bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The formation of superdense plasma sheet in association with the IMF turning from northward to southward
Authors: Li Wen‐Hui , Raeder Joachim , Thomsen Michelle F. , Lavraud Benoit , Lü Lian‐Zhong , Liang En‐Wei
Published: February 2017

We have studied two events in which relatively superdense plasma appeared near geosynchronous orbit after the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) changed from a long period of northward condition to southward condition. We used the magnetosphere MHD model Open Geospace General Circulation Model to simulate these two events and compared the simulation results with observations. The observations and the simulation results show that an extended period of northward IMF caused a cold dense plasma sheet (CDPS) to form in the near tail, and a subsequent southward IMF caused a highly stretched near‐tail dipole field, which enhanced the earthward convection and eventually set off reconnection. Some of the cold dense plasma was thus consequently transported to geosynchronous orbit and formed a superdense plasma sheet (SDPS). CDPS is the main source of SDPS in its early stage after the IMF southward turning.
Global distribution and parameter dependences of gravity wave activity in the Martian upper thermosphere derived from MAVEN/NGIMS observations
Authors: Terada Naoki , Leblanc François , Nakagawa Hiromu , Medvedev Alexander S. , Yiğit Erdal , Kuroda Takeshi , Hara Takuya , England Scott L. , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Terada Kaori , Seki Kanako , Mahaffy Paul R. , Elrod Meredith , Benna Mehdi , Grebowsky Joseph , Jakosky Bruce M.
Published: February 2017

Wavelike perturbations in the Martian upper thermosphere observed by the Neutral Gas Ion Mass Spectrometer (NGIMS) onboard the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft have been analyzed. The amplitudes of small‐scale perturbations with apparent wavelengths between ~100 and ~500 km in the Ar density around the exobase show a clear dependence on temperature (T0) of the upper thermosphere. The average amplitude of the perturbations is ~10% on the dayside and ~20% on the nightside, which is about 2 and 10 times larger than those observed in the Venusian upper thermosphere and in the low‐latitude region of Earth's upper thermosphere, respectively. The amplitudes are inversely proportional to T0, suggesting saturation due to convective instability in the Martian upper thermosphere. After removing the dependence on T0, dependences of the average amplitude on the geographic latitude and longitude and solar wind parameters are found to be not larger than a few percent. These results suggest that the amplitudes of small‐scale perturbations are mainly determined by convective breaking/saturation in the upper thermosphere on Mars, unlike those on Venus and Earth.
Attribution of interminimum changes in global and hemispheric total electron content
Authors: Emmert J. T. , Mannucci A. J. , McDonald S. E. , Vergados P.
Published: February 2017

We use a new data product of electron column density (total electron content, or TEC) maps to estimate and attribute the interminimum changes (the differences between annual averages centered on the 2008 and 1996 solar minima) in TEC global and hemispheric averages (dividing the globe in three different ways). We attribute the observed changes to corresponding changes in solar and geomagnetic activity. The new TEC map product was constructed with temporally consistent processing, and it resolves some of the apparent inconsistencies of earlier studies. The estimated global average TEC interminimum change is −19.3% ± 1.0% (2σ uncertainty), of which −9.1% is attributable to the interminimum change in solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) irradiance (as represented by the F10.7 index), −2.2% is attributable to the change in geomagnetic activity (Kp index), and −9.3% remains unattributed. The hemispheric results are very similar to the global results, but the values tend to be slightly larger in the Southern Hemisphere, at low latitudes, and at night, compared to the opposing respective hemispheres. The interminimum changes and temporal variations of thermospheric mass density anomalies (i.e., the difference between the data and the empirical model) are very similar to those of the global and hemispheric TEC residuals, suggesting that they are driven by a common, globally distributed mechanism. Thermospheric composition changes and additional (unobserved) decreases in solar EUV irradiance are possible mechanisms behind the TEC and mass density unattributed changes; we estimate a plausible range of −6% to −13% for the solar EUV irradiance interminimum change.
Radial and local time structure of the Saturnian ring current, revealed by Cassini
Authors: Sergis N. , Jackman C. M. , Thomsen M. F. , Krimigis S. M. , Mitchell D. G. , Hamilton D. C. , Dougherty M. K. , Krupp N. , Wilson R. J.
Published: February 2017

We analyze particle and magnetic field data obtained between July 2004 and December 2013 in the equatorial magnetosphere of Saturn, by the Cassini spacecraft. The radial and local time distribution of the total (thermal and suprathermal) particle pressure and total plasma beta (ratio of particle to magnetic pressure) over radial distances from 5 to 16 Saturn radii (RS = 60,258 km) is presented. The average azimuthal current density Jϕ and its separate components (inertial, pressure gradient, and anisotropy) are computed as a function of radial distance and local time and presented as equatorial maps. We explore the relative contribution of different physical mechanisms that drive the ring current at Saturn. Results show that (a) the particle pressure is controlled by thermal plasma inside of ~8 RS and by the hot ions beyond ~12 RS, exhibiting strong local time asymmetry with higher pressures measured at the dusk and night sectors; (b) the plasma beta increases with radial distance and remains >1 beyond 8–10 RS for all local times; (c) the ring current is asymmetric in local time and forms a maximum region between ~7 and ~13 RS, with values up to 100–115 pA/m2; and (d) the ring current is inertial everywhere inside of 7 RS, exhibits a mixed nature between 7 and 11 RS and is pressure gradient driven beyond 11 RS, with the exception of the noon sector where the mixed nature persists. In the dawn sector, it appears strongly pressure gradient driven for a wider range of radial distance, consistent with fast return flow of hot, tenuous magnetospheric plasma following tail reconnection.
A physically based hydrological connectivity algorithm for describing spatial patterns of soil moisture in the unsaturated zone
Authors: Kim Jonggun , Mohanty Binayak P.
Published: February 2017

Hydrologic connectivity has been proposed as an important concept for understanding local processes in the context of catchment hydrology. It can be useful for characterizing the soil moisture variability in complex heterogeneous landscapes. The current land surface models (e.g., Community Land Model, CLM) could not completely account for flow path continuity and connected patterns of subsurface properties in the unsaturated zone. In this study, we developed a physically based hydrologic connectivity algorithm based on dominant physical controls (e.g., topography, soil texture, and vegetation) to better understand the spatially distributed subsurface flow and improve the parameterization of soil hydraulic properties in hydrological modeling. We investigated the effects of mixed physical controls on soil moisture spatial variability and developed hydrologic connectivity using various thresholds. The connectivity was used for identifying the soil moisture variability and applied in a distributed land surface model (CLM) for calibrating soil hydraulic properties and improving model performance for estimating spatially distributed soil moisture. The proposed concept was tested in two watersheds (Little Washita in Oklahoma and Upper South Skunk in Iowa) comparing estimated soil moisture with the airborne remote sensing data (Electronically Scanning Thinned Array Radiometer and Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer). Our finding demonstrated that the spatial variations of soil moisture could be described well using physically based hydrologic connectivity, and the land surface model performance was improved by using the calibrated (distributed) soil hydraulic parameters. In addition, we found that the calibrated soil hydraulic parameters significantly affect model outputs not only on the water cycle but also on surface energy budgets.
Impacts of coal dust from an active mine on the spectral reflectance of Arctic surface snow in Svalbard, Norway
Authors: Khan Alia L. , Dierssen Heidi , Schwarz Joshua P. , Schmitt Carl , Chlus Adam , Hermanson Mark , Painter Thomas H. , McKnight Diane M.
Published: February 2017

Light‐absorbing particles (LAPs) in snow such as dust and black carbon influence the radiative forcing at the Earth's surface, which has major implications for global climate models. LAPs also significantly influence the melting of glaciers, sea ice, and seasonal snow. Here we present an in situ study of surface snow near an active coal mine in the Norwegian Arctic. We couple measurements of spectral hemispherical directional reflectance factor (HDRF) with measurements of LAPs characterized in two ways, as refractory black carbon using a Single Particle Soot Photometer and the total light absorption of LAPs measured with the Light Absorption Heating Method. The Snow Ice and Aerosol Radiation model was constrained by LAP measurements. Results were compared to observed spectral albedo measurements. Modeled and observed albedos were similar at the cleaner and more remote sites. However, the modeled spectral albedos do not fully account for the low spectral albedo measured next to the mine. LAP measurements also showed a large variation in particle sizes (tenths to tens of microns) related to transport distance of the particles from the mine. Here we find that LAPs from coal dust reduce the spectral HDRF by up to 84% next to the mine and 55% 0.5 km downwind of the mine. The coupling of extreme LAP observations (1 ng g−1 to 4863 ng g−1) with HDRF measurements from 350 to 2500 nm has facilitated the development of spectral band pairs, which could be used in the future to remotely assess LAPs in Arctic snow.
Ultrafast Near‐Infrared Light‐Triggered Intracellular Uncaging to Probe Cell Signaling
Authors: Li Xiuying , Che Zifan , Mazhar Khadijah , Price Theodore J. , Qin Zhenpeng
Published: February 2017

The possibility of regulating cell signaling with high spatial and temporal resolution within individual cells and complex cellular networks has important implications in biomedicine. This article demonstrates a general strategy that uses near‐infrared tissue‐penetrating laser pulses to uncage biomolecules from plasmonic gold‐coated liposomes, i.e., plasmonic liposomes, to activate cell signaling in a nonthermal, ultrafast, and highly controllable fashion. Near‐infrared picosecond laser pulse induces transient nanobubbles around plasmonic liposomes. The mechanical force generated from the collapse of nanobubbles rapidly ejects encapsulated compound within 0.1 ms. This article shows that single pulse irradiation triggers the rapid intracellular uncaging of calcein from plasmonic liposomes inside endolysosomes. The uncaged calcein then evenly distributes over the entire cytosol and nucleus. Furthermore, this article demonstrates the ability to trigger calcium signaling in both an immortalized cell line and primary dorsal root ganglion neurons by intracellular uncaging of inositol triphosphate (IP3), an endogenous cell calcium signaling second messenger. Compared with other uncaging techniques, this ultrafast near‐infrared light‐driven molecular uncaging method is easily adaptable to deliver a wide range of bioactive molecules with an ultrafast optical switch, enabling new possibilities to investigate signaling pathways within individual cells and cellular networks.
A Randomized Educational Interventional Trial of Spaced Education During a Pediatric Rotation
Authors: House Heather , Monuteaux Michael C. , Nagler Joshua
Published: February 2017

Objective

Spacing of educational material over time has been shown to improve learning efficiency and long‐term knowledge retention. We evaluated the impact of adding a spaced education curriculum to a month‐long pediatric rotation.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled educational intervention trial of residents on a rotation in a pediatric emergency department. Participants were randomized to the standard curriculum or the standard curriculum with integrated spaced education. The intervention used an automated platform to electronically deliver questions to user e‐mail or mobile devices and provided instant feedback. Our primary outcome was proportion of correctly answered questions following the rotation. Our secondary outcomes included test performance at 3 months, change in clinical confidence, and satisfaction with the spaced learning. Learner opinion of the platform was assessed by postrotation survey.

Results

Of 194 eligible trainees, 122 were enrolled and randomized. A total of 107 of the enrolled residents (88%) completed the immediate postrotation assessment, 48 of whom received spaced education. Sixty residents completed the 3‐month follow‐up. There were no differences between the control and intervention groups in baseline knowledge. The intervention group performed better than the control group on the postrotation assessment (mean difference = 5.4%, 95% confidence interval = 0.1–10.7) when controlled for didactic attendance and clinical exposure. Change in confidence did not differ between groups. Eighty‐seven percent of spaced education learners would participate in a similar model in the future.

Conclusion

Spaced education during a pediatric emergency medicine rotation is an effective adjunct to a standard curriculum. Participants showed improvement on postrotation knowledge performance and enjoyed this educational approach.
Comparative primate obstetrics: Observations of 15 diurnal births in wild gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada) and their implications for understanding human and nonhuman primate birth evolution
Authors: Nguyen Nga , Lee Laura M. , Fashing Peter J. , Nurmi Niina O. , Stewart Kathrine M. , Turner Taylor J. , Barry Tyler S. , Callingham Kadie R. , Goodale C. Barret , Kellogg Bryce S. , Burke Ryan J. , Bechtold Emily K. , Claase Megan J. , Eriksen G. Anita , Jones Sorrel C.Z. , Kerby Jeffrey T. , Kraus Jacob B. , Miller Carrie M. , Trew Thomas H. , Zhao Yi , Beierschmitt Evan C. , Ramsay Malcolm S. , Reynolds Jason D. , Venkataraman Vivek V.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The birth process has been studied extensively in many human societies, yet little is known about this essential life history event in other primates. Here, we provide the most detailed account of behaviors surrounding birth for any wild nonhuman primate to date.

Materials and Methods

Over a recent ∼10‐year period, we directly observed 15 diurnal births (13 live births and 2 stillbirths) among geladas (Theropithecus gelada) at Guassa, Ethiopia. During each birth, we recorded the occurrence (or absence) of 16 periparturitional events, chosen for their potential to provide comparative evolutionary insights into the factors that shaped birth behaviors in humans and other primates.

Results

We found that several events (e.g., adopting standing crouched positions, delivering infants headfirst) occurred during all births, while other events (e.g., aiding the infant from the birth canal, licking infants following delivery, placentophagy) occurred during, or immediately after, most births. Moreover, multiparas (n = 9) were more likely than primiparas (n = 6) to (a) give birth later in the day, (b) isolate themselves from nearby conspecifics while giving birth, (c) aid the infant from the birth canal, and (d) consume the placenta.

Discussion

Our results suggest that prior maternal experience may contribute to greater competence or efficiency during the birth process. Moreover, face presentations (in which infants are born with their neck extended and their face appearing first, facing the mother) appear to be the norm for geladas. Lastly, malpresentations (in which infants are born in the occiput anterior position more typical of human infants) may be associated with increased mortality in this species. We compare the birth process in geladas to those in other primates (including humans) and discuss several key implications of our study for advancing understanding of obstetrics and the mechanism of labor in humans and nonhuman primates.
Fetal cardiac function: Feasibility in obtaining the right modified myocardial performance index in a single Doppler waveform
Authors: Meriki Neama , Welsh Alec W
Published: February 2017

Objective

We aimed to assess the feasibility of assessing the fetal right Myocardial Performance Index (RMPI) using single waveform and to compare absolute values with dual technique.

Methods

We studied 145 morphologically normal appropriately grown fetuses at 16–28 weeks’ gestation with local Ethics Committee approval using fixed machine settings: Doppler sweep velocity at 15 cm/s; angle of insonation <150; wall motion filter 300 Hz. Doppler gate was 3 mm, increased to 4–5 mm if needed. RMPI was obtained twice in the same fetus; using ‘dual‐image’ and ‘single‐image’ techniques. Dual images were acquired as previously described. Single images were taken from the tip or just below the tricuspid valve towards the ventricular septum in the apical four‐chamber view. RMPI was calculated using two‐value (a–b/b) or three‐value (ICT+IRT/ET) formulae where ‘a’, ‘b’ or (ET) represent the isovolumetric and ejection times, and ICT and IRT represent the isovolumetric contraction and relaxation times.

Results

Dual image was accessible in 100% of fetuses. Single‐image acquisition was 100%, 92.3% and 76.5% at 16+0–24+0, 24+1–27+0, and 27+1–28+0 weeks respectively (95.2% overall). Doppler gate increased in 23 cases (16.6%); 8/17 (47%) at 27+1–28+0 weeks’ gestation. Mean and standard deviation for ‘dual image’ and ‘single image’ were: RMPI 0.46 ± 0.09 and 0.49 ± 0.07; ‘a’ 249.06 ± 11.50 and 249.11 ± 11.93; ‘b’ 170.85 ± 8.95 and 167.62 ± 8.39.

Conclusions

Single‐image acquisition RMPI is highly feasible from 16 to 26 weeks gestation. Difference in mean values may represent overestimation of ejection time in the ‘dual‐image’ technique.
Urban Heat Islands – Reduktion von innerstädtischen Wärmeinseln durch Whitetopping
Authors: Krispel Stefan , Peyerl Martin , Maier Gerald , Weihs Philipp
Published: February 2017

Die Anforderungen an Verkehrsflächen im urbanen Bereich sind vielfältig und steigen kontinuierlich. Von Bedeutung für die Bewohner ist die Reduktion von urbanen Wärmeinseln bzw. „Heat Islands”, welche aufgrund ihrer erhöhten Temperatur das Stadtklima negativ beeinflussen. Auf Basis der Untersuchung wurde festgestellt, dass die Oberflächentemperatur und das allgemeine Temperaturniveau im innerstädtischen Bereich (dargestellt am Beispiel Wien) durch Ausführung heller Verkehrsflächen deutlich reduziert und auch die Sichtbarkeit von Verkehrsteilnehmern bei gleicher Ausleuchtung in der Nacht wesentlich verbessert werden kann. Als effiziente Sanierungsmethode eignet sich hier das System Whitetopping besonders gut, da mit dieser Methode sowohl die Tragfähigkeit als auch die Helligkeitseigenschaften von urbanen Verkehrsflächen einfach und kostengünstig verbessert werden können. Das Ersetzen von Asphaltstraßen durch Straßen mit einem Betonbelag mit einer Albedo gleich 0,5 würde zu einer Abnahme der täglichen Lufttemperatur im Sommer um ca. 1 °C führen. Auch die Modellsimulationen der Lufttemperatur über eine 150 m × 150 m große homogene Fläche zeigen eine Abnahme der Temperatur um 1 °C über Flächen in Whitetopping‐Ausführung verglichen zu Asphalt. Da Straßen einen Anteil von ca. 10 % der Gesamtfläche einer Stadt in Anspruch nehmen, können hier effiziente und langfristige Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung des Mikroklimas sowie der Erhöhung der Verkehrssicherheit gesetzt werden.
miR‐92a enhances recombinant protein productivity in CHO cells by increasing intracellular cholesterol levels
Authors: Loh Wan Ping , Yang Yuansheng , Lam Kong Peng
Published: February 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising targets for engineering of CHO cell factories to enhance recombinant protein productivity. Manipulation of miRNA levels in CHO cells have been shown to improve product yield by increasing proliferation and specific productivity (qP), resisting apoptosis and enhancing oxidative metabolism. The authors previously demonstrated that over‐expressing miR‐92a results in increases in qP and titer of CHO‐IgG cells. However, the mechanisms by which miR‐92a enhances qP in CHO cells are still uninvestigated. Here, the authors report the identification of insig1, a regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis, as a target of miR‐92a using computational prediction. Both transient and stable over‐expression of miR‐92a decreased the expression levels of insig1. Insig1 was further validated as a target of miR‐92a using 3' UTR reporter assay. Intracellular cholesterol concentration of two high‐producing miR‐92a clones were significantly increased by ≈30% compared to the blank‐transfected pool. Relative Golgi surface area was also found to be 18–26% higher in these clones. Our findings suggest that miR‐92a may affect cholesterol metabolism by repressing insig1, resulting in raised intracellular cholesterol levels and Golgi volume and hence enhanced protein secretion.
Using molecular visualization to explore protein structure and function and enhance student facility with computational tools
Authors: Terrell Cassidy R. , Listenberger Laura L.
Published: February 2017

Recognizing that undergraduate students can benefit from analysis of 3D protein structure and function, we have developed a multiweek, inquiry‐based molecular visualization project for Biochemistry I students. This project uses a virtual model of cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) to guide students through multiple levels of protein structure analysis. The first assignment explores primary structure by generating and examining a protein sequence alignment. Subsequent assignments introduce 3D visualization software to explore secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure. Students design an inhibitor, based on scrutiny of the enzyme active site, and evaluate the fit of the molecule using computed binding energies. In the last assignment, students introduce a point mutation to model the active site of the related COX‐2 enzyme and analyze the impact of the mutation on inhibitor binding. With this project we aim to increase knowledge about, and confidence in using, online databases and computational tools. Here, we share results of our mixed methods pre‐ and postsurvey demonstrating student gains in knowledge about, and confidence using, online databases and computational tools. © 2017 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 45(4):318–328, 2017.
Bilateral internuclear and internal ophthalmoplegia due to artery of Percheron infarction
Authors: Puri Pushpa Raj , Sijapati Astha
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

The artery of Percheron (AOP) infarction always manifests as paramedian bilateral thalamic infarcts and might present as paramedian midbrain infarcts. Despite the limited MRA evaluation, due to small size of the artery, careful evaluation of the patient's history, the clinical presentation with imaging findings can facilitate the proper diagnosis.
Electrochemically Induced Formation of Cytochrome c Oligomers at Soft Interfaces
Authors: Alvarez de Eulate Eva , O'Sullivan Shane , Arrigan Damien W. M.
Published: February 2017

The formation of cytochrome c oligomers was induced at liquid−gel and liquid−liquid interfaces via electroadsorption. At an optimum interfacial potential (Eads=0.975 V), the protein was accumulated at these soft interfaces. It was found that as the concentration of adsorbed protein increased, a single voltammetric peak evolved into double and triple peaks (tads=300 s). Analysis of the protein that accumulated at the interfaces by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated the presence of oligomeric species, corresponding to dimers (ca. 27 kD), trimers (ca. 35 kD), and even larger species (>250 kD) after prolonged electroadsorption (tads=2 h) at macro‐scale soft interfaces. Accordingly, it was possible to electrochemically induce oligomerisation at these soft interfaces, which can be tuned through experimental factors such as interfacial potential difference, electroadsorption time, and bulk solution concentration. These results suggest the use of electrochemistry at soft interfaces as a strategy for the investigation of protein oligomerisation and its inhibition.
Probing the Perspectives of Stakeholder Engagement and Resistance Against Large‐Scale Surface Mining in Developing Countries
Authors: Moomen Abdul–Wadood , Dewan Ashraf
Published: February 2017

This paper probes the perspectives of resistance against large‐scale surface mining in developing countries. It draws extensively on scientific literature, governance sector policies and interventions, and mining industry reports. The paper finds that in resource‐rich developing countries, land use is the dominant issue between the mining industry and local communities. Communities that do not have previous experience with mining usually base their resistance on perception, uncertainties, and outside informants. It also found that the basic causes of local resistance are limited to narratives and impression management. Whilst a recognition of mechanisms developed by governments, the industry, and the scientific community toward addressing local communities' concerns is crucial, these approaches are rather inhibitory to mediations between the mining sector and host communities. There is the need to develop new mechanisms that would enhance mediation for optimum mining sector development in local space. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Data fusion of fluorescence and UV spectroscopies improves the detection of cocoa butter adulteration
Authors: Dankowska Anna
Published: February 2017

The fraudulent addition of cheaper plant oils to cocoa butter is a real issue for the chocolate industry. The potential of fluorescence and UV and data fusion of these spectroscopies for the detection of cocoa butter adulteration with cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) is investigated here. Principal component regression (PCR) models have been used to calculate the level of adulteration. A classification model has been built with the help of the principal component analysis (PCA) and the linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The LDA analysis has been applied to fluorescence intensities and UV spectra of cocoa butter, cocoa butter equivalents, and their mixtures in order to examine classification ability. The best prediction ability of adulteration was obtained for PCR data fusion models with the lowest errors of calibration (RMSEC) and validation (RMSEV) of 3.7 and 4.7%. The best performance of the PCA‐LDA analysis has been observed for data fusion of fluorescence and UV intensities measurements at wavelength intervals of 10 and 30 nm. The LDA shows that data fusion can achieve 95.2% correct classifications (sensitivity) in the validation data set, while the corresponding results for individual spectroscopies range from 66.7–90.5%. The results demonstrate that fluorescence and UV spectroscopies complement each other, giving a synergistic effect for the detection of cocoa butter adulteration with cocoa butter equivalents.

Practical applications: The aim of this research is to develop a quick and cheap method of discriminating between cocoa butter and cocoa butter equivalents. The obtained results are satisfactory for classification of genuine cocoa butter and cocoa butter equivalents and for detection of cocoa butter adulterations with cheaper cocoa butter equivalents. The method is an important technical support of public health against profit‐driven practices.

Application of fluorescence and UV spectroscopies to the detection of cocoa butter adulteration with cocoa butter equivalent and the synergy between both spectroscopies are investigated. The best prediction ability of MLR models i obtained for the data fusion model with the errors of calibration and validation of 3.7 and 4.7%. Compared to individual spectroscopies, data fusion shows better discrimination ability of PCA‐LDA model with the highest classification accuracy equal 100.0 and 95.2% in the calibration and validation data sets. The results show that fluorescence and UV spectroscopies give a synergistic effect for the detection of cocoa butter adulteration.
Attentional performance may help to identify duloxetine responders in chronic pain fibromyalgia patients
Authors: Schmidt G. , Alvarenga R. , Manhães A. , Schmidt S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Long‐term pain affects brain in response to attention tasks. This study aimed to verify the relationship between performance in a computerized visual attention test (CVAT) and response to duloxetine in fibromyalgia patients. Duloxetine is approved for the treatment but the response is not immediate.

Methods

Patients were drawn from a sample of 74 patients with chronic pain. These patients were selected because they kept their subjective perceptions of pain as severe after 1 week of duloxetine treatment. All patients were tested in the CVAT on two occasions: the first appointment and 7 days after starting duloxetine.

Results

After 6 weeks, the group was subdivided into responsive and non‐responsive patients. Responsiveness was defined by a subjective improvement from severe to low‐intensity or no‐pain after the sixth week of duloxetine treatment. Responsive patients showed objective attentional improvements in the second test. Non‐respondent patients did not exhibit changes in attentional performance in the second test as compared to the first one.

Conclusions

The data were interpreted considering that persistent pain in fibromyalgia is maintained by central sensitization that may be associated with functional changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the posterior parietal cortex. In responsive patients, duloxetine treatment may be responsible for a partial recovery of these regions. This may explain the early attentional improvement observed in the responsive patients after 1 week of treatment. Thus, attentional performance may help to predict which patients will respond to duloxetine treatment even before they can demonstrate subjective improvements in pain perception.

Significance

This study shows that an improvement in an attentional test is a reliable predictor of the treatment response even without any improvement in the perception of pain.
Potential induced degradation of n‐type crystalline silicon solar cells with p+ front junction
Authors: Bae Soohyun , Oh Wonwook , Lee Kyung Dong , Kim Seongtak , Kim Hyunho , Park Nochang , Chan Sung‐Il , Park Sungeun , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae‐Seok , Kim Donghwan
Published: February 2017

N‐type silicon‐based solar cells are currently being used for achieving high efficiency. However, most of the photovoltaic modules already constructed are based on p‐type silicon solar cells, and there are few studies on potential induced degradation (PID) in n‐type solar cells. In this study, we investigated PID in n‐type silicon solar cells with a front p+ emitter. Further, the PID characteristics of n‐type solar cells are compared with those of p‐type solar cells. The electrical properties of PID in solar cells are observed with the light I‐V, quantum efficiency (QE), and electroluminescence (EL). The possible causes for the change in the external quantum efficiency (EQE) after PID are interpreted using PC1D and are discussed by comparing the experimental results with the simulation results.
Comprehensive study of performance degradation of field‐mounted photovoltaic modules in India
Authors: Dubey Rajiv , Chattopadhyay Shashwata , Kuthanazhi Vivek , Kottantharayil Anil , Singh Solanki Chetan , Arora Brij M. , Narasimhan Krishnamachari L. , Vasi Juzer , Bora Birinchi , Singh Yogesh Kumar , Sastry Oruganti S.
Published: February 2017

The All India Survey of Photovoltaic Module Reliability 2014 is an enhanced version of the survey conducted in the previous year, with detailed characterization of PV modules including current‐voltage, infrared and electroluminescence imaging, visual inspection, insulation resistance test and interconnect breakage test. More than a thousand modules were inspected in the field and the main results of the survey are presented in this paper. The average Pmax degradation rate for the so‐called ‘good’ modules (Group X) is 1.33%/year which is higher than that commonly projected by manufacturers, and widely employed in financial calculations. Modules falling in the ‘not‐so‐good’ category (Group Y) show even higher degradation rates, and it is at least partly due to higher number of micro‐cracks in the modules, and increased degradation of the packaging materials like encapsulant, backsheet, etc. Modules in ‘Hot’ climates degrade faster than modules in the ‘Non‐Hot’ climates. Degradation in fill factor is the primary cause for performance degradation in the young modules (ages <5 years), whereas short‐circuit current degradation is the main contributor to power degradation in the older modules. Small installations (<100 kWp capacity) show higher degradation than large systems, which may be partly due to lack of proper due diligence by the owner at the time of procurement and installation.
Characterising the friction and wear behaviour of lubricated metal‐metal pairings with an optical online particle detection system
Authors: Krasmik Viktor , Röbken Nils , Martin Christoph , Martin Peter , Schlattmann Josef
Published: February 2017

In this study, a simple ball‐on‐prism test set‐up is combined with an optical online wear particle detection system. The set‐up is used to study the friction and wear characteristics of some exemplary oil lubricated metal‐metal pairings. In addition to the time‐resolved evolutions of the coefficient of friction and the volumetric wear, the number of wear particles, the particle sizes and the particle shapes are obtained during the test by using an online particle detection system. The number of small (<5 μm) wear particles increases steadily during the tests, while the number of larger (>10 μm) particles only increases during the running‐in period and remains almost constant afterwards. Simultaneous drops in the curves for the coefficient of friction and the trend curves for the number of wear particles indicate a possible interrelation. The individual curves for the different particle sizes suggest that mainly small particles (<5 μm) contribute to that relation. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Image, Volume 73, Issue 3
Authors: Sierras Angela , Schal Coby
Published: February 2017

The cover image of a fully blood‐engorged first instar bed bug, by Angela Sierras and Coby Schal, is based on the Research Article Comparison of ingestion and topical application of insecticides against the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), DOI: 10.1002/ps.4464. Photo Credit: Matt Bertone.

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Observer‐based fault estimators using iterative learning scheme for nonlinear time‐delay systems with intermittent faults
Authors: Feng Li , Chai Yi , Xu Shuiqing , Yang Zhimin
Published: February 2017

This paper deals with the intermittent fault estimation problem for a class of nonlinear time‐delay systems with measurement noise. The time delays are assumed to occur in state vector, nonlinear term as well as output vector, thus reflecting the time delays influence in reality more closely. The aim of the problem is to estimate the intermittent fault by using iterative learning scheme, with the property of
index, hence attenuating the influence from measurement noise. Different from existing fault estimating schemes, the state error information and fault estimating information in the previous iteration are used in the current iteration to improve the estimating results. The stability and convergence of iterative learning observer and uniform boundedness of dynamic error system are achieved by using Lyapunov function and optimal function design. Simultaneously, an improved sufficient condition for the existence of such an estimator is established in terms of the linear matrix inequality by the Schur complements and Young relations. Furthermore, the results are both suited for the systems with time‐varying delay and the systems with constant delay. Finally, two numerical examples are proposed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and a comparability example is presented to demonstrate its superiority. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
α‐RbO3, a Low Temperature Polymorph of Rubidium Ozonide
Authors: Sans Annette , Nuss Hanne , Mohitkar Shrikant , Jansen Martin
Published: February 2017

Applying the known procedure for synthesis of alkali metal ozonides, just at a lower temperature, has yielded a new polymorph of rubidium ozonide, α‐RbO3 [P21; a = 436.3(2), b = 595.3(3), c = 548.7(3) pm, β = 99.680(7), R = 0.0400, 1184 reflections]. Like previously reported β‐RbO3, the basic structural arrangement of anions and cations corresponds to the CsCl type of structure, however, the mutual orientation of the ozonide ions is different, in as much as one of the two terminal oxygen atoms is pointing to the adjacent bridging oxygen atom, forming a chain running along the b axis.
Short Introduction to Corporate Finance
Authors: Rau Raghavendra
Published: February 2017

The Short Introduction to Corporate Finance provides an accessibly written guide to contemporary financial institutional practice. Rau deploys both his professional expertise and experience of teaching MBA and graduate-level courses to produce a lively discussion of the key concepts of finance, liberally illustrated with real-world examples. Built around six essential paradigms, he builds an integrated framework covering all the major ideas in finance over the past half-century. Ideal for students and practitioners alike, it will become core reading for anyone aspiring to become an effective manager.
“And of course our major contribution remains to run a decent business.” Making sense of Shell's sense-making in Nigeria during the 1990s
Authors: Hofferberth Matthias
Published: February 2017

The intellectual engagement with multinational enterprises in International Relations has found a new home within the narratives of global governance and corporate social responsibility. Both narratives seem to agree that the role of business has changed as state capacities to provide governance assumingly have diminished and, based on broader social and political responsibilities, enterprises began to participate more actively in the provision of collective goods. Increased participation alone, however, does not reveal how corporate actors define and make sense of their responsibilities and their roles within global governance. In fact, focusing on corporate responsibilities and corporate governance contributions does not consider enterprises as actorsin their own rightwho actively interpret and respond to changes in their normative environments. To fill this gap, the article proposes a framework that conceptualizes corporate agency as inherently social and creative. This framework, which can be applied to different contexts, is illustrated by reconstructing interpretative frames and self-understandings advanced by Shell in response to its crisis in Nigeria during the 1990s. Based on this reconstruction, Shell failed to develop and communicate a clear understanding of its social responsibilities, and its overall integration into global governance is likely to remain an ambiguous process in which uncertainty and indeterminacy prevail.
Israel and its Palestinian Citizens
Authors: Huneidi Sahar S.
Published: February 2017

This volume presents new perspectives on Israeli society, Palestinian society, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Based on historical foundations, it examines how Israel institutionalizes ethnic privileging among its nationally diverse citizens. Arab, Israeli, and American contributors discusses the paradoxes of democratic claims in ethnic states, as well as dynamics of social conflict in the absence of equality. This book advances a new understanding of Israel's approach to the Palestinian citizens, covers the broadest range of areas in which Jews and Arabs are institutionally differentiated along ethnic basis, and explicates the psychopolitical foundations of ethnic privileges. It will appeal to students and scholars who seek broader views on Israeli society and its relationship with the Arab citizens, and want to learn more about the status of the Palestinian citizens in Israel and their collective experience as both citizens and settler-colonial subjects.
States in the Developing World
Authors: Mistree Dinsha
Published: February 2017

What should states in the developing world do and how should they do it? How have states in the developing world addressed the challenges of promoting development, order, and inclusion? States in the developing world are supposed to build economies, control violence, and include the population. How they do so depends on historical origins and context as well as policy decisions. This volume presents a comprehensive theory of state capacity, what it consists of, and how it may be measured. With historical empirical illustrations it suggests that historical origins and political decisions help drive the capacity of states to meet their goals.
Network dynamics of HIV risk and prevention in a population-based cohort of young Black men who have sex with men
Authors: SCHNEIDER J. , CORNWELL B. , JONAS A. , LANCKI N. , BEHLER R. , SKAATHUN B. , YOUNG L. E. , MORGAN E. , MICHAELS S. , DUVOISIN R. , KHANNA A. S. , FRIEDMAN S. , SCHUMM P. , LAUMANN E. ,   FOR THE uCONNECT STUDY TEAM
Published: February 2017

Critical to the development of improved HIV elimination efforts is a greater understanding of how social networks and their dynamics are related to HIV risk and prevention. In this paper, we examine network stability of confidant and sexual networks among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). We use data from uConnect (2013–2016), a population-based, longitudinal cohort study. We use an innovative approach to measure both sexual and confidant network stability at three time points, and examine the relationship between each type of stability and HIV risk and prevention behaviors. This approach is consistent with a co-evolutionary perspective in which behavior is not only affected by static properties of an individual's network, but may also be associated with changes in the topology of his or her egocentric network. Our results indicate that although confidant and sexual network stability are moderately correlated, their dynamics are distinct with different predictors and differing associations with behavior. Both types of stability are associated with lower rates of risk behaviors, and both are reduced among those who have spent time in jail. Public health awareness and engagement with both types of networks may provide new opportunities for HIV prevention interventions.
Performance Analysis of Velocity Estimation with BDS
Authors: Ye Shirong , Yan Yongwei , Chen Dezhong
Published: February 2017

The regional part of the current BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS) consists of five Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, five Inclined Geosynchronous Satellite Orbit (IGSO) satellites and four Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites. We examined three algorithms for BDS velocity estimation. In addition, the performance of velocity estimation using different BDS satellite combinations was analysed. Static tests demonstrated that velocity precision using Raw Doppler (RD) measurements was of the order of centimetres per second, whereas the carrier-phase-Derived Doppler (DD) measurements and Time-Differenced Carrier Phase (TDCP) method provided accuracies of the order of millimetres per second. Because of the irregularity of the satellites' distribution, three peaks exist on the north component in the 24-hour velocity series. Besides, the GEO satellites contribute significantly in velocity estimation and the satellites' geometry condition seriously declined when excluding GEO satellites. In kinematic tests, the root mean square of the velocity error derived by DD and TDCP both attained the centimetre per second level. Moreover, the precision of velocity determination with these three methods was degraded by the sudden acceleration of the vehicle.
HOPX hypermethylation promotes metastasis via activating SNAIL transcription in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ren Xianyue , Yang Xiaojing , Cheng Bin , Chen Xiaozhong , Zhang Tianpeng , He Qingmei , Li Bin , Li Yingqin , Tang Xinran , Wen Xin , Zhong Qian , Kang Tiebang , Zeng Musheng , Liu Na , Ma Jun
Published: February 2017

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by a high rate of local invasion and early distant metastasis. Increasing evidence indicates that epigenetic abnormalities play important roles in NPC development. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying NPC metastasis remain unclear. Here we investigate aberrantly methylated transcription factors in NPC tissues, and we identify theHOPhomeoboxHOPXas the most significantly hypermethylated gene. Consistently, we find that HOXP expression is downregulated in NPC tissues and NPC cell lines. Restoring HOPX expression suppresses metastasis and enhances chemosensitivity of NPC cells. These effects are mediated by HOPX-mediated epigenetic silencing ofSNAILtranscription through the enhancement of histone H3K9 deacetylation in theSNAILpromoter. Moreover, we find that patients with high methylation levels ofHOPXexhibit poor clinical outcomes in both the training and validation cohorts. In summary,HOPXacts as a tumour suppressor via the epigenetic regulation ofSNAILtranscription, which provides a novel prognostic biomarker for NPC metastasis and therapeutic target for NPC treatment.
β-arrestin-2 is an essential regulator of pancreatic β-cell function under physiological and pathophysiological conditions
Authors: Zhu Lu , Almaça Joana , Dadi Prasanna K. , Hong Hao , Sakamoto Wataru , Rossi Mario , Lee Regina J. , Vierra Nicholas C. , Lu Huiyan , Cui Yinghong , McMillin Sara M. , Perry Nicole A. , Gurevich Vsevolod V. , Lee Amy , Kuo Bryan , Leapman Richard D. , Matschinsky Franz M. , Doliba Nicolai M. , Urs Nikhil M. , Caron Marc G. , Jacobson David A. , Caicedo Alejandro , Wess Jürgen
Published: February 2017

β-arrestins are critical signalling molecules that regulate many fundamental physiological functions including the maintenance of euglycemia and peripheral insulin sensitivity. Here we show that inactivation of the β-arrestin-2 gene, barr2, in β-cells of adult mice greatly impairs insulin release and glucose tolerance in mice fed with a calorie-rich diet. Both glucose and KCl-induced insulin secretion and calcium responses were profoundly reduced in β-arrestin-2 (barr2) deficient β-cells. In human β-cells, barr2 knockdown abolished glucose-induced insulin secretion. We also show that the presence of barr2 is essential for proper CAMKII function in β-cells. Importantly, overexpression of barr2 in β-cells greatly ameliorates the metabolic deficits displayed by mice consuming a high-fat diet. Thus, our data identify barr2 as an important regulator of β-cell function, which may serve as a new target to improve β-cell function.