bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active DIsturbance Rejection Control of Surface Vessels Using Composite Error Updated Extended State Observer
Authors: Sun Tairen , Zhang Jun , Pan Yongping
Published: March 2017

In this paper, a composite‐errors‐based active disturbance rejection control law is proposed for surface vessels with exogeneous disturbances. The low‐frequency disturbances from wind, wave and ocean currents are estimated by a novel composite‐errors‐based extended state observer (ESO). Since the composite errors are composed of trajectory tracking errors and estimation errors, the disturbance rejection control is feedforward‐feedback composite control. The advantages of feedforward control and feedback control are exploited to reject system disturbances. Compared with conventional ESO‐based active disturbance rejection control, smaller estimation errors and smaller tracking errors can be achieved by the proposed disturbance compensation control. The effectiveness and superiority of the designed control law are illustrated by theoretical analysis and simulation results.
Leveraging high‐resolution spectra to understand black hole spectra
Authors: Nowak M. A.
Published: March 2017

For the past 17 years, both XMM‐Newton and Chandra have brought the powerful combination of high spatial and spectral resolution to the study of black hole systems. Each of these attributes requires special consideration—in comparison to lower spatial resolution charge‐coupled device (CCD)‐quality spectra—when modeling observations obtained by these spacecraft. A good understanding of the high‐resolution spectra is in fact required to model properly lower resolution CCD spectra, with the reflection grating spectrometer (RGS) instrument on XMM‐Newton maintaining the highest “figure of merit” at soft X‐ray energies for all missions flying or currently planned for the next decade. Thanks to its even higher spectral resolution, the use of Chandra high‐energy transmission gratings (HETGs), albeit with longer integration times, allows for one to bring further clarity to RGS studies. A further promising route for continued studies is the combination of high spectral resolution at soft X‐rays, via RGS and/or HETG, with contemporaneous broadband coverage extending to hard X‐rays (e.g., NuSTAR or INTEGRAL spectra). Such studies offer special promise for answering fundamental questions about accretion in black hole systems; however, they have received only moderate consideration to date. This may be due in part to the difficulty of analyzing high‐resolution spectra. In response, we must continue to develop software tools that make the analysis of high‐resolution X‐ray spectra more accessible to the wider astrophysics community.
Probing the nature of dark matter with deepXMM‐Newton observations of the dwarf spheroidal galaxies
Authors: Boyarsky A. , Ruchayskiy O.
Published: March 2017

We report the results of the very large program withXMM‐Newton (AO‐14) devoted to deep observation of Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy. The p‐n junction (PN) camera shows a positive spectral feature atE= 3.54 ± 0.06 with a 2.3σsignificance. The two Metal Oxide Semi‐conductor (MOS) cameras show less‐significant or no positive deviations, consistently within 1σwithPN. These results put the bound on the lifetime of a decaying dark matter particleτ> (7 − 9) × 1027s at 95%CL. The spread in this result comes from the uncertainty in the column density of dark matter in the direction of Draco. This limit is consistent with dark matter interpretation of the 3.5keVline observed in the stacked galaxy clusters,M31and the galactic center within their 1 − 2σuncertainties.
Fertility and Embryo‐Fetal Development Assessment in Rats and Rabbits with Evacetrapib: A Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibitor
Authors: Breslin William J. , Hilbish Kim G. , Cannady Ellen A. , Edwards Tammy L.
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of these studies was to evaluate the effects of evacetrapib on male and female fertility and on embryo‐fetal development (EFD).

Methods

Evacetrapib, a potent and selective inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), was administered daily by oral gavage starting 2 weeks (for female) or 4 weeks (for male) before mating, during cohabitation, and until necropsy in the male rat fertility study or through gestation day (GD) 17 in the female rat combined fertility/EFD study. For rabbit EFD studies, animals were dosed from GDs 7 to 19 or from 1 week before mating through GD 19. Dose levels of evacetrapib ranged from 60 to 600 mg/kg for rats and from 1 to 100 mg/kg/day for rabbits.

Results

Parental findings in rats included decreased body weight and food consumption and moribund euthanasia in animals given 600 mg/kg/day and decreased food consumption at 300 mg/kg/day. There were no adverse effects on estrus cycling, fertility indices, sperm parameters, maternal reproductive parameters, male reproductive tissue, or fetal viability, growth, or external/visceral morphology. An increase in the incidence of 14th rudimentary ribs, a minor, transient variation considered nonadverse, was the only significant developmental finding in rats given 600 mg/kg/day. Slight decreases in body weight and food consumption at 100 mg/kg/day were the only maternal effects observed in rabbits with no adverse developmental effects noted.

Conclusion

No adverse effects on fertility or EFD were observed in rats at doses up to 600 mg/kg/day and no adverse effects on EFD were noted in rabbits at doses up to 100 mg/kg/day. Birth Defects Research 109:513–527, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐488‐3p sensitizes malignant melanoma cells to cisplatin by targeting PRKDC
Authors: Li Ning , Ma Yue , Ma Li , Guan Yu , Ma Liang , Yang Daping
Published: March 2017

Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been implicated in drug resistance in various types of cancers, including malignant melanoma (MM). MiR‐488‐3p has been reported as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the exact expression patterns of miR‐488‐3p and the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its role in MM remain largely unknown and require further investigation. In this study, we demonstrated that miR‐488‐3p is significantly downregulated in MM clinical specimens and cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR‐488‐3p resulted in markedly increased drug sensitivity of MM cells in vitro and in vivo. The DNA‐activated, catalytic polypeptide (PRKDC), which encodes DNA‐dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA‐PKcs), was identified as a direct target of miR‐488‐3p using luciferase reporter assays, qRT‐PCR, and western blotting analyses. PRKDC knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) alone promoted sensitivity of MM cells to cisplatin (DDP) while overexpression of PRKDC partially rescued the miR‐488‐3p‐mediated acceleration of sensitivity to DDP in MM cells. Taken together, our results indicate that miR‐488‐3p serves as a drug resistance sensitizer in MM, supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate.
Dental pulp stem cells promote regeneration of damaged neuron cells on the cellular model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Feixiang , Jia Yali , Liu Jiajing , Zhai Jinglei , Cao Ning , Yue Wen , He Huixia , Pei Xuetao
Published: March 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease and many types of stem cells have been used in AD therapy with some favorable effects. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutical effects of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) on AD cellular model which established by okadaic acid (OA)‐induced damage to human neuroblastoma cell line, SH‐SY5Y, in vitro for 24 h. After confirmed the AD cellular model, the cells were co‐culture with hDPSCs by transwell co‐culture system till 24 h for treatment. Then the cytomorphology of the hDPSCs‐treated cells were found to restore gradually with re‐elongation of retracted dendrites. Meanwhile, Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and Hoechst 33258 staining showed that hDPSCs caused significant increase in the viability and decrease in apoptosis of the model cells, respectively. Observation of DiI labeling also exhibited the prolongation dendrites in hDPSCs‐treated cells which were obviously different from the retraction dendrites in AD model cells. Furthermore, specific staining of α‐tubulin and F‐actin demonstrated that the hDPSCs‐treated cells had the morphology of restored neurons, with elongated dendrites, densely arranged microfilaments, and thickened microtubular fibrils. In addition, results from western blotting revealed that phosphorylation at Ser 396 of Tau protein was significantly suppressed by adding of hDPSCs. These results indicate that hDPSCs may promote regeneration of damaged neuron cells in vitro model of AD and may serve as a useful cell source for treatment of AD.
Peritoneo‐cutaneous fistula from spilled gall bladder calculus following laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Kumar Suneed
Published: March 2017

Key Clinical Message

Inadvertent spillage of gall stones is a rare yet important cause of delayed postcholecystectomy complications. Varied presentations and difficulty in diagnosis are the hallmarks, making it crucial to have a high index of suspicion to detect and intervene appropriately. Peritoneo‐cutaneous fistulae from the retained stone can be completely excised in toto.
Synthesis and Reduction of Sterically Encumbered Mesoionic Carbene‐Stabilized Aryldihaloboranes
Authors: Arrowsmith Merle , Böhnke Julian , Braunschweig Holger , Gao Haopeng , Légaré Marc‐André , Paprocki Valerie , Seufert Jens
Published: March 2017

Sterically hindered, in situ generated 1,3,4‐substituted 1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene mesoionic carbenes (MICs) were employed to stabilize a number of aryl‐ and heteroaryldihaloboranes, as well as the first MIC‐supported diborane. Reduction of borane adducts of the 1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐tert‐butyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene ligand with KC8 in non‐coordinating solvents led to intramolecular C−H‐ and, C−C‐activation at an isopropyl residue of the supporting ligand. DFT calculations showed that each of these activation reactions proceeds via a different isomer of a borylene intermediate.
Structure‐Enabled Discovery of a Stapled Peptide Inhibitor to Target the Oncogenic Transcriptional Repressor TLE1
Authors: McGrath Sally , Tortorici Marcello , Drouin Ludovic , Solanki Savade , Vidler Lewis , Westwood Isaac , Gimeson Peter , Van Montfort Rob , Hoelder Swen
Published: March 2017

TLE1 is an oncogenic transcriptional co‐repressor that exerts its repressive effects through binding of transcription factors. Inhibition of this protein–protein interaction represents a putative cancer target, but no small‐molecule inhibitors have been published for this challenging interface. Herein, the structure‐enabled design and synthesis of a constrained peptide inhibitor of TLE1 is reported. The design features the introduction of a four‐carbon‐atom linker into the peptide epitope found in many TLE1 binding partners. A concise synthetic route to a proof‐of‐concept peptide, cycFWRPW, has been developed. Biophysical testing by isothermal titration calorimetry and thermal shift assays showed that, although the constrained peptide bound potently, it had an approximately five‐fold higher Kd than that of the unconstrained peptide. The co‐crystal structure suggested that the reduced affinity was likely to be due to a small shift of one side chain, relative to the otherwise well‐conserved conformation of the acyclic peptide. This work describes a constrained peptide inhibitor that may serve as the basis for improved inhibitors.
Solar‐Water‐Splitting BiVO4 Thin‐Film Photoanodes Prepared By Using a Sol–Gel Dip‐Coating Technique
Authors: Hilliard Samantha , Friedrich Dennis , Kressman Stéphane , Strub Henri , Artero Vincent , Laberty‐Robert Christel
Published: March 2017

A facile and low cost method to construct a bismuth vanadate thin film photoanode was implemented with the aim of integrating it in a tandem dual water splitting photoelectrochemical cell. Multilayer semi‐transparent thin films of BiVO4 were fabricated by a sol–gel process and deposited by dip‐coating onto transparent conducting oxide substrates with intermediate annealing treatment between layers and final calcination at a low temperature of 450 °C in air. The effect of the intermediate annealing temperature has a great impact on the porosity, and therefore density, of thin layers of BiVO4 when fabricated by sol–gel dip‐coating methods; thus, for optimal activity, the annealing temperature should be kept at 400 °C for thinner layers and 450 °C for thicker layers. The annealing temperature has a direct effect on the size of the crystallites which determines the microstructural density and porosity. In contrast, the final calcination temperature must be 450 °C in order to achieve good electrochemical performances. Optimized BiVO4 photoanodes exhibit a photocurrent of up to 2.1 mA cm−2 with an average Faradic efficiency of 85 % for oxygen evolution in neutral pH potassium phosphate buffer at 1.23 V vs. RHE under 350 mW cm−2 light irradiation.
An Efficient and Reusable Embedded Ru Catalyst for the Hydrogenolysis of Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone
Authors: Wei Zuojun , Lou Jiongtao , Su Chuanmin , Guo Dechao , Liu Yingxin , Deng Shuguang
Published: March 2017

To achieve a higher activity and reusability of a Ru‐based catalyst, Ru nanoparticles were embedded in N‐doped mesoporous carbon through a hard‐template method. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance (314 h−1 turnover frequency) and recyclability (reusable five times with 3 % activity loss) for the hydrogenolysis of levulinic acid to γ‐valerolactone. Compared with the mesoporous carbon without N‐doping and conventional activated carbon, the introduction of N‐dopant effectively improved the dispersion of Ru nanoparticles, decreased the average size of Ru nanoparticles to as small as 1.32 nm, and improved the adsorption of levulinic acid, which contributed to the increase in the activity of the catalyst. Additionally, the embedding method increased the interaction between Ru nanoparticles and carbon support in contrast with the conventional impregnation method, thus preventing the Ru nanoparticles from migration, aggregation, and leaching from the carbon surface and therefore increasing the reusability of the catalyst.
A gradient of nutrient enrichment reveals nonlinear impacts of fertilization on Arctic plant diversity and ecosystem function
Authors: Prager Case M. , Naeem Shahid , Boelman Natalie T. , Eitel Jan U. H. , Greaves Heather E. , Heskel Mary A. , Magney Troy S. , Menge Duncan N.L. , Vierling Lee A. , Griffin Kevin L.
Published: March 2017

Rapid environmental change at high latitudes is predicted to greatly alter the diversity, structure, and function of plant communities, resulting in changes in the pools and fluxes of nutrients. In Arctic tundra, increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability accompanying warming is known to impact plant diversity and ecosystem function; however, to date, most studies examining Arctic nutrient enrichment focus on the impact of relatively large (>25x estimated naturally occurring N enrichment) doses of nutrients on plant community composition and net primary productivity. To understand the impacts of Arctic nutrient enrichment, we examined plant community composition and the capacity for ecosystem function (net ecosystem exchange, ecosystem respiration, and gross primary production) across a gradient of experimental N and P addition expected to more closely approximate warming‐induced fertilization. In addition, we compared our measured ecosystem CO2 flux data to a widely used Arctic ecosystem exchange model to investigate the ability to predict the capacity for CO2 exchange with nutrient addition. We observed declines in abundance‐weighted plant diversity at low levels of nutrient enrichment, but species richness and the capacity for ecosystem carbon uptake did not change until the highest level of fertilization. When we compared our measured data to the model, we found that the model explained roughly 30%–50% of the variance in the observed data, depending on the flux variable, and the relationship weakened at high levels of enrichment. Our results suggest that while a relatively small amount of nutrient enrichment impacts plant diversity, only relatively large levels of fertilization—over an order of magnitude or more than warming‐induced rates—significantly alter the capacity for tundra CO2 exchange. Overall, our findings highlight the value of measuring and modeling the impacts of a nutrient enrichment gradient, as warming‐related nutrient availability may impact ecosystems differently than single‐level fertilization experiments.
Pollinator preference and pollen viability mediated by flower color synergistically determine seed set in an Alpine annual herb
Authors: Mu Junpeng , Yang Yulian , Luo Yanling , Su Ruijun , Niklas Karl J.
Published: March 2017

Gentiana leucomelaena manifests dramatic flower color polymorphism, with both blue‐ and white‐flowered individuals (pollinated by flies and bees) both within a population and on an individual plant. Previous studies of this species have shown that pollinator preference and flower temperature change as a function of flower color throughout the flowering season. However, few if any studies have explored the effects of flower color on both pollen viability (mediated by anther temperature) and pollinator preference on reproductive success (seed set) in a population or on individual plants over the course of the entire flowering season. Based on prior observations, we hypothesized that flower color affects both pollen viability (as a function of anther temperature) and pollen deposition (as a function of pollinator preference) to synergistically determine reproductive success during the peak of the flowering season. This hypothesis was tested by field observations and hand pollination experiments in a Tibetan alpine meadow. Generalized linear model and path analyses showed that pollen viability was determined by flower color, flowering season, and anther temperature. Anther temperature correlated positively with pollen viability during the peak of the early flowering season, but negatively affected pollen viability during the peak of the mid‐ to late flowering season. Pollen deposition was determined by flower color, flowering season (early, or mid‐ to late season), and pollen viability. Pollen viability and pollen deposition were affected by flower color that in turn affected seed set across the peak of the flowering season (i.e., when the greatest number of flowers were being pollinated). Hand pollination experiments showed that pollen viability and pollen deposition directly influenced seed set. These data collectively indicate that the preference of pollinators for flower color and pollen viability changed during the flowering season in a manner that optimizes successful reproduction in G. leucomelaena. This study is one of a few that have simultaneously considered the effects of both pollen viability and pollen deposition on reproductive success in the same population and on individual plants.
Transforming HKUST‐1 Metal–Organic Frameworks into Gels – Stimuli‐Responsiveness and Morphology Evolution
Authors: Liao Peisen , Fang Haobin , Zhang Jianyong , Hu Ya , Chen Liuping , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: March 2017

Metal–organic gels assembled from HKUST‐1 nanoparticles have been developed. The HKUST‐1 gels with varying molar ratios of the chemical constituents exhibit diverse multistimuli‐responsive behaviors towards environmental temperature and mechanical stimuli. A reversible phase transition between gel and colloidal suspensions can be achieved for the gel with a metal/ligand molar ratio of 1.2:1. The chemical and morphological structures of the supramolecular gels were investigated through a combination of electron microscopy, X‐ray analysis techniques, and optical spectroscopy. A continuous morphology evolution was confirmed to exist for a gradual decrease of the molar ratio between the metal and the ligand. The changes to the morphological structure also result in different gas adsorption and rheology properties for the HKUST‐1‐based gels.
Preparation and application of epitope magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for enrichment of sulfonamide antibiotics in water
Authors: Hu Yufeng , Wang Cheng , Li Xiangdao , Liu Lifen
Published: March 2017

Sulfonamides, which are widely used synthetic antibiotics, are hydrophilic and stable. They can easily migrate into the environment and aquatic animals, and increase the risk of cancer, drug resistance, and allergic symptoms if consumed by humans. Here, we developed an epitope magnetic imprinting approach to enrich multiple sulfonamide antibiotics from a water sample. Epitope magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (EMMIPs) were prepared by free‐radical polymerization using vinyl‐functioned Fe3O4 as a core, sulfanilamide (SA) as a dummy template, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross‐linker. The performance of the EMMIPs was first evaluated by rebinding SA, and then an adsorption experiment was conducted to assess the extraction of multiple sulfonamide antibiotics containing the SA group. The binding experiments showed that the EMMIPs reached adsorption equilibrium in only 5 min with adsorption of SA at 2040 μg/g, compared with just 462 μg/g for the epitope magnetic non‐imprinted polymers. EMMIPs were combined with HPLC for the detection of six sulfonamide antibiotics in surface water samples. The recoveries ranged from 79.3 to 92.4% and the relative standard deviations from 0.9 to 7.3%.
Create a student‐ready campus by engaging all constituents
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2017

SAN FRANCISCO — If you've worked with enrollment on your campus or have a vested interest as a campus academic leader in student success, you've thought about what prepares a student for your institution. But have you considered if your institution is really a student‐ready campus?
Lead campus initiatives, promote student success with effective use of data
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2017

When Wanda Hankins Dean was enrolled as an English major at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, she didn't expect to stay on at the university through retirement. She wouldn't have predicted she would be the university's registrar by the time she was 29 or that after 30 years in that position she would create an enrollment management unit for the institution.
Microstructural Stability of Tailored CaMn0.875−xFexTi0.125O3−δ Perovskite Oxygen Carrier Materials for Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Thoréton Vincent , Pishahang Mehdi , Mokkelbost Tommy , Wiik Kjell , Larring Yngve
Published: March 2017

CaMn1−xTixO3−δ are state‐of‐the‐art perovskite‐type oxygen‐carrier materials (OCMs) used in gaseous fluidized‐bed chemical looping combustion (CLC), which is currently undergoing upscaling and demo campaigns in several large pilot plants around the world. CLC requires control of oxygen release and uptake by the oxygen‐carrier material. The flexibility of the perovskite's structure allows a wide range of substitutions, which can be beneficial for tuning the properties. In this study, we investigate the beneficial effect of iron substitution on the microstructural stability of tailored CaMn0.875−xFexTi0.125O3−δ perovskite oxygen carrier materials for chemical looping combustion. The redox performances of the substituted compounds under different reducing atmospheres are discussed. During operation in a fixed‐bed reactor, methane conversion occurred without any soot formation. It was demonstrated that iron substitution improved the spontaneous release of oxygen and the oxygen‐transfer capacity of the material for moderate iron substitution close to x=0.15. Iron substitution also effectively limited the degradation of the microstructure of the particles during redox cycling.
Forecast robustness in macroeconometric models
Authors: Bårdsen Gunnar , Kolsrud Dag , Nymoen Ragnar
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates potential invariance of mean forecast errors to structural breaks in the data generating process. From the general forecasting literature, such robustness is expected to be a rare occurrence. With the aid of a stylized macro model we are able to identify some economically relevant cases of robustness and to interpret them economically. We give an interpretation in terms of co‐breaking. The analytical results resound well with the forecasting record of a medium‐scale econometric model of the Norwegian economy.
Portal fibroblasts marked by the surface antigen Thy1 contribute to fibrosis in mouse models of cholestatic liver injury
Authors: Katsumata Len William , Miyajima Atsushi , Itoh Tohru
Published: March 2017

Liver fibrosis, a condition that is characterized by excessive production and accumulation of extracellular matrix, including collagen, is the most common outcome of chronic liver injuries of different etiologies. Vitamin A‐storing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered to be the main source of this collagen production, with activation in response to liver injury. In contrast, the contribution of other cell types to this fibrogenic response remains largely elusive due to the lack of specific surface markers to identify and isolate these cells for detailed analysis. Here, we identify a mesenchymal population of thymus cell antigen 1 (Thy1)+ CD45− cells (Thy1 MCs) in the mouse liver; these cells reside near the portal vein in vivo and indicate profibrogenic characteristics in vitro, shown by their expression of collagen and α‐smooth muscle actin. Flow cytometric analysis of mouse liver nonparenchymal cells revealed that vitamin A storage and Thy1 expression were mutually exclusive, indicating that Thy1 MCs are distinct from HSCs. Importantly, Thy1 MCs reacted and contributed to the development of liver fibrosis specifically in mouse models of cholestatic liver injury. With the occurrence of cholestatic liver injury, collagen‐producing Thy1 MCs expanded in cell number and inhibited collagen degradation through up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor Timp1 expression, thereby promoting the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the periportal area. Conclusion: This study establishes Thy1 as a useful cell surface marker to prospectively identify and isolate periportal fibroblasts and further highlights a significant contribution of these cells to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis caused by cholestatic liver injuries. We suggest that Thy1 MCs may be an interesting therapeutic target for treating liver fibrosis in addition to the well‐characterized HSCs. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:198‐214)
Linking interannual river flow river variability across New Zealand to the Southern Annular Mode, 1979–2011
Authors: Li Ning , McGregor Glenn Russell
Published: March 2017

River flow constitutes an important element of the terrestrial branch of the hydrological cycle, yet knowledge regarding the extent to which its variability, at a range of timescales, is linked to a number of modes of atmospheric circulation is meagre. This is especially so in the Southern Hemisphere where strong candidates, such as El Niño Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), for influencing climate and thus river flow variability can be found. This paper presents the results of an analysis of the impact of the SAM on winter and summer river flow variability across New Zealand, purposefully controlling for the influence of El Niño Southern Oscillation and the tendency for the SAM to adopt a positive phase over the last 10–20 years. Study results, based on identifying hydrological regions and applying circulation‐to‐environment and environment‐to‐circulation approaches commonly used in synoptic climatology, reveal a seasonal asymmetry of the response of river flow variability to the SAM; winter flows demonstrate a higher degree of statistical association with the SAM compared to summer flows. Further, because of the complex orography of New Zealand and its general disposition normal to zonal flows of moisture bearing winds, there are intraseasonal spatial variations in river flow SAM associations with clear rain shadow effects playing out in resultant river flow volumes. The complexity of SAM river flow associations found in this study warns against using indices of large scale modes of atmospheric circulation as blunt tools for hydroclimatological prediction at scales beyond hydroclimatological regions or areas with internal hydrological consistency.
Development of Humanized Mice in the Age of Genome Editing
Authors: Hosur Vishnu , Low Benjamin E. , Avery Cindy , Shultz Leonard D. , Wiles Michael V.
Published: March 2017

Mice are the most commonly used model organisms to study human disease. Many genetic human diseases can be recapitulated by modifying the mouse genome allowing the testing of existing and novel therapeutics, including combinatorial therapeutics, without putting humans at risk. Specifically, the development of “humanized” mice, that is, severely immunodeficient mice engrafted with functional human hematopoietic and immune cells and tissues, has revolutionized our ability to study and model human diseases in preclinical in vivo systems. Until recently it has been challenging to develop strains of humanized mice with targeted mutations or that transgenically express human genes with site‐specific mutations, and can permit optimal growth of functional human cells and tissues. However, recent advances in targeted nuclease‐based genetic engineering have enabled precise modification and development of humanized mouse models at an unprecedented pace. These modifications permit optimal growth of functional human cells and tissues and can be used to replicate human genetically determined diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3043–3048, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arbitrarily applicable spatial relational responding
Authors: May Richard J. , Stewart Ian , Baez Luisa , Freegard Gary , Dymond Simon
Published: March 2017

Spatial reasoning, where novel spatial relationships are inferred based on trained relationships, can be conceptualized as arbitrarily applicable spatial relational responding. Here, we conducted two experiments to develop and validate, for the first time, a laboratory procedure to establish arbitrarily applicable spatial relational responding in adult humans. In Experiment 1, participants were trained on nonarbitrary spatial relational tasks designed to establish contextual cues for left of, right of, above, and below. Contextual cues were then used to train a series of arbitrary spatial relations involving four abstract shapes. Following training in a subset of arbitrary relations (A is left of B, B is above C, C is right of D), subsequent testing examined the emergence of untrained spatial relations (B is right of A, C is below B, D is left of C, D is below A and A is above D). When absent in initial tests, spatial relational responding was facilitated by a remedial training procedure incorporating nonarbitrary relational guidance. Participants showed patterns of spatial relational responding consistent with test relations. In Experiment 2, a variant reversal design yielded predictable, reversed spatial relational responses. Overall, the present procedures represent the first empirical demonstration of arbitrarily applicable spatial relational responding and thus, arguably, the first functional analytic model of spatial reasoning.
Square function estimates on layer potentials for higher‐order elliptic equations
Authors: Barton Ariel , Hofmann Steve , Mayboroda Svitlana
Published: March 2017

In this paper we establish square‐function estimates on the double and single layer potentials for divergence form elliptic operators, of arbitrary even order 2m, with variable t‐independent coefficients in the upper half‐space. This generalizes known results for variable‐coefficient second‐order operators, and also for constant‐coefficient higher‐order operators.
Subadult Age at Death and Health Status at Niah Cave, Borneo (1500–200 bc)
Authors: Schrenk A.
Published: March 2017

Southeast Asia's transition to rice agriculture is often used as an exception to the general pattern of health decline at the agricultural transition. Niah Cave is the largest known Southeast Asian Neolithic cemetery, providing valuable information about subadult health during the agricultural transition in this region. This study examines the health status and mortuary treatment of subadult skeletal remains (Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI) = 49) from the Neolithic cemetery of Niah Cave, Sarawak, Malaysia (1500–200 bc). This study found that few cases of cribra orbitalia (4.6%) and porotic hyperostosis (14%). However, nonspecific infections may have been a risk factor for subadults as over half (65%) died with active cases of periosteal reactions on their long bones. Differential diagnosis determined that possible factors for this include parasite load, rickets and scurvy. Mortuary practices indicate that subadults may have been treated differently in phases 1 and 2 but were grated similar mortuary treatment in phases 3 and 4. This study suggests that changes in mobility patterns may have placed subadults at risk for increased parasite load and vitamin deficiency, while the role of subadults within the community may have changed over time. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Established and emerging strategies for polymer chain‐end modification
Authors: Lunn David J. , Discekici Emre H. , Read de Alaniz Javier , Gutekunst Will R. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: March 2017

The development of “controlled” and “living” polymerization processes with high end‐group fidelity has enabled an unprecedented range of polymeric materials with specific chain‐end functionality to be prepared. This highlight provides an overview of available strategies and evaluation of recent approaches for the chain‐end functionalization of polymers prepared through controlled chain‐growth polymerizations. As a tribute to Professor Robert B. Grubbs on the occasion of his 75th birthday, we also take this opportunity to highlight methods for the chain‐end modification of polymers prepared by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization within the broader context of functional group tolerant, living polymerizations. Finally, we focus attention toward new directions in polymer chain‐end modifications, describing existing gaps in current strategies, and detailing recently reported protocols that show significant improvements over traditional methods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2903–2914
Cyp1b1‐mediated suppression of lymphoid progenitors in bone marrow by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons coordinately impacts spleen and thymus: a selective role for the Ah Receptor
Authors: Larsen Michele Campaigne , N'Jai Alhaji U. , Alexander David L. , Rondelli Catherine M. , Forsberg E C. , Czuprynski Charles J. , Jefcoate Colin R.
Published: March 2017

Bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem cells differentiate to common lymphoid progenitors (CLP) that emigrate to the thymus to form T cells or differentiate into immature B cells that then migrate to the spleen for maturation. Rapid in vivo suppression of BM progenitor cells by a single oral or intraperitoneal dose of 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) subsequently decreased mature lymphoid populations in BM, spleen, and thymus. These suppressions depended on BM CYP1B1, but not on aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity. Suppression of pre‐B colony formation at 6 h, correlated with subsequent decreases in mature BM, spleen, and thymus populations (48–168 h). Thymus T‐cell ratios were unaffected, suggesting low local toxicity. DMBA treatment suppressed progenitor cells 24‐h post treatment in wild type (WT), AhRb mice, but not in Cyp1b1‐ko mice. The stem cell populations were sustained. Benzo(a)pyrene (BP) mediated a similar progenitor suppression up to 6 h, but reversal rapidly ensued. This recovery was absent in mice with a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‐resistant, AhRd genotype. This AhR‐dependent progenitor recovery with BP induction accounts for the absence of suppression of B220+ BM and spleen populations at 48–168 h. However, DMBA and BP produced similar profiles for thymus cell suppression, independent of AhR genotype. Thus, lymphoid progenitors may exit the BM to the thymus prior to the BP reversal. This progenitor recovery is associated with elevated chemokines and cytokines that depend on AhR‐mediated induction of CYP1A1. This response increased constitutively in Cyp1b1‐ko BM, demonstrating that CYP1B1 metabolizes local stimulants that impact a basal progenitor protection process.
Effect of counter anions on ferroelectric properties of diisopropylammonium‐cation based molecular crystals
Authors: Jiang Chunli , Tong Wen‐Yi , Lin Hechun , Luo Chunhua , Peng Hui , Duan Chun‐Gang
Published: March 2017

Diisopropylammonium cation based single crystals with different counter anions (F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, , and ) were prepared. Their crystal structures and ferroelectric properties were investigated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dielectric measurements. The experimental results illustrate that the ferroelectric properties of diisopropylammonium‐based single crystals are closely related to the electronegativity and structure of the counter anions. For monoatomic anions, higher electronegativity results in higher polarization and phase‐transition temperature of the corresponding molecular–ionic ferroelectrics. The results of density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations also support the experimental results.
Pregnancy outcomes after assisted reproductive procedures with embryos that had been derived from affected and unaffected ovaries among women with small unilateral endometriomas
Authors: Takashima Akiko , Takeshita Naoki , Kinoshita Toshihiko
Published: March 2017

Aim

To clarify the effects of small endometriomas on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. In the present study, the potential impact of small ovarian endometriomas on the quantitative and qualitative outcomes ofIVFwas evaluated in the same individual.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed, in which 118 infertile women with unilateral endometriomas that were <40 mm in size and who underwentIVFor intracytoplasmic sperm injection were evaluated. Single frozen embryo transfer cycles were performed, with separate data collections for both the affected and the unaffected ovaries, which allowed for an evaluation of the implantation rate.

Results

The mean antral follicular count and the number of follicular flushings, retrieved oocytes, and obtained embryos were significantly lower for the endometrioma‐containing ovary than for the contralateral, intact ovary. No significant difference was observed regarding the blastocyst retrieval and good‐quality blastocyst retrieval rates, pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy or live birth rate.

Conclusion

Although the patients with a small endometrioma had a decreased ovarian reserve, they had lower pregnancy rates. The decision to transfer an embryo from an endometrioma‐containing ovary or from a contralateral, intact ovary also might not influence the pregnancy rate.
Assessing the Mechanistic Basis for Fine Sediment Biomonitoring: Inconsistencies among the Literature, Traits and Indices
Authors: Wilkes M. A. , Mckenzie M. , Murphy J. F. , Chadd R. P.
Published: March 2017

Classification of species sensitivity for biomonitoring has been approached under two different frameworks, using either empirical data or expert opinion. Two tools for fine sediment (i.e. clogging and colmation) biomonitoring in the UK tend towards these contrasting approaches. The Proportion of Sediment‐sensitive Invertebrates (PSI) index was developed using expert judgement. Empirical weightings were subsequently added at genus or species (EPSI) and mixed (EPSImixed) taxonomic levels, but scores remain constrained by the original categories. In contrast, the Combined Fine Sediment Index, composed of separate taxon scores along organic matter and total fine sediment gradients, was developed using a purely empirical approach. We tested the mechanistic bases for these indices by relating taxon scores to species traits. We compared the results with those for the well‐established Whalley Hawkes Paisley Trigg index of organic pollution. After controlling for varying sample sizes, Whalley Hawkes Paisley Trigg could be better predicted by a linear combination of all available traits (mean R2 = 0.92) than any of the fine sediment indices (0.68 < mean R2 < 0.76). When only traits expected to respond to fine sediment were offered as independent variables, the goodness of fit was substantially reduced for all fine sediment indices (0.27 < mean R2 < 0.46). Our findings demonstrate the lack of integration between the literature on macroinvertebrate responses to fine sediment, the available trait data and taxon scores. Refinement of the trait database is recommended to build on the valuable work performed to date. As the UK has taken the lead in embedding fine sediment into routine biomonitoring programmes, these findings have important international implications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extracting the dielectric function from high‐energy REELS measurements
Authors: Vos Maarten , Grande Pedro L.
Published: March 2017

A method is described for extracting the dielectric function directly from a reflection electron energy loss spectrum taken at relatively high energies (2.5 to 40 keV). It makes simplifying assumptions on separation of surface and bulk losses. The approach uses a description based on partial intensities and surface excitation parameters and fits directly the reflection electron energy loss data. Several different model dielectric functions are implemented (extended Drude, Drude Lindhard, Mermin, and the Levine–Louie dielectric functions with relaxation time), and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Justification of this approach is in the end based on a comparison with the dielectric function as obtained by other means, which is generally quite good, provided that the solution obtained is restrained by sum rules to the right refractive index and electron density. The fitting program, to be used in conjunction with commercial plotting software, is provided. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation and analysis of Ryukyu lacquerwares decorated with wisteria vine by pyrolysis GC/MS and 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio
Authors: Sung Meesook , Honda Takayuki , Lu Rong , Jung Jaekook , Miyakoshi Tetsuo
Published: March 2017

Three lacquer trays decorated with wisteria vine (rattan) produced in the 18–19th century in Ryukyu Kingdom were analyzed by cross‐section, pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr), radioactive carbon‐14 dating, and field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. One sample had only one red lacquer layer, and the other two samples had two layers with top red lacquer and a bottom layer of natural lacquer, respectively. The 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of three samples were 0.7091–0.7107, consistent with that of the Japanese mainland (<0.7110). The wood species of lacquer objects were identified as Japanese white pine, Japanese cedar, and Cunninghamia lanceolata, which grow in the Japanese islands. The carbon‐14 dating results showed that the lacquer films were about 1719–1785. In pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, 3‐heptylphenol (C7) and 3‐pentadecylphenol (C15) were detected in the mass chromatograms at m/z = 108 and palmitic acid and stearic acid were detected in the mass chromatograms at m/z = 60, implying that the coating material was sap collected from Toxicodendron vernicifluum lacquer tree and included a drying oil. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry revealed that mainly mercury sulfide was used as red pigment in these three Ryukyu lacquerwares. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Star‐Shaped Phenanthroimidazole‐Triphenylamine‐Based Yellow Organic Emitter for Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Tagare Jairam , Ulla Hidayath , Kajjam Aravind Babu , Satyanarayan M.N. , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: March 2017

In this work, new star‐shaped conjugated organic emitter, namely tris(4‐(1‐(9,9‐diethyl‐9H‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐1H‐phenanthro[9,10‐d]imidazol‐2‐yl)phenyl)amine (PIFTPA) with donor‐π‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) structure, was designed and synthesized by combining three fluoren‐phenanthroimidazole arms into a triphenylamine core and characterized using 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry. The detailed photophysical, thermal, electrochemical and electroluminescence properties were systematically studied. The organic emitter exhibits high glass transition temperature (230 °C) and high thermal stability with decomposition temperature. Electrochemical analysis reveals that the emitter has distinct oxidation and reduction behaviours. Furthermore, theoretical calculations (DFT) were performed to get a better understanding of the electronic structure. The OLEDs using this emitter as emissive material showed good device performance (6.45 cd/A, 4.39 lm/W, and 3.01%) with yellow emission and a low turn‐on voltage (2.87 V). The results demonstrate that TPA integrated with phenthroimdazole plays an important role in the device performance.
Total Synthesis of Damirone C, Makaluvamine O, Makaluvone, Batzelline C and Batzelline D
Authors: Backenköhler Jana , Spindler Stefanie , Spiteller Peter
Published: March 2017

The first total synthesis of makaluvamine O and batzelline D, pyrroloquinoline alkaloids isolated from marine sponges, are described. Key steps in the biomimetic synthesis are an intramolecular Michael addition leading to the pyrrolo[4,3,2‐de]quinoline core and the following selective halogenation at C‐6 position with NBS/NCS. Moreover, the related marine alkaloids damirone C, makaluvone and batzelline C were synthesised via this approach.
Zn(II) Chloride Promoted Benzannulation Strategy for One‐Pot Regioselective Synthesis of 6H‐Benzo[c]chromenes
Authors: Muralidhar Baitinti , Reddy Sabbasani Rajasekhara
Published: March 2017

A facile highly regioselective Zn(II) chloride promoted protocol for the synthesis of polycyclic chromene derivatives (6H‐benzo[c]chromenes) is described starting from 4‐(phenylethynyl)‐2H‐chromene‐3‐carbaldehydes (1) and terminal alkynes (2). The reaction proceeds through a formal [4+2] cycloaddition between an intermediate formed in situ between 1, Zn(II) chloride and alkyne (2) followed by a retro Diels‐Alder step. Developed method provides the desired heterocyclic compounds in high yields under mild reaction conditions.
Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Diaryl Ketones by Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Cross‐Coupling Reaction Between Triarylbismuthines and Aryl(Heteroaryl) Iodides
Authors: Dansereau Julien , Gautreau Stéphane , Gagnon Alexandre
Published: March 2017

Highly functionalized diaryl ketones were prepared by carbonylative cross‐coupling reaction between triarylbismuthines and aryl and heteroaryl iodides. The reaction is catalyzed by tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and is performed in the presence of rubidium carbonate. The procedure requires only 1 atmosphere of carbon monoxide and 0.4 equivalents of triarylbismuthine. Addition of lithium chloride provides higher yields of the desired diaryl ketones. This simple protocol shows wide substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance. The reactivity of ditolylbismuth chloride and tolylbismuth dichloride is investigated.