bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic detection of layout of color yarns of yarn‐dyed fabric. Part 3: Double‐system‐Mélange color fabrics
Authors: Zhang Jie , Pan Ruru , Gao Weidong , Xu Bugao , Li Wei
Published: June 2016

Automat layout detection of color yarns is necessary for weaving and producing processes of yarn‐dyed fabrics. This study presents a novel approach to inspect the layout of color yarns of double‐system‐mélange color fabrics automatically, which is Part III of the series of studies to develop a computer vision‐based system for automatic inspection of color yarn layout for yarn‐dyed fabrics. The inspection of single‐system‐mélange color fabrics has been realized in Part I of the series of studies. Integrating the projection‐based region segmentation method proposed in Part I and the FCM‐based stepwise classification method proposed in Part II, the proposed approach is composed of three steps: (1) fabric region segmentation, (2) fabric region selection, and (3) layout of color yarns recognition. In the first step, the fabric regions are segmented by the projection‐based region segmentation method. In the second step, the reasonable fabric regions are selected by analyzing their color histograms and comparing their weft color's frequency. In the third step, the layout of color yarn is recognized by the FCM‐based stepwise classification method, and the precise layouts of color warps and wefts are produced. The experimental analysis proved that the proposed method can recognize the layout of color yarns of double‐system‐mélange color fabrics correctly by testing four different color fabrics and three pieces of same yarn‐dyed fabrics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 250–260, 2017
Does High Pressure Induce Structural Reorganization in Linear Alcohols? A Computational Answer
Authors: Mariani Alessandro , Ballirano Paolo , Angiolari Federica , Caminiti Ruggero , Gontrani Lorenzo
Published: June 2016

We present an exhaustive computational study on the effect of high pressure on normal alcohols with alkyl chains with lengths of three‐to‐eight carbon atoms. 1‐Propanol, 1‐butanol, 1‐pentanol, 1‐hexanol, 1‐heptanol, and 1‐octanol were studied by using classical molecular dynamics simulations and applying pressures in the range of 1 to 104 bar. The results of our calculations show that high‐pressure values affect the structure significantly. In particular, we have observed a marked difference in behavior for alcohols with chain lengths below six and those with more than six or seven carbon atoms, with hexanol and heptanol being boundary cases. We have named the model with the most shrunk alkyl chains as the Asclepius form inspired by the Rod of Asclepius, the universally known symbol of medicine, in which a snake is coiled around a rod.
Competition between Hydrophilic and Argyrophilic Interactions in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Kelly John T. , McClellan Annie K. , Joe Lynn V. , Wright Ashley M. , Lloyd Lawson T. , Tschumper Gregory S. , Hammer Nathan I.
Published: June 2016

The competition for binding and charge‐transfer (CT) from the nitrogen containing heterocycle pyrimidine to either silver or to water in surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is discussed. The correlation between the shifting observed for vibrational normal modes and CT is analyzed both experimentally using Raman spectroscopy and theoretically using electronic structure theory. Discrete features in the Raman spectrum correspond to the binding of either water or silver to each of pyrimidine's nitrogen atoms with comparable frequency shifts. Natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations in each chemical environment reveal that the magnitude of charge transfer from pyrimidine to adjacent silver atoms is only about twice that for water alone. These results suggest that the choice of solvent plays a role in determining the vibrational frequencies of nitrogen containing molecules in SERS experiments.
Direct Synthesis and Catalytic Application of Ordered Mesoporous Ru/C Composites with Homogeneously Dispersed Ruthenium Nanoclusters
Authors: Li Xu , Wang Xueguang , Huang Haigen , Chen Chenju , Zou Xiujing , Ding Weizhong , Lu Xionggang
Published: June 2016

Direct synthesis of metal/carbon nanocomposites with ordered mesoporous frameworks has attracted increasing interest in various applications including catalysis, optics, and electronics. Herein, we demonstrate a simple one‐pot co‐assembly route to synthesize Ru/carbon composites by using resol, ruthenium chloride, and Pluronic F127 as a template with the assistance of 8‐hydroxyquinoline. 8‐Hydroxyquinoline exerts a significant influence on the mesostructure ordering and specific surface area of the Ru/carbon composites. The obtained Ru/carbon materials show well‐ordered hexagonal arrays of mesopores with homogeneously dispersed sub‐2 nm Ru nanoclusters throughout the carbon frameworks, which can efficiently and quantitatively hydrogenated nitrobenzene to aniline with H2 in the absence of solvent for multiple recycling runs without loss of activity.
Transport Properties of Inertial Confinement Fusion Plasmas
Authors: Issanova M. K. , Kodanova S. K. , Ramazanov T. S. , Hoffmann D. H. H.
Published: June 2016

In this paper the transport properties of non‐isothermal dense deuterium‐tritium plasmas were studied. Based on the effective interaction potentials between particles, the Coulomb logarithm for a two‐temperature nonisothermal dense plasma was obtained. These potentials take into consideration long‐range multi‐particle screening effects and short‐range quantum‐mechanical effects in two‐temperature plasmas. Transport processes in such plasmas were studied using the Coulomb logarithm. The obtained results were compared with the theoretical works of other authors and with the results of molecular dynamics simulations. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The path back: oaks (Quercusspp.) facilitate longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) seedling establishment in xeric sites
Authors: Louise Loudermilk E. , Kevin Hiers J. , Pokswinski Scott , O'Brien Joseph J. , Barnett Analie , Mitchell Robert J.
Published: June 2016

Understanding plant–plant facilitation is critical for predicting how plant community function will respond to changing disturbance and climate. In longleaf pine (Pinus palustrisMill.) ecosystems of the southeastern United States, understanding processes that affect pine reproduction is imperative for conservation efforts that aim to maintain ecosystem resilience across its wide geographic range and edaphic gradients. Variation in wildland fire and plant–plant interactions may be overlooked in “coarse filter” restoration management, where actions are often prescribed over a variety of ecological conditions with an assumed outcome. For example, hardwood reduction techniques are commonly deemed necessary for ecological restoration of longleaf pine ecosystems, as hardwoods are presumed competitors with longleaf pine seedlings. Natural regeneration dynamics are difficult to test experimentally given the infrequent and irregular mast seed events of the longleaf pine. Using a long‐term, large‐scale restoration experiment and a long‐term monitoring data site at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (USA), this study explores the influence of native fire‐intolerant oaks on longleaf regeneration. We test for historical observations of hardwood facilitation against the null hypothesis of competitive exclusion. Our results provide evidence of hardwood facilitation on newly germinated longleaf pine seedlings (<2 yr old) after two mast seeding events (1996, 2011). Using regression‐tree and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses, we found that deciduous oak midstory density was the most significant variable associated with longleaf pine seedling survival rates in the first 2 yr after germination. We found that as few as 43 oak midstory stems ha−1were sufficient to facilitate seedling survival, but as many as 1400 stems ha−1maintained facilitation without competitive exclusion of seedlings. We found that 1.5‐yr‐old pine seedlings were more moisture stressed under more open canopy conditions when compared to those immediately adjacent to a midstory oak canopy. Recognition that deciduous oaks are important facilitators of longleaf seedling establishment on xeric sites represents a significant departure from conventional wisdom and current management practices that has largely focused on competitive exclusion. This points to a critical role of a deciduous oak midstory of moderate densities for long‐term ecosystem resilience in xeric longleaf pine ecosystems in light of climate uncertainty.
Remote sensing of seasonal changes and disturbances in mangrove forest: a case study from South Florida
Authors: Zhang Keqi , Thapa Bina , Ross Michael , Gann Daniel
Published: June 2016

Knowledge of the spatial and temporal changes caused by episodic disturbances and seasonal variability is essential for understanding the dynamics of mangrove forests at the landscape scale, and for building a baseline that allows detection of the effects of future environmental change. In combination with LiDAR data, we calculated four vegetation indices from 150 Landsat TM images from 1985 to 2011 in order to detect seasonal changes and distinguish them from disturbances due to hurricanes and chilling events in a mangrove‐dominated coastal landscape. We found that normalized difference moisture index (NDMI) performed best in identifying both seasonal and event‐driven episodic changes. Mangrove responses to chilling and hurricane events exhibited distinct spatial patterns. Severe damage from intense chilling events was concentrated in the interior dwarf and transition mangrove forests with tree heights less than 4 m, while severe damage from intense hurricanes was limited to the mangrove forest near the coast, where tree heights were more than 4 m. It took 4–7 months for damage from intense chilling events and hurricanes to reach their full extent, and took 2–6 yr for the mangrove forest to recover from these disturbances. There was no significant trend in the vegetation changes represented by NDMI over the 27‐yr period, but seasonal signals from both dwarf and fringe mangrove forests were discernible. Only severe damage from hurricanes and intense chilling events could be detected in Landsat images, while damage from weak chilling events could not be separated from the background seasonal change.
Behavioral buffering of extreme weather events in a high‐Arctic herbivore
Authors: Loe Leif Egil , Hansen Brage B. , Stien Audun , D. Albon Steve , Bischof Richard , Carlsson Anja , Irvine R. Justin , Meland Morten , Rivrud Inger Maren , Ropstad Erik , Veiberg Vebjørn , Mysterud Atle
Published: June 2016

As global warming advances, there is a growing concern about the impact of extreme weather events on ecosystems. In the Arctic, more frequent unseasonal warm spells and rain‐on‐snow events in winter cause changes in snow‐pack properties, including ground icing. Such extreme weather events are known to have severe effects across trophic levels, for instance, causing die‐offs of large herbivores. However, the extent to which individuals and populations are able to buffer such events through behavioral plasticity is poorly understood. Here, we analyze responses in space use to rain‐on‐snow and icing events, and their fitness correlates, in wild reindeer in high‐Arctic Svalbard. Range displacement among GPS‐collared females occurred mainly in icy winters to areas with less ice, lower over‐winter body mass loss, lower mortality rate, and higher subsequent fecundity, than the departure area. Our study provides rare empirical evidence that mammals may buffer negative effects of climate change and extreme weather events by adjusting behavior in highly stochastic environments. Under global warming, behavioral buffering may be important for the long‐term population persistence in mobile species with long generation time and therefore limited ability for rapid evolutionary adaptation.
Estimating heterotrophic respiration at large scales: challenges, approaches, and next steps
Authors: Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Epron Daniel , Harden Jennifer , Harmon Mark E. , Hoffman Forrest , Kumar Jitendra , David McGuire Anthony , Vargas Rodrigo
Published: June 2016

Heterotrophic respiration (HR), the aerobic and anaerobic processes mineralizing organic matter, is a key carbon flux but one impossible to measure at scales significantly larger than small experimental plots. This impedes our ability to understand carbon and nutrient cycles, benchmark models, or reliably upscale point measurements. Given that a new generation of highly mechanistic, genomic‐specific global models is not imminent, we suggest that a useful step to improve this situation would be the development of “Decomposition Functional Types” (DFTs). Analogous to plant functional types (PFTs), DFTs would abstract and capture important differences in HR metabolism and flux dynamics, allowing modelers and experimentalists to efficiently group and vary these characteristics across space and time. We argue that DFTs should be initially informed by top‐down expert opinion, but ultimately developed using bottom‐up, data‐driven analyses, and provide specific examples of potential dependent and independent variables that could be used. We present an example clustering analysis to show how annual HR can be broken into distinct groups associated with global variability in biotic and abiotic factors, and demonstrate that these groups are distinct from (but complementary to) already‐existing PFTs. A similar analysis incorporating observational data could form the basis for future DFTs. Finally, we suggest next steps and critical priorities: collection and synthesis of existing data; more in‐depth analyses combining open data with rigorous testing of analytical results; using point measurements and realistic forcing variables to constrain process‐based models; and planning by the global modeling community for decoupling decomposition from fixed site data. These are all critical steps to build a foundation for DFTs in global models, thus providing the ecological and climate change communities with robust, scalable estimates of HR.
Early Maladaptive Schemas in Eating Disordered Patients With or Without Non‐Suicidal Self‐Injury
Authors: Pauwels Els , Dierckx Eva , Schoevaerts Katrien , Claes Laurence
Published: June 2016

This study investigates early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) in function of eating disorder (ED) subtypes (restrictive/bulimic) and the presence/absence of non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI). Female inpatients (N = 491) completed the Young Schema Questionnaire and the Self‐Injury Questionnaire. The influence of ED subtype and the presence/absence of NSSI and their interaction on the EMS were investigated by means of a MANCOVA. The results showed main effects of ED subtype and the presence of NSSI on EMS. Patients with bulimia scored significantly higher on insufficient self‐control and emotional deprivation, which are more related to cluster B compared with restrictive patients, whereas restrictive patients scored significantly higher on social undesirability, failure to achieve, subjugation and unrelenting standards compared with patients with bulimia that are more related to cluster C. Patients with ED with NSSI reported significantly higher EMS levels compared with patients without NSSI, suggesting that they could be of particular interest to benefit from schema therapy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Characterizing infiltration and internal drainage of South African dryland soils
Authors: Mavimbela Sabelo S.W. , van Rensburg Leon D.
Published: June 2016

Surface infiltration and internal drainage properties of five soil types from arid drylands of South Africa were studied under double ring infiltrometer, rainfall simulation plots (1 m2) and instantaneous drainage plots (9 m2). Changes in soil water content during 40 minute rainfall simulation for a rainstorm with average intensity of 1.61 mm min−1 and 30 day drainage period were measured at various depths by 1.5 m long capacitance soil water measuring (DFM) probe. Different (P < 0.05) mean surface steady infiltration rate ranged from 0.05 to 4.47 mm min−1 and had a negative power relationship (R2 = 0.65) with horizon clay plus fine silt content. Power regression (R2 ≥ 86%) described rainstorm infiltration and obtained steady rates within an average time of 15 minutes. Mean total infiltrated soil water content was lowest (P < 0.05) from surface horizons with either 47.7% clay plus fine silt content or bulk density of 1.91 g cm−3 and exchangeable sodium of not less than 44 mg kg−1. Surface horizons with lower surface bulk density and total sand fraction of more than 72% had infiltrated depth and mean total infiltrated soil water content up to 40 cm deeper and 0.55 mm mm−1 greater, respectively. Drainage rate at drained upper limit calculated from the Wilcox drainage model (R2 ≤ 0.97%) was 0.2 mm day−1 or less were from underlying horizons with either clay plus fine silt of 45% or soft calcium carbonate. Higher drainage rate with accumulative drainage amount greater than 60 mm were from soil profile horizons with clay plus fine silt content of less than 20% and above unity steady infiltration rates. Rainstorm infiltration and drainage rates was shown to depend on permeability and coarseness of the respective soil surface and subsurface horizons; a phenomenon critical for harnessing rain and flood water to recharge groundwater. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parsing anomalous versus normal diffusive behavior of bedload sediment particles
Authors: Fathel Siobhan , Furbish David , Schmeeckle Mark
Published: June 2016

Bedload sediment transport is the basic physical ingredient of river evolution. Formulae exist for estimating transport rates, but the diffusive contribution to the sediment flux, and the associated spreading rate of tracer particles, are not clearly understood. The start‐and‐stop motions of sediment particles transported as bedload on a streambed mimic aspects of the Einstein–Smoluchowski description of the random‐walk motions of Brownian particles. Using this touchstone description, recent work suggests the presence of anomalous diffusion, where the particle spreading rate differs from the linear dependence with time of Brownian behavior. We demonstrate that conventional measures of particle spreading reveal different attributes of bedload particle behavior depending on details of the calculation. When we view particle motions over start‐and‐stop timescales obtained from high‐speed (250 Hz) imaging of coarse‐sand particles, high‐resolution measurements reveal ballistic‐like behavior at the shortest (10−2 s) timescale, followed by apparent anomalous behavior due to correlated random walks in transition to normal diffusion (>10−1 s) – similar to Brownian particle behavior but involving distinctly different physics. However, when treated as a ‘virtual plume’ over this timescale range, particles exhibit inhomogeneous diffusive behavior because both the mean and the variance of particle travel distances increase nonlinearly with increasing travel times, a behavior that is unrelated to anomalous diffusion or to Brownian‐like behavior. Our results indicate that care is needed in suggesting anomalous behavior when appealing to conventional measures of diffusion formulated for ideal particle systems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing toxicity of contaminants in riverine suspended sediments to freshwater mussels
Authors: Archambault Jennifer M. , Bergeron Christine M. , Cope W. Gregory , Lazaro Peter R. , Leonard Jeremy A. , Shea Damian
Published: June 2016

The Clinch River in Virginia and Tennessee, USA, is well known for its diverse native freshwater mussel assemblages; however, notable declines in mussel populations in recent decades have prompted much concern and subsequent research. The authors examined the toxicity of recently deposited sediments on juveniles of the freshwater mussel Epioblasma brevidens by collecting time-integrated sediment samples from the water column with sediment traps from 11 sites in the Clinch River basin, including 6 sites within an 88-km reach deemed a “mussel zone of decline.” Mussels were exposed to the riverine sediments and to 3 control sediments for 28 d; survival, shell length, and biomass were then assessed. Sediment treatment (i.e., river location) had a significant effect on mussel survival (p < 0.01) and biomass (p = 0.02) but did not affect length (p = 0.37), and sediments from 2 of the tributaries were the most toxic. Inorganic and organic analyses of sediments indicated the presence of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at all sites. Manganese was negatively correlated with mussel survival and biomass, as was ammonia with survival and total organic carbon with biomass. Current land uses in the watershed indicate that fossil fuel mining and agriculture may be associated with elevated manganese and ammonia, respectively. The authors found that sediments collected with sediment traps over relatively short deployment durations can help elucidate recent contaminant influx and its potential for inducing toxicity in benthic organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:395–407. © 2016 SETAC
Multigenerational effects of carbendazim in Daphnia magna
Authors: Silva Ana Rita R. , Cardoso Diogo N. , Cruz Andreia , Pestana João L.T. , Mendo Sónia , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Loureiro Susana
Published: June 2016

Carbendazim is a fungicide largely used in agriculture as a plant protection product. As a result of agricultural runoffs, drainage, and leaching, it reaches surface waters at concentrations possibly hazardous to aquatic communities. Because of potential and continuous release of carbendazim to aquatic systems, long-term exposure to aquatic organisms should be addressed. To fill the knowledge gap, the present study evaluated the responses of multiple generations of Daphnia magna (clone K6) to an environmentally relevant concentration of carbendazim (5 μg/L). Twelve successive generations were evaluated, and the effects in these offspring were compared with those from a control population. Neonates’ fitness was assessed through immobilization, reproduction, and feeding activity tests, along with the comet assay for in vivo DNA damage evaluation. Recovery from long-term exposure was also assessed. In the F5 generation, the results revealed that when daphnids were re-exposed to carbendazim, DNA damage was higher in daphnids continuously exposed to carbendazim than those from clean medium. After daphnids were moved to a clean medium, a low recovery potential was observed for DNA damage. Daphnids exposed continuously for 6 generations (F6) to carbendazim displayed an increase in feeding rates when re-exposed to carbendazim compared with F6 daphnids reared in clean medium. Continuous exposure of daphnids to carbendazim induced a significant increase in DNA damage from the F0 to the F12 generation. Deleterious effects of the multigenerational exposure to carbendazim were more prominent at a subcellular level (DNA damage) compared with the individual level. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:383–394. © 2016 SETAC
Hypervariable region 1 shielding of hepatitis C virus is a main contributor to genotypic differences in neutralization sensitivity
Authors: Prentoe Jannick , Velázquez‐Moctezuma Rodrigo , Foung Steven K.H. , Law Mansun , Bukh Jens
Published: June 2016

There are 3‐4 million new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections yearly. The extensive intergenotypic sequence diversity of envelope proteins E1 and E2 of HCV and shielding of important epitopes by hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of E2 are believed to be major hindrances to developing universally protective HCV vaccines. Using cultured viruses expressing the E1/E2 complex of isolates H77 (genotype 1a), J6 (2a), or S52 (3a), with and without HVR1, we tested HVR1‐mediated neutralization occlusion in vitro against a panel of 12 well‐characterized human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) targeting diverse E1, E2, and E1/E2 epitopes. Surprisingly, HVR1‐mediated protection was greatest for S52, followed by J6 and then H77. HCV pulldown experiments showed that this phenomenon was caused by epitope shielding. Moreover, by regression analysis of HMAb binding and neutralization titer of HCV we found a strong correlation for HVR1‐deleted viruses but not for parental viruses retaining HVR1. The intergenotype neutralization sensitivity of the parental viruses to HMAb antigenic region (AR) 2A, AR3A, AR4A, AR5A, HC84.26, and HC33.4 varied greatly (>24‐fold to >130‐fold differences in 50% inhibitory concentration values). However, except for AR5A, these differences decreased to less than 6.0‐fold when comparing the corresponding HVR1‐deleted viruses. Importantly, this simplified pattern of neutralization sensitivity in the absence of HVR1 was also demonstrated in a panel of HVR1‐deleted viruses of genotypes 1a, 2a, 2b, 3a, 5a, and 6a, although for all HMAbs, except AR4A, an outlier was observed. Finally, unique amino acid residues in HCV E2 could explain these outliers in the tested cases of AR5A and HC84.26. Conclusion: HVR1 adds complexity to HCV neutralization by shielding a diverse array of unexpectedly cross‐genotype‐conserved E1/E2 epitopes. Thus, an HVR1‐deleted antigen could be a better HCV vaccine immunogen. (Hepatology 2016;64:1881‐1892)
G‐protein‐coupled bile acid receptor plays a key role in bile acid metabolism and fasting‐induced hepatic steatosis in mice
Authors: Donepudi Ajay C. , Boehme Shannon , Li Feng , Chiang John Y.L.
Published: June 2016

Bile acids are signaling molecules that play a critical role in regulation of hepatic metabolic homeostasis by activating nuclear farnesoid X receptor (Fxr) and membrane G‐protein‐coupled receptor (Takeda G‐protein‐coupled receptor 5; Tgr5). The role of FXR in regulation of bile acid synthesis and hepatic metabolism has been studied extensively. However, the role of TGR5 in hepatic metabolism has not been explored. The liver plays a central role in lipid metabolism, and impaired response to fasting and feeding contributes to steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver and obesity. We have performed a detailed analysis of gallbladder bile acid and lipid metabolism in Tgr5−/−
mice in both free‐fed and fasted conditions. Lipid profiles of serum, liver and adipose tissues, bile acid composition, energy metabolism, and messenger RNA and protein expression of the genes involved in lipid metabolism were analyzed. Results showed that deficiency of the Tgr5 gene in mice alleviated fasting‐induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Expression of liver oxysterol 7α‐hydroxylase in the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway was reduced. Analysis of gallbladder bile acid composition showed marked increase of taurocholic acid and decrease of tauro‐α and β‐muricholic acid in Tgr5−/−
mice. Tgr5−/−
mice had increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation rate and decreased hepatic fatty acid uptake. Interestingly, fasting induction of fibroblast growth factor 21 in liver was attenuated. In addition, fasted Tgr5−/−
mice had increased activation of hepatic growth hormone‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (GH‐Stat5) signaling compared to wild‐type mice. Conclusion: TGR5 may play a role in determining bile acid composition and in fasting‐induced hepatic steatosis through a novel mechanism involving activation of the GH‐Stat5 signaling pathway. (Hepatology 2017;65:813‐827)
Regional scale spatial and temporal variability of soil moisture in a prairie region
Authors: Burns Travis T. , Berg Aaron A. , Cockburn Jaclyn , Tetlock Erica
Published: June 2016

Understanding the dynamics of spatial and temporal variability of soil moisture at the regional scale and daily interval, respectively, has important implications for remote sensing calibration and validation missions as well as environmental modelling applications. The spatial and temporal variability of soil moisture was investigated in an agriculturally dominated region using an in‐situ soil moisture network located in central Saskatchewan, Canada. The study site evaluated three depths (5, 20, 50 cm) through 139 days producing a high spatial and temporal resolution data set, which were analysed using statistical and geostatistical means. Processes affecting standard deviation at the 5‐cm depth were different from the 20‐cm and 50‐cm depths. Deeper soil measurements were well correlated through the field season. Further analysis demonstrated that lag time to maximum correlation between soil depths increased through the field season. Temporal autocorrelation was approximately twice as long at depth compared to surface soil moisture as measured by the e‐folding frequency. Spatial correlation was highest under wet conditions caused by uniform rainfall events with low coefficient of variation. Overall soil moisture spatial and temporal variability was explained well by rainfall events and antecedent soil moisture conditions throughout the Kenaston soil moisture network. It is expected that the results of this study will support future remote sensing calibration and validation missions, data assimilation, as well as hydrologic model parameterization for use in agricultural regions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why Challenging Texts? Why Now?
Authors: Garcia Antero
Published: June 2016

This forum reviews high‐interest young adult literature and adult texts. Exploring both print‐based and multimodal works, this column considers all kinds of texts that are encountered by contemporary readers, considering how the texts challenge and are challenged by readers.
Transcriptomic Analyses of Adipocyte Differentiation From Human Mesenchymal Stromal‐Cells (MSC)
Authors: Casado‐Díaz Antonio , Anter Jaouad , Müller Sören , Winter Peter , Quesada‐Gómez José Manuel , Dorado Gabriel
Published: June 2016

Adipogenesis is a physiological process required for fat‐tissue development, mainly involved in regulating the organism energetic‐state. Abnormal distribution‐changes and dysfunctions in such tissue are associated to different pathologies. Adipocytes are generated from progenitor cells, via a complex differentiating process not yet well understood. Therefore, we investigated differential mRNA and miRNA expression patterns of human mesenchymal stromal‐cells (MSC) induced and not induced to differentiate into adipocytes by next (second)‐generation sequencing. A total of 2,866 differentially expressed genes (101 encoding miRNA) were identified, with 705 (46 encoding miRNA) being upregulated in adipogenesis. They were related to different pathways, including PPARG, lipid, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, redox, membrane‐organelle biosynthesis, and endocrine system. Downregulated genes were related to extracellular matrix and cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Analyses of mRNA‐miRNA interaction showed that repressed miRNA‐encoding genes can act downregulating PPARG‐related genes; mostly the PPARG activator (PPARGC1A). Induced miRNA‐encoding genes regulate downregulated genes related to TGFB1. These results shed new light to understand adipose‐tissue differentiation and physiology, increasing our knowledge about pathologies like obesity, type‐2 diabetes and osteoporosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 771–784, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Therapeutic effect of intra‐articular injection of ribbon‐type decoy oligonucleotides for hypoxia inducible factor‐1 on joint contracture in an immobilized knee animal model
Authors: Sotobayashi Daisuke , Kawahata Hirohisa , Anada Natsuki , Ogihara Toshio , Morishita Ryuichi , Aoki Motokuni
Published: June 2016

Background

Limited range of motion (ROM) as a result of joint contracture in treatment associated with joint immobilization or motor paralysis is a critical issue. However, its molecular mechanism has not been fully clarified and a therapeutic approach is not yet established.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated its molecular mechanism, focusing on the role of a transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1), which regulates the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and evaluated the possibility of molecular therapy to inhibit HIF‐1 activation by ribbon‐type decoy oligonucleotides (ODNs) for HIF‐1 using immobilized knee animal models.

Results

In a mouse model, ROM of the immobilized knee significantly decreased in a time‐dependent manner, accompanied by synovial hypertrophy. Immunohistochemical studies suggested that CTGF and VEGF are implicated in synovial hypertrophy with fibrosis. CTGF and VEGF were up‐regulated at both the mRNA and protein levels at 1 and 2 weeks after immobilization, subsequent to up‐regulation of HIF‐1 mRNA and transcriptional activation of HIF‐1. Of importance, intra‐articular transfection of decoy ODNs for HIF‐1 in a rat model successfully inhibited transcriptional activation of HIF‐1, followed by suppression of expression of CTGF and VEGF, resulting in attenuation of restricted ROM, whereas transfection of scrambled decoy ODNs did not.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the important role of HIF‐1 in the initial progression of immobilization‐induced joint contracture, and indicates the possibility of molecular treatment to prevent the progression of joint contracture prior to intervention with physical therapy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesoporous SBA‐15 Silica Phenylsulfonic Acid (SBA‐15‐Ph‐SO3H) as Efficient Nanocatalyst for One‐pot Three‐component Synthesis of 3‐Methyl‐4‐aryl‐2,4,5,7‐tetrahydropyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐6‐ones
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Hekmati Malak , Hemmati Saba
Published: June 2016

A simple, economical, and efficient approach to the one‐pot synthesis of 3‐methyl‐4‐aryl‐2,4,5,7‐tetrahydropyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine‐6‐ones by multicomponent assembling of 5‐methylpyrazol‐3‐amine, aldehydes, and Meldrum's acid using mesoporous silica phenylsulfonic acid (SBA‐15‐Ph‐SO3H) as recyclable and heterogonous solid acid nanocatalyst has been described. This protocol has the advantages of high yields, wide application scope, and an environmental benign procedure.
A Convenient and Efficient Approach for the Synthesis of New 2‐N‐substituted 2,5‐dihydrofuran‐3‐carboxamides
Authors: Tokmajyan Gayane , Karapetyan Lusine
Published: June 2016

In order to obtain potent biological active compounds, a convenient and efficient method for the synthesis of compounds comprising 2‐imino‐2,5‐dihydrofuran, aromatic, sulfamoyl, and heterocyclic fragments has been presented. This environmentally friendly method was based on the reaction of 2‐imino‐2,5‐dihydrofuran‐3‐carboxamides with analgesic and sulfanilamide drugs and 4‐aminoantipyrine in glacial acetic acid and afforded high yields of the products.
Value in prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Bahnson Robert R.
Published: June 2016

Value in health care is measured by outcomes and expense. An agreed upon desirable outcome can be indexed against the health care expenditure required for procurement. Prostate cancer treatment is an especially difficult subject for investigation of value. The late onset of the disease, coupled with competitive mortality risk, confounds value analysis. When cost considerations are made paramount, observation is the apparent treatment of choice. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:288–290. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the coupling of regularization techniques and the boundary element method for a hemivariational inequality modelling a delamination problem
Authors: Ovcharova Nina
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we couple regularization techniques of nondifferentiable optimization with the h‐version of the boundary element method (h‐BEM) to solve nonsmooth variational problems arising in contact mechanics. As a model example, we consider the delamination problem. The variational formulation of this problem leads to a hemivariational inequality with a nonsmooth functional defined on the contact boundary. This problem is first regularized and then discretized by an h‐BEM. We prove convergence of the h‐BEM Galerkin solution of the regularized problem in the energy norm, provide an a priori error estimate and give a numerical examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boundary homogenization for a triharmonic intermediate problem
Authors: Arrieta José M. , Ferraresso Francesco , Lamberti Pier Domenico
Published: June 2016

We consider the triharmonic operator subject to homogeneous boundary conditions of intermediate type on a bounded domain of the N‐dimensional Euclidean space. We study its spectral behaviour when the boundary of the domain undergoes a perturbation of oscillatory type. We identify the appropriate limit problems that depend on whether the strength of the oscillation is above or below a critical threshold. We analyse in detail the critical case that provides a typical homogenization problem leading to a strange boundary term in the limit problem. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the existence of positive least energy solutions for a coupled Schrödinger system with critical exponent
Authors: Ye Hongyu
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we consider the following coupled Schrödinger system with critical exponent:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4034:mma4034-math-0001
where
is a smooth bounded domain, λ > 0,μ≥0, and
. Under certain conditions on λ and μ, we show that this problem has at least one positive least energy solution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A characterization of irreducible infeasible subsystems in flow networks
Authors: Joormann Imke , Orlin James B. , Pfetsch Marc E.
Published: June 2016

Infeasible network flow problems with supplies and demands can be characterized via violated cut‐inequalities of the classical Gale‐Hoffman theorem. Written as a linear program, irreducible infeasible subsystems (IISs) provide a different means of infeasibility characterization. In this article, we answer a question left open in the literature by showing a one‐to‐one correspondence between IISs and Gale‐Hoffman‐inequalities in which one side of the cut has to be weakly connected. We also show that a single max‐flow computation allows one to compute an IIS. Moreover, we prove that finding an IIS of minimal cardinality in this special case of flow networks is strongly
‐hard. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 68(2), 121–129 2016
The ring/κ‐rings network design problem: Model and branch‐and‐cut algorithm
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martín Inmaculada , Salazar‐González Juan‐José , Yaman Hande
Published: June 2016

This article considers the problem of designing a two‐level network where the upper level consists of a backbone ring network connecting the so‐called hub nodes, and the lower level is formed by access ring networks that connect the non‐hub nodes to the hub nodes. There is a fixed cost for each type of link, and a facility opening cost associated to each hub. The number of nodes in each access ring is bounded, and the number of access rings connected to a hub is limited to
, thus resulting in a ring/
‐rings topology. The aim is to decide the hubs to open and to design the backbone and access rings to minimize the installation cost. We propose a mathematical model, give valid inequalities, and describe a branch‐and‐cut algorithm to solve the problem. Computational results show the algorithm is able to find optimal solutions on instances involving up to 40 nodes within a reasonable time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 68(2), 130–140 2016
Re‐establishing and preserving hope of recovery through user participation in patients with a severe mental disorder: the self‐referral‐to‐inpatient‐treatment project
Authors: Samuelsen Silje S. , Moljord Inger Elise Opheim , Eriksen Lasse
Published: June 2016

Aims

The treatment of patients with a severe mental disorder is generally not good enough. The aim of this article was to illustrate some alternative approaches for better understanding and treatment for the individual, besides seeing and interpreting the symptoms.

Methods

The context of understanding is regulation of emotions whit a person‐based approach. The self‐referral‐to‐inpatient‐treatment project is presented and discussed as a possible method of intervention to improve patient involvement.

Design

Theoretical approach.

Results

Involvement in genuine decisions, where the individual is in control and feels emotionally robust, is important. The experience of regaining authority through being self‐empowered with sufficient environmental support is essential for re‐establishing and preserving hope of recovery.
Relationships between measures of adiposity with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yuan Mingxia , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Bowden Donald W. , Xu Jianzhao , Carrie Smith S. , Wagenknecht Lynne E. , Comeau Mary E. , Divers Jasmin , Register Thomas C. , Jeffrey Carr J. , Langefeld Carl D. , Freedman Barry I.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Assess cross‐sectional relationships between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), pericardial (PAT), visceral (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volumes with calcified plaque (CP) in African Americans (AAs) and European Americans (EAs) with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Computed tomography measured PAT, VAT, SAT, and CP in coronary arteries (CAC), carotid arteries, and aorta. Generalized estimating equations models were fitted to test for associations between adiposity and CP, stratified by ethnicity while accounting for familial correlations.

Results

AAs (N = 753) vs. EAs (N = 562) had significantly lower PAT and VAT, despite equal or higher BMI. In multivariable models adjusting for age, gender, education, HbA1c, statins, smoking, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, nephropathy, and C‐reactive protein, PAT positively associated with presence of CAC in AAs (P < 0.001), not EAs (P = 0.68; ethnicity interaction P < 0.01). Inverse associations were detected between SAT and severity of aorta CP (P < 0.01) in AAs and between BMI, WC, and SAT with severity of aorta CP in all participants.

Conclusions

Ethnic‐ and gender‐specific differences in BMI, WC, PAT, SAT, and VAT were present in AAs and EAs with diabetes. Only PAT was positively associated with CAC in AAs; paradoxical inverse associations were seen between several other adiposity measures and subclinical cardiovascular disease.
Effect of grain boundary character of multicrystalline Si on external and internal (phosphorus) gettering of impurities
Authors: Joonwichien Supawan , Takahashi Isao , Kutsukake Kentaro , Usami Noritaka
Published: June 2016

We investigated the effect of the grain boundary (GB) character of multicrystalline Si (mc‐Si) on the efficiency of external and internal gettering of impurities during phosphorus diffusion gettering (PDG). We utilized seed crystals with an artificially designed GB configuration to grow mc‐Si ingots with different artificial GB characters. PDG combined with an originally developed multiple‐cycle gettering technique at low temperature was introduced on intentionally Fe‐contaminated mc‐Si samples to enhance external and internal gettering. A significant positive PDG effect was observed after PDG combined with the multiple‐cycle technique, as evidenced by the increase in lifetimes after PDG. A bright cloud‐like photoluminescence signal around contaminated GBs was observed for artificial Σ5‐GBs and tilt‐GBs after PDG, suggesting the enhancement of the internal gettering efficiency by leaving a cleaner area around the GBs. This result suggests the importance of the control of crystal defect character as well as impurities in mc‐Si ingots, which could strongly affect the PDG efficiency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic approaches to study osteoclast biology
Authors: Segeletz Sandra , Hoflack Bernard
Published: June 2016

Bone is a dynamic tissue whose remodeling throughout life is orchestrated by repeated cycles of destruction mediated by osteoclasts and rebuilding by osteoblasts. Current understanding of osteoclast biology has largely relied on the generation of knockout mice exhibiting an abnormal bone phenotype. This has provided a better understanding of osteoclast biology and the key proteins that support osteoclast function. However, mouse models alone do not provide an integrated view on protein networks and post‐translational modifications that might be important for osteoclast function. During the past years, a number of MS‐based quantitative methods have been developed to investigate the complexity of biological systems. This review will summarize how such approaches have contributed to the understanding of osteoclast differentiation and function.
Predation by generalist arthropod predators on Apolygus lucorum (Hemiptera: Miridae): molecular gut‐content analysis and field‐cage assessment
Authors: Li Jinhua , Yang Fan , Wang Qian , Pan Hongsheng , Yuan Haibin , Lu Yanhui
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

The mirid bug Apolygus lucorum (Meyer‐Dür) is a principal pest of cotton that also causes great damage to many other crops in China. A study was conducted to assess the mortality of A. lucorum from generalist arthropod predators using both molecular methods and a field‐cage trial. The species‐specific primer pair for the detection of A. lucorum tissues in predators was designed according to the sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene.

RESULTS

A total of 2096 generalist predators that consisted of ladybeetles, lacewings and spiders were collected, and A. lucorum remains were detected using the designed primers. Only 1.6% of these predators contained A. lucorum DNA, with the highest positive proportion (6.1%) for Harmonia axyridis larvae. In the field‐cage experiment, the daily predation rates of second‐instar A. lucorum nymphs by H. axyridis adults and larvae were 4.7 and 5.2% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall low positive proportion of generalist predators with A. lucorum DNA detected using the molecular method, combined with the low predation rate in the field‐cage experiment, indicated that the primary generalist predators likely had a limited role in the suppression of A. lucorum in the field. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermodynamics study of the noncovalent functionalization of surfactant suspended graphene nanosheets with porphyrin molecules
Authors: Delport Géraud , Vialla Fabien , Campidelli Stéphane , Voisin Christophe , Lauret Jean Sébastien
Published: June 2016

We report on the noncovalent functionalization of graphene with hydrophobic tetraphenyl porphyrin (TPP) molecules in micellar aqueous suspensions. We study the thermodynamical parameters of the reaction using optical spectroscopy, and measure its Gibbs energy. We show that a total reaction can be achieved, leading to a high functionalization yield, despite the ‐stacking noncovalent binding.

Side view of a graphene nanosheet covered with porphyrins.
Great expectations: An analysis of major league baseball free agent performance
Authors: Barnes Sean L. , Bjarnadóttir Margrét V.
Published: June 2016

We explore whether free agents in Major League Baseball meet the expectations set forth by newly signed contracts. The value and duration of these contracts are negotiated between the player (and his agent) and the signing team and are based primarily on the player's performance to date, projected future performance, and potential marketing value to the team. We develop two classes of models to explore this problem using a variety of regression‐ and tree‐based machine learning algorithms. The market model uses player and team data to predict the market value of a player's performance (i.e., average contract salary). The performance model uses the same data to predict wins above replacement as a surrogate for overall player performance. We translate this measure into dollars using position‐based conversion factors. Analysis of these models demonstrates that the performance model more consistently predicts and assesses player value with respect to their free agent contracts. Together, these models can be used to target or avoid free agents (or other players) whose performance‐based value differs significantly from their market value. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining: The ASA Data Science Journal, 2016