bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detrital shadows: estuarine food web connectivity depends on fluvial influence and consumer feeding mode
Authors: Howe Emily , Simenstad Charles A. , Ogston Andrea
Published: July 2017

We measured the influence of landscape setting on estuarine food web connectivity in five macrotidal Pacific Northwest estuaries across a gradient of freshwater influence. We used stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) in combination with a Bayesian mixing model to trace primary producer contributions to suspension‐ and deposit‐feeding bivalve consumers (Mytilus trossulus and Macoma nasuta) transplanted into three estuarine vegetation zones: emergent marsh, mudflat, and eelgrass. Eelgrass includes both Japanese eelgrass (Zostera japonica) and native eelgrass (Zostera marina). Fluvial discharge and consumer feeding mode strongly influenced the strength and spatial scale of observed food web linkages, while season played a secondary role. Mussels displayed strong cross‐ecosystem connectivity in all estuaries, with decreasing marine influence in the more fluvial estuaries. Mussel diets indicated homogenization of detrital sources within the water column of each estuary. In contrast, the diets of benthic deposit‐feeding clams indicated stronger compartmentalization in food web connectivity, especially in the largest river delta where clam diets were trophically disconnected from marsh sources of detritus. This suggests detritus deposition is patchy across space, and less homogenous than the suspended detritus pool. In addition to fluvial setting, other estuary‐specific environmental drivers, such as marsh area or particle transport speed, influenced the degree of food web linkages across space and time, often accounting for unexpected patterns in food web connectivity. Transformations of the estuarine landscape that alter river hydrology or availability of detritus sources can thus potentially disrupt natural food web connectivity at the landscape scale, especially for sedentary organisms, which cannot track their food sources through space.
Riparian and microhabitat factors determine the structure of the EPT community in Andean headwater rivers of Ecuador
Authors: Vimos‐Lojano D.J. , Martínez‐Capel F. , Hampel H.
Published: July 2017

This research was conducted in the high‐Andean basin of the Zhurucay River in southern Ecuador. In 4 river reaches, 19 sampling campaigns were conducted per reach spread over a period of 35 months. The biotic samples were selected in the periods with greatest flow stability. Parallel to each sampling, 37 environmental variables grouped into 3 factors (riparian corridor, hydromorphology, and water quality) were recorded. The study aimed to analyse during periods of stable flow the influence of these environmental factors on the structure and density of the EPT community (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) in a quasi‐pristine aquatic ecosystem. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the Froude number, gravel type, and width/depth ratio are the most relevant hydromorphological variables explaining variations in EPT density. Xiphocentronidae,Contulma, andHelicopsychewere observed to have a relationship with the order of the river, whileOchrotrichia,Nectopsyche, andPhylloicusvaried with the type of riparian vegetation.Phylloicus,Ochrotrichia, andNectopsychewere common in lentic sites, while the proportion of gravel and the width/depth ratio restricted the genusHelicopsyche. The only relevant water quality factor was the total phosphorus, which was related with 2 taxa. In conclusion, although macroinvertebrates are currently employed in water quality studies, riparian vegetation and hydromorphological factors are determinant for their communities in pristine Andean rivers. Such factors are therefore crucial in the study of environmental flows and the assessment of the ecological integrity.
Review arguments for incremental, verifiable credentials
Authors: Wymbs Clifford
Published: July 2017

Even though universities have operated for centuries, what students have learned has rarely been quantified, with the exception of certain professional areas such as accounting, law, engineering, and medicine. Employers are by and large left to infer the quality of their prospective employees by the reputation of the school they attended and whether they graduated with a degree. Very often, the institution's brand is built by the number and quality of the students it rejects rather than the documented incremental learning that takes place while the students are there.
Look beyond first‐time students to boost enrollment and graduation rates
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2017

The University of Wyoming saw a bit of a rocky road toward growth in enrollment and student retention after officials decided to focus on student success in 2013. Two years later, the university had one of its largest incoming freshman classes ever, followed by a significant drop in 2016. However, the enrollment management office rebounded in 2017 with the largest incoming enrollment in the history of the university, up 13 percent from the prior year. The university also had a record‐breaking number of graduates in 2017, up 5 percent from the year before.
Performance and business relatedness as drivers of exit decision: A study of MNCs from an emerging country
Authors: Tan Qun , Sousa Carlos M. P.
Published: July 2017

Research Summary

This study examines the exit behavior of emerging market MNCs in the context of the parent company (PC)‐foreign affiliate (FA) relationship. Specifically, we consider business relatedness as a moderating variable and examine its impact on the relationship between an FA’s international performance and its exit decision from a foreign market. Our results, based on data collected from multiple informants in 180 Chinese firms, indicate that product relatedness and intangible resource relatedness have different moderating impacts on the FA performance‐FA exit decision relationship. Implications of these findings, along with the limitations of the study, are discussed.

Managerial Summary

Although the research on international entry and expansion is particularly important, an aspect that has been largely ignored in the literature is the exit behavior of firms. This study examines whether the extent to which a foreign subsidiary is similar to its parent's core business may influence the firm's exit decision. The findings indicate that managers are more likely to exit a poorly performing FA if there is a high (vs. low) level of product relatedness between the FA and its PC's core business. The results also suggest that intangible resource relatedness exerts a different contingent effect on the FA performance‐FA exit relationship than does product relatedness.
The Ability of a Single BMD and Fracture History Assessment to Predict Fracture Over 25 Years in Postmenopausal Women: The Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Black Dennis M , Cauley Jane A , Wagman Rachel , Ensrud Kristine , Fink Howard A , Hillier Teresa A , Lui Li-Yung , Cummings Steven R , Schousboe John T , Napoli Nicola
Published: July 2017

The ability of bone mineral density (BMD) and other risk factors to predict fracture risk is well-established for as long as 5 to 10 years. However, their value to predict risk over a longer term has not been directly studied. We investigated whether a single assessment of femoral neck BMD and fracture history can predict fracture risk over 20 to 25 years. We used data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) that assessed BMD and risk factors in 7959 women age ≥67 (mean = 73.4) in 1988–1990. Follow-up for fractures continued for 25 years for hip fracture, and for 20 years for any nonvertebral fracture. Using age-adjusted proportional hazards models, we analyzed the relationships between a single baseline assessment of femoral neck BMD, fracture history and age, and 20–25-year fracture incidence. The 25-year cumulative incidence of hip fracture was 17.9%; 20-year incidence of any nonvertebral fracture was 46.2%. The 25-year hip fracture incidence was highest in those ≥80 years old (22.6%) compared to 13.9% in women aged <70 years. A single femoral neck BMD measurement strongly predicted long-term hip fracture risk to 25 years: 29.6% risk in the lowest BMD quartile versus 7.6% with the highest relative hazard (RH) = 4.9 (95% CI, 4.1 to 6.0). Femoral neck BMD predicted hip fracture with little degradation over time from RH/SD = 2.6 (2.2 to 3.0) for 0 to 5 years to RH/SD = 1.8 (1.4 to 2.4) for 20 to 25 years. Lifetime hip fracture risk was similar (∼30%) regardless of age from 67 to >80 years. History of hip fracture predicted hip fractures only slightly better than history of nonvertebral fracture (RH = 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1 to 2.2] versus RH = 1.4 [95% CI, 1.2 to 1.5], respectively). Fracture history remained strongly predictive up to 25 years. We conclude that a single BMD and fracture history assessment can predict fracture risk over 20 to 25 years. Long-term risk of hip fracture remains extremely high in the oldest age groups, supporting risk assessment and consideration of treatment even in the oldest, highest-risk women.© 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Efficient PAW‐based bond strength analysis for understanding the In/Si(111)(8 × 2) – (4 × 1) phase transition
Authors: Lücke Andreas , Gerstmann Uwe , Kühne Thomas D. , Schmidt Wolf G.
Published: July 2017

A numerically efficient yet highly accurate implementation of the crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) scheme for plane‐wave calculations is presented. It is based on the projector‐augmented wave (PAW) formalism in combination with norm‐conserving pseudopotentials and allows to extract chemical interactions between atoms from band‐structure calculations even for large and complex systems. The potential of the present COHP implementation is demonstrated by an in‐depth analysis of the intensively investigated metal‐insulator transition in atomic‐scale indium wires self‐assembled on the Si(111) surface. Thereby bond formation between In atoms of adjacent zigzag chains is found to be instrumental for the phase change. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High efficiency microbial electrosynthesis of acetate from carbon dioxide using a novel graphene–nickel foam as cathode
Authors: Song Tian‐shun , Fei Kangqing , Zhang Hongkun , Yuan Hao , Yang Yang , Ouyang Pingkai , Xie Jingjing
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is a biocathode‐driven process, producing high‐value chemicals, from CO2. However, the low efficiency of the biocathode hinders the MES process efficiency significantly.

RESULTS

A novel 3D graphene–nickel foam (G‐NF) cathode has been fabricated, by hydrothermal approach for the improvement of microbially‐catalyzed reduction at the MES cathode. An increase of 1.8 times in the volumetric acetate production rate was obtained, compared with the untreated nickel foam. In MES with G‐NF, a volumetric acetate production rate of 3.11 mmol L‐1 day‐1 has been achieved; 70% of the electrons consumed were recovered and the final acetate concentration reached 5.46 g L‐1 within 28 days.

CONCLUSION

The hierarchical porous G‐NF cathode improved bacterial colonization and the efficiency of mass, nutrients and protons transfer due to its 3D composition; the graphene coating considerably increased the effective surface area for microbial adhesion, as well as the electron transfer rate of biofilm in the MES. This study attempted to improve the efficiency of the biocathode, and provides a promising large electrode for large‐scale MES devices. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Understanding and managing the risk of “head impact” from in‐hospital falls: A cross‐sectional analysis of data from 166 public hospitals
Authors: Chari Satyan R. , Varghese Paul , Bell Rebecca A. R. , Smith Kate , Haines Terry P.
Published: July 2017

Background

Falls are a leading cause of preventable harm in the hospitalized elderly, and head impacts (HIs) can be a precursor to serious injury. The aim of this study was to examine if the risk of fall‐related HI can be explained by incident characteristics.

Methods

All reported falls across public hospital facilities in the state of Queensland, Australia, over a 2‐year period were analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression.

Results

In all, 650 instances of HI were reported across 24 218 falls. Falls due to fainting were associated with elevated HI odds (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30, 3.08). Similarly, falls while walking (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.81) and falls during certain time periods, namely, from 11:00 pm to midnight (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.59) and between 5:00 am and 6:00 am (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.01, 2.22) were linked to increased HI odds. Falls among males were associated with lowered odds of HI (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64, 0.74).

Conclusions

Results confirm links between characteristics of inpatient falls and the likelihood of HI, and these data can assist risk managers to better target fall prevention strategies. Assisted mobility in high‐risk patients and improved environmental lighting are advanced as foci for future research.
A spiral planar inductor: An experimentally verified physically based model for frequency and time domains
Authors: Ammouri Aymen , Ben Salah Tarek , Morel Herve
Published: July 2017

The results of a comprehensive investigation of spiral inductors are presented. A physically based model includes the self and mutual inductances, the capacitances between adjacent turns, the substrate capacitance, and the ohmic loss effects proposed. Heterogeneous simulation scheme, including circuit and device models during time and frequency domains, is successfully implemented in VHDL‐AMS language and is simulated numerically in Simplorer platform. The model has been validated during frequency domain with measurement data of spirals having different geometries and various sizes. Moreover, the fabricated spiral inductors are evaluated in DC‐DC power converter to benchmark the model accuracy. Simulation and experimental results show excellent agreement. Validity domain is discussed.
Gelation kinetics and characterization of enzymatically enhanced fish scale gelatin–pectin coacervate
Authors: Huang Tao , Tu Zong‐Cai , Shangguan Xinchen , Wang Hui , Zhang Nanhai , Zhang Lu , Sha Xiaomei
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Protein–polysaccharide complex coacervations have been considered extensively for the development of functional foods. The main problem of the complex coacervates is that they are highly unstable under different conditions and that cross‐linking is necessary to stabilize them. In this study, the effects of pectin at different concentrations on the gel and structural properties of fish scale gelatin (FSG)–high methoxyl citrus pectin (HMP) coacervate enhanced by microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) were studied.

RESULTS

The gelation rates and gel strength of the MTGase‐enhanced FSG–HMP coacervate gels decreased with increasing HMP concentration. However, the enhanced coacervate gels exhibited better thermal behavior and mechanical properties compared with the original gels. Also, TG‐P8 exhibited the highest melting point (27.15 ± 0.12 °C), gelation point (15.65 ± 0.01 °C) and stress (15.36 ± 0.48 kPa) as HMP was 8 g kg−1. Particle size distribution, fluorescence emission and UV absorbance spectra indicated that MTGase and HMP could make FSG form large aggregates. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy of treated coacervate gels showed a continuous protein phase at low HMP concentrations.

CONCLUSION

FSG and HMP could form soluble coacervate, and MTGase could improve the thermal and mechanical properties of coacervate gels. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Fibrosis in small syngeneic rat liver grafts because of damaged bone marrow stem cells from chronic alcohol consumption
Authors: Hisada Masayuki , Zhang Xiuying , Ota Yoshihiro , Cameron Andrew M. , Burdick James , Gao Bin , Williams George Melville , Sun Zhaoli
Published: July 2017

A patient with liver failure due to chronic and acute alcohol abuse under consideration for an urgent liver transplant shortly after stopping alcohol may have residual abnormalities that threaten transplant success, particularly for a small graft. To address this, we studied a model in which reduced‐size (50%) Lewis rat livers are transplanted into green fluorescence protein transgenic Lewis recipients after they are fed alcohol or a control diet for 5 weeks. Here we show that normal small Lewis grafts transplanted to alcohol‐fed Lewis hosts developed fibrosis, whereas no fibrosis was observed in control‐fed recipients. Host‐derived CD133 + 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) cells were significantly increased in livers recovered from both alcohol‐fed and control recipients, but only alcohol‐fed recipients demonstrated co‐staining (a marker of oxidative DNA damage). α smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) staining, a marker for myofibroblasts, also co‐localized with CD133 + cells only in the livers of alcohol‐fed recipients. Immunostaining and polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that chronic alcohol consumption decreased the proportion of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) expressing CD133, c‐Kit, and chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 4 markers and caused oxidative mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) damage. Culture of CD133 + cells from normal rats with medium containing 3% ethanol for 48 hours resulted in elevated mitochondrial 8‐OHdG and mtDNA deletion, and ethanol exposure diminished CD133 expression but dramatically increased α‐SMA expression. In conclusion, oxidative mtDNA damage and deletions occur in BMSCs of chronic alcohol‐fed recipients, and these damaged cells mobilize to the small liver grafts and become myofibroblasts where they play a key role in the subsequent development of fibrosis. Liver Transplantation 23 1564–1576 2017 AASLD.
Hydrogels with Dual Thermoresponsive Mechanical Performance
Authors: Guo Hui , Mussault Cécile , Marcellan Alba , Hourdet Dominique , Sanson Nicolas
Published: July 2017

Dual thermoresponsive chemical hydrogels, combining poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) side‐chains within a poly(N‐acryloylglycinamide) network, are designed following a simple and versatile procedure. These hydrogels exhibit two phase transitions both at low (upper critical solution temperature) and high (lower critical solution temperature) temperatures, thereby modifying their swelling, rheological, and mechanical properties. These novel thermo‐schizophrenic hydrogels pave the way for the development of thermotoughening wet materials in a broad range of temperatures.
Price dispersion and optimal price categories with limited memory consumers
Authors: Baris Omer F. , Kutlu Levent
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we study consumers with limited memory and examine the effects of their price categorization on the pricing strategies of competing firms. The valuations of consumers are assumed to be heterogeneous. We find that it is possible to observe price dispersion even when each firm charges a single price if the consumers categorize prices non‐optimally. Moreover, we demonstrate that the likelihood of a price dispersion outcome is reduced when consumers with limited memory set up the price categories optimally. These findings suggest that the consumers' limited memory and their sub‐optimal behavior, that is, their inability to choose price categories optimally can be a reason for observed price dispersion.
Assessing lung function using contrast‐enhanced dual‐energy computed tomography for potential applications in radiation therapy
Authors: Lapointe Andréanne , Bahig Houda , Blais Danis , Bouchard Hugo , Filion Édith , Carrier Jean‐François , Bedwani Stéphane
Published: July 2017

Purpose

There is an increasing interest in the evaluation of lung function from physiological images in radiation therapy treatment planning to reduce the extent of postradiation toxicities. The purpose of this work was to retrieve reliable functional information from contrast‐enhanced dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) for new applications in radiation therapy. The functional information obtained by DECT is also compared with other methods using single‐energy CT (SECT) and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with CT. The differential function between left and right lung, as well as between lobes is computed for all methods.

Methods

Five lung cancer patients were retrospectively selected for this study; each underwent a SPECT/CT scan and a contrast‐injected DECT scan, using 100 and 140 Sn kVp. The DECT images are postprocessed into iodine concentration maps, which are further used to determine the perfused blood volume. These maps are calculated in two steps: (a) a DECT stoichiometric calibration adapted to the presence of iodine and followed by (b) a two‐material decomposition technique. The functional information from SECT is assumed proportional to the HU numbers from a mixed CT image. The functional data from SPECT/CT are considered proportional to the number of counts. A radiation oncologist segmented the entire lung volume into five lobes on both mixed CT images and low‐dose CT images from SPECT/CT to allow a regional comparison. The differential function for each subvolume is computed relative to the entire lung volume.

Results

The differential function per lobe derived from SPECT/CT correlates strongly with DECT (Pearson's coefficient r = 0.91) and moderately with SECT (r = 0.46). The differential function for the left lung shows a mean difference of 7% between SPECT/CT and DECT; and 17% between SPECT/CT and SECT. The presence of nonfunctional areas, such as localized emphysema or a lung tumor, is reflected by an intensity drop in the iodine concentration maps. Functional dose volume histograms (fDVH) are also generated for two patients as a proof of concept.

Conclusion

The extraction of iodine concentration maps from a contrast‐enhanced DECT scan is achieved to compute the differential function for each lung subvolume and good agreement is found in respect to SPECT/CT. One promising avenue in radiation therapy is to include such functional information during treatment planning dose optimization to spare functional lung tissues.
Evaluation of fitting models for prostate tissue characterization using extended‐range b‐factor diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Langkilde Fredrik , Kobus Thiele , Fedorov Andriy , Dunne Ruth , Tempany Clare , Mulkern Robert V. , Maier Stephan E.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

To compare the fitting and tissue discrimination performance of biexponential, kurtosis, stretched exponential, and gamma distribution models for high b‐factor diffusion‐weighted images in prostate cancer.

Methods

Diffusion‐weighted images with 15 b‐factors ranging from b = 0 to 3500 s/mm2 were obtained in 62 prostate cancer patients. Pixel‐wise signal decay fits for each model were evaluated with the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Parameter values for each model were determined within normal prostate and the index lesion. Their potential to differentiate normal from cancerous tissue was investigated through receiver operating characteristic analysis and comparison with Gleason score.

Results

The biexponential slow diffusion fraction fslow, the apparent kurtosis diffusion coefficient ADCK, and the excess kurtosis factor K differ significantly among normal peripheral zone (PZ), normal transition zone (TZ), tumor PZ, and tumor TZ. Biexponential and gamma distribution models result in the lowest AIC, indicating a superior fit. Maximum areas under the curve (AUCs) of all models ranged from 0.93 to 0.96 for the PZ and from 0.95 to 0.97 for the TZ. Similar AUCs also result from the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of a monoexponential fit to a b‐factor sub‐range up to 1250 s/mm2. For kurtosis and stretched exponential models, single parameters yield the highest AUCs, whereas for the biexponential and gamma distribution models, linear combinations of parameters produce the highest AUCs. Parameters with high AUC show a trend in differentiating low from high Gleason score, whereas parameters with low AUC show no such ability.

Conclusion

All models, including a monoexponential fit to a lower‐b sub‐range, achieve similar AUCs for discrimination of normal and cancer tissue. The biexponential model, which is favored statistically, also appears to provide insight into disease‐related microstructural changes. Magn Reson Med 79:2346–2358, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Anatomical versus functional motor points of selected upper body muscles
Authors: Franz Alexander , Klaas Joschua , Schumann Moritz , Frankewitsch Thomas , Filler Timm J. , Behringer Michael
Published: July 2017

Introduction

In this study we aimed to identify nerve entry points (NEPs) of superficial skeletal muscles obtained by dissection of 20 human cadavers and compared them with motor points (MP) obtained previously by electrical stimulation.

Methods

The biceps brachii (BB), trapezius (TZ), latissimus dorsi (LD), pectoralis major (Pmaj), and pectoralis minor (Pmin) muscles were dissected from human cadavers. NEP data (mean ± standard deviation) from each muscle were calculated. F‐tests with Bonferroni corrections were used to compare NEPs and MPs.

Results

The number of NEPs was 2 in BB, 1 in Pmin, 4 in TZ, and 3 in LD, whereas the total number in Pmaj varied from 3 to 5. NEPs and MPs were statistically equal only in Pmin and in the descending part of TZ.

Discussion

The findings show crucial differences between NEPs and MPs, possibly impacting the effectiveness of several medical treatment strategies. Muscle Nerve 57: 460–465, 2018
The binding mechanism between azoles and FgCYP51B, sterol 14α‐demethylase of Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Qian Hengwei , Duan Meilin , Sun Xiaomei , Chi Mengyu , Zhao Ying , Liang Wenxing , Du Juan , Huang Jinguang , Li Baodu
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Fusarium graminearum is the main pathogen of Fusarium head blight (FHB), a worldwide plant disease and a major disease of wheat in China. Control of FHB is mainly dependent on the application of demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicides. Fungal sterol 14α‐demethylase enzymes (CYP51) are the main target for DMI fungicides. A molecular modeling study and biological evaluation were performed to investigate the binding mechanism between azoles and CYP51B in F. graminearum.

RESULTS

A homology model based on the crystal structure of Aspergillus fumigatus was built. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were then used to identify the optimum binding mode of propiconazole (PRP), diniconazole (DIN), triadimenol (TRL), tebuconazole (TEC) and triadimefon (TRN) with FgCYP51B. Furthermore, the binding free energy of the five protein–inhibitor complexes was calculated using molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area and Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐GB/PBSA) methods. Key residues in the selective binding of azoles to FgCYP51B were recognized by per‐residue free energy decomposition analysis. The five ligands have a similar binding mode in the active pocket. The binding free energy to the enzyme for inhibitors PRP and TEC is more favorable than that of TRN, TRL and DIN. Furthermore, the amino acid residues Phe511, Val136, Ile374, Ala308, Ser312 and Try137 of FgCYP51B are key residues interacting with azoles fungicides. From the experimental evaluation, the 50% effective concentration (EC50) values for PRP, TEC, DIN, TRL and TRN are 0.024, 0.047, 0.148, 0.154 and 0.474 mg L–1, respectively. These five molecules exhibit potential inhibitory activity against CYP51B protein from F. graminearum.

CONCLUSION

Azole fungicides for FgCYP51B should possess more hydrophobic groups interacting with residues Phe511, Val136, Ile374, Ala308, Ser312 and Tyr137. PRP and TEC are preferable for the control of FHB than DIN, TRL and TRN. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Selecting subgrids from a spatial monitoring network: Proposal and application in semiconductor manufactoring process
Authors: Borgoni Riccardo , Zappa Diego
Published: July 2017

The monitoring of spatial production processes typically involves sampling network to gather information about the status of the process. Sampling costs are often not marginal, and once the process has been accurately calibrated, it might be appropriate to reduce the dimension of the sampling grid. This aim is often achieved through the allocation of a brand new network of less dimension. In some cases that is not possible and it might be necessary the selection of a subgrid extracted from the original network. Motivated by a real semiconductor problem, we propose a method to extract a monitoring subgrid from a given one, based upon grid representativeness, accuracy, and spatial coverage of the subgrid and, if available, by expert knowledge of the weights to be assigned to those areas where production may need greater precision. Discussion is mainly focused on circular spatial domain, since, in microelectronics, the basic production support, called wafer, is a circle. Straightforward generalizations to different spatial domains are possible. Furthermore, conditionally upon the availability of experimental data, we check the loss of accuracy by fitting a dual mean‐variance response surface on the reduced grid. Joining the latter information and the criteria used to select the subgrid, we provide additional guidelines on how to fine‐tune the subgrid selection. Real case studies are used to show the effectiveness of the proposal.
Using dynamic Bayesian networks to model technical risk management efficiency
Authors: Halabi Anan , Kenett Ron S. , Sacerdote Laura
Published: July 2017

The objective of this paper is to present a mathematical model helping decision makers achieve optimum efficiency in risk management of product development. The optimum we are seeking considers qualitative data derived from expert opinions and quantitative information on project characteristics. The mathematical model proposed here aims at integrating data from these sources to identify opportunities for decreasing product risk. Reduction of overall product risk, before product release to production, is an indicator of the efficiency of the risk management intervention. Acceptable risk targets vary according to industry type, organization characteristics, regulations, etc. In general, the risk management process consists of identification of risks, analysis of risks, risk control, and feedback. Here, we propose a mathematical approach to risk management by using dynamic Bayesian networks for evaluation of product risks during the development period. The properties of the model are assessed by using 2 validation methods:k‐fold cross validation and leave‐one‐out techniques. Mathematical imputation methods, like multivariate normal imputation, are invoked to deal with missing data. In addition, sensitivity analysis is performed to assess the uncertainty embedded in the parameters derived from the dynamic Bayesian network.

Decision makers should consider the overall risk in product development estimated by this mathematical model. It may help to determine whether to release a product for Beta testing or to conduct additional activities to reduce the overall risk level before customer shipment. In addition, the model may be used for prediction purposes as it provides an estimate of the expected risk at timet + 1 based on the level of risk at timet.
Genetically Engineered Elastomeric Polymer Network through Protein Zipper Assembly
Authors: Fazelinia Hossein , Balog Eva Rose M. , Desireddy Anil , Chakraborty Saumen , Sheehan Chris J. , Strauss Charlie E.M. , Martinez Jennifer S.
Published: July 2017

The rich palette of chemical and functional diversity found within peptides has driven the recent interest in bottom‐up assembly of soft polypeptide‐based materials. Herein, we describe the creation of a novel helix‐elastin like polymer or HELP. HELP marries the specificity of coiled‐coil interactions with the elasticity and stimuli‐responsive behavior of elastin, a class of polymers with extraordinary elasticity. We used Rosetta to computationally design highly specific protein helical zippers to connect short elastin segments. The programmed pairing between the helical blocks of two individual chains produced a genetically encoded material that, when deposited on a substrate, formed a flexible and porous 2D planar network with controllable porosity that responds dynamically upon application of stimuli.
Exploiting CF Bond of Hexafluorocyclohexane and Decafluoroadamantane Systems to Capture Flue Gases: A Computational Study
Authors: Pradhan Swaraj Rashmi , Ganguly Bishwajit
Published: July 2017

The interaction of flue gases (CO2, CH4,and N2) with all‐cis1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexafluorocyclohexane(1) and decafluoroadamantane system have been exploited through a systematic computational study to evaluate the capturing efficacy using B3LYP–D3/6‐31G(d) level of theory. The DFT results show that1is selective for the CO2.1can adsorb 6 CO2molecules with reasonable strength, i. e., ∼6.0 to ∼10.0 kcal/mol. First report with adamantane systems (2, 3), which can adsorb twelve CO2molecules with reasonable adsorption energy∼ −5.0 to −10.0 kcal/mol. Among the three flue gases, CO2and CH4preferably bind with the polar −C−F bonds whereas N2prefers to bind with the −C−H bonds of above systems. The nature of the interaction of CO2with these systems has investigated using Atoms In Molecules (AIM), Molecular Electrostatic Potential Surface (MESP), and Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA) analyses. The dispersive interaction is predominantly responsible for the binding of CO2molecule with the −C−F bonds of1and AIM calculations also corroborate the non‐covalent interactions. The calculated desorption energies suggest that these molecules would be kinetically active to exploit as novel materials to capture flue gases.
An Intermediate Band Material K2CdSnSe4 and Its Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Sun Baohua , He Jianqiao , Song Changsheng , Wang Dong , Bu Kejun , Yin Guoheng , Zhang Xian , Huang Fuqiang
Published: July 2017

Intermediate bands (IBs) can significantly extend the absorption range of solar absorbers. Here, an intermediate band material K2CdSnSe4 was synthesized via a urea flux method at 220 °C. The structure features [CdSnSe4]2‐ one‐dimensional chains, which were built up by [CdSe4]6‐ and [SnSe4]4‐ tetrahedra via edge sharing. Optical measurements indicate that the as‐synthesized K2CdSnSe4 compound has typical multi‐absorption characters with an absorption edge at 1.63 eV and an absorption peak around 398 nm (3.1 eV). First‐principles calculation results, which are perfectly consistent with the experimental results, show that the intermediate bands mainly consist of Sn‐5 s and Se‐4p orbitals. Photoresponse was observed under visible light illumination with a photocurrent density of 217 μA⋅cm−2 at 1 V. Methyl orange (MO) was used as model pollutant for photodegradation test. About 99 % of MO (10 mg⋅L−1) was removed after 4 h under visible light illumination using K2CdSnSe4 powder (1 g⋅L−1) as photocatalyst, which is better than that of C3N4 (∼ 45 % at 240 min).
Environmentally Friendly ILSO3H‐SnCl5@Ti‐MCM‐4‐Mediated Hydroxyalkylation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Paraformaldehyde to Diarylmethanes
Authors: Hu Yu Lin , Zhang Geng , Yao Nan , Liu Yang , Yang Qing Qing
Published: July 2017

A series of mesoporous silica supported ILs were prepared, characterized and their catalytic performances in hydroxyalkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons with paraformaldehyde were investigated. The influences of reaction parameters were studied. Research shows that ILSO3H‐SnCl5@Ti‐MCM‐41 could be used as the highest efficient catalyst in hydroxyalkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons with paraformaldehyde to gives the corresponding diarylmethanes. Good to excellent yields were achieved for this reaction under mild conditions. The heterogeneous supported catalyst is easily recoverable by filtration, and could be used for six consecutive runs without significant loss in catalytic activity.
pH‐Responsive Supported and Unsupported Gold Nanocrystals
Authors: Imura Yoshiro , So Yoshikazu , Morita‐Imura Clara , Kawai Takeshi
Published: July 2017

The pH‐responsive zwitterionic amphiphile (C18Tyr) was used for the functionalization of unsupported Au nanocrystals, a SiO2 support, and SiO2‐supported Au nanocrystals in a biphasic water/chloroform system, for useful supported nanomaterials. The solubility of C18Tyr was controlled by adjusting the pH of the water/chloroform system; at pH 8.0 and 3.5, almost all of the C18Tyr dissolved in the water and chloroform phases, respectively. This pH‐dependent solubility control is due to protonation/deprotonation of the amino and carboxyl groups of C18Tyr. The unsupported Au nanocrystals in C18Tyr/water/chloroform were reversibly transferred between the water and chloroform phases by pH control, but the phase transfer yield was low due to the aggregation and deposition of Au nanocrystals. Therefore, we prepared pH‐responsive supported nanocrystals, as they are known to have high stabilities compared to unsupported nanocrystals. The SiO2 support, without Au nanocrystals, was reversibly dispersed and precipitated in the C18Tyr/water/chloroform system by pH control, and not reversibly transferred between the water and chloroform phases. SiO2‐supported Au nanocrystals were also reversibly dispersed and precipitated as was observed for the SiO2 support. Therefore, the dispersion‐precipitation response of the SiO2‐supported Au nanocrystals is due to the SiO2 support, not the Au nanocrystals. Furthermore, no loss of Au nanocrystals was observed due to the improved stability of the Au nanocrystals supported by this method. These results are very useful for preparation and application of externally responsive supported nanocrystals with high stabilities.
A Quick, Simple and Clean Synthesis of Spiro(indoline‐3,4′‐pyrazolo[4′, 3′:5,6]pyrido[2, 3‐d]pyrimidines) in Water through a Novel One‐Pot Multicomponent Reaction
Authors: Kalita Subarna Jyoti , Das Bidyut , Deka Dibakar Chandra
Published: July 2017

A novel and general protocol for quick, simple and efficient synthesis of spiro[indoline‐3, 4′‐pyrazolo[4′, 3′:5,6]pyrido[2, 3‐d]pyrimidines] via one‐pot three component reactions of isatins, 5‐aminopyrazoles and 6‐aminouracils or 2,6‐diaminopyrimidin‐4‐one in water catalyzed by para‐toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate (p‐TSA.H2O) under mild reaction conditions has been described. Use of water as the solvent system, application of mild and cost‐effective solid p‐TSA.H2O as organocatalyst, high yield in short reaction time, simple purification process with no chromatographic technique and operational simplicity make the protocol highly attractive.
An Efficient Protocol for Palladium N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalysed Suzuki‐Miyaura Reaction at room temperature
Authors: Akkoç Mitat , İmik Fatma , Yaşar Sedat , Dorcet Vincent , Roisnel Thiery , Bruneau Christian , Özdemir İsmail
Published: July 2017

The palladium‐N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes have been synthesised from 1,3‐bis‐(N‐alkyl)benzimidazolium salts and catalytic activity of complexes have been tested on Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction for aryl bromides with substituted arylboronic acids at room temperature in i‐PrOH/water. Structural characterisation of palladium complex 2 b was determined by x‐ray crystallography. A convenient and effective protocol has been evolved that has several superior advantages, including very low catalyst loading, vide range of substrate tolerance, excellent yields, room temperature, totally green solvents, short reaction times, up to 59750 h−1 TOF (Turn Over Frequency) value with aryl bromide substrates and very simple procedure.
A Hierarchical, Nanofibrous, Tin‐Oxide/Silicon Composite Derived from Cellulose as a High‐Performance Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Dongling , Li Xue , Huang Jianguo
Published: July 2017

A hierarchical nanofibrous tin‐oxide/silicon composite with tin oxide nanoparticles anchored on the silicon nanofiber surface is fabricated employing natural cellulose substance (ordinary filter paper) as structural template. Tin oxide gel is deposited uniformly onto the surface of the silicon nanofibers that prepared by magnesiothermic reduction of the silica replica of the filter paper, and thereafter, the as‐prepared tin‐oxide−gel/silicon nanocomposite is calcined in argon atmosphere to yield the tin‐oxide/silicon nanocomposite. The resulted tin‐oxide/silicon nanocomposite possesses a hierarchical network structure that inherited from the initial cellulose substance. When the nanocomposite is evaluated as an anode material in lithium‐ion batteries, it exhibits superior lithium storage properties compared with the pure silicon nanofiber and tin oxide powder matters. For such a nanocomposite with 58.8 wt% tin oxide content delivers a specific reversible capacity of 547.8 mAh g−1 after 150 discharge/charge cycles at 100 mA g−1. The improved lithium storage performances are attributed to the unique three‐dimensional hierarchical porous network structure of the nanocomposite, high dispersed fine tin oxide nanoparticles on the silicon nanofiber surface, as well as the synergistic effects between the silicon nanofibers and the tin oxide nanoparticles on the lithium storage.
Performance evaluation and experimental analysis of a novel single‐phase brushless PM motor
Authors: Liu Huijuan , Song Tengfei , Zhang Qian , Zhang Zhenyang
Published: July 2017

In order to equip the single‐phase brushless permanent magnet (PM) motor with self‐starting capability without a complex structure, we present a new kind of asymmetric air‐gap topology which can lead to the d‐, q‐axis magnetic circuit asymmetry of the motor. The field‐circuit‐coupling finite element method simulation model of the proposed motor controlled with a constant V/f control is built by using the 2D Maxwell software. The geometric parameters of the motor are also optimized by changing pole arc ratio of the PM (αp) and its eccentricity (e), and the operational characteristic is investigated. Finally, an experimental platform of the prototype and its control system are set up. Performance comparison of the experimental results and simulation results of the proposed motor running in various operating modes is reported. All the results show that the asymmetric air‐gap single‐phase brushless PM motor has potential to be used in the household appliances. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Development of an energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyzer employing superconducting tunnel junction array detectors toward nanometer‐scale elemental mapping
Authors: Fujii Go , Ukibe Masahiro , Shiki Shigetomo , Ohkubo Masataka
Published: July 2017

Energy‐dispersive X‐ray detectors based on superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) exhibit at best energy resolution of about 5 eV in full width at half‐maximum for soft X‐rays with energy levels of less than ~1 keV as well as a large sensitive area (>1 mm2) and a high counting rate capability (>500 kcps). We have developed an energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyzer combined with a scanning electron microscope and STJs to realize elemental mapping with high energy‐resolving power. To improve the collection efficiency of the fluorescence X‐rays, a polycapillary collimating X‐ray lens was installed in the analyzer. The overall system efficiency of the analyzer was more than 1 × 10−4 sr in the soft X‐ray range. Its counting rate performance for the N‐Kα line was 9.4 cps/nA, near that of setups comprising an electron probe microanalyzer and wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometers (WDSs). By improving the X‐ray optics, the counting rate is expected to be increased more than 600‐fold. The energy resolution of the developed analyzer was assessed according to the full width at half‐maximum of the N‐Kα peak, which was measured to be 10 eV, indicating an energy resolution about 7 times better than that of conventional X‐ray spectroscopy analyzers employing silicon drift detectors (SDDs). These results indicate that the improved analyzer employing STJs can realize both the high throughputs of SDDs and the high energy resolution of WDSs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spectroscopy for Amateur Astronomers
Authors: Trypsteen Marc F. M. , Walker Richard
Published: July 2017

This accessible guide presents the astrophysical concepts behind astronomical spectroscopy, covering both the theory and the practical elements of recording, processing, analysing and interpreting your spectra. It covers astronomical objects, such as stars, planets, nebulae, novae, supernovae, and events such as eclipses and comet passages. Suitable for anyone with only a little background knowledge and access to amateur-level equipment, the guide's many illustrations, sketches and figures will help you understand and practise this scientifically important and growing field of amateur astronomy, up to the level of Pro-Am collaborations. Accessible to non-academics, it benefits many groups from novices and learners in astronomy clubs, to advanced students and teachers of astrophysics. This volume is the perfect companion to the Spectral Atlas for Amateur Astronomers, which provides detailed commented spectral profiles of more than 100 astronomical objects.
Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) Control and Soil Seedbank Composition Fifteen Years after Release of Aphthona Biological Control Agents
Authors: Thilmony Blake M. , Lym Rodney G.
Published: July 2017

Aphthona spp. flea beetles were released in two ecological sites of the Little Missouri National Grasslands in southwestern North Dakota in 1999 to control leafy spurge. The change in leafy spurge density and soil seedbank composition was monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the biological weed control agent and the associated change in plant communities 5, 10, and 15 yr after release in loamy overflow (valleys) and loamy sites (ridges). In 2014, 15 yr after release, leafy spurge stem density had decreased 94% from 110 to 7 stems m−2 in the loamy overflow sites and 88% from 78 to 9 stems m−2 in the loamy sites. Leafy spurge represented only 2% and 6% of the loamy overflow and loamy seedbanks in 2004, respectively, compared with nearly 67% and 70%, respectively, in 1999. There was a slow shift to reintroduction of native species into the seedbank over the last 15 yr. The number of desirable species increased to 21 by 2014 (more than three times the number of species in 1999) in the loamy overflow sites, and doubled to 14 species in the loamy sites, while less desirable forb species doubled in both sites. Desirable grass species doubled in the loamy overflow sites by 2014 but remained unchanged in loamy sites. Aphthona spp. successfully controlled leafy spurge for more than 15 yr without any additional control methods or costs to land managers and resulted in the slow return of a subset of native species.
REMEMBERING THE IMĀM YAḤYĀ IBN AL-QĀSIMMASHHADIN MOSUL
Authors: McClary Richard Piran
Published: July 2017

This article consists of a detailed account of themashhadof Imām Yaḥyā ibn al-Qāsim. The square-plan building, constructed on the cliff edge above the southern bank of the Tigris in the citadel of Mosul inc.637/1239, was destroyed in an act of cultural terrorism by ISIS on 23 July 2014. This is a study of the work of earlier scholars on the building, a reassessment of the structure and its regional context, and a number of hypotheses regarding the original appearance of the tomb. In addition, the wide-ranging sources of the formal and decorative elements of the building are examined. Themashhadwas the most richly ornamented of the medieval tombs in Iraq which had survived into the modern era, yet it had not been comprehensively studied in over a century. The remaining untranslated inscriptions are given in full, adding useful new information to the discussion regarding the important distinction between the ʿAlids versus Shīʿī associations of the building and its patron. Drawing on the limited published and archival images of the building, the internal appearance is reconstructed, and a series of new architectural plans and elevations are provided in order to preserve the memory of this important structure.