bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Ocean Initial Conditions to Diminish Dry Bias in the Seasonal Prediction of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall: A Case Study Using Climate Forecast System
Authors: Koul Vimal , Parekh Anant , Srinivas G. , Kakatkar Rashmi , Chowdary Jasti S. , Gnanaseelan C.
Published: February 2018

Coupled models tend to underestimate Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall over most of the Indian subcontinent. Present study demonstrates that a part of dry bias is arising from the discrepancies in Oceanic Initial Conditions (OICs). Two hindcast experiments are carried out using Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) for summer monsoons of 2012–2014 in which two different OICs are utilized. With respect to first experiment (CTRL), second experiment (AcSAL) differs by two aspects: usage of high‐resolution atmospheric forcing and assimilation of only ARGO observed temperature and salinity profiles for OICs. Assessment of OICs indicates that the quality of OICs is enhanced due to assimilation of actual salinity profiles. Analysis reveals that AcSAL experiment showed 10% reduction in the dry bias over the Indian land region during the ISM compared to CTRL. This improvement is consistently apparent in each month and is highest for June. The better representation of upper ocean thermal structure of tropical oceans at initial stage supports realistic upper ocean stability and mixing. Which in fact reduced the dominant cold bias over the ocean, feedback to air‐sea interactions and land sea thermal contrast resulting better representation of monsoon circulation and moisture transport. This reduced bias of tropospheric moisture and temperature over the Indian land mass and also produced better tropospheric temperature gradient over land as well as ocean. These feedback processes reduced the dry bias in the ISM rainfall. Study concludes that initializing the coupled models with realistic OICs can reduce the underestimation of ISM rainfall prediction.
Lakefront Property Owners' Willingness to Accept Easements for Conservation of Water Quality and Habitat
Authors: Nohner Joel K. , Lupi Frank , Taylor William W.
Published: February 2018

Lakes provide valuable ecosystem services such as food, drinking water, and recreation, but shoreline development can degrade riparian habitats and lake ecosystems. Easement contracts for specific property rights can encourage conservation practices for enhanced water quality, fish habitat, and wildlife habitat, yet little is known about the easement market. We surveyed inland lake shoreline property owners in Michigan to assess supply of two conservation easements (in riparian and in littoral zones) and identified property and property owner characteristics influencing potential enrollment. Respondents were significantly less likely to enroll in littoral easements if they indicated there was social pressure for manicured lawns and more likely to enroll if they had more formal education, shoreline frontage, naturally occurring riparian plants, ecological knowledge, or if the lake shoreline was more developed. Enrollment in easements in the riparian zone was significantly less likely if property owners indicated social pressure for manicured lawns, but more likely if they had more formal education, naturally occurring riparian plants, or shoreline frontage. When payments were low (<$1,000 yr−1), marginal gains in enrollment were relatively high. Some respondents may enroll in littoral (29.8% ± 2.2; mean ± SE) and riparian (24.4% ± 2.1) easements even without payment. Estimated mean willingness to accept values were $1,365 yr−1 (littoral) and $7,298 yr−1 (riparian). Targeting high‐probability property owners with large shoreline frontages, more formal education, and high riparian plant coverages and conducting education to increase ecological knowledge and change social norms could increase conservation outcomes for water quality and habitat.
Contextualizing Wetlands Within a River Network to Assess Nitrate Removal and Inform Watershed Management
Authors: Czuba Jonathan A. , Hansen Amy T. , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi , Finlay Jacques C.
Published: February 2018

Aquatic nitrate removal depends on interactions throughout an interconnected network of lakes, wetlands, and river channels. Herein, we present a network‐based model that quantifies nitrate‐nitrogen and organic carbon concentrations through a wetland‐river network and estimates nitrate export from the watershed. This model dynamically accounts for multiple competing limitations on nitrate removal, explicitly incorporates wetlands in the network, and captures hierarchical network effects and spatial interactions. We apply the model to the Le Sueur Basin, a data‐rich 2,880 km2 agricultural landscape in southern Minnesota and validate the model using synoptic field measurements during June for years 2013–2015. Using the model, we show that the overall limits to nitrate removal rate via denitrification shift between nitrate concentration, organic carbon availability, and residence time depending on discharge, characteristics of the waterbody, and location in the network. Our model results show that the spatial context of wetland restorations is an important but often overlooked factor because nonlinearities in the system, e.g., deriving from switching of resource limitation on denitrification rate, can lead to unexpected changes in downstream biogeochemistry. Our results demonstrate that reduction of watershed‐scale nitrate concentrations and downstream loads in the Le Sueur Basin can be most effectively achieved by increasing water residence time (by slowing the flow) rather than by increasing organic carbon concentrations (which may limit denitrification). This framework can be used toward assessing where and how to restore wetlands for reducing nitrate concentrations and loads from agricultural watersheds.
Directional Distributions
Authors: Mardia Kanti V. , Ley Christophe
Published: February 2018

Various practical situations give rise to observations that are directions, and this has led to the field of directional statistics. Especially in recent years, new applications of this area have emerged, such as in structural bioinformatics, machine learning and cosmology. Consequently, various new directional distributions have appeared in the literature including on the circle, sphere, cylinder, torus, among others. These distributions take into account the underlying manifold. In this article, we provide a thorough review of the most important directional distributions with their main properties. Wherever relevant, we also give some indication of the particular application area which has led to a specific distribution.
Mixed Outcomes
Authors: Molenberghs Geert , Verbeke Geert
Published: February 2018

In this article, we give an overview of the joint modeling of outcomes of a mixed type, both when these outcomes are measured once each, as well as when they are measured repeatedly. Specific attention is given to the setting of surrogate marker evaluation and risk assessment in the context of developmental toxicity studies. Data analysis illustrates the methods. Brief remarks are made about the available software.
G
‐Computation Formula
Authors: Daniel Rhian M.
Published: February 2018

The g‐computation formula, where “g” stands for general, is arguably the most fundamental of all the concepts and methods in statistical causal inference, as it responds directly to the question “what would happen if …?.” This directness makes it useful in a wide range of problems and (in conjunction with maximum likelihood estimation) statistically efficient. This article describes the g‐computation formula first in the simple context of estimating the effect of a binary exposure in the presence of measured confounders, before discussing its use in more complex settings, such as longitudinal studies with time‐dependent confounding, the comparison of dynamic regimes, and mediation analysis.
TheAmerican Statistical Association
Authors: Wasserstein Ronald L.
Published: February 2018

The American Statistical Association (ASA) is the world's largest community of statisticians. It is the second‐oldest continuously operating professional association in the country. In this article, we will review the mission and governance of the organization, and then review some of the activities of the ASA, which are driven by its mission. The purpose of this review is not to provide the full view of the ASA, but rather to give the reader a broad view of this association.
An adaptive sliding‐mode observer for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Ríos H. , Efimov D. , Perruquetti W.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, the problem of simultaneous state and parameter estimation is studied for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. A nonlinear adaptive sliding‐mode observer is proposed based on a nonlinear parameter estimation algorithm. It is shown that such a nonlinear algorithm provides a rate of convergence faster than exponential, ie, faster than the classic linear algorithm. Then, the proposed parameter estimation algorithm is included in the structure of a sliding‐mode state observer, providing an ultimate bound for the full estimation error and attenuating the effects of the external disturbances. Moreover, the synthesis of the observer is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The corresponding proofs of convergence are developed based on the Lyapunov function approach and input‐to‐state stability theory. Some simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the proposed adaptive sliding‐mode observer.
3D Graphene Fibers Grown by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zeng Jie , Ji Xixi , Ma Yihui , Zhang Zhongxing , Wang Shuguang , Ren Zhonghua , Zhi Chunyi , Yu Jie
Published: February 2018

3D assembly of graphene sheets (GSs) is important for preserving the merits of the single‐atomic‐layered structure. Simultaneously, vertical growth of GSs has long been a challenge for thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Here, vertical growth of the GSs is achieved in a thermal CVD reactor and a novel 3D graphene structure, 3D graphene fibers (3DGFs), is developed. The 3DGFs are prepared by carbonizing electrospun polyacrylonitrile fibers in NH3 and subsequently in situ growing the radially oriented GSs using thermal CVD. The GSs on the 3DGFs are densely arranged and interconnected with the edges fully exposed on the surface, resulting in high performances in multiple aspects such as electrical conductivity (3.4 × 104–1.2 × 105 S m−1), electromagnetic shielding (60 932 dB cm2 g−1), and superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity, which are far superior to the existing 3D graphene materials. With the extraordinary properties along with the easy scalability of the simple thermal CVD, the novel 3DGFs are highly promising for many applications such as high‐strength and conducting composites, flexible conductors, electromagnetic shielding, energy storage, catalysis, and separation and purification. Furthermore, this strategy can be widely used to grow the vertical GSs on many other substrates by thermal CVD.
Polymer Solar Cells with 90% External Quantum Efficiency Featuring an Ideal Light‐ and Charge‐Manipulation Layer
Authors: Chen Jing‐De , Li Yan‐Qing , Zhu Jingshuai , Zhang Qianqian , Xu Rui‐Peng , Li Chi , Zhang Yue‐Xing , Huang Jing‐Sheng , Zhan Xiaowei , You Wei , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: February 2018

Rapid progress in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of polymer solar cells (PSEs) is beneficial from the factors that match the irradiated solar spectrum, maximize incident light absorption, and reduce photogenerated charge recombination. To optimize the device efficiency, a nanopatterned ZnO:Al2O3 composite film is presented as an efficient light‐ and charge‐manipulation layer (LCML). The Al2O3 shells on the ZnO nanoparticles offer the passivation effect that allows optimal electron collection by suppressing charge‐recombination loss. Both the increased refractive index and the patterned deterministic aperiodic nanostructure in the ZnO:Al2O3 LCML cause broadband light harvesting. Highly efficient single‐junction PSCs for different binary blends are obtained with a peak external quantum efficiency of up to 90%, showing certified PCEs of 9.69% and 13.03% for a fullerene blend of PTB7:PC71BM and a nonfullerene blend, FTAZ:IDIC, respectively. Because of the substantial increase in efficiency, this method unlocks the full potential of the ZnO:Al2O3 LCML toward future photovoltaic applications.
Atomically Dispersed Transition Metals on Carbon Nanotubes with Ultrahigh Loading for Selective Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Cheng Yi , Zhao Shiyong , Johannessen Bernt , Veder Jean‐Pierre , Saunders Martin , Rowles Matthew R. , Cheng Min , Liu Chang , Chisholm Matthew F. , De Marco Roland , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Yang Shi‐Ze , Jiang San Ping
Published: February 2018

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are the smallest entities for catalytic reactions with projected high atomic efficiency, superior activity, and selectivity; however, practical applications of SACs suffer from a very low metal loading of 1–2 wt%. Here, a class of SACs based on atomically dispersed transition metals on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (MSA‐N‐CNTs, where M = Ni, Co, NiCo, CoFe, and NiPt) is synthesized with an extraordinarily high metal loading, e.g., 20 wt% in the case of NiSA‐N‐CNTs, using a new multistep pyrolysis process. Among these materials, NiSA‐N‐CNTs show an excellent selectivity and activity for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO, achieving a turnover frequency (TOF) of 11.7 s−1 at −0.55 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), two orders of magnitude higher than Ni nanoparticles supported on CNTs.
Achieving Insertion‐Like Capacity at Ultrahigh Rate via Tunable Surface Pseudocapacitance
Authors: Zhai Teng , Sun Shuo , Liu Xiaojing , Liang Chaolun , Wang Gongming , Xia Hui
Published: February 2018

The insertion/deinsertion mechanism enables plenty of charge‐storage sites in the bulk phase to be accessible to intercalated ions, giving rise to at least one more order of magnitude higher energy density than the adsorption/desorption mechanism. However, the sluggish ion diffusion in the bulk phase leads to several orders of magnitude slower charge‐transport kinetics. An ideal energy‐storage device should possess high power density and large energy density simultaneously. Herein, surface‐modified Fe2O3 quantum dots anchored on graphene nanosheets are developed and exhibit greatly enhanced pseudocapacitance via fast dual‐ion‐involved redox reactions with both large specific capacity and fast charge/discharge capability. By using an aqueous Na2SO3 electrolyte, the oxygen‐vacancy‐tuned Fe2O3 surface greatly enhances the absorption of SO32− anions that majorly increase the surface pseudocapacitance. Significantly, the Fe2O3‐based electrode delivers a high specific capacity of 749 C g−1 at 5 mV s−1 and retains 290 C g−1 at an ultrahigh scan rate of 3.2 V s−1. With a novel dual‐electrolyte design, a 2 V Fe2O3/Na2SO3//MnO2/Na2SO4 asymmetric supercapacitor is constructed, delivering a high energy density of 75 W h kg−1 at a power density of 3125 W kg−1.
Tough and Water‐Insensitive Self‐Healing Elastomer for Robust Electronic Skin
Authors: Kang Jiheong , Son Donghee , Wang Ging‐Ji Nathan , Liu Yuxin , Lopez Jeffrey , Kim Yeongin , Oh Jin Young , Katsumata Toru , Mun Jaewan , Lee Yeongjun , Jin Lihua , Tok Jeffrey B.‐H. , Bao Zhenan
Published: February 2018

An electronic (e‐) skin is expected to experience significant wear and tear over time. Therefore, self‐healing stretchable materials that are simultaneously soft and with high fracture energy, that is high tolerance of damage or small cracks without propagating, are essential requirements for the realization of robust e‐skin. However, previously reported elastomers and especially self‐healing polymers are mostly viscoelastic and lack high mechanical toughness. Here, a new class of polymeric material crosslinked through rationally designed multistrength hydrogen bonding interactions is reported. The resultant supramolecular network in polymer film realizes exceptional mechanical properties such as notch‐insensitive high stretchability (1200%), high toughness of 12 000 J m−2, and autonomous self‐healing even in artificial sweat. The tough self‐healing materials enable the wafer‐scale fabrication of robust and stretchable self‐healing e‐skin devices, which will provide new directions for future soft robotics and skin prosthetics.
The fitness benefits of germinating later than neighbors
Authors: Leverett Lindsay D. , Schieder IV George F. , Donohue Kathleen
Published: February 2018

Premise of the Study

Phenology, the seasonal timing of development, can alter biotic interactions. Emergence from dormant or quiescent stages often occurs earlier when neighbors are present, which may reduce the neighbors' competitive effects. Delayed emergence in response to neighbors also has been observed, but the potential benefits of such delays are unclear. Further, emergence time may respond to neighbors experienced by parents, which may predict future competition in offspring.

Methods

In the annual plantArabidopsis thaliana(Brassicaceae), we quantified seed germination responses to neighbors in parental and offspring (seed) environments. To examine how observed changes in germination affect interactions with neighbors, we performed an outdoor experiment using neighbors of different sizes to represent different germination times.

Key Results

Seeds were more likely to germinate if their parent had neighbors, but they were less likely to germinate if they themselves experienced a neighbor cue (canopy). As seeds lost dormancy over time, they gained the ability to germinate under a canopy, which suggests that they germinate later in the presence of neighbors. Neighbors of both sizes reduced growth, survival to reproduction, fecundity, and total fitness, but large neighbors increased seedling survival. Smaller neighbors provided no such benefit and had stronger negative effects.

Conclusions

Delayed germination in response to neighbors can reduce negative interactions and promote positive ones if it occurs late enough to expose seedlings to larger neighbors. By altering relative phenologies and, in turn, the outcomes of biotic interactions, phenological responses to environmental change may influence species interactions and community dynamics.
Carbon dynamics in the deciduous broadleaf tree Erman's birch (Betula ermanii) at the subalpine treeline on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Qing‐Wei , Qi Lin , Zhou Wangming , Liu Cheng‐Gang , Yu Dapao , Dai Limin
Published: February 2018

Premise of the Study

The growth limitation hypothesis (GLH) and carbon limitation hypothesis (CLH) are two dominant explanations for treeline formation. The GLH proposes that low temperature drives the treeline through constraining C sinks more than C sources, and it predicts that non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) levels are static or increase with elevation. Although the GLH has received strong support globally for evergreen treelines, there is still no consensus for deciduous treelines, which experience great asynchrony between supply and demand throughout the year.

Methods

We investigated growth and the growing‐season C dynamics in a common deciduous species, Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), along an elevational gradient from the closed forest to the treeline on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China. Samples were collected from developing organs (leaves and twigs) and main storage organs (stems and roots) for NSC analysis.

Key Results

Tree growth decreased with increasing elevation, and NSC concentrations differed significantly among elevations, organs, and sampling times. In particular, NSC levels varied slightly during the growing season in leaves, peaked in the middle of the growing season in twigs and stems, and increased continuously throughout the growing season in roots. NSCs also tended to increase or vary slightly in developing organs but decreased significantly in mature organs with increasing elevation.

Conclusions

The decrease in NSCs with elevation in main storage organs indicates support for the CLH, while the increasing or static trends in new developing organs indicate support for the GLH. Our results suggest that the growth limitation theory may be less applicable to deciduous species' growth than to that of evergreen species.
Impulse oscillometry measurement of distal airways obstruction in depleted uranium‐exposed Gulf War veterans
Authors: Hines Stella E. , Barnes Ashley H. , Brown Clayton , Gucer Patricia , Oliver Marc S. , Gaitens Joanna M. , Condon Marian , McDiarmid Melissa
Published: February 2018

Introduction

A cohort of Gulf War I veterans who sustained exposure to depleted uranium undergoes biennial surveillance for potential uranium‐related health effects. We performed impulse oscillometry and hypothesized that veterans with higher uranium body burdens would have more obstructive abnormalities than those with lower burdens.

Methods

We compared pulmonary function of veterans in high versus low urine uranium groups by evaluating spirometry and oscillometry values.

Results

Overall mean spirometry and oscillometry resistance values fell within the normal ranges. There were no significant differences between the high and low uranium groups for any parameters. However, more veterans were classified as having obstruction by oscillometry (42%) than spirometry (8%).

Conclusions

While oscillometry identified more veterans as obstructed, obstruction was not uranium‐related. However, the added sensitivity of this method implies a benefit in wider surveillance of exposed cohorts and holds promise in identifying abnormalities in areas of the lung historically described as silent.
Leg length, sitting height, and body proportions references for achondroplasia: New tools for monitoring growth
Authors: del Pino Mariana , Ramos Mejía Rosario , Fano Virginia
Published: February 2018

Achondroplasia is the most common form of inherited disproportionate short stature. We report leg length, sitting height, and body proportion curves for achondroplasia. Seven centile format of sitting height, leg length, sitting height/leg length ratio, sitting height/height ratio, and head circumference/height ratio were estimated by the LMS method. The Q‐test was applied to assess the goodness of fit. For comparison, centiles of sitting height and leg length were graphed using Argentine national growth references for achondroplasia and non‐achondroplasia populations. The sample consisted of 342 children with achondroplasia (171 males, 171 females) aged 0–18 years. The median (interquartile range) number of measurements per child was 6 (3, 12) for sitting height and 8 (3, 13) for head circumference. Median leg length increased from 14 cm at age 1 week to 44 and 40 cm (males and females, respectively) in achondroplasia adolescents which is 3.5 cm shorter than non‐achondroplasia children at age 1 week and, 38 cm shorter at adolescence. Median sitting height increased from 34 cm at birth to 86 and 81 in adolescents’ boys and girls respectively, only 5 cm shorter than non‐achondroplasia children. Sitting height/leg length decreased from 2.61 at birth to approximately 1.90 at adolescent. Median head circumference/height ratio decreased from 0.79 at birth to 0.46 at 18 years in both sexes. Growth of lower limbs is affected early in life and becomes more noticeable throughout childhood. The disharmonic growth between the less affected trunk and the severely affected limbs determine body disproportion in achondroplasia.
Herkunftsbezogene Nomenklatur für einstrangige Homo‐ und Copolymere (IUPAC‐Empfehlungen 2016)
Authors: Hellwich Karl‐Heinz , Roy Kathrin‐M.
Published: February 2018

IUPAC‐Empfehlungen zur herkunftsbezogenen Nomenklatur für einstrangige Polymere wurden bisher hauptsächlich im Hinblick auf Copolymere, nichtlineare Polymere und Polymerassoziate sowie im Zusammenhang mit der generischen herkunftsbezogenen Polymernomenklatur formuliert. Im Folgenden werden möglichst klare und präzise Regeln zur Entwicklung eines geeigneten herkunftsbezogenen Namens für ein Polymer, ob Homopolymer oder Copolymer, formuliert. Somit wird das herkunftsbezogene System zur Benennung von Polymeren in einer Gesamtheit vorgelegt, die als nutzerfreundliche Alternative zum strukturbezogenen System der Polymernomenklatur dient. Zudem wurden Empfehlungen für die Verwendung traditioneller Polymernamen ausgearbeitet, da deren Gebrauch weit verbreitet und etabliert ist.
Improved cell adhesion of poly(amino acid) surface by cyclic phosphonate modification for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Xiong Yi , Li Hong , Wang Peng , Liu Pengzhen , Yan Yonggang
Published: February 2018

Poly(amino acid) (PAA) has been currently used as organic part of biocomposites for bone regeneration and reconstruction, but a poor cell adhesive surface becomes its major limitation. In this study, a novel strategy to improve cell adhesion of PAA by introducing a phosphonate (CP) unit into main chain of PAA was proposed. Copolymerizing with CP, the cell adhesion ability of the copolymers was effectively and efficiently improved, corresponding to an adjusted surface wettability. The structure and modification mechanism of copolymers were completely studied based on their surface cell adhesion ability, intrinsic viscosity, compressive strength, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectra, X‐ray diffractometer, and water contact angle analyses. The surface wettability of PAA increased due to the formation of more hydrophilic groups (phosphoramide groups, carboxylic ester groups, and phosphomonoester groups) and stronger hydrogen bonds, which were induced by addition of CP. With a CP content of 1% and 2.5%, corresponding copolymers possessed sufficient compressive strength for bone repair and superior surface wettability 54.3° and 54.1° for mesenchymal stem cells adhesion. Since this valuable additional method improves cell adhesion ability of PAA surface, application of the PAA for bone tissue engineering would be broadened. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46226.
Preparation of polyacrylamide via dispersion polymerization with gelatin as a stabilizer and its synergistic effect on organic dye flocculation
Authors: Qiu Jinghong , Wang Hui , Du Zongliang , Cheng Xu , Liu Yuansen , Wang Haibo
Published: February 2018

In this study, we successfully prepared a polyacrylamide (PAM) water‐in‐water (W/W) emulsion through dispersion polymerization with only a small concentration of gelatin as the stabilizer. Types of identical methods were used to study the structure of this material, among which Fourier transform infrared and1H‐NMR spectroscopy indicated that the polymer was composed of PAM and a few gelatin, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) verified the W/W emulsion structure, and gel permeation chromatography confirmed the existence of the graft polymer of gelatin and PAM. In addition, TEM and dynamic light scattering confirmed the morphology and particle size distribution of the PAM W/W emulsion particles and demonstrated that the formation mechanism of the particles during the polymerization process was quite fitted with phase‐separation theory. The effects of the temperature, pH value, and gelatin concentration on the properties of the PAM W/W emulsion were also investigated systematically. Moreover, PAM W/W emulsions prepared with various gelatin concentrations were applied to the flocculation of Reactive Turquoise Blue K‐GL; it turned out that the PAM W/W emulsion had a higher removal efficiency with increasing gelatin concentration. Therefore, the PAM W/W emulsion could be regarded as an effective flocculant for wastewater treatment; it also showed an excellent redispersion ability in water and good storage stability. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46298.
Validation of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a detection tool for at‐risk freshwater pearly mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionidae)
Authors: Currier Charise A. , Morris Todd J. , Wilson Chris C. , Freeland Joanna R.
Published: February 2018

Documenting the occurrence and habitat occupancy of rare aquatic species is an ongoing challenge for conservation. Characterization of environmental DNA (eDNA) from bulk water samples has emerged as a powerful tool to infer species presence or absence without the need to observe or handle organisms.

Previous eDNA studies have yet to develop species‐specific markers that target taxa with many potentially sympatric confamilials. Forty‐one freshwater pearly mussel species (Unionidae) are found in southern Ontario, Canada, with many of these listed as threatened, endangered, or of conservation concern; however, locating populations for protection can be challenging owing to morphological crypsis and species scarcity.

Species‐specific eDNA markers were developed to target four unionid species. Following in silico and in vitro validation, markers were validated in the field by comparing eDNA results from water samples to detections based on quadrat sampling.

Target species were detected by eDNA sampling at all sites where they had previously been located by quadrat sampling.

The paired sampling design showed that species‐specific markers can be designed even within speciose families, and that eDNA detection of mussels is at least as sensitive as quadrat sampling. Furthermore, detection probabilities were not affected by sampling depth, and eDNA concentrations were positively correlated with mussel densities.

These findings confirm that eDNA assays are a valuable complement to traditional methods for locating and managing imperilled unionid populations.
Putting new francophone archaeology on the Pacific map: Current work of early‐career researchers in “archéologie océaniste”
Authors: DOTTE‐SAROUT EMILIE , CAUCHOIS HINANUI , CHARLEUX MICHEL , DOMERGUE STÉPHANIE , HERMANN AYMERIC , LAGARDE LOUIS , LECLERC MATHIEU , MARIC TAMARA , MOLLE GUILLAUME , NOLET EMILIE , NOURY ARNAUD , RURUA VAHINE AHUURA , WADRAWANE JEAN‐MARIE
Published: February 2018

On 24 November 2016, an international workshop bringing together francophone early‐career researchers and practitioners currently active in the field of Pacific archaeology was organised at The Australian National University. As access to opportunities for transnational exchange and representation of their work is not always easy for this group, the aim was to provide an occasion for the ECRs to present their work in English to the Australia‐based academic audience of Pacific scholars.

Currently, anglophone research is dominant in the region, in both academic centres of the Pacific rim and local institutions, where the methods and approaches advocated stem from a common tradition, while training and dissemination of research results use the shared language of English. Nonetheless, although less frequent, francophone approaches to Pacific archaeology have been present since the very early days of the discipline at the end of the nineteenth century, along with other non‐anglophone traditions. Given the history of French colonial presence in the region, this tradition has endured, but indeed evolved and did not always remain in isolation. In particular, some members of the generation that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, following José Garanger's footsteps, have progressively managed to engage in several international projects and to get their research widely exposed and recognised.

After several years without the arrival of new graduates, the past 10 years has seen an influx of newly qualified francophone archaeologists working in the Pacific, bringing fresh perspectives and changing the profile of practitioners in the field (Figure 1). Indeed, while the history of the discipline had been dominated by men and by French metropolitan archaeologists, the new cohort includes as many women as men and almost half of the group originates from the Pacific Islands. Most of them are also able to work within local institutions and to participate directly in the sociocultural contributions of archaeology in the islands. In an effort to promote a better integration of this group in the regional research sphere, this paper consists of short reports focusing on one aspect of the ECRs current work.
Brief Report: The Genetic Profile of Rheumatoid Factor–Positive Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Resembles That of Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hinks Anne , Marion Miranda C. , Cobb Joanna , Comeau Mary E. , Sudman Marc , Ainsworth Hannah C. , Bowes John ,   Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Consortium for Immunochip, Becker Mara L. , Bohnsack John F. , Haas Johannes‐Peter , Lovell Daniel J. , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Nelson J. Lee , Nordal Ellen , Punaro Marilynn , Reed Ann M. , Rose Carlos D. , Rosenberg Alan M. , Rygg Marite , Smith Samantha L. , Stevens Anne M. , Videm Vibeke , Wallace Carol A. , Wedderburn Lucy R. , Yarwood Annie , Yeung Rae S. M. , Langefeld Carl D. , Thompson Susan D. , Thomson Wendy , Prahalad Sampath
Published: February 2018

Objective

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comprises 7 heterogeneous categories of chronic childhood arthritides. Approximately 5% of children with JIA have rheumatoid factor (RF)–positive arthritis, which phenotypically resembles adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our objective was to compare and contrast the genetics of RF‐positive polyarticular JIA with those of RA and selected other JIA categories, to more fully understand the pathophysiologic relationships of inflammatory arthropathies.

Methods

Patients with RF‐positive polyarticular JIA (n = 340) and controls (n = 14,412) were genotyped using the Immunochip array. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were tested for association using a logistic regression model adjusting for admixture proportions. We calculated weighted genetic risk scores (wGRS) of reported RA and JIA risk loci, and we compared the ability of these wGRS to predict RF‐positive polyarticular JIA.

Results

As expected, the HLA region was strongly associated with RF‐positive polyarticular JIA (P = 5.51 × 10−31). Nineteen of 44 RA risk loci and 6 of 27 oligoarticular/RF‐negative polyarticular JIA risk loci were associated with RF‐positive polyarticular JIA (P < 0.05). The RA wGRS predicted RF‐positive polyarticular JIA (area under the curve [AUC] 0.71) better than did the oligoarticular/RF‐negative polyarticular JIA wGRS (AUC 0.59). The genetic profile of patients with RF‐positive polyarticular JIA was more similar to that of RA patients with age at onset 16–29 years than to that of RA patients with age at onset ≥70 years.

Conclusion

RF‐positive polyarticular JIA is genetically more similar to adult RA than to the most common JIA categories and thus appears to be a childhood‐onset presentation of autoantibody‐positive RA. These findings suggest common disease mechanisms, which could lead to novel therapeutic targets and shared treatment strategies.
Diazadibora[1.1.1.1]m,p,m,p‐cyclophanes: Ambipolar Conjugated Macrocycles with Different B–π–N Embedded Patterns
Authors: Ito Akihiro , Uebe Masashi , Kurata Ryohei , Yano Soichiro , Fueno Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Takashi
Published: February 2018

Are different B(boron)–π–N(nitrogen) embedded patterns to bring about significant different (opto)electronic properties for the same macrocyclic molecular backbone? A series of B–π–N‐embedded alternate‐meta‐para‐linked cyclophanes 1–3 have been prepared and characterized as a new class of ambipolar π‐conjugated B–π–N macrocycles. The answer to the opening question is yes. These macrocycles revealed the intramolecular charge transfer in the oxidized states and the intriguing photophysical proprerties in accordance with the embedded patterns, suggesting the electronic structures are tunable by introducing multiple B–π–N moieties.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed C−H Nitration of Indoles by Employing a Removable Directing Group
Authors: Saxena Paridhi , Kapur Manmohan
Published: February 2018

A mild and efficient C(sp2)−H nitration of 3‐substituted indoles, by using the economical and non‐toxic cobalt nitrate hexahydrate [Co(NO3)2⋅6 H2O] as a catalyst and tert‐butyl nitrite (TBN) as the nitro source, is reported. This approach provides a unique methodology involving a site‐selective C−N bond formation for preparation of C‐2 substituted nitro indoles. Utilization of the tBoc as the removable directing group enhances the synthetic utility of the method.
Bioluminescence‐based cytotoxicity assay for simultaneous evaluation of cell viability and membrane damage in human hepatoma HepG2 cells
Authors: Uno Katsuhiro , Murotomi Kazutoshi , Kazuki Yasuhiro , Oshimura Mitsuo , Nakajima Yoshihiro
Published: February 2018

We have developed a bioluminescence‐based non‐destructive cytotoxicity assay in which cell viability and membrane damage are simultaneously evaluated using Emerald luciferase (ELuc) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐targeted copepod luciferase (GLuc‐KDEL), respectively, by using multi‐integrase mouse artificial chromosome (MI‐MAC) vector. We have demonstrated that the time‐dependent concentration response curves of ELuc luminescence intensity and WST‐1 assay, and GLuc‐KDEL luminescence intensity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture medium accompanied by cytotoxicity show good agreement in toxicant‐treated ELuc‐ and GLuc‐KDEL‐expressing HepG2 stable cell lines. We have clarified that the increase of GLuc‐KDEL luminescence intensity in the culture medium reflects the type of cell death, including necrosis and late apoptosis, but not early apoptosis. We have also uncovered a strong correlation between GLuc‐KDEL luminescence intensity in the culture medium and the extracellular release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a representative damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecule. The bioluminescence measurement assay using ELuc and GLuc‐KDEL developed in this study can simultaneously monitor cell viability and membrane damage, respectively, and the increase of GLuc‐KDEL luminescence intensity in the culture medium accompanied by the increase of cytotoxicity is an index of necrosis and late apoptosis associated with the extracellular release of DAMP molecules.
Long‐Term Stability Evaluation of 0.5‐7.0 nmol/mol Dimethyl Sulfide Primary Standard Gas Mixtures by Comparison with Traceable Dynamically Diluted Gas Mixtures
Authors: Kim Mi Eon , Kang Ji Hwan , Kim Yong Doo , Lee Dong Soo , Lee Sangil
Published: February 2018

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a crucial precursor in the formation of aerosols that play important roles in climate change. Stable and traceable primary standard gas mixtures (PSMs) are critical for accurate measurement of the trace amounts of reactive DMS reported at sub‐nanomole per mole (nmol/mol) levels at remote monitoring sites. However, the preparation of DMS at ambient levels in high‐pressure cylinders is challenging because of its instability. This study examined the long‐term stability of 0.5–7.0 nmol/mol DMS PSMs prepared in specially treated cylinders. Ten months after the PSM preparation, the DMS PSMs were compared with traceable dynamically diluted gas mixtures (DDMs). The DMS PSMs at 2–7 nmol/mol levels were stable for 10 months with uncertainties of less than 2.5% (k = 2). However, the amount‐of‐substance fraction (i.e., mole fraction) of the DMS PSM at 0.5 nmol/mol was 5.4% less than the gravimetrically determined mole fraction, which exceeds the uncertainty of 3.5%. These findings indicate that DMS PSMs at 2–7 nmol/mol levels are sufficiently stable for use as primary standards for long‐term monitoring of trace‐level DMS in remote areas, whereas DMS PSM at 0.5 nmol/mol is not sufficiently stable.
Developed market or developing market?: A perspective of institutional theory on multinational enterprises’ diversification and sustainable development with environmental protection
Authors: Li Ji , Zhang Ying , Hu Yanghong , Tao Xiaolong , Jiang Wanxing , Qi Lei
Published: February 2018

Integrating previous research, we propose a theoretical model predicting the different effects of global diversification on corporate social performance in environmental protection (EP) by focusing on the institutional difference between developing and developed countries. Moreover, arguing for the moderating effects of firm resources, we also predict and test the effect of firm slack resources on the relationship between the diversification and corporate social performance in EP. By analyzing longitudinal data of 847 multinational enterprises (MNEs), we found empirical evidence that when MNEs diversify mainly into developed countries, they are likely to show more EP. By contrast, when MNEs diversify into developing countries, they are likely to show less EP. Furthermore, we found that a firm's financial slack could weaken the positive effect of diversification into developed countries and enhance the negative effect of diversification into developing countries on EP. However, a firm's human resource slack could only weaken the positive effect of diversification into developed countries on EP. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the findings.
Prenatally diagnosed distal 16p11.2 microdeletion with a novel association with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a case report
Authors: Genesio Rita , Maruotti Giuseppe Maria , Saccone Gabriele , Mormile Angela , Conti Anna , Cicatiello Rita , Sarnataro Viviana , Sirico Angelo , Izzo Antonella , Martinelli Pasquale , Nitsch Lucio
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

A prenatal case presenting with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and distal 16p11.2 microdeletion suggests two possible causative hypotheses: (1) a functional effect of chromatin loopings between the distal and the proximal 16p11.2 microdeletion traits, associated with CHD; (2) a possible role of ATP2A1, a deleted gene involved in diaphragm development.
Pressure Drop in Emergency Vent Lines with Two‐Phase Flow of Gas and Viscous Liquid
Authors: Schmidt Jürgen , Giesbrecht Hartmut
Published: February 2018

It was investigated if empirical models from the literature are capable to predict the two‐phase pressure drop with highly viscous liquids in vent lines behind polymerization reactors or for production applications. The experiments were performed with upward pipe flow of nitrogen and water‐Luviskol® solutions with varying dynamic viscosities. By measuring the difference of the static pressure in a vertical pipe across a test section, the gradient of the friction pressure was determined. The frictional pressure gradients show some unexpected scatter and even negative gradients were found in case of slug flow. A comparison with eight models shows for three of them a sufficient accuracy for the measured two‐phase flow data with highly viscous liquids if the empirical parameters in the models are adapted to the new measurements.
Three‐Component Activation/Alkynylation/Cyclocondensation (AACC) Synthesis of Enhanced Emission Solvatochromic 3‐Ethynylquinoxalines
Authors: Merkt Franziska K. , Höwedes Simon P. , Gers‐Panther Charlotte F. , Gruber Irina , Janiak Christoph , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: February 2018

2‐Substituted 3‐ethynylquinoxaline chromophores can be readily synthesized by a consecutive activation–alkynylation–cyclocondensation (AACC) one‐pot sequence in a three‐component manner. In comparison with the previously published four‐component glyoxylation starting from electron‐rich π‐nucleophiles, the direct activation of (hetero)aryl glyoxylic acids allows the introduction of substituents that cannot be directly accessed by glyoxylation. By introducing N,N‐dimethylaniline as a strong donor in the 2‐position, the emission solvatochromicity of 3‐ethynylquinoxalines can be considerably enhanced to cover the spectral range from blue–green to deep red–orange with a single chromophore in a relatively narrow polarity window. The diversity‐oriented nature of the synthetic multicomponent reaction concept enables comprehensive investigations of structure–property relationships by Hammett correlations and Lippert–Mataga analysis, as well as the elucidation of the electronic structure of the emission solvatochromic π‐conjugated donor–acceptor systems by DFT and time‐dependent DFT calculations with the PBEh1PBE functional for a better reproduction of the dominant charge‐transfer character of the longest wavelength absorption band.
Checkpoint inhibitors in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC): Where to go from here
Authors: Kwa Maryann J. , Adams Sylvia
Published: February 2018

Advances in cancer immunotherapy and a growing body of research have focused on the role of the antitumor response in breast cancer. Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most immunogenic breast cancer subtype, and there is strong evidence that tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in TNBC have prognostic value and are associated with clinical outcome and improved survival. Evading antitumor immunity is a hallmark for the development and progression of cancer. Immunotherapy studies have focused on the role of the programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) receptor/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway in maintaining immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Blockade of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic option to enhance antitumor immunity and is actively being investigated in TNBC, with encouraging results. In this article, the authors review the current literature on checkpoint inhibitors in TNBC with a focus on PD‐1/PD‐L1 antibodies and discuss combination strategies and novel approaches for improving antitumor immunity and clinical outcome. Cancer 2018;124:2086‐103. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Inhibitory and modulatory inputs to the vocal central pattern generator of a teleost fish
Authors: Rosner Elisabeth , Rohmann Kevin N. , Bass Andrew H. , Chagnaud Boris P.
Published: February 2018

Vocalization is a behavioral feature that is shared among multiple vertebrate lineages, including fish. The temporal patterning of vocal communication signals is set, in part, by central pattern generators (CPGs). Toadfishes are well‐established models for CPG coding of vocalization at the hindbrain level. The vocal CPG comprises three topographically separate nuclei: pre‐pacemaker, pacemaker, motor. While the connectivity between these nuclei is well understood, their neurochemical profile remains largely unexplored. The highly vocal Gulf toadfish,Opsanus beta, has been the subject of previous behavioral, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological studies. Combining transneuronal neurobiotin‐labeling with immunohistochemistry, we map the distribution of inhibitory neurotransmitters and neuromodulators along with gap junctions in the vocal CPG of this species. Dense GABAergic and glycinergic label is found throughout the CPG, with labeled somata immediately adjacent to or within CPG nuclei, including a distinct subset of pacemaker neurons co‐labeled with neurobiotin and glycine. Neurobiotin‐labeled motor and pacemaker neurons are densely co‐labeled with the gap junction protein connexin 35/36, supporting the hypothesis that transneuronal neurobiotin‐labeling occurs, at least in part, via gap junction coupling. Serotonergic and catecholaminergic label is also robust within the entire vocal CPG, with additional cholinergic label in pacemaker and prepacemaker nuclei. Likely sources of these putative modulatory inputs are neurons within or immediately adjacent to vocal CPG neurons. Together with prior neurophysiological investigations, the results reveal potential mechanisms for generating multiple classes of social context‐dependent vocalizations with widely divergent temporal and spectral properties.