bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Energy Transfer and Optimized Morphology for Highly Efficient Ternary Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Fuwen , Li Yang , Wang Zaiyu , Yang Yang , Wang Zhen , He Guiying , Zhang Jianqi , Jiang Li , Wang Taishan , Wei Zhixiang , Ma Wei , Li Bao , Xia Andong , Li Yongfang , Wang Chunru
Published: February 2017

Aimed at achieving ideal morphology, illuminating morphology–performance relationship, and further improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ternary polymer solar cells (TSCs), a ternary system is designed based on PTB7‐Th:PffBT4T‐2OD:PC71BM in this work. The PffBT4T‐2OD owns large absorption cross section, proper energy levels, and good crystallinity, which enhances exciton generation, charge dissociation and transport and suppresses charge recombination, thus remarkably increasing the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF). Finally, a notable PCE of 10.72% is obtained for the TSCs with 15% weight ratio of PffBT4T‐2OD. As for the working mechanism, it confirmed the energy transfer from PffBT4T‐2OD to PTB7‐Th, which contributes to the improved exciton generation. And morphology characterization indicates that the devices with 15% PffBT4T‐2OD possess both appropriate domain size (25 nm) and enhanced domain purity. Under this condition, it affords numerous D/A interface for exciton dissociation and good bicontinuous nanostructure for charge transport simultaneously. As a result, the device with 15% PffBT4T‐2OD exhibits improved exciton generation, enhanced charge dissociation possibility, elevated hole mobility and inhibited charge recombination, leading to elevated Jsc (19.02 mA cm−2) and FF (72.62%) simultaneously. This work indicates that morphology optimization as well as energy transfer plays a significant role in improving TSC performance.
Breast shape (ptosis) as a marker of a woman's breast attractiveness and age: Evidence from Poland and Papua
Authors: Groyecka Agata , Żelaźniewicz Agnieszka , Misiak Michał , Karwowski Maciej , Sorokowski Piotr
Published: February 2017

Objectives

A women's breast is a sex‐specific and aesthetic bodily attribute. It is suggested that breast morphology signals maturity, health, and fecundity. The perception of a woman's attractiveness and age depends on various cues, such as breast size or areola pigmentation. Conducted in Poland and Papua, the current study investigated how breast attractiveness, and the further estimate of a woman's age based on her breast's appearance, is affected by the occurrence of breast ptosis (ie, sagginess, droopiness).

Methods

In the Polish sample, 57 women and 50 men (N = 107) were presented with sketches of breasts manipulated to represent different stages of ptosis based on two different breast ptosis classifications. The participants were asked to rate the breast attractiveness and age of the woman whose breasts were depicted in each sketch. In Papua, 45 men aged 20 to 75 years took part in the study, which was conducted using only one of the classifications of breast ptosis.

Results

Regardless of the classification used, the results showed that the assessed attractiveness of the breasts decreased as the estimated age increased with respect to the more ptotic breasts depicted in the sketches. The results for Papuan raters were the same as for the Polish sample.

Conclusions

Breast ptosis may be yet another physical trait that affects the perception and preferences of a potential sexual partner. The consistency in ratings between Polish and Papuan raters suggests that the tendency to assess ptotic breasts with aging and a loss of attractiveness is cross‐culturally universal.
10‐year‐old female with intragenic KANSL1 mutation, no KANSL1‐related intellectual disability, and preserved verbal intelligence
Authors: Keen Colleen , Samango‐Sprouse Carole , Dubbs Holly , Zackai Elaine H.
Published: February 2017

Koolen‐de Vries Syndrome (KdVS), also referred to as 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome, is caused by haploinsufficiency of the KANSL1 gene. This genetic disorder is associated with a clinical phenotype including facial dysmorphism, developmental delay, and friendly disposition, as well as mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability. We present the case of a 10 year 8 month old female with KdVS due to a de novo intragenic KANSL1 mutation. At this time, she does not present with intellectual disability, and her verbal intelligence is relatively preserved, although she has perceptual deficits, developmental dyspraxia, and severe speech disorder. This case expands the mild end of the neurodevelopmental spectrum seen in children with de novo KANSL1 mutation and KdVS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Katalytisch‐asymmetrische intramolekulare [4+2]‐Cycloaddition von in situ generierten ortho‐Chinonmethiden
Authors: Xie Youwei , List Benjamin
Published: February 2017

Die erste katalytisch‐asymmetrische intramolekulare [4+2]‐Cycloaddition von in situ generierten ortho‐Chinonmethiden wurde entwickelt. Katalysiert durch eine abgeschirmte chirale Imidodiphosphorsäure, reagieren diverse Salicylaldehyde mit Dienylalkoholen zu kurzlebigen ortho‐Chinonmethid‐Intermediaten, die durch intramolekulare [4+2]‐Cycloaddition zu hoch funktionalisierten Furan‐ und Pyranchromanen mit exzellenten Diastereo‐ und Enantioselektivitäten umgewandelt werden.
Energy Transfer Dynamics of Formate Decomposition on Cu(110)
Authors: Quan Jiamei , Kondo Takahiro , Wang Guichang , Nakamura Junji
Published: February 2017

Energy transfer dynamics of formate (HCOOa) decomposition on a Cu(110) surface has been studied by measuring the angle‐resolved intensity and translational energy distributions of CO2 emitted from the surface in a steady‐state reaction of HCOOH and O2. The angular distribution of CO2 shows a sharp collimation with the direction perpendicular to the surface, as represented by cosnθ (n=6). The mean translational energy of CO2 is measured to be as low as 100 meV and is independent of the surface temperature (Ts). These results clearly indicate that the decomposition of formate is a thermal non‐equilibrium process in which a large amount of energy released by the decomposition reaction of formate is transformed into the internal energies of CO2 molecules. The thermal non‐equilibrium features observed in the dynamics of formate decomposition support the proposed Eley–Rideal (ER)‐type mechanism for formate synthesis on copper catalysts.
Superlight and Superflexible Three‐Dimensional Semiconductor Frameworks A(X≡Y)4 (A=Si, Ge; X/Y=C, B, N) with Tunable Optoelectronic and Mechanical Properties from First‐Principles
Authors: Cao Xinrui , Li Xiao‐Fei , Zhu Zi‐Zhong
Published: February 2017

Silicon carbide materials, as leading wide band gap semiconductors, hold significant importance in semiconductor technologies. Herein, diamond‐like 3D materials with low density, but high elasticity properties, have been designed from first‐principles calculations. They are porous single‐crystalline materials composed of sp3‐hybridized silicon (or germanium) and sp‐type C≡C (or B≡N) linear moieties; their stabilities are comparable to those of recently prepared SiC4 materials. Moreover, such wide band gap semiconductors have strong absorption over a wide UV range and exhibit superlight, superflexible, and incompressible mechanical properties, and their optoelectronic and mechanical properties can be well tuned through structural modifications. Such features provide high potential for practicable application under extreme conditions, and suggest promising applications for the design of UV optoelectronic devices.
Campus physical security: Transparency, consistency, and best practices
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: February 2017

In 2017, it is hard to imagine walking down the street in a metropolitan area (or even a suburban one for that matter), visiting a shopping mall, or utilizing public transportation without seeing closed circuit television cameras in use.
Endothelial cells' biophysical, biochemical, and chromosomal aberrancies in high‐glucose condition within the diabetic range
Authors: Rezabakhsh Aysa , Nabat Elahe , Yousefi Mina , Montazersaheb Soheila , Cheraghi Omid , Mehdizadeh Amir , Fathi Farzaneh , Movassaghpour Ali Akbar , Maleki‐Dizaji Nasrin , Rahbarghazi Reza , Garjani Alireza
Published: February 2017

To date, many studies have been conducted to find out the underlying mechanisms of hyperglycemia‐induced complications in diabetes mellitus, attributed to the cellular pathologies of different cells—especially endothelial cells. However, there are still many ambiguities and unresolved issues to be clarified. Here, we investigated the alteration in biophysical and biochemical properties in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to a high‐glucose concentration (30mM), comparable to glucose content in type 2 diabetes mellitus, over a course of 120 hours. In addition to a reduction in the rate of cell viability and induction of oxidative stress orchestrated by the high‐glucose condition, the dynamic of the fatty acid profile—including polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acids—was also altered in favor of saturated fatty acids. Genetic imbalances were also detected at chromosomal level in the cells exposed to the abnormal concentration of glucose after 120 hours. Moreover, the number of tip cells (CD31+/CD34+) and in vitro tubulogenesis capability negatively diminished in comparison to parallel control groups. We found that diabetic hyperglycemia was associated with a decrease in the cell‐cell tight junction and upregulation in vascular endothelial cadherin and zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 molecules after 72 and 120 hours of exposure to the abnormal glucose concentration, which resulted in a profound reduction in transendothelial electrical resistance. The surface plasmon resonance analysis of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells immobilized on gold‐coated sensor chips confirmed the loosening of the cell to cell intercellular junction as well as stable attachment of each cell to the basal surface. Our findings highlighted the disturbing effects of a diabetic hyperglycemia on either biochemical or biophysical properties of endothelial cells.
Locking Interconversion of Aromatic Oligoamide Foldamers by Intramolecular Side‐chain Crosslinking: toward Absolute Control of Helicity in Synthetic Aromatic Foldamers
Authors: Zheng Lu , Yu Chengyuan , Zhan Yulin , Deng Xuebin , Wang Ying , Jiang Hua
Published: February 2017

A series of foldamers of 8‐amino‐2‐quinoline carboxylic acid were stapled by intramolecular ring‐closing olefin metathesis to generate the constrained aromatic foldamers with varying lengths of hydrocarbon side‐chains. Investigations clearly revealed that the side‐chain crosslinkers are capable of completely locking the interconversions of the stapled aromatic foldamers over a wide range of temperatures in CDCl3, even in C2D2Cl4. Hence, the stapled foldamers with the short hydrocarbon crosslinker can be easily separated by silica‐gel chromatography to generate foldamers with stable, absolute one‐handed helicity. But the stapled foldamer with the longer crosslinker is inseparable even by chiral HPLC presumably due to the fortuitous identical polarity of the diastereomer.
Generation of the SCF3 Radical by Photoredox Catalysis: Intra‐ and Intermolecular Carbotrifluoromethylthiolation of Alkenes
Authors: Dagousset Guillaume , Simon Cédric , Anselmi Elsa , Tuccio Béatrice , Billard Thierry , Magnier Emmanuel
Published: February 2017

We report the first use of N‐trifluoromethylthiosaccharin as the source of SCF3 radical under photoredox catalysis. This allowed an efficient and general visible‐light‐mediated carbotrifluoromethylthiolation of alkenes. Under the optimized conditions using fac‐[Ir(ppy)3] as the photocatalyst, various N‐aryl acrylamides as well as a wide range of substituted styrenes can readily be difunctionalized in an intra‐ or intermolecular fashion, affording the corresponding SCF3‐containing products in good to excellent yield. Importantly, the formation of this SCF3 radical along with other key radical intermediates was unambiguously demonstrated thanks to spin trapping/electron paramagnetic resonance (ST/EPR) experiments, which enabled a clear understanding of the reaction mechanism.
Identification of the Complete Photodegradation Pathway of Ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kuhn Ramona , Tóth Elisabeth , Geppert Helmut , Fischer Thomas , Liebsch Stephan , Martienssen Marion
Published: February 2017

This study aims at investigating the abiotic degradation pathway of ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTMP) simulated applying UV irradiation. The degradation of EDTMP and formation of degradation products was determined using LC‐MS and 31P‐NMR. In the laboratory scale experiments, EDTMP was degraded within 30 min and the degradation products, iminodi(methylenephosphonic acid) (IDMP), ethylaminobis(methylenephosphonic acid) (EABMP), and amino(methylenephosphonic acid) (AMPA), were simultaneously released. IDMP was the main degradation product of EDTMP. Therefore, we conclude that the initial cleavage of EDTMP is a heterolytically driven process, which starts the degradation process at the intramolecular CN bond. In contrast, the main product of a possible homolytic CC cleavage of methylaminobis(methylenephosphonic acid) could not be confirmed with either LC‐MS or 31P‐NMR. Additionally, there was no evidence for a primary attack on the CP bond. All identified degradation products of EDTMP have been mineralized to carbon dioxide (CO2). Three additional degradation products (M1, M2, and M3) have been found using the 31P‐NMR analysis but have not yet been quantified using LC‐MS. We assume that the unidentified degradation product M1 is related to m/z 312, M2 to m/z 341, and M3 to m/z 409. Thus we concluded that EDTMP undergoes photochemical conversion to IDMP, the main degradation product. EABMP and AMPA also accumulate, but in smaller amounts. All intermediates are further mineralized to CO2.
Prospective New Developments in Laboratory Research and Clinical Trials in Prostatic Cancer
Authors: Horoszewicz Julius S. , Murphy Gerald P.
Published: February 2017

Laboratory research continues to develop new methods supporting clinicians in the management of prostatic cancer. Routine measurements of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels improve diagnosis, provide insight into tumor burden, and sharpen prognostication. New organ‐specific antigenic targets are identified for monoclonal antibody‐directed diagnostic and radiotherapeutic reagents. Such new immunospecific conjugates are already under evaluation in clinical trials. Cell culture techniques carry the promise of noninvasive early detection and prognostic evaluation of prostatic malignancy in preclinical stages. Molecular mechanisms responsible for androgen regulation of proliferation and malignancy of prostatic cancer are becoming open for scientific inquiry.
A location‐based IoT platform supporting the cultural heritage domain
Authors: Piccialli Francesco , Chianese Angelo
Published: February 2017

The Cultural Heritage domain is a global resource able to gain more and more importance and value because it becomes research field characterized by many aspects to be studied such as its enjoyment and promotion. In this paper, we present the design and the implementation of an intelligent Internet of Things (IoT) platform supporting the Cultural Heritage domain. In details, the objective of the proposed platform is to create intelligent solutions and services to enhance the visitors' interaction with cultural objects. To perform this research task, the platform relies on ubiquitous and IoT applications that can represent a suitable solution for improving visitors' experience when inside a museum or a temporary art exhibition. The IoT paradigm applied to the Cultural Heritage domain has the main purpose to transform a static cultural space into an intelligent environment enforcing a set of proximity‐based and multimedia services. To assess our methodology, we realize a real case study during an art event in Naples, Italy.
Pore Topology Effects in Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy of Zeolites
Authors: Zubiaga Asier , Warringham Robbie , Mitchell Sharon , Gerchow Lars , Cooke David , Crivelli Paolo , Pérez‐Ramírez Javier
Published: February 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Pérez‐Ramírez at ETH Zurich. The image shows the confinement of a metastable positronium, a bound state of an electron and a positron, in the micropores of a zeolite framework. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201601258.
Parallel checking of content integrity in multi‐cloud storage of heterogeneous sensor systems
Authors: Mao Jian , Chen Yue , Zhang Yan , Xu Xiandong , Zhou Yajian , Liu Jianwei
Published: February 2017

Heterogeneous sensor systems collect a large amount of sensor data. Because of limited processing capability of sensor nodes, such data are typically stored and processed in a centralized environment in the cloud. However, when data are managed and processed by multiple cloud servers, users do not physically possess these data. The risk of unauthorized access to the cloud data increases dramatically. Therefore, enforcing the integrity of the outsourced data remotely becomes a challenge in the heterogeneous sensor system. Remote data possession auditing is a solution to guarantee the availability and integrity of data outsourced to the cloud. Most existing solutions only target at a single cloud service provider (CSP) environment without considering the multi‐cloud scenario. How to audit the data possession among the distributed CSP servers effectively becomes a major concern. In this paper, we propose a parallel cloud data possession checking scheme for the multi‐cloud environment. Our approach utilizes the homomorphic verification tag created by the Paillier cryptosystem to support unlimited query challenges and introduces the error‐correction encoding method to ensure error localization and data correction. We prototype our solution and analyze the scheme comprehensively. Our evaluation results demonstrate the efficiency and security of our method. It also supports simultaneous verification of multiple CSPs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes Comprising 2‐(Diphenylphosphino)pyridine and Various Thiolate Ligands: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and Biological Activity
Authors: Fereidoonnezhad Masood , Niazi Maryam , Ahmadipour Zohreh , Mirzaee Tabassom , Faghih Zeinab , Faghih Zahra , Shahsavari Hamid R.
Published: February 2017

The known cyclometalated platinum(II) complex [Pt(ppy)(DMSO)(Cl)] (A) in which ppy = 2‐phenylpyridinate, was treated with 2‐(diphenylphosphino)pyridine (PPh2py, PN) (1 equiv.) and readily afforded complex [Pt(ppy)(PPh2py‐κ1P)(Cl)] (1). The transphobia effect (T) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction crystallography confirmed that the phosphine ligand in 1 is located trans to the nitrogen atom of the cyclometalating fragment (ppy). Compound 1 was treated with various thiolate reagents (1 equiv.) at room temperature, leading to the displacement of the chloride ligand in 1 by thiolate ligands through a salt metathesis reaction. The reaction led to the formation of a series of monomeric complexes with the general formula [Pt(ppy)(PPh2py‐κ1P)(SR)] (2a–2d), where SR = deprotonated form of pyridine‐2‐thiol (HSpy, 2a), pyrimidine‐2‐thiol (HSpyN, 2b), thiophenol (HSPh, 2c), and 2‐thiazoline‐2‐thiol (HSt, 2d). All complexes have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The biological activities of the complexes were evaluated against three human cancer cell lines, including A549 (human lung cancer), SKOV3 (human ovarian cancer), and MCF7 (human breast cancer), by means of the MTT assay [MTT = 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide]. Compounds 2a and 2b presented effective, potent cytotoxic activity regarding the cell lines. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays on plasmid DNA and molecular modeling investigations were also performed to determine the specific binding mode or the binding orientation of the complexes to DNA.
Heterometallic [Cu2Ln3] (Ln = DyIII, GdIII and HoIII) and [Cu4Ln2] (Ln = DyIII and HoIII) Compounds: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetism
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Bag Prasenjit , Das Sourav , Kundu Subrata , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli
Published: February 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Vadapalli Chandrasekhar from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India, in collaboration with the group of Paul Kögerler from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. The cover image shows a pentanuclear and a hexanuclear Cu/Ln complex with unprecedented structural topology.
The Implications of State Intervention for Self‐Governed Irrigation Schemes: Insights From Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Oates N. , Hisberg A. , Rodríguez Ros J. , Solomon H. , Ludi E. , Marlet S. , Jamin J.‐Y.
Published: February 2017

The development of smallholder irrigation is a policy priority in Ethiopia, yet little consideration has been given to the role state interventions play in enabling or constraining effective self‐governance in farmer‐managed schemes. To address this gap in evidence, research was conducted in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, in two irrigation sites. Focus group discussions and semi‐structured interviews with key informants were the primary means of collecting data on local institutional arrangements, government interventions and management challenges. An opinion poll provided additional insights. Our case studies indicate that effective self‐governance cannot easily be crafted by external actors. The introduction of modern irrigation technologies and formalized management arrangements has fostered dependency on external support and increased state influence in key decision‐making processes, whilst traditional water user associations remain largely autonomous but have little access to financial resources. State interventions have also been poorly tailored to local context with negative consequences for performance, although there have been some successes where traditional arrangements for water management have been integrated into new institutions. The incorporation of farmer perspectives into performance assessments could facilitate more responsive interventions, and remains an important area of irrigation research and practice. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Instructive feedback embedded within group instruction for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Leaf Justin B. , Cihon Joseph H. , Alcalay Aditt , Mitchell Erin , Townley‐Cochran Donna , Miller Kevin , Leaf Ronald , Taubman Mitchell , McEachin John
Published: February 2017

The present study evaluated the effects of instructive feedback embedded within a group discrete trial teaching to teach tact relations to nine children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder using a nonconcurrent multiple‐baseline design. Dependent variables included correct responses for: primary targets (directly taught), secondary targets (taught via instructive feedback), primary observational targets (directly taught to other members of the group), and secondary observational targets (taught via instructive feedback provided to other members of the group). Results showed that all nine participants reached the mastery criterion for the primary targets, as well as acquired the secondary and observational targets without direct teaching. Clinical implications and areas for future research are provided.
How computational methods and relativistic effects influence the study of chemical reactions involving Ru‐NO complexes?
Authors: Orenha Renato Pereira , Santiago Régis Tadeu , Haiduke Roberto Luiz Andrade , Galembeck Sérgio Emanuel
Published: February 2017

Two treatments of relativistic effects, namely effective core potentials (ECP) and all‐electron scalar relativistic effects (DKH2), are used to obtain geometries and chemical reaction energies for a series of ruthenium complexes in B3LYP/def2‐TZVP calculations. Specifically, the reaction energies of reduction (A‐F), isomerization (G‐I), and Cl−negativetransinfluence in relation to NH3(J‐L) are considered. The ECP and DKH2 approaches provided geometric parameters close to experimental data and the same ordering for energy changes of reactionsA‐L. From geometries optimized with ECP, the electronic energies are also determined by means of the same ECP and basis set combined with the computational methods: MP2, M06, BP86, and its derivatives, so as B2PLYP, LC‐wPBE, and CCSD(T) (reference method). For reactionsA‐I, B2PLYP provides the best agreement with CCSD(T) results. Additionally, B3LYP gave the smallest error for the energies of reactionsJ‐L. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonal Patterns of Microbial Community Structure and Enzyme Activities in Coastal Saline Soils of Perennial Halophytes
Authors: Rathore Aditya P. , Chaudhary Doongar R. , Jha Bhavanath
Published: February 2017

Perennial halophytes are known to be one of the most influential parameters in coastal ecosystem affecting ecosystem processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in soil microbial community structure and enzyme activities in different halophyte‐covered soils (Arthrocnemum indicum, Aeluropus lagopoides, Heleochloa setulosa and Suaeda nudiflora) with control soil (un‐vegetated) that were collected in three seasons (rainy, winter and summer) from intertidal coastal soils of Gujarat, India. Soil microbial community structure was assessed using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling. Halophytes influenced significantly soil micro‐environment by exerting effects on the soil chemical characteristics, enzyme activities and microbial community structure. The activities of β‐glucosidase, urease and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in halophyte‐covered soils than in control soil. Among four halophyte‐covered soils, the highest amounts of total, bacterial, actinomycetes and fungal PLFAs were observed in Arthrocnemum soil. The concentrations of total, bacterial, actinomycetes and fungal PLFAs were also significantly higher in summer and winter seasons than in rainy season, whereas enzyme activities also vary with seasons. The non‐metric multidimensional scaling analysis PLFA profiling revealed that the structure of microbial community significantly differed in all seasons as well as between control and halophyte‐covered soils. These shifts in microbial community were due to the higher abundance of Gram‐positive, total bacterial and actinomycetes PLFAs in summer and winter seasons than in rainy season, whereas abundance of fungal biomarker was significantly higher in rainy season than in other seasons. Among halophytes, significantly higher abundance of Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative and total bacteria was observed in Arthrocnemum, Heleochloa and Suaeda whereas the lowest in control soil. Halophytes exhibited improved soil microbial activities, which is important for healthy ecosystem. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VERSE‐guided parallel RF excitations using dynamic field correction
Authors: Çavuşoğlu Mustafa , Mooiweer Ronald , Pruessmann Klaas P. , Malik Shaihan J.
Published: February 2017

In parallel RF pulse design, peak RF magnitudes and specific absorption rate levels are critical concerns in the hardware and safety limits. The variable rate selective excitation (VERSE) method is an efficient technique to limit the peak RF power by applying a local‐only RF and gradient waveform reshaping while retaining the on‐resonance profile. The accuracy of the excitation performed by the VERSEd RF and gradient waveforms strictly depends on the performance of the employed hardware. Any deviation from the nominal gradient fields as a result of frequency dependent system imperfections violates the VERSE condition similarly to off‐resonance effects, leading to significant excitation errors and the RF pulse not converging to the targeted peak RF power. Moreover, for iterative VERSE‐guided RF pulse design (i.e. reVERSE), the k‐space trajectory actually changes at every iteration, which is assumed to be constant. In this work, we show both theoretically and experimentally the effect of gradient system imperfections on iteratively VERSEd parallel RF excitations. In order to improve the excitation accuracy besides limiting the RF power below certain thresholds, we propose to integrate gradient field monitoring or gradient impulse response function (GIRF) estimations of the actual gradient fields into the RF pulse design problem. A third‐order dynamic field camera comprising a set of NMR field sensors and GIRFs was used to measure or estimate the actual gradient waveforms that are involved in the VERSE algorithm respectively. The deviating and variable k‐space is counteracted at each iteration of the VERSE‐guided iterative RF pulse design. The proposed approaches are demonstrated for accelerated multiple‐channel spatially selective RF pulses, and highly improved experimental performance was achieved at both 3 T and 7 T.
Wide‐bandgap p‐type microcrystalline silicon oxycarbide using additional trimethylboron for silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Kang Dong‐Won , Sichanugrist Porponth , Zhang He , Konagai Makoto
Published: February 2017

We report a new wide‐bandgap p‐type microcrystalline silicon oxycarbide (p‐μc‐SiOxCy:H) film prepared by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition. As an additional doping gas, trimethylboron was introduced into the standard processing gas‐mixture of silane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and diborane. With both trimethylboron and diborane as doping gases, the optical bandgap (E04) of the formed p‐μc‐SiOxCy:H film was 0.18 eV higher than that of reference microcrystalline silicon oxide (p‐μc‐SiOx:H) processed with only diborane doping gas for the same levels of film thickness and electrical conductivity. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed p‐layer, we applied it as an emitter in silicon heterojunction solar cells, which delivered a markedly high open circuit voltage of 0.702 V and a power conversion efficiency of 18.9% based on a non‐textured flat wafer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer survivors' activation to self‐management and its relationship with participation in paid work and work‐related problems
Authors: van Maarschalkerweerd Pomme , Rademakers Jany , Rijken Mieke
Published: February 2017

Objective

This study aimed to explore cancer survivors' level of patient activation, ie, their knowledge, skills, and confidence for self‐management, and to examine its relations to their participation in paid work and work‐related problems.

Methods

A total of 524 Dutch cancer survivors, 208 younger than 65 years, completed the Patient Activation Measure (PAM‐13) and the Research and Development (RAND‐36) General Health scale. Cancer survivors younger than 65 years also reported on their participation in paid work and work‐related problems.

Results

The mean PAM‐13 score of cancer survivors was 58.1, and of those younger than 65 years 58.7. Patient activation was not associated with participation in paid work. Employed cancer survivors with a low level of patient activation experienced more problems working accurately (34% vs 17%), finishing their work (47% vs 22%), and concentrating (59% vs 31%) than those with a higher level of patient activation. The former group also reported more work stress (62% vs 28%).

Conclusions

Patient activation of cancer survivors deserves more attention, as a substantial proportion of these survivors have low activation levels, which relate to more work‐related problems. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the development of patient activation over time and its potential to improve important outcomes for people living with cancer in both the health and work domains.
Magnesium Lithospermate B fromSalvia miltiorrhizaBungeAmeliorates Aging‐Induced Renal Inflammation and SenescenceviaNADPH Oxidase‐Mediated Reactive Oxygen Generation
Authors: Park Chan Hum , Shin Sung Ho , Lee Eun Kyeong , Kim Dae Hyun , Kim Min‐Jo , Roh Seong‐Soo , Yokozawa Takako , Chung Hae Young
Published: February 2017

The present study was conducted to examine whether magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) extracted fromSalviae miltiorrhizaeradix was renoprotective in pathways related to age‐related oxidative stress in aged rats. Magnesium lithospermate B was orally administered at a dose of 2‐ or 8‐mg/kg body weight for 16 consecutive days, and the effects were compared with those of vehicle in old and young rats. Magnesium lithospermate B administration to old rats ameliorated renal oxidative stress through reduction of reactive oxygen species. The old rats exhibited a dysregulation of the expression of proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, and MLB administration significantly reduced the protein expression of major subunits of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox4 and p22phox), phospho‐p38, nuclear factor‐kappa B p65, cyclooxygenase‐2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase. In addition, MLB‐treated old rats showed lower levels of senescence‐related proteins such as p16, ADP‐ribosylation factor 6, p53, and p21 through effects on the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. Magnesium lithospermate B administration also significantly attenuated the age‐related increase in serum urea nitrogen, reflecting renal dysfunction, up‐regulated podocyte structural proteins, and reduced renal structural injury. Our results provide important evidence that MLB reduces the renal damage of oxidative stress in old rats. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of forearm bone shape based on partial least squares regression from partial shape
Authors: Oura Keiichiro , Otake Yoshito , Shigi Atsuo , Yokota Futoshi , Murase Tsuyoshi , Sato Yoshinobu
Published: February 2017

Background

Computer‐assisted corrective osteotomy using a mirror image of the normal contralateral shape as reference is increasingly used. Instead, we propose to use the shape predicted by statistical learning to deal with cases demonstrating bilateral abnormality, such as bilateral trauma, congenital disease, and metabolic disease.

Methods

Computed tomography (CT) scans of 100 normal forearms were used in this study. The whole bone shape was predicted from its partial shape based on statistical learning of the other 99 bones. Accuracy was evaluated by average symmetric surface distance (ASD), and translational and rotational errors.

Results

ASDs for predicted shapes were 0.71–1.03 mm. Mean absolute translational and rotational errors were 0.48–1.76 mm and 0.99–6.08°, respectively.

Conclusion

Normal bone shape was predicted with an acceptable accuracy from its partial shape using statistical learning. Predicted shape can be an alternative to a mirror image, which may enable reduced radiation exposure and examination costs.
Some properties of impossible differential and zero correlation linear cryptanalysis on TEA family‐type ciphers
Authors: Zhang Kai , Guan Jie , Hu Bin
Published: February 2017

In lightweight cryptographic primitives, round functions with simple operations XOR, modular addition, and shift (or rotation) are widely used nowadays. Among these ciphers, TEA and XTEA are two famous lightweight block ciphers. At AFRICACRYPT 2012, Jiazhe Chen, Meiqin Wang, and Bart Preneel proposed a method to establish impossible differential distinguishers for TEA and XTEA. At FSE 2012, with similar approach, Andrey Bogdanov and Meiqin Wang identified zero correlation linear distinguishers for TEA and XTEA. We find similarities in these two kinds of distinguishers and then probe into the deeper relationship between them. In this paper, we extend the TEA and XTEA to a more general TEA family‐type ciphers and study the impossible differential distinguishers and zero correlation linear distinguishers for this kind of ciphers. More specifically, with the methods proposed in these two references earlier, firstly, we prove the longest lengths for impossible differential distinguishers and zero correlation linear distinguishers on TEA family‐type ciphers. Secondly, the number of longest impossible differential distinguishers and zero correlation linear distinguishers are calculated respectively. Then, the specific forms of their input and output differences (or linear masks) are given. Thirdly, a dual property is proposed to demonstrate the deeper relationship between these two kinds of distinguishers. Finally, we give some suggestions for algorithm designers on how to shorten these two kinds of distinguishers for TEA family‐type ciphers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Should there be future people? A fundamental question for climate change and intergenerational justice
Authors: Sanklecha Pranay
Published: February 2017

The effects of climate change will be felt far into the future, long after currently living people have stopped existing. A popular way of understanding what this means ethically is to conceptualize the issue in terms of intergenerational justice: currently living people have duties of justice toward future generations to not wrongfully harm them, or duties to reduce the risk of violating the rights future people will have when they exist. In this article I show that this depends on assumptions about the existence, identity, and number of future people. I argue for the relevance and importance of ethically investigating these assumptions; in particular of asking: should humanity continue to exist? I argue that this ethical investigation is necessary to properly and fully understand the ethical challenges that climate change creates. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e453. doi: 10.1002/wcc.453

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Human Rights
The evolution of amniote gastrulation: the blastopore‐primitive streak transition
Authors: Stower Matthew J. , Bertocchini Federica
Published: February 2017

In the animal kingdom, gastrulation, the process by which the primary germ layers are formed involves a dramatic transformation in the topology of the cells that give rise to all of the tissues of the adult. Initially formed as a mono‐layer, this tissue, the epiblast, becomes subdivided through the internalization of cells, thereby forming a two (bi‐laminar) or three (tri‐laminar) layered embryo. This morphogenetic process coordinates the development of the fundamental body plan and the three‐body axes (antero‐posterior, dorso‐ventral, and left‐right) and begins a fundamental segregation of cells toward divergent developmental fates. In humans and other mammals, as well as in avians, gastrulating cells internalize along a structure, called the primitive streak, which builds from the periphery toward the center of the embryo. How these morphogenetic movements are orchestrated and evolved has been a question for developmental biologists for many years. Is the primitive streak a feature shared by the whole amniote clade? Insights from reptiles suggest that the primitive streak arose independently in mammals and avians, while the reptilian internalization site is a structure half‐way between an amphibian blastopore and a primitive streak. The molecular machinery driving primitive streak formation has been partially dissected using mainly the avian embryo, revealing a paramount role of the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway in streak formation. How did the employment of this machinery evolve? The reptilian branch of the amniote clade might provide us with useful tools to investigate the evolution of the amniote internalization site up to the formation of the primitive streak. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e262. doi: 10.1002/wdev.262

This article is categorized under:

Early Embryonic Development > Fertilization to Gastrulation

Early Embryonic Development > Gastrulation and Neurulation

Comparative Development and Evolution > Body Plan Evolution
Cover Image, Volume 9, Issue 2
Authors: Molkov Yaroslav I. , Rubin Jonathan E. , Rybak Ilya A. , Smith Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2017

The cover image, by Ilya A. Rybak et al., is based on Advanced Review Computational models of the neural control of breathing, DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1371.

image
Root‐exudate flux variations among four co‐existing canopy species in a temperate forest, Japan
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Kominami Yuji , Yoshimura Kenichi , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: February 2017

Plants allocate carbon to root exudates to mine nitrogen (N) from soil organic matter (SOM). Little is known about how the root‐exudation rate varies among co‐existing woody species. We conducted an in situ experiment in a warm temperate forest on two dominant species, Quercus serrata and Ilex pedunculosa, and two of their congeneric species, Quercus glauca and Ilex macropoda, respectively. We hypothesized that the root‐exudation rate varies among these species because of their distinct functional traits and N demands. Root‐exudation rates were measured using a non‐soil culture method during the growing season from June 2013 to May 2014. We also measured foliar N concentrations and the activities of N‐degrading enzymes in the rhizosphere soils. The annual demand for N was calculated from the growth rate and allometric equations for biomass. The root‐exudation rates of Q. serrata and I. macropoda were consistently greater than those of their congeneric evergreen species on root‐length, root‐weight, and individual‐tree bases. The variations of the annual N demand of these species mirrored this pattern. Within a species, root‐exudation rates correlated positively to leaf N contents, suggesting a physiological linkage between photosynthetic capacities and belowground carbon allocation. Root‐exudation rates also correlated positively to the activities of polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme that decomposes N from recalcitrant SOM. Our results suggest that the variations of the root‐exudation among co‐existing species relate to their functional traits and demand for N.
Association between Measures of Vertebral Endplate Morphology and Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Duran Semra , Cavusoglu Mehtap , Hatipoglu Hatice Gul , Sozmen Cılız Deniz , Sakman Bulent
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between vertebral endplate morphology and the degree of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

In total, 150 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were 20–60 years of age were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were evaluated for the presence of intervertebral disc degeneration or herniation, and the degree of degeneration was assessed at all lumbar levels. Vertebral endplate morphology was evaluated based on the endplate sagittal diameter, endplate sagittal concave angle (ECA), and endplate sagittal concave depth (ECD) on sagittal MRI. The association between intervertebral disc degeneration or herniation and endplate morphological measurements was analysed.

Results

In MRI, superior endplates ( ie, inferior endplates of the superior vertebra) were concave and inferior endplates ( ie, superior endplates of the inferior vertebra) were flat at all disc levels. A decrease in ECD and an increase in ECA were detected at all lumbar levels as disc degeneration increased ( P < .05). At the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, a decrease in ECD and an increase in ECA were detected in the group with herniated lumbar discs ( P < .05). There was no association between lumbar disc degeneration or herniation and endplate sagittal diameter at lumbar intervertebral levels ( P > .05). At all levels, ECD of women was significantly lesser than that of men and ECA of women was significantly greater than that of men ( P < .05).

Conclusions

There is an association between vertebral endplate morphology and lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. Vertebral endplates at the degenerated disc level become flat; the severity of this flattening is correlated with the degree of disc degeneration.
Predicting progression to dementia in persons with mild cognitive impairment using cerebrospinal fluid markers
Authors: Handels Ron L.H. , Vos Stephanie J.B. , Kramberger Milica G. , Jelic Vesna , Blennow Kaj , van Buchem Mark , van der Flier Wiesje , Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Hampel Harald , Olde Rikkert Marcel , Oleksik Ania , Pirtosek Zvezdan , Scheltens Philip , Soininen Hilkka , Teunissen Charlotte , Tsolaki Magda , Wallin Asa K. , Winblad Bengt , Verhey Frans R.J. , Visser Pieter Jelle
Published: February 2017

Introduction

We aimed to determine the added value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to clinical and imaging tests to predict progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to any type of dementia.

Methods

The risk of progression to dementia was estimated using two logistic regression models based on 250 MCI participants: the first included standard clinical measures (demographic, clinical, and imaging test information) without CSF biomarkers, and the second included standard clinical measures with CSF biomarkers.

Results

Adding CSF improved predictive accuracy with 0.11 (scale from 0–1). Of all participants, 136 (54%) had a change in risk score of 0.10 or higher (which was considered clinically relevant), of whom in 101, it was in agreement with their dementia status at follow‐up.

Discussion

An individual person's risk of progression from MCI to dementia can be improved by relying on CSF biomarkers in addition to recommended clinical and imaging tests for usual care.
KAM theory in momentum space and quasiperiodic Schrödinger operators
Authors: Albanese Claudio
Published: February 2017

We construct a family of quasiperiodic Schrödinger operators in dimension one and in the tight binding approximation, having purely absolutely continuous spectrum. We work in momentum space and use a superconvergent approximation scheme to construct a unitary transformation that diagonalizes these operators on

L^2(B)

,

Β = [−π, π)

being the first Brillouin zone of the unperturbed part. The transformed operators are multiplications by a function

E_∞(k)\in L^∞(B)

which might have a dense set of jump discontinuities and is the uniform limit as

n → ∞

of functions

Е_n(k)

with a finite number of discontinuities. Our control on the functions

Е_n(k)

and its first two derivatives is good enough to ensure the absence of pure point and singular continuous spectrum.

Nous construisons une famille d’opérateurs de Schrödinger en dimension un et avec interaction à courte portée, ayant un spectre purement absolument continu. Nous travaillons dans l’espace de Fourier et utilisons un schéma d’approximation super-convergent pour construire une transformation unitaire qui diagonalise ces opérateurs sur

L^2(B)

,

Β = [−π, π)

étant la première zone de Brillouin de la partie libre. Les opérateurs transformés sont des multiplications par une fonction

E_∞(k)\in L^∞(B)

qui peut avoir un ensemble dense de sauts et est la limite uniforme quand

n → ∞

de fonctions

Е_n(k)

avec un nombre fini de discontinuités. Le contrôle sur les fonctions

Е_n(k)

et leur deux premières dérivées est suffisant pour impliquer l’absence de spectre ponctuel et singulier continu.
ELECTORAL FORMULA AND FRAGMENTATION IN HONG KONG
Authors: Carey John M.
Published: February 2017

The directly elected representatives to Hong Kong's Legislative Council are chosen by list proportional representation (PR) using the Hare Quota and Largest Remainders (HQLR) formula. This formula rewards political alliances of small to moderate size and discourages broader unions. Hong Kong's political leaders have responded to those incentives by fragmenting their electoral alliances rather than expanding them. The level of list fragmentation observed in Hong Kong is not inherent to PR elections. Alternative PR formulas would generate incentives to form broader, more encompassing alliances. Indeed, most countries that use PR employ such formulas, and the most commonly used PR formula would generate incentives opposite to HQLR's, rewarding broader electoral alliances rather than divisions.