bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unerwartete Ge‐Ge‐Kontakte in der zweidimensionalen Phase Ge4Se3Te und Analyse ihres chemischen Ursprungs mittels Energiedichte(DOE)‐Funktion
Authors: Küpers Michael , Konze Philipp M. , Maintz Stefan , Steinberg Simon , Mio Antonio M. , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Zhu Min , Müller Merlin , Luysberg Martina , Mayer Joachim , Wuttig Matthias , Dronskowski Richard
Published: February 2017

Im ternären System Ge‐Se‐Te ist seit den 1960er Jahren eine hexagonale Phase mit der annähernden Zusammensetzung GeSe0.75Te0.25 bekannt, aber ihre Struktur blieb ungeklärt. Durch chemischen Transport gelang nun die Zucht von Einkristallen zur Bestimmung der Ge4Se3Te‐Struktur. Diese besteht aus Schichten, die – wie elektronenmikroskopische Analysen erhärten – über van‐der‐Waals‐artige schwache Chalkogen‐Chalkogen‐, aber auch über unerwartete Ge‐Ge‐Wechselwirkungen verbunden sind. Die Art der elektronischen Struktur von Ge4Se3Te wurde durch Analyse der chemischen Bindungen bestimmt, speziell mithilfe der neu eingeführten Energiedichte(DOE)‐Funktion. Die bindenden Ge‐Ge‐Wechselwirkungen dienen der Aufnahme von Elektronen, die ansonsten antibindende Ge‐Te‐Zustände einnähmen.
Enantioselective Aza‐Ene‐type Reactions of Enamides with Gold Carbenes Generated from α‐Diazoesters
Authors: Zhao Feng , Li Nan , Zhang Tao , Han Zhi‐Yong , Luo Shi‐Wei , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: February 2017

Carbophilic gold carbenes generated from the decomposition of α‐diazoesters show high reactivity towards enamides, leading to an unprecedented aza‐ene‐type reaction. The presence of 0.1 mol % of a chiral Brønsted acid co‐catalyst is sufficient to give synthetically relevant γ‐keto esters in excellent yields and selectivities (up to 99 % yield, 97 % ee).
Inversion of the Side‐Chain Stereochemistry of Indvidual Thr or Ile Residues in a Protein Molecule: Impact on the Folding, Stability, and Structure of the ShK Toxin
Authors: Dang Bobo , Shen Rong , Kubota Tomoya , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Bezanilla Francisco , Roux Benoit , Kent Stephen B. H.
Published: February 2017

ShK toxin is a cysteine‐rich 35‐residue protein ion‐channel ligand isolated from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus. In this work, we studied the effect of inverting the side chain stereochemistry of individual Thr or Ile residues on the properties of the ShK protein. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to calculate the free energy cost of inverting the side‐chain stereochemistry of individual Thr or Ile residues. Guided by the computational results, we used chemical protein synthesis to prepare three ShK polypeptide chain analogues, each containing either an allo‐Thr or an allo‐Ile residue. The three allo‐Thr or allo‐Ile‐containing ShK polypeptides were able to fold into defined protein products, but with different folding propensities. Their relative thermal stabilities were measured and were consistent with the MD simulation data. Structures of the three ShK analogue proteins were determined by quasi‐racemic X‐ray crystallography and were similar to wild‐type ShK. All three ShK analogues retained ion‐channel blocking activity.
Enantioselective Dearomatization of Naphthol Derivatives with Allylic Alcohols by Cooperative Iridium and Brønsted Acid Catalysis
Authors: Shen Dan , Chen Qiliang , Yan Peipei , Zeng Xiaofei , Zhong Guofu
Published: February 2017

The combination of a transition‐metal catalyst and organocatalyst was designed to achieve a highly enantioselective system for the allylic dearomatization reaction of naphthols with racemic secondary allylic alcohols. The desired β‐naphthalenones, bearing an all‐carbon quaternary center, were obtained in good yields with high chemo‐ and enantioselectivities. The cooperative catalytic system, involving a chiral iridium complex and phosphoric acid, provided measurable improvements in yields, and chemo‐ and enantioselectivities relative to single‐catalyst systems. Control experiments indicated that the chiral iridium complex functions as a key species in the control of the absolute configuration, thus enabling the formation of both β‐naphthalenone enantiomers by simply employing opposite enantiomeric ligands.
Spongy Gels by a Top‐Down Approach from Polymer Fibrous Sponges
Authors: Jiang Shaohua , Duan Gaigai , Kuhn Ute , Mörl Michaela , Altstädt Volker , Yarin Alexander L. , Greiner Andreas
Published: February 2017

Ultralight cellular sponges offer a unique set of properties. We show here that solvent uptake by these sponges results in new gel‐like materials, which we term spongy gels. The appearance of the spongy gels is very similar to classic organogels. Usually, organogels are formed by a bottom‐up process. In contrast, the spongy gels are formed by a top‐down approach that offers numerous advantages for the design of their properties, reproducibility, and stability. The sponges themselves represent the scaffold of a gel that could be filled with a solvent, and thereby form a mechanically stable gel‐like material. The spongy gels are independent of a time‐consuming or otherwise demanding in situ scaffold formation. As solvent evaporation from gels is a concern for various applications, we also studied solvent evaporation of wetting and non‐wetting liquids dispersed in the sponge.
Zum Nachweis der Abtragung von Vertikalkräften bei Verbauwänden
Authors: Becker Patrick
Published: February 2017

Bei der Abtragung von Vertikalkräften bei Verbauwänden werden Erddruck und Erdwiderstand mit unterschiedlichen Mobilisierungsgraden für die Bemessung im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit (ULS) beim Nachweis gegen Versinken berücksichtigt. Auf der Erdseite wird die Vertikalkomponente des Erddrucks an den aus der Biegebemessung und der Ermittlung der Einbindetiefe resultierenden mobilisierten erhöhten aktiven oder aktiven Erddruck gekoppelt. Die Festlegung des aktiven Erddruckneigungswinkels erfolgt dabei in der Regel ohne Berücksichtigung der aus der Vertikalkraft resultierenden Relativverschiebung. Es hat sich zwischenzeitlich herausgestellt, dass mit Umstellung vom Global‐ auf das Teilsicherheitskonzept der Nachweis der äußeren vertikalen Tragfähigkeit vermehrt bemessungsrelevant werden kann. In diesem Beitrag wird die Abtragung von Vertikalkräften bei Verbauwänden mit numerischen Methoden untersucht und gezeigt, dass für den Nachweis gegen Versinken im Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit eine Entkopplung der vertikalen Widerstände von den horizontalen Beanspruchungen aus der Biegebemessung möglich ist. Darüber hinaus werden Ansätze zur Berücksichtigung der mobilisierten Widerstände bei der Nachweisführung zur Diskussion gestellt.
Staging of pancreatic cancer based on the number of positive lymph nodes
Authors: Tarantino I , Warschkow R , Hackert T , Schmied B M , Büchler M W , Strobel O , Ulrich A
Published: February 2017

Background

The International Study Group on Pancreatic Surgery has stated that at least 12 lymph nodes should be evaluated for staging of pancreatic cancer. The aim of this population-based study was to evaluate whether the number of positive lymph nodes refines staging.

Methods

Patients who underwent pancreatectomy for stage I–II pancreatic cancer between 2004 and 2012 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The predictive value of the number of positive lymph nodes for survival was assessed by generalized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and propensity score-adjusted Cox regression analysis.

Results

Some 5036 patients were included, with a median of 18 (i.q.r. 15–24) lymph nodes examined. Positive lymph nodes were found in 3555 patients (70·6 per cent). The median duration of follow-up was 15 (i.q.r. 8–28) months. ROC curve analysis revealed that two positive lymph nodes best discriminated overall survival. Patients with one or two positive lymph nodes (pN1a) and those with three or more positive lymph nodes (pN1b) had an increased risk of overall mortality compared with patients who were node-negative (pN0): hazard ratio (HR) 1·47 (95 per cent c.i. 1·33 to 1·64) and HR 2·01 (1·82 to 2·22) respectively. These findings were confirmed by propensity score-adjusted Cox regression analysis. The 5-year overall survival rates were 39·8 (95 per cent c.i. 36·5 to 43·3) per cent for patients with pN0, 21·0 (18·6 to 23·6) per cent for those with pN1a and 11·4 (9·9 to 13·3) per cent for patients with pN1b disease.

Conclusion

The number of positive lymph nodes in the resection specimen is a prognostic factor in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Construction of Hierarchical Copper‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Nanoarrays as Functional Structured Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Liu Wenxian , Meng Ge , Yang Qiu , Sun Xiaoming , Liu Junfeng
Published: February 2017

The immobilization of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials in a three‐dimensional (3 D) and oriented arrangement is critical for their application in heterogeneous catalysis. In this work, a coordination replication strategy was developed to construct Cu‐based MOFs into 3 D hierarchical nanoarray architectures by using Cu(OH)2 nanorod arrays as a sacrificial template. The Cu(OH)2 nanorod arrays served as the Cu source and coordinated with an organic ligand to form MOF crystals, and they also served as the 3 D substrate to support the growth of the Cu‐based MOFs. This strategy could also be applied to synthesize various hierarchical Cu‐based MOF arrays, which demonstrated the general efficacy of the method. Owing to their unique structural advantages (hierarchical porosity, large surface area, and intimate contact with the 3 D substrate), these MOF nanoarrays exhibit excellent catalytic activity and cycling stability in heterogeneous catalysis as structured catalysts. This strategy opens up new possibilities for the construction of immobilized MOF‐based 3 D nanoarrays for multipurpose applications.
NiMn2O4 Nanosheet‐Decorated Hierarchically Porous Polyaromatic Carbon Spheres for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Kim Mi Ri , NaiduKalla Reddi Mohan , Kim Seok , Kim Mi‐Ra , Kim Il
Published: February 2017

We have designed and synthesized hierarchically porous and spherical carbons decorated with a nickel manganese oxide (NiMn2O4) and utilized them as a pseudocapacitor electrode. The polyanthracene (PAT)‐based carbon materials were firstly synthesized by the self‐polymerization of bromomethylated anthracene in the presence of zinc bromide as a catalyst and bromomethyl methyl ether as a crosslinker. The carbon materials with a 3D network were fabricated by direct carbonization and activation of the as‐prepared PAT. The micro‐, meso‐, and macroporous 3D carbon materials are characterized by a large specific surface area, an electrolyte−electrode interface area, and a continuous electron transport path. To produce high‐performance pseudocapacitor electrodes, NiMn2O4‐decorated carbon hybrid materials (C@NiMn2O4) have also been synthesized by using a hydrothermal method. The C@NiMn2O4 composites exhibit a maximum specific capacitance of 470.7 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, good rate capability of 74.6 %, and excellent capacitance retention of 89.6 % at a current density of 10 A g−1 following 5000 cycles. Based on these results, the electrode shows good potential for future supercapacitor applications.
Facile Synthesis of a Carbon Nitride/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Nickel Hydroxide Nanocomposite for Oxygen Reduction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Amiri Mona , Konda Suresh K. , Chen Aicheng
Published: February 2017

An efficient electrocatalyst, based on a nanocomposite involving nickel hydroxide, carbon nitride, and reduced graphene oxide, is synthesized through a facile one‐step electrochemical process for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media. As this novel nanocomposite is comprised of low‐cost, earth‐abundant materials, the good catalytic activity, high stability, and methanol tolerance make this non‐precious‐metal‐based catalyst promising for practical applications.
Asymmetric Oxidative Cycloetherification of Naphtholic Alcohols
Authors: Jain Nikita , Xu Sanjia , Ciufolini Marco A.
Published: February 2017

The catalytic, enantioselective oxidative cyclization of naphthol‐derived carboxylic acids mediated by chiral hypervalent iodine reagents has been studied extensively in the recent past, but analogous reactions of non‐carboxylic substrates are yet unknown. This paper describes a catalytic, enantioselective, hypervalent iodine‐promoted oxidative cycloetherification reaction of naphtholic alcohols. The new process relies on a variant of the Uyanik–Ishihara catalyst, in which the stereogenic centers have been relocated closer to the iodine atom. The new catalyst design affords optical yields comparable to those available with Uyanik–Ishihara iodides, but chemical yields are sensibly higher, at least with the tests substrates. An even more problematic reaction is the catalytic, enantioselective oxidative cyclization of naphtholic sulfonamides. In this case, the new catalyst affords significantly higher optical inductions than Uyanik–Ishihara iodides. The kinetic resolution of particular naphtholic alcohols is demonstrated. The absolute configuration of a numver of enantioenriched compounds obtained in this study was ascertained by X‐ray diffractometry.
Sexual and relationship health among survivors of oropharyngeal or oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: D'Souza Gypsyamber , Robbins Hilary A.
Published: February 2017

Six months after diagnosis, some patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma have decreased their sexual behavior, whereas others have stopped having sex, highlighting a patient group that could benefit from more relationship‐oriented support. However, most patients remain sexually active and report strong relationship dynamics, and they indicate that having a human papillomavirus‐related diagnosis does not appear to add additional marital stress or change sexual intimacy beyond that experienced by patients with human papillomavirus‐unrelated oral squamous cell cancer.

See also pages 1156‐65.
Molecule Counts in Localization Microscopy with Organic Fluorophores
Authors: Karathanasis Christos , Fricke Franziska , Hummer Gerhard , Heilemann Mike
Published: February 2017

Single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) can be used to count fluorescently labeled molecules even when they are not individually resolved. We demonstrate SMLM molecule counting for nucleic acids labeled with the organic fluorophore Alexa Fluor 647 and imaged under photoswitching conditions. From the observed distributions of the number of fluorophore blinking events, we extract the number of fluorophores per spot using a statistical model. We validate the molecule counting method for single Alexa Fluor 647 fluorophores, and for trimers of Alexa Fluor 647 constructed on a DNA origami structure. This simple counting strategy enables quantitative super‐resolution imaging with organic fluorophores.
Precision Medicine—Nobody Is Average
Authors: Vinks AA
Published: February 2017

Medicine gets personal and tailor‐made treatments are underway. Hospitals have started to advertise their advanced genomic testing capabilities and even their disruptive technologies to help foster a culture of innovation. The prediction in the lay press is that in decades from now we may look back and see 2017 as the year precision medicine blossomed. It is all part of the Precision Medicine Initiative that takes into account individual differences in people's genes, environments, and lifestyles.
Analysis of downlink power control and cooperation scheme for two‐tier heterogeneous cellular network
Authors: Swami Pragya , Mishra Mukesh Kumar , Trivedi Aditya
Published: February 2017

The traditional cellular network cannot keep pace with the dramatic growth in data traffic due to exponentially increasing number of multimedia applications and mobile subscribers. Recently, femto base stations (FBSs) are deployed with the macro base station (MBS) tier for off‐loading the data traffic and to improve the indoor coverage of the heterogeneous cellular network. However, FBS deployment also increases the cross‐tier interference of the heterogeneous cellular network resulting in outage performance degradation of MBS tier. This work develops an analytical framework to limit the cross‐tier interference of MBS tier using power control scheme (PCS). The proposed PCS works on path loss inversion and location‐based power level rule for FBS. Moreover, a cooperation scheme and an association policy with MBS (CSAPM) are introduced to improve the outage performance of the FBS tier. Tools from the stochastic geometry are used for deriving the signal to interference and noise ratio outage probability, total outage probability, and area spectral efficiency (ASE) of MBS tier and FBS tier. Additionally, ASE maximization problem is formulated to evaluate the optimal density of FBSs. The effectiveness of the proposed PCS and CSAPM on outage performance and ASE are numerically demonstrated. It is noted from the results that the proposed CSAPM can compensate the loss in outage performance of FBS tier due to PCS. Finally, simulation results validate the analytical results.
Uninterrupted Ethernet using failure‐adaptive spanning trees
Authors: Chu Hung‐Mao , Chen Chang‐Teng , Wang Pi‐Chung
Published: February 2017

Failure recovery is a critical performance issue in large‐scale Ethernet networks. The standard mechanisms of link‐failure recovery in spanning tree protocol (STP) and rapid STP may cause interruptions of data transmission because of long recovery time. Several previous approaches construct multiple alternative trees to avoid such interruptions caused by single or multiple failed links based on multiple STP. However, the prototypical protocol of standard root election would result in the same root switch for different spanning trees. Hence, the alternative trees may become invalid if a failed link appears in more than 1 spanning tree. Our scheme, failure‐adaptive spanning trees (FAST), improves the resilience of Ethernet with multiple spanning trees. It avoids simultaneous faults of multiple spanning trees by incorporating a new approach to electing an appropriate root switch for each spanning tree. Failure‐adaptive spanning trees also use active links of alternative spanning trees for data transmission. The paths of different spanning trees can thus act as shortcuts to shorten frame paths. The experimental results demonstrate that FAST can sustain network throughput under multiple link failures. The FAST also balances both link and switch loads.
Hone your leadership philosophy as a DS provider
Authors: Gaddy Stephanie
Published: February 2017

As a disability services provider, you more often view yourself as an advocate and maybe not so often as a leader. Yet others probably do view you as a leader. For example, you are the leader and go‐to person for students with disabilities to request access and the leader and go‐to person for your colleagues who work in your office. You are also the leader and go‐to person for faculty members and administrators who may have questions about ensuring this access and implementing accommodations. Ultimately, you are also a leader in promoting and upholding the rights for all individuals with disabilities in your community and perhaps even on a larger scale than your community.
Palladium(II) Complexes of Ambidentate and Potentially Cyclometalating 5‐Aryl‐3‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazine Ligands
Authors: Zvirzdinaite Maryte , Garbe Simon , Arefyeva Natalia , Krause Maren , von der Stück René , Klein Axel
Published: February 2017

The 5‐aryl‐3‐(2′‐pyridiyl)‐1,2,4‐triazine ligands under study [5‐phenyl‐(PyTZPh) L1; 5‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)‐(PyTZ3MeOPh) L2; 5‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐(PyTZ4MeOPh) L3; 5‐(4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐(PyTZ4CF3Ph) L4; 5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐(PyTZ4FPh) L5; and tris‐3,5,6‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐1,2,4‐triazine (Py3TZ) L6] react with [(COD)PdCl2] (COD = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene) to form complexes [(L1–6)PdCl2] with N,N bidentate binding ligands, also including the potentially N,N,N tridentate ligand L6. This was concluded from an in‐depth NMR spectroscopic study of the new complexes and from comparison with Pd–terpy complexes [(R′terpy)PdCl]Cl [R′terpy = 4′‐R′‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine; R′ = H or SMe], showing definite tridentate N,N,N coordination, and with the Pd–bpy complexes [(bpy)Pd(Mes)Cl] and [(bpy)PdCl2], showing definite bidentate N,N binding. The new ligands and complexes were fully characterised by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. No evidence for the parent triazine complexes is observed in EI‐MS; instead, cyclometalated complexes (HCl elimination) were detected in all cases. TDA/TG experiments support this assumption. Attempts to prepare the cyclometalated derivatives as substances failed, in line with the unfavourable binding mode. Detailed electrochemical measurements reveal ligand‐centred reductions at very moderate potentials, in line with UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations, revealing very low‐lying triazine‐centred LUMOs. Results from cyclic voltammetry also support the composition of [(Py3TZ)PdCl2].
Study on mass transfer characteristics for Cr (VI) removal by adsorption onto residual black toner ink
Authors: Singh Rathore Ajay , Kishore Gupta Goutam , Kapur Meghna , Kumar Mondal Monoj
Published: February 2017

This study was aimed to assess the adsorption capacity of residual black toner ink (RBTI) for the removal of heavy metal Cr (VI), ions in batch mode. To achieve this objective, the effects of different experimental parameters viz., initial Cr (VI) concentration, adsorbent dose, initial pH of solution and temperature on Cr (VI) uptake were studied. The kinetic parameters were evaluated using model equations of Lagergren (pseudo first order), pseudo second order, and Weber and Morris. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms were fitted to experimental data for establishing the adsorption equilibrium. Calculation of thermodynamic parameters (ΔGº, ΔHº, ΔSº) was also done to demonstrate the nature of adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔGº= −2.5885 kJ/mol, ΔHº= 282.74 kJ/mol, ΔSº= 0.9574 kJ/mol.K) revealed that adsorption of Cr (VI) using RBTI was endothermic, spontaneous and increased with temperature. To investigate the physical and chemical properties of RBTI, SEM‐EDX and FTIR analyses were done. The maximum adsorption capacity of RBTI for Cr (VI) removal was found to be 13.98 mg/g. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1022–1029, 2017
MicroRNA‐191 acts as a tumor promoter by modulating the TET1–p53 pathway in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Hao , Zhou Zun‐Qiang , Yang Zhang‐Ru , Tong Da‐Nian , Guan Jiao , Shi Bao‐Jie , Nie Jia , Ding Xian‐Ting , Li Bin , Zhou Guang‐Wen , Zhang Zheng‐Yun
Published: February 2017

Current treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains ineffective because knowledge of ICC carcinogenesis is unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR‐191, play an important role in tumorigenesis; but expression and biological functions of miR‐191 in ICC remain to be established. This study investigated the functions and underlying mechanisms of miR‐191 in ICC. ICC miRNA profiles were generated in five pairs of ICC and matched to normal bile duct tissues by next‐generation sequencing technology; ICC miRNA profiles were verified in 18 pairs of ICC tissues and normal bile duct tissues by quantitative RT‐PCR. The miR‐191‐associated mechanisms in ICC were investigated in vitro and in vivo, and clinical outcomes associated with miR‐191 were correlated in 84 patients. Our results showed that miR‐191 expression was significantly increased in ICC compared with the adjacent normal bile duct tissues (P < 0.001). Overexpression of miR‐191 promoted proliferation, invasion, and migration of cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. The elevated miR‐191 expression reduced the expression level of ten‐eleven translocation 1 (TET1)—a direct target gene of miR‐191 in ICC, which catalyzes demethylation. The reduced TET1 expression level allowed the methylated CpG‐rich regions at the p53 gene transcription start site stay methylated, leading to reduced p53 expression level, which compromises p53's anticancer vigor. Finally, miR‐191 was found to be an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with ICC (overall survival, hazard ratio = 3.742, 95% confidence interval 2.080‐6.733, P < 0.001; disease‐free survival, hazard ratio = 2.331, 95% confidence interval 1.346‐4.037, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Our results suggest that overexpressed miR‐191 is associated with ICC progression through the miR‐191/TET1/p53 pathway. (Hepatology 2017;66:136–151).
Contribution to the Study of the Reduction of Energy Consumption through the Exchanger Coupled Conventional Air‐Ground‐Air Conditioner. Application to the Building
Authors: Benhamza Mohamed E. , Brima Abdelhafid , Houda Saddok , Moummi Noureddine
Published: February 2017

In this study, a new method of using the earth‐air heat exchangers to reduce energy consumption in buildings is discussed. The idea is to couple the EAHE with the condenser of a residential air conditioning system to enhance the effectiveness of the latter. Under the climatic conditions of high temperature in summer (south‐eastern region of Algeria), which can sometimes exceed 50 °C, what makes the heat exchange between the air conditioner and the external environment very difficult in addition to the problem of thermal comfort and the cost of energy consumption. Conducting a simulation by the TRNSYS software that allows to couple the model of the EAHE with the condenser of a residential air conditioner and connect the system with a building. The results show a clear reduction in the energy consumed by this system in connection with the direct use of the air conditioner and increase air conditioning efficiency, coefficient of performance, and energy efficiency rating. In this paper the Hollmuller model was ameliorated and the obtained results are in concord with it. The system is capable of resolving the problem of mal cooling of buildings by air conditioners under critical climate conditions, in addition to lowering the heat output of the condenser, and reducing its effect on the environment.
An investigation into the freshwater variability in West Africa during 1979‐2010
Authors: Andam‐Akorful S. A. , Ferreira V. G. , Ndehedehe C. E. , Quaye‐Ballard J. A.
Published: February 2017

After the frequent and long drought episodes of the 1980s, a plethora of case studies have shown that West Africa remains a hot spot in the continent where despite its numerous water resources, extreme rainfall variability remains a profound challenge to the availability of freshwater for agriculture and ecosystem services. In this paper, we assess the recent flux in water availability over West Africa by investigating variations in net‐precipitation (i.e. the maximum available freshwater flux) using wavelet analysis. Net‐precipitation was obtained as a residual of the atmospheric water balance, and its variability compared to precipitation, temperature, evaporation, soil moisture and normalized difference vegetation index using wavelet power transforms and coherence analysis. Results from the study indicate that the variance in water flux over the region has been progressively reducing, suggesting a relative reduction in extreme hydrological conditions. Also, the wavelet coherence analysis revealed that the observed decreasing rate of available freshwater is highly coupled to a low frequency modulating El‐Niño activity that induced lower changes in rainfall variance, as well as higher evaporation variance. Spatial trends in the annual‐scaled average wavelet power indicated that the south‐western parts of the region experienced the most reduction in rainfall flux. The highest deficit in net‐precipitation flux was found in the dry sub‐humid climatic zone, which is drained by major regional rivers, including the Niger and Volta. Considering the long‐term variability in freshwater (i.e. from 1979 to 2010), we found the 1980s to be the driest decade and the 1990s being its recovery period, while the 2000s proved to be a considerably dry decade, suggesting a strong multi‐decadal variability.
Strontium accumulation in whole grain of Aegilops and Triticum species
Authors: Kastori Rudolf , Maksimović Ivana , Denčić Srbislav , Kádár Imre , Putnik-Delić Marina , Momčilović Vojislava
Published: February 2017

Plant species differ in their ability to accumulate mineral elements. Differences also exist among genotypes, lines, and varieties within species. Strontium (Sr) enters the food chain primarily via plants, and wheat products are amongst the most important pathways by which Sr enters the human body. The aim of this study was to analyze the accumulation of Sr in whole grain of various Aegilops and Triticum species with different genomes (AA, BB, BBAA, BBAADD, and DD). During three experimental years plants were grown in temperate continental climate on a calcareous, gleyic chernozem soil. The results reveal that the studied species and genomes differed significantly in Sr accumulation in the grains. The average Sr concentration of the grains ranged, depending on the year of study and genotype, from 0.70 to 3.89 mg kg−1 DM. The grain of wild diploid Aegilops speltoides with BB genome contained significantly more Sr than all of the other analyzed genotypes. Grains of wild and cultivated tetraploid wheat genotypes had the lowest Sr concentration. The modern cultivated hexaploid wheat varieties displayed substantial variation in Sr concentration in the grains. The examined genotypes also differed significantly with respect to their mass of 1000 grains, which was the smallest in Aegilops speltoides. There was a significantly negative correlation between the average mass of a 1000 grains and concentration of Sr. The results show that even when the background concentration of Sr was relatively low, wheat genotypes accumulated it in the grains, although to a different extent. Therefore, selection of wheat genotypes which accumulate less Sr in the grain could contribute to improve food quality.
Clinical outcome of using gastric remnant or jejunum or colon conduit in surgery for esophageal carcinoma with previous gastrectomy
Authors: Jun Wang , Wei Wen , Weibing Wu , Jing Xu , Fuxi Zhen , Xiaoxiang Xi , Bihong Lu , Tong Zhou , Liang Chen , Jinhua Luo
Published: February 2017

Background

For esophageal carcinoma patients with early gastrectomy, individualized surgical plans—including selection of replacement conduit and operation route based on patient's new lesion and surgical history—can achieve the desired therapeutic effect and improve postoperative life quality. We investigated the outcomes at our institution.

Methods

The clinical data of 42 esophageal carcinoma patients with early gastrectomy were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Esophagectomy was performed combining replacement with remnant stomach in 16 patients, jejunum in 17, and colon in 9. Esophagectomy combining replacement with gastric remnant got advantages of shorter operation time and less bleeding over that of replacement with jejunum or colon. Gastric remnant group scored higher on the QLQ‐C30 questionnaire than jejunum or colon group with respect to overall quality of life, physical function, and social relationships. In QLQ‐OES18 questionnaire, the scores of appetite recovery and reflux mitigation were more favorable in remnant stomach group than those in jejunum or colon group. Survival analysis showed no significant difference in survival rate among the patients undergoing replacement with gastric remnant, jejunum, or colon.

Conclusions

For esophageal carcinoma patients with early gastrectomy, esophagus‐gastric remnant anastomosis possesses advantages of shorter operation time, less surgical trauma, and greater life quality after surgery.
Demographic changes in breast cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis and age associated with population‐based mammographic screening
Authors: Verdial Francys C. , Etzioni Ruth , Duggan Catherine , Anderson Benjamin O.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer incidence and mortality are influenced by early‐detection methods, including mammographic screening. Demographic changes in US statistics serve as a model for changes that can be anticipated in countries where mammographic screening has not been implemented.

METHODS

SEER statistics (1973‐2013) for breast cancer mortality, incidence, stage at diagnosis, and age at diagnosis were examined. Temporal associations between screening changes and breast cancer demographics in the US were documented.

FINDINGS

Before 1982 (pre‐screening), breast cancer incidence in the US remained stable, with similar incidence of localized and regional cancers, and with in‐situ disease comprising <2% of diagnosed disease.1 During the transitional phase of mammographic screening, breast cancer incidence increased. In 1991, breast cancer age‐adjusted mortality rates began decreasing and have continued to decrease. In the post‐screening phase, stage distribution stabilized, but now with localized and in‐situ disease representing the majority of diagnosed cases. The median age at diagnosis has increased to 61 years.

DISCUSSION

Mammographic screening increases breast cancer incidence, shifts the stage distribution toward earlier stage disease, and in high‐income countries, is associated with improved survival. Whether similar improvement in breast cancer survival can be achieved in the absence of mammographic screening has yet to be conclusively demonstrated.
Experimentally manipulating the landscape of fear to manage problem animals
Authors: Atkins Alex , Redpath Stephen M. , Little Rob M. , Amar Arjun
Published: February 2017

Negative interactions between humans and wildlife are increasing, often leading to conflict between different stakeholders over appropriate management interventions. We experimentally tested whether introducing trained Harris's hawks (Parabuteo unicinctus) through falconry could be an effective management tool to reduce nuisance Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca). We hypothesized that falconry would result in elevated fear responses of geese, resulting in increased vigilance, reduced favorability of the site, and locally reduced abundance. We conducted our study on 3 golf courses (1 treatment and 2 controls) in the Western Cape, South Africa, where Egyptian geese are a pest species. Our treatment involved flying the Harris's hawk directly at geese from golf carts. We monitored vigilance and goose numbers before, during, and after treatment. Goose vigilance at the treatment site increased by 76% and abundance declined by 73% following falconry. We did not observe changes at either control site. Although the hawks killed some geese, the decreases in abundance were almost 3 times greater than the numbers killed, indicating that indirect effects were considerably larger than the direct effect of mortality. During the treatment period, vigilance rates were greater in the presence of a golf cart, suggesting that geese learned to associate carts with the threat of predation. Post‐treatment vigilance rates were significantly less than rates detected during the treatment period and goose abundance on the experimental site increased rapidly post‐treatment, returning to pre‐treatment rates within 2 months. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of falconry to reduce nuisance bird abundance and suggest there may be other applications where the deployment of trained predators can be used to mitigate negative human‐wildlife interactions. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Maximal ‐regularity for fractional differential equations on the line
Authors: Ponce Rodrigo , Poblete Verónica
Published: February 2017

We characterize the‐maximal regularity of an abstract fractional differential equation with delay on the Lebesgue spaces. The method is based on the theory of operator‐valued Fourier multipliers and weighted Sobolev spaces on the line.
Long‐form content: More words, more success
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: February 2017

The term “above the fold” as related to the web refers to content that is visible without the need to scroll down: prime web real estate.
Enhanced crystallization rate and mechanical properties of poly(l‐lactic acid) by stereocomplexation with four‐armed poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(d‐lactic acid) diblock copolymer
Authors: Ning Zhenbo , Liu Junjie , Jiang Ni , Gan Zhihua
Published: February 2017

Poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) was blended with a series of four‐armed poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(d‐lactic acid) (4a‐PCL‐b‐PDLA) copolymers in order to improve its crystallization rate and mechanical properties. It is found that a higher content of 4a‐PCL‐b‐PDLA copolymer or longer PDLA block in the copolymer lead to faster crystallization of the blend, which is attributed to the formation of stereocomplex crystallites between PLLA matrix and PDLA blocks of the 4a‐PCL‐b‐PDLA copolymers. Meanwhile, the PDLA block can improve the miscibility between flexible PCL phase and PLLA phase, which is beneficial for improving mechanical properties. The tensile results indicate that the 10% 4a‐PCL5k‐b‐PDLA5k/PLLA blend has the largest elongation at break of about 72% because of the synergistic effects of stereocomplexation between enantiomeric PLAs, multi‐arm structure and plasticization of PCL blocks. It is concluded that well‐controlled composition and content of 4a‐PCL‐b‐PDLA copolymer in PLLA blends can significantly improve the crystallization rate and mechanical properties of the PLLA matrix. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma prefractionation methods for proteomic analysis and perspectives in clinical applications
Authors: Chutipongtanate Somchai , Chatchen Supawat , Svasti Jisnuson
Published: February 2017

Plasma is a rich source of biomarkers with clinical relevance. However, the wide dynamic range of protein concentration hinders the detection of low abundance proteins. Plasma prefractionation methods serve as indispensable tools to reduce plasma complexity, allowing the opportunity to explore tissue‐derived proteins which leak into the circulation. This review summarizes common approaches in plasma prefractionation methods for proteomic analysis and then discusses some considerations in plasma prefractionation for clinical applications, reviewing some examples of its use in clinical situations.
Infectivity inhibition by overlapping synthetic peptides derived from the gH/gL heterodimer of herpes simplex virus type 1
Authors: Franci Gianluigi , Falanga Annarita , Zannella Carla , Folliero Veronica , Martora Francesca , Galdiero Marilena , Galdiero Stefania , Morelli Giancarlo , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: February 2017

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a human pathogen that infects epithelial cells. The cutaneous lesions, caused by the virus, spread to the nervous system creating several complications. Fusion of host membranes with the viral envelope is mandatory and mediated by a group of glycoproteins conserved in all Herpesviridae subfamilies, such as the glycoproteins B (gB), H (gH), L (gL) and D (gD). We investigated the inhibitory activity mediated by synthetic overlapping peptides spanning the entire ectodomains of gH and gL glycoproteins. We have performed a brute analysis of the complete gH/gL heterodimer in order to explore the inhibitory activity of peptides modelled on these glycoproteins against HSV‐1 infection. Twenty‐four of the gH peptides at a concentration of 150 μM reached the 50% of inhibition cut‐off. Interestingly, they are mainly located in the gH carboxy‐terminal domain. None of the gL peptides had a clear inhibiting effect. No peptide toxicity was observed by lactate dehydrogenase assay at the concentrations used in our experimental conditions. HSV‐1 therapy is based on acyclovir treatment, but some resistant strains are emerging. In this scenario, innovative approaches for HSV‐1 treatment are necessary. Our data support the direct involvement of the described domains in the process of virus penetration; therefore, these results are of relevance to the potential development of novel therapeutic compounds to prevent HSV‐1 infections. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Protein Corona Formation on the Macrophage Cellular Uptake and Biodistribution of Spherical Nucleic Acids
Authors: Chinen Alyssa B. , Guan Chenxia M. , Ko Caroline H. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: February 2017

The effect of serum protein adsorption on the biological fate of Spherical Nucleic Acids (SNAs) is investigated. Through a proteomic analysis, it is shown that G‐quadruplexes templated on the surface of a gold nanoparticle in the form of SNAs mediate the formation of a protein corona that is rich in complement proteins relative to SNAs composed of poly‐thymine (poly‐T) DNA. Cellular uptake studies show that complement receptors on macrophage cells recognize the SNA protein corona, facilitating their internalization, and causing G‐rich SNAs to accumulate in the liver and spleen more than poly‐T SNAs in vivo. These results support the conclusion that nucleic acid sequence and architecture can mediate nanoparticle–biomolecule interactions and alter their cellular uptake and biodistribution properties and illustrate that nucleic acid sequence is an important parameter in the design of SNA therapeutics.
Optimized preliminary structural design of steel composite buildings using the Sustainable Office Designer
Authors: Mensinger Martin , Huang Li
Published: February 2017

Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Akimitsu Kurita on his 70th birthday

Preliminary structural design is used for estimating and comparing design alternatives. It is mainly a manual procedure based on experience and documented in the form of design tables or charts. In an effort to automate this procedure for steel composite office buildings, the Sustainable Office Designer (SOD) has been developed as a SketchUp plug‐in. It can generate optimized preliminary structural designs for given rectangular boundary shapes and employs a rapid approximate calculation instead of an expensive structural analysis. Steel columns are used and verified according to DIN EN 1993‐1‐1, while beams are designed as composite members and verified to DIN EN 1994‐1‐1. Pre‐calculated design tables are used for slab systems. Optimization results are obtained and compared for different objectives, e.g. life cycle assessments (LCA) and costs.
Design of composite bridges with integral abutments
Authors: Pak Daniel , Bigelow Hetty , Feldmann Markus
Published: February 2017

Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Akimitsu Kurita on his 70th birthday

Bridges are of vital importance to Europe's infrastructure and composite bridges have already become a popular solution in many countries, representing a well‐established alternative to concrete bridges. Their competitiveness depends on several factors such as site conditions, local costs of materials and labour and the contractor's experience. One outstanding advantage of composite bridges compared with concrete bridges is that the steel girders can carry the weight of the formwork and the fresh concrete during casting. Another major advantage is savings in construction time, which reduces disturbance to traffic and, consequently, saves money for the contractor, but even more so for road users – a fact that has been neglected for a long time. Recently, this factor has increasingly attracted attention as the latest studies show the need to take into account not only simple production costs, but also construction time and maintenance costs when deciding on a specific bridge type. All these needs are met by integral abutment bridges as well. In addition, this bridge type has the potential to outclass traditional bridges with transition joints as it not only reduces production and maintenance costs, but saves on economic and socio‐economic costs as well.
Remote monitoring of structural health in composites
Authors: Golchinfar Behnoush , Donskoy Dimitri , Pavlov Julius , Rutner Marcus
Published: February 2017

Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Eng. Akimitsu Kurita on his 70th birthday, in honour of his scientific achievements, guidance and the education of his students.

This paper explores a new interdisciplinary method for internal damage detection and tracking in composite materials using thermo‐chemical sensing. A micro‐sized network of strings is interwoven into the composites. Each string consists of a pair of tubes containing one of two different non‐polar reactants. A local defect within the composites causes straining and cracking of the tube shell, resulting in direct contact between the two non‐polar reactants. The latter undergo a chemical reaction resulting in a polar product. When exposed to a microwave energy source, a polar product heats up dramatically within seconds in comparison to the surrounding composite material or the non‐polar reactants. This localized thermal signature can be rendered visible by an infrared camera.

This study summarizes the findings of an in‐depth computational and experimental study of this sensing technology which is expected to be applicable across industries using composites, among them aerospace, automotive, offshore and bridge engineering. Potential applications in steel offshore or steel bridge engineering involve using composite sensing patches to cover fatigue fracture‐critical components. Defects initiating on the steel substrate surface are expected to be sensed on demand with this proposed sensing technology.
Use rubrics to assess professional and workplace learning
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2017

CHICAGO — How do you find ways to grant your adult learners credit for the work they may have done in the workforce, while ensuring that your academic standards are met?
Metal deposition of copper and lead bullets in moose harvested in Fennoscandia
Authors: Stokke Sigbjørn , Brainerd Scott , Arnemo Jon M.
Published: February 2017

Fragments from bullets used for moose (Alces alces) hunting contaminate meat, gut piles, and offal and expose humans and scavengers to lead and copper. We sampled bullets (n = 1,655) retrieved from harvested moose in Fennoscandia (Finland, Sweden, and Norway) to measure loss of lead and copper. Concordant questionnaires (n = 5,255) supplied ballistic information to complete this task. Hunters preferred lead‐based bullets (90%) to copper bullets (10%). Three caliber classes were preferred: 7.62 mm (69%), 9.3 mm (12%), and 6.5 mm (12%). Bullets passed completely through calves (76%) more frequently compared to yearlings (63%) or adults (47%). Metal deposition per bullet type (bonded lead core, lead core, and copper) did not vary among moose age classes (calves, yearlings, and adults). Average metal loss per bullet type was 3.0 g, 2.6 g, and 0.5 g for lead‐core, bonded lead‐core, and copper bullets, respectively. This corresponded to 18–26, 10–25, and 0–15% metal loss for lead‐core, bonded lead‐core, and copper bullets, respectively. Based on the harvest of 166,000 moose in Fennoscandia during the 2013/2014 hunting season, we estimated that lead‐based bullets deposited 690 kg of lead in moose carcasses, compared with 21 kg of copper from copper bullets. Bone impact increased, whereas longer shooting distances decreased, lead loss from lead‐based bullets. These factors did not influence loss of copper from copper bullets. In conclusion, a significant amount of toxic lead from lead‐based bullets is deposited in the tissue of harvested moose, which may affect the health of humans and scavengers that ingest it. By switching to copper bullets, Fennoscandian hunters can eliminate a significant source of lead exposure in humans and scavengers. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.