bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change alterations to ecosystem dominance: how might sponge‐dominated reefs function?
Authors: Bell James J. , Rovellini Alberto , Davy Simon K. , Taylor Michael W. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Dunn Matthew R. , Bennett Holly M. , Kandler Nora M. , Luter Heidi M. , Webster Nicole S.
Published: July 2018

Anthropogenic stressors are impacting ecological systems across the world. Of particular concern are the recent rapid changes occurring in coral reef systems. With ongoing degradation from both local and global stressors, future reefs are likely to function differently from current coral‐dominated ecosystems. Determining key attributes of future reef states is critical to reliably predict outcomes for ecosystem service provision. Here we explore the impacts of changing sponge dominance on coral reefs. Qualitative modelling of reef futures suggests that changing sponge dominance due to increased sponge abundance will have different outcomes for other trophic levels compared with increased sponge dominance as a result of declining coral abundance. By exploring uncertainty in the model outcomes we identify the need to (1) quantify changes in carbon flow through sponges, (2) determine the importance of food limitation for sponges, (3) assess the ubiquity of the recently described “sponge loop,” (4) determine the competitive relationships between sponges and other benthic taxa, particularly algae, and (5) understand how changing dominance of other organisms alters trophic pathways and energy flows through ecosystems. Addressing these knowledge gaps will facilitate development of more complex models that assess functional attributes of sponge‐dominated reef ecosystems.
Redox‐Controlled Stabilization of an Open‐Shell Intermediate in a Bioinspired Enzyme Model
Authors: Hanauer Kristina , Förster Christoph , Heinze Katja
Published: July 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Katja Heinze from Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany. The cover image shows two key steps of the oxygenation of phosphanes employing bioinspired molybdenum(VI) – ferrocenium heterometallic complexes: oxygen atom transfer from the dioxido molybdenum(VI) moiety to the substrate is followed by an intramolecular electron transfer from the molybdenum(IV) to the ferrocenium site.
Acylative Coupling of Amine and Indole Using Chloroform as a Carbonyl Group
Authors: Nishida Yuika , Takeda Norihiko , Matsuno Kenji , Miyata Okiko , Ueda Masafumi
Published: July 2018

Chloroform‐mediated acylative coupling of amines with indoles has been developed. When indoles and amines in chloroform were treated with dimethylzinc in the presence of air, the three‐component aminocarbonylation reaction proceeded via in‐situ generation of phosgene from chloroform and O2 to provide indole‐3‐carboxamides in a single operation. Application to the synthesis of biologically active compounds and intramolecular acylation are also described.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Addition of Acetylenes to Ketimines: the First Base‐Catalyzed Ethynylation of the C=N Bond
Authors: Bidusenko Ivan A. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Ushakov Igor A. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: July 2018

A one‐pot transition metal‐free synthesis of propargylamines in good to excellent yield from ketone‐derived imines and aryl‐ and hetarylacetylenes in the presence of KOBut/DMSO superbase system (40 °C, 10 min) has been developed. The reaction involves a nucleophilic addition of acetylenic carbanions to the C=N bond, thus for the first time featuring the aza‐Favorsky reaction.
Iodine‐Catalyzed Metal‐Free Oxidative Ring Opening of 1‐Aryltetrahydro‐β‐carbolines: Facile Synthesis of C‐2 Aroyl and Aryl Methanimino Indole Derivatives
Authors: Chauhan Jyoti , Luthra Tania , Sen Subhabrata
Published: July 2018

Indole derivatives bearing C‐2 substituents have garnered a lot of attention due to their diverse biological activities. Various methods forthe synthesis of these compounds have been reported. Inspired by the hydrolysis of imines, an oxidative ring‐opening reaction of 1‐aryltetrahydro‐β‐carbolines with catalytic iodine in aqueous hydrogen peroxide, and also in the presence of appropriate amines, is described for the generation of 2‐aroyl and arylmethanimine indole derivatives. The reaction proceeds under mild reaction conditions with ethanol as the solvent or under solvent‐free conditions, respectively. This metal‐free strategy facilitates the formation of the desired substituted C‐2 indoles in moderate to excellent yields. The utility of this reaction is demonstrated by a facile multigram‐scale synthesis of Luzindole, a selective melatonin receptor antagonist and an investigational drug against depression and disruption of the circadian rhythm.
Impaired chronic pain‐like behaviour and altered opioidergic system in the TASTPM mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Aman Y. , Pitcher T. , Ballard C. , Malcangio M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Chronic pain conditions, especially osteoarthritis (OA), are as common in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as in the general elderly population, which results in detrimental impact on patient's quality of life. However, alteration in perception of pain in AD coupled with deteriorating ability to communicate pain sensations often result in under‐diagnosis and inappropriate management of pain. Therefore, a better understanding of mechanisms in chronic pain processing in AD is needed. Here, we explored the development and progression of OA pain and the effect of analgesics in a transgenic mouse model of AD.

Methods

Unilateral OA pain was induced chemically, via an intra‐articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in the left knee joint of AD‐mice (TASTPM) and age‐ and gender‐matched C57BL/6J (WT). Pharmacological and biochemical assessments were conducted in plasma and spinal cord tissue.

Results

MIA resulted in hind paw mechanical hypersensitivity (allodynia), initiating on day 3, in TASTPM and WT controls. However, from 14 to 28 days, TASTPM displayed partial attenuation of allodynia and diminished spinal microglial response compared to WT controls. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, re‐established allodynia levels as observed in the WT group. Morphine, an opioid agonist, induced heightened analgesia in AD‐mice whilst gabapentin was devoid of efficacy. TASTPM exhibited elevated plasma level of β‐endorphin post‐MIA which correlated with impaired allodynia.

Conclusions

These results indicate an alteration of the opioidergic system in TASTPM as possible mechanisms underlying impaired persistent pain sensitivity in AD. This work provides basis for re‐evaluation of opioid analgesic use for management of pain in AD.

Significance

This study shows attenuated pain‐like behaviour in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease due to alterations in the opioidergic system and central plasticity mechanisms of persistent pain.
Comparison of conference abstracts and full‐text publications of randomized controlled trials presented at four consecutive World Congresses of Pain: Reporting quality and agreement of results
Authors: Saric L. , Vucic K. , Dragicevic K. , Vrdoljak M. , Jakus D. , Vuka I. , Jelicic Kadic A. , Saldanha I.J. , Puljak L.
Published: July 2018

Background

Conference abstracts are a potential source of new and relevant information about randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, their dependability is questionable. The objectives of this study were to quantify the agreement between results of RCTs reported in abstracts presented at the four most recent World Congresses on Pain (WCP) and their corresponding full publications, and to analyse the completeness of reporting in those abstracts.

Methods

To identify RCTs, we screened all abstracts presented at four WCPs from 2008 to 2014. Two independent authors identified corresponding full‐text reports published through August 2016. Data about the main outcomes in each abstract and full publication were extracted, including the outcome domains and numerical results reported. We reported discordance between abstracts and full texts. We evaluated abstracts against the CONSORT for Abstracts checklist.

Results

Approximately half of the 614 included abstracts had been fully published. Among the 306 abstract/publication pairs, eight pairs were not evaluable, and in the remaining 298 we found some form of discordance in 31% of the cases; the majority of discordances were quantitative, i.e. numerical results were different in the two locations, but with the same direction of effect. In the abstract–publication pairs where the abstract presented only preliminary/interim results, 79% had some form of discordance, mostly quantitative.

Conclusions

The reporting quality of the 614 abstracts was suboptimal; the median adherence across all domains for all abstracts was 26%. In conclusion, conference abstracts of pain research are often not necessarily dependable information. Authors should be required to report abstracts according to reporting guidelines.

Significance

Abstracts of RCTs addressing pain are not often dependable information sources; half of them are not published, their reporting quality is suboptimal. When published, 30% of abstracts‐full text pairs have discordant results, with 78% discordance when abstracts present preliminary results.
Numerical analysis of unsteady heat conduction in regular solid bodies comprising natural convection to nearby fluids
Authors: Campo Antonio , Arıcı Müslüm
Published: July 2018

The present paper addresses unsteady, unidirectional heat conduction in regular solid bodies (vertical plate, horizontal cylinder, and sphere) that exchange heat by natural convection with a neighboring fluid. From thermal physics, natural convection constitutes a worst‐case scenario for forced convection cooling. Under the premises of natural convection heat transfer, the unsteady, 1‐dimensional heat conduction equation consists in a linear parabolic partial differential equation with a dominant natural convection boundary condition represented by the mean convective coefficient that depends upon temperature. As expected, the nonlinear unsteady, unidirectional heat conduction problem is complex and does not admit an exact, analytical solution. Instead, the nonlinear unsteady, unidirectional heat conduction problem forcibly necessitates approximate numerical treatment with the finite difference method. The computed dimensionless center, surface, and mean temperatures varying with dimensionless time are obtained numerically and are graphed for 3 solids: iron, aluminum, copper exposed to 3 fluids: air, water, oil; the 6 media are used in numerous engineering applications.
Synergistic cross‐talk of hedgehog and interleukin‐6 signaling drives growth of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Sternberg Christina , Gruber Wolfgang , Eberl Markus , Tesanovic Suzana , Stadler Manuela , Elmer Dominik P. , Schlederer Michaela , Grund Sandra , Roos Simone , Wolff Florian , Kaur Supreet , Mangelberger Doris , Lehrach Hans , Hache Hendrik , Wierling Christoph , Laimer Josef , Lackner Peter , Wiederstein Markus , Kasper Maria , Risch Angela , Petzelbauer Peter , Moriggl Richard , Kenner Lukas , Aberger Fritz
Published: July 2018

Persistent activation of hedgehog (HH)/GLI signaling accounts for the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a very frequent nonmelanoma skin cancer with rising incidence. Targeting HH/GLI signaling by approved pathway inhibitors can provide significant therapeutic benefit to BCC patients. However, limited response rates, development of drug resistance, and severe side effects of HH pathway inhibitors call for improved treatment strategies such as rational combination therapies simultaneously inhibiting HH/GLI and cooperative signals promoting the oncogenic activity of HH/GLI. In this study, we identified the interleukin‐6 (IL6) pathway as a novel synergistic signal promoting oncogenic HH/GLI via STAT3 activation. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that signal integration of IL6 and HH/GLI occurs at the level of cis‐regulatory sequences by co‐binding of GLI and STAT3 to common HH‐IL6 target gene promoters. Genetic inactivation of Il6 signaling in a mouse model of BCC significantly reduced in vivo tumor growth by interfering with HH/GLI‐driven BCC proliferation. Our genetic and pharmacologic data suggest that combinatorial HH‐IL6 pathway blockade is a promising approach to efficiently arrest cancer growth in BCC patients.
Differences in cancer survival between immigrants in Norway and the host population
Authors: Thøgersen Håvard , Møller Bjørn , Robsahm Trude Eid , Babigumira Ronnie , Aaserud Stein , Larsen Inger Kristin
Published: July 2018

Cancer survival is an important indicator for quality of cancer care. We sought to determine if there are differences in cancer survival between immigrants and the host population in Norway. We performed a nationwide registry‐based study comprising subjects diagnosed with cancer between 1990 and 2014, and followed until the end of 2016. Survival was estimated for 13 cancer sites with cause‐specific survival. Adjustments were made for common confounders (age, sex, year of diagnosis and place of residence) and defined mediators (stage at diagnosis, comorbidity and socioeconomic factors). A total of 500,255 subjects were available for analysis, of which 11,252 were Western and 8,701 non‐Western immigrants. We did not find differences in cancer survival between Western immigrants and Norwegians, while non‐Western immigrants, with some exceptions, had similar or better survival. Better lung cancer survival in non‐Western immigrants than Norwegians was notable (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.78 (0.71–0.85)), and not explained by defined mediators. Immigrants from Eastern Europe and Balkan with melanoma (hazard ratio: 1.54 (1.12–2.12)) and prostate cancer (hazard ratio: 1.34 (1.08–1.67)), and possibly from sub‐Saharan Africa with breast cancer (hazard ratio: 1.41 (0.94–2.12)) had worse survival than Norwegians. The results suggest that immigrants in Norway have good cancer survival relative to the host population. Poor survival in immigrants from Eastern Europe and Balkan with melanoma and prostate cancer, and sub‐Saharan Africa with breast cancer might be a concern.
Clinical significance and biological function of WD repeat domain 54 as an oncogene in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yuan Yuncang , Qi Guoxiang , Shen Hao , Guo Aizhen , Cao Fuao , Zhu Yan , Xiao Chunjie , Chang Wenjun , Zheng Shangyong
Published: July 2018

In recent years, protein‐protein interactions have become an attractive candidate for identifying biomarkers and drug targets for various diseases. However, WD40 repeat (WDR) domain proteins, some of the most abundant mediators of protein interactions, are largely unexplored. In our study, 57 of 361 known WDR proteins were identified as hub nodes, and a hub (WDR54) with elevated mRNA in colorectal cancer (CRC) was selected for further study. Immunohistochemistry of specimens from 945 patients confirmed the elevated expression of WDR54 in CRC, and we found that patients with WDR54‐high tumors typically had a shorter disease‐specific survival (DSS) than those with WDR54‐low tumors, especially for the subgroup without well‐differentiated tumors. Multivariate analysis showed that WDR54‐high tumors were an independent risk factor for DSS, with a hazard ratio of 2.981 (95% confidence interval, 1.425–6.234; p = 0.004). Knockdown of WDR54 significantly inhibited the growth and aggressiveness of CRC cells and reduced tumor growth in a xenograft model. Each WDR54 isoform (a, b, and c) was found to reverse the inhibitory effect of WDR54 knockdown; however, only isoform c, which exhibited the highest expression, was increased in CRC cells. Sensitization of WDR54 knockdown to an SHP2 inhibitor was consistently found in CRC cells, and the underlying mechanism involved their common function in regulating AKT and ERK signaling. In conclusion, the present study is the first to investigate the significance of WDR54 in cancer and to conclude that WDR54 serves as an oncogene in CRC and may be a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
Deletion of the Fanconi Anemia C Gene in Mice Leads to Skeletal Anomalies and Defective Bone Mineralization and Microarchitecture
Authors: Mazon Mélody , Julien Jacinthe , Ung Roth-Visal , Picard Sylvain , Hamoudi Dounia , Tam Rose , Filiatrault Jessica , Frenette Jérôme , Mac-Way Fabrice , Carreau Madeleine
Published: July 2018

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder associated with a progressive decline in hematopoietic stem cells leading to bone marrow failure. FA is also characterized by a variety of developmental defects including short stature and skeletal malformations. More than half of children affected with FA have radial-ray abnormalities, and many patients have early onset osteopenia/osteoporosis. Although many Fanconi anemia genes have been identified and a molecular pathway defined, the underlying mechanism leading to bone defects remains elusive. To understand the role of FA genes in skeletal development and bone microarchitecture, we evaluated bone physiology during embryogenesis and in adult FancA- and FancC-deficient mice. We found that both FancA-/- and FancC-/- embryos have abnormal skeletal development shown by skeletal malformations, growth delay, and reduced bone mineralization. FancC-/- adult mice present altered bone morphology and microarchitecture with a significant decrease in cortical bone mineral density in a sex-specific manner. Mechanical testing revealed that male but not female FancC-/- mice show reduced bone strength compared with their wild-type littermates. Ex vivo cultures showed that FancA-/- and FancC-/- bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) have impaired differentiation capabilities together with altered gene expression profiles. Our results suggest that defective bone physiology in FA occurs in utero and possibly results from altered BMMSC function. These results provide valuable insights into the mechanism involved in FA skeletal defects. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Increased Serpina3n release into circulation during glucocorticoid‐mediated muscle atrophy
Authors: Gueugneau Marine , d'Hose Donatienne , Barbé Caroline , de Barsy Marie , Lause Pascale , Maiter Dominique , Bindels Laure B. , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Schaeffer Laurent , Gangloff Yann‐Gaël , Chambon Christophe , Coudy‐Gandilhon Cécile , Béchet Daniel , Thissen Jean‐Paul
Published: July 2018

Background

Glucocorticoids (GC) play a major role in muscle atrophy. As skeletal muscle is a secretory organ, characterization of the muscle secretome elicited by muscle atrophy should allow to better understand the cellular mechanisms and to identify circulating biomarkers of this condition. Our project aimed to identify the changes in the muscle secretome associated with GC‐induced muscle atrophy and susceptible to translate into circulation.

Methods

We have identified the GC‐induced changes in the secretome of C2C12 muscle cells by proteomic analysis, and then, we have determined how these changes translate into the circulation of mice or human subjects exposed to high concentrations of GC.

Results

This approach led us to identify Serpina3n as one of the most markedly secreted protein in response to GC. Our original in vitro results were confirmed in vivo by an increased expression of Serpina3n in skeletal muscle (3.9‐fold; P < 0.01) and in the serum (two‐fold; P < 0.01) of mice treated with GC. We also observed increased levels of the human orthologue Serpina3 in the serum of Cushing's syndrome patients compared with healthy controls matched for age and sex (n = 9/group, 2.5‐fold; P < 0.01). An increase of Serpina3n was also demonstrated in muscle atrophy models mediated by GC such as cancer cachexia (four‐fold; P < 0.01), sepsis (12.5‐fold; P < 0.001), or diabetes (two‐fold; P < 0.01). In contrast, levels of Serpina3n both in skeletal muscle and in the circulation were reduced in several models of muscle hypertrophy induced by myostatin inhibition (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a cluster of data suggests that the regulation of muscle Serpina3n involves mTOR, an essential determinant of the muscle cell size.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data suggest that Serpina3n may represent a circulating biomarker of muscle atrophy associated to GC and, broadly, a reflection of dynamic changes in muscle mass.
Causes of inhibition of bioleaching by Cu are also thermodynamic
Authors: Mazuelos Alfonso , García‐Tinajero Carlos J , Romero Rafael , Iglesias‐González Nieves , Carranza Francisco
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Cu is an indispensable natural resource for society, as its use is widespread and essential for many technologies. Consequently, worldwide production is around 18×106 tn year−1, and close to 25% is produced by bioleaching. Bioleaching enables Cu extraction from minerals in atmospheric conditions by virtue of the catalytic activity of microorganisms. Microbial catalysis is mainly based on Fe3+ production as a leaching agent, a process known as Fe2+ bio‐oxidation. However, bio‐oxidation is inhibited by Cu2+ which limits the use of bioleaching with Cu mineral ores.

RESULTS

This paper, for the first time, examines the effect of Cu2+ on continuous Fe2+ bio‐oxidation using a packed bed bioreactor with supported cells. Bio‐oxidation was possible in the presence of 20 g L−1 Cu2+, with a less than 25% reduction in rate. About 15% of this drop in rate is due to biological inhibition and the rest to a reduction in oxygen solubility because of salting‐out. The biotic effect is reversed when Cu2+ is removed from the input, and the salting‐out effect can be overcome by improving aeration conditions.

CONCLUSION

These results, apart from having important ramifications for designing Cu ore bioleaching facilities, contribute to a more versatile and competitive idea of this clean technology. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Biosynthesis and properties of P(3HB‐co‐3HV‐co‐3H4MV) produced by using the wild‐type strain Cupriavidus eutrophus B‐10646
Authors: Volova Tatiana , Menshikova Olga , Zhila Natalia , Vasiliev Alexander , Kiselev Evgeniy , Peterson Ivan , Shishatskaya Ekaterina , Thomas Sabu
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) containing 3‐hydroxy‐4‐methylvalerate (3H4MV) have better processing properties than other PHA types and were not prone to ageing. The main challenge in the production of these polymers is to simultaneously achieve high cell biomass, high polymer content, and high molar fraction of 3H4MV. The aim of this study was to investigate the production of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate‐co‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐methylvalerate) [P(3HB‐co‐3 HV‐co‐3H4MV)] by Cupriavidus eutrophus B‐10646, synthesize polymers with different contents of 3H4MV and investigate their properties.

RESULTS

It was shown that 4‐methylvalerate (4MV, the precursor substrate) concentration in the culture medium must not be higher than 1 g L−1, and that 4MV must be carefully dosed, with at least 10–12 h intervals between supplementations. A series of polymers with molar fractions of 3H4MV between 2.7 and 11.3 mol% was synthesized. Degrees of crystallinity, molecular weight characteristics, and thermal properties of the polymers have been investigated as dependent on proportions of monomers.

CONCLUSION

The content of 3H4MV depends on the concentration of 4MV and conditions of carbon nutrition. The molar fraction of 3H4MV had a strong effect on the crystalline to amorphous region ratio. PHA containing 3H4MV specimens synthesized in this study had a degree of crystallinity of below 50%, which remained unchanged for 2.5 years. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Systemic DPP4 activity is reduced during primary HIV‐1 infection and is associated with intestinal RORC+CD4+ cell levels: a surrogate marker candidate of HIV‐induced intestinal damage
Authors: Ploquin Mickaël J , Casrouge Armanda , Madec Yoann , Noël Nicolas , Jacquelin Beatrice , Huot Nicolas , Duffy Darragh , Jochems Simon P , Micci Luca , Lécuroux Camille , Boufassa Faroudy , Booiman Thijs , Garcia‐Tellez Thalia , Ghislain Mathilde , Grand Roger Le , Lambotte Olivier , Kootstra Neeltje , Meyer Laurence , Goujard Cecile , Paiardini Mirko , Albert Matthew L , Müller‐Trutwin Michaela
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Combined anti‐retroviral therapy (cART) transformed HIV‐1 from a deadly disease into a chronic infection, but does not cure HIV infection. It also does not fully restore HIV‐induced gut damage unless administered extremely early after infection. Additional biomarkers are needed to evaluate the capacity of therapies aimed at HIV remission/cure to restore HIV‐induced intestinal immune damage and limit chronic inflammation. Herein, we aimed to identify a systemic surrogate marker whose levels would reflect gut immune damage such as intestinal Th17 cell loss starting from primary HIV‐1 infection.

Methods

Biomarker discovery approaches were performed in four independent cohorts, covering HIV‐1 primary and chronic infection in 496 naïve or cART‐treated patients (Amsterdam cohort (ACS), ANRS PRIMO, COPANA and CODEX cohorts). The concentration and activity of soluble Dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (sDPP4) were quantified in the blood from these patients, including pre‐ and post‐infection samples in the ACS cohort. For quantification of DPP4 in the gut, we utilized two non‐human primate models, representing pathogenic (macaque) and non‐pathogenic (African green monkey) SIV infection. Four gut compartments were analysed in each animal model (ileum, jejunum, colon and rectum) for quantification of DPP4, RORC and TBX21 gene expression in sorted CD4+ cells. To analyse if sDPP4 levels increase when Th17 cells were restored, we quantified sDPP4 in plasma from SIV‐infected macaques treated with IL‐21.

Results

We showed that sDPP4 levels were strongly decreased in primary HIV‐1 infection. Strikingly, sDPP4 levels in primary HIV‐1 infection predicted time to AIDS. They were not increased by cART in chronic HIV‐1 infection (median 36 months on cART). In the gut of SIV‐infected non‐human primates, DPP4 mRNA was higher in CD4+ than CD4− leucocytes. DPP4 specifically correlated with RORC expression, a Th17 marker, in CD4+ cells from the intestine. We further demonstrated that sDPP4 activity levels were increased in animals treated with IL‐21 and that this increase was associated with restoration of the Th17 compartment and reduced inflammation. Furthermore, DPP4 mRNA levels in small intestine CD4+ cells positively correlated with circulating DPP4 activity.

Conclusion

These data provide evidence that blood sDPP4 levels could be useful as a correlate for HIV‐induced intestinal damage.
Optimal unified power quality conditioner placement and sizing in distribution systems considering network reconfiguration
Authors: Gholami Khalil , Karimi Shahram , Dehnavi Ehsan
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, due to the increasing electrical demand, optimal operation of distribution network has taken much attention. To reach this goal, 1 of the useful methods is the implementation of custom power devices. This paper tries to investigate the unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) placement and sizing along with distribution network reconfiguration for the reactive power compensation in the radial distribution system. This approach finds the optimal sizing and location of UPQC and the optimal changing of the switches status between feeders. Real power loss reduction is the chief function of this work. The proposed method is applied on the 69‐bus radial distribution test system. To check the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methodology, various scenarios of reconfiguration and UPQC placement are taken into account at different load conditions. Results show that the network reconfiguration with the placement of UPQC provides lower energy losses compared with other methods.
Process‐based model evaluation and projections over southern Africa from Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models
Authors: Pinto Izidine , Jack Chris , Hewitson Bruce
Published: July 2018

Decision‐scale relevant climate information on climate change is needed to inform policy and decision making but often involves high uncertainty. To enhance confidence in interpreting regional climate projections, it is important to understand the underlying physical processes driving the change. This study explores a methodology to investigate climate change as a function of changes in frequency of synoptic circulation. The approach examines how dynamically downscaled future climate from two regional climate models (RCMs) from the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX), driven with four general circulation models (GCMs), can give rise to surface climate changes that differ from those of the driving GCMs. The study focuses on changes in precipitation and the circulation processes driving the projected changes from the regional climate simulations. Despite uncertainty in future projections, the RCMs and GCMs both show decreases in precipitation over most of southern Africa and suggest a reduction (increase) in the frequency of circulation patterns associated with precipitation (no precipitation) over the region. However, some contradictions are seen in the centre of the domain for some ensemble members. This study shows that some of this disagreement in precipitation projections between GCMs and RCMs is due to the inconsistencies in the physical parameterizations of precipitation processes rather than inconsistences in regional‐scale circulation patterns.
Estimation of an overall standardized mean difference in random‐effects meta‐analysis if the distribution of random effects departs from normal
Authors: Rubio‐Aparicio María , López‐López José Antonio , Sánchez‐Meca Julio , Marín‐Martínez Fulgencio , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Van den Noortgate Wim
Published: July 2018

The random‐effects model, applied in most meta‐analyses nowadays, typically assumes normality of the distribution of the effect parameters. The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of various random‐effects methods (standard method, Hartung's method, profile likelihood method, and bootstrapping) for computing an average effect size estimate and a confidence interval (CI) around it, when the normality assumption is not met. For comparison purposes, we also included the fixed‐effect model. We manipulated a wide range of conditions, including conditions with some degree of departure from the normality assumption, using Monte Carlo simulation. To simulate realistic scenarios, we chose the manipulated conditions from a systematic review of meta‐analyses on the effectiveness of psychological treatments. We compared the performance of the different methods in terms of bias and mean squared error of the average effect estimators, empirical coverage probability and width of the CIs, and variability of the standard errors. Our results suggest that random‐effects methods are largely robust to departures from normality, with Hartung's profile likelihood methods yielding the best performance under suboptimal conditions.
Preparation of Dimethyl Disulfide Adducts from the Mono‐Trans Octadecadienoic Acid Methyl Esters
Authors: Shibamoto Shigeaki , Murata Tasuku , Lu Wenjian , Yamamoto Kouhei
Published: July 2018

The dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) adduct method is one of the more effective methods for determining double bond positions of dienoic acid. The DMDS method can be simply used to obtain the characteristic ions in which cleavage occurs between the methylthio group‐added double‐bond carbons as can be seen in the mass spectrum obtained using gas chromatography/electron ionization‐mass spectrometry. In the case of the methylene‐interrupted di‐cis type and di‐trans type dienoic acid, the DMDS addition reaction only occurs at one double‐bond position, and cannot occur at the remaining double‐bond position due to steric hindrance. As a result, two types of adducts are produced in the addition reaction. However, in the case of the methylene‐interrupted mono‐trans (mono‐cis) type dienoic acid, the DMDS addition reaction only occurs at the cis‐double bond. As a result, one type of adduct is produced in the addition reaction. In this report, we investigate the cause of the reaction selectivity by focusing on the addition reaction time.
Eucalyptol Inhibits Advanced Glycation End Products‐Induced Disruption of Podocyte Slit Junctions by Suppressing Rage‐Erk‐C‐Myc Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kim Dong Yeon , Kang Min‐Kyung , Lee Eun‐Jung , Kim Yun‐Ho , Oh Hyeongjoo , Kang Young‐Hee
Published: July 2018

Scope

The maintenance of interpodocyte slit diaphragm is critical in the sieving function of glomerular filtration barrier. Eucalyptol is a natural constituent in aromatic plants with antioxidant properties. This study investigates whether and how eucalyptol inhibits podocyte slit diaphragm malfunction in glucose‐exposed podocytes and diabetic mouse kidneys.

Methods and results

Podocytes were incubated in media containing 33 mm glucose with 1–20 μm eucalyptol. The in vivo model employed db/db mice orally administrated with 10 mg kg−1 eucalyptol. Nontoxic eucalyptol enhanced podocyte expression of nephrin, podocin, FAT‐1, CD2AP, and α‐actinin‐4 diminished by glucose. Oral administration of eucalyptol augmented the induction of the slit diaphragm proteins, α‐actinin‐4, and integrin β1 in diabetic kidneys, and ameliorated glomerular fibrosis and foot process effacement. Eucalyptol counteracted the receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) induction in podocytes with glucose or AGE‐BSA, and elevated the reduction of the slit diaphragm proteins by AGE‐BSA. Eucalyptol attenuated the RAGE induction and AGE accumulation in diabetic kidneys. The blockade of ERK‐c‐Myc signaling enhanced the nephrin and CD2AP expression downregulated in AGE‐exposed podocytes. These results indicate that eucalyptol blocked glucose‐induced AGE‐RAGE axis and podocyte injury through disturbing RAGE‐ERK‐c‐Myc signaling.

Conclusion

Eucalyptol may be a potent agent antagonizing diabetes‐associated malformation of interpodocyte slit junction and podocyte actin cytoskeleton.
Engagement techniques by human services nonprofits: A research note examining website best practices
Authors: Hoefer Richard , Twis Mary K.
Published: July 2018

Engaging with external stakeholders is one of the most important elements of sustainable nonprofit existence, and nonprofits can enhance external stakeholder engagement through the astute use of their websites. Although industry norms for optimal website design provide insight into how specific website elements may be associated with website engagement, research on how these industry norms translate into users' behavioral engagement with nonprofits is scarce. Furthermore, research on how website design elements are associated with the depth of user engagement is lacking. The purpose of this research note is to explore the concept of nonprofit website engagement and to explain conceptually and practically what nonprofits can do to improve their websites' abilities to enhance deep and long‐term engagement among external stakeholders.
Juggling family and professional caring: Role demands, work–family conflict and burnout among registered nurses in Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Elsie Eunice Amoo , Annor Francis , Amponsah‐Tawiah Kwesi , Dartey‐Baah Kwasi
Published: July 2018

Aim

Juggling work and family responsibilities remains an important concern for both employees and organizations. This study aimed at examining work and family demands as predictors of work–family conflict and the relationship between work–family conflict and burnout among registered nurses in Ghana.

Design

The study adopted a cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

Data were collected from a sample of 134 registered nurses selected from five public hospitals in Accra through convenience sampling. Participants responded to structured questionnaires that assessed, among others, experiences of work–family conflict and burnout.

Results

Multiple regression analyses showed that long work hours and weekend schedules were associated with higher levels of work‐to‐family conflict, while the number of older dependants at home was positively related to family‐to‐work conflict. Family‐to‐work conflict was positively related to burnout, while work‐to‐family conflict was not significantly related to burnout.
Using surface‐downhole ERT for detecting contaminants in deep aquifers due to exploitation of oil reservoirs
Authors: Grünhut V. , Bongiovanni M.V. , Osella A.
Published: July 2018

The exploitation of a hydrocarbon reservoir, whether conventional or unconventional, may cause environmental damages. Even though sink wells used by oil companies are located much deeper than the aquifers, they may eventually contaminate the water with brine leakage, oil spill or other polluting agents, such as chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. This makes vulnerability studies extremely important. In this work we aim to detect and characterize contamination of an aquifer that lies above an oil reservoir, at approximately 250 m depth, using electric current injected in the ground surface and voltage sensors installed in the well. At that depth, it is not usual to use downhole measurements to monitor the contaminated aquifer. This gave us the motivation to check if it was possible to identify the contamination of a part of the aquifer using surface‐downhole measurements. In order to achieve this we have designed an electrical model of the reservoir including the aquifer with either a conductive or resistive contaminant such as saline brine, oil spill or CO2, and have numerically simulated the forward and inverse geoelectrical responses. Numerical results show that the detection of contamination is possible only with a surface‐downhole configuration. Our results illustrate the advantage of using the electrical resistivity tomography configuration in order to detect and characterize the contaminated deep aquifers.
Domain swaps of Arabidopsis secondary wall cellulose synthases to elucidate their class specificity
Authors: Hill Joseph Lee , Hill Ashley Nicole , Roberts Alison W. , Haigler Candace H. , Tien Ming
Published: July 2018

Cellulose microfibrils are synthesized by membrane‐embedded cellulose synthesis complexes (CSCs), currently modeled as hexamers of cellulose synthase (CESA) trimers. The three paralogous CESAs involved in secondary cell wall (SCW) cellulose biosynthesis in Arabidopsis (CESA4, CESA7, CESA8) are similar, but nonredundant, with all three isoforms required for assembly and function of the CSC. The molecular basis of protein–protein recognition among the isoforms is not well understood. To investigate the locations of the interfaces that are responsible for isoform recognition, we swapped three domains between the Arabidopsis CESAs required for SCW synthesis (CESA4, CESA7, and CESA8): N‐terminus, central domain containing the catalytic core, and C‐terminus. Chimeric genes with all pairwise permutations of the domains were tested for in vivo functionality within knockout mutant backgrounds of cesa4, cesa7, and cesa8. Immunoblotting with isoform‐specific antibodies confirmed the anticipated protein expression in transgenic plants. The percent recovery of stem height and crystalline cellulose content was assayed, as compared to wild type, the mutant background lines, and other controls. Retention of the native central domain was sufficient for CESA8 chimeras to function, with neither its N‐terminal nor C‐terminal domains required. The C‐terminal domain is required for class‐specific function of CESA4 and CESA7, and CESA7 also requires its own N‐terminus. Across all isoforms, the results indicate that the central domain, as well as the N‐ and C‐terminal regions, contributes to class‐specific function variously in Arabidopsis CESA4, CESA7, and CESA8.
Holocene thermokarst and pingo development in the Kolyma Lowland (NE Siberia)
Authors: Wetterich Sebastian , Schirrmeister Lutz , Nazarova Larisa , Palagushkina Olga , Bobrov Anatoly , Pogosyan Lilit , Savelieva Larisa , Syrykh Liudmila , Matthes Heidrun , Fritz Michael , Günther Frank , Opel Thomas , Meyer Hanno
Published: July 2018

Ground ice and sedimentary records of a pingo exposure reveal insights into Holocene permafrost, landscape and climate dynamics. Early to mid‐Holocene thermokarst lake deposits contain rich floral and faunal paleoassemblages, which indicate lake shrinkage and decreasing summer temperatures (chironomid‐based TJuly) from 10.5 to 3.5 cal kyr BP with the warmest period between 10.5 and 8 cal kyr BP. Talik refreezing and pingo growth started about 3.5 cal kyr BP after disappearance of the lake. The isotopic composition of the pingo ice (δ18O − 17.1 ± 0.6‰, δD −144.5 ± 3.4‰, slope 5.85, deuterium excess −7.7± 1.5‰) point to the initial stage of closed‐system freezing captured in the record. A differing isotopic composition within the massive ice body was found (δ18O − 21.3 ± 1.4‰, δD −165 ± 11.5‰, slope 8.13, deuterium excess 4.9± 3.2‰), probably related to the infill of dilation cracks by surface water with quasi‐meteoric signature. Currently inactive syngenetic ice wedges formed in the thermokarst basin after lake drainage. The pingo preserves traces of permafrost response to climate variations in terms of ground‐ice degradation (thermokarst) during the early and mid‐Holocene, and aggradation (wedge‐ice and pingo‐ice growth) during the late Holocene.
Enhancing mobile services with DVB‐S2X superframing
Authors: Mazzali N. , Boumard S. , Kinnunen J. , M. R. B. Shankar , Kiviranta M. , Alagha N.
Published: July 2018

DVB‐S2X is the cornerstone for satellite communication standards forming the state of the art of broadband satellite waveforms. In this paper, we propose new application scenarios and advanced techniques, including a reference design implementing superframing, predistortion, a robust synchronization chain, and a plug‐and‐play channel interleaver. We demonstrate by means of software simulations and hardware tests that the DVB‐S2X can be a common technology enabler for land‐mobile, aeronautical, and maritime satellite scenarios in addition to the more traditional VSAT scenario, even in very challenging conditions (eg, very low signal‐to‐noise ratio).
LTE‐based satellite communications in LEO mega‐constellations
Authors: Guidotti Alessandro , Vanelli‐Coralli Alessandro , Foggi Tommaso , Colavolpe Giulio , Caus Márius , Bas Joan , Cioni Stefano , Modenini Andrea
Published: July 2018

The integration of satellite and terrestrial networks is a promising solution for extending broadband coverage to areas not connected to a terrestrial infrastructure, as also demonstrated by recent commercial and standardisation endeavours. However, the large delays and Doppler shifts over the satellite channel pose severe technical challenges to traditional terrestrial systems, as long‐term evolution (LTE) or 5G. In this paper, 2 architectures are proposed for a low Earth orbit mega‐constellation realising a satellite‐enabled LTE system, in which the on‐ground LTE entity is either an eNB (Sat‐eNB) or a relay node (Sat‐RN). The impact of satellite channel impairments as large delays and Doppler shifts on LTE PHY/MAC procedures is discussed and assessed. The proposed analysis shows that, while carrier spacings, random access and RN attach procedures do not pose specific issues and hybrid automatic repeat request requires substantial modifications. Moreover, advanced handover procedures will be also required due to the satellites' movement.
Capacity reservation optimization for distributed satellite cluster networks
Authors: Zheng Yongxing , Zhao Shanghong , Li Yongjun , Tan Qinggui , Xin Ning , Tian Kai , Shi Lei
Published: July 2018

We investigate the problem of link capacity reservation in distributed satellite cluster networks. In the optimization problem, the objective is to minimize the link reservation cost under the link capacity constraints. The original optimization problem can be formulated as a set of the linear programs. For the small‐scale networks, the general linear program solvers have the capability to solve the problem within an acceptable time. To solve the problem in the large‐scale network, we propose a heuristic method on the basis of the alternating direction method of multipliers, in which the original problem is decoupled to parallel small problems that can be solved simply. In the heuristic, the upper and lower bounds are computed iteratively. When the upper and lower bounds are close enough, then the optimal value can be obtained approximately. The simulation results show that the proposed method is comparatively exact when the stopping criterion is properly chosen.
Advances in Thermoelectric Mg3Sb2 and Its Derivatives
Authors: Shi Xuemin , Wang Xiao , Li Wen , Pei Yanzhong
Published: July 2018

Over the past couple of decades, thermoelectric Mg3Sb2 and its derivatives have attracted increasing attention for thermoelectric applications. This is enabled by the richness in composition for manipulating both electronic and thermal properties and by the intrinsic low lattice thermal conductivity. With existing efforts on these materials, the thermoelectric figure of merit has been significantly improved to compete with conventional thermoelectrics, while many of these materials keep the compositions cheap and less‐toxic elements only. Here, not only the control of defects, band structure, electronic transport properties, and lattice thermal conductivity for these materials, but also the proven strategies on transport property manipulation are summarized. These strategies are well demonstrated for advancing thermoelectric Mg3Sb2 and its derivatives, and the principles used are believed to be equally applicable for many other thermoelectric materials. In addition, perspectives for possible further advancements in this class of thermoelectric materials are shown.
Fabrication of a Novel TRIP‐Aided Ni‐Free Lean Duplex Stainless Steel with Good Corrosion Resistance by Twin‐Roll Strip Casting and Its Deformation Mechanisms
Authors: Zhao Yan , Wang Yuan , Zhu Zhen , Liu Zhenyu
Published: July 2018

The thin strip of novel TRIP‐aided Ni‐free lean duplex stainless steel with good corrosion resistance is fabricated by twin‐roll strip casting. The microstructure, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties of the present Ni‐free steel (DSS‐2) are investigated in detail in this study. Meanwhile, comparison with duplex stainless steel containing about 2% Ni (DSS‐1) is also conducted to discuss the effect of alloying Ni on corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. The DSS‐2 has the more excellent mechanical properties than the comparison steel DSS‐1 due to the strain induced martensitic transformation during plastic deformation, which the ultimate tensile strength and total elongation are measured to be about 960 MPa and 55%, respectively. The strain induced martensitic transformation in DSS‐2 will be suppressed with the increase of solid solution treatment temperature and strain rate. The austenitic stability is more dependent on element partitioning in austenite phase than on grain size of austenite for the present TRIP‐aided Ni‐free lean duplex stainless steel. The novel Ni‐free steel has the better corrosion resistance and mechanical properties than the austenitic stainless steel SUS304, which may potentially be applied to substitute SUS304 in some fields as anti‐corrosive structural material.