bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Summer Extreme Precipitation Events on the Hydrothermal Dynamics of the Active Layer in the Tanggula Permafrost Region on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhu Xiaofan , Wu Tonghua , Li Ren , Xie Changwei , Hu Guojie , Qin Yanhui , Wang Weihua , Hao Junming , Yang Shuhua , Ni Jie , Yang Cheng
Published: October 2017

The characteristics of long‐term variation for extreme precipitation events were analyzed at the Tanggula site in the continuous permafrost regions of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP). In addition, the impacts of extreme precipitation events in summer on soil thermal‐moisture dynamics were also investigated. The results showed that local extreme precipitation indices fluctuated significantly and that the trend magnitudes of local very wet days (R95p), annual total wet‐day precipitation (PRCPTOT), number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm), maximum length of dry spell (CDD), and simple daily intensity index (SDII) were larger than those of the western QTP, other regions of China, and even the global average. The freeze‐thaw cycling in the local active layer occurred from October to the next September during 2006 to 2014. The influence of extreme precipitation event in summer on local soil hydrothermal conditions could reach soil depths up to 105 cm or so, and these were more pronounced than with light or moderate precipitation events. Soil temperature reacted more promptly to local extreme precipitation events than did soil moisture. The rate at which local soil temperature fell after an extreme precipitation event was greater than the rate of increasing temperature on nonprecipitation days. Moreover, the amount of precipitation received during extreme precipitation events had a greater effect on local soil moisture and temperature than duration time for these events. Consecutive extreme precipitation events with a longer duration time did not necessarily to have a greater effect than a single precipitation event with a shorter duration. Finally, the thawing process of active layer and local water migration modes could also affect the response of soil hydrothermal conditions to an extreme precipitation event to a large extent.
Can Leaf Spectroscopy Predict Leaf and Forest Traits Along a Peruvian Tropical Forest Elevation Gradient?
Authors: Doughty Christopher E. , Santos‐Andrade P. E. , Goldsmith G. R. , Blonder B. , Shenkin A. , Bentley L. P. , Chavana‐Bryant C. , Huaraca‐Huasco W. , Díaz S. , Salinas N. , Enquist B. J. , Martin R. , Asner G. P. , Malhi Y.
Published: October 2017

High‐resolution spectroscopy can be used to measure leaf chemical and structural traits. Such leaf traits are often highly correlated to other traits, such as photosynthesis, through the leaf economics spectrum. We measured VNIR (visible‐near infrared) leaf reflectance (400–1,075 nm) of sunlit and shaded leaves in ~150 dominant species across ten, 1 ha plots along a 3,300 m elevation gradient in Peru (on 4,284 individual leaves). We used partial least squares (PLS) regression to compare leaf reflectance to chemical traits, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, structural traits, including leaf mass per area (LMA), branch wood density and leaf venation, and “higher‐level” traits such as leaf photosynthetic capacity, leaf water repellency, and woody growth rates. Empirical models using leaf reflectance predicted leaf N and LMA (r2 > 30% and %RMSE < 30%), weakly predicted leaf venation, photosynthesis, and branch density (r2between 10 and 35% and %RMSE between 10% and 65%), and did not predict leaf water repellency or woody growth rates (r2<5%). Prediction of higher‐level traits such as photosynthesis and branch density is likely due to these traits correlations with LMA, a trait readily predicted with leaf spectroscopy.
Scattering of E Polarized Plane Wave by Rectangular Cavity With Finite Flanges
Authors: Vinogradova Elena D.
Published: October 2017

The rigorous Method of Regularization is implemented for accurate analysis of wave scattering by rectangular cavity with finite flanges. The solution is free from limitations on problem parameters. The calculation of the induced surface current, bistatic radar cross section (RCS) and frequency dependence of monostatic RCS are performed with controlled accuracy in a wide frequency band.
Variations in Zircon Provenance Constrain Age and Geometry of an Early Paleozoic Rift in the Pinjarra Orogen, East Gondwana
Authors: Markwitz V. , Kirkland C. L. , Wyrwoll K.‐H. , Hancock E. A. , Evans N. J. , Lu Y.
Published: October 2017

The Tumblagooda Sandstone in Western Australia documents Early Paleozoic rifting in East Gondwana and provides the earliest evidence for terrestrial activity of multicellular animals on Earth. We constrain the provenance of this sequence using 737 concordant U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from two stratigraphic wells in the northern Perth Basin and Southern Carnarvon Basin and outcrops of the type sections near Kalbarri. Detrital zircon age signatures are linked to infrared spectral data and stratigraphic logs. These ages span 3,312–466 Ma, including major Precambrian age peaks at 1,079–1,544 Ma, 1,695–2,403 Ma, and 2,640–2,879 Ma, consistent with igneous sources in the West Australian Craton. Significant Early Paleozoic age peaks at 499–541 Ma suggest a North Indian Orogen source. The maximum depositional age is constrained by the youngest detrital zircon, which yields an age of 466 ± 8 Ma. Our age constraints imply that terrestrial activity of multicellular animals on Earth may not be older than Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian). Rifting resulted in the exposure of the Yilgarn Craton and the segmentation of the Pinjarra Orogen. The Northampton Complex segment of the Pinjarra Orogen constituted a basement high that separated subbasins during the onset of rifting. Discordant Archean zircons provide a consistent record of radiogenic Pb loss at ~470 Ma, which we interpret as being related to the denudation of the Yilgarn Craton. The Pb loss event suggests that intracratonic rifting in the Pinjarra Orogen was initiated in the Middle Ordovician, after the Kuunga Orogeny completed the final amalgamation of Gondwana.
Analytical Solutions to Coupled HM Problems to Highlight the Nonlocal Nature of Aquifer Storage
Authors: De Simone Silvia , Carrera Jesús
Published: October 2017

Specific storage reflects the volumetric deformation capacity of permeable media. Classical groundwater hydrology equates elastic storage to medium compressibility (plus fluid compressibility times porosity). However, it is unclear if storage behavior can be represented by a single parameter. Hydraulic gradients act as body forces that push the medium in the direction of flow causing it to deform instantaneously everywhere, i.e., even in regions where pressure would not have changed according to conventional fluid flow. Therefore, actual deformation depends not only on the mechanical properties of the medium but also on aquifer geometry and on surrounding strata, which act like constraints to displacements. Here we discuss the question and highlight the nonlocal nature of storage (i.e., the volume of water released at a point depends on the poroelastic response over the whole aquifer). Proper evaluation of transient pressure and water release from storage requires acknowledging the hydromechanical coupling, which generally involves the use of numerical methods. We propose analytical solutions to the HM problem of fluid injection (extraction) into finite aquifers with one‐dimensional or cylindrical geometries. We find that pressure response is much faster (virtually instantaneous) and larger than expected from traditional purely hydraulic solutions when aquifer deformation is restrained, whereas the pressure response is reversed (i.e., pressure drop in response to injection) when the permeable medium is free to deform. These findings suggest that accounting for hydromechanical coupling may be required when hydraulic testing is performed in low permeability media, which is becoming increasingly demanded for energy‐related applications.
Synthesis of Main‐Chain Ionic Polymers of Chiral Imidazolidinone Organocatalysts and Their Application to Asymmetric Diels–Alder Reactions
Authors: Haraguchi Naoki , Takenaka Nagisa , Najwa Aisyah , Takahara Yuta , Mun Mah Kar , Itsuno Shinichi
Published: October 2017

Main‐chain ionic polymers incorporating chiral imidazolidinone moieties in the polymer main chain were successfully synthesized by the polyaddition reaction of a chiral imidazolidinone dimer with a disulfonic acid. The organocatalytic activities of these polymers were investigated in the asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction between trans‐cinnamaldehyde and 1,3‐cyclopentadiene. The catalytic performance of the polymers was found to be sensitive to the chemical structure of the disulfonate units and the imidazolidinone dimer. With the use of these heterogeneous polymeric chiral organocatalysts, enantioselectivities of up to 99% for the endo isomer were obtained. This result was higher than those obtained with corresponding monomeric and dimeric counterparts in a homogeneous solution. The polymeric chiral organocatalyst was recovered and reused several times, maintaining its high enantioselectivity.

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3D Printing of Lotus Root‐Like Biomimetic Materials for Cell Delivery and Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Feng Chun , Zhang Wenjie , Deng Cuijun , Li Guanglong , Chang Jiang , Zhang Zhiyuan , Jiang Xinquan , Wu Chengtie
Published: October 2017

Biomimetic materials have drawn more and more attention in recent years. Regeneration of large bone defects is still a major clinical challenge. In addition, vascularization plays an important role in the process of large bone regeneration and microchannel structure can induce endothelial cells to form rudimentary vasculature. In recent years, 3D printing scaffolds are major materials for large bone defect repair. However, these traditional 3D scaffolds have low porosity and nonchannel structure, which impede angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In this study, inspired by the microstructure of natural plant lotus root, biomimetic materials with lotus root‐like structures are successfully prepared via a modified 3D printing strategy. Compared with traditional 3D materials, these biomimetic materials can significantly improve in vitro cell attachment and proliferation as well as promote in vivo osteogenesis, indicating potential application for cell delivery and bone regeneration.
Overcoming the Limitations of Sputtered Nickel Oxide for High‐Efficiency and Large‐Area Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Guijun , Jiang Yibin , Deng Sunbin , Tam Alwin , Xu Ping , Wong Man , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: October 2017

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are one of the promising photovoltaic technologies for solar electricity generation. NiOx is an inorganic p‐type semiconductor widely used to address the stability issue of PSCs. Although high efficiency is obtained for the devices employing NiOx as the hole transport layer, the fabrication methods have yet to be demonstrated for industrially relevant manufacturing of large‐area and high‐performance devices. Here, it is shown that these requirements can be satisfied by using the magnetron sputtering, which is well established in the industry. The limitations of low fill factor and short‐circuit current commonly observed in sputtered NiOx‐derived PSCs can be overcome through magnesium doping and low oxygen partial pressure deposition. The fabricated PSCs show a high power conversion efficiency of up to 18.5%, along with negligible hysteresis, improved ambient stability, and high reproducibility. In addition, good uniformity is also demonstrated over an area of 100 cm2. The simple and well‐established approach constitutes a reliable and scale method paving the way for the commercialization of PSCs.
An Aqueous Ca‐Ion Battery
Authors: Gheytani Saman , Liang Yanliang , Wu Feilong , Jing Yan , Dong Hui , Rao Karun K. , Chi Xiaowei , Fang Fang , Yao Yan
Published: October 2017

Multivalent‐ion batteries are emerging as low‐cost, high energy density, and safe alternatives to Li‐ion batteries but are challenged by slow cation diffusion in electrode materials due to the high polarization strength of Mg‐ and Al‐ions. In contrast, Ca‐ion has a low polarization strength similar to that of Li‐ion, therefore a Ca‐ion battery will share the advantages while avoiding the kinetics issues related to multivalent batteries. However, there is no battery known that utilizes the Ca‐ion chemistry due to the limited success in Ca‐ion storage materials. Here, a safe and low‐cost aqueous Ca‐ion battery based on a highly reversible polyimide anode and a high‐potential open framework copper hexacyanoferrate cathode is demonstrated. The prototype cell shows a stable capacity and high efficiency at both high and low current rates, with an 88% capacity retention and an average 99% coloumbic efficiency after cycling at 10C for 1000 cycles. The Ca‐ion storage mechanism for both electrodes as well as the origin of the fast kinetics have been investigated. Additional comparison with a Mg‐ion cell with identical electrodes reveals clear kinetics advantages for the Ca‐ion system, which is explained by the smaller ionic radii and more facile desolvation of hydrated Ca‐ions.
Joint capacity planning and distribution network optimization of coal supply chains under uncertainty
Authors: Zhou Rui‐Jie , Li Li‐Juan
Published: October 2017

A two‐stage stochastic integer programming model is developed to address the joint capacity planning and distribution network optimization of multiechelon coal supply chains (CSCs) under uncertainty. The proposed model not only introduces the uses of compound real options in sequential capacity planning, but also considers uncertainty induced by both risks and ambiguities. Both strategic decisions (i.e., facility locations and initial investment, service assignment across the entire CSC, and option holding status) and scenario‐based operational decisions (i.e., facility operations and capacity expansions, outsourcing policy, and transportation and inventory strategies) can be simultaneously determined using the model. By exploiting the nested decomposable structure of the model, we develop a new distributed parallel optimization algorithm based on nonconvex generalized Bender decomposition and Lagrangean relaxation to mitigate the computation resource limitation. One of the main CSCs in China is studied to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and the performance of the algorithm. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1246–1261, 2018
Life History theory hypotheses on child growth: Potential implications for short and long‐term child growth, development and health
Authors: Said‐Mohamed Rihlat , Pettifor John M , Norris Shane A
Published: October 2017

Life history theory integrates ecological, physiological, and molecular layers within an evolutionary framework to understand organisms’ strategies to optimize survival and reproduction. Two life history hypotheses and their implications for child growth, development, and health (illustrated in the South African context) are reviewed here. One hypothesis suggests that there is an energy trade‐off between linear growth and brain growth. Undernutrition in infancy and childhood may trigger adaptive physiological mechanisms prioritizing the brain at the expense of body growth. Another hypothesis is that the period from conception to infancy is a critical window of developmental plasticity of linear growth, the duration of which may vary between and within populations. The transition from infancy to childhood may mark the end of a critical window of opportunity for improving child growth. Both hypotheses emphasize the developmental plasticity of linear growth and the potential determinants of growth variability (including the role ofparent–offspring conflictin maternal resources allocation). Implications of these hypotheses in populations with high burdens of undernutrition and infections are discussed. In South Africa, HIV/AIDS during pregnancy (associated with adverse birth outcomes, short duration of breastfeeding, and social consequences) may lead to a shortened window of developmental plasticity of growth. Furthermore, undernutrition and infectious diseases in children living in South Africa, a country undergoing a rapid nutrition transition, may have adverse consequences on individuals’ cognitive abilities and risks of cardio‐metabolic diseases. Studies are needed to identify physiological mechanisms underlying energy allocation between biological functions and their potential impacts on health.
Adherence rate of quality‐of‐care indicators for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is extremely low in Japanese emergency and critical care departments: a multicenter retrospective observational study
Authors: Miyamoto Kyohei , Kato Seiya , Kitayama Junichi , Okawa Junpei , Okamoto Ayana , Kamei Jun , Yoshiya Kazuhisa , Asai Hideki , Adachi Shingo , Yukioka Hidekazu , Akimoto Hiroshi , Okuchi Kazuo
Published: October 2017

Aim

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia causes significant morbidity and mortality and requires specific management to prevent complications. Most studies evaluating quality of care have been carried out in Europe and North America, and accurate epidemiological data are lacking in Asia. We aimed to describe the epidemiology and evaluate the quality of care for S. aureus bacteremia in Japan.

Methods

From February 2011 to January 2014, we undertook a multicenter retrospective observational study in 10 departments of emergency and critical care in Japan. We included 118 hospitalized adult patients with S. aureus bacteremia and evaluated three quality‐of‐care indicators: follow‐up blood culture, treatment duration, and echocardiography.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 63.5 ± 17.0 years. The major source of bacteremia was pneumonia (n = 22, 19%), followed by skin and soft tissue infection (n = 18, 15%). Thirty patients (25%) died in the hospital. Follow‐up blood culture was performed in 21/112 patients (19%). The duration of antimicrobial treatment was sufficient in 49/87 patients (56%). Echocardiography for patients with clinical indication was undertaken in 39/59 patients (66%). Any of the three indicators were inadequate in 101/118 (86%).

Conclusion

The rate of adequate care for S. aureus bacteremia is low in Japan. The low adherence rate for follow‐up blood culture was particularly notable. Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia can be an important target of quality improvement interventions.
Contrast medium‐induced transient severe leukopenia
Authors: Hongo Takashi , Nozaki Satoshi , Tsuchiya Midori , Inaba Mototaka , Takahashi Kenji , Fujiwara Toshifumi
Published: October 2017

Case

Contrast medium‐induced transient leukopenia is very rare. Here, we report a case of a 73‐year‐old man diagnosed with contrast media‐induced transient leukopenia. The patient underwent abdominal contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, where he was given non‐ionic iodinated contrast medium i.v. His medical history included an allergic reaction to a different contrast medium. One hour later, the patient was admitted to the emergency department complaining of chest discomfort. He had leukopenia and a fever (temperature of 38.9°C). Complete blood count showed a white blood cell count of 930/μL and an absolute neutrophilic count of 232/μL.

Outcome

The patient was given i.v. antibiotics and 5 mg chlorpheniramine maleic acid, 20 mg famotidine, and 125 mg methylprednisolone. The patient's white blood cell count recovered the next day, and he was discharged after 2 days of hospitalization.

Conclusion

We diagnosed the patient with contrast media‐induced transient leukopenia, which is a rare phenomenon.
High‐dose steroid therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome lacking common risk factors: predictors of outcome
Authors: Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Ishii Hiroshi , Kushima Hisako , Watanabe Kentaro , Fujita Masaki
Published: October 2017

Aim

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life‐threatening lung disease that usually occurs in patients with the underling risk factors that triggers lung inflammation. We sometimes encounter patients with ARDS lacking common risk factors. Recent studies have indicated the effectiveness of corticosteroids for this cohort. However, the characteristics of survivors with ARDS who lack common risk factors, and who received high‐dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT), are not known.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective study of patients with ARDS lacking common risk factors, who received i.v. MPPT for 3 days. The patients (n = 46) were classified into two groups, survivors (n = 23) and non‐survivors (n = 23), based on their survival at 60 days after the initiation of MPPT, and their clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated.

Results

The patient characteristics and disease severity of the two groups were comparable. The percentage of consolidation/(ground‐glass attenuation [GGA] + consolidation) on the chest computed tomography scans of survivors was significantly lower than that of non‐survivors (survivors, 5.63% [2.31–13.8] versus non‐survivors, 27.2% [5.97–41.4]; P = 0.01). In the stratified analysis, the percentage of consolidation/(GGA + consolidation) was significantly associated with 60‐day survival.

Conclusions

Our results show that the percentage of consolidation/(GGA + consolidation) on the chest CT scans is an independent prognostic factor for patients with ARDS lacking common risk factors after MPPT.
Protonengekoppelte Reduktion des katalytischen [4Fe‐4S]‐Zentrums in [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen
Authors: Senger Moritz , Laun Konstantin , Wittkamp Florian , Duan Jifu , Haumann Michael , Happe Thomas , Winkler Martin , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Stripp Sven T.
Published: October 2017

In der Natur katalysieren [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen die Abgabe und Aufnahme von molekularem Wasserstoff (H2) an einem einzigartigen Eisen‐Schwefel‐Kofaktor. Das geringe elektrochemische Überpotential in der Wasserstoffabgabe‐Reaktion macht die [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen zu einem hervorragenden Beispiel für effiziente Biokatalyse. Gegenwärtig sind die molekularen Details des Wasserstoffumsatzes jedoch noch nicht vollständig verstanden. Daher adressieren wir in dieser Untersuchung die initiale Reduktion des katalytischen Zentrums der [FeFe]‐Hydrogenasen mittels Infrarotspektroskopie und Elektrochemie und zeigen, dass der reduzierte Zustand Hred′ durch protonengekoppelten Elektronentransport gebildet wird. Ladungskompensation bindet das überschüssige Elektron am [4Fe‐4S]‐Zentrum und führt zu einer Stabilisierung der konservativen Konfiguration des [FeFe]‐Kofaktors. Die Rolle von Hred′ beim Wasserstoffumsatz und mögliche Auswirkungen auf den katalytischen Mechanismus werden diskutiert. Es liegt nahe, dass die Regulation elektronischer Eigenschaften in der Umgebung von metallischen Kofaktoren die Grundlage für Multielektronenprozesse bildet.
Microtubular Self‐Assembly of Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Gole Bappaditya , Stepanenko Vladimir , Rager Sabrina , Grüne Matthias , Medina Dana D. , Bein Thomas , Würthner Frank , Beuerle Florian
Published: October 2017

Despite significant progress in the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), reports on the precise construction of template‐free nano‐ and microstructures of such materials have been rare. In the quest for dye‐containing porous materials, a novel conjugated framework DPP‐TAPP‐COF with an enhanced absorption capability up to λ=800 nm has been synthesized by utilizing reversible imine condensations between 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐aminophenyl)porphyrin (TAPP) and a diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dialdehyde derivative. Surprisingly, the obtained COF exhibited spontaneous aggregation into hollow microtubular assemblies with outer and inner tube diameters of around 300 and 90 nm, respectively. A detailed mechanistic investigation revealed the time‐dependent transformation of initial sheet‐like agglomerates into the tubular microstructures.
Overcoming the Lack of Oral Availability of Cyclic Hexapeptides: Design of a Selective and Orally Available Ligand for the Integrin αvβ3
Authors: Weinmüller Michael , Rechenmacher Florian , Kiran Marelli Udaya , Reichart Florian , Kapp Tobias G. , Räder Andreas F. B. , Di Leva Francesco Saverio , Marinelli Luciana , Novellino Ettore , Muñoz‐Félix José M. , Hodivala‐Dilke Kairbaan , Schumacher Adi , Fanous Joseph , Gilon Chaim , Hoffman Amnon , Kessler Horst
Published: October 2017

A highly systematic approach for the development of both orally bioavailable and bioactive cyclic N‐methylated hexapeptides as high affinity ligands for the integrin αvβ3 is based on two concepts: a) screening of systematically designed libraries with spatial diversity and b) masking of the peptide charge with a lipophilic protecting group. The key steps of the method are 1) initial design of a combinatorial library of N‐methylated analogues of the stem peptide cyclo(d‐Ala‐Ala5); 2) selection of cyclic peptides with the highest intestinal permeability; 3) design of sublibraries with the bioactive RGD sequence in all possible positions; 4) selection of the best ligands for RGD‐recognizing integrin subtypes; 5) fine‐tuning of the affinity and selectivity by additional Ala to Xaa substitutions; 6) protection of the charged functional groups according to the prodrug concept to regain intestinal and oral permeability; 7) proof of biological effects in mice after oral administration.
Comb‐like polymer‐graphene nanocomposites with improved adhesion properties via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP)
Authors: Rajender Nutenki , Suresh Kattimuttathu I. , Sreedhar Bojja
Published: October 2017

The synthesis and properties of comb‐like polymer‐graphene nanocomposites via surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization is reported. The crystallization temperature (Tc) and melt temperature (Tm) of the comb‐like homopolymer increases from −18 to −8 °C and 1 to 11 °C, respectively, in the nanocomposite synthesized with 0.6 wt % graphene initiator. The rheological properties like modulus and complex viscosity of the nanocomposite show a twofold increase. Transmission electron microscopy results of the nanocomposite show a well‐intercalated structure with nanoscale distribution of graphene domains and in scanning electron microscopy a sheet‐like structure with corrugations, and crumples are seen. The hydrophobicity, as measured by water contact angle, increases from 101° in the homopolymer to 118° in the nanocomposite. The nanocomposites exhibit substantial increase in adhesive strength on different substrates, with peel strength increasing by more than 1000 times, as compared to the homopolymer. The improved tack and adhesion properties of the nanocomposites suggest them as novel materials for adhesive applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45885.
Preparation and characteristics of polyurethane made with polyhydric alcohol‐liquefied rice husk
Authors: Lee Wen‐Jau , Yu Chao‐Yun , Chen Yi‐Chun
Published: October 2017

The limited availability of fossil resource is causing the urgent need to get renewable chemicals. Solvent liquefaction can convert rice husk into bio‐based chemicals. Rice husk was liquefied in polyhydric alcohol catalyzed by sulfuric acid under atmospheric pressure. The viscosity, residue content, and weight average molecular weight (Mw) of liquefied rice husk were 3089 cps, 23.6% and 4100, respectively. Prolonging the liquefaction time decreased the residue content and increased the average molecular weight. Polyurethane (PU) foams were successfully prepared from the liquefied rice husk with different molar ratios of NCO to OH (NCO/OH). The mechanical properties of PU foams showed that the compressive strength in the vertical direction is higher than that in the horizontal direction. With Increase of the NCO/OH molar ratio from 1.0 to 2.0, compressive strength in the vertical direction of PU foams increased from 70.6 to 114.7 kPa at 10% strain. Thermal analysis results showed that thermal stability of liquefied rice husk‐based PU resins was better than that of fossil‐ and liquefied wood‐ based PU resins. Increasing the NCO/OH molar ratio and inorganic residue of rice husk can help to increase thermal stability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45910.
Asymmetry in the Cortical and Trabecular Bone of the Human Humerus During Development
Authors: Perchalski Bernadette , Placke Arielle , Sukhdeo Simone M. , Shaw Colin N. , Gosman James H. , Raichlen David A. , Ryan Timothy M.
Published: October 2017

Many studies have noted that the bones of the human upper limb display bilateral asymmetry, commonly linking this asymmetry in external and internal morphology to handedness and lateralization. Few studies, however, have attempted to track asymmetry throughout ontogeny. This study assesses the ontogenetic development of cortical and trabecular bone asymmetry in the humerus. We predict that directional asymmetry in structural properties will emerge in concert with hand preference and increased activity levels during the juvenile period. Paired humeri from 57 individuals from the Norris Farms #36 archaeological skeletal collection ranging in age from neonate to adult were used in the current study. Cortical bone cross‐sectional properties and three‐dimensional trabecular bone structure were quantified from microcomputed tomography data. The results indicate significant absolute asymmetry in all measured cortical and trabecular bone variables across all ages. Trabecular bone displays significantly higher absolute asymmetry than cortical bone. Contrary to expectations, however, this study found very little evidence for significant directional asymmetry in humeral length and cortical or trabecular bone variables, except in adults. The presence of significant absolute asymmetry in all age groups, and the lack of significant directional asymmetry in almost all variables at all ages, suggests that structural differences due to higher levels of habitual loading in the dominant arm are overlain on a template of potentially significant existing asymmetry. Anat Rec, 301:1012–1025, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Belimumab for the Treatment of Early Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Gordon Jessica K. , Martyanov Viktor , Franks Jennifer M. , Bernstein Elana J. , Szymonifka Jackie , Magro Cynthia , Wildman Horatio F. , Wood Tammara A. , Whitfield Michael L. , Spiera Robert F.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of treatment with belimumab in patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) treated with background mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Methods

In this 52‐week, investigator‐initiated, single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, pilot study, 20 patients with dcSSc recently started on MMF were randomized 1:1 to additionally receive belimumab at 10 mg/kg intravenously or placebo. We assessed safety, efficacy, and differential gene expression.

Results

In the belimumab group, the median modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) decreased from 27 (interquartile range [IQR] 26.5, 31) to 18 (IQR 11, 23) (P = 0.039). In the placebo group, the median MRSS decreased from 28 (IQR 22, 28) to 21 (IQR 14, 25) (P = 0.023). The median change in MRSS was –10 (IQR –13, –9) in the belimumab group and –3.0 (IQR –15, –1) in the placebo group (P = 0.411). There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of adverse events (AEs). A significant decrease in expression of B cell signaling and profibrotic genes and pathways was observed in patients with improved MRSS in the belimumab group but not in the placebo group.

Conclusion

Patients in both treatment groups experienced significant improvements in MRSS. The median difference was greater in the belimumab group but did not achieve statistical significance in this small pilot study. AEs were similar between the groups. Changes in gene expression were consistent with mechanism of action and showed that clinical response to treatment with belimumab is associated with a significant decrease in profibrotic genes and pathways. Additional studies are needed to determine the role of belimumab in the treatment of dcSSc.
Robust Approximate Constraint‐Following Control for Autonomous Vehicle Platoon Systems
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Chen Y. H. , Zhao Han
Published: October 2017

We consider an autonomous vehicle platoon system consisting of N+1 vehicles in the presence of modeling uncertainty. The uncertainty may be due to parameter variations, aerodynamics, external disturbances, etc., which is nonlinear and time‐varying. Subject to the collision avoidance consideration, the original state is one‐sided restricted. To resolve this restriction, we propose a state transformation to convert the bounded state into a globally unbounded state. Furthermore, motivated by the properties of artificial swarm systems, we incorporate the swarm system performance into the platoon system by treating it as a d'Alembert's constraint. By the Udwadia and Kalaba's approach, we obtain the analytic (closed‐form) expression of the constraint force. Based on this, a class of robust controls for each vehicle (except the leading vehicle) is proposed to drive the platoon system to follow the ideal swarm model. Four major system performances are accomplished: (i) compact vehicle formation, (ii) collision avoidance, (iii) stable platoon system formation, (iv) global behavior.
Cancer Registry follow‐up for 17 million person‐years of a nationwide maternity cohort
Authors: Lehtinen Matti , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Natunen Kari , Pukkala Eero , Dillner Joakim
Published: October 2017

Population‐based Finnish Maternity Cohort (FMC) comprises 2M first trimester sera collected from 1M women during 33 years. Informed consent is by the opt‐out principle, and linkages with cancer and population registries provide a base for over time and over generation studies. Follow‐up for 17M person‐years by the end of 2014 can identify 39,700 cases of invasive cancer and 18,900 cases of premalignant breast and cervix lesions, and basal cell carcinoma diagnosed after serum sampling. For women with multiple pregnancies, serial samples taken before cancer diagnosis are available. Offspring of the women have developed more than 4000 cancers. For 100,000 individuals, samples taken during the pregnancies of both their mothers and grandmothers enable familial cancer studies. FMC continues to collect samples, and surveillance of exposures or interventions like vaccination programs is feasible. In summary, the FMC is a unique, accessible biobank for epidemiological, biomarker, and surveillance studies on cancer.
POLE somatic mutations in advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Guerra Joana , Pinto Carla , Pinto Diana , Pinheiro Manuela , Silva Romina , Peixoto Ana , Rocha Patrícia , Veiga Isabel , Santos Catarina , Santos Rui , Cabreira Verónica , Lopes Paula , Henrique Rui , Teixeira Manuel R.
Published: October 2017

Despite all the knowledge already gathered, the picture of somatic genetic changes in colorectal tumorigenesis is far from complete. Recently, germline and somatic mutations in the exonuclease domain of polymerase epsilon, catalytic subunit (POLE) gene have been reported in a small subset of microsatellite‐stable and hypermutated colorectal carcinomas (CRCs), affecting the proofreading activity of the enzyme and leading to misincorporation of bases during DNA replication. To evaluate the role of POLE mutations in colorectal carcinogenesis, namely in advanced CRC, we searched for somatic mutations by Sanger sequencing in tumor DNA samples from 307 cases. Microsatellite instability and mutation analyses of a panel of oncogenes were performed in the tumors harboring POLE mutations. Three heterozygous mutations were found in two tumors, the c.857C>G, p.Pro286Arg, the c.901G>A, p.Asp301Asn, and the c.1376C>T, p.Ser459Phe. Of the POLE‐mutated CRCs, one tumor was microsatellite‐stable and the other had low microsatellite instability, whereas KRAS and PIK3CA mutations were found in one tumor each. We conclude that POLE somatic mutations exist but are rare in advanced CRC, with further larger studies being necessary to evaluate its biological and clinical implications.
Recent Applications of 2D Inorganic Nanosheets for Emerging Energy Storage System
Authors: Oh Seung Mi , Patil Sharad B. , Jin Xiaoyan , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: October 2017

Among many types of nanostructured inorganic materials, highly anisotropic 2D nanosheets provide unique advantages in designing and synthesizing efficient electrode and electrocatalyst materials for novel energy storage technologies. 2D inorganic nanosheets boast lots of unique characteristics such as high surface area, short ion diffusion path, tailorable compositions, and tunable electronic structures. These merits of 2D inorganic nanosheets render them promising candidate materials as electrodes for diverse secondary batteries and supercapacitors, and electrocatalysts. A wide spectrum of examples is presented for inorganic nanosheet‐based electrodes and electrocatalysts. Future perspectives in research about 2D nanosheet‐based functional materials are discussed to provide insight for the development of next‐generation energy storage systems using 2D nanostructured materials.
DNA Hydrogel with Tunable pH‐Responsive Properties Produced by Rolling Circle Amplification
Authors: Xu Wanlin , Huang Yishun , Zhao Haoran , Li Pan , Liu Guoyuan , Li Jing , Zhu Chengshen , Tian Leilei
Published: October 2017

Recently, smart DNA hydrogels, which are generally formed by the self‐assembly of oligonucleotides or through the cross‐linking of oligonucleotide–polymer hybrids, have attracted tremendous attention. However, the difficulties of fabricating DNA hydrogels limit their practical applications. We report herein a novel method for producing pH‐responsive hydrogels by rolling circle amplification (RCA). In this method, pH‐sensitive cross‐linking sites were introduced into the polymeric DNA chains during DNA synthesis. As the DNA sequence can be precisely defined by its template, the properties of such hydrogels can be finely tuned in a very facile way through template design. We have investigated the process of hydrogel formation and pH‐responsiveness to provide rationales for functional hydrogel design based on the RCA reaction.
Direct Determination of Electron‐Transfer Properties of Dicopper‐Bound Reduced Dioxygen Species by a Cryo‐Spectroelectrochemical Approach.
Authors: López Isidoro , Cao Rui , Quist David A. , Karlin Kenneth D. , Le Poul Nicolas
Published: October 2017

Direct experimental determination of redox properties of superoxo (O2.−) and peroxo (O22−) embedded in dicopper complexes bearing an unsymmetrical binucleating ligand was achieved using cryo‐electrochemistry and cryo‐spectroelectrochemistry in dichloromethane. Cyclic voltammetry for dicopper(I) (1+) oxidation to a CuICuII mixed‐valent species (12+) under inert atmosphere at 193 K reveals slow heterogeneous electron‐transfer kinetics, indicative of a large reorganization energy. Oxygenation of the dicuprous complex 1+ gives the bridged peroxo dicopper(II) species 3+, which is reversibly oxidized to the superoxo complex 22+ at E0=0.11 V (vs. SCE) with a small inner sphere electron‐transfer reorganization energy, λi=0.54 eV, determined from variable temperature electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The data suggest that the O2.−/O22− redox process occurs directly on the O2‐derived core.
Metastability of Nonreversible Random Walks in a Potential Field and the Eyring‐Kramers Transition Rate Formula
Authors: Landim Claudio , Seo Insuk
Published: October 2017

We consider nonreversible random walks in a bounded domain of ℝd evolving on a potential field. We describe the complete metastable behavior of the random walk among the landscape of valleys, and we derive the Eyring‐Kramers formula for the mean transition time from a metastable set to a stable set.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Promoting Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting by Controlled Magnesium Incorporation in SrTiO3 Photocatalysts
Authors: Han Kai , Lin Yen‐Chun , Yang Chia‐Min , Jong Ronald , Mul Guido , Mei Bastian
Published: October 2017

SrTiO3 is a well‐known photocatalyst inducing overall water splitting when exposed to UV irradiation of wavelengths <370 nm. However, the apparent quantum efficiency of SrTiO3 is typically low, even when functionalized with nanoparticles of Pt or Ni@NiO. Here, we introduce a simple solid‐state preparation method to control the incorporation of magnesium into the perovskite structure of SrTiO3. After deposition of Pt or Ni@NiO, the photocatalytic water‐splitting efficiency of the Mg:SrTiOx composites is up to 20 times higher compared to SrTiO3 containing similar catalytic nanoparticles, and an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 10 % can be obtained in the wavelength range of 300–400 nm. Detailed characterization of the Mg:SrTiOx composites revealed that Mg is likely substituting the tetravalent Ti ion, leading to a favorable surface–space–charge layer. This originates from tuning of the donor density in the cubic SrTiO3 structure by Mg incorporation and enables high oxygen‐evolution rates. Nevertheless, interfacing with an appropriate hydrogen evolution catalyst is mandatory and non‐trivial to obtain high‐performance in water splitting.
Isolation, cultivation, and characterization of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Mushahary Dolly , Spittler Andreas , Kasper Cornelia , Weber Viktoria , Charwat Verena
Published: October 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) exhibit a high self‐renewal capacity, multilineage differentiation potential and immunomodulatory properties. This set of exceptional features makes them an attractive tool for research and clinical application. However, MSC are far from being a uniform cell type, which makes standardization difficult. The exact properties of human MSC (hMSC) can vary greatly depending on multiple parameters including tissue source, isolation method and medium composition. In this review we address the most important influence factors. We highlight variations in the differentiation potential of MSC from different tissue sources. Furthermore, we compare enzymatic isolation strategies with explants cultures focusing on adipose tissue and umbilical cords as two relevant examples. Additionally, we address effects of medium composition and serum supplementation on MSC expansion and differentiation. The lack of standardized methods for hMSC isolation and cultivation mandates careful evaluation of different protocols regarding efficiency and cell quality. MSC characterization based on a set of minimal criteria defined by the International Society for Cellular Therapy is a widely accepted practice, and additional testing for MSC functionality can provide valuable supplementary information. The MSC secretome has been identified as an important signaling mechanism to affect other cells. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are attracting increasing interest. The thorough characterization of MSC‐derived EVs and their interaction with target cells is a crucial step toward a more complete understanding of MSC‐derived EV functionality. Here, we focus on flow cytometric approaches to characterize free as well as cell bound EVs and address potential differences in the bioactivity of EVs derived from stem cells from different sources. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Sensitivity to facial expressions among extremely low birth weight survivors in their 30s
Authors: Gao Xiaoqing , Lahat Ayelet , Maurer Daphne , Savoy Calan , Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Boyle Michael H. , Saigal Saroj , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: October 2017

The current study investigated the impact of birth weight on the ability to recognize facial expressions in adulthood among the longest known prospectively followed cohort of extremely low birth weight survivors (ELBW; <1,000 g). We measured perceptual threshold to detect subtle facial expressions and confusion among different emotion categories in order to disentangle visual perceptual ability from emotional processing. ELBW adults (N = 64, Mage = 31.9 years) were more likely than normal birth weight (NBW) controls (N = 82, Mage = 32.5 years) to see fear in angry faces. This finding was not a result of increased perceptual efficiency in processing fearful expressions in the ELBW adults, since the two groups did not differ on their threshold to detect emotion in low intensity facial expressions. These findings suggest that a processing bias toward fear may reflect long‐term developmental effects from being born at ELBW that may portend socioemotional problems that characterize ELBW survivors.
Ancestrality and evolution of trait syndromes in finches (Fringillidae)
Authors: Ponge Jean‐François , Zuccon Dario , Elias Marianne , Pavoine Sandrine , Henry Pierre‐Yves , Théry Marc , Guilbert Éric
Published: October 2017

Species traits have been hypothesized by one of us (Ponge, 2013) to evolve in a correlated manner as species colonize stable, undisturbed habitats, shifting from “ancestral” to “derived” strategies. We predicted that generalism, r‐selection, sexual monomorphism, and migration/gregariousness are the ancestral states (collectively called strategy A) and evolved correlatively toward specialism, K‐selection, sexual dimorphism, and residence/territoriality as habitat stabilized (collectively called B strategy). We analyzed the correlated evolution of four syndromes, summarizing the covariation between 53 traits, respectively, involved in ecological specialization, r‐K gradient, sexual selection, and dispersal/social behaviors in 81 species representative of Fringillidae, a bird family with available natural history information and that shows variability for all these traits. The ancestrality of strategy A was supported for three of the four syndromes, the ancestrality of generalism having a weaker support, except for the core group Carduelinae (69 species). It appeared that two different B‐strategies evolved from the ancestral state A, both associated with highly predictable environments: one in poorly seasonal environments, called B1, with species living permanently in lowland tropics, with “slow pace of life” and weak sexual dimorphism, and one in highly seasonal environments, called B2, with species breeding out‐of‐the‐tropics, migratory, with a “fast pace of life” and high sexual dimorphism.
Addition of urea and thiourea to electrophoresis sample buffer improves efficiency of protein extraction from TCA/acetone‐treated smooth muscle tissues for phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE
Authors: Takeya Kosuke , Kaneko Toshiyuki , Miyazu Motoi , Takai Akira
Published: October 2017

Phosphorylation analysis by using phos‐tag technique has been reported to be suitable for highly sensitive quantification of smooth muscle myosin regulatory light chain (LC20) phosphorylation. However, there is another factor that will affect the sensitivity of phosphorylation analysis, that is, protein extraction. Here, we optimized the conditions for total protein extraction out of trichloroacetic acid (TCA)‐fixed tissues. Standard SDS sample buffer extracted less LC20, actin and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) from TCA/acetone treated ciliary muscle strips. On the other hand, sample buffer containing urea and thiourea in addition to lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) or SDS extracted those proteins more efficiently, and thus increased the detection sensitivity up to 4–5 fold. Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE separated dephosphorylated and phosphorylated LC20s extracted in LDS/urea/thiourea sample buffer to the same extent as those in standard SDS buffer. We have concluded that LDS (or SDS) /urea/thiourea sample buffer is suitable for highly sensitive phosphorylation analysis in smooth muscle, especially when it is treated with TCA/acetone.