bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ ruminal digestibility and degradability of Macrocystis pyrifera and Sargassum spp. In bovine livestock
Authors: Gojon-Báez HH , Siqueiros-Beltrones DA , Hernández-Contreras H
Published: August 2017

An alternative for the use of macroalgae as forage was explored since the technology for its processing is simple and accessible. In this study we determined the chemical composition, energy contribution, in situ degradability and ruminal digestibility of Macrocystis pyrifera and Sargassum spp. Both algae are considered fodder with low energy contribution. The disappearance of dry matter in the rumen in a time lapse of 96 h yielded an 85% digestibility estimate for M. pyrifera and 54.83% for Sargassum spp., with an estimated rate of degradability of 0.03 and 0.05, respectively. Crude protein analysis indicated that the 8.40% estimated for M. pyrifera and 5.99% for Sargassum spp. are not degraded in the rumen (P < 0.01). In vitro analysis suggests that these proteins may function as bypass proteins to be digested in the abomasum. Mineral analysis confírmed a high yield by these macroalgae. The overall analysis supports the use of these species as a complementary meal for ruminants and M. pyrifera as a better choice because of its higher nutritional value.
Quantification and histopathological alterations produced by sublethal concentrations of copper in Fundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Ortíz JB , González-de-Canales ML , Sarasquete C
Published: August 2017

Fed and starved Fundulus heteroclitus specimens were exposed for 30 days to sublethal copper concentrations (800 µg Cu2+/L). The accumulation of copper and histopathological effects on the liver and gills were studied. In both fed and starved specimens, the liver showed a progressive copper accumulation during the experimental period (from 2 to 30 days), with higher levels of copper in the liver of starved fish. Copper accumulation was also detected in the gills, and the specimens exposed to copper for 15 to 30 days (both fed and starved) showed significant differences (P < 0.005) with respect to the control group and the 2-day treated fishes. The main histopathological alterations were: vacuolization of hepatic parenchyma, desquamation of gill epithelia, lamellar telangiectasia, as well as hepatic and branchial necrosis. The results of this paper provide evidence that the nutritional status of the fish has great importance in modifying its response to sublethal copper effects.
Reproduction of Cochlearius cochlearius (boat-billed heron) and Butorides virescens (green-backed heron) in La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Hernández-Vázquez S , Fernández-Acevez GJ
Published: August 2017

Reproduction of the herons Cochlearius cochlearius (boat-billed heron) and Butorides virescens (green-backed heron) was recorded for La Manzanilla estuary, Jalisco, Mexico, from April to August 1997. Two breeding sites were studied: site A presented 11 nests of C. cochlearius (54.5% were reused) and 16 nests of B. virescens (6.2% were reused); site B exhibited 8 nests of C. cochlearius and 22 nests of B. virescens (13.6% were reused). Mean height of nests of C. cochlearius was higher (308.42 ± 23.81 cm) than that of B. virescens (115.13 ± 4.73 cm). Clutch size of B. virescens (2.71 ± 0.08) was significantly larger than that of C. cochlearius (1.88 ± 0.12). Mean egg volume of B. virescens at site A (18.02 ± 0.19 cm3) was larger than the volume at site B (16.95 ± 0.30 cm3). The eggs of C. cochlearius (35.01 ± 1.04 cm3) were almost twice the size of those of B. virescens. The first nesting species was C. cochlearius, which exhibited a breeding period from April to August and an incubation period of 20 days. The breeding period of B. virescens was shorter and more homogeneous, from May to July, with a mean incubation period of 19.4 days. The breeding success estimated for both species fluctuated between 50 and 87%; the highest values were associated with viability and the lowest with flying success.
Effect of the microalga isochrysis galbana on the early larval culture of paralichthys adspersus
Authors: Silva A
Published: August 2017

A first feeding experiment on Chilean flounder larvae (Paralichthys adspersus), using Isochrysis galbana in culture tanks and a rotifer enrichment technique, was performed with 4500 larvae in nine 25-L tanks with green and clear water, and fed rotifers enriched with DHA Selco and I. galbana. The results were evaluated in terms of survival, growth, development and larval viability (stress-test). Larvae in green water with rotifers enriched with DHA Selco (AV-R-DHA) and larvae in clear water with rotifers enriched with I. galbana (AC-R-IG) showed significant differences in survival, growth, development and viability, compared to larvae in clear water with rotifers enriched with DHA Selco (AC-R-DHA). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in survival, growth and development between larvae in AV-R-DHA and larvae in AC-R-IG, suggesting that I. galbana could improve and support satisfactory nutritional levels in rotifers to sustain development of flounder larvae. The high viability shown by larvae in green water and the high level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content in I. galbana suggest a important role of DHA in the final quality of flounder larvae.
Changes in the copepod community during the 1992–93 Enso at San Lorenzo channel, Gulf of California
Authors: Lavaniegos BE , González-Navarro E
Published: August 2017

The structure of the copepod community from the San Lorenzo Channel, Gulf of California, is described for 1990 and the 1992–93 ENSO. The main difference between sampling periods was the decrease of the calanoid Nannocalanus minor. This oceanic species, distributed mainly in the equatorial zone, was one of the dominant in the plankton of the channel from February to August 1990. During the 1992–93 ENSO it appeared to be partially displaced by another equatorial but smaller species, Clausocalanus arcuicornis, and the tropical coastal species, Undinula vulgaris. Among the carnivores, Euchaeta marina decreased during ENSO, while the incidence of Candacia truncata and Candacia catula was observed. The mesh size of the net used noticeably affected the community structure observed, due to the escape of organisms through the net. With the net of 300 µm mesh size, 30% more species were collected than with the net of 500 µm, and the abundances of the smaller species presented high escape percentages with the latter.
Variation of the macrobenthic infaunal density in a bathymetric gradient: western gulf of mexico
Authors: Escobar-Briones E , Signoret M , Hernández D
Published: August 2017

The variability of the macrobenthic infaunal density is analyzed along a depth gradient, from the shelf break down to the abyssal plain in the western Gulf of Mexico. Samples were obtained at 10 sites in June 1997. Results show a decrease in density with increasing depth. Greatest density was recorded at 1230 m depth (2713.6 ± 1469.6 ind m–2), just below the minimum oxygen layer. This value is 1.5 times higher than values observed at the shelf break. Density decreases with increasing depth, attaining values three times smaller (880 ± 176.7 ind m–2) on the lower slope. The density recorded in the abyssal plain shows high variability (794.7 ± 43.7 to 1669.3 ± 536.3 ind m–2); the highest values recorded in the abyssal plain are similar to those recorded at the shelf break (1865.6 ± 1132.6 to 1932.8 ± 685.9 ind m–2). Density values recorded herein are higher than those previously published for the Gulf of Mexico and are more largely attributed to the hydrodynamics and input of organic matter than to the sediment factors. Chlorophyll a concentration in the water column is the parameter most closely related to density variability, having a similar effect as depth. The localities fall into three groups: the first includes the abyssal zone and continental rise (>3000 m), the second includes the sites located on the slope (>1500 to <3000 m) and the third includes the sites with depths less than 1500 m. The low concentration of dissolved oxygen defines the lower density on the shelf break and upper slope. Grain size and organic matter content in surficial sediment have a lesser effect on density at this depth. In contrast, the stations located on the lower slope and abyss were defined by the organic matter content in surficial sediment, which together with depth affect the macrobenthic infauna at different space scales.
Overlap in the type and size of the prey that compose the diet of the pacific sardine Sardinops caeruleus (Girard, 1856), thread herring Opisthonema libertate (Gunther, 1867) and northern anchovy Engraulis mordax (Girard, 1856) in the Gulf of California
Authors: López-Martínez J , Nevárez-Martínez MO , Molina-Ocampo RE , Manrique-Colchado FA
Published: August 2017

We present the results of the analysis of overlap in the diet of the Pacific sardine Sardinops caeruleus, the northern anchovy Engraulis mordax and the thread herring Opisthonema libertate. These are the most commercially important species of small pelagic fishes in the fishery that is developed in the Gulf of California. Although the diet of these species is very similar, the overlap is only significant between the northern anchovy and the thread herring. As these two species do not overlap spatially in the Gulf of California, the possibility of competition for food between them is considered unlikely.
Etymology of Aramaic (and Hebrew) √prns ‘to distribute, supply’
Authors: Butts Aaron Michael
Published: August 2017

The Aramaic verbal root √prns ‘to distibute, supply’ is first attested in the Middle Aramaic period (Palmyrene Aramaic and Targum Jonathan). It is then widely attested across all of the dialects of Late Aramaic. Outside of Aramaic, the root √prns is also found in post-Biblical Hebrew. A number of proposals have been made for the etymology of this root, but there continues to be no consensus on this question. The present note argues that the verbal root √prns ‘to distribute, supply’ derives from Greek προνοῆσαι, the aorist infinitive of προνοέω ‘to perceive, foresee; to provide, take care of’. This etymology is compared with that of √pys D/C ‘to persuade’, which is also first attested in Middle Aramaic, also became productive in a number of the Late Aramaic dialects, and also derives from a Greek aorist infinitive (πεῖσαι).
Legal Process Unearthed
Authors: Korolkov Maxim
Published: August 2017

A group of Qin documents inscribed on bamboo slips was acquired by the Yuelu Academy on the antique market in Hong Kong in 2007. Four of these manuscripts are criminal case records dated from the final decades before the unification of China by the state of Qin in 221 B.C. These texts shed light not only on the administration of justice on the eve of imperial unification but also on various aspects of social, economic, and cultural history and historical geography. The present article reviews the recently published English translation of the Yuelu case records by Ulrich Lau and Thies Staack and discusses the value of these texts as historical source material.
Debunking Ancient Jewish Science
Authors: Geller M. J.
Published: August 2017

A recently published collection of articles focuses upon a relatively small group of texts dealing mainly with astronomical calculations and omens as well as physiognomic omens, attempting to use these as a basis for reconstructing ancient Jewish science in the Persian and Hellenistic periods. The present review raises questions regarding the aims and methods employed, offering an alternative suggestion for the transfer of technical knowledge from Babylonia to ancient Palestine.
Elephants & Kings: An Environmental History. By Thomas R. Trautmann
Authors: Jamison Stephanie W.
Published: August 2017

Elephants & Kings: An Environmental History. By Thomas R. Trautmann. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2015. Pp. xvi + 372, illus. $30, £21 (paper).
Babylonian Poems of Righteous Sufferers: Ludlul Bël Nëmeqi and the Babylonian Theodicy. By Takayoshi Oshima
Authors: Hunt Joel H.
Published: August 2017

Babylonian Poems of Righteous Sufferers: Ludlul Bël Nëmeqi and the Babylonian Theodicy. By Takayoshi Oshima. Orientalische Religionen in der Antike, vol. 14. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2014. Pp. xx + 572, 65 plts. €139.
Old Assyrian Legal Practices: Law and Dispute in the Ancient Near East. By Thomas Klitgaard Hertel
Authors: Ridder J. J. de
Published: August 2017

Old Assyrian Legal Practices: Law and Dispute in the Ancient Near East. By Thomas Klitgaard Hertel. PIHANS, vol. 123. Leiden: Nederlands Instituut voor het Nabije Oosten, 2013. Pp. xlii + 479. €84.80 (paper).
Deuteronomy-Kings as Emerging Authoritative Books: A Conversation. Edited by Diana V. Edelman
Authors: Fried Lisbeth S.
Published: August 2017

Deuteronomy-Kings as Emerging Authoritative Books: A Conversation. Edited by Diana V. Edelman. Ancient Near East Monographs, vol. 6. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2014. Pp. xi + 289. $33.95 (paper).
Communities of Style: Portable Luxury Arts, Identity, and Collective Memory in the Iron Age Levant. By Marian H. Feldman
Authors: Foster Karen Polinger
Published: August 2017

Communities of Style: Portable Luxury Arts, Identity, and Collective Memory in the Iron Age Levant.

By Marian H. Feldman. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2014. Pp. xvii + 250, illus. $70.
Al-Qāḍī al-Nuʿmān, The Disagreements of the Jurists: A Manual of Islamic Legal Theory. Edited and translated by Devin J. Stewart
Authors: Poonawala Ismail K.
Published: August 2017

Al-Qāḍī al-Nuʿmān, The Disagreements of the Jurists: A Manual of Islamic Legal Theory. Edited and translated by Devin J. Stewart. Library of Arabic Literature. New York: New York University Press, 2015. Pp. xxxviii + 405. $40.
Witchcraft and the Rise of the First Confucian Empire. By Liang Cai
Authors: Vankeerberghen Griet
Published: August 2017

Witchcraft and the Rise of the First Confucian Empire. By Liang Cai. Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press, 2014. Pp. xii + 276. $85 (cloth), $27.95 (paper).
Steady 10Be‐derived paleoerosion rates across the Plio‐Pleistocene climate transition, Fish Creek‐Vallecito basin, California
Authors: Oskin M. E. , Longinotti N. E. , Peryam T. C. , Dorsey R. J. , DeBoer C. J. , Housen B. A. , Blisniuk K. D.
Published: August 2017

Rates of erosion over time provide a valuable tool for gauging tectonic and climatic drivers of landscape evolution. Here we measure 10Be archived in quartz sediment from the Fish Creek‐Vallecito basin to resolve a time series of catchment‐averaged erosion rates and to test the hypothesis that aridity and increased climate variation after approximately 3 Ma led to an increase in erosion rates in this semiarid, ice‐free setting. The Fish Creek‐Vallecito basin, located east of the Peninsular Ranges in Southern California, is an ideal setting to derive a Plio‐Pleistocene paleoerosion rate record. The basin has a rapid sediment accumulation rate, a detailed magnetostratigraphic age record, and its stratigraphy has been exposed through recent, rapid uplift and erosion. A well‐defined source region of uniform lithology and low erosion rate provides a high, reproducible 10Be signal. We find that paleoerosion rates were remarkably consistent between 1 and 4 Ma, averaging 38 ± 24 m/Myr (2σ). Modern catchment‐averaged erosion rates are similar to the paleoerosion rates. The uniformity of erosion over the past 4 Myr indicates that the landscape was not significantly affected by late Pliocene global climate change, nor was it affected by a local long‐term increase in aridity.
Contribution of energetic and heavy ions to the plasma pressure: The 27 September to 3 October 2002 storm
Authors: Kronberg E. A. , Welling D. , Kistler L. M. , Mouikis C. , Daly P. W. , Grigorenko E. E. , Klecker B. , Dandouras I.
Published: August 2017

Magnetospheric plasma sheet ions drift toward the Earth and populate the ring current. The ring current plasma pressure distorts the terrestrial internal magnetic field at the surface, and this disturbance strongly affects the strength of a magnetic storm. The contribution of energetic ions (>40 keV) and of heavy ions to the total plasma pressure in the near‐Earth plasma sheet is not always considered. In this study, we evaluate the contribution of low‐energy and energetic ions of different species to the total plasma pressure for the storm observed by the Cluster mission from 27 September until 3 October 2002. We show that the contribution of energetic ions (>40 keV) and of heavy ions to the total plasma pressure is ≃76–98.6% in the ring current and ≃14–59% in the magnetotail. The main source of oxygen ions, responsible for ≃56% of the plasma pressure of the ring current, is located at distances earthward of XGSE ≃ −13.5 RE during the main phase of the storm. The contribution of the ring current particles agrees with the observed Dst index. We model the magnetic storm using the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF). We assess the plasma pressure output in the ring current for two different ion outflow models in the SWMF through comparison with observations. Both models yield reasonable results. The model which produces the most heavy ions agrees best with the observations. However, the data suggest that there is still potential for refinement in the simulations.
Comparison of full and quasi‐static seismoelectric analytically based modeling
Authors: Gao Yongxin , Huang Feng , Hu Hengshan
Published: August 2017

Quasi‐static electromagnetic (EM) approximation was frequently used in numerical modeling of the seismoelectric wavefields, but the computational error it brings is unclear. In this study, we investigate the error caused by the quasi‐static EM approximation based on a horizontally layered model. With such an approximation we obtain a simplified set of Pride's equations and present an analytically based algorithm to solve the seismoelectric responses to an explosive source. First, we solve the seismic wavefields by ignoring the influence of the converted EM fields on the propagation of the seismic waves. Second, we simplify Maxwell equations to a Poisson equation of the electric potential, from which the EM signals are solved. The solved EM signals are compared with the solutions solved from the full Pride's equations to investigate the error caused by the quasi‐static EM approximation. The result shows that the quasi‐static EM approximation causes the loss of the electric field accompanying the S waves and yields errors in modeling the coseismic magnetic fields accompanying the S waves. The errors tend to become smaller when increasing the frequency and decreasing the salinity, implying that the quasi‐static EM approximation seems to be more suitable for simulating the coseismic EM signals under high‐frequency and low‐salinity conditions. The quasi‐static EM approximation also affects the simulation of the interfacial EM waves. Only under the condition that the wavelength of the EM wave is much larger than the source‐receiver distance, the quasi‐static method is valid in simulating the EM wave.
A geodetic matched filter search for slow slip with application to the Mexico subduction zone
Authors: Rousset B. , Campillo M. , Lasserre C. , Frank W. B. , Cotte N. , Walpersdorf A. , Socquet A. , Kostoglodov V.
Published: August 2017

Since the discovery of slow slip events, many methods have been successfully applied to model obvious transient events in geodetic time series, such as the widely used network strain filter. Independent seismological observations of tremors or low‐frequency earthquakes and repeating earthquakes provide evidence of low‐amplitude slow deformation but do not always coincide with clear occurrences of transient signals in geodetic time series. Here we aim to extract the signal corresponding to slow slips hidden in the noise of GPS time series, without using information from independent data sets. We first build a library of synthetic slow slip event templates by assembling a source function with Green's functions for a discretized fault. We then correlate the templates with postprocessed GPS time series. Once the events have been detected in time, we estimate their duration T and magnitude Mw by modeling a weighted stack of GPS time series. An analysis of synthetic time series shows that this method is able to resolve the correct timing, location, T, and Mw of events larger than Mw 6 in the context of the Mexico subduction zone. Applied on a real data set of 29 GPS time series in the Guerrero area from 2005 to 2014, this technique allows us to detect 28 transient events from Mw 6.3 to 7.2 with durations that range from 3 to 39 days. These events have a dominant recurrence time of 40 days and are mainly located at the downdip edges of the Mw>7.5 slow slip events.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of CO2reactive transport in network fractured media
Authors: Tian Zhiwei , Wang Junye
Published: August 2017

Carbon dioxide (CO2) geological sequestration plays an important role in mitigating CO2emissions for climate change. Understanding interactions of the injected CO2with network fractures and hydrocarbons is key for optimizing and controlling CO2geological sequestration and evaluating its risks to ground water. However, there is a well‐known, difficult process in simulating the dynamic interaction of fracture‐matrix, such as dynamic change of matrix porosity, unsaturated processes in rock matrix, and effect of rock mineral properties. In this paper, we develop an explicit model of the fracture‐matrix interactions using multilayer bounce‐back treatment as a first attempt to simulate CO2reactive transport in network fractured media through coupling the Dardis's LBM porous model for a new interface treatment. Two kinds of typical fracture networks in porous media are simulated: straight cross network fractures and interleaving network fractures. The reaction rate and porosity distribution are illustrated and well‐matched patterns are found. The species concentration distribution and evolution with time steps are also analyzed and compared with different transport properties. The results demonstrate the capability of this model to investigate the complex processes of CO2geological injection and reactive transport in network fractured media, such as dynamic change of matrix porosity.
A Hierarchically Porous Carbon Fabric for Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Jiao Yuan , Cho Seong Won , Lee Suyoun , Kim Sang Hoon , Jeon Seung‐Yeol , Hur Kahyun , Yoon Sun Mi , Moon Myoung‐Woon , Wang Aiying
Published: August 2017

The hierarchically porous carbon fabrics with controlled conductivity and hydrophilicity have been fabricated by dual templating method of soft templates nested on hard templates. A non‐woven fabric coated with a solution of F127/resol has been carbonized for the synthesis of both macro‐porous structures of 10–15 µm in diameter having meso‐porous carbon structures of 4–6 nm, respectively. After carbonization treatment, not only conductivity is significantly improved, the hierarchically porous carbon also shows superhydrophilicity or water‐absorbing nature due to mild hydrophilic material and its dual scale roughness. The porous carbon becomes conductive with resistivity widely tuned from 5.4 × 103 Ωm to 3.1 × 10−3 Ωm by controlling the carbonization temperature. As the increased wettability for organic liquids could lead organic molecules deep into carbonized fabrics, the sensitivity of hierarchically porous carbon fabrics benefits the detection for methanol(CH3OH) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This new design concept of hierarchically porous structures having the multi‐functionality of high wettability and conductivity can be highly effective for electroanalytical sensors.
Conducting Polymer Microcups for Organic Bioelectronics and Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Antensteiner Martin , Khorrami Milad , Fallahianbijan Fatemeh , Borhan Ali , Abidian Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2017

An ideal neural device enables long‐term, sensitive, and selective communication with the nervous system. To accomplish this task, the material interface should mimic the biophysical and the biochemical properties of neural tissue. By contrast, microfabricated neural probes utilize hard metallic conductors, which hinder their long‐term performance because these materials are not intrinsically similar to soft neural tissue. This study reports a method for the fabrication of monodisperse conducting polymer microcups. It is demonstrated that the physical surface properties of conducting polymer microcups can be precisely modulated to control electrical properties and drug‐loading/release characteristics.
Capturing “Extraordinary” Soft‐Assembled Charge‐Like Polypeptides as a Strategy for Nanocarrier Design
Authors: Duro‐Castano Aroa , Nebot Vicent J. , Niño‐Pariente Amaya , Armiñán Ana , Arroyo‐Crespo Juan J. , Paul Alison , Feiner‐Gracia Natalia , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Vicent María J.
Published: August 2017

The rational design of nanomedicines is a challenging task given the complex architectures required for the construction of nanosized carriers with embedded therapeutic properties and the complex interface of these materials with the biological environment. Herein, an unexpected charge‐like attraction mechanism of self‐assembly for star‐shaped polyglutamates in nonsalty aqueous solutions is identified, which matches the ubiquitous “ordinary–extraordinary” phenomenon previously described by physicists. For the first time, a bottom‐up methodology for the stabilization of these nanosized soft‐assembled star‐shaped polyglutamates is also described, enabling the translation of theoretical research into nanomaterials with applicability within the drug‐delivery field. Covalent capture of these labile assemblies provides access to unprecedented architectures to be used as nanocarriers. The enhanced in vitro and in vivo properties of these novel nanoconstructs as drug‐delivery systems highlight the potential of this approach for tumor‐localized as well as lymphotropic delivery.
Manipulation of the Photonic Spin Hall Effect with High Efficiency in Gold‐Nanorod‐Based Metasurfaces
Authors: Li Zhancheng , Liu Wenwei , Cheng Hua , Chen Shuqi , Tian Jianguo
Published: August 2017

The photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) has attracted great interest of the scientific community because of the wide range of spin‐controlled nanophotonics applications that it can provide. However, the PSHE is very weak in the reflection and refraction at an interface because of the extremely small spin–orbit interaction. Here, a significant photonic spin Hall effect is reported exhibiting over 70% efficiency in refraction by a gold‐nanorod‐based metasurface. Moreover, the spin‐dependent wave‐vector and beam‐centroid shifts of the converted refracted waves can be manipulated effectively by changing the periodic length of the proposed metasurface and the transmission distance, respectively. The results suggest intriguing possibilities for manipulating photon spins and orbital angular momentum for applications in nanophotonics and optical communications.
Measurements of Ambipolar Seebeck Coefficients in High‐Mobility Diketopyrrolopyrrole Donor–Acceptor Copolymers
Authors: Broch Katharina , Venkateshvaran Deepak , Lemaur Vincent , Olivier Yoann , Beljonne David , Zelazny Mateusz , Nasrallah Iyad , Harkin David J. , Statz Martin , Pietro Riccardo Di , Kronemeijer Auke Jisk , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: August 2017

The Seebeck coefficient of both electrons and holes in a family of ambipolar diketopyrrolopyrrole copolymers is investigated using field‐effect gated measurements. It is found that at high carrier concentrations the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficients is not strongly dependent on the molecular structure of the backbone within this family of polymers. Additionally, the Seebeck coefficients of electrons and holes have very similar magnitudes showing that electrons and holes experience a similar energetic landscape. Subtle differences in the carrier concentration dependence between the polymers are observed, which are interpreted in terms of different degrees of energetic disorder on the basis of molecular dynamics and electronic structure simulations.
Para‐Selective C−H Thioetherification
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Chieh , Li Chao‐En , Lee Chin‐Fa
Published: August 2017

We report the synthesis of thioether with high regioselectivity. The reaction proceeds through regioselective bromination followed by a copper/oxalic diamide‐catalyzed C−S bond cross‐coupling reaction. Functional groups, such as fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl, nitro, unprotected amine and pyridine, are tolerated by the reaction conditions.
Numerical study of smart honeycomb core using shape memory polymers
Authors: Tao Ran , Yang Qing‐Sheng , Zhang Xue‐Jiao , Liu Xia , He Xiao‐Qiao , Liew Kim‐Meow
Published: August 2017

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) attract widespread attention because they are able to maintain a temporary deformation after unloading and recover the initial shape under high temperature conditions. Based on a three‐dimensionally constitutive equation of SMPs, a finite element program is followed by compiling user‐defined material subroutine, which describes the shape memory behavior of thermo‐mechanical experiment. A honeycomb core using SMP is designed, which has the ability to recover the initial shape after deformation and be used as a smart core for sandwich structures. To prove their advantages in the engineering application, a series of thermodynamic behaviors of the SMP honeycomb core are simulated, including loading at high temperature, cooling, unloading at the low temperature, and recovering original shape on heating. Shape memory behaviors of tensile, compressive, bending, and locally sunken deformations are demonstrated and the effect of time and temperature on the recovery process is discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45672.
Optimized synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of an alginate–cupric oxide bionanocomposite
Authors: Safaei Mohsen , Taran Mojtaba
Published: August 2017

In this research, the structural features and optimal conditions for the synthesis of an alginate–CuO nanocomposite with the highest antibacterial activity were investigated. CuO nanoparticles (NPs) and the alginate biopolymer were synthesized chemically and biologically, respectively. Nine nanocomposite compounds were produced on the basis of the Taguchi method with different levels of CuO NPs and the alginate biopolymer nanocomposite with different stirring times. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high‐resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of the nanocomposites. The nanocomposite synthesized with 8 mg/mL copper oxide NPs and 2 mg/mL alginate biopolymer with 60 min of stirring time showed the highest antibacterial activity. The results of two colony forming units and disk‐diffusion methods indicated a stronger antibacterial activity of the alginate–CuO nanocomposite compared with those of its components. The alginate–CuO nanocomposite showed the potential ability to act as an antimicrobial agent against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45682.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: inequities in access exist despite improved survival
Authors: Patel Manish I. , Beattie Kieran , Bang Albert , Gurney Howard , Smith David P.
Published: August 2017

The use of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CRN) in the targeted therapy era is still debated. We aimed to determine factors associated with reduced use of CRN and determine the effect of CRN on overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). All advanced RCC diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 in New South Wales, Australia, were identified from the Central Cancer Registry. Records of treatment and death were electronically linked. Follow‐up was to the end of 2011. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the receipt of CRN. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors associated with survival. A total of 1062 patients were identified with metastatic RCC of whom 289 (27%) received CRN. There was no difference in the use of CRN over the time period of the study. Females (OR 0.68 (95% CI: 0.48–0.96)), unmarried individuals (OR 0.68 (95% CI: 0.48–0.96)), treatment in a nonteaching hospital (OR 0.26 (95% CI: 0.18–0.36)) and individuals without private insurance (OR 0.29 (95% CI: 0.20–0.41)) all had reduced likelihood of receiving CRN. On multivariable analysis, not receiving CRN resulted in a 90% increase in death (HR 1.90 (95% CI: 1.61–2.25)). In addition, increasing age (P < 0.001), increasing Charlson comorbidity status (P = 0.002) and female gender also had a significant independent association with death. Despite a strong association with improved survival, individuals who are elderly, female, have treatment in a nonteaching facility or have no private insurance have a reduced likelihood of receiving CRN.
Digital PCR analysis of circulating tumor DNA: a biomarker for chondrosarcoma diagnosis, prognostication, and residual disease detection
Authors: Gutteridge Alice , Rathbone Victoria M. , Gibbons Rebecca , Bi Mark , Archard Nicholas , Davies Kate E. J. , Brown Jake , Plagnol Vincent , Pillay Nischalan , Amary Fernanda , O'Donnell Paul , Gupta Manu , Tirabosco Roberto , Flanagan Adrienne M. , Forshew Tim
Published: August 2017

Conventional chondrosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor in adults. Prognosis corresponds with tumor grade but remains variable, especially for individuals with grade (G) II disease. There are currently no biomarkers available for monitoring or prognostication of chondrosarcoma. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has recently emerged as a promising biomarker for a broad range of tumor types. To date, little has been done to study the presence of ctDNA and its potential utility in the management of sarcomas, including chondrosarcoma. In this study, we have assessed ctDNA levels in a cohort of 71 patients, 32 with sarcoma, including 29 individuals with central chondrosarcoma (CS) and 39 with locally aggressive and benign bone and soft tissue tumors, using digital PCR. In patients with CS, ctDNA was detected in pretreatment samples in 14/29 patients, which showed clear correlation with tumor grade as demonstrated by the detection of ctDNA in all patients with GIII and dedifferentiated disease (n = 6) and in 8/17 patients with GII disease, but never associated with GI CS. Notably detection of ctDNA preoperatively in GII disease was associated with a poor outcome. A total of 14 patients with CS had ctDNA levels assessed at multiple time points and in most patients there was a clear reduction following surgical removal. This research lays the foundation for larger studies to assess the utility of ctDNA for chondrosarcoma diagnosis, prognostication, early detection of residual disease and monitoring disease progression.
Precisely Controlled Polymerization of Styrene and Conjugated Dienes by Group 3 Single‐Site Catalysts
Authors: Huang Jianming , Liu Zhaohe , Cui Dongmei , Liu Xinli
Published: August 2017

This Review aims at a comprehensive overview on the recent stereospecific control polymerizations by group 3 metal complexes based catalytic systems in combination with aluminum alkyls and organoborates etc. co‐catalysts. The involved monomers include styrene and substituted styrenes, and the conjugated dienes like isoprene and butadiene, and their derivatives. The syndio‐ and iso‐selective polymerizations of styrene, unmasked polar styrenes and the copolymerizations of styrene with conjugated dienes and polar styrenes are summarized. The factors of influencing the catalytic activity and selectivity are discussed. The regio‐ and stereo‐ selective polymerizations of conjugated dienes, polar diene derivatives and their copolymerizations are reviewed. The relationship between catalyst structure and polymerization activity, the mechanism of stereo‐selective polymerization and the influence of different cocatalysts are discussed.
Efficient and Reusable Metal–Organic Framework Catalysts for Carboxylative Cyclization of Propargylamines with Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhao Dan , Liu Xiao‐Hui , Zhu Chendan , Kang Yan‐Shang , Wang Peng , Shi Zhuangzhi , Lu Yi , Sun Wei‐Yin
Published: August 2017

Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and transformation are important for decreasing the concentration of atmospheric CO2. To effectively capture CO2 and further fix it into valuable chemical products, functionalized dynamic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been utilized not only because of their inherent cavity for accommodating CO2 but also owing to their reversible structural transformations in response to external stimuli for regulating the reaction. Herein, we report a dynamic and functional MOF [Cd3(L)2(BDC)3]2⋅16 DMF (MOF‐1 a; DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide) achieved by reaction of the amino tripodal imidazole ligand N1‐(4‐(1 H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzyl)‐N1‐ (2‐aminoethyl)ethane‐1,2‐diamine (L) and 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) with cadmium salt. MOF‐1 a not only shows unprecedented high catalytic activity [initial turnover number (TON) up to 9300] and broad substrate scope for the carboxylative cyclization of propargylamines with CO2, but also can be switched on and off upon reversible structural transformation owing to its dynamic five‐fold interpenetrating structure. Further studies demonstrate that MOF‐1 a shows selective catalytic properties depending on the size of substrates, similarly to sophisticated biological systems.
Performance of MOF‐Derived Spinel Type NixCo3‐xO4‐y Nanocages in Efficient Methanol Electro‐Oxidation
Authors: Antony Rajini P. , Satpati Ashis K. , Jagatap Bhagawantrao N.
Published: August 2017

The present study reports electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation of mesoporous NixCo3‐xO4‐y fabricated through a metal‐organic framework (MOF) template route. MOF‐derived NixCo3‐xO4‐y nanocages exhibit a methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) current of approximately 200 Ag−1 at 0.55 V versus Hg‐HgO, which is around 12 times higher than that from Co3O4. Improved activity for the catalyst is ascribed to its higher number of catalytic active sites and non‐stoichiometry in the composition. The improved charge‐transfer kinetics for the MOR is evident from the electrochemical impedance measurements, where a lower charge‐transfer resistance is observed for NixCo3‐xO4‐y nanocages and the trend is consistent with the MOR results. The potential‐dependent impedance measurements suggest that direct electrochemical MOR is facilitated through a surface intermediate, where the surface intermediates (CH3OH or CO) are adsorbed on low coordinated Ni and Co sites, respectively.
Catalytic Carbon–Carbon Bond‐Forming Reactions of Weakly Acidic Carbon Pronucleophiles Using Strong Brønsted Bases as Catalysts
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: August 2017

Catalytic carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions of weakly acidic carbon pronucleophiles with N‐aryl imines, α,β‐unsaturated amides, and others under proton‐transfer conditions were developed by designing strongly basic reaction intermediates known as product bases. The reactions proceed smoothly in the presence of a catalytic amount of strong base such as KH or alkaline metal amides. Modification of the metal cations by using chiral macrocyclic crown ethers allowed catalytic asymmetric 1,4‐addition reactions to proceed with high enantioselectivities. This concept can be applied to Brønsted‐base‐catalyzed reactions of a wide range of weakly acidic carbon pronucleophiles.
Combining Two Methods of Sequence Definition in a Convergent Approach: Scalable Synthesis of Highly Defined and Multifunctionalized Macromolecules
Authors: Solleder Susanne C. , Martens Steven , Espeel Pieter , Du Prez Filip , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: August 2017

The straightforward convergent synthesis of sequence‐defined and multifunctionalized macromolecules is described herein. The first combination of two efficient approaches for the synthesis of sequence‐defined macromolecules is reported: thiolactone chemistry and the Passerini three‐component reaction (P‐3CR). The thiolactone moiety was used as protecting group for the thiol, allowing the synthesis of a library of sequence‐defined α,ω‐functionalized building blocks. These building blocks were subsequently efficiently coupled to oligomers with carboxylic acid functionalities in a P‐3CR. Thus, larger oligomers with molecular weights of up to 4629.73 g mol−1 were obtained in gram quantities in a convergent approach along with the introduction of independently selectable side chains (up to 15), thus clearly demonstrating the high versatility and the efficiency of the reported approach.
Electrical and dielectric properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/starch/graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Bin‐Dahman Osamah A. , Rahaman Mostafizur , Khastgir Dipak , Al‐Harthi Mamdouh A.
Published: August 2017

Electrical and dielectric properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films, and PVA/starch blend and its nanocomposites with graphene were investigated. The tested materials were prepared via solution mixing and an evaporative casting technique using glycerol as a plasticizer. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) measurement data was used to calculate the percentage of crystallinity and glass transition temperature (). Distribution of starch and graphene in the PVA matrix was determined from field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Effects of the plasticizer and graphene loading on the DC and AC electrical conductivities of the PVA/starch blend were studied. The impact of graphene loadings on the dielectric permittivity (ϵ′), dielectric loss tangent (tan δ), complex electric modulus (M*), and complex impedance (Z*) as a function of frequency were reported. The DC conductivity of PVA was increased with the addition of glycerol and starch. The permittivity of PVA films and PVA/starch/graphene nanocomposites showed a strong frequency‐dependent behaviour in a low frequency zone. The addition of graphene to the PVA/starch blend reduced the area under the semicircles of the Nyquist plot.
Modified partial least square for diagnosing key‐performance‐indicator‐related faults
Authors: He Siyuan , Wang Youqing , Liu Changqing
Published: August 2017

Standard partial least square (PLS) is a useful tool for process monitoring; however, it still encounters some problems for the diagnosis of key performance indicator (KPI) faults. One of its recent modifications, improved PLS (IPLS), decomposes the process measurements into KPI‐related and KPI‐unrelated parts according to the correlation matrix obtained from the standard PLS. The entire residual space of PLS is categorized as the IPLS's KPI‐unrelated part. However, the residual space still involves some information related to KPI, and hence IPLS's decomposition may be inappropriate. In this study, a new modified PLS is proposed, which also decomposes the residual space according to the KPI. The loadings of input data are first decomposed to obtain a projection model. Next, the input data are more appropriately decomposed into KPI‐related and KPI‐unrelated parts. Correspondingly, two statistic indices can be designed for fault diagnosis. A numerical example and the Tennessee‐Eastman (TE) benchmark process are utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach.
Learning the way to the cloud: Big Data Park
Authors: Marchiori Massimo
Published: August 2017

Big data and cloud systems are two crucial components of modern computing, but they are also a challenge to learn, as they change the basic assumptions of computing, and as such the mental habits that are proper of classical computing teaching. In other words, beyond a technical revolution, we first and foremost are in the presence of a mental revolution. For this reason, we think it is essential to help students to change their mental habits as early as possible and become familiar with at least the basic notions of distributed storage and cloud computing. In this paper, we introduce the Big Data Park system, which has been developed with an ambitious task in mind: gently introduce K‐12 kids to the basics of big data and cloud computing, helping them to be part of this revolution. We report on the creation of the system, the challenges, and also the impact on higher K‐18 education. The results, extensively tested in the field with a wide variety of kids and children, have been extremely successful, thanks also to advanced educational techniques like gamification. Moreover, the development and testing of the project have also provided valuable insights for the general problem of education of big data computing.
The impact of checkpointing interval selection on the scheduling performance of real‐time fine‐grained parallel applications in SaaS clouds under various failure probabilities
Authors: Stavrinides Georgios L. , Karatza Helen D.
Published: August 2017

As the adoption of Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud computing continues to gain momentum, the arising challenges of scheduling parallel applications on such platforms need to be addressed. Due to the complexity and the fine‐grained parallelism of the workload, as well as the multi‐tenancy of the underlying host environment, end‐user applications are usually prone to transient software failures. Therefore, fault tolerance is one of the most crucial aspects of scheduling in SaaS clouds. It is usually achieved through application‐directed checkpointing. However, selecting an appropriate checkpointing interval is not a trivial task. Unnecessary frequent checkpointing may degrade the system performance. On the other hand, infrequent checkpointing may lead to greater recovery time and thus poorer performance. Consequently, the checkpointing interval must be selected taking into account the failure probability, as well as the nature of the workload. Towards this direction, we investigate via simulation the impact of checkpointing interval selection on the performance of a SaaS cloud, where fine‐grained parallel applications with firm deadlines and approximate computations are scheduled for execution, under various failure probabilities. The simulation results are analyzed, in an attempt to shed light on the relation between the checkpointing interval and failure probability.
Are experiences of psychosis associated with unhelpful metacognitive coping strategies? A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Sellers Rachel , Wells Adrian , Morrison Anthony P.
Published: August 2017

This review investigated whether unhelpful metacognitive coping strategies, such as attentional biases, worry, rumination, and thought control, are associated with experiences of psychosis. These processes, known collectively as the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS), form a central tenet of the Self‐Regulatory Executive Function model. Three research questions based on assumptions underlying the CAS were addressed. It was predicted that processes of (a) self‐focused processing, (b) negative perseverative thinking (worry and rumination), and (c) counterproductive thought control would be associated with experiences of psychosis. A comprehensive search of the literature identified 51 eligible studies: 17 investigated self‐focused attention, 25 investigated perseverative processing (worry: n = 18; rumination: n = 10), and 9 investigated thought control strategies. Findings indicated that unhelpful metacognitive coping strategies associated with the CAS are related to experiences of psychosis and appear to share important relationships with distress. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.