bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bifunctional Molybdenum Polyoxometalates for the Combined Hydrodeoxygenation and Alkylation of Lignin‐Derived Model Phenolics
Authors: Anderson Eric , Crisci Anthony , Murugappan Karthick , Román‐Leshkov Yuriy
Published: March 2017

Reductive catalytic fractionation of biomass has recently emerged as a powerful lignin extraction and depolymerization method to produce monomeric aromatic oxygenates in high yields. Here, bifunctional molybdenum‐based polyoxometalates supported on titania (POM/TiO2) are shown to promote tandem hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and alkylation reactions, converting lignin‐derived oxygenated aromatics into alkylated benzenes and alkylated phenols in high yields. In particular, anisole and 4‐propylguaiacol were used as model compounds for this gas‐phase study using a packed‐bed flow reactor. For anisole, 30 % selectivity for alkylated aromatic compounds (54 % C‐alkylation of the methoxy groups by methyl balance) with an overall 72 % selectivity for HDO at 82 % anisole conversion was observed over H3PMo12O40/TiO2 at 7 h on stream. Under similar conditions, 4‐propylguaiacol was mainly converted into 4‐propylphenol and alkylated 4‐propylphenols with a selectivity to alkylated 4‐propylphenols of 42 % (77 % C‐alkylation) with a total HDO selectivity to 4‐propylbenzene and alkylated 4‐propylbenzenes of 4 % at 92 % conversion (7 h on stream). Higher catalyst loadings pushed the 4‐propylguaiacol conversion to 100 % and resulted in a higher selectivity to propylbenzene of 41 %, alkylated aromatics of 21 % and alkylated phenols of 17 % (51 % C‐alkylation). The reactivity studies coupled with catalyst characterization revealed that Lewis acid sites act synergistically with neighboring Brønsted acid sites to simultaneously promote alkylation and hydrodeoxygenation activity. A reaction mechanism is proposed involving activation of the ether bond on a Lewis acid site, followed by methyl transfer and C‐alkylation. Mo‐based POMs represent a versatile catalytic platform to simultaneously upgrade lignin‐derived oxygenated aromatics into alkylated arenes.
Forest management could counteract distribution retractions forced by climate change
Authors: Mair Louise , Harrison Philip J. , Räty Minna , Bärring Lars , Strandberg Gustav , Snäll Tord
Published: March 2017

Climate change is expected to drive the distribution retraction of northern species. However, particularly in regions with a history of intensive exploitation, changes in habitat management could facilitate distribution expansions counter to expectations under climate change. Here, we test the potential for future forest management to facilitate the southward expansion of an old‐forest species from the boreal region into the boreo‐nemoral region, contrary to expectations under climate change. We used an ensemble of species distribution models based on citizen science data to project the response of Phellinus ferrugineofuscus, a red‐listed old‐growth indicator, wood‐decaying fungus, to six forest management and climate change scenarios. We projected change in habitat suitability across the boreal and boreo‐nemoral regions of Sweden for the period 2020–2100. Scenarios varied in the proportion of forest set aside from production, the level of timber extraction, and the magnitude of climate change. Habitat suitabilities for the study species were projected to show larger relative increases over time in the boreo‐nemoral region compared to the boreal region, under all scenarios. By 2100, mean suitabilities in set‐aside forest in the boreo‐nemoral region were similar to the suitabilities projected for set‐aside forest in the boreal region in 2020, suggesting that occurrence in the boreo‐nemoral region could be increased. However, across all scenarios, consistently higher projected suitabilities in set‐aside forest in the boreal region indicated that the boreal region remained the species stronghold. Furthermore, negative effects of climate change were evident in the boreal region, and projections suggested that climatic changes may eventually counteract the positive effects of forest management in the boreo‐nemoral region. Our results suggest that the current rarity of this old‐growth indicator species in the boreo‐nemoral region may be due to the history of intensive forestry. Forest management therefore has the potential to compensate for the negative effects of climate change. However, increased occurrence at the southern range edge would depend on the dispersal and colonization ability of the species. An increase in the amount of set‐aside forest across both the boreal and boreo‐nemoral regions is therefore likely to be required to prevent the decline of old‐forest species under climate change.
Source water contributions and hydrologic responses to simulated emerald ash borer infestations in depressional black ash wetlands
Authors: Van Grinsven Matthew J. , Shannon Joseph P. , Davis Joshua C. , Bolton Nicholas W. , Wagenbrenner Joseph W. , Kolka Randall K. , Pypker Thomas G.
Published: March 2017

Forested wetlands dominated by black ash (Fraxinus nigra) are currently threatened by the rapid expansion of the exotic emerald ash borer (EAB;Agrilus planipennis,Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in North America, and very little is known about the hydrology and ecology of black ash wetlands. The ecohydrological response of forested wetlands following a canopy disturbance has the potential to affect critical ecosystem services, and the degree of this effect may largely depend on the wetland's hydrogeological setting. The main objectives of this study were to characterize the hydrologic connectivity of uninfested black ash wetlands and evaluate the water table response to a simulated EAB disturbance. We hypothesized that black ash wetlands in northern Michigan were (a) seasonally connected to, and derived the majority of their water from groundwater, and (b) wetland water tables would be elevated following a simulated EAB infestation due to decreased transpiration with the loss of black ash. The results indicate that the black ash wetland sites received most of their water from groundwater discharge. Significantly smaller site transpiration fluxes and significantly slower rates of drawdown were detected during the growing season in the girdled and ash‐cut treatment sites, and these responses collectively produced significantly elevated wetland water tables when compared to control sites in the latter portions of the growing season. However, the wetlands' strong connection with groundwater sources likely buffered the magnitude of hydrological responses associated with the loss of black ash from the landscape.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on population structure of dune‐dwelling lizards
Authors: Walkup Danielle K. , Leavitt Daniel J. , Fitzgerald Lee A.
Published: March 2017

Landscape fragmentation alters biotic and abiotic characteristics of landscapes, variously affecting the size and demographic structure of species' populations. Fragmentation is predicted to negatively impact habitat specialists because of perturbations to their habitat, whereas generalists should be less sensitive to fragmentation. Differences in life history among the lizards in this community should partly explain some of the variation in generalist species' responses to fragmentation. During five seasons (2009–2013), we captured eight species of lizards on 27 independent trapping grids located in unfragmented (N = 18) and fragmented (N = 9) grids in the Mescalero‐Monahans Sandhills ecosystem in southeastern New Mexico. Using a two‐way ANOVA, we tested for effects of fragmentation and year on capture rates for each species. To test for effects of fragmentation on demographic structure, we used contingency tables with expected frequencies computed from the demographic structure on unfragmented grids. Capture rates of the endemic habitat specialist Sceloporus arenicolus (dunes sagebrush lizard) decreased to zero in fragmented sites. The demographic structure of S. arenicolus and Holbrookia maculata (common lesser earless lizard) was severely disrupted at fragmented sites, with proportions of juveniles, adult males, or adult females being over‐ or underrepresented during sample months. Variable responses of five generalist species could be attributed to life history patterns, habitat affinity, and breeding phenology. This is the first empirical study we are aware of that describes and quantifies the demographic effects of fragmentation on populations of multiple lizard species in a replicated study. Our findings lend important insights into how habitat specialization and differences in life history influence the susceptibility of species to the impacts of fragmentation.
N addition suppresses the performance of grassland caterpillars (Gynaephora alpherakjj) by decreasing ground temperature
Authors: Yang Yangheshan , Xi Xinqiang , Zhong Xintong , Eisenhauer Nico , Sun Shucun
Published: March 2017

Nitrogen deposition may stimulate plant biomass production and improve the quality of plant tissue, with both effects potentially facilitating herbivore growth and development. We hypothesized that simulated N deposition (N addition) would facilitate the growth and development of the grassland caterpillar Gynaephora alpherakjj, a notorious pest species in the alpine Tibetan meadow. We tested this hypothesis in two complementary experiments. The first field experiment tested N (ambient N levels vs. N addition) and caterpillar effects (caterpillar absence vs. presence) on plant community and sedge (major food plant species for caterpillars) biomass, growth, and development rate of the caterpillars, and microhabitat temperature. The second chamber experiment tested N addition effects through plant tissue quality on caterpillar performance. Results show that N addition increased the biomass and leaf N concentration of the sedge species, but decreased the feeding time, growth, and development rate of the caterpillars in the field experiment. The independent chamber experiment showed that increased leaf N facilitated the caterpillar growth and development. These results suggest that the reduced performance of caterpillars was not caused by an N addition‐induced change in food quality. By contrast, N addition significantly reduced the ground surface temperature presumably because of canopy shading, as indicated by increased plant height and biomass in the N addition treatment. A significant quadratic relationship between ground surface temperature and the number of feeding caterpillars in the field experiment explained the difference in feeding time between the N addition and ambient N treatments. It can thus be concluded that N addition reduced caterpillar performance by stimulating plant growth leading to reduced ground surface temperatures, which decreased caterpillar feeding activity. Our results suggest that the effect of N deposition on abiotic factors could be critical to the growth, development, and survival of immobile herbivore species or the individuals at immobile stages that cannot quickly respond to changing microclimatic environments.
Interlaboratory evaluation of a multiplexed high information content in vitro genotoxicity assay
Authors: Bryce Steven M. , Bernacki Derek T. , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Spellman Richard A. , Engel Maria E. , Schuler Maik , Lorge Elisabeth , Heikkinen Pekka T. , Hemmann Ulrike , Thybaud Véronique , Wilde Sabrina , Queisser Nina , Sutter Andreas , Zeller Andreas , Guérard Melanie , Kirkland David , Dertinger Stephen D.
Published: March 2017

We previously described a multiplexed in vitro genotoxicity assay based on flow cytometric analysis of detergent‐liberated nuclei that are simultaneously stained with propidium iodide and labeled with fluorescent antibodies against p53, γH2AX, and phospho‐histone H3. Inclusion of a known number of microspheres provides absolute nuclei counts. The work described herein was undertaken to evaluate the interlaboratory transferability of this assay, commercially known as MultiFlow® DNA Damage Kit—p53, γH2AX, Phospho‐Histone H3. For these experiments, seven laboratories studied reference chemicals from a group of 84 representing clastogens, aneugens, and nongenotoxicants. TK6 cells were exposed to chemicals in 96‐well plates over a range of concentrations for 24 hr. At 4 and 24 hr, cell aliquots were added to the MultiFlow reagent mix and following a brief incubation period flow cytometric analysis occurred, in most cases directly from a 96‐well plate via a robotic walk‐away data acquisition system. Multiplexed response data were evaluated using two analysis approaches, one based on global evaluation factors (i.e., cutoff values derived from all interlaboratory data), and a second based on multinomial logistic regression that considers multiple biomarkers simultaneously. Both data analysis strategies were devised to categorize chemicals as predominately exhibiting a clastogenic, aneugenic, or nongenotoxic mode of action (MoA). Based on the aggregate 231 experiments that were performed, assay sensitivity, specificity, and concordance in relation to a priori MoA grouping were ≥ 92%. These results are encouraging as they suggest that two distinct data analysis strategies can rapidly and reliably predict new chemicals’ predominant genotoxic MoA based on data from an efficient and transferable multiplexed in vitro assay. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:146–161, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavior of prostate cancer cells in a nanohydroxyapatite/collagen bone scaffold
Authors: Cruz‐Neves Susana , Ribeiro Nilza , Graça Inês , Jerónimo Carmen , Sousa Susana R. , Monteiro Fernando J.
Published: March 2017

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of death among men in Europe and U.S. The metastatic dissemination pattern of PCa is unique, developing bone metastasis as the only site of progression, consequently with a prognosis very poor. The cancer cells interactions within the surrounding bone environment are critical for tumor growth and progression. Secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is described to be involved in PCa cells migration and invasion into bone. Three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro systems that are able to closely resemble the in vivo microenvironment are recently taking importance in cancer research. Original nanohydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds were designed to resemble bone microenvironment in order to be applied as substitutes in bone defects and as potential biomaterials to mimic skeletal tumors. In fact, these 3D structures were cytocompatible and able to support osteoblast (MC3T3‐E1) colonization and to promote bone ingrowth. Additionally, SPARC adsorption onto the scaffolds affected PC3 and LNCaP PCa cell lines behavior. PC3 cells were found to adapt and colonize the scaffolds, differing from LNCaP where cells underwent morphogenic changes and grew as clusters. Furthermore, for the tested SPARC concentration, SPARC plays a role in retaining LNCaP cells at the latter time points while with PC3 cells no significant differences were observed. This characterization study is required to establish a bone model to provide new insights into the poorly understood PCa mechanisms of metastasis to bone and the generation of improved therapies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2035–2046, 2017.
Fluorinated methacrylamide chitosan sequesters reactive oxygen species to relieve oxidative stress while delivering oxygen
Authors: Patil Pritam S. , Leipzig Nic D.
Published: March 2017

Antioxidants play an important role in regulating overabundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wound healing to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. In this work, we demonstrate for the first time that functionalization of methacrylamide chitosan (MAC) with aliphatic pentadecafluoro chains, to synthesize pentadecafluoro‐octanoyl methacrylamide chitosan (MACF), enhances the antioxidant capacity of the MAC base hydrogel material, while being able to deliver oxygen for future enhanced wound healing applications. As such, MACF was shown to sequester more nitric oxide (p < 0.01) and hydroxyl (p < 0.0001) radicals as compared to the negative control even when delivering additional oxygen. MACF's beneficial antioxidant capacity was further confirmed in in vitro cell culture experiments using human dermal fibroblasts stressed with 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2368–2374, 2017.
Preparation and chemical characterization of an environmentally‐friendly coal dust cementing agent
Authors: Zhou Gang , Fan Tao , Ma Yunlong
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Coal dust is a major byproduct generated during coal mining production. The diffusion of coal dust not only causes severe environmental pollution, but also poses a serious threat to miners' health. How to provide effective control over coal dust remains one of the key topics of coal mine occupational safety research.

RESULTS

The present study is focused on the preparation of an environmentally‐friendly cementing agent applicable to the transportation, stacking and storage of coal. The product is characterized by a combination of infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), simultaneous thermal analyzer (TGA‐DSC)and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) so as to analyze the microscopic reaction and structure of the product; single factor experiments focusing on the peeling strength are carried out to determine the optimal synthesis condition.

CONCLUSION

A study on the characteristics of the cementing agent produced indicates that it has an effective dust suppression capability and extreme resistance against unfavorable application conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Laryngoscopic and stroboscopic signs in the diagnosis of vocal fold paresis
Authors: Estes Christine , Sadoughi Babak , Mauer Elizabeth , Christos Paul , Sulica Lucian
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify strobolaryngoscopic findings significant in the diagnosis of paresis.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Fellowship‐trained laryngologists reviewed 34 videostroboscopic examinations (24 with paresis, eight without paresis, two repeat). They indicated presence or absence of paresis, including side and type, degree of confidence in diagnosis, and ranked clinical findings that influenced diagnosis by order of importance. Fleiss's κ was used to assess inter‐rater agreement for paresis presence, side, and type. Clinical findings compelling in diagnosis were tabulated and described. Confidence levels for side and type were compared by analysis of variance/Kruskal‐Wallis tests and post hoc pairwise comparisons.

Results

Thirty‐one laryngologists completed the review. Inter‐rater agreement on presence or absence of paresis was fair at 0.334 (Fleiss's κ). Fourteen examinations were diagnosed with paresis by >70% of raters and considered strong paresis‐candidate exams. Diagnosis of paresis side and type were inconsistent, although with statistically significant differences in confidence ratings (unilateral vs. bilateral, recurrent laryngeal nerve [RLN] vs. superior laryngeal nerve [SLN], RLN vs. mixed RLN/SLN). Laryngoscopic and stroboscopic findings with the strongest association with paresis were vocal fold motion anomalies, vocal fold degeneration, glottic insufficiency, and mucosal wave anomalies.

Conclusions

Most laryngologists use strobolaryngoscopy for diagnosis of paresis. Although certain clinical findings were found to be associated with diagnosis, most commonly vocal fold motion anomalies, these varied among raters, especially when determining sidedness and nerve involvement. Future studies should expand the discussion and consideration of strobolaryngoscopic factors and adjunct functional and objective measures to develop a heuristic algorithm for diagnosis of paresis.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2100–2105, 2017
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Contemporary review and implications for the otolaryngologist
Authors: Stevens Shawn M. , Rizk Habib G. , Golnik Karl , Andaluz Norberto , Samy Ravi N. , Meyer Ted A. , Lambert Paul R.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

1) Review controversies pertaining to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. 2) Discuss the evolving role of otolaryngologists in managing this disease and related disorders.

Data Sources

Primary literature review, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, International Classification of Headache Disorders, Second Edition.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the primary literature was performed from 1990 to 2016 utilizing keywords idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pseudotumor cerebri, benign intracranial hypertension, spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak, and encephalocele. Articles were included at the discretion of the authors based on novel and/or historical contributions to the literature.

Results

The incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension is increasing along with the obesity epidemic. Undiagnosed patients may present to otolaryngologists with pulsatile tinnitus, dizziness, sleep apnea, and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Although diagnosis is predicated upon imaging findings and lumbar puncture, radiographic signs including empty sella, optic nerve dilation, and globe flattening may suggest the diagnosis. The most effective intervention is weight loss combined with acetazolamide. Surgery is reserved for severe or refractory symptoms and can be highly morbid. Otolaryngologists are increasingly responsible for managing a number of secondary disorders including cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and otorrhea. Failure to manage intracranial hypertension may lead to adverse surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

The knowledge base for idiopathic intracranial hypertension has greatly expanded over the past 25 years. This disease is associated with a number of conditions directly relevant to otolaryngologists. A keen understanding of this disorder and its management may optimize outcomes in a growing number of patients. Laryngoscope, 128:248–256, 2018
Facets and volume of Gorenstein Fano polytopes
Authors: Hibi Takayuki , Tsuchiya Akiyoshi
Published: March 2017

It is known that every integral convex polytope is unimodularly equivalent to a face of some Gorenstein Fano polytope. It is then reasonable to ask whether every normal polytope is unimodularly equivalent to a face of some normal Gorenstein Fano polytope. In the present paper, it is shown that, by giving new classes of normal Gorenstein Fano polytopes, each order polytope as well as each chain polytope of dimension d is unimodularly equivalent to a facet of some normal Gorenstein Fano polytopes of dimension . Furthermore, investigation on combinatorial properties, especially, Ehrhart polynomials and volume of these new polytopes will be achieved. Finally, some curious examples of Gorenstein Fano polytopes will be discovered.
A microstrip coupled‐fed patch antenna with dual‐band and dual‐polarization characteristics
Authors: Wu C.S. , Lu C.L. , Cao W.Q. , Guan D.F.
Published: March 2017

A microstrip coupled‐fed antenna with dual‐band dual‐mode and dual‐polarization characteristics is proposed in this letter. The antenna consists of two symmetrical rectangular patches as radiators and a microstrip line as coupled feeding structure. TM01 mode and TM10 mode of rectangular patch can be excited simultaneously at different frequencies for different polarizations. The proposed antenna is designed, fabricated and tested. The proposed antenna resonates at 4.3 and 5.4 GHz which are allocated for navigational applications. The measured −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of the two modes are 60 MHz in lower frequency band and 140 MHz in upper frequency band for horizontal and vertical polarizations, respectively. Radiation patterns at two resonant frequencies are measured and compared to simulation results. The proposed antenna has advantages of simple structure, low cross polarization and low cost. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1065–1068, 2017
A flush‐mounted monopolar patch antenna for UAV applications
Authors: Tak Jinpil , Choi Jaehoon
Published: March 2017

A flush‐mounted monopolar patch antenna for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications is proposed. To establish vertical monopole‐like radiation characteristics with a low‐profile on the fuselage of a UAV, a TM21 higher‐order mode circular patch antenna (HMCPA) was proposed. For practical installation on the UAV, the HMCPA was embedded into a round recess within the UAV fuselage and was covered by a 3D printed radome with polycarbonate nuts and bolts. The flush‐mounted HMCPA had an aperture radius of only 0.23 λ0 and a height of 0.02 λ0 at 700 MHz. To verify the practicability and performance of the antenna, characteristics of the proposed HMCPA were compared with those of a λ0/4 monopole via simulation. Additionally, antenna performance was analyzed when attached to a full scale UAV model. The proposed HMCPA featured monopole‐like radiation characteristics with a low‐profile at 700 MHz. The measured fractional −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth and peak gain were 6.46% and 1.86 dBi, respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1202–1207, 2017
L‐band dissipative soliton resonance fiber laser based on nonlinear amplification loop mirror
Authors: Li Yun , Yi Zhiqiang , Liu Peng , Gao Mingyu , Wang Tianshu
Published: March 2017

A kind of L‐band dissipative soliton resonance ring erbium‐doped fiber laser based on nonlinear amplifying loop mirror is proposed. In the experiment, a 10 m long erbium‐doped fiber is pumped by a 980 nm semiconductor laser. The stable dissipative soliton resonance square wave pulses are observed at room temperature by adjusting the fiber polarization controller. With the increasing of the pump power, pulse width is gradually broadened. Pumping power increased from 100 to 700 mW, corresponding pulse width obtained from 700 ps to 3.7 ns. The single pulse energy is increased from 5.2 to 27.4 nJ, which shows the fiber laser has a good stability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1194–1197, 2017
Complementary proteomic approaches reveal mitochondrial dysfunction, immune and inflammatory dysregulation in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness
Authors: Zakirova Zuchra , Reed Jon , Crynen Gogce , Horne Lauren , Hassan Samira , Mathura Venkatarajan , Mullan Michael , Crawford Fiona , Ait‐Ghezala Ghania
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Long‐term consequences of combined pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and permethrin (PER) exposure in C57BL6/J mice using a well‐characterized mouse model of exposure to these Gulf War (GW) agents were explored at the protein level.

Experimental design

We used orthogonal proteomic approaches to identify pathways that are chronically impacted in the mouse CNS due to semiacute GW agent exposure early in life. These analyses were performed on soluble and membrane‐bound protein fractions from brain samples using two orthogonal isotopic labeling LC‐MS/MS proteomic approaches—stable isotope dimethyl labeling and iTRAQ.

Results

The use of these approaches allowed for greater coverage of proteins than was possible by either one alone and revealed both distinct and overlapping datasets. This combined analysis identified changes in several mitochondrial, as well as immune and inflammatory pathways after GW agent exposure.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The work discussed here provides insight into GW agent exposure dependent mechanisms that adversely affect mitochondrial function and immune and inflammatory regulation. Collectively, our work identified key pathways which were chronically impacted in the mouse CNS following acute GW agent exposure, this may lead to the identification of potential targets for therapeutic intervention in the future.

Long‐term consequences of combined PB and PER exposure in C57BL6/J mice using a well‐characterized mouse model of exposure to these GW agents were explored at the protein level. Expanding on earlier work, we used orthogonal proteomic approaches to identify pathways that are chronically impacted in the mouse CNS due to semiacute GW agent exposure early in life. These analyses were performed on soluble and membrane‐bound protein fractions from brain samples using two orthogonal isotopic labeling LC‐MS/MS proteomic approaches—stable isotope dimethyl labeling and iTRAQ. The use of these approaches allowed for greater coverage of proteins than was possible by either one alone and revealed both distinct and overlapping datasets. This combined analysis identified changes in several mitochondrial, as well as immune and inflammatory pathways after GW agent exposure. The work discussed here provides insight into GW agent exposure dependent mechanisms that adversely affect mitochondrial function and immune and inflammatory regulation at 5 months postexposure to PB + PER.
Intramolecular Charge Transfer: Mechanism Behind Cyanide Anion Sensing of 3,5‐Diformyl–borondipyrromethene
Authors: Bhat Haamid R. , Jha Prakash C.
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of fluorescent chemosensors has remained a focus for most of the studies, but detailed mechanisms of sensing are still lacking. Density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent‐density functional theory (TD‐DFT) methods have been utilized to investigate the cyanide anion sensing mechanism of 3,5‐diformyl‐borondipyrromethene (1). The natural charges on carbons of the formyl groups of 1 indicate that these carbons are prone to nucleophilic addition. The analysis of the frontier molecular orbitals designates the first excited state (S1) of 1 as a local excited state with π → σ* transition. Likewise, S1 of 2 (the cyano form of 1) is a charge separated state, showing intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) which is responsible for inducing the fluorescence quenching in 2.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Wrapped Si/C Assembled on 3D N‐Doped Carbon Foam as Binder‐Free Anode for Enhanced Lithium Storage
Authors: Tao Huachao , Zhu Shouchao , Xiong Lingyun , Zhang Lulu , Yang Xuelin
Published: March 2017

Three‐dimensional (3D) and flexible N‐doped carbon (NC) foam was prepared by the carbonization of low‐cost and commercial melamine foam. Flexible reduced graphene oxide wrapped Si/C assembled on N‐doped carbon (Si/C/RGO/NC) foam was further prepared by the pyrolysis of the Si/polyvinyl alcohol/graphene oxide coated on the melamine foam. The polyvinyl alcohol enhances the bonding strength of Si and melamine, which ensures the uniform distribution of Si in the 3D NC foam after the pyrolysis process. The NC foam and composited reduced graphene oxide (RGO) in the electrode as continuous conductive frameworks and elastic matrix can maintain the structural integrity, improve electron and ion transport and accommodate the severe volume change of Si‐based electrode. Double carbon layers (amorphous carbon and RGO) coated Si core can effectively protect the Si core and avoid the direct contact between Si and electrolyte. The flexible 3D Si/C/RGO/NC foam with ∼40 wt% Si as freestanding anode for lithium ion batteries exhibits a high reversible capacity of 740 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1 and 314 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 (based on the weight of the composite), along with excellent rate capability and cycling stability.
Property Rights and Property Wrongs
Authors: Frye Timothy
Published: March 2017

Secure property rights are central to economic development and stable government, yet difficult to create. Relying on surveys in Russia from 2000 to 2012, Timothy Frye examines how political power, institutions, and norms shape property rights for firms. Through a series of sophisticated survey experiments, Property Rights and Property Wrongs explores how political power, personal connections, elections, concerns for reputation, legal facts, and social norms influence property rights disputes from hostile corporate takeovers to debt collection to renationalization. This work looks beyond high profile cases of economic conflict and departs from the common view that property rights in Russia are uniformly weak and driven solely by personal connections. The result is a nuanced view of the political economy of Russia that contributes to central debates in economic development, comparative politics, and legal studies.
Archaeology and Zooarchaeology of the Late Iron Age-Roman Transition in the Province of Raetia (100bc–100ad)
Authors: Trixl Simon , Steidl Bernd , Peters Joris
Published: March 2017

The incorporation of the region north of the Alpine divide and its foreland into theImperium Romanuminitiated major changes in economic and social structure and in everyday life in the newly-founded province of Raetia. Controversy exists, however, about the continuity of local La Tène traditions into early Roman times, since the archaeological evidence recorded to date tends to give the impression that the northern Alpine foreland was largely unpopulated at the time of the Roman conquest in 15bc. However, ongoing excavations in this region are gradually enhancing the archaeological visibility of this transitional phase. Compared to early Roman provincial populations settled along theVia Claudia Augustaand its hinterland, a culturally unique community stands out: the Heimstetten group. This group is located in the eastern Raetian hinterlands and dates to around 30–60ad. Its building tradition, settlement structure, and burial customs show close affinities with the La Tène culture, thus suggesting continuity in autochthonous culture at the time of the early Roman occupation. Since faunal remains can potentially act as cultural markers, additional insights can be gained from a spatial-temporal analysis of livestock composition and breeding practices. The results presented here clearly show that, during the Iron Age, marked regional differences in species composition are visible, implying the possibility of distinct developments during early Romanization. In addition to evaluating faunal developments in the study area between c. 100bc–100ad, the issue of cattle breeding—traditionally the mainstay of livestock economies in many regions and especially in the Munich Gravel Plain at least since the Bronze Age—is addressed in greater detail.
Ice flux evolution in fast flowing areas of the Greenland ice sheet over the 20th and 21st centuries
Authors: PEANO DANIELE , COLLEONI FLORENCE , QUIQUET AURÉLIEN , MASINA SIMONA
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the evolution of Greenland ice sheet flux focusing on five of the main fast flowing regions (Petermann glacier, North East Greenland Ice Stream, Kangerdlugssuaq glacier, Helheim glacier and Jakobshavn glacier) in response to 20th and 21st century climate change. A hybrid (shallow ice and shallow shelf) ice-sheet model (ISM) is forced with the combined outputs of a set of seven CMIP5 models and the regional climate model MAR. The ISM simulates the present-day ice velocity pattern, topography and surface mass balance (SMB) in good agreement with observations. Except for the Kangerdlugssuaq glacier, over the 21st century all the fast-flowing areas have exhibited a decrease in ice flux as a result of a negative SMB rather than dynamical changes. Only the fronts of Kangerdlugssuaq and Helheim glaciers have shown an interannual variability driven by dynamical rather than climate changes. Finally, the results predict a substantial inland ice margin retreat by the end of the 21st century, especially along the northern coasts.
Fitting milk production curves through nonlinear mixed models
Authors: Piccardi Monica , Macchiavelli Raúl , Funes Ariel Capitaine , Bó Gabriel A , Balzarini Mónica
Published: March 2017

The aim of this work was to fit and compare three non-linear models (Wood, Milkbot and diphasic) to model lactation curves from two approaches: with and without cow random effect. Knowing the behaviour of lactation curves is critical for decision-making in a dairy farm. Knowledge of the model of milk production progress along each lactation is necessary not only at the mean population level (dairy farm), but also at individual level (cow-lactation). The fits were made in a group of high production and reproduction dairy farms; in first and third lactations in cool seasons. A total of 2167 complete lactations were involved, of which 984 were first-lactations and the remaining ones, third lactations (19 382 milk yield tests). PROC NLMIXED in SAS was used to make the fits and estimate the model parameters. The diphasic model resulted to be computationally complex and barely practical. Regarding the classical Wood and MilkBot models, although the information criteria suggest the selection of MilkBot, the differences in the estimation of production indicators did not show a significant improvement. The Wood model was found to be a good option for fitting the expected value of lactation curves. Furthermore, the three models fitted better when the subject (cow) random effect was considered, which is related to magnitude of production. The random effect improved the predictive potential of the models, but it did not have a significant effect on the production indicators derived from the lactation curves, such as milk yield and days in milk to peak.
Brain volume changes over the first year of treatment in schizophrenia: relationships to antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Emsley R. , Asmal L. , du Plessis S. , Chiliza B. , Phahladira L. , Kilian S.
Published: March 2017

Background

Progressive brain volume reductions have been described in schizophrenia, and an association with antipsychotic exposure has been reported.

Methods

We compared percentage changes in grey and white matter volume from baseline to month 12 in 23 previously antipsychotic-naïve patients with a first episode of schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder who were treated with the lowest effective dose of flupenthixol decanoate depot formulation, with 53 matched healthy individuals. Total antipsychotic dose was precisely calculated and its relationship with brain volume changes investigated. Relationships between volumetric changes and treatment were further investigated in terms of treatment response (changes in psychopathology and functionality) and treatment-related adverse-events (extrapyramidal symptoms and weight gain).

Results

Excessive cortical volume reductions were observed in patients [−4.6 (6.6)%] v. controls [−1.12 (4.0)%] (p = 0.009), with no significant group differences for changes in subcortical grey matter and white matter volumes. In a multiple regression model, the only significant predictor of cortical volume change was total antipsychotic dose received (p = 0.04). Cortical volume change was not significantly associated with the changes in psychopathology, functionality, extrapyramidal symptoms and body mass index or age, gender and duration of untreated psychosis.

Conclusions

Brain volume reductions associated with antipsychotic treatment are not restricted to poor outcome patients and occur even with the lowest effective dose of antipsychotic. The lack of an association with poor treatment response or treatment-related adverse effects counts against cortical volume reductions reflecting neurotoxicity, at least in the short term. On the other hand, the volume reductions were not linked to the therapeutic benefits of antipsychotics.
Older Adult Spouses with Multiple Chronic Conditions: Challenges, Rewards, and Coping Strategies
Authors: Peacock Shelley , Sethi Bharati , Williams Allison , Duggleby Wendy , Bayly Melanie , Swindle Jenny , Ploeg Jenny , Markle-Reid Maureen
Published: March 2017

Un manque de recherche explore comment les conjoints des personnes âgées avec de multiples affections chroniques confèrent un sense à leur expérience de la prestation de soins. Dans le cadre de cette étude, nous avons posé la question suivante: Quelle est l’expérience des aidants naturels pour les personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques multiples? Nous avons appliqué l’approche descriptive interprétative de Thorne, en interviewant 18 conjoints qui ont fourni une riche description de leurs expériences de soins; les entrevues ont été transcrites textuellement et analysées thématiquement. Les thèmes ont été catégorisés en fonction des difficultés rencontrées, des récompenses obtenues et des stratégies de soutien employées par les participants à la prestation de soins pour les conjoints souffrant de maladies chroniques multiples. Les résultats uniques portent sur les défis inhérents à la prise de décision dans le contexte de maladies chroniques multiples. Cet article commence à combler l’écart dans la littérature sur l’expérience des soins dans le contexte de multiples maladies chroniques.
Child soldiering on trial: an interdisciplinary analysis of responsibility in the Lord's Resistance Army
Authors: Souris Renée Nicole
Published: March 2017

‘How can we tell what happened to us? There are no words to describe what we have witnessed. What we saw, what we heard, what we did, and how it changed our lives, is beyond measure. We were murdered, raped, amputated, tortured, mutilated, beaten, enslaved and forced to commit terrible crimes.’ (Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report for the Children of Sierra Leone)
Functional cis-regulatory modules encoded by mouse-specific endogenous retrovirus
Authors: Sundaram Vasavi , Choudhary Mayank N. K. , Pehrsson Erica , Xing Xiaoyun , Fiore Christopher , Pandey Manishi , Maricque Brett , Udawatta Methma , Ngo Duc , Chen Yujie , Paguntalan Asia , Ray Tammy , Hughes Ava , Cohen Barak A. , Wang Ting
Published: March 2017

Cis-regulatory modules contain multiple transcription factor (TF)-binding sites and integrate the effects of each TF to control gene expression in specific cellular contexts. Transposable elements (TEs) are uniquely equipped to deposit their regulatory sequences across a genome, which could also containcis-regulatory modules that coordinate the control of multiple genes with the same regulatory logic. We provide the first evidence of mouse-specific TEs that encode a module of TF-binding sites in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The majority (77%) of the individual TEs tested exhibited enhancer activity in mouse ESCs. By mutating individual TF-binding sites within the TE, we identified a module of TF-binding motifs that cooperatively enhanced gene expression. Interestingly, we also observed the same motif module in thein silicoconstructed ancestral TE that also acted cooperatively to enhance gene expression. Our results suggest that ancestral TE insertions might have brought incis-regulatory modules into the mouse genome.
A microfluidic culture model of the human reproductive tract and 28-day menstrual cycle
Authors: Xiao Shuo , Coppeta Jonathan R. , Rogers Hunter B. , Isenberg Brett C. , Zhu Jie , Olalekan Susan A. , McKinnon Kelly E. , Dokic Danijela , Rashedi Alexandra S. , Haisenleder Daniel J. , Malpani Saurabh S. , Arnold-Murray Chanel A. , Chen Kuanwei , Jiang Mingyang , Bai Lu , Nguyen Catherine T. , Zhang Jiyang , Laronda Monica M. , Hope Thomas J. , Maniar Kruti P. , Pavone Mary Ellen , Avram Michael J. , Sefton Elizabeth C. , Getsios Spiro , Burdette Joanna E. , Kim J. Julie , Borenstein Jeffrey T. , Woodruff Teresa K.
Published: March 2017

The endocrine system dynamically controls tissue differentiation and homeostasis, but has not been studied using dynamic tissue culture paradigms. Here we show that a microfluidic system supports murine ovarian follicles to produce the human 28-day menstrual cycle hormone profile, which controls human female reproductive tract and peripheral tissue dynamics in single, dual and multiple unit microfluidic platforms (Solo-MFP, Duet-MFP and Quintet-MPF, respectively). These systems simulate the in vivo female reproductive tract and the endocrine loops between organ modules for the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, cervix and liver, with a sustained circulating flow between all tissues. The reproductive tract tissues and peripheral organs integrated into a microfluidic platform, termed EVATAR, represents a powerful new in vitro tool that allows organ–organ integration of hormonal signalling as a phenocopy of menstrual cycle and pregnancy-like endocrine loops and has great potential to be used in drug discovery and toxicology studies.
Depleting Mycobacterium tuberculosis of the transcription termination factor Rho causes pervasive transcription and rapid death
Authors: Botella Laure , Vaubourgeix Julien , Livny Jonathan , Schnappinger Dirk
Published: March 2017

Rifampicin, which inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, provides one of the most effective treatments for tuberculosis. Inhibition of the transcription termination factor Rho is used to treat some bacterial infections, but its importance varies across bacteria. Here we show that Rho ofMycobacterium tuberculosisfunctions to both define the 3′ ends of mRNAs and silence substantial fragments of the genome. Brief inactivation of Rho affects over 500 transcripts enriched for genes of foreign DNA elements and bacterial virulence factors. Prolonged inactivation of Rho causes extensive pervasive transcription, a genome-wide increase in antisense transcripts, and a rapid loss of viability of replicating and non-replicatingM. tuberculosis in vitroand during acute and chronic infection in mice. Collectively, these data suggest that inhibition of Rho may provide an alternative strategy to treat tuberculosis with an efficacy similar to inhibition of RNA polymerase.
Endocannabinoid signalling modulates susceptibility to traumatic stress exposure
Authors: Bluett Rebecca J. , Báldi Rita , Haymer Andre , Gaulden Andrew D. , Hartley Nolan D. , Parrish Walker P. , Baechle Jordan , Marcus David J. , Mardam-Bey Ramzi , Shonesy Brian C. , Uddin Md. Jashim , Marnett Lawrence J. , Mackie Ken , Colbran Roger J. , Winder Danny G. , Patel Sachin
Published: March 2017

Stress is a ubiquitous risk factor for the exacerbation and development of affective disorders including major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms conferring resilience to the adverse consequences of stress could have broad implications for the treatment and prevention of mood and anxiety disorders. We utilize laboratory mice and their innate inter-individual differences in stress-susceptibility to demonstrate a critical role for the endogenous cannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in stress-resilience. Specifically, systemic 2-AG augmentation is associated with a stress-resilient phenotype and enhances resilience in previously susceptible mice, while systemic 2-AG depletion or CB1 receptor blockade increases susceptibility in previously resilient mice. Moreover, stress-resilience is associated with increased phasic 2-AG-mediated synaptic suppression at ventral hippocampal-amygdala glutamatergic synapses and amygdala-specific 2-AG depletion impairs successful adaptation to repeated stress. These data indicate amygdala 2-AG signalling mechanisms promote resilience to adverse effects of acute traumatic stress and facilitate adaptation to repeated stress exposure.