bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Reading Comprehension in EFL Contexts: Individual and Collaborative Concept Mapping Strategies
Authors: Riahi Zahra , Pourdana Natasha
Published: January 2017

The present study attempted to investigate the possible impacts of Individual Concept Mapping (ICM) and Collaborative Concept Mapping (CCM) strategies on Iranian EFL learners' reading comprehension. For this purpose, 90 pre-intermediate female language learners ranged between 12 to 17 years of age were selected to randomly assign into ICM, CCM and Control groups in this study. After taking Key English Test (KET), the ICM and CCM groups received EFL reading materials presented and practiced with ICM and CCM strategies, respectively, while the Control group received only conventional instructions to reading comprehension. After conducting the treatment, all participants took a Concept Mapping post-test constructed by the researchers. The hypothetical assumptions in this study were in favor of ICM and CCM strategies to improve the Iranian EFL learners’ reading comprehension. Statistics supported the outperformance of the ICM and CCM groups comparing to Control group who received convention PPP teaching techniques on Concept Mapping post-test. However, the superiority of neither strategies was statistically proved so that no meaningful difference between the reading comprehension of the ICM and CCM groups were detected. Therefore, the researchers failed to determine which strategy caused a better or higher impact. Some pedagogical implications and recommended topics for further research were provided to the motivated researchers.
Coseismic ruptures of the 24 August 2016, Mw 6.0 Amatrice earthquake (central Italy)
Authors: Pucci S. , De Martini P. M. , Civico R. , Villani F. , Nappi R. , Ricci T. , Azzaro R. , Brunori C. A. , Caciagli M. , Cinti F. R. , Sapia V. , De Ritis R. , Mazzarini F. , Tarquini S. , Gaudiosi G. , Nave R. , Alessio G. , Smedile A. , Alfonsi L. , Cucci L. , Pantosti D.
Published: January 2017

On 24 August 2016, a Mw 6.0 normal‐faulting earthquake struck central Italy, causing about 300 fatalities and heavy damage. A geological survey collected the coseismic effects observed at the surface in order to evaluate two competing hypotheses about their nature: surface faulting versus gravitational deformation. We find that the most significant geological effect is a 5.2 km long alignment of ground ruptures along the Mount Vettore Fault System. These ruptures are independent from lithology, topography, morphology, and change in slope and exhibit an average dip‐slip displacement of ~13 cm. Geometry, kinematics, and dimensional properties of this zone of deformation strongly lead us to favor the primary surface faulting hypothesis that fits well the predicted estimates from experimental scaling law relationships. Our study provides relevant hints for surface faulting in extensional domains, contributing to implement the worldwide database of the moderate earthquakes.
An analysis of the nonlinear magma‐edifice coupling at Grimsvötn volcano (Iceland)
Authors: Got Jean‐Luc , Carrier Aurore , Marsan David , Jouanne François , Vogfjörd Kristin , Villemin Thierry
Published: January 2017

Continuous monitoring of seismicity and surface displacement of active volcanoes can reveal important features of the eruptive cycle. Here high‐quality GPS and earthquake data recorded at Grimsvötn volcano by the Icelandic Meteorological Office during the 2004–2011 intereruptive period are analyzed. These showed a characteristic pattern, with an initial ∼2 year long exponential decay followed by ∼3 year long constant surface displacement inflation rate. We model it by using a one magma reservoir model in an elastic damaging edifice, with incompressible magma and constant pressure at the base of the magma conduit. Seismicity rate and damage were first modeled, and simple analytical expressions were derived for the magma reservoir overpressure and surface displacement as functions of time. Very good fits of the seismicity and surface displacement data were obtained by fitting only three phenomenological parameters. Characteristic time and power strain show maxima from which reference times were inferred that split the intereruptive period into five periods. After the pressurization periods, damage occurring in the third period induced weakly nonlinear variations in magma overpressure and flow, and surface displacement. During the fourth period, the damage dominated and variations became more strongly nonlinear, the reservoir overpressure decreased, and magma flow increased. This process lasted until the power strain reached its second maximum, where instability was generalized. This maximum is a physical limit, the occurrence of which shortly precedes rupture and, eventually, eruption. This analysis allows characterization of the state of the volcanic edifice during the intereruptive period and supports medium‐term prediction of rupture and eruption.
Dynamic regimes of neocortical activity linked to corticothalamic integrity correlate with outcomes in acute anoxic brain injury after cardiac arrest
Authors: Forgacs Peter B. , Frey Hans‐Peter , Velazquez Angela , Thompson Stephanie , Brodie Daniel , Moitra Vivek , Rabani Leroy , Park Soojin , Agarwal Sachin , Falo Maria Cristina , Schiff Nicholas D. , Claassen Jan
Published: January 2017

Objective

Recognition of potential for neurological recovery in patients who remain comatose after cardiac arrest is challenging and strains clinical decision making. Here, we utilize an approach that is based on physiological principles underlying recovery of consciousness and show correlation with clinical recovery after acute anoxic brain injury.

Methods

A cohort study of 54 patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit after cardiac arrest who underwent standardized bedside behavioral testing (Coma Recovery Scale – Revised [CRS‐R]) during EEG monitoring. Blinded to all clinical variables, artifact‐free EEG segments were selected around maximally aroused states and analyzed using a multi‐taper method to assess frequency spectral content. EEG spectral features were assessed based on pre‐defined categories that are linked to anterior forebrain corticothalamic integrity. Clinical outcomes were determined at the time of hospital discharge, using Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC).

Results

Ten patients with ongoing seizures, myogenic artifacts or technical limitations obscuring recognition of underlying cortical dynamic activity were excluded from primary analysis. Of the 44 remaining patients with distinct EEG spectral features, 39 (88%) fit into our predefined categories. In these patients, spectral features corresponding to higher levels of anterior forebrain corticothalamic integrity correlated with higher levels of consciousness and favorable clinical outcome at the time of hospital discharge (P = 0.014).

Interpretation

Predicted transitions of neocortical dynamics that indicate functional integrity of anterior forebrain corticothalamic circuitry correlate with clinical outcomes in postcardiac‐arrest patients. Our results support a new biologically driven approach toward better understanding of neurological recovery after cardiac arrest.
Additive Manufacturing of Nickel‐Base Superalloy René N5 through Scanning Laser Epitaxy (SLE) − Material Processing, Microstructures, and Microhardness Properties
Authors: Basak Amrita , Das Suman
Published: January 2017

Nickel‐base superalloy René N5 is deposited on cast René N5 substrates with [100] and [001] crystallographic orientations through scanning laser epitaxy (SLE) applied to gas‐atomized pre‐alloyed René N5 powder. Single‐pass fabrication of crack‐free deposits exceeding 1000 micron is achieved. High‐resolution optical microscopy reveals that the deposits have 10 times finer primary dendritic arm spacing compared to the substrate. SEM reveals the presence of finer microstructure in the deposit region compared to the substrate region. XRD and EBSD investigations show that the substrate crystallographic orientation does not affect the unidirectional crystal growth in the deposit region. Vickers microhardness values are higher in the deposits compared to the substrate.
Enhanced Li‐Ion Accessibility in MXene Titanium Carbide by Steric Chloride Termination
Authors: Kajiyama Satoshi , Szabova Lucie , Iinuma Hiroki , Sugahara Akira , Gotoh Kazuma , Sodeyama Keitaro , Tateyama Yoshitaka , Okubo Masashi , Yamada Atsuo
Published: January 2017

Pseudocapacitance is a key charge storage mechanism to advanced electrochemical energy storage devices distinguished by the simultaneous achievement of high capacitance and a high charge/discharge rate by using surface redox chemistries. MXene, a family of layered compounds, is a pseudocapacitor‐like electrode material which exhibits charge storage through exceptionally fast ion accessibility to redox sites. Here, the authors demonstrate steric chloride termination in MXene Ti2CTx (Tx: surface termination groups) to open the interlayer space between the individual 2D Ti2CTx units. The open interlayer space significantly enhances Li‐ion accessibility, leading to high gravimetric and volumetric capacitances (300 F g−1 and 130 F cm−3) with less diffusion limitation. A Li‐ion hybrid capacitor consisting of the Ti2CTx negative electrode and the LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 positive electrode displays an unprecedented specific energy density of 160 W h kg−1 at 220 W kg−1 based on the total weight of positive and negative active materials.
Revealing Anisotropic Spinel Formation on Pristine Li‐ and Mn‐Rich Layered Oxide Surface and Its Impact on Cathode Performance
Authors: Kuppan Saravanan , Shukla Alpesh Khushalchand , Membreno Daniel , Nordlund Dennis , Chen Guoying
Published: January 2017

Surface properties of cathode particles play important roles in the transport of ions and electrons and they may ultimately dominate cathode's performance and stability in lithium‐ion batteries. Through the use of carefully prepared Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 crystal samples with six distinct morphologies, surface transition‐metal redox activities and crystal structural transformation are investigated as a function of surface area and surface crystalline orientation. Complementary depth‐profiled core‐level spectroscopy, namely, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and atomic‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, are applied in the study, presenting a fine example of combining advanced diagnostic techniques with a well‐defined model system of battery materials. The present study reports the following findings: (1) a thin layer of defective spinel with reduced transition metals, similar to what is reported on cycled conventional secondary particles in the literature, is found on pristine oxide surface even before cycling, and (2) surface crystal structure and chemical composition of both pristine and cycled particles are facet dependent. Oxide structural and cycling stabilities improve with maximum expression of surface facets stable against transition‐metal reduction. The intricate relationships among morphology, surface reactivity and structural transformation, electrochemical performance, and stability of the cathode materials are revealed.
In Situ TEM Study of Volume Expansion in Porous Carbon Nanofiber/Sulfur Cathodes with Exceptional High‐Rate Performance
Authors: Xu Zheng‐Long , Huang Jian‐Qiu , Chong Woon Gie , Qin Xianying , Wang Xiangyu , Zhou Limin , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: January 2017

Although lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted much interest owing to their high energy densities, synthesis of high‐rate cathodes and understanding their volume expansion behavior still remain challenging. Herein, electrospinning is used to prepare porous carbon nanofiber (PCNF) hosts, where both the pore volume and surface area are tailored by optimizing the sacrificial agent content and the activation temperature. Benefiting from the ameliorating functional features of high electrical conductivity, large pore volume, and Li ion permselective micropores, the PCNF/A550/S electrode activated at 550 °C exhibits a high sulfur loading of 71 wt%, a high capacity of 945 mA h g−1 at 1 C, and excellent high‐rate capability. The in situ transmission electron microscope examination reveals that the lithiation product, Li2S, is contained within the electrode with only ≈35% volume expansion and the carbon host remains intact without fracture. In contrast, the PCNF/A750/S electrode with damaged carbon spheres exhibits sulfur sublimation, a larger volume expansion of over 61%, and overflowing of Li2S, a testament to its poor cyclic stability. These findings provide, for the first time, a new insight into the correlation between volume expansion and electrochemical performance of the electrode, offering a potential design strategy to synthesize high‐rate and stable LSB cathodes.
Cancer incidence among capacitor manufacturing workers exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: Ruder Avima M. , Hein Misty J. , Hopf Nancy B. , Waters Martha A.
Published: January 2017

Background

We evaluated cancer incidence in a cohort of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposed workers.

Methods

Incident cancers, identified using state registries, were compared to those in a national population using standardized incidence ratios. Trends in prostate cancer incidence with cumulative PCB exposure were evaluated using standardized rate ratios and Cox regression models. For selected sites, cumulative PCB exposure was compared between aggressive (fatal/distant stage) and localized/regional cancers.

Results

We identified 3,371 invasive first primary cancer diagnoses among 21,317 eligible workers through 2007. Overall relative incidence was reduced. Elevations were only observed for respiratory cancers and among women, urinary organ cancers. Among men, prostate cancer incidence was reduced and not associated with cumulative PCB exposure although median exposures were significantly higher for aggressive compared to localized/regional prostate cancers.

Conclusion

Previously observed associations between cumulative PCB exposure and prostate cancer mortality were not confirmed in this analysis; prostate cancer stage at diagnosis may explain the discrepancy. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:198–207, 2017. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Comparative behavior of in situ silica generation in saturated rubbers: EPDM and hydrogenated natural rubber
Authors: Ongwongsakul Kitti , Rempel Garry L. , Poompradub Sirilux , Hinchiranan Napida
Published: January 2017

Role of carbon‐carbon double (CC) bonds content and their position in ethylene‐propylene diene ter‐polymer (EPDM), hydrogenated natural rubber (HNR) and natural rubber (NR) on in situ silica formation using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a silica precursor is comparatively investigated. Glass transition temperature (Tg) reflecting rubber chain flexibility is found as an important factor for in situ silica generation via swelling method. Despite of similar solubility parameters, NR has higher TEOS‐swelling degree resulting in the higher in situ silica content (30.8 phr) than EPDM (3.50 phr) and HNR (10.4–17.6 phr) due to the higher Tg of EPDM and HNR providing the less chain flexibility to be swollen in TEOS solution. The morphological analysis implies that CC bonds in saturated rubbers may be agglomeration sites for in situ silica particles. For practical applications, saturated rubbers containing in situ silica/NR vulcanizates showed the improvement of mechanical properties and resistance of thermal and ozone degradation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44748.
Study of solubility and swelling ratio in polymer‐CO2 systems using the PC‐SAFT equation of state
Authors: Gong Kai , Panuganti Sai R. , Chapman Walter G.
Published: January 2017

We use the PC‐SAFT equation of state to model the solubility of CO2 in various homopolymers. We also model the swelling ratio of the PP (polypropylene)‐CO2 mixture using PC‐SAFT and then compare the results with Sanchez‐Lacombe (S‐L) and Simha‐Somcynsky (S‐S) equations. The results show that PC‐SAFT can describe the solubility of CO2 in polymers very well. We compare two sets of parameters in the PC‐SAFT equation, Gross et al.'s and Chen et al.'s. As for the swelling ratio, PC‐SAFT using Chen et al. parameters is better than S‐L equation, which is commonly used by early researchers in studying the solubility of CO2 in polymers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44804.
Crossed Synchronization of Multiple Subnets Complex Network System with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Bi‐feng Zhou , Yi‐ping Lou , Yao‐xiang Zhong
Published: January 2017

A dual‐time varying delay complex network system is formed by a plurality of sub‐networks. This paper discusses the crossed synchronization stability of such systems on the basis of crossed synchronization definition between the sub‐nets. By the Lyapunov stability theory with the Zero Theorem, we obtained a sufficient condition that a synchronization exponentially stable controller exists in the complex network system, with characteristic variable delay. The relationship between the complex network nodes are discussed, and the two nodes must be connected and can interact with each other so it has the actual coupling strength. Finally, combining the given conditions, a numerical simulation illustrates its effectiveness.
Model Reduction of Large Scale Descriptor Systems Using Time Limited Gramians
Authors: Haider Khawaja Shafiq , Ghafoor Abdul , Imran Muhammad , Malik Fahad Mumtaz
Published: January 2017

A new technique for model order reduction of large scale continuous linear time invariant descriptor systems in limited time interval is proposed. The concept of time limited Gramians for descriptor systems is introduced for applications involving analysis, design or optimization in specific time interval. Balanced truncation based on magnitudes of Hankel singular values of the computed Gramians is performed to obtain the reduced order models in limited time interval. An approximate solution of time limited projected Lyapunov equations is developed and Cholesky factorisation of time limited Gramians is performed. Moreover, stability conditions for reduced order system are stated and two algorithms for stability preservation of reduced order models are presented. Results certify the successful application of the proposed techniques.
Promoting active learning of graduate student by deep reading in biochemistry and microbiology pharmacy curriculum
Authors: Peng Ren
Published: January 2017

To promote graduate students' active learning, deep reading of high quality papers was done by graduate students enrolled in biochemistry and microbiology pharmacy curriculum offered by college of life science, Jiangxi Normal University from 2013 to 2015. The number of graduate students, who participated in the course in 2013, 2014, and 2015 were eleven, thirteen and fifteen, respectively. Through deep reading of papers, presentation, and group discussion in the lecture, these graduate students have improved their academic performances effectively, such as literature search, PPT document production, presentation management, specialty document reading, academic inquiry, and analytical and comprehensive ability. The graduate students also have increased their understanding level of frontier research, scientific research methods, and experimental methods. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(4):305–312, 2017.
Untargeted metabolomic profiling of seminal plasma in nonobstructive azoospermia men: A noninvasive detection of spermatogenesis
Authors: Gilany Kambiz , Mani‐Varnosfaderani Ahmad , Minai‐Tehrani Arash , Mirzajani Fateme , Ghassempour Alireza , Sadeghi Mohammed Reza , Amini Mehdi , Rezadoost Hassan
Published: January 2017

Male factor infertility is involved in almost half of all infertile couples. Lack of the ejaculated sperm owing to testicular malfunction has been reported in 6–10% of infertile men, a condition named nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). In this study, we investigated untargeted metabolomic profiling of the seminal plasma in NOA men using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and advance chemometrics. In this regard, the seminal plasma fluids of 11 NOA men with TESE‐negative, nine NOA men with TESE‐positive and 10 fertile healthy men (as a control group) were collected. Quadratic discriminate analysis (QDA) technique was implemented on total ion chromatograms (TICs) for identification of discriminatory retention times. We developed multivariate classification models using the QDA technique. Our results revealed that the developed QDA models could predict the classes of samples using their TIC data. The receiver operating characteristic curves for these models were >0.88. After recognition of discriminatory retention time's asymmetric penalized least square, evolving factor analysis, correlation optimized warping and alternating least squares strategies were applied for preprocessing and deconvolution of the overlapped chromatographic peaks. We could identify 36 discriminatory metabolites. These metabolites may be considered discriminatory biomarkers for different groups in NOA.
Electronic Tuning of Zinc Porphyrin Catalysts for the Conversion of Epoxides and Carbon Dioxide into Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Sasaki Sota , Ema Tadashi
Published: January 2017

Bifunctional ZnII porphyrin catalysts bearing tributylammonium bromide groups at the meta positions of the meso‐phenyl groups showed high catalytic activity for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and CO2. Herein, several substituents with different electronic properties were introduced at the para positions. Introduction of electron‐donating groups decreased the catalytic activity, whereas the introduction of electron‐withdrawing groups increased the activity. The substituents modulated the Lewis acidity of the zinc center, which was confirmed by binding constant experiments. The bifunctional catalyst bearing cyano groups showed the highest catalytic activity with a turnover frequency of up to 42 000 h−1.
Design of a Mestranol 2‐N‐Piperazino‐Substituted Derivative Showing Potent and Selective in vitro and in vivo Activities in MCF‐7 Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Perreault Martin , Maltais René , Roy Jenny , Dutour Raphaël , Poirier Donald
Published: January 2017

Anticancer structure–activity relationship studies on aminosteroid (5α‐androstane) derivatives have emerged with a promising lead candidate: RM‐133 (2β‐[1‐(quinoline‐2‐carbonyl)pyrrolidine‐2‐carbonyl]‐N‐piperazine‐5α‐androstane‐3α,17β‐diol), which possesses high in vitro and in vivo activities against several cancer cells, and selectivity over normal cells. However, the relatively weak metabolic stability of RM‐133 has been a drawback to its progression toward clinical trials. We investigated the replacement of the androstane backbone by a more stable mestranol moiety. The resulting compound, called RM‐581 ({4‐[17α‐ethynyl‐17β‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyestra‐1,3,5(10)‐trien‐2‐yl]piperazin‐1‐yl}[(2S)‐1‐(quinolin‐2‐ylcarbonyl)pyrrolidin‐2‐yl]methanone), was synthesized efficiently in only five steps from commercially available estrone. In comparison with RM‐133, RM‐581 was found to be twice as metabolically stable, retains potent cytotoxic activity in breast cancer MCF‐7 cell culture, and fully blocks tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of breast cancer. Advantageously, the selectivity over normal cells has been increased with this estrane version of RM‐133. In fact, RM‐581 showed a better selectivity index (15.3 vs. 3.0) for breast cancer MCF‐7 cells over normal breast MCF‐10A cells, and was found to be nontoxic toward primary human kidney proximal tubule cells at doses reaching 50 μm.
Confirmation of ProMisE: A simple, genomics‐based clinical classifier for endometrial cancer
Authors: Talhouk Aline , McConechy Melissa K. , Leung Samuel , Yang Winnie , Lum Amy , Senz Janine , Boyd Niki , Pike Judith , Anglesio Michael , Kwon Janice S. , Karnezis Anthony N. , Huntsman David G. , Gilks C. Blake , McAlpine Jessica N.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Classification of endometrial carcinomas (ECs) by morphologic features is irreproducible and imperfectly reflects tumor biology. The authors developed the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE), a molecular classification system based on The Cancer Genome Atlas genomic subgroups, and sought to confirm both feasibility and prognostic ability in a new, large cohort of ECs.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence or absence of mismatch repair (MMR) proteins (to identify MMR deficiency [MMR‐D]), sequencing for polymerase‐ɛ (POLE) exonuclease domain mutations (POLE EDMs), and IHC for tumor protein 53 (p53) (wild type vs null/missense mutations; p53 wt and p53 abn, respectively) were performed on 319 new EC samples. Subgroups were characterized and assessed relative to outcomes. The prognostic ability of ProMisE was compared with that of current risk‐stratification systems (European Society of Medical Oncology [ESMO]).

RESULTS

ProMisE decision‐tree classification achieved categorization of all cases and identified 4 prognostic subgroups with distinct overall, disease‐specific, and progression‐free survival (P < .001). Tumors with POLE EDMs had the most favorable prognosis, and those with p53 abn the worst prognosis, and separation of the 2 middle survival curves (p53 wt and MMR‐D) was observed. There were no significant differences in survival between the ESMO low‐risk and intermediate‐risk groups. ProMisE improved the ability to discriminate outcomes compared with ESMO risk stratification. There was substantial overlap (89%) between the p53 abn and high‐risk ESMO subgroups; but, otherwise, there were no predictable associations between molecular and ESMO risk groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular classification of ECs can be achieved using clinically applicable methods and provides independent prognostic information beyond established clinicopathologic risk factors available at diagnosis. Consistent, biologically relevant categorization enables stratification for clinical trials and/or targeted therapy, identification of women who are at increased risk of having Lynch syndrome, and may guide clinical management. Cancer 2017;123:802–13. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Multidimensional parallel combinatory transform domain communication system
Authors: Chang Cheng , Huan Hao , Xu Jiarui , Tao Ran
Published: January 2017

Transform domain communication system is an adaptive anti‐interference system that can dynamically generate interference‐orthogonal waveforms. As a spread spectrum system, its low spectrum efficiency limits potential practical applications. In TDCS, cyclic code shift keying is an orthogonal modulation, whose symbols can be regarded as scalars in different dimensions. However, the constellation is restricted by signal time‐bandwidth product. In this study, extending constellation is proven to be a valid approach to improve spectrum efficiency. The combinatory of multidimensional vectors is designed mathematically to increase the variety of the scalars with the minimum orthogonality damage. On the basis of the design, an efficient modulation scheme, namely, multidimensional parallel combinatory transform domain communication system, is proposed, whose fundamental modulation symbols can be represented by the combinatory of a series of cyclic code shift keying symbols with phase shift keying modulation. Compared with the existing methods, multidimensional parallel combinatory transform domain communication system can achieve a considerably higher spectrum efficiency. The bit error rate performance is also improved to various extents. Theoretical spectrum efficiency and bit error rate of the proposed method are derived for additive white Gaussian noise and typical multipath fading channels. System with different spectral conditions and channel estimation methods is also simulated and analyzed to confirm the practical usability.
Deletional tolerance prevents AQP4‐directed autoimmunity in mice
Authors: Vogel Anna‐Lena , Knier Benjamin , Lammens Katja , Kalluri Sudhakar Reddy , Kuhlmann Tanja , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Korn Thomas
Published: January 2017

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) mediated by antibodies to the water channel protein AQP4 expressed in astrocytes. The contribution of AQP4‐specific T cells to the class switch recombination of pathogenic AQP4‐specific antibodies and the inflammation of the blood–brain barrier is incompletely understood, as immunogenic naturally processed T‐cell epitopes of AQP4 are unknown. By immunizing Aqp4−/− mice with full‐length murine AQP4 protein followed by recall with overlapping peptides, we here identify AQP4(201‐220) as the major immunogenic IAb‐restricted epitope of AQP4. We show that WT mice do not harbor AQP4(201–220)‐specific T‐cell clones in their natural repertoire due to deletional tolerance. However, immunization with AQP4(201–220) of Rag1−/− mice reconstituted with the mature T‐cell repertoire of Aqp4−/− mice elicits an encephalomyelitic syndrome. Similarly to the T‐cell repertoire, the B‐cell repertoire of WT mice is “purged” of AQP4‐specific B cells, and robust serum responses to AQP4 are only mounted in Aqp4−/− mice. While AQP4(201–220)‐specific T cells alone induce encephalomyelitis, NMO‐specific lesional patterns in the CNS and the retina only occur in the additional presence of anti‐AQP4 antibodies. Thus, failure of deletional T‐cell and B‐cell tolerance against AQP4 is a prerequisite for clinically manifest NMO.
Nonsmooth dynamics prediction of measured bridge response involving deck‐abutment pounding
Authors: Shi Zhongqi , Dimitrakopoulos Elias G.
Published: January 2017

Earthquake‐induced deck‐abutment contact alters the boundary conditions at the deck level and might activate a different mechanical system than the one assumed during the design of the bridge. Occasionally this discrepancy between the assumed and the actual seismic behavior has detrimental consequences, for example, pier damage, deck unseating, or even collapse. Recently, an insightful shake‐table testing of a scaled deck‐abutment bridge model , showed unexpected in‐plane rotations even though the deck was straight. These contact‐induced rotations produced significant residual displacements and damage to the piers and the bents. The present paper utilizes that experimental data to examine the validity and the limitations of a proposed nonsmooth dynamic analysis framework. The results show that the proposed approach satisfactorily captures the planar rigid‐body dynamics of the deck which is characterized by deck‐abutment contact. The analysis brings forward the role of friction on the physical mechanism behind the rotation of the deck, and underlines the importance of considering the frictional contact forces during deck‐abutment interaction even for straight bridges, which typically are neglected. Finally, the paper investigates the sensitivity of the rotation with respect to macroscopic contact parameters (i.e., the coefficient of friction and the coefficient of restitution). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aquatic toxicity of photo-degraded insensitive munition 101 (IMX-101) constituents
Authors: Kennedy Alan J. , Poda Aimee R. , Melby Nicolas L. , Moores Lee C. , Jordan Shinita M. , Gust Kurt A. , Bednar Anthony J.
Published: January 2017

Insensitive munitions are desirable alternatives to historically used formulations, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), because of their so-called insensitivity to unintended detonation. The insensitive munition IMX-101 is a mixture of 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), and nitroguanidine (NQ). Environmental releases of munitions may be from production wastewaters or training; these munitions may be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. Therefore, it is useful to understand the relative toxicity of IMX-101 and its constituents both before and after photodegradation. The intent of the present study was to generate relative hazard information by exposing the standard ecotoxicological model Ceriodaphnia dubia to each insensitive munition constituent individually and to IMX-101 before and after the exposure solution was irradiated in a UV photoreactor. Without photodegradation, DNAN was more toxic (median lethal concentration [LC50] = 43 mg/L) than the other 2 constituents and it contributed predominantly to the toxicity of IMX-101 (LC50 = 206 mg/L) based on toxic units. Toxicity was observed only at high levels of NQ (LC50 = 1174 mg/L) and pH-adjusted NTO (LC50 = 799 mg/L). The toxicity of IMX-101 is lower than literature-reported TNT toxicity. Photodegradation efficiency was greater at lower insensitive munition concentrations. The observed degradation was greatest for NQ (42–99%), which in turn corresponded to the greatest relative increase in toxicity (100–1000-fold). Modest percent of degradation (4–18%) and increases in phototoxicity (2–100-fold) were observed for NTO and DNAN. Photodegraded NQ products were the predominant source of toxicity of photodegraded IMX-101. Future work involves research to enable analytical and computational confirmation of the specific degradation compounds inducing the observed photoenhanced toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2050–2057. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Postoperative anatomic and quality‐of‐life outcomes after vaginal sacrocolporectopexy for vaginal vault prolapse
Authors: Klapdor Rüdiger , Grosse Jolanda , Hertel Bettina , Hillemanns Peter , Hertel Hermann
Published: January 2017

Objective

To assess anatomic outcome and quality of life (QOL) after vaginal sacrocolporectopexy among patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

A noncomparative observational study was conducted at Hanover Medical School, Germany, among patients who underwent vaginal sacrocolporectopexy for uterine or vaginal vault prolapse between May 1, 2006, and October 31, 2012. A validated German version of the Prolapse QOL (P‐QOL) questionnaire was sent to eligible patients; respondents were invited for follow‐up examination.

Results

Overall, 128 patients were enrolled. Concomitant hysterectomy was performed among 82 (64.1%) patients, anterior colporrhaphy among 105 (82.0%), and posterior colporrhaphy among 58 (45.3%). After a mean interval of 26.5 months (range 1.0–81.3 months), seven patients exhibited recurrent vaginal vault prolapse of at least stage 2, giving a success rate of 92.3% (95% confidence interval 85.9%–96.5%). The P‐QOL scores were either low (<40) or very low (<20), indicating high QOL. Regarding symptoms related to pelvic organ prolapse, patients reported little or no impact on QOL after vaginal sacrocolporectopexy.

Conclusion

Vaginal sacrocolporectopexy seemed safe and feasible, leading to anatomically correct fixation of the vaginal apex, high anatomic success rates, and good QOL. This procedure might be considered as an alternative to laparoscopic or abdominal sacrocolpopexy.
Rosmarinic Acid Mediates Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Insulin Resistant Skeletal Muscle Through Activation of AMPK
Authors: Jayanthy Govindaraj , Roshana Devi Vellai , Ilango Kaliappan , Subramanian Sorimuthu Pillai
Published: January 2017

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a polyphenol, is known to improve hepatic insulin sensitivity in experimental type 2 diabetes. However, its effect on skeletal muscle insulin resistance is meagerly understood. The present study was aimed to investigate the up‐ and downstream mediators of the molecular targets of RA in attenuating insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle both in vivo and in vitro. We found that supplementation of RA increased the expression of key genes involved in the mitochondrial biogenesis like PGC‐1α, SIRT‐1, and TFAM via activation of AMPK in the skeletal muscle of insulin resistant rats as well as in L6 myotubes. Further, RA treatment increased the glucose uptake and decreased the phosphorylation of serine IRS‐1 while increasing the translocation of GLUT 4. Together, our findings evidenced that RA treatment significantly inhibit insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1839–1848, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TNF‐α promotes osteoclastogenesis through JNK signaling‐dependent induction of Semaphorin3D expression in estrogen‐deficiency induced osteoporosis
Authors: Sang Chenglin , Zhang Jiefeng , Zhang Yongxian , Chen Fangjing , Cao Xuecheng , Guo Lei
Published: January 2017

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α)‐induced osteoclast formation have been demonstrated to play an important role in the pathogenesis of estrogen deficiency‐mediated bone loss, but the exact mechanisms by which TNF‐α enhanced osteoclast differentiation were not fully elucidated. The class III semaphorins members were critical to regulate bone homeostasis. Here, we identified a novel mechanism whereby TNF‐α increasing Semaphorin3D expression contributes to estrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis. In this study, we found that Semaphorin3D expression was upregulated by TNF‐α during the process of RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation. Inhibition of Semaphorin3D in pre‐osteoclasts could attenuate the stimulatory effects of TNF‐α on osteoclast proliferation and differentiation. Mechanistically, blocking of the Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling markedly rescued TNF‐α‐induced Semaphorin3D expression, suggesting that JNK signaling was involved in the regulation of Semaphorin3D expression by TNF‐α. In addition, silencing of Semaphorin3D in vivo could alleviate estrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis. Our results revealed a novel function for Semaphorin3D and suggested that increased Semaphorin3D may contribute to enhanced bone loss by increased TNF‐α in estrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis. Thus, Semaphorin3D may provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of estrogen‐deficiency induced osteoporosis.
Impact of vessel wall lesions and vascular stenoses on cerebrovascular reactivity in patients with intracranial stenotic disease
Authors: Cogswell Petrice M. , Davis Taylor L. , Strother Megan K. , Faraco Carlos C. , Scott Allison O. , Jordan Lori C. , Fusco Matthew R. , Frederick Blaise deB , Hendrikse Jeroen , Donahue Manus J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To compare cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and CVR lagtimes in flow territories perfused by vessels with vs. without proximal arterial wall disease and/or stenosis, separately in patients with atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic (moyamoya) intracranial stenosis.

Materials and Methods

Atherosclerotic and moyamoya patients with >50% intracranial stenosis and <70% cervical stenosis underwent angiography, vessel wall imaging (VWI), and CVR‐weighted imaging (n = 36; vessel segments evaluated = 396). Angiography and VWI were evaluated for stenosis locations and vessel wall lesions. Maximum CVR and CVR lagtime were contrasted between vascular territories with and without proximal intracranial vessel wall lesions and stenosis, and a Wilcoxon rank‐sum was test used to determine differences (criteria: corrected two‐sided P < 0.05).

Results

CVR lagtime was prolonged in territories with vs. without a proximal vessel wall lesion or stenosis for both patient groups: moyamoya (CVR lagtime = 45.5 sec ± 14.2 sec vs. 35.7 sec ± 9.7 sec, P < 0.001) and atherosclerosis (CVR lagtime = 38.2 sec ± 9.1 sec vs. 35.0 sec ± 7.2 sec, P = 0.001). For reactivity, a significant decrease in maximum CVR in the moyamoya group only (maximum CVR = 9.8 ± 2.2 vs. 12.0 ± 2.4, P < 0.001) was observed.

Conclusion

Arterial vessel wall lesions detected on noninvasive, noncontrast intracranial VWI in patients with intracranial stenosis correlate on average with tissue‐level impairment on CVR‐weighted imaging.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1167–1176.
Simultaneous enantiomeric analysis of pharmacologically active compounds in environmental samples by chiral LC–MS/MS with a macrocyclic antibiotic stationary phase
Authors: Camacho‐Muñoz Dolores , Kasprzyk‐Hordern Barbara
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a multi‐residue method for direct enantioselective separation of chiral pharmacologically active compounds in environmental matrices. The method is based on chiral liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry detection. Simultaneous chiral discrimination was achieved with a macrocyclic glycopeptide‐based column with antibiotic teicoplanin as a chiral selector working under reverse phase mode. For the first time, enantioresolution was reported for metabolites of ibuprofen: carboxyibuprofen and 2‐hydroxyibuprofen with this chiral stationary phase. Moreover, enantiomers of chloramphenicol, ibuprofen, ifosfamide, indoprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen and praziquantel were also resolved. The overall performance of the method was satisfactory in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection. The method was successfully applied for monitoring of pharmacologically active compounds at enantiomeric level in influent and effluent wastewater and in river water. In addition, the chiral recognition and analytical performance of the teicoplanin‐based column was critically compared with that of the α1‐acid glycoprotein chiral stationary phase. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatiotemporal variability modes of surface air temperature in South America during the 1951–2010 period: ENSO and non‐ENSO components
Authors: Kayano Mary Toshie , Andreoli Rita Valéria , de Souza Rodrigo Augusto Ferreira , Garcia Sâmia Regina
Published: January 2017

The dominant seasonal surface air temperature (SAT) anomalous modes over entire South America (SA) for the 1951–2010 period were investigated. The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and non‐ENSO (residual – RES) characteristics of the SAT anomalous modes and the associated precipitation and temperature advection anomalies were discussed. The SAT (referred to as TOT) and RES modes were obtained from the empirical orthogonal function analyses, and the ENSO modes from the correlation analyses between the SAT anomalies and the Oceanic Niño index. The SAT TOT modes are in general, weakly linked to the ENSO, except for the first summer and the fourth spring TOT modes. For these two modes, the precipitation variations are more crucial than the temperature advection variations in defining the SAT anomaly patterns. On the other hand, the first winter and autumn TOT modes contain mostly the non‐ENSO components and feature an extensive warmed area in tropical and subtropical SA. For these modes, the subtropical warming is due to the temperature advection. The TOT modes with a weak relation to the ENSO and the corresponding RES modes show a dipolar pattern with a warm node in tropical SA and the cold one in extratropical SA, and is determined mostly by the precipitation. Nevertheless, the cold advection reinforces the cold node of the winter and summer modes. In some cases, the regional systems contribute to the SAT anomalies. The South American low‐level jet contributes to the positive SAT anomalies in central and eastern Brazil for the second winter and first spring RES modes and the South Atlantic Convergence Zone influences the first summer RES mode. The SAT modes describe mostly the interannual variations of the SAT patterns over SA, but some of them also contain decadal and multidecadal time scale variations.
Reducing uncertainty when using knee‐specific finite element models by assessing the effect of input parameters
Authors: Guo Hongqiang , Santner Thomas J. , Lerner Amy L. , Maher Suzanne A.
Published: January 2017

Little is known about knee‐specific factors that influence contact mechanics. Finite Element (FE) models offer a powerful tool to study contact mechanics, but there often exists ambiguity in the exact values of the inputs (e.g., tissue properties), which can result in a range of output values. Our objective was to quantify the reduction in the range of output values (defined herein as “uncertainty”) from FE models of the human knee joint when known pre‐defined values are used for clinically measurable inputs. To achieve this goal, we applied a statistically augmented FE approach to three human cadaveric knees for which full geometric and kinematic data were available. Two sets of conditions were simulated: All model inputs, clinically measurable or not, were varied to represent a “normal” patient population (Condition 1); subsets of clinically measurable variable inputs were fixed at specific values (called “patient derived inputs,” or PDIs) while the other variables were varied over “normal” values (Condition 2). We found that by fixing body mass index and the anterior–posterior position of the meniscal‐bony insertion points, model output uncertainty was reduced by one‐ to three‐fifths. The magnitude of uncertainty reduction was strongly influenced by the individual knee. It was observed that knees with great anterior–posterior translation during gait had greater reductions in uncertainty when PDIs were used. This study represents the first step in developing FE models of the human knee joint based on inputs that can be derived from patients in a clinical setting. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2233–2242, 2017.
The Impact of Ecological Construction Programs on Grassland Conservation in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Liu Min , Dries Liesbeth , Heijman Wim , Huang Jikun , Zhu Xueqin , Hu Yuanning , Chen Haibin
Published: January 2017

A series of Ecological Construction Programs have been initiated to protect the condition of grasslands in China during recent decades. However, grassland degradation is still severe, and conditions have not been restored as intended. This paper aims to empirically examine the effectiveness of these programs for protecting the grassland condition in the extensive pastoral areas of China. We focus on one major program that has been implemented widely on the grasslands, the Subsidy and Incentive System for Grassland Conservation (SISGC). The normalized difference vegetation index, measured with remote sensing technology, is used to quantify the grassland condition between 2001 and 2014. With data from 54 counties in the pastoral areas of Inner Mongolia, we estimate the impact of SISGC on the grassland condition. A fixed effects model is employed to control for livestock production, climate, time trends, and time‐invariant heterogeneity between counties. The model results provide quantitative evidence that the condition of the grasslands has improved significantly because of SISGC; but that the effectiveness of SISGC was offset to some extent by other socio‐economic and climate factors, such as increased producer prices and high temperature. This may explain why the actual grassland degradation has not been prevented as effectively as was expected. In addition, the impact of SISGC was stronger in counties with worse initial grassland condition. Furthermore, the effects of producer prices and climate changes were also more pronounced in these counties. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.