bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA diversity in prehispanic bone remains on the eastern Colombian Andes
Authors: Casas-Vargas Andrea , Romero Liza M. , Usaquén William , Zea Sara , Silva Margarita , Briceño Ignacio , Gómez Alberto , Rodríguez José Vicente
Published: January 2018

Introducción. El ADN antiguo que se extrae de los restos óseos humanos permite analizar la composición genética de las poblaciones precolombinas y determinar las dinámicas poblacionales que dieron origen a la diversidad de las poblaciones contemporáneas.Objetivo. Determinar la diversidad genética y la relación con otras comunidades contemporáneas y antiguas de América, de los restos óseos asociados al Templo del Sol en Sogamoso, Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 13 individuos pertenecientes al periodo precolombino muisca (siglos IX-XVI d. C.), provenientes de los alrededores del Templo del Sol en Sogamoso, Boyacá, Andes orientales colombianos. Se amplificó el ADN mitocondrial (ADNmt) y se determinaron los polimorfismos de la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, RFLP) para los cuatro haplogrupos amerindios (A, B, C y D). Además, se amplificaron y analizaron los marcadores autosómicos, incluida la amelogenina, y los marcadores de los polimorfismos de repeticiones cortas en tándem (Short Tandem Repeat, STR) del cromosoma Y.Resultados. El haplogrupo A fue el linaje mitocondrial más frecuente en esta población, seguido de los haplogrupos B y C; no se detectó el haplogrupo D. Los análisis de variación genética indicaron una diversidad semejante a la de las poblaciones pertenecientes a la familia lingüística chibcha, contemporánea en Colombia y Centroamérica. Se logró hacer la determinación molecular del sexo de los individuos estudiados y compararla con los datos osteológicos. Con una sola excepción, los datos bioantropológicos y moleculares concordaron.Conclusiones. Estos resultados aportan nuevos elementos a la hipótesis del origen centroamericano de los grupos chibchas del altiplano cundiboyacense con base en marcadores genéticos, y permitieron establecer el sexo y las relaciones de parentesco.
Remote collection of microorganisms at two depths in a freshwater lake using an unmanned surface vehicle (USV)
Authors: Powers Craig , Hanlon Regina , Schmale III David G.
Published: January 2018

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in freshwater aquatic environments, but little is known about their abundance, diversity, and transport. We designed and deployed a remote-operated water-sampling system onboard an unmanned surface vehicle (USV, a remote-controlled boat) to collect and characterize microbes in a freshwater lake in Virginia, USA. The USV collected water samples simultaneously at 5 and 50 cm below the surface of the water at three separate locations over three days in October, 2016. These samples were plated on a non-selective medium (TSA) and on a medium selective for the genusPseudomonas(KBC) to estimate concentrations of culturable bacteria in the lake. Mean concentrations ranged from 134 to 407 CFU/mL for microbes cultured on TSA, and from 2 to 8 CFU/mL for microbes cultured on KBC. There was a significant difference in the concentration of microbes cultured on KBC across three sampling locations in the lake (P= 0.027), suggesting an uneven distribution ofPseudomonasacross the locations sampled. There was also a significant difference in concentrations of microbes cultured on TSA across the three sampling days (P= 0.038), demonstrating daily fluctuations in concentrations of culturable bacteria. There was no significant difference in concentrations of microbes cultured on TSA (P= 0.707) and KBC (P= 0.641) across the two depths sampled, suggesting microorganisms were well-mixed between 5 and 50 cm below the surface of the water. About 1 percent (7/720) of the colonies recovered across all four sampling missions were ice nucleation active (ice+) at temperatures warmer than −10 °C. Our work extends traditional manned observations of aquatic environments to unmanned systems, and highlights the potential for USVs to understand the distribution and diversity of microbes within and above freshwater aquatic environments.
Carbapenem Resistance in Gram-negative Bacteria in South-western Nigeria: The Role of Extended-spectrum β-lactamase CTX-M-15
Authors: Ogbolu Do , Webber Ma
Published: January 2018

Objective: To determine the role of extended-spectrum β-lactamases in carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from south-western Nigeria. Methods: Twenty-seven carbapenem-resistant isolates that were found to be non-carbapenemase producers (15 Escherichia coli, 9 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 3 Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were further studied. These isolates were subjected to analysis including phenotypic and genotypic detection of various β-lactamases, efflux activity, outer membrane protein, plasmids
replicon typing, detection of transferable genes and resistances and typing using random amplified polymorphic DNA tests. Results: No isolates demonstrated de-repression of efflux, but all showed either complete loss or reduced production of outer membrane proteins. Transconjugants from these strains contained various genes including plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. All the transconjugants carried the blaCTX-M-15 gene. The transconjugants
had varying minimum inhibitory concentrations of carbapenems ranging from 0.03 μg/ml to 8 μg/ml. Varying resistances to other antimicrobial agents were also transferred with the plasmids. The donor isolates were not clonally related by molecular typing. Conclusion: Resistance to carbapenem antibiotics in this sample was not mediated only by carbapenemases but also by production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (largely CTX-M-15), accompanied by protein loss. This was an important mechanism underpinning carbapenem resistance in these clinical isolates of various species.
Mainshock‐Aftershock Clustering in Volcanic Regions
Authors: Garza‐Giron Ricardo , Brodsky Emily E. , Prejean Stephanie G.
Published: January 2018

Earthquakes break their general Poissonean behavior through two types of seismic bursts: swarms and mainshock‐aftershock sequences. The former is commonly thought to dominate in volcanic and geothermal regions, but aftershock production, including within swarms, is not well studied in volcanic regions. Here we compare mainshock‐aftershock clustering in active volcanic regions in Japan to nearby nonvolcanic regions. We find that aftershock production is similar in both areas by two separate metrics: (1) Both volcanic and nonvolcanic regions have similar proportions of areas that cluster into mainshock‐aftershock sequences. (2) Volcanic areas with mainshock‐aftershock sequences have aftershock productivity at least as high as nonvolcanic regions. We also find that volcano‐tectonic events that are precursors to an eruption are more common at volcanoes without mainshock‐aftershock clusters than at volcanoes with well‐defined mainshock‐aftershock clusters. This last finding hints at a strategy to identify volcanic systems where cataloged earthquakes are good predictors of behavior.
Arctic Sea Ice in a 1.5°C Warmer World
Authors: Niederdrenk Anne Laura , Notz Dirk
Published: January 2018

We examine the seasonal cycle of Arctic sea ice in scenarios with limited future global warming. To do so, we analyze two sets of observational records that cover the observational uncertainty of Arctic sea ice loss per degree of global warming. The observations are combined with 100 simulations of historical and future climate evolution from the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model Grand Ensemble. Based on the high‐sensitivity observations, we find that Arctic September sea ice is lost with low probability (P≈ 10%) for global warming of +1.5°C above preindustrial levels and with very high probability (P> 99%) for global warming of +2°C above preindustrial levels. For the low‐sensitivity observations, September sea ice is extremely unlikely to disappear for +1.5°C warming (P≪ 1%) and has low likelihood (P≈ 10%) to disappear even for +2°C global warming. For March, both observational records suggest a loss of 15% to 20% of Arctic sea ice area for 1.5°C to 2°C global warming.
Contributions of a Strengthened Early Holocene Monsoon and Sediment Loading to Present‐Day Subsidence of the Ganges‐Brahmaputra Delta
Authors: Karpytchev M. , Ballu V. , Krien Y. , Becker M. , Goodbred S. , Spada G. , Calmant S. , Shum C. K. , Khan Z.
Published: January 2018

The contribution of subsidence to relative sea level rise in the Ganges‐Brahmaputra delta (GBD) is largely unknown and may considerably enhance exposure of the Bengal Basin populations to sea level rise and storm surges. This paper focuses on estimating the present‐day subsidence induced by Holocene sediment in the Bengal Basin and by oceanic loading due to eustatic sea level rise over the past 18 kyr. Using a viscoelastic Earth model and sediment deposition history based on in situ measurements, results suggest that massive sediment influx initiated in the early Holocene under a strengthened South Asian monsoon may have contributed significantly to the present‐day subsidence of the GBD. We estimate that the Holocene loading generates up to 1.6 mm/yr of the present‐day subsidence along the GBD coast, depending on the rheological model of the Earth. This rate is close to the twentieth century global mean sea level rise (1.1–1.7 mm/yr). Thus, past climate change, by way of enhanced sedimentation, is impacting vulnerability of the GBD populations.
Understanding the Warm Water Volume Precursor of ENSO Events and its Interdecadal Variation
Authors: Neske S. , McGregor S.
Published: January 2018

A wind forced ocean model is used to decompose the equatorial Pacific warm water volume (WWV) between 1980 and 2016 into two components: the (i) adjusted wind response, which is found by letting the model evolve unforced for three months, and (ii) instantaneous wind response, which are the instantaneous WWV changes due to Ekman transports. Our results suggest that roughly half of WWV variability is only as predictable as the winds that drive the instantaneous change. Separate examinations of pre‐2000 and post‐2000 periods reveal (i) nearly equal importance of instantaneous and adjusted responses for the pre‐2000 period and (ii) dominance of the instantaneous response during the post‐2000 period, which is most apparent during the recharged phase. This increasing instantaneous contribution prominence explains the post‐2000 reduction in WWV/El Niño‐Southern Oscillation sea surface temperature lead times (from six to nine months pre‐2000 down to three months post‐2000) and is consistent with the reduction in post‐2000 El Niño‐Southern Oscillation prediction skill.
Extreme High‐Temperature Events Over East Asia in 1.5°C and 2°C Warmer Futures: Analysis of NCAR CESM Low‐Warming Experiments
Authors: Li Donghuan , Zhou Tianjun , Zou Liwei , Zhang Wenxia , Zhang Lixia
Published: January 2018

Extreme high‐temperature events have large socioeconomic and human health impacts. East Asia (EA) is a populous region, and it is crucial to assess the changes in extreme high‐temperature events in this region under different climate change scenarios. The Community Earth System Model low‐warming experiment data were applied to investigate the changes in the mean and extreme high temperatures in EA under 1.5°C and 2°C warming conditions above preindustrial levels. The results show that the magnitude of warming in EA is approximately 0.2°C higher than the global mean. Most populous subregions, including eastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, will see more intense, more frequent, and longer‐lasting extreme temperature events under 1.5°C and 2°C warming. The 0.5°C lower warming will help avoid 35%–46% of the increases in extreme high‐temperature events in terms of intensity, frequency, and duration in EA with maximal avoidance values (37%–49%) occurring in Mongolia. Thus, it is beneficial for EA to limit the warming target to 1.5°C rather than 2°C.
Multi‐Instrument Observations of Prolonged Stratified Wind Layers at Iqaluit, Nunavut
Authors: Mariani Zen , Dehghan Armin , Gascon Gabrielle , Joe Paul , Hudak David , Strawbridge Kevin , Corriveau Julien
Published: January 2018

Data collected between October 2015 and May 2016 at Environment and Climate Change Canada's Iqaluit research site (64°N, 69°W) have revealed a high frequency (40% of all days for which observations were available) of stratified wind layer events that occur from near the surface up to about 7.2 km above sea level. These stratified wind layers are clearly visible as wind shifts (90 to 180°) with height in range‐height indicator scans from the Doppler lidar and Ka‐band radar and in wind direction profiles from the Doppler lidar and radiosonde. During these events, the vertical structure of the flow appears to be a stack of 4 to 10 layers ranging in vertical width from 0.1 to 4.4 km. The stratification events that were observed occurred predominantly (81%) during light precipitation and lasted up to 27.5 h. The integrated measurement platforms at Iqaluit permitted continuous observations of the evolution of stratification events in different meteorological conditions.
Effects of Asymmetric Secondary Eyewall on Tropical Cyclone Evolution in Hurricane Ike (2008)
Authors: Zhang Guosheng , Perrie William
Published: January 2018

The secondary eyewall plays an important role in tropical cyclone evolution and intensification and is routinely assumed to be axisymmetric. A unique opportunity to investigate the characteristics of the secondary eyewall in two dimensions is provided by the high spatial resolution (about 1 km) sea surface winds that were observed by spaceborne synthetic aperture radar over Hurricane Ike (2008). Here we extract the asymmetric characteristics using our Symmetric Hurricane Estimates for Winds model and analyze the related hurricane evolution by comparisons with aircraft measurements. Compared to the classic eyewall replacement cycle theory, our investigation finds that the primary eyewall did not weaken and the secondary eyewall did not shrink over a period of more than 30 hr. We suggest that the reason for this persistence is that a boundary layer inflow pathway is provided by the relatively low winds in the asymmetric secondary eyewall area, as observed by synthetic aperture radar.
Paleomagnetic Constraints From the Baoshan Area on the Deformation of the Qiangtang‐Sibumasu Terrane Around the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis
Authors: Li Shihu , van Hinsbergen Douwe J. J. , Deng Chenglong , Advokaat Eldert L. , Zhu Rixiang
Published: January 2018

The Sibumasu Block in SE Asia represents the eastward continuation of the Qiangtang Block. Here we report a detailed rock magnetic and paleomagnetic study on the Middle Jurassic and Paleocene rocks from northern Sibumasu, to document the crustal deformation during the India‐Asia collision since the Paleocene and reconstruct the overall strike of the Qiangtang/Sibumasu elements before the India‐Asia collision. Although the fold test is inconclusive based solely on our data, a positive reversal test, a positive regional fold test with previous paleomagnetic results, and a detrital origin of hematite in the red beds as indicated by scanning electron microscopy suggest that the magnetizations obtained from the Jurassic and Paleocene rocks are most likely primary, showing an ~80° clockwise rotation since Paleocene. These results, together with previously published paleomagnetic data, suggest that the northern Sibumasu and northern Simao elements experienced a ~60–80° clockwise rotation since Paleocene. This large clockwise rotation is also consistent with the surface GPS velocity field and NE‐SW fault networks, suggesting a rotational motion of crustal material from southeastern Tibet during late Cenozoic. We infer that the large clockwise rotation is a sum of rotation in the Eocene to Middle Miocene time associated with Indochina extrusion and rotation after the Middle Miocene associated with the E‐W extension in central Tibet. This suggests that the eastward motion of Tibetan crustal material along the Xianshuihe‐Xiaojiang fault after Middle Miocene is transmitted to the southwest toward Myanmar. Jurassic and Cretaceous paleomagnetic results suggest that the Qiangtang/northern Sibumasu was originally a curved structure with an orientation of N60°W in Tibet and changes to N10°W in southern Sibumasu.
Evaluation of Precipitation From EURO‐CORDEX Regional Climate Simulations in a Small‐Scale Mediterranean Site
Authors: Mascaro Giuseppe , Viola Francesco , Deidda Roberto
Published: January 2018

The evaluation of regional climate models' (RCMs') ability to reproduce the present‐day climate is critical to support their utility in impact studies under future climatic scenarios. This study evaluates the skill of an ensemble of state‐of‐the‐art regional climate simulations from the European Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment initiative in reproducing the precipitation (P) properties in Sardinia, a Mediterranean island of ~24,000 km2. The ensemble includes simulations at 0.44° and 0.11° grid spacing of the “Historical” experiment from 1950 to 2005. Precipitation records from a high‐density network of gauges are used as reference data set. The interannual and seasonal climatology of P, presence of trend, and orographic effect are assessed at the original RCM grid spacings and different spatial scales of aggregation. Most models capture the observed positive relation between annual P and elevation, with better performance at 0.11° spacing. The simulated spatial patterns of the climatological annual and seasonal means are well correlated with the observation at both spacings, but their spatial variability is overestimated. Positive and negative bias of up to ±60% are found in the simulation of annual mean and interannual variability. While the majority of the models reproduce the phase of the seasonal cycle, they underestimate (overestimate) winter (summer) P. The RCMs exhibit different deficiencies in capturing the negative annual and seasonal observed trends. In general, models' skill degrades when analyses are conducted at smaller aggregation scales. Results of this study reveal insight on RCM performances in small‐scale regions, which are often targeted by impact studies and have so far received less attention.
Geochemical Processes During Managed Aquifer Recharge With Desalinated Seawater
Authors: Ganot Y. , Holtzman R. , Weisbrod N. , Russak A. , Katz Y. , Kurtzman D.
Published: January 2018

We study geochemical processes along the variably‐saturated zone during managed aquifer recharge (MAR) with reverse‐osmosis desalinated seawater (DSW). The DSW, post‐treated at the desalination plant by calcite dissolution (remineralization) to meet the Israeli water quality standards, is recharged into the Israeli Coastal Aquifer through an infiltration pond. Water quality monitoring during two MAR events using suction cups and wells inside the pond indicates that cation exchange is the dominant subsurface reaction, driven by the high Ca2+ concentration in the post‐treated DSW. Stable isotope analysis shows that the shallow groundwater composition is similar to the recharged DSW, except for enrichment of Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+, and
. A calibrated variably‐saturated reactive transport model is used to predict the geochemical evolution during 50 years of MAR for two water quality scenarios: (i) post‐treated DSW (current practice) and (ii) soft DSW (lacking the remineralization post‐treatment process). The latter scenario was aimed to test soil‐aquifer‐treatment (SAT) as an alternative post‐treatment technique. Both scenarios provide an enrichment of ∼2.5 mg L−1 in Mg2+ due to cation exchange, compared to practically zero Mg2+ currently found in the Israeli DSW. Simulations of the alternative SAT scenario provide Ca2+ and
remineralization due to calcite dissolution at levels that meet the Israeli standard for DSW. The simulated calcite content reduction in the sediments below the infiltration pond after 50 years of MAR was low (<1%). Our findings suggest that remineralization using SAT for DSW is a potentially sustainable practice at MAR sites overlying calcareous sandy aquifers.
Forecasting Hourly Water Demands With Seasonal Autoregressive Models for Real‐Time Application
Authors: Chen Jinduan , Boccelli Dominic L.
Published: January 2018

Consumer water demands are not typically measured at temporal or spatial scales adequate to support real‐time decision making, and recent approaches for estimating unobserved demands using observed hydraulic measurements are generally not capable of forecasting demands and uncertainty information. While time series modeling has shown promise for representing total system demands, these models have generally not been evaluated at spatial scales appropriate for representative real‐time modeling. This study investigates the use of a double‐seasonal time series model to capture daily and weekly autocorrelations to both total system demands and regional aggregated demands at a scale that would capture demand variability across a distribution system. Emphasis was placed on the ability to forecast demands and quantify uncertainties with results compared to traditional time series pattern‐based demand models as well as nonseasonal and single‐seasonal time series models. Additional research included the implementation of an adaptive‐parameter estimation scheme to update the time series model when unobserved changes occurred in the system. For two case studies, results showed that (1) for the smaller‐scale aggregated water demands, the log‐transformed time series model resulted in improved forecasts, (2) the double‐seasonal model outperformed other models in terms of forecasting errors, and (3) the adaptive adjustment of parameters during forecasting improved the accuracy of the generated prediction intervals. These results illustrate the capabilities of time series modeling to forecast both water demands and uncertainty estimates at spatial scales commensurate for real‐time modeling applications and provide a foundation for developing a real‐time integrated demand‐hydraulic model.
The role of aggression‐related early maladaptive schemas and schema modes in aggression in a prisoner sample
Authors: Dunne Ashley L. , Gilbert Flora , Lee Stuart , Daffern Michael
Published: January 2018

Contemporary social‐cognitive aggression theory and extant empirical research highlights the relationship between certain Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) and aggression in offenders. To date, the related construct of schema modes, which presents a comprehensive and integrated schema unit, has received scant empirical attention. Furthermore, EMSs and schema modes have yet to be examined concurrently with respect to aggressive behavior. This study examined associations between EMSs, schema modes, and aggression in an offender sample. Two hundred and eight adult male prisoners completed self‐report psychological tests measuring their histories of aggression, EMSs, and schema modes. Regression analyses revealed that EMSs were significantly associated with aggression but did not account for a unique portion of variance once the effects of schema modes were taken into account. Three schema modes, Enraged Child, Impulsive Child, and Bully and Attack, significantly predicted aggression. These findings support the proposition that schema modes characterized by escalating states of anger, rage, and impulsivity characterize aggressive offenders. In this regard, we call attention to the need to include schema modes in contemporary social‐cognitive aggression theories, and suggest that systematic assessment and treatment of schema modes has the potential to enhance outcomes with violent offenders.
The impact of contextual information and a secondary task on anticipation performance: An interpretation using cognitive load theory
Authors: Runswick Oliver R. , Roca André , Mark Williams A. , Bezodis Neil E. , Mcrobert Allistair P. , North Jamie S.
Published: January 2018

When performing under severe time constraints, sports performers use kinematic and contextual information to facilitate anticipation. We examined the relative importance of these two information sources and their impact on cognitive load and anticipation performance. Cognitive load theory predicts that adding more information sources to a task will increase cognitive load in less‐skilled but not skilled performers. Skilled and less‐skilled cricket batters anticipated deliveries from bowlers on a life‐size screen under 4 conditions that manipulated access to contextual information and included a secondary task. The presence of context enhanced anticipation accuracy for both skilled and less‐skilled groups, without affecting cognitive load. Skilled performers used sequencing and game‐related contextual information in addition to kinematic information to facilitate anticipation, whereas both groups reported using information pertaining to opponent positioning. Findings highlight the importance of context in anticipation and suggest that the addition of context may not necessarily negatively impact cognitive load.
Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells: Impact of Minor Structural Modifications to the Polymer Backbone on the Polymer–Fullerene Mixing and Packing and on the Fullerene–Fullerene Connecting Network
Authors: Wang Tonghui , Chen Xian‐Kai , Ashokan Ajith , Zheng Zilong , Ravva Mahesh Kumar , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2018

The morphology of the active layer of a bulk heterojunction solar cell, made of a blend of an electron‐donating polymer and an electron‐accepting fullerene derivative, is known to play a determining role in device performance. Here, a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and long‐range corrected density functional theory calculations is used to elucidate the molecular‐scale effects that even minor structural changes to the polymer backbone can have on the “local” morphology; this study focuses on the extent of polymer–fullerene mixing, on their packing, and on the characteristics of the fullerene–fullerene connecting network in the mixed regions, aspects that are difficult to access experimentally. Three representative polymer donors are investigated: (i) poly[(5,6‐difluoro‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazol‐4,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(3,3′″‐di(2‐octyldodecyl)‐2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2′″‐quaterthiophen‐5,5′″‐diyl)] (PffBT4T‐2OD); (ii) poly[(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazol‐4,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(3,3′″‐di(2‐octyldodecyl)‐2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2′″‐quaterthiophen‐5,5′″‐diyl)] (PBT4T‐2OD), where the fluorine atoms in the benzothiadiazole moieties of PffBT4T‐2OD are replaced with hydrogen atoms; and (iii) poly[(2,2′‐bithiophene)‐alt‐(4,7‐bis((2‐decyltetradecyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)‐5,6‐difluoro‐2‐propyl‐2H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole)] (PT2‐FTAZ), where the sulfur atoms in the benzothiadiazole moieties of PffBT4T‐2OD are replaced with nitrogen atoms carrying a linear C3H7 side‐chain; these polymers are mixed with the phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) acceptor. This study also discusses the nature of the charge‐transfer electronic states appearing at the donor–acceptor interfaces, the electronic couplings relevant for the charge‐recombination process, and the electron‐transfer features between neighboring PC71BM molecules.
Piezo‐Phototronic Effect Modulated Deep UV Photodetector Based on ZnO‐Ga2O3 Heterojuction Microwire
Authors: Chen Mengxiao , Zhao Bin , Hu Guofeng , Fang Xiaosheng , Wang Hui , Wang Lei , Luo Jun , Han Xun , Wang Xiandi , Pan Caofeng , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: January 2018

A strain modulated solar‐blinded photodetector (PD) based on ZnO‐Ga2O3 core–shell heterojuction microwire is developed. This PD is highly sensitive to deep UV light centered at 261 nm. It performs ultrahigh sensitivity and spectral selectivity, which can response to rare weak deep UV light (≈1.3 µw cm−2) and almost no response to visible light wavelength ranges. Moreover, by using the piezo‐phototronic effect, the deep UV current response is enhanced to about three times under −0.042% static strain. This is a three way coupling effect among pizoelectric polarization, simiconductor properties, and optical excitation, which exists in noncentral symmetric wurtzite semiconductors such as ZnO, GaN, and CdS. By modulating the energy band diagrams and charge carriers in the junction area upon straining, the optoelectronic processes are regulated. The strain induced piezopotential modulates carrier transport in the heterostructure, which improves the response of the PD, with potential applications for health monitoring, smart systems, deep space exploration, and security communication.
Cascade Synthesis of Dihydrobenzofurans and Aurones via Palladium‐Catalyzed Isocyanides Insertion into 2‐Halophenoxy Acrylates
Authors: Ali Wajid , Dahiya Anjali , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: January 2018

A palladium‐catalyzed isocyanides insertion into 2‐halophenoxy acrylates leading to an unparalleled synthesis of dihydrobenzofurans (DHBs) having two exocyclic double bonds have been achieved. While the iodo substrates gave products having an exocyclic imine bond, its bromo analogue yielded reduced secondary amines as the product. An acid hydrolysis of the exocyclic imine bond in DHBs produces various aurone esters.

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Influence of injection molding parameters on the morphology, mechanical and surface properties ofABSfoams
Authors: Gómez‐Monterde Javier , Sánchez‐Soto Miguel , Maspoch Maria L.
Published: January 2018

In this work, microcellularABSfoams were studied. A series of injection molding samples defined by a design of experiments was carried out to analyze the effect of shot volume, mold temperature, and injection velocity on the morphology, mechanical properties, and surface roughness of microcellular samples. A predominant influence of shot volume on the cell structure and tensile properties was evidenced. Higher cell densities and narrower cell size distributions were obtained at lower injection volume. However, elastic modulus and tensile strength were improved by increasing the shot size. The effect of mold temperature and injection velocity was secondary. Higher levels of mold temperature and injection rate provided finer cell morphologies, but their effects on the elastic modulus and tensile strength were negligible. The decrease in shot volume and increase in gas content led to poor surface quality, whereas it was greatly improved by raising both mold temperature and injection velocity.
Superhydrophobic WS2‐Nanosheet‐Wrapped Sponges for Underwater Detection of Tiny Vibration
Authors: Xu Ruixin , Zhang Kaili , Xu Xiangyang , He Minghui , Lu Fachuang , Su Bin
Published: January 2018

Underwater vibration detection is of great importance in personal safety, environmental protection, and military defense. Sealing layers are required in many underwater sensor architectures, leading to limited working‐life and reduced sensitivity. Here, a flexible, superhydrophobic, and conductive tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets‐wrapped sponge (SCWS) is reported for the high‐sensitivity detection of tiny vibration from the water surfaces and from the grounds. When the SCWS is immersed in water, a continuous layer of bubbles forms on its surfaces, providing the sensor with two special abilities. One is sealing‐free feature due to the intrinsic water‐repellent property of SCWS. The other is functioning as a vibration‐sensitive medium to convert mechanical energy into electric signals through susceptible physical deformation of bubbles. Therefore, the SCWS can be used to precisely detect tiny vibration of water waves, and even sense those caused by human footsteps, demonstrating wide applications of this amphibious (water/ground) vibration sensor. Results of this study can initiate the exploration of superhydrophobic materials with elastic and conductive properties for underwater flexible electronic applications.
Clinical and cytogenomic findings in OAV spectrum
Authors: Bragagnolo Silvia , Colovati Mileny E. S. , Souza Malu Z. , Dantas Anelise G. , F de Soares Maria F. , Melaragno Maria I. , Perez Ana B.
Published: January 2018

The oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) is characterized by anomalies involving the development of the first and second pharyngeal arches during the embryonic period. The phenotype is highly heterogeneous, involving ears, eyes, face, neck, and other systems and organs. There is no agreement in the literature for the minimum phenotypic inclusion criteria, but the primary phenotype involves hemifacial microsomia with facial asymmetry and microtia. Most cases are sporadic and the etiology of this syndrome is not well known. Environmental factors, family cases that demonstrate Mendelian inheritance, such as preauricular appendages, microtia, mandibular hypoplasia, and facial asymmetry; chromosomal abnormalities and some candidate genes suggest a multifactorial inheritance model. We evaluated clinical, cytogenomic and molecularly 72 patients with OAVS, and compared our findings with patients from the literature. We found 15 CNVs (copy number variations) considered pathogenic or possibly pathogenic in 13 out of 72 patients. Our results did not indicated a single candidate genomic region, but recurrent chromosomal imbalances were observed in chromosome 4 and 22, in regions containing genes relevant to the OAVS phenotype or related to known OMIM diseases suggesting different pathogenic mechanisms involved in this genetically and phenotypic heterogeneous spectrum.
Pallidal deep brain stimulation modulates cortical excitability and plasticity
Authors: Ni Zhen , Kim Sang Jin , Phielipp Nicolas , Ghosh Soumya , Udupa Kaviraja , Gunraj Carolyn A. , Saha Utpal , Hodaie Mojgan , Kalia Suneil K. , Lozano Andres M. , Lee Darrin J. , Moro Elena , Fasano Alfonso , Hallett Mark , Lang Anthony E. , Chen Robert
Published: January 2018

Objective

Internal globus pallidus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) relieves symptoms in dystonia patients. However, the physiological effects produced by GPi DBS are not fully understood. In particular, how a single‐pulse GPi DBS changes cortical circuits has never been investigated. We studied the modulation of motor cortical excitability and plasticity with single‐pulse GPi DBS in dystonia patients with bilateral implantation of GPi DBS.

Methods

The cortical evoked potentials from DBS were recorded with electroencephalography. Transcranial magnetic stimulation with a conditioning test paired‐pulse paradigm was used to investigate the effect of GPi DBS on the primary motor cortex. How GPi DBS might modulate the motor cortical plasticity was tested using a paired associative stimulation paradigm with repetitive pairs of GPi DBS and motor cortical stimulation at specific time intervals.

Results

GPi stimulation produced 2 peaks of cortical evoked potentials with latencies of ∼10 and ∼25 milliseconds in the motor cortical area. Cortical facilitation was observed at ∼10 milliseconds after single‐pulse GPi DBS, and cortical inhibition was observed after a ∼25‐millisecond interval. Repetitive pairs of GPi stimulation with cortical stimulation at these 2 time intervals produced long‐term potentiation‐like effects in the motor cortex.

Interpretation

Single‐pulse DBS modulates cortical excitability and plasticity at specific time intervals. These effects may be related to the mechanism of action of DBS. Combination of DBS with cortical stimulation with appropriate timing has therapeutic potential and could be explored in the future as a method to enhance the effects of neuromodulation for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Ann Neurol 2018;83:352–362
Metallothioneins are neuroprotective agents in lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Cavalca Eleonora , Cesani Martina , Gifford Jennifer C. , Sena-Esteves Miguel , Terreni Maria Rosa , Leoncini Giuseppe , Peviani Marco , Biffi Alessandra
Published: January 2018

Objective

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a broad class of inherited metabolic diseases caused by the defective activity of lysosomal enzymes. Central nervous system (CNS) manifestations are present in roughly 50% of LSD patients and represent an unmet medical need for them. We explored the therapeutic potential of metallothioneins (MTs), a newly identified family of proteins with reported neuroprotective roles, in the murine models of two LSDs with CNS involvement.

Methods

MT‐1 overexpressing transgenic mice (MTtg) were crossed with the murine models of Batten and Krabbe diseases. Changes in the survival and manifestations of the disease in the MTtg setting were assessed. In addition, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of MT‐1 CNS gene delivery in one of these LSD models.

Results

Constitutive expression of MT‐1 exerted favorable phenotypic effects in both LSD models. MT‐LSD mice showed a 5% to 10% increase in survival and slower disease progression as compared to not‐transgenic LSD mice. Rescue of Purkinje cells from degeneration and apoptosis was also observed in the MT‐LSD models. This phenotypic amelioration was accompanied by a modulation of the disease‐associated activated inflammatory microglia phenotype, and by a reduction of oxidative stress. Importantly, for the clinical translation of our findings, the very same effects were obtained when MTs were delivered to brains by systemic AAV gene transfer.

Interpretation

MTs can be considered novel therapeutic agents (and targets) in LSDs and potentiate the effects of approaches aiming at correction of the disease‐causing enzyme deficiency in the CNS. Ann Neurol 2018;83:418–432 Ann Neurol 2018;83:418–432
A Reconfigurable DNA Accordion Rack
Authors: Choi Yeongjae , Choi Hansol , Lee Amos C. , Lee Hyunung , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: January 2018

DNA nanostructure‐based mechanical systems that control the distance between elements of interest have demonstrated great potential for various applications, including nanoplasmonic systems, molecular reactors, and other nanotechnology platforms. However, previously reported systems could not collectively manipulate a 2D or 3D nanoscale network of elements to various forms in multiple stages. A reconfigurable DNA accordion rack structure is introduced that is a DNA beam lattice that changes its conformation with a small amount of short‐length DNA locks as the controlling input. The lattice shape of the 2D DNA accordion rack and the diameter and the height of the 3D DNA nanotubular structure made of the DNA accordion rack could be controlled. Furthermore, by sequentially repeating the detachment and the attachment of the different DNA locks using strand displacement, the shape reconfiguration was repeatedly carried out.
Junction‐Controlled Topological Polymerization
Authors: Li Mao , Kang Shusen , Du Jia , Zhang Jian , Wang Jinxin , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: January 2018

Methodology that enables the controlled synthesis of linear and branched polymers from an identical monomer will be a novel pathway for polymer synthesis and processing. Herein we first describe the control of one or both of the C(3)‐C(3′) and C(6)‐C(6′) coupling reactions of carbazolyl. In a second approach, an identical monomer containing two carbazolyls is polymerized using chemical and electrochemical oxidizers, leading to topologically controllable growth of linear polymers in weak oxidizer or of cross‐linked polymer chains in strong oxidizer, with satisfactory long chain propagation of step growth polymerization (Mn=6.0×104 g mol−1, Mw/Mn=2.3). This very simple polymerization with cheap reagents and low levels of waste has provided a flexible pathway for synthesis and processing of polymers.
Reversible Dihydrogen Activation and Hydride Transfer by a Uranium Nitride Complex
Authors: Falcone Marta , Poon Lok Nga , Fadaei Tirani Farzaneh , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: January 2018

Cleavage of dihydrogen is an important step in the industrial and enzymatic transformation of N2 into ammonia. The reversible cleavage of dihydrogen was achieved under mild conditions (room temperature and 1 atmosphere of H2) by the molecular uranium nitride complex, [Cs{U(OSi(OtBu)3)3}2(μ‐N)] 1, leading to a rare hydride–imide bridged diuranium(IV) complex, [Cs{U(OSi(OtBu)3)3}2(μ‐H)(μ‐NH)], 2 that slowly releases H2 under vacuum. This complex is highly reactive and quickly transfers hydride to acetonitrile and carbon dioxide at room temperature, affording the ketimide‐ and formate‐bridged UIV species [Cs{U(OSi(OtBu)3)3}2(μ‐NH)(μ‐CH3CHN)], 3 and [Cs{U(OSi(OtBu)3)3}2(μ‐HCOO)(μ‐NHCOO)], 4.
Fabrication of a pilot scale module of thin film composite hollow fiber membrane for osmotic pressure‐driven processes
Authors: Park Chul Ho , Kwak Sung Jo , Choi Jiyeon , Lee Kangwon , Lee Jung‐Hyun
Published: January 2018

Polyamide thin film composite hollow fiber membranes have advantages in their unique structure compared to flat sheet membranes. This study examined interfacial polymerization methods for fabricating pilot scale hollow fiber membranes (membrane area: 1.2 m2, number of hollow fiber strands: 1200). For use in osmotic pressure‐driven processes, a one‐pot hydrophilic interfacial polymerization procedure was developed simultaneously to modify the surface property and synthesize polyamide thin film. With the procedure, a pilot scale module has a water flux of 13 LMH using a draw solution of 0.6M NaCl and a feed solution of distilled water through the design of the module configuration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46110.
Effect of glass transition temperature on heat‐responsive gas bubbles formation from polymers containing tert‐butoxycarbonyl moiety
Authors: Iseki Masashi , Hiraoka Yuta , Jing Chu , Okamura Haruyuki , Sato Eriko , Matsumoto Akikazu
Published: January 2018

Various types of polymers containing tert‐butoxycarbonyl (BOC) moiety as the typical protecting group of functional moieties have been used for the design of stimuli‐responsive polymer materials. In this study, we investigated the heat‐responsive deprotection behavior of BOC‐containing polymers obtained by radical polymerization of 4‐(tert‐butoxycarbonyloxy)styrene (BSt) and copolymerizations of BSt with styrene and methyl acrylate. The deprotection of BOC groups accompanying the evolution of isobutene and carbon dioxide as gaseous products was monitored by thermogravimetric analyses at different temperature circumstances; that is, on heating at a rate of 10 °C/min and under isothermal conditions at various temperatures. The deprotection resulted in a significant decrease in the transmittance of visible light due to the formation of a large number of gas bubbles, that is, foaming, in the polymer films when a heating temperature was close to the glass transition temperature of the used polymer. The potential of BOC‐containing polymers was also evaluated as the heat‐responsive adhesive polymers for dismantlable adhesion. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46252.
The impact of acquired thrombocytopenia on long‐term outcomes of patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention: An analysis of 8,271 consecutive patients
Authors: Liu Shuai , Song Chenxi , Zhao Yanyan , Zhu Chenggang , Feng Lei , Dou Kefei , Xu Bo
Published: January 2018

Background

Acquired thrombocytopenia is associated with an increased risk of adverse events of patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, data on its long‐term prognostic significance are limited. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between acquired thrombocytopenia and long‐term clinical outcomes.

Methods

We examined 8,271 consecutive patients who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at Fuwai Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013. Acquired thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count of <150 × 109/L after PCI with a normal baseline value. The primary outcomes were death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) during a 30‐month follow‐up. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of acquired thrombocytopenia post‐PCI.

Results

At the 30‐month follow‐up, acquired thrombocytopenia developed in 654 (7.91%) patients (634 [7.67%] patients had mild thrombocytopenia, 20 [0.24%] patients had moderate or severe thrombocytopenia). Patients who developed thrombocytopenia had a higher 30‐month rate of all‐cause death (2.3% vs. 1%, P = 0.0086) and cardiogenic death (1.2% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.0261) than patients who did not develop thrombocytopenia. Moderate or severe thrombocytopenia was associated with a 13‐fold increased risk for cardiogenic death (adjusted HR: 13.578; 95% CI: 1.812–101.75) and 11‐fold increased risk for myocardial infarction (adjusted HR: 11.309; 95% CI: 2.749–46.53) compared with patients without thrombocytopenia. Baseline creatinine clearance (odds ratio [OR]: 0.993; 95% CI: 0.989–0.996), baseline platelet count (OR: 0.924; 95% CI: 0.918–0.93) and diabetes mellitus history (OR: 1.283, 95% CI: 1.056–1.558) independently predicted acquired thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions

Acquired thrombocytopenia was independently associated with long‐term adverse outcomes. Predictors of thrombocytopenia were baseline creatinine clearance, baseline platelet count, and diabetes mellitus history.
Febrile neutropenia with bacterial paronychia
Authors: Hosono Yuki , Uenami Takeshi , Yano Yukihiro , Mori Masahide
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

The symptoms of infection can be minimal or absent in patients with febrile neutropenia at first. The focal site of infection, which may be the main cause of a fever or be a complication of neutropenia, can develop as neutrophils increase during the clinical course of febrile neutropenia.
Lipase Encapsulation onto ZIF‐8: A Comparison between Biocatalysts Obtained at Low and High Zinc/2‐Methylimidazole Molar Ratio in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Pitzalis Federica , Carucci Cristina , Naseri Maryam , Fotouhi Lida , Magner Edmond , Salis Andrea
Published: January 2018

Lipase AK from Pseudomonas fluorescens and Lipase RM from Rhizomucor miehei were encapsulated into a zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) by a “one‐pot” synthesis to obtain AK@ZIF‐8 and RM@ZIF‐8 biocatalysts. The effect of a high (1:40) and low (1:4) Zn/2‐methylimidazole molar ratio on the biocatalysts synthesis was investigated. The different Zn/ligand (L) ratios affected both the surface area, the loading, and the specific activity of the biocatalysts. Samples synthesized by using a high Zn/L ratio had high values of surface area whereas those obtained by using a low Zn/L ratio had higher loadings and specific activities. The decrease of pH (from 11.6 to 9.4) during the synthesis at high Zn/L ratio produced ZIF‐8 samples with features similar to those observed for low Zn/L ratio samples. The low Zn/L (1:4) ratio AK@ZIF‐8 biocatalyst retained 99 % activity after storage for 15 days at 5 °C and 40 % activity after five reaction cycles.