bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time Visualization of Lysosome Destruction Using a Photosensitive Toluidine Blue Nanogel
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Tung Ching‐Hsuan
Published: January 2018

Breaking the lysosome helps its sequestered payloads access their molecular targets in cells and thus enhances the intracellular drug delivery. Current strategies for lysosomal escape involve direct physical interactions with the lipid membrane. These interactions pose a systemic toxicity and uncontrolled membrane rupture risk. Here, we report a light‐detonated lysosome disruption using a hyaluronan (HA) nanogel packed with toludine blue (TB). The HA/TB nanogel is concentrated within the lysosomes. The applied light assists TB in generating reactive oxygen species and destroying the lysosome in situ, both in cells and isolated lysosomes. Real time fluorescent tracking reveals that quenched TB fluorescence recovers along with lysosome explosion, relocates to the nucleus, and is presented as a fluorescent sparkling in cells. This HA/TB, composed of all clinically approved materials, represents a biocompatible and facile strategy to “bomb” lysosomes in a spatiotemporally controlled fashion.
Covalent Bonding of Chlorogenic Acid Induces Structural Modifications on Sunflower Proteins
Authors: Karefyllakis Dimitris , Salakou Stavroula , Bitter J. Harry , van der Goot Atze J. , Nikiforidis Constantinos V.
Published: January 2018

Proteins and phenols coexist in the confined space of plant cells leading to reactions between them, which result in new covalently bonded complex molecules. This kind of reactions has been widely observed during storage and processing of plant materials. However, the nature of the new complex molecules and their physicochemical properties are largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the structural characteristics of covalently bonded complexes between sunflower protein isolate (SFPI, protein content 85 wt %) and the dominant phenol in the confined space of a sunflower seed cell (chlorogenic acid, CGA). It was shown that the efficiency of bond formation goes through a maximum as a function of the SFPI:CGA ratio. Moreover, the bonding of CGA with proteins resulted in changes in the secondary and tertiary structure of the protein. It was also shown that the phenol bound strongly to the protein, which resulted in new crosslinks between the polypeptide chains. As a result, secondary structures like α‐helices and β‐sheets diminished, which in turn resulted in more disordered domains and a subsequent modification of the tertiary structure of the proteins. These findings are relevant for establishing future protocols for extraction of high‐quality proteins and phenols when utilizing plant material and offer insight into the impact of processing that these ingredients endure.
Modeling the Interaction of Carbon Monoxide with Flexible Graphene: From Coupled Cluster Calculations to Molecular‐Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Wilson Jake , Faginas‐Lago Noelia , Vekeman Jelle , Cuesta Inmaculada G. , Sánchez‐Marín José , Sánchez de Merás Alfredo
Published: January 2018

The interaction of CO with graphene was studied at different theoretical levels. Quantum‐mechanical calculations on finite graphene models with the use of coronene for coupled cluster calculations and circumcoronene for B97D calculations showed that there was no preferential site for adsorption and that the most important factor was the orientation of CO relative to graphene. The parallel orientation was preferred, with binding energies around 9 kJ mol−1 at the CCSD(T) and B97D levels, which was in good agreement with experimental findings. From a large number of CO–circumcoronene and CO–CO interactions, computed at different distances and randomly generated orientations, parameters were fit to the improved Lennard–Jones potential. Such potentials, together with others describing the intramolecular dynamics of graphene, were subsequently employed in classical molecular‐dynamics simulations of the adsorption of CO on graphene by using the canonical ensemble. The obtained results showed that the introduction of flexibility in graphene, which simulated the effects associated to curvature of the surface, diminished the adsorption level and that, as expected, adsorption also diminished with temperature.
Anorexia nervosa and uric acid beyond gout: An idea worth researching
Authors: Simeunovic Ostojic Mladena , Maas Joyce
Published: January 2018

Uric acid is best known for its role in gout—the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis in humans—that is also described as an unusual complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, beyond gout, uric acid could also be involved in the pathophysiology and psychopathology of AN, as it has many biological functions serving as a pro‐ and antioxidant, neuroprotector, neurostimulant, and activator of the immune response. Further, recent research suggests that uric acid could be a biomarker of mood dysfunction, personality traits, and behavioral patterns. This article discusses the hypothesis that uric acid in AN may not be a mere innocent bystander determined solely by AN behavior and its medical complications. In contrast, the relation between uric acid and AN may have evolutionary origin and may be reciprocal, where uric acid regulates some features and pathophysiological processes of AN, including weight and metabolism regulation, oxidative stress, immunity, mood, cognition, and (hyper)activity.
Gut microbiota in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides, provide colonization resistance against larval bacterial pathogens
Authors: Wang Yin , Rozen Daniel E.
Published: January 2018

Carrion beetles, Nicrophorus vespilloides, are reared on decomposing carrion where larvae are exposed to high populations of carcass‐derived bacteria. Larvae do not become colonized with these bacteria but instead are colonized with the gut microbiome of their parents, suggesting that bacteria in the beetle microbiome outcompete the carcass‐derived species for larval colonization. Here, we test this hypothesis and quantify the fitness consequences of colonization with different bacterial symbionts. First, we show that beetles colonized by their endogenous microbiome produce heavier broods than those colonized with carcass‐bacteria. Next, we show that bacteria from the endogenous microbiome, including Providencia rettgeri and Morganella morganii, are better colonizers of the beetle gut and can outcompete nonendogenous species, including Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli, during in vivo competition. Finally, we find that Providencia and Morganella provide beetles with colonization resistance against Serratia and thereby reduce Serratia‐induced larval mortality. This effect is eliminated in larvae first colonized by Serratia, suggesting that while competition within the larval gut is determined by priority effects, these effects are less important for Serratia‐induced mortality. Our work suggests that an unappreciated benefit of parental care in N. vespilloides is the social transmission of the microbiome from parents to offspring.
Rule reversal: Ecogeographical patterns of body size variation in the common treeshrew (Mammalia, Scandentia)
Authors: Sargis Eric J. , Millien Virginie , Woodman Neal , Olson Link E.
Published: January 2018

There are a number of ecogeographical “rules” that describe patterns of geographical variation among organisms. The island rule predicts that populations of larger mammals on islands evolve smaller mean body size than their mainland counterparts, whereas smaller‐bodied mammals evolve larger size. Bergmann's rule predicts that populations of a species in colder climates (generally at higher latitudes) have larger mean body sizes than conspecifics in warmer climates (at lower latitudes). These two rules are rarely tested together and neither has been rigorously tested in treeshrews, a clade of small‐bodied mammals in their own order (Scandentia) broadly distributed in mainland Southeast Asia and on islands throughout much of the Sunda Shelf. The common treeshrew, Tupaia glis, is an excellent candidate for study and was used to test these two rules simultaneously for the first time in treeshrews. This species is distributed on the Malay Peninsula and several offshore islands east, west, and south of the mainland. Using craniodental dimensions as a proxy for body size, we investigated how island size, distance from the mainland, and maximum sea depth between the mainland and the islands relate to body size of 13 insular T. glis populations while also controlling for latitude and correlation among variables. We found a strong negative effect of latitude on body size in the common treeshrew, indicating the inverse of Bergmann's rule. We did not detect any overall difference in body size between the island and mainland populations. However, there was an effect of island area and maximum sea depth on body size among island populations. Although there is a strong latitudinal effect on body size, neither Bergmann's rule nor the island rule applies to the common treeshrew. The results of our analyses demonstrate the necessity of assessing multiple variables simultaneously in studies of ecogeographical rules.
Cardiolipin activates antigen‐presenting cells via TLR2‐PI3K‐PKN1‐AKT/p38‐NF‐kB signaling to prime antigen‐specific naïve T cells in mice
Authors: Cho Jung‐Ah , Kim Tae‐Joo , Moon Hye‐Jung , Kim Young‐Joo , Yoon Hye‐Kyung , Seong Seung‐Yong
Published: January 2018

Mitochondrial defects and antimitochondrial cardiolipin (CL) antibodies are frequently detected in autoimmune disease patients. CL from dysregulated mitochondria activates various pattern recognition receptors, such as NLRP3. However, the mechanism by which mitochondrial CL activates APCs as a damage‐associated molecular pattern to prime antigen‐specific naïve T cells, which is crucial for T‐cell‐dependent anticardiolipin IgG antibody production in autoimmune diseases is unelucidated. Here, we show that CL increases the expression of costimulatory molecules in CD11c+ APCs both in vitro and in vivo. CL activates CD11c+ APCs via TLR2‐PI3K‐PKN1‐AKT/p38MAPK‐NF‐κB signaling. CD11c+ APCs that have been activated by CL are sufficient to prime H‐Y peptide‐specific naïve CD4+ T cells and OVA‐specific naïve CD8+ T cells. TLR2 is necessary for anti‐CL IgG antibody responses in vivo. Intraperitoneal injection of CL does not activate CD11c+ APCs in CD14 KO mice to the same extent as in wild‐type mice. CL binds to CD14 (Kd = 7 × 10−7 M). CD14, but not MD2, plays a role in NF‐kB activation by CL, suggesting that CD14+ macrophages contribute to recognizing CL. In summary, CL activates signaling pathways in CD11c+ APCs through a mechanism similar to gram (+) bacteria and plays a crucial role in priming antigen‐specific naïve T cells.
Understanding the Reactivity of Fullerenes Through the Activation Strain Model
Authors: Fernández Israel
Published: January 2018

The Activation Strain Model of reactivity nowadays constitutes a powerful tool to aid quantitative understanding of chemical reactions, and also their design. This approach, combined with the Energy Decomposition Analysis method, has been really helpful for our current understanding of different fundamental transformations in chemistry. This Microreview illustrates the usefulness of this methodology in providing more insight into the chemistry of fullerenes. To this end, representative recent applications, ranging from the regioselectivity in Diels–Alder cycloaddition to the reactivity of endohedral fullerenes, are presented.
Morphodynamic effects of riparian vegetation growth after stream restoration
Authors: Vargas‐Luna Andrés , Crosato Alessandra , Anders Niels , Hoitink Antonius J.F. , Keesstra Saskia D. , Uijttewaal Wim S.J.
Published: January 2018

The prediction of the morphological evolution of renaturalized streams is important for the success of restoration projects. Riparian vegetation is a key component of the riverine landscape and is therefore essential for the natural rehabilitation of rivers. This complicates the design of morphological interventions, since riparian vegetation is influenced by and influences the river dynamics. Morphodynamic models, useful tools for project planning, should therefore include the interaction between vegetation, water flow and sediment processes. Most restoration projects are carried out in USA and Europe, where rivers are highly intervened and where the climate is temperate and vegetation shows a clear seasonal cycle. Taking into account seasonal variations might therefore be relevant for the prediction of the river morphological adaptation. This study investigates the morphodynamic effects of riparian vegetation on a re‐meandered lowland stream in the Netherlands, the Lunterse Beek. The work includes the analysis of field data covering 5 years and numerical modelling. The results allow assessment of the performance of a modelling tool in predicting the morphological evolution of the stream and the relevance of including the seasonal variations of vegetation in the computations. After the establishment of herbaceous plants on its banks, the Lunterse Beek did not show any further changes in channel alignment. This is here attributed to the stabilizing effects of plant roots together with the small size of the stream. It is expected that the morphological restoration of similarly small streams may result in important initial morphological adaptation followed by negligible changes after full vegetation establishment. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grazing impacts on gully dynamics indicate approaches for gully erosion control in northeast Australia
Authors: Wilkinson Scott N. , Kinsey‐Henderson Anne E. , Hawdon Aaron A. , Hairsine Peter B. , Bartley Rebecca , Baker Brett
Published: January 2018

Drainage network extension in semi‐arid rangelands has contributed to a large increase in the amount of fine sediment delivered to the coastal lagoon of the Great Barrier Reef, but gully erosion rates and dynamics are poorly understood. This study monitored annual erosion, deposition and vegetation cover in six gullies for 13 years, in granite‐derived soils of the tropical Burdekin River basin. We also monitored a further 11 gullies in three nearby catchments for 4 years to investigate the effects of grazing intensity. Under livestock grazing, the long‐term fine sediment yield from the planform area of gullies was 6.1 t ha‐1 yr‐1. This was 7.3 times the catchment sediment yield, indicating that gullies were erosion hotspots within the catchment. It was estimated that gully erosion supplied between 29 and 44% of catchment sediment yield from 4.5% of catchment area, of which 85% was derived from gully wall erosion. Under long‐term livestock exclusion gully sediment yields were 77% lower than those of grazed gullies due to smaller gully extent, and lower erosion rates especially on gully walls. Gully wall erosion will continue to be a major landscape sediment source that is sensitive to grazing pressure, long after gully length and depth have stabilised. Wall erosion was generally lower at higher levels of wall vegetation cover, suggesting that yield could be reduced by increasing cover. Annual variations in gully head erosion and net sediment yield were strongly dependent on annual rainfall and runoff, suggesting that sediment yield would also be reduced if surface runoff could be reduced. Deposition occurred in the downstream valley segments of most gullies. This study concludes that reducing livestock grazing pressure within and around gullies in hillslope drainage lines is a primary method of gully erosion control, which could deliver substantial reductions in sediment yield. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whole blood FPR1 mRNA expression predicts both non‐small cell and small cell lung cancer
Authors: Morris Scott , Vachani Anil , Pass Harvey I. , Rom William N. , Ryden Kirk , Weiss Glen J. , Hogarth D. K. , Runger George , Richards Donald , Shelton Troy , Mallery David W.
Published: January 2018

While long‐term survival rates for early‐stage lung cancer are high, most cases are diagnosed in later stages that can negatively impact survival rates. We aim to design a simple, single biomarker blood test for early‐stage lung cancer that is robust to preclinical variables and can be readily implemented in the clinic. Whole blood was collected in PAXgene tubes from a training set of 29 patients, and a validation set of 260 patients, of which samples from 58 patients were prospectively collected in a clinical trial specifically for our study. After RNA was extracted, the expressions of FPR1 and a reference gene were quantified by an automated one‐step Taqman RT‐PCR assay. Elevated levels of FPR1 mRNA in whole blood predicted lung cancer status with a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 87% on all validation specimens. The prospectively collected specimens had a significantly higher 68% sensitivity and 89% specificity. Results from patients with benign nodules were similar to healthy volunteers. No meaningful correlation was present between our test results and any clinical characteristic other than lung cancer diagnosis. FPR1 mRNA levels in whole blood can predict the presence of lung cancer. Using this as a reflex test for positive lung cancer screening computed tomography scans has the potential to increase the positive predictive value. This marker can be easily measured in an automated process utilizing off‐the‐shelf equipment and reagents. Further work is justified to explain the source of this biomarker.
The efficacy of financial futures as a hedging tool in electricity markets
Authors: Hanly Jim , Morales Lucia , Cassells Damien
Published: January 2018

This paper estimates and applies a risk management strategy for electricity spot exposures using futures hedging. We apply our approach to 3 of the most actively traded European electricity markets, Nordpool, APXUK, and Phelix. We compare both optimal hedging strategies and the hedging effectiveness of these markets for 2 hedging horizons, weekly and monthly using both Variance and Value at Risk. Our key finding is that electricity futures can effectively manage risk only for specific time periods when using hedging strategies that have been very successful in financial and other commodity markets. More generally, they are ineffective as a risk management tool when compared with other energy assets. This is especially true at the weekly frequency. We also find significant differences in both the optimal hedge ratios and the hedging effectiveness of the different electricity markets. Better performance is found for the Nordpool market, whereas the poorest performer in hedging terms is the Phelix market.
Personality traits and perceptions of organisational justice
Authors: Törnroos Maria , Elovainio Marko , Hintsa Taina , Hintsanen Mirka , Pulkki‐Råback Laura , Jokela Markus , Lehtimäki Terho , Raitakari Olli T. , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa
Published: January 2018

This study examined the association between five‐factor model personality traits and perceptions of organisational justice. The sample for the study comprised 903 participants (35–50 years old; 523 women) studied in 2007 and 2012. Measures used were the Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Five‐Factor Inventory questionnaire and the short organisational justice measure. The results showed that high neuroticism was associated with low distributive, procedural and interactional justice. Furthermore, high agreeableness was associated with high procedural and interactional justice and high openness with high distributive justice. This study suggests that neuroticism, agreeableness and openness are involved in perceptions of organisational justice and that personality should be considered in research and in practices at the workplace.
Relative Ligand Exchange Rates in Gd‐based MRI Contrast Agent Formation as Probed by Gd–XO Complex
Authors: Belleza Oliver John V. , Naraga Ansyl Marie B. , Villaraza Aaron Joseph L.
Published: January 2018

A novel methodology involving the use of Gd3+–Xylenol Orange (Gd–XO), a solution colorimetric probe, was used to determine the conditional relative rates of complex formation between the Gd3+ ion and polyamino carboxylate ligands used in MRI contrast agent development. Among the ligands tested, the order of rate of Gd‐complex formation was found to be DTPA ≈ DOTP > DOTA > DO3A > DOTAM. The observed rates are an effect of ligand denticity, backbone structure, and nature of the ligand donor groups.
When Intertemporal Rewards Are Hedonic, Larger Units of Wait Time Boost Patience
Authors: Siddiqui Rafay A. , Monga Ashwani , Buechel Eva C.
Published: January 2018

In intertemporal choices between smaller‐sooner (SS) and larger‐later (LL) rewards, five studies reveal that patience for the LL option is influenced by an interactive effect of the measurement units used to express wait time (large vs. small) and the type of the reward (hedonic vs. utilitarian). Specifically, larger time units boost patience, but more so when rewards are hedonic rather than utilitarian. In line with the numerosity heuristic, the effect of time units on patience is mediated by larger time units shrinking wait time perception. This effect arises because hedonic (vs. utilitarian) rewards promote a reliance on heuristics rather than systematic calculations. Therefore, a more calculative mindset diminishes the effect of units even for hedonic rewards and eliminates the hedonic‐utilitarian asymmetry. These results contribute to research on numerosity, intertemporal choice, and hedonic‐utilitarian differences, and offer a simple tool for practitioners to influence patience.
Effects of IL-10 and Th2 cytokines on human Mφ phenotype and response to CSF1R inhibitor
Authors: Pradel Leon P , Franke Andreas , Ries Carola H
Published: January 2018

Tumor-associated Mφs display a plastic phenotype that is regulated by the local tumor milieu. Gene expression analysis and functional characterization of Mφs exposed in vitro to individual cytokines aids to delineate the cross-talk between defined cytokines shaping the complex Mφ phenotype. Human monocyte-derived Mφs can be differentiated in vitro with the T helper cell type 2 response cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 or the immunosuppressive IL-10. Notably, only the latter subset undergoes apoptosis when treated with the CSF 1 receptor (CSF1R) blocking antibody emactuzumab. However, under physiologic conditions, the Mφ phenotype is regulated by cytokine combination. Hence, in this study, we characterized the plasticity of IL-4 or IL-13-differentiated Mφs upon exposure to the immunosuppressive IL-10. Although IL-4-differentiated Mφs sustained their molecular phenotype in the presence of IL-10, IL-13-differentiated Mφs were skewed towards the IL-10 phenotype. Gene expression profiling revealed unique IL-4+IL-10 and IL-13+IL-10 Mφ signatures associated with up-regulation of canonical NF-κB or Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, respectively. Although IL-10 was able to alter the surface marker and gene expression profile of IL-13-differentiated Mφs, addition of IL-10 did not restore emactuzumab susceptibility. Combining NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitors with emactuzumab had no effect on viability. On average 3–5% of cancer patients overexpressed IL-4, IL-13, or IL-10 mRNA in silico. Although a small patient subset overexpressed IL-10+IL-13, IL-4+IL-10 lacked co-expression. In vitro characterization of CSF1R inhibitor-refractory Mφ phenotypes can support novel pharmacological approaches to specifically target these cells.
Synthesis of C‐14 labeled GABAA α2/α3 selective partial agonists and the investigation of late‐occurring and long‐circulating metabolites of GABAA receptor modulator AZD7325
Authors: Artelsmair Markus , Gu Chungang , Lewis Richard J. , Elmore Charles S.
Published: January 2018

Anxiolytic activity has been associated with GABAA α2 and α3 subunits. Several target compounds were identified and required in C‐14 labeled form to enable a better understanding of their drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic properties. AZD7325 is a selective GABAA α2 and α3 receptor modulator intended for the treatment of anxiety through oral administration. A great number of AZD7325 metabolites were observed across species in vivo, whose identification was aided by [14C]AZD7325. An interesting metabolic cyclization and aromatization pathway leading to the tricyclic core of M9 and the oxidative pathways to M10 and M42 are presented.
Projected signals in climate extremes over China associated with a 2 °C global warming under two RCP scenarios
Authors: Sui Yue , Lang Xianmei , Jiang Dabang
Published: January 2018

Using daily output from 29 climate models provided by the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5, we project signals in 12 extreme temperature indices and 12 extreme precipitation indices relative to 1986–2005 over China associated with a 2 °C global warming above pre‐industrial levels under representative concentration pathways 4.5 (RCP4.5) and 8.5 (RCP8.5). The model output reflects the following projected changes: (1) It is robust and statistically significant that warm extremes are more frequent, more persistent, and more intense than those during the baseline period of 1986–2005, and local signals emerge from natural internal variability over most of China. In particular, southern China faces severe heat stress in summer based on warm extreme indices. (2) It is robust and statistically significant that there are fewer cold extremes in China. Most models show no significant changes in the longest duration and intensity of most cold extremes in southern China and northwest China. (3) The multi‐model median shows that more frequent and more intense wet extremes that deliver greater amounts of extreme precipitation occur in China, with a regional mean increase of 16.7–42.8 mm (8–42%) in total amount of annual wet extremes, but these changes are not significant and do not exceed natural internal variability over most of the country. Spatially, the Tibetan Plateau and northeast China have robust and significant changes in part of precipitation extremes, and some changes begin to emerge from natural internal variability at local scale. There are benefits to limiting global warming for China, including less frequent and less persistent warm extremes when comparing 1.5 °C with 2 °C of global warming and a later occurrence of significant changes in climate extremes when compared an intermediate mitigation scenario RCP4.5 with a high emission scenario RCP8.5.
Machine learning for identifying Randomized Controlled Trials: An evaluation and practitioner's guide
Authors: Marshall Iain J. , Noel‐Storr Anna , Kuiper Joël , Thomas James , Wallace Byron C.
Published: January 2018

Machine learning (ML) algorithms have proven highly accurate for identifying Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) but are not used much in practice, in part because the best way to make use of the technology in a typical workflow is unclear. In this work, we evaluate ML models for RCT classification (support vector machines, convolutional neural networks, and ensemble approaches). We trained and optimized support vector machine and convolutional neural network models on the titles and abstracts of the Cochrane Crowd RCT set. We evaluated the models on an external dataset (Clinical Hedges), allowing direct comparison with traditional database search filters. We estimated area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) using the Clinical Hedges dataset.

We demonstrate that ML approaches better discriminate between RCTs and non‐RCTs than widely used traditional database search filters at all sensitivity levels; our best‐performing model also achieved the best results to date for ML in this task (AUROC 0.987, 95% CI, 0.984‐0.989). We provide practical guidance on the role of ML in (1) systematic reviews (high‐sensitivity strategies) and (2) rapid reviews and clinical question answering (high‐precision strategies) together with recommended probability cutoffs for each use case. Finally, we provide open‐source software to enable these approaches to be used in practice.
Spice model for detection of dynamic threshold voltage shift during failure analysis of oxide TFT‐based AMD gate drivers
Authors: Lee Won‐Seok , Mativenga Mallory , Kang Jong‐Suk , Tak Nam‐Kyun , Choi In‐Chol , Kim Jin‐Young , Han Ji‐Ung , Choi Jin‐Hyung , Hwang Man‐Gyu
Published: January 2018

We present an accelerated SmartSpice model that can detect dynamic threshold voltage shift (ΔVth)‐related failure of an oxide thin‐film transistor (TFT)‐based gate driver. During gate driver operation, the alternating HIGH and LOW input signals repeatedly stress and relax the TFT components of the gate driver. Because oxide TFTs do not recover completely during the LOW input level, ΔVth cumulated during the HIGH input levels may result in failure of gate drivers. For correct failure analysis, a TFT model that can detect dynamic ΔVth is, therefore, needed to replace current TFT models, as they cannot account for dynamic ΔVth. The model presented herein works correctly with varying temperature and input signals of any shape.
Tourists' perceived value and destination revisit intentions: The moderating effect of domain‐specific innovativeness
Authors: de Oliveira Santini Fernando , Ladeira Wagner Junior , Sampaio Claudio Hoffmann
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the moderating effect of domain‐specific innovativeness and the relationship between perceived value (utilitarian/hedonic) and the intention to revisit destinations. The results show that perceived value has a direct effect on destination revisit intentions, whereas utilitarian perceptions (γ = .330, p < .001) are found to have a stronger effect than hedonic perceptions (γ = .204, p < .001). The moderator variable has a significant and positive effect on the relationship between perceived hedonic value and intentions to revisit destinations. By contrast, domain‐specific innovativeness negatively moderates the relationship between perceived utility value and destination revisit intentions.
Rapid increases in fine root biomass and production following cessation of anthropogenic disturbances in degraded forests
Authors: Feng Chun , Wang Zhe , Zhu Qi , Fu Songling , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: January 2018

Despite the critical importance of fine roots (FRs, ø ≤ 2 mm) in terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycling, we know little about FR dynamics following cessation of anthropogenic disturbances in degraded forests. We hypothesized that (a) FR biomass and production increase rapidly following cessation of anthropogenic disturbances and then decline with stands ageing and (b) FR mortality and turnover are highest in degraded forests due to recurring disturbances. We used a replicated chronosequence to examine the effect of cessation of disturbances on FR dynamics by sampling stands with ongoing anthropogenic disturbances such as fuelwood collection and domestic animal grazing and stands after 6, 11, 21, and 31 years prohibited from anthropogenic disturbances using mountain closure in subtropical forests of eastern China. We found that FR biomass and production increased rapidly from stands without closure to those after 6 years of closure. As stands overmatured, biomass and production declined and stabilized thereafter. Both FR mortality and turnover decreased over time from stands without closure and after 6 years of closure to those closed for longer times. Biomass, production, and mortality correlated positively with the proportion of bamboo, overstorey species richness, and herb layer cover, whereas turnover rate correlated negatively with stand density and basal area. Our results show evidence for rapid increases in FR biomass and production following cessation of anthropogenic disturbances. Our results suggest that stand‐level FR dynamics following mountain closure are influenced by changes in overstorey species composition and richness and understorey vegetation cover.
Microalgal‐driven pH changes in the boundary layer lead to apparent increases in Pb internalization by a unicellular alga in the presence of citrate
Authors: Sánchez‐Marín Paula , Liu Fengjie , Chen Zhongzhi , Fortin Claude , Campbell Peter G. C.
Published: January 2018

Several cases have been described in the literature where different ligands enhanced lead (Pb) bioavailability over what would have been expected on the basis of equilibrium models such as the biotic ligand model (BLM). These exceptions compromise the development of BLMs for this metal, and mechanistic knowledge of the involved processes is still insufficient. The present study shows that the hydrophilic organic ligand citrate enhances Pb internalization by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for both the wild and the wall‐less strains. Despite the high Pb internalization fluxes shown by this alga, which may be near the limits set by diffusion through the boundary layer, and its capacity to assimilate citrate (and potentially Pb‐citrate complexes), neither of these mechanisms could quantitatively account for the observed increase in Pb internalization in the presence of this ligand. However, algal‐driven pH increases in the boundary layer and concomitant changes in Pb speciation successfully explained the observed results. This study suggests that information on bulk solution chemistry is not enough to predict metal bioavailability for organisms that can substantially modify the chemical composition of their boundary layer, as observed for C. reinhardtii.
Use of principal component analysis to extract environmental information from lake water isotopic compositions
Authors: Kopec B. G. , Feng X. , Posmentier E. S. , Chipman J. W. , Virginia R. A.
Published: January 2018

Lake water hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic ratios have been widely used to study the hydrologic cycle. In a given region, δD and δ18O values from multiple lakes are often correlated and define a local evaporation line (LEL). The slope of and extension of each lake along this line contain information of many variables with entangled effects of important lake fluxes (e.g., evaporation). We present a new method to extract regional and local (a particular lake) environmental information based on principal component analyses (PCAs) of the δD‐δ18O relationships. Water of up to 30 lakes in West Greenland was sampled every summer for 5 yr, and measured for δD and δ18O values. For a given year, PCA yields values of the first (Enrichment) and second (Deviance) principal components for each lake. In addition, we obtain the slope of the line along the first eigenvector, which is similar, but not identical, to the LEL. We refer to this line as the regional isotopic enrichment line (RIEL), and demonstrate that the RIEL slope changes interannually with the dominant atmospheric circulation patterns affecting regional humidity, specifically the North Atlantic Oscillation and frequency of sea breezes. The Deviance of a lake correlates strongly with its longitude and surface area, both of which influence local humidity and isotopic ratios of vapor. Conversely, Enrichment carries little extractable environmental information because it is controlled by many variables of competing effects. This method can be widely applied to both modern hydrological studies and paleoclimate reconstructions using lake sediments.
Facile Fabrication of Hierarchically Thermoresponsive Binary Polymer Pattern for Controlled Cell Adhesion
Authors: Hou Jianwen , Cui Lele , Chen Runhai , Xu Xiaodong , Chen Jiayue , Yin Ligang , Liu Jingchuan , Shi Qiang , Yin Jinghua
Published: January 2018

A versatile platform allowing capture and detection of normal and dysfunctional cells on the same patterned surface is important for accessing the cellular mechanism, developing diagnostic assays, and implementing therapy. Here, an original and effective method for fabricating binary polymer brushes pattern is developed for controlled cell adhesion. The binary polymer brushes pattern, composed of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (POEGMA) chains, is simply obtained via a combination of surface‐initiated photopolymerization and surface‐activated free radical polymerization. This method is unique in that it does not utilize any protecting groups or procedures of backfilling with immobilized initiator. It is demonstrated that the precise and well‐defined binary polymer patterns with high resolution are fabricated using this facile method. PNIPAAm chains capture and release cells by thermoresponsiveness, while POEGMA chains possess high capability to capture dysfunctional cells specifically, inducing a switch of normal red blood cells (RBCs) arrays to hemolytic RBCs arrays on the pattern with temperature. This novel platform composed of binary polymer brush pattern is smart and versatile, which opens up pathways to potential applications as microsensors, biochips, and bioassays.
Recyclable Cu(II)‐Coordination Crosslinked Poly(benzimidazolyl pyridine)s as High‐Performance Polymers
Authors: Wang Cheng , Yang Li , Chang Guanjun
Published: January 2018

Crosslinked high‐performance polymers have many industrial applications, but are difficult to recycle or rework. A novel class of recyclable crosslinking Cu(II)‐metallo‐supramolecular coordination polymers are successfully prepared, which possess outstanding thermal stability and mechanical property. More importantly, the Cu2+ coordination interactions can be further removed via external pyrophosphate to recover the linear polymers, which endow the crosslinking polymers with recyclability.
Stability results of a distributed problem involving Bresse system with history and/or Cattaneo law under fully Dirichlet or mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Abdallah Farah , Ghader Mouhammad , Wehbe Ali
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we study the stability of a 1‐dimensional Bresse system with infinite memory‐type control and/or with heat conduction given by Cattaneo's law acting in the shear angle displacement. When the thermal effect vanishes, the system becomes elastic with memory term acting on one equation. We consider the interesting case of fully Dirichlet boundary conditions. Indeed, under equal speed of propagation condition, we establish the exponential stability of the system. However, in the natural physical case when the speeds of propagation are different, using a spectrum method, we show that the Bresse system is not uniformly exponentially stable. In this case, we establish a polynomial energy decay rate. Our study is valid for all other mixed boundary conditions.
Theoretical studies of the EPR parameters and local structures for the two Cu2+ centers in Cd(HCOO)2·2H2O
Authors: Zhang H.M. , Xiao W.B. , Wan Xiong
Published: January 2018

Based on the studies of the electron paramagnetic resonance parameters for two types of the Cu2+ centers in Cd(HCOO)2·2H2O by using the high‐order perturbation formulas for a 3d9 ion in a rhombically elongated octahedron, local structure of the doped copper ion is determined. Research suggests that the impurity Cu2+ replaces the host Cd2+ and undergoes the local rhombic elongation distortion, characterized by the axial elongation ratios of 4.1%, and 3.8% along the z‐axis and the planar bond length variation ratios of 3.8%, and 3.1% along the x‐axis and y‐axis, for Cu2+ Centers, I and II, respectively. The above slightly different axial elongation ratios and planar bond length variation ratios may suitably account for the slightly dissimilar axial g anisotropies Δg (≈0.351 and 0.339) and perpendicular g anisotropies δg (≈0.028 and 0.022) of the two centers, respectively.
Unilateral winged scapula: Clinical and electrodiagnostic experience with 128 cases, with special attention to long thoracic nerve palsy
Authors: Seror Paul , Lenglet Timothee , Nguyen Christelle , Ouaknine MichaëL , Lefevre‐Colau Marie Martine
Published: January 2018

Introduction: In this study we report a large series of patients with unilateral winged scapula (WS), with special attention to long thoracic nerve (LTN) palsy. Methods: Clinical and electrodiagnostic data were collected from 128 patients over a 25‐year period. Results: Causes of unilateral WS were LTN palsy (n = 70), spinal accessory nerve (SAN) palsy (n = 39), both LTN and SAN palsy (n = 5), facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSH) (n = 5), orthopedic causes (n = 11), voluntary WS (n = 6), and no definite cause (n = 2). LTN palsy was related to neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) in 61 patients and involved the right side in 62 patients. Discussion: Clinical data allow for identifying 2 main clinical patterns for LTN and SAN palsy. Electrodiagnostic examination should consider bilateral nerve conduction studies of the LTN and SAN, and needle electromyography of their target muscles. LTN palsy is the most frequent cause of unilateral WS and is usually related to NA. Voluntary WS and FSH must be considered in young patients. Muscle Nerve 57: 913–920, 2018
Performance analysis of the cultural and creative industry: a network‐based approach
Authors: Lu Wen‐Min , Kweh Qian Long , He Dong‐Sing , Shih Jui‐Min
Published: January 2018

The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Taiwan have gradually contributed to the national economy under the impetus of government policies. We employ a two‐stage data envelopment analysis model with an additive efficiency decomposition approach to measure the profitability and marketability of 22 Taiwanese cultural and creative companies. Furthermore, we employ the network‐based ranking approach to identify benchmark inputs/outputs, and the strengths and weakness of each company. Our empirical results show that the profitability of the cultural and creative companies is better than their marketability. Companies in the industries of publishing, creative life, popular music, and cultural content averagely perform better than those in the other three types of CCIs in terms of profitability. Companies in the creative life industry are on average more efficient than those in the other five types of CCIs in terms of marketability. The profitability/marketability matrix of cultural and creative companies is also presented.
Determinants of donation amount in nonprofit membership associations
Authors: Ki Eyun‐Jung , Oh Jeyoung
Published: January 2018

Nonprofit organizations depend heavily on charitable giving. Using survey data of 2,517 nonprofit professional association members, this study examines the factors influencing the donation amounts given to those organizations. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis suggest that gender, length of membership, and individuals' intrinsic motivation are predictors of their decisions about how much to donate. However, level of satisfaction and extrinsic motivation do not predict members' extent of generosity. This study offers empirical evidence of the positive effects of nonprofit organizations' building mutual relationships with their members regarding donation amounts. The findings contribute to further understanding of the factors that drive donation amount.
Application of improved chicken swarm optimization for MPPT in photovoltaic system
Authors: Wu Zhongqiang , Yu Danqi , Kang Xiaohua
Published: January 2018

The chicken swarm optimization algorithm is a new biology optimization algorithm, but its high‐dimensional operation usually causes deviation and the iteration time of optimizing is a little long. An improved chicken swarm optimization algorithm is proposed. In the improved algorithm, initial positions are arranged according to chaotic sequence; therefore, the uniformity and ergodicity of population are enhanced. Adaptive inertia weight is introduced to update the rule of hens; thus, the speed of global search and the ability of local search are enhanced. The following coefficient of chicks is changed into random quantity, so the risk of falling into local extremum is avoided. These improvements enhance the search ability in the early stage and the track ability in the late stage of the algorithm. The improved algorithm is applied in the maximum power point tracking control of the photovoltaic system and is compared with other algorithms.
Effect of NiFe2O4@graphene in intumescent flame‐retarded poly(lactic acid) composites
Authors: Shan Xueying , Han Ji , Jiang Kuanyu , Li Jinchun , Xing zhixiang
Published: January 2018

NiFe2O4 nanoparticles loaded on graphene layers (NiFe2O4@GR) were prepared by the hydrothermal method, and they first combined with intumescent flame retardant (IFR) consisting of polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER) was used to prepare poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites. Effect of NiFe2O4@GR and IFR on thermal stability and flame retardancy of PLA was investigated. Limit oxygen index (LOI) value of all the PLA composites increased, and the results of UL‐94 tests passed V0 ratings. With the presence of NiFe2O4@GR in intumescent flame‐retarded PLA composites, the initial degradation temperature had a big increase and char residue increased apparently. The ratio of graphite crystalline carbon was increased. The denser and more intumescent char layer was formed. In addition, NiFe2O4@GR had the reinforcing effect for PLA. Therefore, NiFe2O4@GR and IFR had a good synergistic effect in improving thermal stability and flame retardancy of PLA. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:652–656, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of nanofiller content and confined crystallization on the microphase separation kinetics of polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Sahebi Jouibari Iman , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Mirhosseini Mohammad Masoud
Published: January 2018

The multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Closite 30B nanoplates (CBNPs), and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding method and evaluated with several techniques including microscopy, spectroscopy, thermal, and rheological analyses. Degree of microphase separation and nucleation efficiency of nanocomposites were calculated. Results showed that at 0.1 wt% nanofiller content, the nanocomposites possess the fastest microphase separation kinetics and the highest degree of microphase separation. Avrami equation was used to analyze the crystallization behavior of samples. Based on the rheological and microscopy analyses, existence of microphase separation above the percolation threshold was observed for annealed samples. Finally, competition between reagglomeration of nanofillers and formation of microphase separated domains above the percolation threshold at various nanofiller contents, shear rates and temperatures was discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E422–E430, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The relationship between preoperative fetal head circumference and 2‐year cognitive performance after laser surgery for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Chon Andrew H. , Mamey Mary Rose , Schrager Sheree M. , Vanderbilt Douglas L. , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To determine the relationship between preoperative fetal head circumference (HC) and cognitive performance among children treated with laser surgery for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

Donor and recipient twin HCs were measured preoperatively (16–26 weeks' gestation) and at 2 years corrected age. Multilevel multivariate regression models were used to test pregnancy and child‐level risk factors for lower Battelle Developmental Inventory Second Edition (BDI‐2) scores. A repeated‐measures ANOVA was used to examine HC growth among recipients and donors between preoperative and 2 years.

Results

Ninety‐nine children were evaluated. The average BDI‐2 score for the cohort was 101.4 (SD = 12.2). After controlling for covariates, larger preoperative HC percentiles were significantly associated with an increase in total BDI‐2 scores (β = 0.29; P < 0.001), where a 12.5% increase in preoperative HC percentile was associated with 1‐point increase in total BDI‐2 score. The mean recipient and donor twin HC percentiles preoperatively and at age 2 years were 51st percentile vs 20th percentile (P = .050) and 60th percentile vs 49th percentile (P = .676), respectively.

Conclusion

Smaller preoperative HC percentiles identified children at risk of lower, but still within normal range, total BDI‐2 scores. The discordance in HC percentiles between the donor and recipient twin decreased after laser surgery.