derivatives for photovoltaic applications. Herein, the recent research progress achieved so far in addressing the toxicity issue of lead halide perovskites in photovoltaics is summarized. By comparing the merits and drawbacks of different low‐toxic metal halide systems, the current challenges and opportunities in the photovoltaic field are highlighted. Potential low‐toxic metal halide perovskites and their derivatives are also discussed from the perspective of theoretical calculations. Furthermore, promising applications of low‐toxic metal halide perovskites beyond the photovoltaic sector are briefly discussed.
Dynamic multiscale method for gas‐solid flow via spatiotemporal coupling of two‐fluid model and discrete particle model
Authors: Chen Xizhong , Wang Junwu
Published: March 2017

Various computational fluid dynamics methods have been developed to study the hydrodynamics of gas‐solid flows, however, none of those methods is suitable for all the problems encountered due to the inherent multiscale characteristics of gas‐solid flows. Both discrete particle model (DPM) and two‐fluid model (TFM) have been widely used to study gas‐solid flows, DPM is accurate but computationally expensive, whereas TFM is computationally efficient but its deficiency is the lack of reliable constitutive relationships in many situations. Here, we propose a hybrid multiscale method (HMM) or dynamic multiscale method to make full use of the advantages of both DPM and TFM, which is an extension of our previous publication from rapid granular flow (Chen et al., Powder Technol. 2016;304:177–185) to gas‐solid two‐phase flow. TFM is used in the regions where it is valid and DPM is used in the regions where continuum description fails, they are coupled via dynamical exchange of parameters in the overlap regions. Simulations of gas‐solid channel flow and fluidized bed demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed HMM. The Knudsen number distributions are also reported and analyzed to explain the differences. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3681–3691, 2017
Algebraic modeling of the liquid film dynamics in a centrifugal separator
Authors: Ninahuanca H. E. M. , Stel H. , Morales R. E. M.
Published: March 2017

This work presents an algebraic model to estimate liquid film flow variables in a centrifugal separator. A mechanistic approach is employed to evaluate operating quantities such as the film thickness and velocity components. The model is based on a force balance on a fluid element of an idealized mean streamline. Additional terms account for the sudden spread of the inflowing stream at the entrance of the cylindrical chamber. A previously validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is used to provide some constants for constitutive equations required by the algebraic model. Results from the algebraic and CFD models agree well for a wide range of Reynolds and Froude numbers. The proposed model can be useful to obtain fast and accurate predictions of the behavior of the liquid flow in the type of separators studied and to help designing more reliable and efficient concepts. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 63: 4147–4160, 2017
Interactions of baseflow habitat constraints: Macroinvertebrate drift, stream temperature, and physical habitat for anadromous salmon in the Calapooia River, Oregon
Authors: Danehy Robert J. , Bilby Robert E. , Owen Sara , Duke Steven D. , Farrand Alex
Published: March 2017

The Calapooia River in western Oregon supports a small winter steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population and historically supported spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Early timber harvesting removed the riparian forest, and log transportation practices simplified the channel. Those disturbance legacies continue to affect fish habitat by limiting shade and channel complexity, complicating conservation efforts.

To evaluate juvenile salmonid rearing potential, macroinvertebrate drift, thermal regime and physical habitat were measured at eight sites in 24 km of the upper river during late summer baseflow.

Overall physical habitat was simple, with few functioning instream structures or pools. During the 22‐day drift study, flows declined and maximum site stream temperatures ranged from 23.1°C at the lower end to 16.4°C 24 km upstream.

Macroinvertebrate drift concentrations ranged from 0.7–13.7 ind. m−3 with biomasses from 0.02–1.23 mg m−3. Drift concentration biomass was higher upstream (P = 0.006) than downstream and declined overall (P < 0.001) during the study. Drift biomass was dominated by five taxon groups – Baetis tricaudatus, Calineuria californica, Hesperoperla pacifica, Simulium spp., and Chironomidae, which were 65% of total biomass. During twilight, total biomass and biomass of B. tricaudatus, Simulium spp., and Chironomidae (both larvae and adults) were higher.

Total drift declined dramatically over the study period owing to decreases in drift concentration and a 58% decline in discharge, greatly reducing overall drift and available food resources for juvenile‐rearing salmonids.

The upper catchment, both with cooler temperatures and higher food availability, provided the best conditions for juvenile anadromous salmonids to survive late summer conditions. Conservation consequences of climate change‐induced alterations in flow and temperature may further affect habitat quality for juvenile salmonids in this catchment in the coming decades.
Nonconventional Luminescence Enhanced by Silicone‐Induced Aggregation
Authors: Lu Hang , Hu Ziqi , Feng Shengyu
Published: March 2017

Nonconventional organic luminogens have attracted a great deal of interests owing to their intriguing properties (e.g., unusual fluorescence emission) and promising applications. According to previous studies, it was found that introduction of Si–O could enhance the fluorescence emission of the luminogens. Herein, we have synthesized some fluorescent siloxane derivatives and similar molecules without Si–O units by simple and efficient modification to investigate the role of Si–O units in the emission. It was found that the strong emission could be observed in dilute solutions of siloxane derivatives, but not in the carbon compounds. UV/Vis absorption, fluorescence spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and theoretical calculations indicated that the heteroatom and the Si–O unit formed the coordination bond in the siloxane derivatives, resulting in enhanced fluorescence emission.
Extrasolar planets and their hosts: A new X‐ray research area
Authors: Schmitt J. H. M. M.
Published: March 2017

The field of extrasolar planets has become one of the most lively and vibrant field of research in astrophysics. As is almost always the case in astrophysics, a multi‐wavelength approach is required to fully explore and understand the properties of those planets. Also, X‐ray astronomy plays an important role in this process. The host stars of essentially all extrasolar planets are (sometimes very vigorous) X‐ray emitters, which can severely impact on the outer atmospheric layers of their planets. Furthermore, the close proximity between host stars and planets in the case of close‐in “Hot Jupiters” may lead to magnetic or tidal interactions with observable consequences at X‐ray wavelengths. I will address these issues and discuss how XMM‐Newton can be used to advance the field.
Photoluminescent Honeycomb Structures from Polyoxometalates and an Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquid Bearing a π‐Conjugated Moiety and a Branched Aliphatic Chain
Authors: Zhang Geping , Zhu Hongxia , Chen Mengjun , Li Hongguang , Yuan Ye , Ma Tiantai , Hao Jingcheng
Published: March 2017

Honeycomb‐structured films represent an intriguing class of two‐dimensional porous materials. Specifically, polyoxometalate (POM) macroanions can be introduced into these films by complexing with oppositely charged, double‐tailed surfactants. Here highly‐ordered honeycomb structures are reported that can be constructed by the complexes between POMs and a room temperature ionic liquid (IL1) having an imidazolium moiety in the middle and a naphthyl unit and a branched aliphatic chain at the ends. The complexes can be produced through phase transfer between an aqueous solution of POMs (typically {Mo72Fe30}) and a CS2 (or chloroform) solution of IL1. Based on the intrinsic properties of {Mo72Fe30} and the functional groups of the IL1, the honeycomb structures show multiple functions with bright photoluminescence and rich electrochemical properties. This work shows that by simply engineering the organic ligands involved in the POM‐based inorganic–organic complexes, supramolecular structures with improved properties and wide applications can be obtained.
Selective Dual‐Channel Imaging on Cyanostyryl‐Modified Azulene Systems with Unimolecularly Tunable Visible–Near Infrared Luminescence
Authors: Zhou Yunyun , Zhuang Yaping , Li Xin , Ågren Hans , Yu Lin , Ding Jiandong , Zhu Liangliang
Published: March 2017

Although organic light‐emitting molecules have received a growing attention and applicability in modern bioimaging science, the design and control of complex photoluminescent properties in unimolecularly selective imaging remains a challenging topic. Considering that tunable multipathway imaging can be advantagedly connected with treatment processes in therapy, the integration of an azulene and a cyanostyryl moiety into one skeleton is carried out for the generation of in situ stimuli‐responsive luminescent materials, with the aim to achieve tunable and effective emissions in distinct channels through smart molecular design on a single‐molecular platform. This strategy takes advantage of 1) the Z/E isomerization of the cyanostyryl unit that can vary the push–pull effect of the substitution on azulene, accompanied by altering absorption and emission of individual excited states, and 2) an optimized excited‐state regulation for opening a near infrared emissive channel and making up for a controllable dual‐pathway luminescent system together with the utilization of visible emission. As exemplified by a demonstration of manipulating the luminescence at the cell level, the materials exhibit a superior application potential for unimolecularly selective imaging, labeling and probing events.
Characterization of a PXIe based low‐field digital NMR spectrometer
Authors: Biller Joshua R. , Stupic Karl F. , Kos Anthony B. , Weilert Tim , Rinard George A. , Nakishima Yoshihiro , Moreland John
Published: March 2017

A low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrument is an important tool for investigating a wide variety of samples under different conditions. In this paper, we describe a system constructed primarily with commercially available hardware and control software, capable of single‐pulse NMR experiments. Details of the construction of the main B0 magnet are also included. The operating frequency for demonstration is 460 kHz (10 mT), however, the range of the hardware spans 700 Hz (16 μT) to 25 MHz (0.6 T). Tip angle optimizations are used to find the most narrow usable pulse width for this configuration, and the T1 of water is measured by single‐pulse‐saturation‐recovery (SPSR) to demonstrate the potential for this system as a relaxometer. Discussions of resonator construction and efficiency, power requirements and programming strategies that would increase the utility of this system are also included. Construction of any low‐field NMR system will depend on experimental interests, budget and engineering resources. A survey of other low‐field NMR systems from the literature is included to aid the novice or experienced magnetic resonance scientist in consideration of how a low‐field spectrometer could be constructed and used in the lab.
Biobanking and cytopathology: Challenges and opportunities from a Brazilian perspective
Authors: Campos Antonio Hugo J.F.M. , Carraro Dirce Maria , Soares Fernando Augusto
Published: March 2017

Fine‐needle aspiration specimens are a valuable resource for health research, but their use in routine biobanking remains limited. To stimulate the creation of biobanks of fine‐needle aspiration‐derived samples, cytopathologists should play a central role in the discussion of the issues specific to this activity.
Plant‐mediated resource partitioning by coexisting parasitoids
Authors: Xi Xinqiang , Yang Yangheshan , Yang Yonghua , Segoli Michal , Sun Shucun
Published: March 2017

Although it has been frequently suggested that resource partitioning of species coexisting at the same trophic level can be mediated by interactions with species at non‐adjacent trophic levels, empirical evidence supporting this claim is scarce. Here we demonstrate that plants may mediate resource partitioning for two parasitoids that share the same herbivorous host. The tephritid fly Tephritis femoralis is the primary pre‐dispersal seed predator of two Asteraceae species, Saussurea nigrescens and Anaphalis flavescens, both of which dominate the plant community in the alpine meadows of the Tibetan Plateau. Field surveys and molecular barcoding analyses showed that the identity of the fly's main predator depended on the plant in which the fly developed. Tephritid flies that developed in S. nigrescens were preyed upon mainly by the parasitoid wasp Pteromalus albipennis, while the parasitoid Mesopolobus sp. was the main predator of flies that developed in A. flavescens. Microcosm experiments revealed that P. albipennis could not exploit the host flies within the capitula of A. flavescens due to food limitation (capitula are too small), while Mesopolobus sp. could not exploit the host flies within the capitula of S. nigrescens due to its inability to reach the host with its ovipositor (capitula are too large). Such bottom‐up control of plant species traits may facilitate the coexistence of parasitoid wasps sharing a common host in this system. We suggest that interactions between non‐adjacent trophic levels may potentially promote species coexistence and diversity in biological communities.
In Situ Fabrication of Hierarchical Porous CoO/Cu2O Composites on Cu Foam as High‐Performance Freestanding Anodes for Lithium–Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Cao Zhen , Ma Houyi , Liu Xizheng
Published: March 2017

A hierarchical porous CoO/Cu2O nanoarray assembled on three‐dimensional Cu foam was successfully fabricated by a facile solution‐phase cation exchange technique. The morphology and crystalline structure of the target composite were optimized by investigating the sintering conditions. The unique bimetallic oxides demonstrate a secondary porous structure on primary nanoarrays, which facilitated the electrolyte permeation and decreased the ionic transport distance. Owing to the conductive Cu framework and synergistic biactive components, the as‐prepared composite displayed superior electrochemical performance with high capacity and rate capability. Moreover, it showed stable cycling performance and a capacity of 832 mAh g−1 even after 50 discharge/charge cycles. The ionic transfer kinetics were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The cycled electrodes were also carefully examined to explain the origin of the enhanced performance. With a superb electrochemical performance and facile fabrication route, the freestanding CoO/Cu2O composites have a promising future as next‐generation anodes for lithium–ion batteries.
Genetically engineered bananas resistant to Xanthomonas wilt disease and nematodes
Authors: Tripathi Leena , Atkinson Howard , Roderick Hugh , Kubiriba Jerome , Tripathi Jaindra N.
Published: March 2017

Banana is an important staple food crop feeding more than 100 million Africans, but is subject to severe productivity constraints due to a range of pests and diseases. Banana Xanthomonas wilt caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum is capable of entirely destroying a plantation while nematodes can cause losses up to 50% and increase susceptibility to other pests and diseases. Development of improved varieties of banana is fundamental in order to tackle these challenges. However, the sterile nature of the crop and the lack of resistance in Musa germplasm make improvement by traditional breeding techniques either impossible or extremely slow. Recent developments using genetic engineering have begun to address these problems. Transgenic banana expressing sweet pepper Hrap and Pflp genes have demonstrated complete resistance against X. campestris pv. musacearum in the field. Transgenic plantains expressing a cysteine proteinase inhibitors and/or synthetic peptide showed enhanced resistance to a mixed species population of nematodes in the field. Here, we review the genetic engineering technologies which have potential to improve agriculture and food security in Africa.
Evaluating the evaluator: The effects of the valence, sequence and target of evaluations on the perception of the evaluator
Authors: Tal‐Or Nurit , Gal‐Oz Ayelet
Published: March 2017

People commonly want to be perceived as intelligent, as well as be liked by others. Previous research has demonstrated that people who wish to appear intelligent tend to criticise others, and that criticising others indeed leads to the perception of high intelligence. In the current research we hypothesised and found that this is not the case when (a) the criticism is targeted towards the people who form the impression, and (b) the criticism is targeted towards those with whom the people who form the impression have just interacted. In both cases, participants in our study liked evaluators less when they used criticism than when they used praise. Moreover, they perceived the evaluators as less intelligent. We also demonstrated that in cases of mixing praise with criticism, the sequence of the evaluation interacted with the target of the evaluation in influencing liking. We found a greater liking for evaluators whose evaluation changed from negative to positive rather than vice versa, but only when the perceiver was the target of the evaluation. The discussion centres on the potential underlying mechanisms for these results, as well as on the practical applications of the results and directions for future research.
A self‐deploying drug release device using polymeric films
Authors: Kondo Taro , Nezhad Zhaleh Kashkouli , Suzuki Jin , Nagai Nobuhiro , Nishizawa Matsuhiko , Abe Toshiaki , Kaji Hirokazu
Published: March 2017

Herein, we report a sheet‐type device capable of self‐deployment and sustained release of protein type drugs. The device consisted of a thin photopolymerized polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDM) sheet and collagen microparticles (COLs), which were embedded in the sheet as drug carriers and for increased drug permeation. When the density of the COLs in the sheet was increased to be sufficiently interconnected, the drug permeability was increased. In addition, since protein type drugs electrostatically interacted with the COLs, a prolonged sustained release was possible. The PEGDM/COLs device was flexible enough to be rolled up, and the device maintained its structure due to van der Waals attractive forces between the sheet surfaces. When the device was immersed in water, the attractive forces acting between the sheet surfaces were relieved by water. Subsequently, the device unfolded by bending‐stress relaxation. Moreover, the rolled‐up device could be injected through a conventional syringe needle into water to recover its original shape. The developed sheet‐type device provides the possibility of minimally invasive transplantation into diseased tissues and organs, and could provide better therapeutic outcomes and reduce possible side effects. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 780–786, 2018.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Nusinersen in the Cerebral Spinal Fluid and Plasma of Pediatric Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Following Intrathecal Administrations
Authors: Luu Kenneth T. , Norris Daniel A. , Gunawan Rudy , Henry Scott , Geary Richard , Wang Yanfeng
Published: March 2017

Nusinersen is an antisense oligonucleotide intended for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. The pharmacokinetics of nusinersen, following intrathecal administrations, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of 72 pediatric patients (3 months to 17 years) with spinal muscular atrophy across 5 clinical trials was analyzed via population‐based modeling. With sparse data in the CSF and profile data in the plasma, a linear 4‐compartment model simultaneously described the time‐concentration profiles in both matrices. The typical population parameters were: Qp= 0.572 L/h, QCSF= 0.069 L/h, CLp= 2.50 L/h, CLCSF= 0.133 L/hr, VCSF= 0.441 L, Vp= 32.0 L, Vsystemic_tissue= 429 L, and VCNS_tissue= 258 L. A full covariate modeling approach identified baseline body weight to be a statistically and clinically relevant covariate on VCSF, Vp, and CLp. The model predicted that the CSF volume of distribution increased steadily with age from 0 to 2 years but became relatively steady for children >2 years. Simulations from the final model showed that age‐based dosing in children under 2 years ensured a more comparable exposure (peak concentration and area under the concentration‐time curve) across subjects in the population relative to a fixed dosing scheme. However, because no dose‐limiting toxicity has been reported in any of the trials, a fixed‐dose scheme (12 mg across all age groups) was recommended. The median terminal half‐life of nusinersen in the CSF was determined from the model to be 163 days, which supported infrequent dosing, once every 4 to 6 months in pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy.
Early marker of regional left ventricular deformation in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy evaluated by MRI tissue tracking: The effects of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis
Authors: Xu Hua‐yan , Chen Jing , Yang Zhi‐gang , Li Rui , Shi Ke , Zhang Qin , Liu Xi , Xie Lin‐jun , Jiang Li , Guo Ying‐kun
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the regional left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain of early stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients by magnetic resonance (MR) tissue tracking.

Materials and Methods

In all, 114 adult HCM patients classified as NYHA I or II and 32 healthy volunteers were enrolled and underwent 3.0T MR examination. Vertical 2‐chamber long axis, horizontal 4‐chamber, and short axis cine sequence as well as late gadolinium enhancement images (LGE) were scanned. The cardiac function, regional LV tissue tracking variables, end‐diastolic wall thickness (EDTH), and LGE extent were measured.

Results

In the HCM group, 38 were NYHA I and 76 were NYHA II. By regional analysis, peak strain (PS) and peak displacement (PD) with radial, circumferential direction of hypertrophic segments (n = 283) were significantly lower than nonhypertrophic segments (n = 1541) (all P < 0.05). Radial PS was significantly correlated with LVEDTH (r = −0.467, P < 0.0001). Radial PD was negatively associated with LVEDTH (r = −0.331, P < 0.0001). The PS and PD of all directions were decreased in segments with LGE (n = 723) compared with those without LGE (n = 1101) (all P < 0.05). In addition, radial PS and PD were negatively associated with LGE extent (radial PS, r = −0.441; radial PD, r = −0.274; both P < 0.0001). All strain parameters showed excellent inter‐ and intraobserver agreements.

Conclusion

Decreased regional LV myocardial strain hypertrophic and fibrotic segments of early‐stage HCM patients can be measured by MR tissue tracking based on routine cine images. Moreover, myocardial strain may decrease with the increasing of myocardial hypertrophy as well as fibrosis.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1368–1376.
A Computational Kinetics Study on the Intramolecular Hydrogen Shift Reactions of Alkylperoxy Radicals in 2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran Oxidation
Authors: Parab Prajakta R. , Sakade Naoki , Sakai Yasuyuki , Fernandes Ravi , Heufer K. Alexander
Published: March 2017

2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran (2‐MTHF) is one of the potential fuel components based on its combustion behavior, engine efficiency, and emission performance as proposed by the Cluster of Excellence “Tailor Made Fuels from Biomass (TMFB)” at RWTH Aachen University, Germany. Reaction kinetics of intramolecular hydrogen shift (ROO to QOOH) reactions in 2‐MTHF is theoretically investigated in this work. High‐pressure limit rate constants (500–2000 K) are determined from the transition state theory by employing the CBS‐QB3 composite method. Carbon sites neighboring a ring oxygen atom are favorable abstraction sites in 2‐MTHF due to its weak C─H bond strengths. The size of the transition state ring (six‐ and five‐membered) also plays an important role in the isomerization reaction kinetics. Further, effects of ring oxygen and methyl group position in 2‐MTHF are investigated. At 500 K, total rate constants for the isomerization reactions in ROO2 and ROO5t are 51 and 67 times faster in 2‐MTHF than in methylcyclopentane.
Second‐order variability of inherent optical properties of particles in Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea: Driving factor analysis and modeling
Authors: Sun Deyong , Chen Shuguo , Qiu Zhongfeng , Wang Shengqiang , Huan Yu , He Yijun , Zhang Tinglu
Published: March 2017

This study explores second‐order variability of inherent optical properties (IOPs) of particles caused by particle intrinsic attributes, including the mean particle size (DA) calculated by a LISST measurement restricted to a size range of 2.5–500 μm, mean apparent density (ρa), bulk refractive index (ñp), and composition (using a ratio of chlorophyll a to total suspended matter concentrations, Chl a/TSM, as the delegate), obtained from five field cruise observations collected from 2013 to 2015 in Bohai Sea (BS) and Yellow Sea (YS). Large variations in magnitude were observed in terms of mass‐specific beam attenuation (
), scattering (
), and backscattering (
), indicative of optically complex water conditions.
and
showed similarities in their change and driving mechanisms, in which DA explained the majority (35%), both ñp and ρa separately contributed variability levels of approximately 25%, and Chl a/TSM accounted for the lowest proportion (15%). Most (approximately 38%) of the variability in
was found to be attributed to ñp when the other factors were responsible for the rest of the variation to different degrees of 9–29%. We also model
,
, and
with direct linkages to DA, ρa, ñp, and Chl a/TSM using a multivariate linear regression method. The established
,
, and
models generated very high goodness of fit results, with determination coefficients (R2) of above 0.970 (p < 0.001) and with favorable predictive errors (a mean absolute percentage error, MAPE, of approximately 30% for the
and
models and of approximately 40% for the
model). Overall, the findings of this study further knowledge on the nature of the inherent optical properties in BS and YS, and are very helpful for understanding many marine biogeochemical processes.
The sensitivity of glioma cells to pyropheophorbide‐αmethyl ester‐mediated photodynamic therapy is enhanced by inhibiting ABCG2
Authors: Pan Li , Lin Haidan , Tian Si , Bai Dingqun , Kong Yuhan , Yu Lehua
Published: March 2017

Background and Objective

To study the mechanisms of human glioblastoma cell resistance to methyl ester pyropheophorbide‐a‐mediated photodynamic therapy (MPPa‐PDT) and the relationship between the cells and adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette superfamily G member 2 (ABCG2).

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The sensitivity of four human glioma cell lines (U87, A172, SHG‐44, and U251) to MPPa‐PDT was detected with a CCK‐8 assay. Cell apoptosis, intracellular MPPa, and singlet oxygen were tested with flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of ATP‐binding cassette transporters (ABCG2, MRP1, and MDR1) were detected by PCR and Western blot, respectively.

Results

Both the sensitivity to MPPa‐PDT and intracellular MPPa in A172 were the lowest among the four cell lines, while expression of ABCG2 mRNA and protein in A172 were the highest. The intracellular MPPa and ROS in A172 receiving MPPa‐PDT significantly increased after using the ABCG2 inhibitor fumitremorgin C (FTC). Both cell viability and apoptosis in A172 cells undergoing MPPa‐PDT were significantly improved with FTC.

Conclusions

ABCG2 plays a significant role in the resistance of A172 to MPPa‐PDT. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:719–726, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary fat content modulates the hypolipidemic effect of dietary inulin in rats
Authors: Han Kyu‐Ho , Yamamoto Aiko , Shimada Ken‐ichiro , Kikuchi Hiroto , Fukushima Michihiro
Published: March 2017

Scope

Dietary fat content (low versus high fat) may modulate the serum lipid‐lowering effect of high‐performance (HP)‐inulin. This study investigated the effect of dietary HP‐inulin on metabolism in rats fed a low‐ or high‐fat diet.

Methods and results

Rats were fed a diet of 5% fat with 5% cellulose or 5% HP‐inulin (average degree of polymerization = 24) (low‐fat diet) or of 20% fat with 5% cellulose or 5% HP‐inulin (high‐fat diet) for 28 days. Total, HDL, and non‐HDL cholesterols, and triglyceride concentrations in the serum were measured along with total lipid content of liver and feces. Hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol, and fecal neutral and acidic sterol concentrations in total lipid were assessed. In addition, cecum SCFA levels and bacterial profiles were determined. The hypolipidemic effect of HP‐inulin differed depending on dietary fat content (5% versus 20%). Specifically, 5% inulin instead of cellulose in a semi‐purified diet significantly reduced serum lipid levels in rats fed a high‐fat diet, which was strongly associated with increased total lipid and neutral sterol excretion.

Conclusion

Dietary fat content modulates the hypolipidemic effect of dietary inulin.
Sustainability of Nonprofit Human Service Organizations in a Neighborhood Context
Authors: Lee Wonhyung
Published: March 2017

Nonprofit human service organizations (NHSOs) carry both practical and symbolic implications for serving local needs. Whether neighborhood characteristics influence the existence of NHSOs is a critical inquiry, albeit with mixed results. This study examines the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and organizational sustainability based on the data of the capital district of New York State. Spatial analysis showed that the largest concentration of NHSOs remains in the inner‐city neighborhoods. Regression analysis identified small revenues of organizations and density of African American residents as significant factors that are negatively associated with the longevity of NHSOs, controlling for neighborhood income level. These findings imply that small‐budget organizations in African American neighborhoods may experience a quick turnover, which prompts a deeper understanding of how NHSOs attempt to sustain in such neighborhoods.
Relaxation methods for hyperbolic PDE mixed‐integer optimal control problems
Authors: Hante Falk M.
Published: March 2017

The convergence analysis for methods solving partial differential equations constrained optimal control problems containing both discrete and continuous control decisions based on relaxation and rounding strategies is extended to the class of first order semilinear hyperbolic systems in one space dimension. The results are obtained by novel a priori estimates for the size of the relaxation gap based on the characteristic flow, fixed‐point arguments, and particular regularity theory for such mixed‐integer control problems. Motivated by traffic flow problems, a relaxation model for optimal flux switching control in conservation laws is considered as an application.
Delay of gratification in middle childhood: Extending the utility and sensitivity of the standard task
Authors: Wilson Jennifer , Andrews Glenda , Shum David H. K.
Published: March 2017

The ability to delay gratification is an important aspect of the development of self‐regulation and executive functioning. Standard tasks to assess delay of gratification are typically only useful up to age 5 years. A modified task was developed and administered to a sample of 126 (59 males and 67 females) typically developing Australian children aged 5–12 years. Results showed that 7‐year‐olds were significantly more likely to delay than 5‐year‐olds. A ceiling effect was observed from age 7 onwards. Performance on the modified task correlated significantly with other executive functioning tasks, demonstrating the convergent validity of the task. This study was successful in extending the usefulness of the standard delay of gratification task to age 7. Suggestions for further development of this task are discussed.
An automatic and accurate registration method for electro‐anatomical map and CT surface
Authors: Shu Lixia , Wang Jin , Long Deyong , Lin Changyan
Published: March 2017

Background

Electro‐anatomical maps (EAM) and CT surface registration are widely used for catheter navigation in atrial fibrillation ablations. However, few studies have investigated the registration algorithm. Moreover, some of them are semiautomatic, so that physicians must be proficient; some are inaccurate for catheter navigation. A both automatic and accurate registration method is needed.

Method

A Hausdorff distance based approach (HD) was proposed for EAM/CT registration. First, using principal axes based registration, EAM/CT pairs were coarsely aligned. Then, using Hausdorff distance as the fine objective function, EAM/CT pairs were finely aligned.

Results

Six real EAM/CT pairs were collected from five patients and 38 simulated pairs were generated. Each pair was aligned using Carto‐Merge, a stochastic approach (SA) and HD. Considering the balance of operability, accuracy and robustness, HD obtained the best EAM/CT registration results among the three approaches.

Conclusion

Experiments validate that the proposed method registers EAM and CT surface both automatically and accurately.
Outcomes in patients undergoing robotic reconstructive uterovaginal anastomosis of congenital cervical and vaginal atresia
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Yisong , Hua Keqin
Published: March 2017

Objective

To introduce our experience of robotic surgery of reconstructive uterovaginal anastomosis and operative outcomes in congenital cervical and vaginal atresia patients.

Methods

Clinical observation and follow‐up of four patients with congenital cervical and vaginal atresia who underwent robotic reconstruction of cervix and vagina by SIS (small intestinal submucosa, SIS) graft.

Results

Average patient age was 13.8 ± 2.2. Patients complained of severe periodic abdominal pain. Diagnosis was made according to clinical characteristics, physical examination, MRI and classified by ESHRE/ESGE system. All patients underwent reconstruction of cervix and vagina by uterovaginal anastomosis by SIS graft. Average operation time was 232.5 ± 89.2 min, average blood loss was 225.0 ± 95.7 mL. After surgery, all patients have regular menstruation without pain. Average follow up was 12 months, average vagina length was 8.9 ± 0.3 cm, average vagina width was 2.9 ± 0.1 cm.

Conclusion

Robotic assisted reconstruction of cervix and vagina is feasible from our experience, enlarged cases and additional studies are required.
Data‐driven identification and control of nonlinear systems using multiple NARMA‐L2 models
Authors: Yang Yue , Xiang Cheng , Gao Shuhua , Lee Tong Heng
Published: March 2017

The multiple model approach provides a powerful tool for identification and control of nonlinear systems. Among different multiple model structures, the piecewise affine (PWA) models have drawn most of the attention in the past two decades. However, there are two major issues for the PWA model‐based identification and control: the curse of dimensionality and the computational complexity. To resolve these two issues, we propose a novel multiple model approach in this paper. Different from PWA models in which all dimensions of the regressor space are engaged in the partitioning, the key idea of the proposed multiple model architecture is to partition only the range of the control input u(k) at time k (the instant of interest in the control problem) into several intervals and identify a local model that is linear in u(k) within each interval. On the basis of Taylor's theorem, a theoretical upper bound for the approximation error of the model structure can also be obtained. With the proposed multiple model architecture, a switching control algorithm is derived to control nonlinear systems on the basis of the weighted one‐step‐ahead predictive control method and constrained optimization techniques. In addition, the upper bound for the tracking error using this switching control strategy is also analyzed rigorously under certain assumptions. Finally, both simulation studies and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multiple model architecture and switching control algorithm. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic analysis of power assignments
Authors: de Graaf Maurits , Manthey Bodo
Published: March 2017

A fundamental problem for wireless ad hoc networks is the assignment of suitable transmission powers to the wireless devices such that the resulting communication graph is connected. The goal is to minimize the total transmit power in order to maximize the life‐time of the network. Our aim is a probabilistic analysis of this power assignment problem. We prove complete convergence for arbitrary combinations of the dimension d and the distance‐power gradient p. Furthermore, we prove that the expected approximation ratio of the simple spanning tree heuristic is strictly less than its worst‐case ratio of 2.

Our main technical novelties are two‐fold: First, we find a way to deal with the unbounded degree that the communication network induced by the optimal power assignment can have. Minimum spanning trees and traveling salesman tours, for which strong concentration results are known in Euclidean space, have bounded degree, which is heavily exploited in their analysis. Second, we apply a recent generalization of Azuma‐Hoeffding's inequality to prove complete convergence for the case for both power assignments and minimum spanning trees (MSTs). As far as we are aware, complete convergence for p > d has not been proved yet for any Euclidean functional. © 2017 The Authors Random Structures & Algorithms Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc., 51, 483–505, 2017
Binding S0.6Se0.4 in 1D Carbon Nanofiber with CS Bonding for High‐Performance Flexible Li–S Batteries and Na–S Batteries
Authors: Yao Yu , Zeng Linchao , Hu Shuhe , Jiang Yu , Yuan Beibei , Yu Yan
Published: March 2017

A one‐step synthesis procedure is developed to prepare flexible S0.6Se0.4@carbon nanofibers (CNFs) electrode by coheating S0.6Se0.4 powder with electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofiber papers at 600 °C. The obtained S0.6Se0.4@CNFs film can be used as cathode material for high‐performance Li–S batteries and room temperature (RT) Na–S batteries directly. The superior lithium/sodium storage performance derives from its rational structure design, such as the chemical bonding between Se and S, the chemical bonding between S0.6Se0.4 and CNFs matrix, and the 3D CNFs network. This easy one‐step synthesis procedure provides a feasible route to prepare electrode materials for high‐performance Li–S and RT Na–S batteries.
Effort estimation in agile software development: Case study and improvement framework
Authors: Tanveer Binish , Guzmán Liliana , Engel Ulf Martin
Published: March 2017

Effort estimation is more challenging in an agile context, as instead of exerting strict control over changes in requirements, dynamism is embraced. Current practice relies on expert judgment, where the accuracy of estimates is sensitive to the expertise of practitioners and prone to bias. To improve the effectiveness of the effort estimation process, the goal of this research is to investigate and understand the estimation process with respect to its accuracy in the context of agile software development from the perspective of agile development teams. Using case study research, 2 observations and eleven interviews were conducted with 3 agile development teams at SAP SE, a German multinational software corporation. The results reveal that factors such as the developer's knowledge, experience, and the complexity and impact of changes on the underlying system affect the magnitude as well as estimation accuracy. Furthermore, there is a need for a tool that incorporates expert knowledge, enables explicit consideration of cost drivers by experts and visualizes this information to improve the effectiveness of the effort estimation. On the basis of the findings of the case study, a framework, inspired by the quality improvement paradigm is proposed to improve effort estimation in agile development.
Polyphonic Supervision—Meta‐governance in Denmark
Authors: la Cour Anders , Højlund Holger
Published: March 2017

This article will show how Luhmann's concept of functional differentiation makes it possible to analyse how the government draws various stakeholders into governable terrain through the use of different functional systems. The article takes its outset in a recent reform aimed at a renewal of the authority relations between the municipalities and the non‐governmental housing associations in Denmark. In doing so, the article provides an example of how the government uses meta‐governance to define several interactive arenas for the various stakeholders. The article concludes that meta‐governance means neither that the government retains its old power at the centre of society nor that it is hollowed out. Instead, we have to realize that the government's capacity as an organizer relies on many other forms of media beyond power. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transition in Complex Polycentric Contexts: Trusting and Multifunctional Semantics
Authors: Neisig Margit
Published: March 2017

This article shows how the interplay of different function systems creates distrust and paradoxes in complex polycentric transition processes. This issue is captured by an abductive, qualitative, single‐case study on a highly polycentric pilot project in a Danish public job centre. The results suggest that the emergence of a multifunctional semantic reservoir is crucial for navigating function‐systemic blind spots by stimulating higher‐order observation and reflection and building trust in polycentric settings. This is a prerequisite for allowing paradoxes to drive transition and not become barriers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Milk Fermented by Lactic Acid Bacteria Enhances the Absorption of Dietary Sphingomyelin in Rats
Authors: Morifuji Masashi , Kitade Masami , Oba Chisato , Fukasawa Tomoyuki , Kawahata Keiko , Yamaji Taketo , Manabe Yuki , Sugawara Tatsuya
Published: March 2017

Supplementation with sphingomyelin has been reported to prevent disease and maintain good health. However, intact sphingomyelin and ceramides are poorly absorbed compared with glycerolipids. Therefore, if the bioavailability of dietary sphingomyelin can be increased, supplementation would be more effective at lower doses. The aim of this study in rats was to evaluate the effect of fermented milk on the bioavailability of dietary sphingomyelin in rats. After the rats had fasted for 15 h, test solutions were administrated orally. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein before and 90, 180, 270, and 360 min after administration. Compared with sphingomyelin/milk phospholipids concentrate (MPL) alone, co‐ingestion of sphingomyelin/MPL with fermented milk caused an approximate twofold significant increase in serum ceramides containing d16:1 sphingosine with 16:0, 22:0, 23:0 and 24:0 fatty acids, which was derived from the ingested sphingomyelin. While nonfat milk also increased the serum levels of these ceramides, fermented milk was more effective. Co‐ingestion of the upper layer of fermented milk or exopolysaccharide concentrate prepared from fermented milk significantly increased serum ceramide levels. X‐ray diffraction analysis also showed addition of fermented milk or EPS concentrate to sphingomyelin eliminated the characteristic peak of sphingomyelin. This study demonstrated for the first time that co‐ingestion of dietary sphingomyelin and fermented milk, compared with ingestion of dietary sphingomyelin alone, caused a significant increase in the absorption of sphingomyelin. Our results indicate exopolysaccharides in fermented milk may contribute to inhibition of sphingomyelin crystallization, resulting in enhanced absorption of dietary sphingomyelin in rats.