bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hunting‐mediated predator facilitation and superadditive mortality in a European ungulate
Authors: Gehr Benedikt , Hofer Elizabeth J. , Pewsner Mirjam , Ryser Andreas , Vimercati Eric , Vogt Kristina , Keller Lukas F.
Published: November 2017

Predator‐prey theory predicts that in the presence of multiple types of predators using a common prey, predator facilitation may result as a consequence of contrasting prey defense mechanisms, where reducing the risk from one predator increases the risk from the other. While predator facilitation is well established in natural predator‐prey systems, little attention has been paid to situations where human hunters compete with natural predators for the same prey. Here, we investigate hunting‐mediated predator facilitation in a hunter‐predator‐prey system. We found that hunter avoidance by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) exposed them to increase predation risk by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). Lynx responded by increasing their activity and predation on deer, providing evidence that superadditive hunting mortality may be occurring through predator facilitation. Our results reveal a new pathway through which human hunters, in their role as top predators, may affect species interactions at lower trophic levels and thus drive ecosystem processes.
How do steppe plants follow their optimal environmental conditions or persist under suboptimal conditions? The differing strategies of annuals and perennials
Authors: Ait Mouheb Hocine , Kadik Leila , Albert Cécile Hélène , Berrached Rachda , Prinzing Andreas
Published: November 2017

For a species to be able to respond to environmental change, it must either succeed in following its optimal environmental conditions or in persisting under suboptimal conditions, but we know very little about what controls these capacities. We parameterized species distribution models (SDMs) for 135 plant species from the Algerian steppes. We interpreted low false‐positive rates as reflecting a high capacity to follow optimal environmental conditions and high false‐negative rates as a high capacity to persist under suboptimal environmental conditions. We also measured functional traits in the field and built a unique plant trait database for the North‐African steppe. For both perennial and annual species, we explored how these two capacities can be explained by species traits and whether relevant trait values reflect species strategies or biases inSDMs. We found low false‐positive rates in species with small seeds, flowers attracting specialist pollinators, and specialized distributions (among annuals and perennials), low root:shoot ratios, wide root‐systems, and large leaves (perennials only) (R2 = .52–58). We found high false‐negative rates in species with marginal environmental distribution (among annuals and perennials), small seeds, relatively deep roots, and specialized distributions (annuals) or large leaves, wide root‐systems, and monocarpic life cycle (perennials) (R2 = .38 for annuals and 0.65 for perennials). Overall, relevant traits are rarely indicative of the possible biases ofSDMs, but rather reflect the species' reproductive strategy, dispersal ability, stress tolerance, and pollination strategies. Our results suggest that wide undirected dispersal in annual species and efficient resource acquisition in perennial species favor both capacities, whereas short life spans in perennial species favor persistence in suboptimal environmental conditions and flowers attracting specialist pollinators in perennial and annual species favor following optimal environmental conditions. Species that neither follow nor persist will be at risk under future environmental change.
Structural whole‐brain covariance of the anterior and posterior hippocampus: Associations with age and memory
Authors: Nordin Kristin , Persson Jonas , Stening Eva , Herlitz Agneta , Larsson Elna‐Marie , Söderlund Hedvig
Published: November 2017

The hippocampus (HC) interacts with distributed brain regions to support memory and shows significant volume reductions in aging, but little is known about age effects on hippocampal whole‐brain structural covariance. It is also unclear whether the anterior and posterior HC show similar or distinct patterns of whole‐brain covariance and to what extent these are related to memory functions organized along the hippocampal longitudinal axis. Using the multivariate approach partial least squares, we assessed structural whole‐brain covariance of the HC in addition to regional volume, in young, middle‐aged and older adults (n = 221), and assessed associations with episodic and spatial memory. Based on findings of sex differences in both memory and brain aging, we further considered sex as a potential modulating factor of age effects. There were two main covariance patterns: one capturing common anterior and posterior covariance, and one differentiating the two regions by capturing anterior‐specific covariance only. These patterns were differentially related to associative memory while unrelated to measures of single‐item memory and spatial memory. Although patterns were qualitatively comparable across age groups, participants' expression of both patterns decreased with age, independently of sex. The results suggest that the organization of hippocampal structural whole‐brain covariance remains stable across age, but that the integrity of these networks decreases as the brain undergoes age‐related alterations.
Episodic autobiographical memory is associated with variation in the size of hippocampal subregions
Authors: Palombo Daniela J. , Bacopulos Agnes , Amaral Robert S.C. , Olsen Rosanna K. , Todd Rebecca M. , Anderson Adam K. , Levine Brian
Published: November 2017

Striking individual differences exist in the human capacity to recollect past events, yet, little is known about the neural correlates of such individual differences. Studies investigating hippocampal volume in relation to individual differences in laboratory measures of episodic memory in young adults suggest that whole hippocampal volume is unrelated (or even negatively associated) with episodic memory. However, anatomical and functional specialization across hippocampal subregions suggests that individual differences in episodic memory may be linked to particular hippocampal subregions, as opposed to whole hippocampal volume. Given that the DG/CA2/3 circuitry is thought to be especially critical for supporting episodic memory in humans, we predicted that the volume of this region would be associated with individual variability in episodic memory. This prediction was supported using high‐resolution MRI of the hippocampal subfields and measures of real‐world (autobiographical) episodic memory. In addition to the association with DG/CA2/3, we further observed a relationship between episodic autobiographical memory and subiculum volume, whereas no association was observed with CA1 or with whole hippocampal volume. These findings provide insight into the possible neural substrates that mediate individual differences in real‐world episodic remembering in humans.
What imposters risk at work: Exploring imposter phenomenon, stress coping, and job outcomes
Authors: Hutchins Holly M. , Penney Lisa M. , Sublett Lisa W.
Published: November 2017

Imposter phenomenon (IP) has traditionally been linked to indicators of psychological well‐being with fewer studies examining the impact on work outcomes. Using conservation of resources (COR) theory, we examined how imposter phenomenon as a personal demand contributed to emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction among a sample of university faculty (N = 310). Our results suggest that individuals who experience high levels of IP deplete critical resources needed to avoid psychological strain in part because of their use of avoidant coping strategies, and in how their experience of emotional exhaustion contributes to low job satisfaction. That is, avoidant coping partially mediated the imposter–emotional exhaustion relationship, and the imposter–job satisfaction relationship is fully and serially mediated through avoidant coping and emotional exhaustion. To help combat imposter feelings and enhance job outcomes, we suggest the use of learning and development interventions as active coping approaches (e.g., training, coaching, and mentoring) geared at correcting how imposters attribute success and failures, increase social support, and normalize the imposter experience.
HR flexibility: Precursors and the contingent impact on firm financial performance
Authors: Way Sean A. , Wright Patrick M. , Tracey J. Bruce , Isnard Jeremy F.
Published: November 2017

Using data from 170 for‐profit U.S. firms with 100 or more employees from 27 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry subsectors, we investigated firm‐level precursors of HR flexibility and industry‐level boundary conditions of the HR flexibility—firm financial performance relationship. The findings denote that a contingency illumination is warranted in which consideration should be given to firm‐level factors such as flexibility business strategy and high‐performance work systems, which may play a key role in engendering HR flexibility, and external factors such as industry dynamism and growth, which may serve as boundary conditions that influence the relevance and impact of HR flexibility. This study is an important extension of extant HR flexibility research and adds clarity regarding the roles and relevance of HR flexibility and the circumstances in which HR flexibility and/or its focal factors may augment (or diminish) firm competitiveness and performance.
Modelling bivariate extreme precipitation distribution for data‐scarce regions using Gumbel–Hougaard copula with maximum entropy estimation
Authors: Qian Longxia , Wang Hongrui , Dang Suzhen , Wang Cheng , Jiao Zhiqian , Zhao Yong
Published: November 2017

A new method of parameter estimation in data scarce regions is valuable for bivariate hydrological extreme frequency analysis. This paper proposes a new method of parameter estimation (maximum entropy estimation, MEE) for both Gumbel and Gumbel–Hougaard copula in situations when insufficient data are available. MEE requires only the lower and upper bounds of two hydrological variables. To test our new method, two experiments to model the joint distribution of the maximum daily precipitation at two pairs of stations on the tributaries of Heihe and Jinghe River, respectively, were performed and compared with the method of moments, correlation index estimation, and maximum likelihood estimation, which require a large amount of data. Both experiments show that for the Ye Niugou and Qilian stations, the performance of MEE is nearly identical to those of the conventional methods. For the Xifeng and Huanxian stations, MEE can capture information indicating that the maximum daily precipitation at the Xifeng and Huanxian stations has an upper tail dependence, whereas the results generated by correlation index estimation and maximum likelihood estimation are unreasonable. Moreover, MEE is proved to be generally reliable and robust by many simulations under three different situations. The Gumbel–Hougaard copula with MEE can also be applied to the bivariate frequency analysis of other extreme events in data‐scarce regions.
Personal history of non‐melanoma skin cancer diagnosis and death from melanoma in women
Authors: Chen Steven T. , Li Xin , Han Jiali
Published: November 2017

Melanoma incidence is increasing. We evaluated risk of melanoma death after diagnosis of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We followed 77,288 female American nurses from the Nurses’ Health Study from 1986 to 2012. We used Cox proportional hazards models to determine the hazard ratio (HR) of lethal and non‐lethal melanoma diagnosis and melanoma death, according to personal NMSC history. Among melanoma cases, we examined the HR of melanoma death and the odds ratio (OR) of melanoma with a Breslow thickness ≥0.8 mm or Clark's levels of IV and V according to history of NMSC. We documented 930 melanoma cases without NMSC history and 615 melanoma cases with NMSC history over 1.8 million person‐years. The multivariate‐adjusted HR (95% confidence interval) of melanoma death associated with personal history of NMSC was 2.89 (1.85–4.50). Women with history of NMSC were more likely to develop non‐lethal melanoma than lethal melanoma (HR (95% CI): 2.31 (2.05–2.60) vs. 1.74 (1.05–2.87)). Among melanoma cases, women with history of NMSC had a non‐significant decreased risk of melanoma deaths (0.87 (0.55–1.37)), Breslow thickness ≥0.8 mm (0.85 (0.59–1.21)) and Clark's levels IV and V (0.81(0.52–1.24)). Women with NMSC history were less likely to be diagnosed with a lethal melanoma than a non‐lethal melanoma, but overall rate of melanoma diagnosis was increased in both subtypes, leading to the increased risk of melanoma death. Our findings suggest the continued need for dermatologic screening for patients after NMSC diagnosis, given increased melanoma risk. Early detection among NMSC patients may decrease deaths from melanoma.
Graphene oxide induces cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in bluegill sunfish cells
Authors: Srikanth Koigoora , Sundar L. Syam , Pereira Eduarda , Duarte Armando Costa
Published: November 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) is considered a promising material for biological application due to its unique properties. However, the potential toxicity of GO to aquatic organism particularly bluegill sun fish cells (BF‐2) is unexplored or remains poorly understood. GO‐induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in BF‐2 cells were assessed using a battery of biomarkers. Two different biological assays (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and neutral red uptake were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of GO on BF‐2 cells. It was found that GO induced dose‐ and time‐dependent cytotoxicity on BF‐2 cells. BF‐2 cells exposed to lower concentration of GO (40 μg ml–1) for 24 induced morphological changes when compared to their respective controls. As evidence for oxidative stress lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reactive oxygen species and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine levels were increased and glutathione levels were found to decline in BF‐2 cells after treatment with GO. Our findings demonstrate that GO when exposed to BF‐2 fish cells cause oxidative stress.
Socioeconomic status and children's mental health: Understanding the mediating effect of social relations in Mainland China
Authors: Jiang Shan , Li Chunkai , Fang Xiaotong
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to explore the relationships among socioeconomic status (SES), social relations, and children's mental health. A sample of 19,487 school‐aged children was collected from the 2013–2014 wave of the China Education Panel Survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted with Amos (version 21) to test our theoretical model. Results showed that SES was not significantly related to children's mental health, whereas parent–child relations, peer relations, and teacher–student relations elicited complete mediating effects on the relationship between SES and children's mental health. On the basis of these findings, relevant theoretical and practical implications were proposed.
Altruism as a buffer for antisocial behavior for African American adolescents exposed to community violence
Authors: Rious Jennifer Bryant , Cunningham Michael
Published: November 2017

Altruistic prosocial behavior during adolescence is consistently associated with a myriad of positive outcomes including fewer risk‐taking behaviors and greater positive affect. Although limited, some literature suggests altruism may be an important protective factor in attenuating the effects of stressful life events such as exposure to community violence. Unfortunately, work examining altruism in African American adolescents is quite limited. The study examined the moderating role of altruism on relationships between exposure to violence and antisocial behavior in a sample of African American adolescents (136 females, 71 males). Participant's age ranged from 13 to 18. Results indicated that boys and girls engaged in similar levels of altruistic behaviors, but these behaviors were especially important in moderating the effects of community violence on antisocial behaviors for boys. The findings suggest that encouraging altruistic behaviors in boys may be critical in improving outcomes for adolescent males developing in violent ecologies.
How Buoyant Is the Tax System? New Evidence from a Large Heterogeneous Panel
Authors: Dudine Paolo , Jalles Joao Tovar
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we provide short‐run and long‐run tax buoyancy estimates for 107 countries (distributed between advanced, emerging and low income) for the period 1980–2014. By means of fully modified ordinary least square (OLS) and (pooled) mean group estimators, we find that (1) for advanced economies, both long‐run and short‐run buoyancies are not different from 1; (2) long‐run tax buoyancy exceeds 1 in the case of corporate income tax (CIT) for advanced economies, personal income tax and social security contributions in emerging markets and taxes on goods and services for low‐income countries; (3) in advanced countries, the buoyancy of the CIT buoyancy is larger during contractions than during times of economic expansions, whereas in emerging market economies, this is the case for the CIT and taxes on goods and services; and (4) both trade openness and human capital increase buoyancy, while inflation and output volatility decrease it. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and projection of extreme precipitation indices in the Eastern Mediterranean based on CMIP5 multi‐model ensemble
Authors: Samuels Rana , Hochman Assaf , Baharad Anat , Givati Amir , Levi Yoav , Yosef Yizhak , Saaroni Hadas , Ziv Baruch , Harpaz Tzvika , Alpert Pinhas
Published: November 2017

An evaluation of 23 models, participating in the Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5), in representing extreme precipitation indices (EPI), over the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) and the Fertile Crescent (FC), was performed. The models ensemble was then used to predict the EPIs evolution in the 21st century under (Representative Concentration Pathway, RCP) RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Models' performance was determined with respect to gridded precipitation observations from the APHRODITE project. The ensemble mean was found to perform relatively well in capturing the EM steep precipitation gradient, the FC structure and the EPI trends in the observations period (1970–2000). Over the EM, CMIP5 models agree on a future decrease in the following three EPIs; total precipitation (TP), consecutive wet days, and number of wet days by the values of 20–35%, 10–20%, and 20–35%, respectively. In the FC, extremely wet days (P95) are expected to increase by approximately 25%, except for the south eastern coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, which show significant decreases in P95, particularly for RCP8.5 and at the end of the 21st century. Hence, while TP is expected to decrease, extreme precipitation is expected to increase, at least for the north‐eastern part of the FC. This will significantly influence agriculture and floods' potential in a region already suffering from political unrest. The changes in EPIs are related to changes in the synoptic patterns over the EM, especially the predicted changes in cyclones frequency and intensity in the 21st century, due to changes in storm tracks governed by the phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the expected expansion of the Hadley Cell towards the poles in a warmer climate.
Climate change projections over China using regional climate models forced by two CMIP5 global models. Part I: evaluation of historical simulations
Authors: Hui Pinhong , Tang Jianping , Wang Shuyu , Niu Xiaorui , Zong Peishu , Dong Xinning
Published: November 2017

Forced by two Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) global models, EC‐EARTH and IPSL‐CM5A, both regional climate models (RCMs) of Regional Climate Model system version 4 (RegCM4) and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) are used to perform regional climate simulations over China for 1980–2000. In general, the simulations in Institute Pierre Simon Laplace‐Climate Model version 5A (IPSL‐CM5A) are improved by the downscaling of many aspects of both precipitation and surface air temperature, with improvements including the significant enhancement of the resolution and presentation of regional processes in the RCMs. However, the improvement over EC‐EARTH is limited. In addition, the added values also depend on the seasons, geophysical locations over the country and the variables presented. For the mean climates, both RCMs are able to exhibit better annual and winter precipitation measurements when downscaling IPSL‐CM5A over most areas. The superiority of the RCMs over IPSL‐CM5A for the surface air temperature is only obtained in summer. Seasonal cycles of both precipitation and surface air temperature are well simulated by all the models. The RCMs succeed in improving the seasonal cycles of precipitation over both GCMs in most sub‐regions, but the seasonal cycles of temperature are only improved over IPSL‐CM5A. In addition, the downscaling demonstrates more consistent probability distribution functions (PDFs) of precipitation with those of the observations in most sub‐regions. For extreme precipitation, the RCMs provide outstanding convective wet days (CWD) with reduced biases and enhanced presentations of spatial patterns. For the other three extreme precipitation indices, the improvement of the RCMs is relatively weak, with superior over the IPSL‐CM5A in several areas. The extreme temperature indices are better modelled by the RCMs, except for the minimum values of the daily minimum temperatures (TNn), with greater added values over IPSL‐CM5A than those over EC‐EARTH. Comparing two RCMs, WRF shows advantages in the downscaling precipitation, while RegCM4 works better for the surface air temperature.
Demonstration tests of irrigation water disinfection with chlorine dioxide in open field cultivation of baby spinach
Authors: López‐Gálvez Francisco , Gil Maria I , Meireles Ana , Truchado Pilar , Allende Ana
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Treatments for the disinfection of irrigation water have to be evaluated by demonstration tests carried out under commercial settings taking into account not only their antimicrobial activity but also the potential phytotoxic effects on the crop. The consequences of the treatment of irrigation water with chlorine dioxide (ClO2) used for sprinkler irrigation of baby spinach in two commercial agricultural fields was assessed.

RESULTS

Residual ClO2 levels at the sprinklers in the treated field were always below 1 mg L−1. ClO2 treatment provoked limited but statistically significant reductions in culturable Escherichia coli counts (0.2–0.3 log reductions), but not in the viable E. coli counts in water, suggesting the presence of viable but non‐culturable cells (VBNC). Although disinfected irrigation water did not have an impact on the microbial loads of Enterobacteriaceae nor on the quality characteristics of baby spinach, it caused the accumulation of chlorates (up to 0.99 mg kg−1 in plants) and the reduction of the photosynthetic efficiency of baby spinach.

CONCLUSION

Low concentrations of ClO2 are effective in reducing the culturable E. coli present in irrigation water but it might induce the VBNC state. Presence of disinfection by‐products and their accumulation in the crop must be considered to adjust doses in order to avoid crop damage and chemical safety risks. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Teaching frontal sinus anatomy using the frontal sinus masterclass 3‐ D conceptualization model
Authors: Chen Philip G. , McMains K. Christopher , Tewfik Marc A. , Aden James K. , Brown Seth , Weitzel Erik K.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Frontal sinus anatomy is complex and often is a difficult subject to both teach and learn. The traditional surgical dogma of “see one, do one, teach one” is impractical and dangerous in the frontal sinus. Based on the building block three‐dimensional conceptualization module, the Frontal Sinus Masterclass (FSMC) was created to teach this anatomy.

Methods

Study was performed at two academic centers among second‐ to fifth‐year otolaryngology residents. A pretest assessed knowledge prior to the course. Computed tomography scans of the sinuses were evaluated in triplanar view, and participants attempted to reconstruct the anatomy. Subsequently, the course instructor explained the anatomy using the building block method and showed a short video of the surgical dissection, pointing out relevant anatomy. Cases progressed in anatomical difficulty and inflammatory load. A posttest determined knowledge after the course.

Results

Thirty of 50 participating residents completed the pre‐ and posttests (14 junior, 16 senior residents). Correct identification of the frontal sinus drainage pathway increased from 42% to 63% correct (P = 0.054). Anatomical assessment increased from 61% to 68% correct (P = 0.047), and overall assessment increased from 52% to 66% correct (P = 0.016).

Conclusion

Objectively, participants of the FSMC expanded on their ability to recognize cells of the frontal recess on CT scans. Before the class, residents could answer less than half of the answers correctly, and by the end of the class they were answering over two‐thirds of these complex questions correctly. Subjectively, participants reported benefit from the course and felt they would be better surgeons.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:1294–1298, 2018
Epistaxis in children and adolescents with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Gonzalez Cristian D. , Mcdonald Jamie , Stevenson David A. , Whitehead Kevin J. , Petersen Matthew G. , Presson Angela P. , Ding Qian , Wilson Kevin F.
Published: November 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Our objective was to describe epistaxis onset and severity in pediatric hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) patients and study the cumulative incidence of epistaxis by age of onset within each genetic subtype.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort chart review.

Methods

Charts were reviewed of patients age 0 to 18 years with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of HHT who were evaluated at a tertiary multidisciplinary HHT clinic from January 2010 to June 2016. The epistaxis severity score (ESS), a validated tool for assessing epistaxis severity, was used to assess epistaxis. Statistical analyses were conducted on the full HHT cohort as well as subgroups stratified by the HHT causative gene (HHT1 = ENG and HHT2 = ACVRL1).

Results

Sixty‐nine pediatric subjects were identified; 60 had HHT confirmed by genetic testing, and nine (from families with known mutations) met published clinical diagnostic criteria alone. Fifty‐nine (85%) had onset of epistaxis. The median age of onset of epistaxis was 5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–9 years). The median ESS for the entire cohort was 1.6 (IQR: 0–2.6). The median ESS was higher in HHT1 versus HHT2 (2.3 vs. 1.1, P = .002), and age of epistaxis onset was earlier in HHT1 (3 vs. 5 years, P = .03). Sex and age were not associated with ESS.

Conclusions

Epistaxis may present early in HHT, but is typically mild in the pediatric period. Severity in the pediatric population is worse in patients with HHT1. By recognizing the significance of even mild, infrequent epistaxis in a child with a family history of HHT, and understanding that not all HHT patients have epistaxis during childhood, community providers and otolaryngologist can assist in the early detection of HHT.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 128:1714–1719, 2018
Homo‐ and Copolycyclotrimerization of Aromatic Internal Diynes Catalyzed with Co2(CO)8: A Facile Route to Microporous Photoluminescent Polyphenylenes with Hyperbranched or Crosslinked Architecture
Authors: Sedláček Jan , Sokol Jiří , Zedník Jiří , Faukner Tomáš , Kubů Martin , Brus Jiří , Trhlíková Olga
Published: November 2017

This study reports the first Co2(CO)8‐catalyzed [2+2+2] polycyclotrimerization by the transformation of internal ethynyl groups of aromatic diyne monomers. The reaction yields polycyclotrimers of polyphenylene‐type with either hyperbranched or partly crosslinked architecture. The homopolycyclotrimerization of the monomers with two ethynyl groups per one molecule, namely 1,4‐bis(phenylethynyl)benzene, 4,4′‐bis(phenylethynyl)biphenyl, and 4‐(phenylethynyl)phenylacetylene, gives partly crosslinked, insoluble polyphenylenes. The soluble, hyperbranched polyphenylenes are generated via copolycyclotrimerization of 1,4‐bis(phenylethynyl)benzene with 1,2‐diphenylacetylene (average number of ethynyl groups per monomer molecule < 2). This one‐step polycyclotrimerization path to hyperbranched or partly crosslinked polyphenylenes is an alternative to the synthesis of these polymers by Diels–Alder transformation of substituted cyclopentadienones. All polyphenylenes prepared exhibit photoluminescence with emission maxima ranging from 381 to 495 nm. Polyphenylenes with a less compact packing of segments are microporous (specific surface area up to 159 m2 g−1), which is particularly important in the case of soluble polyphenylenes because they can be potentially used to prepare microporous layers.
Spatial Patterning of Hydrogels via 3D Covalent Transfer Stamping from a Fugitive Ink
Authors: Wang Shuang , Dalton Paul D. , Dargaville Tim R.
Published: November 2017

In this study, a novel hydrogel patterning approach using 3D covalent transfer stamping from a fugitive ink is introduced. A model transfer molecule (7‐diethylamino‐3‐(4′maleimidylphenyl)‐4‐methylcoumarin (CPM)) is absorbed into a 3D fugitive ink stamp made from poly(caprolactone), and then encapsulated in a poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel. As the CPM diffuses from the fugitive ink to the curing hydrogel it is selectively covalently bound at the boundary of the ink and the hydrogel. Removal of the fugitive ink by solvent exchange leads to a negative copy of interconnected channels patterned with the localized transfer of the molecules at the hydrogel interface. The results suggest that small molecules can be patterned in porous hydrogels in a spatially controllable manner and that the transferred amount can be tuned.
Multifunctional Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Conjugated Polymers with Perylene Bisimide Side Chains
Authors: Li Cheng , Yu Changshi , Lai Wenbin , Liang Shijie , Jiang Xudong , Feng Guitao , Zhang Jianqi , Xu Yunhua , Li Weiwei
Published: November 2017

Two conjugated polymers based on diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) in the main chain with different content of perylene bisimide (PBI) side chains are developed. The influence of PBI side chain on the photovoltaic performance of these DPP‐based conjugated polymers is systematically investigated. This study suggests that the PBI side chains can not only alter the absorption spectrum and energy level but also enhance the crystallinity of conjugated polymers. As a result, such polymers can act as electron donor, electron acceptor, and single‐component active layer in organic solar cells. These findings provide a new guideline for the future molecular design of multifunctional conjugated polymers.
Modelling and stability analysis in human population genetics with selection and mutation
Authors: Del Vecchio Carmen , Verrilli Francesca , Glielmo Luigi
Published: November 2017

Population genetics is a scientific discipline that has extensively benefitted from mathematical modelling; since the Hardy‐Weinberg law (1908) to date, many mathematical models have been designed to describe the genotype frequencies evolution in a population. Existing models differ in adopted hypothesis on evolutionary forces (such as, for example, mutation, selection, and migration) acting in the population. Mathematical analysis of population genetics models help to understand if the genetic population admits an equilibrium, ie, genotype frequencies that will not change over time. Nevertheless, the existence of an equilibrium is only an aspect of a more complex issue concerning the conditions that would allow or prevent populations to reach the equilibrium. This latter matter, much more complex, has been only partially investigated in population genetics studies. We here propose a new mathematical model to analyse the genotype frequencies distribution in a population over time and under two major evolutionary forces, namely, mutation and selection; the model allows for both infinite and finite populations. In this paper, we present our model and we analyse its convergence properties to the equilibrium genotype frequency; we also derive conditions allowing convergence. Moreover, we show that our model is a generalisation of the Hardy‐Weinberg law and of subsequent models that allow for selection or mutation. Some examples of applications are reported at the end of the paper, and the code that simulates our model is available online athttps://www.ding.unisannio.it/persone/docenti/del-vecchiofor free use and testing.
Investigations of the local distortions and EPR parameters for Cu2+ in xNa2O‐(30–x)K2O‐70B2O3 (5 ≤ x ≤ 25 mol%) glasses
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Ya , Wu Shao‐Yi , Zhang Fu , Zhang Cheng‐Xi , Qin Rui‐Jie , Gao Han
Published: November 2017

The local distortions and electron paramagnetic resonance parameters for Cu2+ in the mixed alkali borate glasses xNa2O‐(30–x)K2O‐70B2O3 (5 ≤ x ≤ 25 mol%) are theoretically studied with distinct modifier Na2O compositions x. Owing to the Jahn–Teller effect, the octahedral [CuO6]10− clusters show significant tetragonal elongation ratios p ~19% along the C4 axis. With the increase of composition x, the cubic field parameter Dq and the orbital reduction factor k exhibit linearly and quasi‐linearly decreasing tendencies, respectively, whereas the relative tetragonal elongation ratio p has quasi‐linearly increasing rule with some fluctuations, leading to the minima of g factors at x = 10 mol%. The composition dependences of the optical spectra and the electron paramagnetic resonance parameters are suitably reproduced by the linear or quasi‐linear relationships of the relevant quantities (i.e., Dq, k, and p) with x. The above composition dependences are analyzed from mixed alkali effect, which brings forward the modifications of the local crystal‐fields and the electronic cloud distribution around Cu2+ with the variation of the composition of Na2O.
A systematic review of quantitative observational studies investigating psychological distress in testicular cancer survivors
Authors: Smith Allan “Ben” , Rutherford Claudia , Butow Phyllis , Olver Ian , Luckett Tim , Grimison Peter , Toner Guy , Stockler Martin , King Madeleine
Published: November 2017

Objective

Testicular cancer (TC) affects young men and may cause psychological distress despite a good prognosis. This systematic review evaluated the prevalence, severity, and correlates of anxiety, depression, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), and distress in TC survivors.

Methods

A systematic search of literature published 1977 to 2017 was conducted to find quantitative studies including TC survivor–reported outcomes relevant to review objectives. The quality of included articles was assessed, and a narrative synthesis conducted.

Results

Of 6717 articles identified, 66 (39 good, 20 fair, and 7 poor quality) reporting results from 36 studies were included. Testicular cancer survivors' mean anxiety levels were higher than in the general population, while mean depression and distress were no different. Clinically significant anxiety (≈1 in 5) and to a lesser extent distress (≈1 in 7), but not depression, were more prevalent in TC survivors than the general population. Approximately 1 in 3 TC survivors experienced elevated FCR. Poorer psychological outcomes were more common among TC survivors who were single, unemployed/low socio‐economic status, suffering from co‐morbidities, experiencing worse symptoms/side effects, and using passive coping strategies.

Conclusions

Many TC survivors do not experience significant psychological morbidity, but anxiety and FCR are prevalent. Inadequate coping resources (eg, low socio‐economic status and social support) and strategies (eg, avoidance) and greater symptoms/side effects were associated with poorer outcomes. Theoretically driven prospective studies would aid understanding of how outcomes change over time and how to screen for risk. Age and gender appropriate interventions that prevent and manage issues specific to TC survivors are also needed.
Synthesis of SnO2 Nanowires Using SnI2 as Precursor and Their Application as High‐Performance Self‐Powered Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Jiang Jie , Heck Florian , Hofmann Detlev M. , Eickhoff Martin
Published: November 2017

SnO2 nanowires are synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using elemental tin or SnI2 as tin precursors. The latter is found to be more controllable for the synthesis of SnO2 nanostructures. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the SnO2 nanowires exhibit rutile crystal structure. Single nanowire photodetectors are processed, which show high responsivities, high external quantum efficiencies, and fast response times at nominal zero bias. The excellent device performance is attributed to the small size and high crystalline quality of the nanowire.
Nonfragile asynchronous control for uncertain chaotic Lurie network systems with Bernoulli stochastic process
Authors: Shi Kaibo , Tang Yuanyan , Zhong Shouming , Yin Chun , Huang Xuegang , Wang Wenqin
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a novel nonfragile robust asynchronous control scheme for master‐slave uncertain chaotic Lurie network systems with randomly occurring time‐varying parameter uncertainties and controller gain fluctuation. The asynchronous phenomenon occurs between the system modes and the controller modes. In order to consider a more realistic situation in designing a reliable proportional‐derivative controller, Bernoulli stochastic process and memory feedback are introduced to the concept of nonlinear control system. First, by taking full advantage of the additional derivative state term and variable multiple integral terms, a newly augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional is constructed via an adjustable parameter. Second, based on new integral inequalities including almost all of the existing integral inequalities, which can produce more accurate bounds with more orthogonal polynomials considered, less conservative synchronization criteria are obtained. Third, a desired nonfragile estimator controller is achieved under the aforementioned methods. Finally, 4 numerical simulation examples of Chua's circuit and 3‐cell cellular neural network with multiscroll chaotic attractors are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed theoretical results.
Adaptive state feedback control for switched stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems under arbitrary switchings
Authors: Li Yafeng , Hua Changchun , Liu Guopin , Guan Xinping
Published: November 2017

This paper studies the adaptive state feedback control for a class of switched time‐varying stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems under arbitrary switchings. Based on the common Lyapunov function and using the inductive method, virtual controllers are designed step by step and the form of the input signal of the system is constructed at the last. The unknown parameters are addressed by the tuning function method. In particular, both the designed state feedback controller and the adaptive law are independent of switching signals. Based on the designed controller, the boundness of the state variables can be guaranteed in probability. Furthermore, without considering the Wiener process or with the known parameter in the assumption, adaptive finite‐time stabilization and finite‐time stabilization in probability can be obtained, respectively. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Semiparametric regression analysis for alternating recurrent event data
Authors: Lee Chi Hyun , Huang Chiung‐Yu , Xu Gongjun , Luo Xianghua
Published: November 2017

Alternating recurrent event data arise frequently in clinical and epidemiologic studies, where 2 types of events such as hospital admission and discharge occur alternately over time. The 2 alternating states defined by these recurrent events could each carry important and distinct information about a patient's underlying health condition and/or the quality of care. In this paper, we propose a semiparametric method for evaluating covariate effects on the 2 alternating states jointly. The proposed methodology accounts for the dependence among the alternating states as well as the heterogeneity across patients via a frailty with unspecified distribution. Moreover, the estimation procedure, which is based on smooth estimating equations, not only properly addresses challenges such as induced dependent censoring and intercept sampling bias commonly confronted in serial event gap time data but also is more computationally tractable than the existing rank‐based methods. The proposed methods are evaluated by simulation studies and illustrated by analyzing psychiatric contacts from the South Verona Psychiatric Case Register.
Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Thermostable Type I Pullulanase Produced Recombinantly in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Li Lingmeng , Dong Fengying , Lin Lin , He Dannong , Chen Jingwen , Wei Wei , Wei Dongzhi
Published: November 2017

The pullulanase gene (pulGK), encoding a thermostable type I pullulanase (PulGK), is obtained from the strain Geobacillus kaustophilus DSM7263. The gene has an open reading frame of 2157 bp that encodes a 718‐amino‐acid pullulanase, and shows the highest identity with the pullulanase from Geobacillus thermoleovorans US105. The pulGK is expressed in Bacillus subtilis WB800N using the plasmid pHT43, and the recombinant protein is secreted using the amyQ signal peptide. The level of PulGK produced in B. subtilis reaches 0.08 mg mL−1 after induction for 40 h at 30 °C. The purified recombinant PulGK can attack the α‐1,6 linkages specifically in pullulan to generate maltotriose as the major product. Its specific activity is observed to be 64.75 U mg−1 and the Km and Vmax values of purified PulGK are 11.7 mg mL−1 and 23.6 μmol min−1. Purified PulGK shows optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 65 °C. It also shows significant thermostability, with a T1/2 of 60 h at 65 °C. Recombinant PulGK is immobilized and the thermostability of immobilized PulGK (Im‐PulGK) is significantly improved (55–75 °C). PulGK hydrolyzes pullulan, amylopectin, starch, and glycogen, but not amylose. Substrate specificity and product analysis proves that the purified pullulanase from Geobacillus kaustophilus DSM7263 belongs to a type I pullulanase. This is the first report of pullulanase from Geobacillus kaustophilus (which includes the wild strain and the recombinant production of the enzyme) with detailed enzymatic properties of heterologous expression. The significant thermostability and production of recombinant pullulanase by B. subtilis may also potentially prove to be valuable in industrial applications.
Kinematic space for conical defects
Authors: Cresswell Jesse C. , Peet Amanda W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Kinematic space can be used as an intermediate step in the AdS/CFT dictionary and lends itself naturally to the description of diffeomorphism invariant quantities. From the bulk it has been defined as the space of boundary anchored geodesics, and from the boundary as the space of pairs of CFT points. When the bulk is not globally AdS3 the appearance of non-minimal geodesics leads to ambiguities in these definitions. In this work conical defect spacetimes are considered as an example where non-minimal geodesics are common. From the bulk it is found that the conical defect kinematic space can be obtained from the AdS3 kinematic space by the same quotient under which one obtains the defect from AdS3. The resulting kinematic space is one of many equivalent fundamental regions. From the boundary the conical defect kinematic space can be determined by breaking up OPE blocks into contributions from individual bulk geodesics. A duality is established between partial OPE blocks and bulk fields integrated over individual geodesics, minimal or non-minimal.
Expanding Marketing Empirical Generalisations to Health Behaviours: Physical Activity is Not so Different from Buying Behaviour, after-All
Authors: Wilson Amy L. , Sharp Byron , Nguyen Cathy , Bogomolova Svetlana
Published: November 2017

The Negative Binomial Distribution (NBD) is a model that describes consumer purchase frequency over time. This paper tests the applicability of this model to a novel context: physical activity behaviours (using data obtained from Australia, the United States, and Singapore). The fit of the NBD to the data demonstrates that physical activity behaviour is consistent with other consumer behaviour patterns. Within a one-week period, the majority of people are either non- or light-engagers of the different intensities of leisure-time physical activity. Yet, people are not ‘active’ or ‘inactive’, rather, degree of engagement varies. Infrequency of reported levels and variety of physical activities might be due to health promotion having a strong focus on rational persuasion and less focus on mass communication that builds mental availability. Our contribution broadens the applicability of the NBD showing it can be helpful for those seeking to promote health behaviours, not just purchases.
Continuing the Conversation … Some Reflections
Authors: Elias Juanita
Published: November 2017

The diverse collection of short reflections included in this Critical Perspectives section looks to continue a conversation—a conversation that played out in the pages of this journal (Elias 2015) regarding the relationship between two strands of feminist international relations scholarship: feminist security studies (FSS) and feminist international political economy (IPE). In this forum, the contributors return to some of the same ground, but in doing so, they bring in new concerns and agendas. New empirical sites of thinking through the nexus between security and political economy from a feminist perspective are explored: war, women's lives in postconflict societies, and international security governance institutions and practices.
Soybean Sensitivity to Florpyrauxifen-benzyl during Reproductive Growth and the Impact on Subsequent Progeny
Authors: Miller M. Ryan , Norsworthy Jason K.
Published: November 2017

To address recent concerns related to auxin herbicide drift onto soybean, a study was developed to understand the susceptibility of the reproductive stage of soybean to a new auxin herbicide compared with dicamba. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl is under development as the second herbicide in a new structural class of synthetic auxins, the arylpicolinates. Field studies were conducted to (1) evaluate and compare reproductive soybean injury and yield following applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl or dicamba across various concentrations and reproductive growth stages and (2) determine whether low-rate applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl or dicamba to soybean in reproductive stages would have similar effect on the progeny of the affected plants. Soybean were treated with 0, 1/20, or 1/160, of the 1X rate of florpyrauxifen-benzyl (30 g ai ha−1) or dicamba (560 g ae ha−1) at R1, R2, R3, R4, or R5 growth stage. Soybean plant height and yield was reduced from 1/20X dicamba across all reproductive stages. High drift rates (1/20X) of florpyrauxifen-benzyl also reduced soybean plant height >25% and yield across R1 to R4 stages. Germination, stand, plant height, and yield of the offspring of soybean plants treated with dicamba and florpyrauxifen-benzyl were significantly affected. Dicamba applied at a rate of 1/20X at R4 and R5 resulted in 20% and 35% yield reduction for the offspring, respectively. A similar reduction occurred from florpyrauxifen-benzyl applied at R4 and R5 at the 1/20X rate, resulting in 15% to 24% yield reduction for the offspring, respectively. Based on these findings, it is suggested that growers use caution when applying these herbicides in the vicinity of reproductive soybean.