bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Tuning of Anion‐Templated Motifs with External Stimuli through Crystal‐to‐Crystal Transformation
Authors: Singh Ashutosh S. , Tiwari Ranjay K. , Lee Mandy M. , Behera Jogendra N. , Sun Shih‐Sheng , Chandrasekhar V.
Published: November 2016

Protonation of trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (4,4′‐bpe) with dilute sulfuric acid (33 %) afforded a protonated adduct [{4,4′‐bpe⋅2 H+}2{HSO4}−2{SO4}−2{H2O}2] (1). The neighboring olefinic bond in 1 is in a suitable range (3.931–4.064 Å) to undergo a photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition reaction. Upon irradiation with UV light (365 nm), 1 undergoes a molecular sliding involving the 4,4′‐bpe⋅2 H+ units, affording 2, stabilized through OSO4⋅⋅⋅π interactions. Heating 1 to 50° C leads to a 3D hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) (3). This process occurs through thermal dissociation of the bisulfate anion. Diffusion of iodine through the crystal lattice of 1 and 3 enables the reduction of sulfate to bisulfate, affording a 1D hydrogen‐bonded chain (4). Solid‐state 13C CPMAS NMR, IR, DSC, and powder XRD studies further support stimuli‐responsive structural tuning through crystal‐to‐crystal transformation. All these conversions occur with significant translational and rotational movements along with a series of bond‐breaking and bond‐forming processes.
Immobilizing Molecular Metal Dithiolene–Diamine Complexes on 2D Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Dong Renhao , Zheng Zhikun , Tranca Diana C. , Zhang Jian , Chandrasekhar Naisa , Liu Shaohua , Zhuang Xiaodong , Seifert Gotthard , Feng Xinliang
Published: November 2016

Carbon electrocatalysts consisting of metal complexes such as MNx or MSx are promising alternatives to high‐cost Pt catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the exact HER active sites remain elusive. Here, molecular metal dithiolene‐diamine (MS2N2, M=Co and Ni), metal bis(dithiolene) (MS4), and metal bis(diamine) (MN4) complexes were selectively incorporated into carbon‐rich 2D metal–organic frameworks (2D MOFs) as model carbon electrocatalysts. The 2D MOF single layers, powders, and composites with graphene were thus prepared and showed definite active sites for H2 generation. The electrocatalytic HER activity of the 2D MOF‐based catalysts with different metal complexes follow the order of MS2N2>MN4>MS4. Moreover, the protonation preferentially occurred on the metal atoms, and the concomitant heterolytic elimination of H2 was favored on the M–N units in the MS2N2 active centers. The results provide an in‐depth understanding of the catalytic active sites, thus making way for the future development of metal complexes in carbon‐rich electrode materials for energy generation.
Antianginal Efficacy of Ivabradine/Metoprolol Combination in Patients With Stable Angina
Authors: Zarifis John , Kallistratos Manolis , Katsivas Apostolos ,   on behalf of the investigators of the Prospective, Non‐interventional, Observational Study of the Antianginal Efficacy of Ivabradine During a 4‐Month Treatment of a Greek Population With Coronary Artery Disease
Published: November 2016

Medical treatment is the main clinical strategy for controlling patients with chronic stable angina and improving their quality of life (QoL). Ivabradine treatment on top of metoprolol decreases angina symptoms and improves QoL in patients with stable angina and coronary artery disease (CAD). This is a post hoc analysis (636 CAD patients given ivabradine/metoprolol free combination) of a prospective, noninterventional study that included 2403 patients with CAD and stable angina. Data were recorded at baseline at 1 and 4 months after inclusion. Patient QoL was assessed using the EQ‐5D questionnaire. From baseline to study completion; ivabradine administration on top of metoprolol decreased heart rate (HR) from 80.8 ± 9.6 to 64.2 ± 6.2 bpm (P < 0.001). Mean number of angina attacks decreased from 2.0 ± 2.0/wk to 0.2 ± 0.6/wk (P < 0.001), whereas nitroglycerin consumption decreased from 1.4 ± 1.9 times/wk to 0.1 ± 0.4 times/wk (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients in Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class III to IV decreased from 15.4% to 1.9% (P < 0.001). The improvement of symptoms and angina class led to a significant 14.7‐point increase in EQ‐5D questionnaire score (P < 0.001). Patients with increased HR showed greater improvement (P = 0.001). Adherence to treatment during the entire trial was high (98%). Ivabradine combined with metoprolol significantly decreased angina symptoms and use of nitroglycerin in patients with stable angina and CAD, leading to improved QoL. The benefits observed with this combination explain the high rate of adherence to treatment.
Synthesis of Monoalkyl Glyceryl Ethers by Ring Opening of Glycidol with Alcohols in the Presence of Lewis Acids
Authors: Cucciniello Raffaele , Ricciardi Maria , Vitiello Rosa , Di Serio Martino , Proto Antonio , Capacchione Carmine
Published: November 2016

The present work deals with the production of monoalkyl glyceryl ethers (MAGEs) through a new reaction pathway based on the reaction of glycidol and alcohols catalyzed by Lewis acid‐based catalysts. Glycidol is quantitatively converted with high selectivity (99 %) into MAGEs under very mild reaction conditions (80 °C and 0.01 mol % catalyst loading) in only 1 h using Al(OTf)3 or Bi(OTf)3 as catalyst. The proposed method enhances the choice of possible green synthetic approaches for the production of value‐added products such as MAGEs.
Enzymatic Specific Production and Chemical Functionalization of Phenylpropanone Platform Monomers from Lignin
Authors: Ohta Yukari , Hasegawa Ryoichi , Kurosawa Kanako , Maeda Allyn H. , Koizumi Toshio , Nishimura Hiroshi , Okada Hitomi , Qu Chen , Saito Kaori , Watanabe Takashi , Hatada Yuji
Published: November 2016

Enzymatic catalysis is an ecofriendly strategy for the production of high‐value low‐molecular‐weight aromatic compounds from lignin. Although well‐definable aromatic monomers have been obtained from synthetic lignin‐model dimers, enzymatic‐selective synthesis of platform monomers from natural lignin has not been accomplished. In this study, we successfully achieved highly specific synthesis of aromatic monomers with a phenylpropane structure directly from natural lignin using a cascade reaction of β‐O‐4‐cleaving bacterial enzymes in one pot. Guaiacylhydroxylpropanone (GHP) and the GHP/syringylhydroxylpropanone (SHP) mixture are exclusive monomers from lignin isolated from softwood (Cryptomeria japonica) and hardwood (Eucalyptus globulus). The intermediate products in the enzymatic reactions show the capacity to accommodate highly heterologous substrates at the substrate‐binding sites of the enzymes. To demonstrate the applicability of GHP as a platform chemical for bio‐based industries, we chemically generate value‐added GHP derivatives for bio‐based polymers. Together with these chemical conversions for the valorization of lignin‐derived phenylpropanone monomers, the specific and enzymatic production of the monomers directly from natural lignin is expected to provide a new stream in “white biotechnology” for sustainable biorefineries.
Three‐Phase Current Control by Dynamic Reconstruction of Undetected Currents for AC Motor Drives
Authors: SHINNAKA SHINJI , ISHIDUKA TAKUMI
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes new three‐phase current control methods for AC motor drives, which detects only a phase current from among three‐phase currents. The first proposed method first detects a phase current, and then estimates the two‐phase current in the stationary reference frame using the detected single phase current. The second proposed method first detects a phase current, then synthesizes the two‐phase quasi‐current in the dq rotating reference frame, and finally produces two‐phase current estimates by extracting the positive‐phase component from the quasi‐current. The third proposed method produces two‐phase current estimates by filtering out the negative‐phase component from the quasi‐current. This paper presents the principles and detailed characteristic analyses of the proposed methods and validates them on the basis of extensive experiments.
Highly Efficient dc–dc Transformer Based on Multicell Converter Topology for Next Generation dc Distribution System
Authors: HAYASHI YUSUKE , TAKAI DAIKI , MATSUMOTO AKIRA , ISE TOSHIFUMI
Published: November 2016

A multicell dc–dc transformer (DCX) with an efficiency of 98.0% is developed for a next generation dc distribution system. Input series output parallel (ISOP) and input parallel output series (IPOS) connection topologies of highly efficient dc–dc cell converters have been applied to realize DCXs that have arbitrary I/O voltages and a high transfer factor. The behavior of a DCX based on multicell topology using nonregulated dc–dc converters is analyzed, and the voltage stress in each cell converter is discussed quantitatively considering the variation in converter circuit parameters. Further, the availability of the applied topology and the validity of the analysis are confirmed by fabricating a prototype of a 384 V to 12 V 2400 W DCX. The multicell topology contributes to realizing a low‐carbon society pushing the promotion of highly efficient, space‐saving, and low cost dc power supplies with standardized, highly efficient cell converter modules.
Left ventricular deformation at rest predicts exercise‐induced elevation in pulmonary artery wedge pressure in patients with unexplained dyspnoea
Authors: Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Santos Mário , Rivero Jose , McCullough Shane D. , West Erin , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Waxman Aaron B. , Systrom David M. , Shah Amil M.
Published: November 2016

Aims

Impaired left ventricular (LV) deformation despite preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) is common and predicts outcomes in heart failure with preserved LVEF. We hypothesized that impaired LV deformation at rest is a marker of impaired cardiac systolic and diastolic reserve, and aimed to determine whether resting longitudinal (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) are associated with invasively measured haemodynamic response to exercise in patients with dyspnoea and a normal LVEF.

Methods and results

We studied 85 patients with LVEF ≥50% and free of significant valvular disease who were referred for evaluation of dyspnoea. All patients underwent rest echocardiography followed by right heart catheterization and cardiopulmonary exercise testing with concomitant invasive haemodynamic monitoring. The LS, CS and CS/LS ratio were measured by two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography at rest. Lower absolute LS at rest was associated with greater increase in pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) from rest to peak exercise (r = 0.23, P = 0.034). In contrast, higher absolute CS at rest predicted a greater increase in PAWP (r = − 0.27, P = 0.032) and greater stroke volume augmentation with exercise (r = − 0.26, P = 0.021). Higher CS/LS ratio was most predictive of elevation in PAWP with exercise (r = 0.30, P = 0.015). Of the measures of LV systolic and diastolic function assessed, the CS/LS ratio resulted in the highest area under the curve and specificity for the presence of rest‐ or exercise‐induced pulmonary venous hypertension.

Conclusion

Left ventricular deformation at rest predicts exercise‐induced rise in PAWP among patients with dyspnoea and a preserved LVEF. A pattern of rest deformation characterized by worse LS and exaggerated CS is most strongly associated with exercise‐induced rise in PAWP.
Dinuclear Copper(II) Complexes with Distant Metal Centers: Weaker Donor Groups Increase Catecholase Activity
Authors: Zerón Paulino , Westphal Michael , Comba Peter , Flores‐Álamo Marcos , Stueckl A. Claudia , Leal‐Cervantes Carmen , Ugalde‐Saldívar Víctor M. , Gasque Laura
Published: November 2016

Two dinuclear complexes with Cu···Cu distances above 7 Å were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, EPR spectroscopy, solution speciation, and cyclic voltammetry. Both complexes display EPR spectra typical of dipole–dipole‐coupled dicopper(II) complexes. The two complexes presented herein are part of a series of dinuclear complexes with catecholase activity, and they exhibit the highest catalytic efficiencies of the series. This is associated with the weaker donor character of the ligands.
Active extracellular substances of Bacillus thuringiensis ITRI‐G1 induce microalgae self‐disruption for microalgal biofuel
Authors: Bai Ming‐Der , Wu Shao‐I , Chen Chun‐Yen , Chen Jen‐Chih , Lu Wen‐Chang , Wan Hou‐Peng
Published: November 2016

Microalgal cultures are a clean and sustainable means to use solar energy for CO2 fixation and fuel production. Microalgae grow efficiently and are rich in oil, but recovering that oil is typically expensive and consumes much energy. Therefore, effective and low‐cost techniques for microalgal disruption and oil or lipid extraction are required by the algal biofuel industry. This study introduces a novel technique that uses active extracellular substances to induce microalgal cell disruption. A bacterium indigenous to Taiwan, Bacillus thuringiensis, was used to produce the active extracellular substances, which were volatile compounds with high thermal stability. Approximately 74% of fresh microalgal cells were disrupted after a 12‐h treatment with the active extracellular substances. Algal lipid extraction efficiency was improved and the oil extraction time was decreased by approximately 37.5% compared with the control treatment. The substances effectively disrupted fresh microalgal cells but not dehydrated microalgal cells. An analysis of microalgal DNA from fresh cells after disruption treatment demonstrated typical DNA laddering, indicating that disruption may have resulted from programmed cell death. This study revealed that biological treatments are environmentally friendly methods for increasing microalgal lipid extraction efficiency, and introduced a microalgal cell self‐disruption mechanism.
Investigation of Carbon Flows in Switzerland with the Special Consideration of Carbon Dioxide as a Feedstock for Sustainable Energy Carriers
Authors: Meier Boris , Ruoss Fabian , Friedl Markus
Published: November 2016

The substitution of fossil energy carriers by renewable hydrocarbons is a promising measure to reduce net CO2 emissions. The production of renewable hydrocarbons requires hydrogen and carbon. Although hydrogen is easily accessible, the finding of optimal carbon sources requires an understanding of natural and anthropogenic carbon flows. However, there is no overview on the entire carbon flows in Switzerland yet. Although the potential of carbon from biomass is well known, it is unknown whether CO2 is the limiting factor for the production of renewable synthetic fuels. In a comprehensive analysis, 57 carbon paths within Switzerland and across its borders are identified. The carbon flows are quantified for 2013 and illustrated in a Sankey diagram. The diagram is universal and may be applied to other countries in this form. From this analysis, optimal carbon sources for renewable fuels are found. The question is discussed of whether CO2 for synthetic renewable fuels may also originate from nonbiogenic sources. Optimal carbon sources are either biomass or CO2 from incineration plants or cement‐manufacturing plants. If all accessible CO2 from these plants was used for the production of CH4, 43 % of Switzerland's road transportation could be powered with only a very low net CO2 emission if the electric power originates from renewable sources. The limiting factor for the production of synthetic fuel is renewable electrical energy rather than CO2. We propose that the origin of CO2 does not affect the sustainability of the synthetic fuel but the origin of the electric power does.
Short‐Term Stock Price Prediction Based on Limit Order Book Dynamics
Authors: An Yang , Chan Ngai Hang
Published: November 2016

Interaction of capital market participants is a complicated dynamic process. A stochastic model is proposed to describe the dynamics to predict short‐term stock price behaviors. Independent compound Poisson processes are introduced to describe the occurrences of market orders, limit orders and cancellations of limit orders, respectively. Based on high‐frequency observations of the limit order book, the maximum empirical likelihood estimator (MELE) is applied to estimate the parameters of the compound Poisson processes. Moreover, an analytical formula is derived to compute the probability distribution of the first‐passage time of a compound Poisson process. Based on this formula, the conditional probability of a price increase and the conditional distribution of the duration until the first change in mid‐price are obtained. A novel approach of short‐term stock price prediction is proposed and this methodology works reasonably well in the data analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age‐related decline in task switching is linked to both global and tract‐specific changes in white matter microstructure
Authors: Jolly Todd A.D. , Cooper Patrick S. , Rennie Jaime L. , Levi Christopher R. , Lenroot Rhoshel , Parsons Mark W. , Michie Patricia T. , Karayanidis Frini
Published: November 2016

Task‐switching performance relies on a broadly distributed frontoparietal network and declines in older adults. In this study, they investigated whether this age‐related decline in task switching performance was mediated by variability in global or regional white matter microstructural health. Seventy cognitively intact adults (43–87 years) completed a cued‐trials task switching paradigm. Microstructural white matter measures were derived using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analyses on the diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) sequence. Task switching performance decreased with increasing age and radial diffusivity (RaD), a measure of white matter microstructure that is sensitive to myelin structure. RaD mediated the relationship between age and task switching performance. However, the relationship between RaD and task switching performance remained significant when controlling for age and was stronger in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Variability in error and RT mixing cost were associated with RaD in global white matter and in frontoparietal white matter tracts, respectively. These findings suggest that age‐related increase in mixing cost may result from both global and tract‐specific disruption of cerebral white matter linked to the increased incidence of cardiovascular risks in older adults. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1588–1603, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel quantitative microarray antibody capture assay identifies an extremely high hepatitis delta virus prevalence among hepatitis B virus–infected mongolians
Authors: Chen Xiaohua , Oidovsambuu Odgerel , Liu Ping , Grosely Rosslyn , Elazar Menashe , Winn Virginia D. , Fram Benjamin , Boa Zhang , Dai Hongjie , Dashtseren Bekhbold , Yagaanbuyant Dahgwahdorj , Genden Zulkhuu , Dashdorj Naranbaatar , Bungert Andreas , Dashdorj Naranjargal , Glenn Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2016

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) causes the most severe form of human viral hepatitis. HDV requires a hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection to provide HDV with HBV surface antigen envelope proteins. The net effect of HDV is to make the underlying HBV disease worse, including higher rates of hepatocellular carcinoma. Accurate assessments of current HDV prevalence have been hampered by the lack of readily available and reliable quantitative assays, combined with the absence of a Food and Drug Administration–approved therapy. We sought to develop a convenient assay for accurately screening populations and to use this assay to determine HDV prevalence in a population with abnormally high rates of hepatocellular carcinoma. We developed a high‐throughput quantitative microarray antibody capture assay for anti‐HDV immunoglobulin G wherein recombinant HDV delta antigen is printed by microarray on slides coated with a noncontinuous, nanostructured plasmonic gold film, enabling quantitative fluorescent detection of anti‐HDV antibody in small aliquots of patient serum. This assay was then used to screen all HBV‐infected patients identified in a large randomly selected cohort designed to represent the Mongolian population. We identified two quantitative thresholds of captured antibody that were 100% predictive of the sample either being positive on standard western blot or harboring HDV RNA detectable by real‐time quantitative PCR. Subsequent screening of the HBV+ cohort revealed that a remarkable 57% were RNA+ and an additional 4% were positive on western blot alone. Conclusion: The quantitative microarray antibody capture assay's unique performance characteristics make it ideal for population screening; its application to the Mongolian HBV surface antigen–positive population reveals an apparent ∼60% prevalence of HDV coinfection among these HBV‐infected Mongolian subjects, which may help explain the extraordinarily high rate of hepatocellular carcinoma in Mongolia. (Hepatology 2017;66:1739–1749)
Bariatric surgery for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A clinical and cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Klebanoff Matthew J. , Corey Kathleen E. , Chhatwal Jagpreet , Kaplan Lee M. , Chung Raymond T. , Hur Chin
Published: November 2016

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) affects 2%‐3% of the US population and is expected to become the leading indication for liver transplantation in the next decade. Bariatric surgery may be an effective but expensive treatment for NASH. Using a state‐transition model, our analysis assessed the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of surgery to manage NASH. We simulated the benefits and harms of laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery in patients defined by weight class (overweight, mild obesity, moderate obesity, and severe obesity) and fibrosis stage (F0‐F3). Comparators included intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) and no treatment. Quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were calculated. Our results showed that surgery and ILI in obese patients (with F0‐F3) increased QALYs by 0.678‐2.152 and 0.452‐0.618, respectively, compared with no treatment. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios for surgery in all F0‐F3 patients with mild, moderate, or severe obesity were $48,836/QALY, $24,949/QALY, and $19,222/QALY, respectively. In overweight patients (with F0‐F3), surgery increased QALYs by 0.050‐0.824 and ILI increased QALYs by 0.031‐0.164. In overweight patients, it was cost‐effective to reserve treatment only for F3 patients; the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios for providing surgery or ILI only to F3 patients were $30,484/QALY and $25,367/QALY, respectively. Conclusions: Surgery was both effective and cost‐effective for obese patients with NASH, regardless of fibrosis stage; in overweight patients, surgery increased QALYs for all patients regardless of fibrosis stage, but was cost‐effective only for patients with F3 fibrosis; our results highlight the promise of bariatric surgery for treating NASH and underscore the need for clinical trials in this area. (Hepatology 2017;65:1156‐1164).
Cognitive biases among early adolescents with elevated symptoms of anxiety, depression, and co‐occurring symptoms of anxiety‐depression
Authors: Weeks Murray , Coplan Robert J. , Ooi Laura L.
Published: November 2016

Anxiety and depression are often highly correlated in adolescence, and cognitive biases are commonly associated with both types of symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine cognitive biases in early adolescents showing: (a) elevated symptoms of anxiety; (b) elevated symptoms of depression; (c) elevated co‐occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression; and (d) neither elevated symptoms of anxiety nor depression (comparison group). In particular, we were interested in the extent to which certain cognitive biases showed symptom specificity. Participants were N = 686 10‐ to 14‐year‐olds, who provided self‐reports of anxiety, depression, and measures of cognitive biases. Four groups were created based on quartile cutoffs: anxious, depressed, anxious‐depressed, and comparison. Among the results from multivariate analysis of variance, the anxious group thought negative events were more costly as compared to the depressed group. In contrast, the depressed group was higher in terms of negative causal attributions, overgeneralizing, selective abstraction, and negative views of the self, world, and future. The anxious‐depressed group showed an overall more negative pattern of cognitive biases than all other groups. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are distinguishable in terms of certain cognitive biases, and the co‐occurrence of symptoms is indicative of a particularly negative pattern of thinking. These findings have implications for intervention programs that could target specific cognitive biases.

Highlights

Are distinct patterns of cognitive biases evident among early adolescents with symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and co‐occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression?

We collected self reports of cognitive biases. We also collected self reports of anxiety, depression, and cognitive biases, and created the following groups: 1) anxious; 2) depressed; 3) anxious‐depressed; 4) comparison.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are distinguishable in terms of certain cognitive biases, and symptom co‐occurrence may indicate a particularly maladaptive pattern of thinking.
Ionizing radiation promotes CCL27 secretion from keratinocytes through the cross talk between TNF‐α and ROS
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhu Linlin , Wang Gang , Zhao Ye , Xiong Na , Bao Hegang , Jin Wensen
Published: November 2016

The skin‐associated chemokine CCL27 and its receptor CCR10 mediate the immune response of skin‐homing T cells. The CCL27 secreted from keratinocytes was reportedly involved in inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. However, whether ionizing radiation increases the levels of CCL27 secretion still remains unclear. In HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell line, CCL27 secretion was markedly increased after X‐ray irradiation. We further found that irradiation boosted the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was concomitant with the release of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Moreover, alteration of ROS in irradiated HaCaT cells correlated with TNF‐α secretion, indicating a positive loop of TNF‐α secretion and ROS generation. This positive loop regulated the secretion of CCL27 from irradiated cells. We therefore concluded that the cross talk between TNF‐α and ROS after keratinocytes was exposed to radiation, triggered CCL27 secretion for subsequent inflammation response.
Crimp length decreases in lax tendons due to cytoskeletal tension, but is restored with tensional homeostasis
Authors: Lavagnino Michael , Brooks Andrew E. , Oslapas Anna N. , Gardner Keri L. , Arnoczky Steven P.
Published: November 2016

Collagen crimp morphology is thought to contribute to the material behavior of tendons and may reflect the local mechanobiological environment of tendon cells. Following loss of collagen tension in tendons, tenocytes initiate a contraction response that shortens tendon length which, in turn, may alter crimp patterns. We hypothesized that changes in the crimp pattern of tendons are the result of cell‐based contractions which are governed by relative tautness/laxity of the collagen matrix. To determine the relationship between crimp pattern and tensional homeostasis, rat tail tendon fascicles (RTTfs) were either allowed to freely contract or placed in clamps with 10% laxity for 7 days. The freely contracting RTTfs showed a significant decrease in percent crimp length on both day 5 (3.66%) and day 7 (7.70%). This decrease in crimp length significantly correlated with the decrease in freely contracting RTTf length. Clamped RTTfs demonstrated a significant decrease in percent crimp length on day 5 (1.7%), but no significant difference in percent crimp length on day 7 (0.57%). The results demonstrate that the tendon crimp pattern appears to be under cellular control and is a reflection of the local mechanobiological environment of the extracellular matrix. The ability of tenocytes to actively alter the crimp pattern of collagen fibers also suggests that tenocytes can influence the viscoelastic properties of tendon. Understanding the interactions between tenocytes and their extracellular matrix may lead to further insight into the role tendon cells play in maintaining tendon heath and homeostasis. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:573–579, 2017.
Glacier‐based climate reconstructions for the last glacial–interglacial transition: Arthur's Pass, New Zealand (43°S)
Authors: Eaves Shaun R. , Anderson Brian M. , Mackintosh Andrew N.
Published: November 2016

Geological records of mountain glacier fluctuations provide useful evidence for tracing the magnitude and rate of past temperature change. In this study, we present air temperature reconstructions for the last glacial termination in New Zealand derived using snowline reconstructions and numerical glacier modelling. We target the Arthur's Pass moraines in the Otira River catchment, which have previously been dated to the Lateglacial using cosmogenic 10Be. Recalculation of these exposure ages using a locally calibrated 10Be production rate indicates that these moraines formed ca. 16–14 ka. Our glacier modelling experiments and snowline reconstructions exhibit good agreement and show that the Arthur's Pass moraines formed in a climate that was 2.2–3.5 °C colder than present. Combining our results with other, proximal glacier records shows that ice in this catchment retreated ca. 50 km from the coastal plain to the main divide during the interval 17–15 ka, in response to a temperature increase of at least ca. 3 °C. Over half of this retreat occurred after the glacier had withdrawn from an overdeepened basin. Thus, we conclude that temperature increase was the primary driver of widespread and rapid glacier retreat in New Zealand at the onset of the last glacial termination.
The Strategic Impact of Information Technology Deployment, Part III
Authors: White Gareth R.T. , Jones Paul , Beynon‐Davies Paul
Published: November 2016

The deployment of information technologies can provide significant operational and strategic benefits to smaller organizations.
Sherpas share genetic variations with Tibetans for high‐altitude adaptation
Authors: Bhandari Sushil , Zhang Xiaoming , Cui Chaoying , Yangla  , Liu Lan , Ouzhuluobu  , Baimakangzhuo  , Gonggalanzi  , Bai Caijuan , Bianba  , Peng Yi , Zhang Hui , Xiang Kun , Shi Hong , Liu Shiming , Gengdeng  , Wu Tianyi , Qi Xuebin , Su Bing
Published: November 2016

Background

Sherpas, a highlander population living in Khumbu region of Nepal, are well known for their superior climbing ability in Himalayas. However, the genetic basis of their adaptation to high‐altitude environments remains elusive.

Methods

We collected DNA samples of 582 Sherpas from Nepal and Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, and we measured their hemoglobin levels and degrees of blood oxygen saturation. We genotyped 29 EPAS1 SNPs, two EGLN1 SNPs and the TED polymorphism (3.4 kb deletion) in Sherpas. We also performed genetic association analysis among these sequence variants with phenotypic data.

Results

We found similar allele frequencies on the tested 32 variants of these genes in Sherpas and Tibetans. Sherpa individuals carrying the derived alleles of EPAS1 (rs113305133, rs116611511 and rs12467821), EGLN1 (rs186996510 and rs12097901) and TED have lower hemoglobin levels when compared with those wild‐type allele carriers. Most of the EPAS1 variants showing significant association with hemoglobin levels in Tibetans were replicated in Sherpas.

Conclusion

The shared sequence variants and hemoglobin trait between Sherpas and Tibetans indicate a shared genetic basis for high‐altitude adaptation, consistent with the proposal that Sherpas are in fact a recently derived population from Tibetans and they inherited adaptive variants for high‐altitude adaptation from their Tibetan ancestors.
Association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and telomere length and C‐reactive protein from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey‐1999–2002
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Wirth Michael D. , Hurley Thomas G. , Hébert James R.
Published: November 2016

Scope

Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is an important biomarker of aging. This study examined whether inflammatory potential of diet, as measured by the Dietary Inflammatory IndexTM (DII) has an impact on telomere shortening in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We also carried out validation of the DII with C‐reactive protein (CRP).

Methods and results

Data came from NHANES 1999–2002. LTL and CRP were assayed from leukocyte DNA and serum specimens, respectively. The DII was calculated from food intakes assessed using 24‐h dietary recalls and expressed per 1000 calories consumed. Associations were examined using survey‐based multivariable linear regression for log‐transformed LTL. After multivariable adjustment, higher DII scores (i.e. relatively more pro inflammatory) were associated with shorter LTL both when used as continuous (b  =  –0.003; 95% confidence interval [CI]  =  –0.005, –0.0002) and as quartiles (bDIIquartile4vs1  =  –0.013; 95% CI  =  –0.025, –0.001; Ptrend  =  .03). In this same sample the DII also was associated with CRP ≥3 mg/L (ORDIIcontinuous = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.16).

Conclusion

In these NHANES data there was an association between DII and LTL. This study also provided a successful construct validation of the DII using CRP in a nationally representative sample. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that diet‐associated inflammation determines LTL.
Altered expression of BRG1 and histone demethylases, and aberrant H3K4 methylation in less developmentally competent embryos at the time of embryonic genome activation
Authors: Glanzner Werner G. , Wachter Audrey , Coutinho Ana Rita S. , Albornoz Marcelo S. , Duggavathi Raj , GonÇAlves Paulo B. D. , Bordignon Vilceu
Published: November 2016

Epigenetics is a fundamental regulator underlying many biological functions, such as development and cell differentiation. Epigenetic modifications affect key chromatin regulation, including transcription and DNA repair, which are critical for normal embryo development. In this study, we profiled the expression of epigenetic modifiers and patterns of epigenetic changes in porcine embryos around the period of embryonic genome activation (EGA). We observed that Brahma‐related gene 1 (BRG1) and Lysine demethylase 1A (KDM1A), which can alter the methylation status of lysine 4 in histone 3 (H3K4), localize to the nucleus at Day 3–4 of development. We then compared the abundance of epigenetic modifiers between early‐ and late‐cleaving embryos, which were classified based on the time to the first cell cleavage, to investigate if their nuclear localization contributes to developmental competence. The mRNA abundance of BRG1, KDM1A, as well as other lysine demethylases (KDM1B, KDM5A, KDM5B, and KDM5C), were significantly higher in late‐ compared to early‐cleaving embryos near the EGA period, although these difference disappeared at the blastocyst stage. The abundance of H3K4 mono‐ (H3K4me) and di‐methylation (H3K4me2) during the EGA period was reduced in late‐cleaving and less developmentally competent embryos. By contrast, BRG1, KDM1A, and H3K4me2 abundance was greater in embryos with more than eight cells at Day 3–4 of development compared to those with fewer than four cells. These findings suggest that altered epigenetic modifications of H3K4 around the EGA period may affect the developmental capacity of porcine embryos to reach the blastocyst stage. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 19–29, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strong convergence of the discontinuous Galerkin scheme for the low regularity miscible displacement equations
Authors: Girault Vivette , Li Jizhou , Rivière Beatrice M.
Published: November 2016

Strong convergence of the numerical solution to a weak solution is proved for a nonlinear coupled flow and transport problem arising in porous media. The method combines a mixed finite element method for the pressure and velocity with an interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method in space for the concentration. Using functional tools specific to broken Sobolev spaces, the convergence of the broken gradient of the numerical concentration to the weak solution is obtained in the L2 norm. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 33: 489–513, 2017
Protein‐phosphotyrosine proteome profiling by superbinder‐SH2 domain affinity purification mass spectrometry, sSH2‐AP‐MS
Authors: Tong Jiefei , Cao Biyin , Martyn Gregory D. , Krieger Jonathan R. , Taylor Paul , Yates Bradley , Sidhu Sachdev S. , Li Shawn S. C. , Mao Xinliang , Moran Michael F.
Published: November 2016

Recently, “superbinder” SH2 domain variants with three amino acid substitutions (sSH2) were reported to have 100‐fold or greater affinity for protein‐phosphotyrosine (pY) than natural SH2 domains. Here we report a protocol in which His‐tagged Src sSH2 efficiently captures pY‐peptides from protease‐digested HeLa cell total protein extracts. Affinity purification of pY‐peptides by this method shows little bias for pY‐proximal amino acid sequences, comparable to that achieved by using antibodies to pY, but with equal or higher yield. Superbinder‐SH2 affinity purification mass spectrometry (sSH2‐AP‐MS) therefore provides an efficient and economical approach for unbiased pY‐directed phospho‐proteome profiling without the use of antibodies.
Deterministic and Monte Carlo methods for simulation of plasma‐surface interactions
Authors: Marinov Daniil , Teixeira Carlos , Guerra Vasco
Published: November 2016

Two approaches to the modeling of surface kinetics in reactive plasmas are discussed. Coarse‐grained deterministic models incorporate rate balance equations for coverages of surface active sites. They are computationally effective and can be readily coupled to reactor‐scale plasma simulations. In the kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) approach, the time evolution of a gas‐lattice system consisting of a large number of particles is described. Although being more demanding computationally, KMC algorithms are exact, allow a straightforward description of distributions of surface reactivity and help bridging the gap between simulations on atomic and macroscopic scales. In this paper, theoretical and practical aspects of deterministic and KMC modeling of plasma‐surface interactions are discussed taking O recombination on silica as a model system.
Environmental Impact of Energetics on Test Ranges
Authors: Hristov Hristo P. , Hristov Hristo I.
Published: November 2016

In recent years, pollution of environmental components onsite training and test ranges has drawn attention of governments and defence ministries. In a great number of NATO and EU countries, measures have been taken including an assessment of test ranges status and their pollution content. A number of researches have been conducted in this area and their results have been published. Most of them comprise disturbing data on the measured contamination levels of explosives and heavy metals in soil and groundwater. This qualifies the problem on management of sites contamination with munitions constituents as a serious one and of international concern.
Domain architecture of vasohibins required for their chaperone‐dependent unconventional extracellular release
Authors: Kadonosono Tetsuya , Yimchuen Wanaporn , Tsubaki Takuya , Shiozawa Tadashi , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Kuchimaru Takahiro , Sato Yasufumi , Kizaka‐Kondoh Shinae
Published: November 2016

Vasohibins (VASH1 and VASH2) are recently identified regulators of angiogenesis and cancer cell functions. They are secreted proteins without any classical secretion signal sequences, and are thought to be secreted instead via an unconventional protein secretion (UPS) pathway in a small vasohibin‐binding protein (SVBP)‐dependent manner. However, the precise mechanism of SVBP‐dependent UPS is poorly understood. In this study, we identified a novel UPS regulatory system in which essential domain architecture (VASH‐PS) of VASHs, comprising regions VASH191–180 and VASH280–169, regulate the cytosolic punctate structure formation in the absence of SVBP. We also demonstrate that SVBP form a complex with VASH1 through the VASH1274–282 (SIa), VASH1139‐144 (SIb), and VASH1133–137 (SIc), leading to the dispersion in the cytosol and extracellular release of VASH1. The amino acid sequences of VASH‐SIa and VASH‐PS, containing SIb and SIc, are highly conserved among VASH family members in vertebrates, suggesting that SVBP‐dependent UPS may be common within the VASH family. This novel UPS regulatory system may open up new avenues for understanding fundamental protein secretion in vertebrates.
Conformational analysis of a modified RGD adhesive sequence
Authors: Triguero Jordi , Zanuy David , Alemán Carlos
Published: November 2016

The conformational preferences of the Arg‐GlE‐Asp sequence, where GlE is an engineered amino acid bearing a 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) ring as side group, have been determined combining density functional theory calculations with a well‐established conformational search strategy. Although the Arg‐GlE‐Asp sequence was designed to prepare a conducting polymer–peptide conjugate with excellent electrochemical and bioadhesive properties, the behavior of such hybrid material as adhesive biointerface is improvable. Results obtained in this work prove that the bioactive characteristics of the parent Arg‐Gly‐Asp sequence become unstable in Arg‐GlE‐Asp because of both the steric hindrance caused by the EDOT side group and the repulsive interactions between the oxygen atoms belonging to the backbone amide groups and the EDOT side group. Detailed analyses of the conformational preferences identified in this work have been used to re‐engineer the Arg‐GlE‐Asp sequence for the future development of a new electroactive conjugate with improved bioadhesive properties. The preparation of this new conjugate is in progress. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐principles study of structural, electronic, elastic, and optical properties of cubic KNbO3 and KTaO3 crystals
Authors: Xu Yong‐Qiang , Wu Shao‐Yi , Zhang Li‐Juan , Wu Li‐Na , Ding Chang‐Chun
Published: November 2016

Cubic KNbO3 and KTaO3 crystals are studied using the first‐principles VASP code. By employing local density approximation (LDA), GGA‐PBE, and HSE06, the lattice parameters are optimized and compared with available experimental data, and the best agreement is achieved with HSE06. Electronic structures such as density of states, band structures, and charge‐density distribution are discussed in detail for both crystals. The single‐crystal elastic constants, polycrystalline elastic modulus, compressibility, Poisson's ratio, and anisotropy factors are obtained from the Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation. The elastic anisotropy is modeled and visualized in the light of the elastic properties of both systems. The bandgaps of the two crystals are calculated with LDA, PBE, HSE06, and GW approximations (GW0), and the results of HSE06 and GW0 agree well with experimental data. Then the more reliable optical properties of KNbO3 and KTaO3 are acquired based on the bandgaps with HSE06, in which the previous scissors operator correction is avoided. Both crystals are brittle, and KTaO3 exhibits higher hardness and stiffness than KNbO3. Some novel results, such as Debye temperatures, sound velocities, and the extreme values of Young's modulus are obtained.
Note: European Consumers’ Perceptions of Time–Temperature Indicators in Food Packaging
Authors: Pennanen Kyösti , Focas Caralampo , Kumpusalo‐Sanna Vilja , Keskitalo‐Vuokko Kaisu , Matullat Imke , Ellouze Mariem , Pentikäinen Saara , Smolander Maria , Korhonen Virpi , Ollila Margareetta
Published: November 2016

The article from this special issue was previously published in Packaging Technology in Science, Volume 28, Issue 4, 2015. For completeness we are including the title page of the article below. The full text of the article can be read in Issue 28:4 on Wiley Online Library: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pts.2105/abstract
Note: Talking about Torque: Measuring Pack Accessibility – a Review
Authors: Yoxall A. , Rowson J.
Published: November 2016

The article from this special issue was previously published in Packaging Technology in Science, Volume 28, Issue 1, 2015. For completeness we are including the title page of the article below. The full text of the article can be read in Issue 28:1 on Wiley Online Library: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pts.2079/abstract
Update policies for student requests for handling emotional support assistance animals in residence halls
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: November 2016

Colleges and universities have seen a significant increase in students requesting authorization to keep an emotional support assistance animal in campus housing, according to an article in the July 2016 American Bar Association Journal.
Cartel Organization, Price Discrimination, and Selection of Transatlantic Migrants: 1899–1911
Authors: Deltas George , Sicotte Richard
Published: November 2016

We study the effects of trans‐Atlantic passenger shipping cartels on tourist/business and migrant traffic. Collusion had a smaller effect on first and second class service relative to third class service. Its effects were proportionately stronger eastbound, but less important in absolute numbers given smaller eastbound traffic. Collusion‐driven consumer substitution across classes was small but non‐negligible. Thus, collusion affected migrant traffic far more than tourist/business traffic. We also confirm that collusion led to higher fares across all cabin classes, especially for steerage. We construct and calibrate an analytical model and show that the pattern of observed prices and volumes are consistent with a profit‐maximizing cartel, thus buttressing the hypothesis that the collusion effects were causal. Finally, we document that collusion led to positive selection of migrants, as measured by literacy rates and financial resources.
Pleural Effusion After Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Risk Factor Analyses and Its Impact on Oncological Outcomes
Authors: Uchiyama Hideaki , Harimoto Norifumi , Itoh Shinji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ikegami Toru , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: November 2016

Background

Although posthepatectomy pleural effusion (PHPE) is a commonly observed phenomenon, its precise etiology and the impact of its emergence on oncological outcomes have still unknown. The aim of the current study was to retrospectively investigate risk factors for PHPE and its impact on oncological outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Medical records of 330 patients who underwent primary curative hepatectomy for HCC were reviewed. All 330 patients had CT around day 7 after hepatectomy, and the emergence of PHPE on CT was examined. Presumed 38 risk factors for the emergence of PHPE and already‐known 9 risk factors together with PHPE for HCC recurrence and patient death after hepatectomy were analyzed.

Results

The overall incidence of PHPE was 54.5% (180/330). One hundred seventy‐nine and 38 out of the 180 patients had right‐sided PHPE and left‐sided PHPE, respectively. The independent risk factors for right‐sided PHPE were hepatitis B or C back ground, lower preoperative white blood cell count, larger intraoperative blood loss, longer operation time, subcostal incision, and longer total inflow occlusion time, while the only independent risk factor for left‐sided PHPE was longer operation time. Left‐sided PHPE was testified to be one of the independent risk factors not only for HCC recurrence but also for patient death.

Conclusions

Although the cause of PHPE after hepatectomy might be multifactorial, the emergence of left‐sided PHPE is a portent of worse oncological outcomes after curative hepatectomy for HCC and patients with left‐sided PHPE need close follow‐ups.