bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change reduces extent of temperate drylands and intensifies drought in deep soils
Authors: Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Bradford John B. , Lauenroth William K. , Munson Seth M. , Tietjen Britta , Hall Sonia A. , Wilson Scott D. , Duniway Michael C. , Jia Gensuo , Pyke David A. , Lkhagva Ariuntsetseg , Jamiyansharav Khishigbayar
Published: January 2017

Drylands cover 40% of the global terrestrial surface and provide important ecosystem services. While drylands as a whole are expected to increase in extent and aridity in coming decades, temperature and precipitation forecasts vary by latitude and geographic region suggesting different trajectories for tropical, subtropical, and temperate drylands. Uncertainty in the future of tropical and subtropical drylands is well constrained, whereas soil moisture and ecological droughts, which drive vegetation productivity and composition, remain poorly understood in temperate drylands. Here we show that, over the twenty first century, temperate drylands may contract by a third, primarily converting to subtropical drylands, and that deep soil layers could be increasingly dry during the growing season. These changes imply major shifts in vegetation and ecosystem service delivery. Our results illustrate the importance of appropriate drought measures and, as a global study that focuses on temperate drylands, highlight a distinct fate for these highly populated areas.
Experimental evidence for circular inference in schizophrenia
Authors: Jardri Renaud , Duverne Sandrine , Litvinova Alexandra S , Denève Sophie
Published: January 2017

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex mental disorder that may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking. Here SCZ patients and healthy controls (CTLs) report their level of confidence on a forced-choice task that manipulated the strength of sensory evidence and prior information. Neither group’s responses can be explained by simple Bayesian inference. Rather, individual responses are best captured by a model with different degrees of circular inference. Circular inference refers to a corruption of sensory data by prior information and vice versa, leading us to ‘see what we expect’ (through descending loops), to ‘expect what we see’ (through ascending loops) or both. Ascending loops are stronger for SCZ than CTLs and correlate with the severity of positive symptoms. Descending loops correlate with the severity of negative symptoms. Both loops correlate with disorganized symptoms. The findings suggest that circular inference might mediate the clinical manifestations of SCZ.
Articulation points in complex networks
Authors: Tian Liang , Bashan Amir , Shi Da-Ning , Liu Yang-Yu
Published: January 2017

An articulation point in a network is a node whose removal disconnects the network. Those nodes play key roles in ensuring connectivity of many real-world networks, from infrastructure networks to protein interaction networks and terrorist communication networks. Despite their fundamental importance, a general framework of studying articulation points in complex networks is lacking. Here we develop analytical tools to study key issues pertinent to articulation points, such as the expected number of them and the network vulnerability against their removal, in an arbitrary complex network. We find that a greedy articulation point removal process provides us a different perspective on the organizational principles of complex networks. Moreover, this process results in a rich phase diagram with two fundamentally different types of percolation transitions. Our results shed light on the design of more resilient infrastructure networks and the effective destruction of terrorist communication networks.
Convergent recombination suppression suggests role of sexual selection in guppy sex chromosome formation
Authors: Wright Alison E. , Darolti Iulia , Bloch Natasha I. , Oostra Vicencio , Sandkam Ben , Buechel Severine D. , Kolm Niclas , Breden Felix , Vicoso Beatriz , Mank Judith E.
Published: January 2017

Sex chromosomes evolve once recombination is halted between a homologous pair of chromosomes. The dominant model of sex chromosome evolution posits that recombination is suppressed between emerging X and Y chromosomes in order to resolve sexual conflict. Here we test this model using whole genome and transcriptome resequencing data in the guppy, a model for sexual selection with many Y-linked colour traits. We show that although the nascent Y chromosome encompasses nearly half of the linkage group, there has been no perceptible degradation of Y chromosome gene content or activity. Using replicate wild populations with differing levels of sexually antagonistic selection for colour, we also show that sexual selection leads to greater expansion of the non-recombining region and increased Y chromosome divergence. These results provide empirical support for longstanding models of sex chromosome catalysis, and suggest an important role for sexual selection and sexual conflict in genome evolution.
Deferasirox-induced iron depletion promotes BclxL downregulation and death of proximal tubular cells
Authors: Martin-Sanchez Diego , Gallegos-Villalobos Angel , Fontecha-Barriuso Miguel , Carrasco Susana , Sanchez-Niño Maria Dolores , Lopez-Hernandez Francisco J , Ruiz-Ortega Marta , Egido Jesus , Ortiz Alberto , Sanz Ana Belén
Published: January 2017

Iron deficiency has been associated with kidney injury. Deferasirox is an oral iron chelator used to treat blood transfusion-related iron overload. Nephrotoxicity is the most serious and common adverse effect of deferasirox and may present as an acute or chronic kidney disease. However, scarce data are available on the molecular mechanisms of nephrotoxicity. We explored the therapeutic modulation of deferasirox-induced proximal tubular cell death in culture. Deferasirox induced dose-dependent tubular cell death and AnexxinV/7AAD staining showed features of apoptosis and necrosis. However, despite inhibiting caspase-3 activation, the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk failed to prevent deferasirox-induced cell death. Moreover, zVAD increased deferasirox-induced cell death, a feature sometimes found in necroptosis. Electron microscopy identified mitochondrial injury and features of necrosis. However, neither necrostatin-1 nor RIP3 knockdown prevented deferasirox-induced cell death. Deferasirox caused BclxL depletion and BclxL overexpression was protective. Preventing iron depletion protected from BclxL downregulation and deferasirox cytotoxicity. In conclusion, deferasirox promoted iron depletion-dependent cell death characterized by BclxL downregulation. BclxL overexpression was protective, suggesting a role for BclxL downregulation in iron depletion-induced cell death. This information may be used to develop novel nephroprotective strategies. Furthermore, it supports the concept that monitoring kidney tissue iron depletion may decrease the risk of deferasirox nephrotoxicity.
A portable luminescent thermometer based on green up-conversion emission of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped tellurite glass
Authors: Manzani Danilo , Petruci João Flávio da Silveira , Nigoghossian Karina , Cardoso Arnaldo Alves , Ribeiro Sidney J. L.
Published: January 2017

The determination of temperature is essential in many applications in the biomedical, technological, and industrial fields. Optical thermometry appears to be an excellent alternative for conventional electric temperature sensors because it is a non-contact method that offers a fast response, electromagnetic passivity, and high temperature sensitivity. In this paper, we propose an optical thermometer probe comprising an Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped tellurite glass attached to the tip of an optical fibre and optically coupled to a laser source and a portable USB spectrometer. The ratio of the up-conversion green emission integrated peak areas when excited at 980 nm was temperature dependent, and it was used to calibrate the thermometer. The thermometer was operated in the range of 5–50 °C and 50–200 °C, and it revealed excellent linearity (r2 > 0.99), suitable accuracy, and precisions of ±0.5 and ±1.1 °C, respectively. By optimizing Er3+ concentration, we could obtain the high green emission intensity, and in turn, high thermal sensitivity for the probe. The probe fabricated in the study exhibited suitable properties for its application as a temperature sensor and superior performance compared to other Er3+ -based optical thermometers in terms of thermal sensitivity.
A Functional IL22 Polymorphism (rs2227473) Is Associated with Predisposition to Childhood Cerebral Malaria
Authors: Marquet Sandrine , Conte Ianina , Poudiougou Belco , Argiro Laurent , Dessein Hélia , Couturier Charlène , Burté Florence , Oumar Aboubacar A. , Brown Biobele J. , Traore Abdoualye , Afolabi Nathaniel K. , Barry Abdoulaye , Omokhodion Samuel , Shokunbi Wuraola A. , Sodeinde Olugbemiro , Doumbo Ogobara , Fernandez-Reyes Delmiro , Dessein Alain J.
Published: January 2017

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe complication ofPlasmodium falciparuminfection. This encephalopathy is characterized by coma and is thought to result from mechanical microvessel obstruction and an excessive activation of immune cells leading to pathological inflammation and blood-brain barrier alterations. IL-22 contributes to both chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and may have protective or pathogenic effects, depending on the tissue and disease state. We evaluated whether polymorphisms (n = 46) ofIL22andIL22RA2were associated with CM in children from Nigeria and Mali. Two SNPs ofIL22, rs1012356 (P = 0.016, OR = 2.12) and rs2227476 (P = 0.007, OR = 2.08) were independently associated with CM in a sample of 115 Nigerian children with CM and 160 controls. The association with rs2227476 (P = 0.01) was replicated in 240 nuclear families with one affected child from Mali. SNP rs2227473, in linkage disequilibrium with rs2227476, was also associated with CM in the combined cohort for these two populations, (P = 0.004, OR = 1.55). SNP rs2227473 is located within a putative binding site for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, a master regulator of IL-22 production. Individuals carrying the aggravating T allele of rs2227473 produced significantly more IL-22 than those without this allele. Overall, these findings suggest that IL-22 is involved in the pathogenesis of CM.
Independent movement of the voltage sensors in KV2.1/KV6.4 heterotetramers
Authors: Bocksteins Elke , Snyders Dirk J. , Holmgren Miguel
Published: January 2017

Heterotetramer voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels KV2.1/KV6.4 display a gating charge-voltage (QV) distribution composed by two separate components. We use state dependent chemical accessibility to cysteines substituted in either KV2.1 or KV6.4 to assess the voltage sensor movements of each subunit. By comparing the voltage dependences of chemical modification and gating charge displacement, here we show that each gating charge component corresponds to a specific subunit forming the heterotetramer. The voltage sensors from KV6.4 subunits move at more negative potentials than the voltage sensors belonging to KV2.1 subunits. These results indicate that the voltage sensors from the tetrameric channels move independently. In addition, our data shows that 75% of the total charge is attributed to KV2.1, while 25% to KV6.4. Thus, the most parsimonious model for KV2.1/KV6.4 channels’ stoichiometry is 3:1.
Electrostatic-free piezoresponse force microscopy
Authors: Kim Sungho , Seol Daehee , Lu Xiaoli , Alexe Marin , Kim Yunseok
Published: January 2017

Contact and non-contact based atomic force microscopy (AFM) approaches have been extensively utilized to explore various nanoscale surface properties. In most AFM-based measurements, a concurrent electrostatic effect between the AFM tip/cantilever and sample surface can occur. This electrostatic effect often hinders accurate measurements. Thus, it is very important to quantify as well as remove the impact of the electrostatic effect on AFM-based measurements. In this study, we examine the impact of the electrostatic effect on the electromechanical (EM) response in piezoresponse force microscopy as a model AFM mode. We quantitatively studied the effects of increasing the external electric field and reducing the spring constant of a cantilever. Further, we explored ways to minimize the electrostatic effect. The results provide broad guidelines for quantitatively analyzing the EM response as well as, eventually, for obtaining the electrostatic-free EM response. The conclusions can be applied to other AFM-based measurements that are subject to a strong electrostatic effect between the AFM tip/cantilever and sample surface, regardless of contact and non-contact modes.
Sounds can boost the awareness of visual events through attention without cross-modal integration
Authors: Pápai Márta Szabina , Soto-Faraco Salvador
Published: January 2017

Cross-modal interactions can lead to enhancement of visual perception, even for visual events below awareness. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Can purely bottom-up cross-modal integration break through the threshold of awareness? We used a binocular rivalry paradigm to measure perceptual switches after brief flashes or sounds which, sometimes, co-occurred. When flashes at the suppressed eye coincided with sounds, perceptual switches occurred the earliest. Yet, contrary to the hypothesis of cross-modal integration, this facilitation never surpassed the assumption of probability summation of independent sensory signals. A follow-up experiment replicated the same pattern of results using silent gaps embedded in continuous noise, instead of sounds. This manipulation should weaken putative sound-flash integration, although keep them salient as bottom-up attention cues. Additional results showed that spatial congruency between flashes and sounds did not determine the effectiveness of cross-modal facilitation, which was again not better than probability summation. Thus, the present findings fail to fully support the hypothesis of bottom-up cross-modal integration, above and beyond the independent contribution of two transient signals, as an account for cross-modal enhancement of visual events below level of awareness.
Ciphertext-only attack on optical cryptosystem with spatially incoherent illumination: from the view of imaging through scattering medium
Authors: Liao Meihua , He Wenqi , Lu Dajiang , Peng Xiang
Published: January 2017

Security analysis is important and necessary for a new cryptosystem. In this paper, we evaluate the security risk of the optical cryptosystem with spatially incoherent illumination from the view of imaging through scattering medium and then demonstrate that it is vulnerable to ciphertext-only attack. The proposed ciphertext-only attack method relies on the optical memory effect for speckle correlations, which reveals a fact that the ciphertext’s autocorrelation is essentially identical to the plaintext’s own autocorrelation. Furthermore, by employing of an improved dynamic hybrid input-output phase-retrieval algorithm, we show that a plaintext image can be directly reconstructed from the autocorrelation of its corresponding ciphertext without any prior knowledge about the plaintext or the phase keys. Meanwhile, the theory analysis and experiment results will also be provided to verify the validity and feasibility of our proposed ciphertext-only attack method. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to report optical cryptanalysis from the point of view of imaging through scattering medium and we believe this contribution will open up an avenue to deepen the investigation of optical cryptosystems.
Intravenous Formulation of HET0016 Decreased Human Glioblastoma Growth and Implicated Survival Benefit in Rat Xenograft Models
Authors: Jain Meenu , Gamage Nipuni-Dhanesha H. , Alsulami Meshal , Shankar Adarsh , Achyut Bhagelu R. , Angara Kartik , Rashid Mohammad H. , Iskander Asm , Borin Thaiz F. , Wenbo Zhi , Ara Roxan , Ali Meser M. , Lebedyeva Iryna , Chwang Wilson B. , Guo Austin , Bagher-Ebadian Hassan , Arbab Ali S.
Published: January 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a hypervascular primary brain tumor with poor prognosis. HET0016 is a selective CYP450 inhibitor, which has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth. Therefore, to explore novel treatments, we have generated an improved intravenous (IV) formulation of HET0016 with HPßCD and tested in animal models of human and syngeneic GBM. Administration of a single IV dose resulted in 7-fold higher levels of HET0016 in plasma and 3.6-fold higher levels in tumor at 60 min than that in IP route. IV treatment with HPßCD-HET0016 decreased tumor growth, and altered vascular kinetics in early and late treatment groups (p < 0.05). Similar growth inhibition was observed in syngeneic GL261 GBM (p < 0.05). Survival studies using patient derived xenografts of GBM811, showed prolonged survival to 26 weeks in animals treated with focal radiation, in combination with HET0016 and TMZ (p < 0.05). We observed reduced expression of markers of cell proliferation (Ki-67), decreased neovascularization (laminin and αSMA), in addition to inflammation and angiogenesis markers in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that HPßCD-HET0016 is effective in inhibiting tumor growth through decreasing proliferation, and neovascularization. Furthermore, HPßCD-HET0016 significantly prolonged survival in PDX GBM811 model.
Controllable Nanotribological Properties of Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Zeng Xingzhong , Peng Yitian , Lang Haojie , Liu Lei
Published: January 2017

Graphene as one type of well-known solid lubricants possesses different nanotribological properties, due to the varied surface and structural characteristics caused by different preparation methods or post-processes. Graphene nanosheets with controllable surface wettability and structural defects were achieved by plasma treatment and thermal reduction. The nanotribological properties of graphene nanosheets were investigated using the calibrated atomic force microscopy. The friction force increases faster and faster with plasma treatment time, which results from the increase of surface wettability and the introduction of structural defects. Short-time plasma treatment increasing friction force is due to the enhancement of surface hydrophilicity. Longer-time plasma treatment increasing friction force can attribute to the combined effects of the enhanced surface hydrophilicity and the generated structural defects. The structural defects as a single factor also increase the friction force when the surface properties are unified by thermal reduction. The surface wettability and the nanotribological properties of plasma-treated graphene nanosheets can recover to its initial level over time. An improved spring model was proposed to elaborate the effects of surface wettability and structural defects on nanotribological properties at the atomic-scale.
Implications of direct amplification for measuring antimicrobial resistance using point-of-care devices
Authors: Williams M. R. , Stedtfeld R. D. , Waseem H. , Stedtfeld T. , Upham B. , Khalife W. , Etchebarne B. , Hughes M. , Tiedje J. M. , Hashsham S. A.
Published: January 2017

The use of direct amplification combined with point-of-care technologies for measuring antimicrobial resistance could expedite diagnoses.
Imidazolium-based titanium substrates against bacterial colonization
Authors: Cavoue T. , Bounou Abassi H. , Vayssade M. , Nguyen Van Nhien A. , Kang I.-K. , Kwon G.-W. , Pourceau G. , Dubot P. , Abbad Andaloussi S. , Versace D.-L.
Published: January 2017

Photografting of a silane-derived imidazole compound on titanium substrates against bacterial colonization.
Targeting peptide functionalized liposomes towards aminopeptidase N for precise tumor diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Jia Xiangqian , Han Qiuju , Wang Zihua , Qian Yixia , Jia Yunhong , Wang Weizhi , Hu Zhiyuan
Published: January 2017

APN-targeted peptide LN functionalized liposomes show efficient drug delivery towards targeted tumors.
Molecular mechanisms of the effects of the ethanolic extract of Muntingia calabura Linn. fruit on lipopolysaccharide-induced pro-inflammatory mediators in macrophages
Authors: Lin Jau-Tien , Chang Yuan-Yen , Chen Yi-Chen , Shen Bo-Yan , Yang Deng-Jye
Published: January 2017

The anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms ofM. calaburaLinn. fruit.
Poly(glycerol sebacate) nanoparticles for encapsulation of hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs
Authors: Louage Benoit , Tack Liesa , Wang Yadong , De Geest Bruno G.
Published: January 2017

Physical encapsulation of hydrophobic compounds into nanocarriers that are stable in aqueous medium is of high interest as it can increase solubilization of the drug, lower its toxicity, control its pharmacokinetic profile and thus overall improve the therapeutic efficacy.
Fabrication of intracrystalline mesopores within zeolite Y with greatly decreased templates
Authors: Wang Zhen , Liu Honghai , Meng Qingting , Jin Junsu , Xu Chunyan , Mi Xiaotong , Gao Xionghou , Liu Hongtao
Published: January 2017

Zeolite Y with intracrystalline mesopores has been emerging as one of the most potential materials in the catalytic cracking of large molecules.
Facile polypyrrole thin film coating on polypropylene membrane for efficient solar-driven interfacial water evaporation
Authors: Huang Xiayun , Yu Yi-Hsin , de Llergo Oscar L. , Marquez Samantha M. , Cheng Zhengdong
Published: January 2017

Facile dip-coating method to fabricate robust polypyrrole thin film coating on thermal insulation polypropylene membrane with solar vapor generation efficiency of 72%.
Highly porous CO2 hydrate generation aided by silica nanoparticles for potential secure storage of CO2 and desalination
Authors: Kim Ijung , Nole Michael , Jang Sunghyun , Ko Saebom , Daigle Hugh , Pope Gary A. , Huh Chun
Published: January 2017

We report a new way of storing CO2 in a highly porous hydrate structure, stabilized by silica nanoparticles (NPs).
Atmospheric chemical reaction mechanism and kinetics of 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane initiated by OH radical: a computational study
Authors: Yu Qi , Xie Hong-Bin , Li Tianchi , Ma Fangfang , Fu Zihao , Wang Zhongyu , Li Chao , Fu Zhiqiang , Xia Deming , Chen Jingwen
Published: January 2017

The mechanism and kinetics of OH-initiated oxidation of BTBPE, an alternative of PBDEs, were investigated.
High-efficiency catalytic performance over mesoporous Ni/beta zeolite for the synthesis of quinoline from glycerol and aniline
Authors: Li An , Huang Chen , Luo Cai-Wu , Yi Wen-Jun , Chao Zi-Sheng
Published: January 2017

Quinoline was synthesized via the typical Skraup approach with a vapor-phase process. The mesoporous Ni/beta zeolite catalyst exhibited high-efficiency catalytic activity and an enhanced ability of anti-deactivation.
The impact of an extended nucleobase-2′-deoxyribose linker in the biophysical and biological properties of oligonucleotides
Authors: Carnero Alejandro , Pérez-Rentero Sónia , Alagia Adele , Aviñó Anna , Sanghvi Yogesh S. , Fernández Susana , Ferrero Miguel , Eritja Ramon
Published: January 2017

The introduction of a novel thymine derivative at the 3′-end of the sense strand generates more potent and selective siRNAs.
Density functional theory studies on the skeletal isomerization of 1-butene catalyzed by HZSM-23 and HZSM-48 zeolites
Authors: He Miao , Zhang Jie , Liu Rui , Sun Xiu-Liang , Chen Biao-Hua , Wang Yang-Gang
Published: January 2017

This work reveals the topological effect of zeolites on both enthalpy and entropy of skeletal isomerization of 1-butene.
Effects of macropores on reducing internal diffusion limitations in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis using a hierarchical cobalt catalyst
Authors: Li Hansheng , Wang Jungang , Chen Congbiao , Jia Litao , Hou Bo , Li Debao
Published: January 2017

Internal diffusion limitations in Fischer–Tropsch catalysts strongly affects their catalytic activities and product selectivities.
Ring opening of decalin over bifunctional Ni–W carbide/Al2O3–USY catalysts and monofunctional acid Ni–W oxide/Al2O3–USY
Authors: Yuan Lijing , Guo Shaoqing , Li Zhenrong , Cui Haitao , Dong Hongyu , Zhao Liangfu , Wang Junwei
Published: January 2017

The ring opening reaction of decalin was studied over two types of catalyst, including bifunctional catalysts (Ni–W carbide/Al2O3–USY) and monofunctional acid catalysts (Ni–W oxide/Al2O3–USY) with different amounts of metal loading.
Photovoltaic enhancement of bismuth halide hybrid perovskite by N-methyl pyrrolidone-assisted morphology conversion
Authors: Kulkarni Ashish , Singh Trilok , Ikegami Masashi , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: January 2017

Low toxicity and stable (CH3NH3)3Bi2I9lead free perovskite film morphology has been controlledviaa small amount ofN-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) whereas the device showed efficiencies up to 0.31%.
Nano-metric self-diffusion of Fe: effect of grain size
Authors: Gong Jing , Paul Neelima , Nagy Béla , Dolgos Miklós , Bottyán László , Böni Peter , Paul Amitesh
Published: January 2017

Changes in the relative 56Fe/57Fe isotope fractions due to Fe self-diffusion, that is active at the grain boundaries of different dimensions, can be monitored by neutron reflectometry with atomic length scale precision.
Formation of Pt–Ag alloy on different silicas – surface properties and catalytic activity in oxidation of methanol
Authors: Wisniewska Joanna , Ziolek Maria
Published: January 2017

Pt–Ag alloy is formed on silicas if Ag/Pt ≥ 2.5 and gives the highest methyl formate selectivity in methanol oxidation.
Superior sodium storage of novel VO2nano-microspheres encapsulated into crumpled reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Yan Bo , Li Xifei , Bai Zhimin , Lin Liangxu , Chen Gang , Song Xiaosheng , Xiong Dongbin , Li Dejun , Sun Xueliang
Published: January 2017

A crumpled rGO encapsulated VO2anode fabricated by using a scalable reaction system exhibits outstanding rate capacities and cycling stabilities for sodium storage.
A fixed-bed photoreactor using conjugated nanoporous polymer-coated glass fibers for visible light-promoted continuous photoredox reactions
Authors: Huang Wei , Ma Beatriz Chiyin , Wang Di , Wang Zi Jun , Li Run , Wang Lei , Landfester Katharina , Zhang Kai A. I.
Published: January 2017

Here, we report on a fixed-bed photoreactor containing conjugated nanoporous polymer-coated glass fibers for visible light-promoted, heterogeneous photoredox reactions in a continuous flow system.
Mitigation of PFSA membrane chemical degradation using composite cerium oxide–PFSA nanofibres
Authors: Zatoń M. , Rozière J. , Jones D. J.
Published: January 2017

A perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer–cerium oxide nanofibre web integrated into an asymmetric composite membrane significantly reduces fuel cell membrane degradation, especially with the modified surface placed at the anode.
Outcomes of Operative Vaginal Delivery during Trial of Labor after Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Brock Clifton , Govindappagari Shravya , Gyamfi-Bannerman Cynthia
Published: January 2017

Objective The objective of this study is to determine the maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with attempting operative vaginal delivery (OVD) compared with the alternative of a laboring repeat cesarean delivery (LRCD) in women attempting a trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC).

Methods This is a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective study designed to assess perinatal outcomes of OVD in women with a prior uterine scar. The study includes women who attempted TOLAC and reached +2 station with a fully dilated cervix. Composites on neonatal and maternal morbidity were compared between women in whom OVD was attempted and those who underwent LRCD by fitting multivariate logistic regression models.

Results In total, 6,489 women attempting TOLAC reached 2+ station with a fully dilated cervix. Of these, 5,640 (86.9%) had a spontaneous vaginal delivery, 762 (11.7%) underwent attempted OVD, and 87 (1.3%) had an LRCD. Compared with attempting OVD, LRCD was associated with greater neonatal morbidity (odds ratio [OR]: 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–5.15) and less maternal morbidity (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14–0.55). Maternal morbidity of OVD is driven by perineal injury.

Conclusion In laboring women with a previous uterine scar, attempting OVD is associated with greater maternal and less neonatal morbidity than LRCD.
Electricity storage supporting PV competitiveness in a reliable and sustainable electric network
Authors: Bermudez V.
Published: January 2017

Photovoltaics is claimed to be on grid parity in many regions around the world and to be competitive with most of the conventional power production means. However, for an intermittent energy source such as photovoltaics (PV), what does competitiveness mean?
Mathematical optimization approach for estimating the quantum yield distribution of a photochromic reaction in a polymer
Authors: Tanaka Mirai , Yamashita Takashi , Sano Natsuki , Ishigaki Aya , Suzuki Tomomichi
Published: January 2017

The convolution of a series of events is often observed for a variety of phenomena such as the oscillation of a string. A photochemical reaction of a molecule is characterized by a time constant, but materials in the real world contain several molecules with different time constants. Therefore, the kinetics of photochemical reactions of the materials are usually observed with a complexity comparable with those of theoretical kinetic equations. Analysis of the components of the kinetics is quite important for the development of advanced materials. However, with a limited number of exceptions, deconvolution of the observed kinetics has not yet been mathematically solved. In this study, we propose a mathematical optimization approach for estimating the quantum yield distribution of a photochromic reaction in a polymer. In the proposed approach, time-series data of absorbances are acquired and an estimate of the quantum yield distribution is obtained. To estimate the distribution, we solve a mathematical optimization problem to minimize the difference between the input data and a model. This optimization problem involves a differential equation constrained on a functional space as the variable lies in the space of probability distribution functions and the constraints arise from reaction rate equations. This problem can be reformulated as a convex quadratic optimization problem and can be efficiently solved by discretization. Numerical results are also reported here, and they verify the effectiveness of our approach.
Design of a CMOS integrated on-chip oscilloscope for spin wave characterization
Authors: Egel Eugen , Meier Christian , Csaba György , Breitkreutz-von Gamm Stephan
Published: January 2017

Spin waves can perform some optically-inspired computing algorithms, e.g. the Fourier transform, directly than it is done with the CMOS logic. This article describes a new approach for on-chip characterization of spin wave based devices. The readout circuitry for the spin waves is simulated with 65-nm CMOS technology models. Commonly used circuits for Radio Frequency (RF) receivers are implemented to detect a sinusoidal ultra-wideband (5-50 GHz) signal with an amplitude of at least 15 μV picked up by a loop antenna. First, the RF signal is amplified by a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). Then, it is down-converted by a mixer to Intermediate Frequency (IF). Finally, an Operational Amplifier (OpAmp) brings the IF signal to higher voltages (50-300 mV). The estimated power consumption and the required area of the readout circuit is approximately 55.5 mW and 0.168 mm2, respectively. The proposed On-Chip Oscilloscope (OCO) is highly suitable for on-chip spin wave characterization regarding the frequency, amplitude change and phase information. It offers an integrated low power alternative to current spin wave detecting systems.
Spectral curve fitting of dielectric constants
Authors: Ruzi M. , Ennis C. , Robertson E. G.
Published: January 2017

Optical constants are important properties governing the response of a material to incident light. It follows that they are often extracted from spectra measured by absorbance, transmittance or reflectance. One convenient method to obtain optical constants is by curve fitting. Here, model curves should satisfy Kramer-Kronig relations, and preferably can be expressed in closed form or easily calculable. In this study we use dielectric constants of three different molecular ices in the infrared region to evaluate four different model curves that are generally used for fitting optical constants: (1) the classical damped harmonic oscillator, (2) Voigt line shape, (3) Fourier series, and (4) the Triangular basis. Among these, only the classical damped harmonic oscillator model strictly satisfies the Kramer-Kronig relation. If considering the trade-off between accuracy and speed, Fourier series fitting is the best option when spectral bands are broad while for narrow peaks the classical damped harmonic oscillator and the Triangular basis fitting model are the best choice.
Non-contact measurement of partial gas pressure and distribution of elemental composition using energy-resolved neutron imaging
Authors: Tremsin A. S. , Losko A. S. , Vogel S. C. , Byler D.D. , McClellan K. J. , Bourke M. A. M. , Vallerga J. V.
Published: January 2017

Neutron resonance absorption imaging is a non-destructive technique that can characterize the elemental composition of a sample by measuring nuclear resonances in the spectrum of a transmitted beam. Recent developments in pixelated time-of-flight imaging detectors coupled with pulsed neutron sources pose new opportunities for energy-resolved imaging. In this paper we demonstrate non-contact measurements of the partial pressure of xenon and krypton gases encapsulated in a steel pipe while simultaneously passing the neutron beam through high-Z materials. The configuration was chosen as a proof of principle demonstration of the potential to make non-destructive measurement of gas composition in nuclear fuel rods. The pressure measured from neutron transmission spectra (∼739 ± 98 kPa and ∼751 ± 154 kPa for two Xe resonances) is in relatively good agreement with the pressure value of ∼758 ± 21 kPa measured by a pressure gauge. This type of imaging has been performed previously for solids with a spatial resolution of ∼ 100 μm. In the present study it is demonstrated that the high penetration capability of epithermal neutrons enables quantitative mapping of gases encapsulate within high-Z materials such as steel, tungsten, urania and others. This technique may be beneficial for the non-destructive testing of bulk composition of objects (such as spent nuclear fuel assemblies and others) containing various elements opaque to other more conventional imaging techniques. The ability to image the gaseous substances concealed within solid materials also allows non-destructive leak testing of various containers and ultimately measurement of gas partial pressures with sub-mm spatial resolution.
Extracellular-like matrices and leukaemia inhibitory factor for in vitro culture of human primordial follicles
Authors: Younis Assiel J. , Lerer-Serfaty Galit , Stav Dana , Sabbah Bethsabee , Shochat Tzippy , Kessler-Icekson Gania , Zahalka Muayad A. , Shachar-Goldenberg Michal , Ben-Haroush Avi , Fisch Benjamin , Abir Ronit
Published: January 2017

The possibility of maturing human primordial follicles in vitro would assist fertility restoration without the danger of reseeding malignancies. Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and certain culture matrices may promote human follicular growth. The present study compared human primordial follicular growth on novel culture matrices, namely human recombinant vitronectin (hrVit), small intestine submucosa (SIS), alginate scaffolds and human recombinant virgin collagen bioengineered in tobacco plant lines (CollPlant). The frozen–thawed ovarian samples that were used had been obtained from girls or young women undergoing fertility preservation. In the first part of the study, 20 samples were cultured for 6 days on hrVit or SIS with basic culture medium alone or supplemented with one of two concentrations of LIF (10 ng mL–1 and 100 ng mL–1), with and without LIF-neutralising antibody. In the second part of the study, 15 samples were cultured for 6 days on alginate scaffolds or CollPlant matrices with basic culture medium. Follicular development was assessed by follicular counts and classification, Ki67 immunohistochemistry and 17β-oestradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone measurements in spent media samples. Primordial follicular growth was not enhanced by LIF. Despite some significant differences among the four matrices, none appeared to have a clear advantage, apart from significantly more Ki67-stained follicles on alginate and CollPlant matrices. Further studies of other culture matrices and medium supplements are needed to obtain an optimal system.
AMH/MIS as a contraceptive that protects the ovarian reserve during chemotherapy
Authors: Kano Motohiro , Sosulski Amanda E. , Zhang LiHua , Saatcioglu Hatice D. , Wang Dan , Nagykery Nicholas , Sabatini Mary E. , Gao Guangping , Donahoe Patricia K. , Pépin David
Published: January 2017

Significance

All current reversible hormonal contraceptives rely on modulating gonadotropins or sex steroids by acting on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Primordial follicle activation, the first step of folliculogenesis, is independent of gonadotropins or steroids. In this study we show that Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) can completely block primordial follicle activation, representing a unique mechanism of contraception that spares the pool of quiescent primordial follicles (ovarian reserve). Chemotherapy is thought to cause the over-recruitment of primordial follicles. Here we show that treatment with MIS during cycles of carboplatin, doxorubicin, or cyclophosphamide can significantly protect the ovarian reserve in mice. Thus, MIS may provide a paradigm of a reversible contraceptive that could mitigate damage to the ovarian reserve associated with gonadotoxic chemotherapeutics.
Walleye Introduction Eliminates Predation Refuge for Adfluvial Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout
Authors: Johnson Clark F. , Johnson Brett M. , Neebling Travis E. , Burckhardt Jason C.
Published: January 2017

A predation refuge allowed Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri and Rainbow Trout O. mykiss to coexist with Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush in Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Wyoming. Recently, Walleye Sander vitreus appeared prompting concern about the persistence of Oncorhynchus populations. Study objectives were to (1) understand how environmental conditions have contributed to the coexistence of Lake Trout and Oncorhynchus populations, and (2) determine habitat use, diet, and per capita consumptive demand of Walleyes. While Walleye population expansion is difficult to predict, we compared consumptive demand of Lake Trout to biomass and production of Oncorhynchus populations to evaluate if additional predation demand by Walleyes could be sustained by prey populations. We measured limnological variables and sampled fishes monthly during April–October in 2012 and 2013 to determine habitat use and collect growth and diet samples. Low Secchi depth (1.6 m) and warm (19°C) epilimnetic temperatures in summer appear to have inhibited Lake Trout predation and provided Oncorhynchus spp. with a thermal refuge from predation, but this refuge was eliminated with the introduction of Walleyes. Prior to thermal stratification, Lake Trout and Oncorhynchus spp. co‐occurred at depths less than 18 m, but during summer, Oncorhynchus spp. remained in shallow water and Lake Trout retreated to the hypolimnion. Unlike Lake Trout, Walleyes always co‐occurred with Oncorhynchus spp. Only large (≥600 mm TL) Lake Trout consumed Oncorhynchus spp. and only during the unstratified period; in contrast, 64% of Walleye diet was Oncorhynchus spp., regardless of season. Per capita consumption of Oncorhynchus spp. by Walleyes (13.43 kg) was similar to that by Lake Trout (17.46 kg), despite the longer Lake Trout life span. Thus, although Lake Trout consumed only about 18% (462 kg) of the August biomass (2,624 kg) and 9% of annual production (5,049 kg) of young Oncorhynchus spp., expansion of the Walleye population could threaten Oncorhynchus populations in the future.

Received July 13, 2016; accepted October 19, 2016 Published online January 31, 2017
Research status of magnesium alloys by micro-arc oxidation: a review
Authors: Dou Jinhe , Chen Yang , Yu Huijun , Chen Chuanzhong
Published: January 2017

Magnesium and its alloys are fascinating candidates for biodegradable implants due to their suitable mechanical properties, biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, the rapid corrosion rate, generation of a large amount of hydrogen gas and increase in local pH of the body fluid limit their potential biomedical applications. Various techniques, including alloying, mechanical processing and surface treatment, have been used to reduce the corrosion rate of materials. Surface treatment is one of the widely used techniques to improve the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloys. Compared to other surface modification processes, micro-arc oxidation can provide good adherent, hard, scratch-resistant, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant coatings on magnesium alloys. This article mainly reviews the influence of key relatively process parameters, such as electrolytic composition and presence of additives. Normally, electrolytic system and additives can improve the corrosion behaviour of magnesium alloys using appropriate concentration. The future prospects are summarised as well.
Simulation-based risk quantification: a reconciliation-based performance analysis
Authors: Freitas Sandro , de Tomi Giorgio , Marin Tatiane , Rocha Marcelo M.
Published: January 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated the utilisation of stochastic simulation to quantify uncertainty in mineral deposits and allowing better management of the geological risk during mining scheduling. This paper describes an approach to evaluate the suitability of stochastically simulated models to characterise the real, but unknown, deposit represented in this study by an orebody model geostatistical estimate based on an extensive grade control drilling data-set. Traditional reconciliation techniques and the related mine call factors (or indicators) are evaluated against uncertainty measures derived from the set of stochastically simulated models. A case study carried out at the main mineral deposit of the Sossego copper mine in Brazil is presented in order to illustrate the practical aspects of the approach and how this approach is validated by traditional reconciliation studies using historical data of a mined out part of the orebody.
Spatially Clustered Movement Patterns and Segregation of Subadult Chinook Salmon within the Salish Sea
Authors: Arostegui M. C. , Smith J. M. , Kagley A. N. , Spilsbury-Pucci D. , Fresh K. L , Quinn T. P.
Published: January 2017

While Pacific salmon are known for their extensive marine migrations, some species display much more limited alternative patterns, including residence within interior marine waters. To more clearly define the scale of movement of these residents, we used acoustic telemetry to track subadult Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha caught in and released from discrete areas of the Salish Sea. Their movements were determined from detections at fixed receivers in central Puget Sound, Admiralty Inlet, the San Juan Islands, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Cluster analysis of the detections indicated four groups, with much less commonality of movement than might be inferred from the proximity of the tagging locations, which were only tens of kilometers apart. For example, none of the salmon tagged in central Puget Sound were detected in the San Juan Islands and vice versa. Thus, Chinook Salmon occupying central Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands may exhibit different distributions, extents of movement, and degrees of basin fidelity. These results provide information relevant to the management and conservation of this species, which is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and whose movements cross the U.S.–Canadian boundary. These findings may also help explain the variation in organic contaminant levels among Puget Sound-origin Chinook Salmon.
Gradient estimates of mean curvature equations with semi-linear oblique boundary value problems
Authors: Xu Jinju , Xu Lu
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we consider the semi-linear oblique boundary value problem for the prescribed mean curvature equation. We find a suitable auxiliary function and use the maximum principle to get the gradient estimate. As a consequence, we obtain the corresponding existence theorem for a class of mean curvature equations with semi-linear oblique derivative problems.
Price Intervention by Exporting Countries and the Effects on Price Instability
Authors: Paarlberg Philip L.
Published: January 2017

The analysis examines the effects of alternative price interventions by exporters on the mean level of prices and price instability. While several different price policies can be used by an exporter to protect producers of a commodity, each policy has unique effects on mean prices and variability. Using free trade as a point of comparison, five policy options, ranging from fixed prices in the exporter to export subsidies, are compared. These comparisons should be useful as multilateral trade negotiations proceed.
Incidence and Pathogenicity of Didymella americana on Table Beet in New York
Authors: Vaghefi Niloofar , Kikkert Julie R. , Pethybridge Sarah J.
Published: January 2017

New York is the second largest producer of table beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) in the United States. In 2015, a Didymella sp. was isolated from table beet fields across New York. Foliar symptoms included dark sunken spots, large necrotic patches with indefinite margins, and necrotic, round-to-oval lesions. The objective was to identify the Didymella sp. associated with table beet, and assess pathogenicity.

Accepted for publication 13 December 2016.
Host autophagosomes are diverted to a plant-pathogen interface
Authors: Dagdas Yasin F , Pandey Pooja , Sanguankiattichai Nattapong , Tumtas Yasin , Belhaj Khaoula , Duggan Cian , Segretin Maria E , Kamoun Sophien , Bozkurt Tolga O
Published: January 2017

Filamentous plant pathogens and symbionts invade their host cells but remain enveloped by host-derived membranes. The mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and functions of these host-microbe interfaces are poorly understood. Recently, we showed that PexRD54, an effector from the Irish potato famine pathogenPhytophthora infestans, binds host protein ATG8CL to stimulate autophagosome formation and deplete the selective autophagy receptor Joka2 from ATG8CL complexes. Here, we show that duringP. infestansinfection, ATG8CL autophagosomes are diverted to the pathogen interface. Our findings are consistent with the view that the pathogen coopts host selective autophagy for its own benefit.