bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative state? Experimentally induced Fucus canopy persists 38 yr in an Ascophyllum‐dominated community
Authors: Menge Bruce A. , Bracken Matthew E. S. , Lubchenco Jane , Leslie Heather M.
Published: March 2017

Experimental tests of the hypothesis that ecological communities can exist in “multiple stable states” are rare, and some argue, impossible, because of the unlikelihood that any system will meet the necessary criteria. These are that alternative states (1) are in the same location, (2) experience the same environment, (3) persist for multiple generations, (4) resist repeated perturbations, and (5) result from a pulse manipulation. In 1974, we initiated an experiment testing the ability of Ascophyllum nodosum‐dominated rocky intertidal communities to recover from complete canopy removal. Manipulations were monitored frequently for 5 yr after clearance and resurveyed again after a 35‐yr hiatus. After clearance, Ascophyllum was replaced immediately by another fucoid alga, Fucus spp, which continued to dominate the space through 1979 despite regular annual recruitment by Ascophyllum. Observations in 2009 revealed that Fucus spp. still dominated the cleared plots. Surveys in 2011 and 2013 demonstrated that Fucus persisted in experimental plots and Ascophyllum persisted in adjacent, unmanipulated plots. All criteria for testing an alternative state were met. Fucus persisted through multiple generations of both fucoids, a steady annual rain of recruits of both species, a high frequency of storm‐driven perturbations, and it resulted from a pulse manipulation. Likely mechanisms include poor Ascophyllum recruitment directly under the Fucus spp. canopy despite abundant recruitment in adjacent areas, self‐maintenance by Fucus spp. through high recruitment and fast growth, and recruitment facilitation of Fucus by the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. Several lines of evidence indicate that other possible mechanisms including indirect facilitation of fucoids through predation on competitors (mussels), and positive or negative effects of littorine grazing, are unlikely. Although prior results in Maine suggested that the mussel Mytilus edulis was an alternative stable state, the new results suggest that Fucus spp. was the alternative state to Ascophyllum. During the nearly four decades of this experiment, a number of important species including fucoids, littorine grazers, and mussels all declined in abundance, most likely due to climate change. The presumed impact of climate change makes prediction of the long‐term response of this system difficult, but it already differs dramatically from its structure in the 1970s.
[Pt(SCN)4]2–‐Based Coordination Polymers and Supramolecular Squares: Intermolecular Pt···H–C Interactions Probed by Luminescence Spectroscopy at Variable Pressure
Authors: Suffren Yan , Kobayashi Masayuki , Ovens Jeffrey S. , Rodrigue‐Witchel Alexandre , Genre Caroline , Sakai Ken , Reber Christian , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: March 2017

The structures of four types of supramolecular systems containing [Pt(SCN)4]2– molecular units have been characterized. [Mn(bipy)2Pt(SCN)4]2·2MeOH (1) and [Zn(bipy)2Pt(SCN)4]2·2MeOH (2) show cis‐thiocyanato ligands bridging the PtII and MnII or ZnII ions, leading to a molecular square motif. [Zn(bipy)2Pt(SCN)4]2 (3) presents chains where trans‐thiocyanato ligands bridge the ZnII and PtII ions. For 1–3, free thiocyanato ligands are coordinated to the PtII centers to complete the square‐planar coordination. [Pb(bipy)2Pt(SCN)4]2 (4) reveals a two‐dimensional sheet structure where all SCN– ligands bridge the PbII and PtII ions. [Pb(terpy)Pt(SCN)4]2 (5) is similar to 3, with two bridging trans‐SCN– ligands and two that are coordinated only to the PtII centers. For all compounds, d–d luminescence is observed with band maxima at approximately 14600 cm–1 (690 nm). Spectra show characteristic shifts with pressure, indicative of either intramolecular or intermolecular effects, depending on the sign of the shift. The pressure‐dependent shifts for 1–5 show rich variations. A well‐documented shift to higher energy due to metal–ligand bond compression is observed for 5 and can be used as a basis for a comparison. Compounds 1–4 show a shift of Emax to lower energy with pressures below 10 kbar. A change in sign for the shift of Emax occurs at 20, 12, and 10 kbar for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. For 4, only a shift to lower energy is observed. Competing intra‐ and intermolecular effects lead to these variations.
Cross‐Conjugated π‐Scaffolding with Pendant N‐Heterocyclic Metal‐Binding Sites
Authors: Nauroozi Djawed , Bruhn Clemens , Faust Rüdiger
Published: March 2017

The synthesis of geminal enediyne scaffolds with pendant N‐heterocyclic metal‐coordination sites based on dipyridylmethylidene or diazafluorenylidene moieties are reported. The Pd‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions of the corresponding heterocyclic dibromoolefins and terminal alkynes provide convenient access to the new ligand systems. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties are investigated by UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry and reveal a more efficient π delocalisation in the cross‐conjugated diazafluorenylidene systems. The coordination of a PdCl2 fragment to each of the different ligand types along with a comprehensive X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the ligands and complexes is reported. The structural data confirm the almost coplanar arrangement of the N‐heterocyclic metal binding site and the cross‐conjugated π‐delocalised enediyne scaffold as a prerequisite for efficient electronic communication between the two molecular constituents.
Zn2GeO4@C Core–Shell Nanorods as Highly Reversible Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yifan , Lin Yangfan , Du Ning , Xiao Chengmao , Wu Shali , Zhang Yaguang , Yang Deren
Published: March 2017

We report the synthesis of Zn2GeO4 nanorods using a simple hydrothermal process. After the coating of a carbon layer by the thermal decomposition of acetylene gas, the Zn2GeO4@C core–shell nanorods were obtained. The as‐synthesized Zn2GeO4@C core–shell nanorods were used as anode materials of lithium‐ion batteries, which showed good cycling and rate performance. A highly reversible specific capacity of 718 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles was achieved at a current density of 400 mA g−1. The core–shell nanostructures and partially amorphous and porous nanostructures helped to alleviate the volume change and enhance the conductivity during the charge/discharge process, which may be responsible for the good performance.
Improving the robustness of the control volume finite element method with application to multiphase porous media flow
Authors: Salinas Pablo , Pavlidis Dimitrios , Xie Zhihua , Jacquemyn Carl , Melnikova Yulia , Jackson Matthew D , Pain Christopher C
Published: March 2017

Control volume finite element methods (CVFEMs) have been proposed to simulate flow in heterogeneous porous media because they are better able to capture complex geometries using unstructured meshes. However, producing good quality meshes in such models is nontrivial and may sometimes be impossible, especially when all or parts of the domains have very large aspect ratio. A novel CVFEM is proposed here that uses a control volume representation for pressure and yields significant improvements in the quality of the pressure matrix. The method is initially evaluated and then applied to a series of test cases using unstructured (triangular/tetrahedral) meshes, and numerical results are in good agreement with semianalytically obtained solutions. The convergence of the pressure matrix is then studied using complex, heterogeneous example problems. The results demonstrate that the new formulation yields a pressure matrix than can be solved efficiently even on highly distorted, tetrahedral meshes in models of heterogeneous porous media with large permeability contrasts. The new approach allows effective application of CVFEM in such models.
Detachment fold vs. ramp anticline: a gravity survey in the southern Pyrenean front (External Sierras)
Authors: Calvín Pablo , Santolaria Pablo , Casas Antonio M. , Pueyo Emilio L.
Published: March 2017

The Santo Domingo Anticline (External Sierras, Southern Pyrenees), which separates the Jaca piggyback basin from the Ebro foreland basin, is a key structure of the Pyrenees. Its geometry has been interpreted both as a detachment fold and as a hangingwall anticline associated with an underlying thrust. In this paper, we present the results from a gravity survey and 2.5D gravity modelling carried out around the Santo Domingo Anticline. Density measurements indicate a sharp density contrast between the Triassic evaporites‐mudstones in the core of the anticline and the sedimentary sequence (limestones and sandstones) at its limbs. Gravity anomalies together with 2.5D gravity models allow to discern the along‐strike structural changes. From east to west, we document a change from the ramp‐associated fold to the detachment anticline. The capabilities and limitations of the gravimetric method for the determination of fold geometry are also discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A core avenue for transcultural research on dementia: on the cross‐linguistic generalization of language‐related effects in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Calvo Noelia , Ibáñez Agustín , Muñoz Edinson , García Adolfo M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Language is a key source of cross‐cultural variability, which may have both subtle and major effects on neurocognition. However, this issue has been largely overlooked in two flourishing lines of research assessing the relationship between language‐related neural systems and dementia. This paper assesses the limitations of the evidence on (i) the neuroprotective effects of bilingualism in Alzheimer's disease and (ii) specific language deficits as markers of Parkinson's disease.

Design

First, we outline the rationale behind each line of research. Second, we review available evidence and discuss the potential impact of cross‐linguistic factors. Third, we outline ideas to foster progress in both fields and, with it, in cross‐cultural neuroscience at large.

Results

On the one hand, studies on bilingualism suggest that sustained use of more than one language may protect against Alzheimer's disease symptoms. On the other hand, insights from the embodied cognition framework point to syntactic and action‐verb deficits as early (and even preclinical) markers of Parkinson's disease. However, both fields share a key limitation that lies at the heart of cultural neuroscience: the issue of cross‐linguistic generalizability.

Conclusion

Relevant evidence for both research trends comes from only a handful of (mostly Indo‐European) languages, which are far from capturing the full scope of structural and typological diversity of the linguistic landscape worldwide. This raises questions on the external validity of reported findings. Greater collaboration between linguistic typology and cognitive neuroscience seems crucial as a first step to assess the impact of transcultural differences on language‐related effects across neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of hybrid scaffolds with natural extracellular matrix deposited within synthetic polymeric fibers
Authors: Goyal Ritu , Vega Maria E. , Pastino Alexandra K. , Singh Shivani , Guvendiren Murat , Kohn Joachim , Murthy N. Sanjeeva , Schwarzbauer Jean E.
Published: March 2017

A major challenge of tissue engineering is to generate materials that combine bioactivity with stability in a form that captures the robust nature of native tissues. Here we describe a procedure to fabricate a novel hybrid extracellular matrix (ECM)—synthetic scaffold biomaterial by cell‐mediated deposition of ECM within an electrospun fiber mat. Synthetic polymer fiber mats were fabricated using poly(desamino tyrosyl‐tyrosine carbonate) (PDTEC) co‐spun with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) used as a sacrificial polymer. PEG removal increased the overall mat porosity and produced a mat with a layered structure that could be peeled into separate sheets of about 50 μm in thickness. Individual layers had pore sizes and wettability that facilitated cell infiltration over the depth of the scaffold. Confocal microscopy showed the formation of a highly interpenetrated network of cells, fibronectin fibrils, and synthetic fibers mimicking a complex ECM as observed within tissues. Decellularization did not perturb the structure of the matrix or the fiber mat. The resulting hybrid ECM‐scaffold promoted cell adhesion and spreading and stimulated new ECM assembly by stem cells and tumor cells. These results identify a new technique for fabricating highly porous synthetic fibrous scaffolds and an approach to supplement them with natural biomimetic cues. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2162–2170, 2017.
Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling Activates Expression of the Bone‐Related Transcription Factor RUNX2 in Select Human Osteosarcoma Cell Types
Authors: Vega Oscar A. , Lucero Claudia M.J. , Araya Hector F. , Jerez Sofia , Tapia Julio C. , Antonelli Marcelo , Salazar‐Onfray Flavio , Las Heras Facundo , Thaler Roman , Riester Scott M. , Stein Gary S. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Galindo Mario A.
Published: March 2017

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. Metastasis and poor responsiveness to chemotherapy in osteosarcoma correlates with over‐expression of the runt‐related transcription factor RUNX2, which normally plays a key role in osteogenic lineage commitment, osteoblast differentiation, and bone formation. Furthermore, WNT/β‐catenin signaling is over‐activated in osteosarcoma and promotes tumor progression. Importantly, the WNT/β‐catenin pathway normally activates RUNX2 gene expression during osteogenic lineage commitment. Therefore, we examined whether the WNT/β‐catenin pathway controls the tumor‐related elevation of RUNX2 expression in osteosarcoma. We analyzed protein levels and nuclear localization of β‐catenin and RUNX2 in a panel of human osteosarcoma cell lines (SAOS, MG63, U2OS, HOS, G292, and 143B). In all six cell lines, β‐catenin and RUNX2 are expressed to different degrees and localized in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm. SAOS cells have the highest levels of RUNX2 protein that is localized in the nucleus, while MG63 cells have the lowest RUNX2 levels which is mostly localized in the cytoplasm. Levels of β‐catenin and RUNX2 protein are enhanced in HOS, G292, and 143B cells after treatment with the GSK3β inhibitor SB216763. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated depletion of β‐catenin inhibits RUNX2 expression in G292 cells. Thus, WNT/β‐catenin activation is required for RUNX2 expression in at least some osteosarcoma cell types, where RUNX2 is known to promote expression of metastasis related genes. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3662–3674, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on sonography and risk of coronary heart disease
Authors: Lee Sun Hwa , Yun Seong Jong , Kim Dong Hyeon , Jo Hyeon Hwan , Park Yong Sung
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on sonography (US) and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as the predictive value of US‐diagnosed NAFLD to determine intermediate/high CHD risk compared with as well as in combination on with NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS).

Methods

This retrospective study included 1,276 patients examined between November 2015 and August 2016. NAFLD was categorized as absent, mild, moderate, or severe based on liver‐to‐kidney echogenicity, visibility of intrahepatic vessel walls, and the diaphragm. The Framingham risk score (FRS) and NFS were used to predict CHD risk and hepatic fibrosis severity. Spearman correlation test, multivariate‐adjusted logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used for statistical evaluation.

Results

FRS increased as NAFLD severity increased, and US‐determined NAFLD severity and FRS were highly positively correlated (r = 0.683, p < 0.001). The odds ratios for intermediate/high CHD risk increased with increasing NAFLD severity. The predictive performance of US‐determined NAFLD severity for determining intermediate/high CHD risk in NAFLD patients was 0.738. There was no significant difference between US‐determined NAFLD severity and NFS in terms of identifying intermediate/high CHD risk (p = 0.88). However, the combination of US‐determined NAFLD severity and NFS significantly improved the ability to distinguish intermediate/high CHD risk compared with that of US‐determined NAFLD severity or NFS alone (p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions

US‐determined NAFLD severity was well correlated with FRS and associated with the prevalence of intermediate/high CHD risk. The combination of US‐determined NAFLD severity and NFS may be useful for predicting CHD risk. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:391–399, 2017
Tweedie regression model: a proposed statistical approach for modelling indoor signal path loss
Authors: Hassine Aymen , Masmoudi Afif , Ghribi Abdelaziz
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we focused on the modelling of the signal path loss prediction by using the Tweedie regression model. The distance and the obstacles quantity between receiver and transmitter are chosen as explanatory regression variables. This enables us to compare it with the log‐normal shadowing model. The Tweedie regression model is a wide case of the generalized linear model with a Tweedie response distribution characterized by the unit variance function with power mean‐variance relationshipsμp,. We studied the asymptotic normality and the confidence interval of the predicted signal path loss. The performance of this model was studied using a real data sample to select the fitted regression model by varying the Tweedie parameterp. We illustrated our approach by considering an experimental study and using the bootstrap technique to select the appropriate Tweedie regression model. The experimental results showed that the proposed approach outperforms the prediction of signal path loss.
Effect of the type and level of hydration of alcoholic solvents on the simultaneous extraction of oil and chlorogenic acids from sunflower seed press cake
Authors: Scharlack Nayara K , Aracava Keila K , Rodrigues Christianne EC
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the replacement of hexane by alcoholic solvents in oil extraction from sunflower seed press cake. The use of ethanol and isopropanol has important advantages, including low toxicity and good operational safety. Thus, in the present study, solid‐liquid extractions were performed in a single stage from 60 to 90 °C and in consecutive extractions in three stages at 90 °C.

RESULTS

Solvent hydration negatively affected the extraction of oil but favored the extraction of chlorogenic acids (CAs), especially when ethanol was used. Regarding oxidative stability, the oils extracted using ethanol presented long induction times, which could be related to the high levels of not only CAs and tocopherols, but also phospholipids.

CONCLUSION

Alcoholic solvents can be used for extraction to produce sunflower seed oil containing minor compounds that give it greater oxidative stability. In addition, the results obtained using hydrous ethanol showed that this solvent can yield defatted sunflower seed meal with a low content of CAs, enabling future use of the protein fraction. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Are risk disclosures an effective tool to increase firm value?
Authors: Bravo Francisco
Published: March 2017

The objective of this paper is to test the effect of risk disclosures on firm value. The results show that the disclosure of information on risks is positively associated with the value of a firm. In addition, our findings highlight that this association is mediated by corporate reputation, which improves for enhanced risk disclosure practices. This evidence is particularly important to understand the usefulness of the disclosure of information on risks in the dialogue between a firm and its stakeholders. Managers and regulators can better understand the consequences of the communication of information on risks.
Isolation enhancement of compact dual‐wideband MIMO antenna using flag‐shaped stub
Authors: Katie Mohannad Obaid , Jamlos Mohd Faizal , Mohsen Alqadami Abdulrahman Shueai , Jamlos Mohd Aminudin
Published: March 2017

A compact dual‐wideband multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna with a size of 36 × 22 mm2 is proposed for portable systems. The proposed antenna consists of two identical monopole antenna elements (MA) which are placed on one side of the substrate. The ground plane with Flag‐shaped stub is placed on the other side of the substrate to reduce mutual coupling and enhance isolation between the antenna elements. It is found out that the Flag‐shaped stub introduced one more coupling path and this coupling path cancel out the original coupling between the MAs. The proposed antenna has two operating wideband of 2.5–2.85 GHz (lower band) and 4.82–6.1 GHz (upper band) owing to the slits and slots that are located besides Flag‐shaped stub. Those slits and slots generate certain resonances and simultaneously notched‐out the initial antenna's band. Combination technique of Flag‐shaped stub with slits and slots contribute to the isolation of better than 18 dB across the lower band and more than 20 dB at the upper band. Instead of good isolation at both bands and compact size, ECC of 0.05 leads the antenna suitability for MIMO multiple standards applications such as LTE, WLAN, WiMAX, and HIPERLAN. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1028–1032, 2017
Stitched transmission lines for wearable RF devices
Authors: Daniel Isaac H. , Flint James A. , Seager Rob
Published: March 2017

A novel stitched transmission line for wearable devices has been manufactured and tested to measure its scattering parameters from 0.04 to 4 GHz. The stitched transmission line which is 150 mm long consists of an inner conductor surrounded by a tubular insulating layer. For shielding purpose, the structure is stitched onto a denim material with a conductive thread with the aid of a novel manufacturing technique using a standard hardware. The S‐Parameters were investigated with three different stitch angles
through simulation and experiments, demonstrating that the stitched transmission line can work usefully and consistently from 0.04 to 4 GHz. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1048–1052, 2017
Dual band compact monopole antenna for ISM 2.4/5.8 frequency bands with bluetooth, Wi‐Fi, and mobile applications
Authors: Mondal Kalyan , Sarkar Partha Pratim
Published: March 2017

In this work, a dual bands omnidirectional monopole antenna is proposed. A planer Y‐shaped patch is loaded on the top of the surface and a slot is loaded on the ground plane to obtained broadband. Rogers RT/duroid5880(tm) substrate is used with dielectric constant 2.2 and loss tangent 0.0009. The results of the proposed antenna for the variation of width and length of the ground plane are investigated. Two licensed free frequency bands at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz are obtained for WiFi and Bluetooth application. The measured frequency bands of 2.3–2.52 GHz at 2.4 GHz and 4.22–10.30 GHz with two resonant frequencies at 4.96 and 8.36 GHz are obtained. The peak antenna gain of 4.6 dBi at 2.4 GHz is achieved. Simulation has been done using MOM base Ansoft designer software. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1061–1065, 2017
Balanced bandpass filter with spurious mode suppression
Authors: Li Yun‐Li , Chen Jian‐Xin , Chen Jiangjingxian , Zhang Shi‐Bing , Bao Zhi‐Hua
Published: March 2017

This article presents a new and simple design approach for the balanced bandpass filter (BPF) with spurious mode suppression using half‐wavelength resonators. The second harmonic of the resonator, acting as the lowest‐frequency common‐mode (CM) noise, is suppressed by using a new differential feeding scheme. Furthermore, an electrically coupled structure, exhibiting a bandstop response at the third harmonic of the resonator [acting as the lowest‐frequency differential‐mode (DM) spurious], is introduced. As a result, both wideband CM suppression and extended DM upper stopband can be realized simultaneously due to the suppression of the second and third harmonics of the resonator. For demonstration, a second‐order balanced BPF is designed, fabricated, and measured. Good agreement between simulated and measured results can be observed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1188–1190, 2017
Compact fractal interferometers for a 4‐bit IFM system
Authors: Silva C.P.N. , Machado G.G. , de Oliveira E.M.F. , de Oliveira M.R.T. , de Oliveira B.G.M. , de Melo M.T.
Published: March 2017

Instantaneous frequency measurement (IFM) systems have been developed during the last decades, and new designs came across trying to keep the system as compact as possible. In this paper, the authors present compact interferometers based on Hilbert fractal geometry for a 4‐bit IFM system. The interferometers operate in the range 4.66–6.38 GHz, using a Wilkinson power divider connected to two microstrip lines, which one of these is the Hilbert fractal curve. The design and simulations to be presented were done in a full wave EM simulator. Measured and simulating results are presented and compared. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1153–1157, 2017
Piperolein B and piperchabamide D isolated from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) as larvicidal compounds against the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella)
Authors: Hwang Ki Seon , Kim Young Kook , Park Kee Woong , Kim Young Tae
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

There is growing demand for the development of alternative pest control agents that are effective as well as non‐toxic to human health and the environment. Plant protection products derived from plant extracts are an eco‐friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. The aim of this study was to identify larvicidal compounds isolated from a natural source against Plutella xylostella L. In a larvicidal activity assay, several solvent fractions from the methanol extract of Piper nigrum L. fruit showed larvicidal effects against P. xylostella.

RESULTS

Screening results indicated that chloroform extract was the most effective against P. xylostella larvae. Two compounds with insecticidal activity in the chloroform fraction were identified as piperolein B and piperchabamide D by spectroscopic analyses, including mass spectrometry and NMR, and by comparison to published data. At applications of 0.1 mg mL−1 concentration, piperolein B and piperchabamide D, respectively, induced 96.7 ± 5.8% and 79.2 ± 16.6% mortality rates of P. xylostella larvae 4 days post‐application.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that piperolein B and piperchabamide D isolated from P. nigrum are the major constituents of the extract demonstrating insecticidal properties for the control of P. xylostella larvae. These plant‐derived compounds should become useful alternatives to synthetic chemicals after studying their insecticidal mechanisms. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Diterpenes and Their Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Islam Muhammad Torequl
Published: March 2017

As therapeutic tools, diterpenes and their derivatives have gained much attention of the medicinal scientists nowadays. It is due to their pledging and important biological activities. This review congregates the anticancer diterpenes. For this, a search was made with selected keywords in PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, The American Chemical Society and miscellaneous databases from January 2012 to January 2017 for the published articles. A total 28, 789 published articles were seen. Among them, 240 were included in this study. More than 250 important anticancer diterpenes and their derivatives were seen in the databases, acting in the different pathways. Some of them are already under clinical trials, while others are in the nonclinical and/or pre‐clinical trials. In conclusion, diterpenes may be one of the lead molecules in the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHAIN-LADDER METHOD AND MIDYEAR LOSS RESERVING
Authors: Dahms René
Published: March 2017

Although loss reserving has been deeply studied in the literature, there are still practical issues that have not been addressed a lot. One of them is the estimation of reserves during the year, which is necessary for forecasts or closings during the year. We will study the following question: What can be done for forecasts and closings during the year that goes along with the reserving at year end? In order to make it not too complicated, we will focus on the Chain-Ladder method introduced by Mack (1993). We will describe several methods that are used in practice. We will discuss advantages and disadvantages of these methods based on a simple deterministic example. Roughly spoken, we will see that you may shift development or accident periods, or may split development periods, but should not split accident periods.
Burial and exhumation history of the Daday Unit (Central Pontides, Turkey): implications for the closure of the Intra-Pontide oceanic basin
Authors: FRASSI CHIARA , MARRONI MICHELE , PANDOLFI LUCA , GÖNCÜOĞLU M. CEMAL , ELLERO ALESSANDRO , OTTRIA GIUSEPPE , SAYIT KAAN , MCDONALD CHRISTOPHER S. , BALESTRIERI MARIA LAURA , MALASOMA ALESSANDRO
Published: March 2017

In northern Turkey, the Intra-Pontide suture zone represents one of the first-order tectonic structures located between the Istanbul–Zonguldak and the Sakarya continental terranes. It consists of an E–W-trending assemblage of deformed and variably metamorphosed tectonic units, including sedimentary rocks and ophiolites derived from a Neo-Tethyan oceanic basin, known as the Intra-Pontide oceanic basin. One of these units is represented by the Daday Unit that consists of a block-in-matrix assemblage derived from supra-subduction oceanic crust and related deep-sea sedimentary cover of Middle Jurassic age. This setting was acquired during Late Jurassic time by tectonic underplating at a depth of 35–42 km associated with blueschist-facies metamorphism (D1 phase). The following D2, D3 and D4 phases produced the exhumation of the Daday Unit up to shallower structural levels in a time span running from the Albian to late Paleocene. The high geothermal gradient detected during the D2 phase indicates that the Daday Unit was exhumed during a continent–arc collisional setting. The tectonic structures of the Intra-Pontide suture zone, resulting from the previously described tectonic history, are unconformably sealed by the upper Paleocene – Eocene deposits. This tectonic setting was intensely reworked by the activity of the North Anatolian Fault Zone, producing the present-day geometrical relationships of the Intra-Pontide suture zone of the Central Pontides.
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy: A Descriptive Review (2000 to July 2016)
Authors: Caro Gabalda Isabel
Published: March 2017

Background: TheBehavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy(BCP) Journal is the main academic publication of theBritish Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. It publishes empirical studies, reviews and theoretical papers, brief reports and single cases.Aim: To describe the main areas of interest and focus in BCP papers.Method: All the papers published in BCP from 2000 to July 2016 were analysed. A categorization procedure was followed with 813 contributions in six main areas: main author country; main author gender; kind of contribution; kind of therapeutic approaches; kind of samples; kind of focus/topic.Results: Although the journal's scope is international, first authors tend to come from English-speaking countries. Since 2009, females contribute more than males. Empirical studies surpass theoretical studies and reviews, while the main therapy denomination is cognitive behavioural therapy. Variability of samples is wide, and ranges from analogues to main disorders. Finally, the main focus of papers is to study change and psychopathology, therapists’ training and improvement of CBT.Conclusion: Given the total number of categorized papers, it can be tentatively assumed that they could exemplify some main areas of interest and evolvement in the cognitive and behavioural field.
From Private to Religious Patriarchy: Gendered Consequences of Faith-Based Welfare Provision in Germany
Authors: Hien Josef
Published: March 2017

Over one million people work for a faith-based welfare provider in Germany. Caritas and Diakonie, the largest faith-based providers in Germany enjoy prerogatives that do not exist in other countries. This particular group of faith-based organizations is exempt from federal labor law and discrimination clauses, which results in arbitrary, and in other cases, institutional, forms of discrimination against particular social groups in society. Research has focused on the institutional regulation of faith-based practice in Germany. Much less attention has been devoted to the faith component within faith-based welfare provision. This study traces the evolution of church doctrine and its impact on the care and employment practices of faith-based welfare providers in Germany from the 1950s to the present. It argues that the conservative ideology of these welfare providers amplifies the negative effects of gendered occupational regimes.
Faster phonological processing and right occipito-temporal coupling in deaf adults signal poor cochlear implant outcome
Authors: Lazard Diane S. , Giraud Anne-Lise
Published: March 2017

The outcome of adult cochlear implantation is predicted positively by the involvement of visual cortex in speech processing, and negatively by the cross-modal recruitment of the right temporal cortex during and after deafness. How these two neurofunctional predictors concur to modulate cochlear implant (CI) performance remains unclear. In this fMRI study, we explore the joint involvement of occipital and right hemisphere regions in a visual-based phonological task in post-lingual deafness. Intriguingly, we show that some deaf subjects perform faster than controls. This behavioural effect is associated with reorganized connectivity across bilateral visual, right temporal and left inferior frontal cortices, but with poor CI outcome. Conversely, preserved normal-range reaction times are associated with left-lateralized phonological processing and good CI outcome. These results suggest that following deafness, involvement of visual cortex in the context of reorganized right-lateralized phonological processing compromises its availability for audio-visual synergy during adaptation to CI.
Atmospheric impacts of the strongest known solar particle storm of 775 AD
Authors: Sukhodolov Timofei , Usoskin Ilya , Rozanov Eugene , Asvestari Eleanna , Ball William T. , Curran Mark A. J. , Fischer Hubertus , Kovaltsov Gennady , Miyake Fusa , Peter Thomas , Plummer Christopher , Schmutz Werner , Severi Mirko , Traversi Rita
Published: March 2017

Sporadic solar energetic particle (SEP) events affect the Earth’s atmosphere and environment, in particular leading to depletion of the protective ozone layer in the Earth’s atmosphere, and pose potential technological and even life hazards. The greatest SEP storm known for the last 11 millennia (the Holocene) occurred in 774–775 AD, serving as a likely worst-case scenario being 40–50 times stronger than any directly observed one. Here we present a systematic analysis of the impact such an extreme event can have on the Earth’s atmosphere. Using state-of-the-art cosmic ray cascade and chemistry-climate models, we successfully reproduce the observed variability of cosmogenic isotope 10Be, around 775 AD, in four ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica, thereby validating the models in the assessment of this event. We add to prior conclusions that any nitrate deposition signal from SEP events remains too weak to be detected in ice cores by showing that, even for such an extreme solar storm and sub-annual data resolution, the nitrate deposition signal is indistinguishable from the seasonal cycle. We show that such a severe event is able to perturb the polar stratosphere for at least one year, leading to regional changes in the surface temperature during northern hemisphere winters.
Discriminating cognitive status in Parkinson’s disease through functional connectomics and machine learning
Authors: Abós Alexandra , Baggio Hugo C. , Segura Bàrbara , García-Díaz Anna I. , Compta Yaroslau , Martí Maria José , Valldeoriola Francesc , Junqué Carme
Published: March 2017

There is growing interest in the potential of neuroimaging to help develop non-invasive biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, connection-wise patterns of functional connectivity were used to distinguish Parkinson’s disease patients according to cognitive status using machine learning. Two independent subject samples were assessed with resting-state fMRI. The first (training) sample comprised 38 healthy controls and 70 Parkinson’s disease patients (27 with mild cognitive impairment). The second (validation) sample included 25 patients (8 with mild cognitive impairment). The Brainnetome atlas was used to reconstruct the functional connectomes. Using a support vector machine trained on features selected through randomized logistic regression with leave-one-out cross-validation, a mean accuracy of 82.6% (p < 0.002) was achieved in separating patients with mild cognitive impairment from those without it in the training sample. The model trained on the whole training sample achieved an accuracy of 80.0% when used to classify the validation sample (p = 0.006). Correlation analyses showed that the connectivity level in the edges most consistently selected as features was associated with memory and executive function performance in the patient group. Our results demonstrate that connection-wise patterns of functional connectivity may be useful for discriminating Parkinson’s disease patients according to the presence of cognitive deficits.
Quantitative strain analysis of InAs/GaAs quantum dot materials
Authors: Vullum Per Erik , Nord Magnus , Vatanparast Maryam , Thomassen Sedsel Fretheim , Boothroyd Chris , Holmestad Randi , Fimland Bjørn-Ove , Reenaas Turid Worren
Published: March 2017

Geometric phase analysis has been applied to high resolution aberration corrected (scanning) transmission electron microscopy images of InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) materials. We show quantitatively how the lattice mismatch induced strain varies on the atomic scale and tetragonally distorts the lattice in a wide region that extends several nm into the GaAs spacer layer below and above the QDs. Finally, we show how V-shaped dislocations originating at the QD/GaAs interface efficiently remove most of the lattice mismatch induced tetragonal distortions in and around the QD.
Numerical study of matching conditions and optimum structure of an input coupler for a 0.34-THz extended-interaction klystron
Authors: Li Shuang , Wang Guangqiang , Wang Dongyang
Published: March 2017

To develop a reliable and stable EIK at 0.34 THz, an analysis of the input circuit is presented and some aspects regarding the practicalities of the device are specifically discussed. The structure of the coupler is first optimized to improve the driving signal injection. The effects of gap voltage on the beam-wave interaction are studied, leading to the evaluation of the driving power needed. By analyzing the currently available seed sources and the possibility of electrical breakdown, proper input conditions are established. Finally, an optimized input circuit is shown to match well the simulation results obtained by using the particle-in-cell (PIC) method. The simulation results demonstrate that the optimized device can operate stably with a gain of 28.8 dB when the input power is matched at 7.9 mW.
What Should Guide Health Policy? A Perspective Beyond Politics
Authors: Kirch Darrell G. , Ast Cori
Published: March 2017

As the U.S. electorate has become increasingly polarized, these divisions are poised to shape legislative and regulatory work in the years ahead. For those whose focus is on the public goods of health care for all, the advancement of science through rigorous research, and the contribution of higher education to the continual improvement of the nation’s workforce, there is profound uncertainty about the future. There are several pressing questions facing the nation and academic medicine, including the future of affordable, accessible insurance; acceptance of scientific evidence; sustainable learning and teaching methodologies; and the well-being and preparation of the nation’s health workforce to care for an increasingly diverse nation. For those in academic medicine and policy making alike, the authors propose a framework, grounded in scientific evidence and guided by clinical ethics, for designing and evaluating health policy solutions for these and other pressing questions.
Measuring the Cost of the Patient-Centered Medical Home
Authors: Lieberthal Robert D. , Payton Colleen , Sarfaty Mona , Valko George
Published: March 2017

To explore the cost for individual practices to become more patient-centered, we inventoried and calculated the cost of costly activities involved in implementing the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) as defined by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. There were 3 key findings. The cost of each PCMH-related clinical activity can be classified in 1 of 3 major categories. Cost offsets can be used to defray part of the cost recognition. The cost of PCMH transformation varied by practice with no clear level or pattern of costs. Our study suggests that small- and medium-sized practices may experience difficulty with the financial burden of PCMH recognition.
The Impact of Hospital Health Network Affiliation on Discharge Communication Preferences of Primary Care Providers
Authors: Ming David Y. , Stephany Alyssa M. , Gallis John A. , Powers Benjamin J.
Published: March 2017

Primary care physicians (PCPs) experience differential postdischarge access to electronic health records, depending upon affiliation with the discharging hospital's health network. To better understand whether this affiliation impacts discharge communication preferences, we surveyed a convenience sample of PCPs in and out of our hospital's health network. We also surveyed hospitalists and compared PCPs' and hospitalists' responses. We found that PCP discharge communication preferences differed by hospital health network affiliation. In addition, PCPs and hospitalists reported different expectations of responsibility for pending laboratory test follow-up. More inclusive communication strategies and standardization of responsibility for pending laboratory results may improve discharge communication quality.
Acknowledging the Risk for Traumatic Brain Injury in Women Veterans
Authors: Amoroso Timothy , Iverson Katherine M.
Published: March 2017

Since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars began, an unprecedented number of women have been engaging in combat operations. Likewise, the number of women using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services has doubled since 2001. Military service, and deployment to combat in particular, poses certain risks for traumatic brain injury (TBI)—for all service members. However, women may have additional military and nondeployment risk factors such as intimate partner violence (IPV). We briefly review the definition and classification issues related to TBI, as well as common acute and chronic health symptoms after TBI. Specific sex differences in prognosis after TBI, in particular the neurobehavioral symptoms, are also reviewed. We then focus on the emerging literature regarding TBI in women veterans including the etiologies, outcomes, and unique challenges this population faces. The article concludes with suggestions for enhanced screening by VA and non-VA providers alike, as well as directions for future research and clinical inquiry.
Beyond differences in means: robust graphical methods to compare two groups in neuroscience
Authors: Rousselet Guillaume A. , Pernet Cyril R. , Wilcox Rand R.
Published: March 2017

If many changes are necessary to improve the quality of neuroscience research, one relatively simple step could have great pay-offs: to promote the adoption of detailed graphical methods, combined with robust inferential statistics. Here we illustrate how such methods can lead to a much more detailed understanding of group differences than bar graphs and t-tests on means. To complement the neuroscientist’s toolbox, we present two powerful tools that can help us understand how groups of observations differ: the shift function and the difference asymmetry function. These tools can be combined with detailed visualisations to provide complementary perspectives about the data. We provide implementations in R and Matlab of the graphical tools, and all the examples in the article can be reproduced using R scripts.
Poly(A) Binding Protein Nuclear 1 regulates the polyadenylation of key synaptic plasticity genes and plays a role in homeostatic plasticity
Authors: Vlatkovic Irena , Sambandan Sivakumar , Tushev Georgi , Wang Mantian , Epstein Irina , Glock Caspar , Fuerst Nicole , Cajigas Iván , Schuman Erin
Published: March 2017

Polyadenylation is a nuclear process that involves the endonucleolytic cleavage of RNA transcripts and the addition of poly(A) tails. The cleavage often takes place at different positions within the same RNA transcript, generating alternative 3’ends. Polyadenylation regulates mRNA localization, stability and translation and is likely to regulate complex processes such as synapse formation, synaptic plasticity and memory. Here we examined whether PolyA Binding Protein Nuclear 1 (Pabpn1), an RNA binding protein known to regulate alternative polyadenylation and polyA tail length in other systems, regulates neuronal mRNA function. Using immunocytochemistry we determined that Pabpn1 is present in both hippocampal slices and cultured hippocampal neurons. Applying shRNAs to knock-down Pabpn1 we discovered that Pabpn1 regulates the mRNA abundance and localization of key synaptic plasticity genes including Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase II Alpha (Camk2a) and Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor AMPA Type Subunit 2 (Gria2). Furthermore, Pabpn1 knock-down prevented the homeostatic scaling of synaptic transmission elicited by bicuculline. These data demonstrate a link between Pabpn1, polyadenylation and neuronal plasticity.
Aerodynamic robust optimization of flying wing aircraft based on interval method
Authors: Pan Yalin , Huang Jun , Li Feng , Yan Chuxiong
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a robust optimization strategy to deal with the aerodynamic optimization issue, which does not need a large sum of information on the uncertainty of input parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Interval numbers were adopted to describe the uncertain input, which only requires bounds and does not necessarily need probability distributions. Based on the method, model outputs were also regarded as intervals. To identify a better solution, an order relation was used to rank interval numbers.

Findings

Based on intervals analysis method, the uncertain optimization problem was transformed into nested optimization. The outer optimization was used to optimize the design vector, and inner optimization was used to compute the interval of model outputs. A flying wing aircraft was used as a basis for uncertainty optimization through the suggested optimization strategy, and optimization results demonstrated the validity of the method.

Originality/value

In aircraft conceptual design, the uncertain information of design parameters are often insufficient. Interval number programming method used for uncertainty analysis is effective for aerodynamic robust optimization for aircraft conceptual design.