bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micelles versus Ribbons: How Congeners Drive the Self‐Assembly of Acidic Sophorolipid Biosurfactants
Authors: Dhasaiyan Prabhu , Le Griel Patrick , Roelants Sophie , Redant Emile , Van Bogaert Inge N. A. , Prevost Sylvain , Prasad B. L. V. , Baccile Niki
Published: February 2017

Sophorolipids (SLs), a class of microbially derived biosurfactants, are reported by different research groups to have different self‐assembled structures (either micelles or giant ribbons) under the same conditions. Here we explore the reasons behind these contradictory results and attribute these differences to the role of specific congeners that are present in minute quantities. We show that a sample composed of a majority of oleic acid (C18:1) sophorolipid in the presence of only 0.5 % (or more) of congeners with stearic acid (C18:0) or linoleic acid (C18:2) results in the formation of micelles that are stable over long periods of time. Conversely, the presence of only 10 to 15 % of congeners with a stearic acid chain gives fibrillar structures instead of micelles. To study the mechanisms responsible, oleic acid SLs devoid of any other congeners were prepared. Very interestingly, this sample can self‐assemble into either micelles or fibers depending on minute modifications to the self‐assembly conditions. The findings are supported by light scattering, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy under cryogenic conditions, high‐pressure liquid chromatography, and NMR spectroscopy.
Precipitation and Crystallization Kinetics in Silica Gardens
Authors: Glaab Fabian , Rieder Julian , Klein Regina , Choquesillo‐Lazarte Duane , Melero‐Garcia Emilio , García‐Ruiz Juan‐Manuel , Kunz Werner , Kellermeier Matthias
Published: February 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. Werner Kunz (University of Regensburg, Germany) and Prof. Juan Manuel García‐Ruiz (Laboratorio de Estudios Cristalográficos, CSIC‐UGR, Spain) as well as Dr. Matthias Kellermeier (BASF SE, Germany). The image shows silica gardens, a peculiar form of tubular precipitates that grow spontaneously in purely inorganic environments. In addition to their striking morphologies, these self‐assembled structures sustain drastic chemical gradients that drive a cascade of coupled diffusion and precipitation processes, which were studied by complementary synchrotron‐based techniques in the present work.

Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201600748.
Generation of an inducible mouse model to reversibly silence Stat3
Authors: Alorro Mariah G. , Pierce Thomas P. , Eissmann Moritz F. , Dijkstra Christine , Dickins Ross A. , Ernst Matthias , Buchert Michael , Masson Frederic
Published: February 2017

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a transcription factor that has many essential roles during inflammation, development and cancer. Stat3 is therefore an attractive therapeutic target in many diseases. While current Stat3 knockout mouse models led to a better understanding of the role of Stat3, the irreversible nature of Stat3 ablation does not model the effects of transient Stat3 therapeutic inhibition, and does not inform on potential dosage effects of Stat3. Using RNAi technology, we have generated a new mouse model allowing the inducible and reversible silencing of Stat3 in vivo, which mirrors the effects of specific Stat3 therapeutic interference. We showed that upon Doxycycline‐mediated activation of the Stat3 short‐hairpin RNA, Stat3 expression was efficiently reduced by about 80% in multiple organs and cell types. Moreover, Stat3 reduction was sufficient to reduce tumor burden in a clinically‐validated mouse model of gastric cancer. Finally, we demonstrated that Stat3 silencing during embryonic development led to reduced birth rate without leading to complete embryonic lethality, in contrast to full Stat3 ablation. In conclusion, this new mouse model will be invaluable to understand the effects of Stat3 therapeutic interference and Stat3 dosage effects.
Methods to test the interactive effects of drought and plant invasion on ecosystem structure and function using complementary common garden and field experiments
Authors: Alba Christina , NeSmith Julienne E. , Fahey Catherine , Angelini Christine , Flory Stephen Luke
Published: February 2017

Abiotic global change drivers affect ecosystem structure and function, but how they interact with biotic factors such as invasive plants is understudied. Such interactions may be additive, synergistic, or offsetting, and difficult to predict. We present methods to test the individual and interactive effects of drought and plant invasion on native ecosystems. We coupled a factorial common garden experiment containing resident communities exposed to drought (imposed with rainout shelters) and invasion with a field experiment where the invader was removed from sites spanning a natural soil moisture gradient. We detail treatments and their effects on abiotic conditions, including soil moisture, light, temperature, and humidity, which shape community and ecosystem responses. Ambient precipitation during the garden experiment exceeded historic norms despite severe drought in prior years. Soil moisture was 48% lower in drought than ambient plots, but the invader largely offset drought effects. Additionally, temperature and light were lower and humidity higher in invaded plots. Field sites spanned up to a 10‐fold range in soil moisture and up to a 2.5‐fold range in light availability. Invaded and resident vegetation did not differentially mediate soil moisture, unlike in the garden experiment. Herbicide effectively removed invaded and resident vegetation, with removal having site‐specific effects on soil moisture and light availability. However, light was generally higher in invader‐removal than control plots, whereas resident removal had less effect on light, similar to the garden experiment. Invasion mitigated a constellation of abiotic conditions associated with drought stress in the garden experiment. In the field, where other factors co‐varied, these patterns did not emerge. Still, neither experiment suggested that drought and invasion will have synergistic negative effects on ecosystems, although invasion can limit light availability. Coupling factorial garden experiments with field experiments across environmental gradients will be effective for predicting how multiple stressors interact in natural systems.
A parasite's modification of host behavior reduces predation on its host
Authors: Soghigian John , Valsdottir Linda R. , Livdahl Todd P.
Published: February 2017

Parasite modification of host behavior is common, and the literature is dominated by demonstrations of enhanced predation on parasitized prey resulting in transmission of parasites to their next host. We present a case in which predation on parasitized prey is reduced. Despite theoretical modeling suggesting that this phenomenon should be common, it has been reported in only a few host–parasite–predator systems. Using a system of gregarine endosymbionts in host mosquitoes, we designed experiments to compare the vulnerability of parasitized and unparasitized mosquito larvae to predation by obligate predatory mosquito larvae and then compared behavioral features known to change in the presence of predatory cues. We exposedAedes triseriatuslarvae to the parasiteAscogregarina barrettiand the predatorToxohrynchites rutilusand assessed larval mortality rate under each treatment condition. Further, we assessed behavioral differences in larvae due to infection and predation stimuli by recording larvae and scoring behaviors and positions within microcosms. Infection with gregarines reduced cohort mortality in the presence of the predator, but the parasite did not affect mortality alone. Further, infection by parasites altered behavior such that infected hosts thrashed less frequently than uninfected hosts and were found more frequently on or in a refuge within the microcosm. By reducing predation on their host, gregarines may be acting as mutualists in the presence of predation on their hosts. These results illustrate a higher‐order interaction, in which a relationship between a species pair (host–endosymbiont or predator–prey) is altered by the presence of a third species.
Winter behavior of bats and the progression of white‐nose syndrome in the southeastern United States
Authors: Bernard Riley F. , McCracken Gary F.
Published: February 2017

Understanding the winter behavior of bats in temperate North America can provide insight into how bats react to perturbations caused by natural disturbances such as weather, human‐induced disturbances, or the introduction of disease. This study measured the activity patterns of bats outside of their hibernaculum and asked how this winter activity varied by time, temperature, bat species, body condition, and WNS status. Over the course of three winters (2011–2013), we collected acoustic data and captured bats outside of five hibernacula in Tennessee, United States. During this time, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of white‐nose syndrome, became established in hibernacula throughout the region, allowing us to track disease‐related changes in the winter behavior of ten bat species. We determined that bats in the southeastern United States were active during winter regardless of disease. We recorded activity outside of hibernacula at temperatures as low as −13°C. Although bat activity was best determined by a combination of variables, the strongest factor was mean daily temperature (R2 = .2879, F1,1450 = 586.2, p < .0001). Bats that left the hibernacula earlier in evening had lower body condition than those that left 2–4 hr after sunset (F7,932 = 7.225, p < .0001, Tukey HSD, p < .05). The number of daytime emergences from hibernacula, as determined via acoustic detection, increased the longer a site was P. destructans positive (F3,17 808 = 124.48, p < .0001, Tukey HSD, p < .05). Through the use of passive acoustic monitoring and monthly captures, we determined that winter activity was driven by both ambient temperature and the presence of P. destructans.
Metal Complexes Based on 2‐[5‐(3,5‐Dibromophenyl)‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]pyridine and Their Composites with CH3NH3PbI3: Structures, Band Gaps, and Enhanced Optoelectronic Properties
Authors: Yan Zhi Shuo , Gong Yun , Lin Jian Hua
Published: February 2017

From 2‐[5‐(3,5‐dibromophenyl)‐2H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]pyridine (HL), three metal(II) complexes formulated as NiL2(HL)·DMF (1; DMF = N,N‐dimethylformamide), NiL2 (2), and CuL2 (3) were synthesized solvothermally and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Among them, 2 and 3 are isostructural, except for the different metal(II) centers in their structures. The three metal(II) complexes all exhibit mononuclear structures but possess different band structures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that 2 and 3 are semiconductors, and their perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 (P) composite materials, 2@P and 3@P, were synthesized. The largest photocurrent densities obtained for the two composite materials are much higher than those obtained for the corresponding complexes under intermittent visible‐light illumination (λ > 420 nm), as the suitable band gaps and matched energy levels of the complexes and P prevent the recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs. In addition, the stable photocurrent responses of the two composite materials in aqueous solution are associated with coverage of the surface of P by the insoluble complex, which improves the water resistance of P.
In vivo toxicity of nitroaromatics: A comprehensive quantitative structure–activity relationship study
Authors: Gooch Aminah , Sizochenko Natalia , Rasulev Bakhtiyor , Gorb Leonid , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: February 2017

The toxicity data of 90 nitroaromatic compounds related to their 50% lethal dose concentration for rats (LD50) were analyzed to develop quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. Quantum-chemically calculated descriptors together with molecular descriptors generated by DRAGON, PaDEL, and HiT-QSAR software were utilized to build QSAR models. Quality and validity of the models were determined by internal and external validation techniques. The results show that the toxicity of nitroaromatic compounds depends on various factors, such as the number of nitro-groups, the topological state, and the presence of certain structural fragments. The developed models based on the largest (to date) dataset of nitroaromatics in vivo toxicity showed a good predictive ability. The results provide important input that could be applied in a preliminary assessment of nitroaromatic compounds’ toxicity to mammals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2227–2233. © 2017 SETAC
How a radial glial cell decides to become a multiciliated ependymal cell
Authors: Kyrousi Christina , Lygerou Zoi , Taraviras Stavros
Published: February 2017

The V‐SVZ adult neurogenic niche is located in the wall of the lateral ventricles and contains neural stem cells, with self‐renewing and differentiating ability and postmitotic multiciliated ependymal cells, an important structural and trophic component of the niche. The niche is established at postnatal stages from a subpopulation of radial glial cells, determined during embryogenesis. Radial glial cells constitute a heterogeneous population, which give rise, in addition to niche cellular components, to neurons and glial cells. The mechanisms that direct their fate commitment towards V‐SVZ niche cells are largely unknown. In the present review, we discuss recent findings on the signaling networks governing fate commitment decisions of radial glial cells towards multiciliated ependymal cells. We highlight the role of two novel factors: McIdas and GemC1/Lynkeas and the molecular pathways which they activate in order to promote ependymal cell differentiation. Finally, we discuss a possible crosstalk of known signaling pathways, such as Notch, STAT3, and BMPs, for the specification of ependymal versus adult neural stem cells in the V‐SVZ niche. GLIA 2017;65:1032–1042
An adapted mindfulness intervention for people with dementia in care homes: feasibility pilot study
Authors: Churcher Clarke A. , Chan J.M.Y. , Stott J. , Royan L. , Spector A.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Depression and anxiety are common in dementia. There is a need to develop effective psychosocial interventions. This study sought to develop a group‐based adapted mindfulness programme for people with mild to moderate dementia in care homes and to determine its feasibility and potential benefits.

Methods

A manual for a 10‐session intervention was developed. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention plus treatment as usual (n = 20) or treatment as usual (n = 11). Measures of mood, anxiety, quality of life, cognitive function, stress and mindfulness were administered at baseline and 1 week post‐intervention.

Results

There was a significant improvement in quality of life in the intervention group compared to controls (p = 0.05). There were no significant changes in other outcomes.

Conclusions

The intervention was feasible in terms of recruitment, retention, attrition and acceptability and was associated with significant positive changes in quality of life. A fully powered randomised controlled trial is required. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caspase‐cleaved keratin‐18 fragments increase during alcohol withdrawal and predict liver‐related death in patients with alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Mueller Sebastian , Nahon Pierre , Rausch Vanessa , Peccerella Tessa , Silva Ines , Yagmur Eray , Straub Beate K. , Lackner Carolin , Seitz Helmut K. , Rufat Pierre , Sutton Angela , Bantel Heike , Longerich Thomas
Published: February 2017

Noninvasive assessment of disease activity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is still unsettled, but essential for the evaluation of disease progression. We here studied the association of total (M65) and caspase‐cleaved (M30) serum keratin‐18 fragments (n = 204) with histological parameters (n = 106) in heavy drinkers primarily admitted for alcohol withdrawal before and after alcohol detoxification. An age‐, sex‐, and fibrosis‐stage matched NAFLD cohort (n = 30) was used for comparison. The prognostic value of M30 and M65 levels were assessed in an additional prospectively followed‐up cohort of 230 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) using competing risk analyses. Among the histological parameters, both M30/65 correlated significantly and better than any other serum marker with apoptosis and liver damage, such as ballooning (r = 0.65; P < 0.001), followed by lobular inflammation (0.48; P < 0.001), steatosis (0.46; P < 0.001), but less with fibrosis (0.24; P < 0.001). Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves to detect ballooning, steatosis, or steatohepatitis (SH) were slightly better for M30 (P < 0.005). Optimal M30 cut‐off values for mild and severe ballooning were 330 and 420 U/L, and 290 and 330 U/L for SH grades 1 and 2. No significant differences of M30/65 were found between the matched NAFLD and ALD cohort. In contrast to aspartate‐amino‐transferase and M65, M30 levels increased significantly from 391 to 518 U/L during alcohol detoxification. Moreover, levels of M30 and M65 predicted non–hepatocellular carcinoma liver‐related mortality in patients with AC during a mean observation interval of 67.2 months. Conclusion: Our data suggest M30 as highly specific marker of liver apoptosis both in ALD and NAFLD. In addition, hepatocellular apoptosis, as determined by M30 levels, occurs during alcohol withdrawal, and survival data point toward a novel underestimated role of apoptosis in patients with ALD. (Hepatology 2017;66:96–107).
Correlation between plasma levels of arginine and citrulline in preterm and full‐term neonates: Therapeutical implications
Authors: Contreras Mike T. , Gallardo Maria J. , Betancourt Luis R. , Rada Pedro V. , Ceballos Gerardo A. , Hernandez Luis E. , Hernandez Luis F.
Published: February 2017

Background

Preterm neonates exhibit several deficiencies that endanger their lives. Understanding those disturbances will provide tools for the management of preterm neonates. The present work focuses on arginine and citrulline which has been flagged among the biochemical landmarks of prematurity.

Methods

We examined blood samples of preterm newborns as compared with mature neonates to determine the levels of arginine and citrulline by capillary zone electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection (CZE‐LIFD).

Results

Significantly lower levels of arginine and citrulline were found in preterm neonates than in mature neonates (P<.01). Interestingly there was a highly significant correlation between the two amino acids in mature neonates (P<.0001). Such correlation was present in preterm neonates too (P<.01). Pearson coefficient showed that 60% of the citrulline concentration depends on arginine concentration in mature neonates. Only 20% of the citrulline concentration depends on arginine concentration in preterm neonates. Although the ratio arginine/citrulline was lower in preterm neonates than in mature neonates the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

These results suggest that less arginine is converted to citrulline to form nitric oxide in preterm than in full‐term neonates. The result is discussed in terms of the immature enzymatic systems in the preterm neonate.
Comparative study of dental enamel loss after debonding braces by analytical scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Authors: Rodríguez‐Chávez Jacqueline Adelina , Arenas‐Alatorre Jesús , Belio‐Reyes Irma Araceli
Published: February 2017

Clinical procedures when shear forces are applied to brackets suggest adhesion forces between 2.8 and 10.0 MPa as appropriate. In this study dental enamel was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after removing the brackets. Thirty bicuspids (previous prophylaxis) with metallic brackets (Roth Inovation 0.022 GAC), Transbond Plus SEP 3M Unitek adhesive and Transbond XT 3M resin were used. The samples were preserved to 37°C during 24 hr and submited to tangential forces with the Instron Universal machine 1.0 mm/min speed load strength resistance debonding. Also the Adhesive Remanent Index (ARI) test was made, evaluating the bracket base and the bicuspid surface. All the bracket SEM images were processed with AutoCAD to determine the enamel detached area. The average value was 6.86 MPa (SD ± 3.2 MPa). ARI value 1= 63.3%, value 2= 20%, value 3= 13.3% and 33% presented value 0. All those samples with dental enamel loss, presented different situations as fractures, ledges, horizontal, and vertical loss in some cases, and some scratch lines. There is no association between the debonding resistance and enamel presence. Less than half of the remanent adhesive on the dental enamel was present in most of the samples when the ARI test was applied. When the resin area increases, the debonding resistance also increases, and when the enamel loss increases, the resin free metallic area of the bracket base decreases in the debonding.
Effects of acidic peptide size and sequence on trivalent praseodymium adduction and electron transfer dissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Commodore Juliette J. , Cassady Carolyn J.
Published: February 2017

Using the lanthanide ion praseodymium, Pr(III), metallated ion formation and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) were studied for 25 biological and model acidic peptides. For chain lengths of seven or more residues, even highly acidic peptides that can be difficult to protonate by electrospray ionization will metallate and undergo abundant ETD fragmentation. Peptides composed of predominantly acidic residues form only the deprotonated ion, [M + Pr ‐ H]2+; this ion yields near complete ETD sequence coverage for larger peptides. Peptides with a mixture of acidic and neutral residues generate [M + Pr]3+, which cleaves between every residue for many peptides. Acidic peptides that contain at least one residue with a basic side chain also produce the protonated ion, [M + Pr + H]4+; this ion undergoes the most extensive sequence coverage by ETD. Primarily metallated and non‐metallated c‐ and z‐ions form for all peptides investigated. Metal adducted product ions are only present when at least half of the peptide sequence can be incorporated into the ion; this suggests that the metal ion simultaneously attaches to more than one acidic site. The only site consistently lacking dissociation is at the N‐terminal side of a proline residue. Increasing peptide chain length generates more backbone cleavage for metal‐peptide complexes with the same charge state. For acidic peptides with the same length, increasing the precursor ion charge state from 2+ to 3+ also leads to more cleavage. The results of this study indicate that highly acidic peptides can be sequenced by ETD of complexes formed with Pr(III). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted workplace incivility: The roles of belongingness, embarrassment, and power
Authors: Hershcovis M. Sandy , Ogunfowora Babatunde , Reich Tara C. , Christie Amy M.
Published: February 2017

Research to date has largely been unclear about whether a single perpetrator is sufficient to instigate the well‐documented negative consequences of workplace incivility. In the current research, we examine the extent to which perceived belongingness and embarrassment mediate the relationship between incivility from a single perpetrator and two important outcomes (job insecurity and somatic symptoms), and the extent to which the perpetrator's power moderates these relationships. Across two studies using different methods, we find that incidents of single perpetrator incivility are associated with target feelings of isolation and embarrassment, which in turn relate to targets' perceived job insecurity and somatic symptoms (Studies 1 and 2) both the same day and three days later (Study 2). Moreover, we find that perpetrator power moderates the relationship between incivility and embarrassment, such that targets are more embarrassed when the perpetrator is powerful. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidence and prognosis of non‐metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) among different races in Southeast Asia
Authors: Alcantara Veronica Siton , Lim Geok Hoon , Lim Swee Ho , Sultana Rehena , Lee Jung Ah
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) carries a worse prognosis compared to the other subtypes. There have been conflicting studies that race may impact the prognosis of TNBC patients. We aim to determine the incidence and prognosis of TNBC among the different ethnic races in Singapore, and to determine its associated risk factors for prognosis.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (BC) from 2005 to 2013 at our tertiary institution were included and divided according to race and subtypes. Demographic and clinical information of non‐metastatic TNBC patients were analyzed. Log‐rank test, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to find associated risk factors related with overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

Among 1227 BC patients, 129 (10.5%) had TNBC. TNBC patients had the worst OS (P: 0.0005) and DFS (P: 0.0016) among the subtypes. However, variations in race did not have any difference in OS or DFS among TNBC patients. Axillary lymph node involvement, invasive lobular histology, larger tumor size, and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were factors associated with both poor DFS and OS among TNBC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial variation did not have any impact on the prognosis of the TNBC.
A simple and inexpensive technique for assessing contamination during drilling operations
Authors: Friese André , Kallmeyer Jens , Axel Kitte Jan , Montaño Martínez Ivan , Bijaksana Satria , Wagner Dirk ,   the ICDP Lake Chalco Drilling Science Team and the ICDP Towuti Drilling Science Team
Published: February 2017

Subsurface exploration relies on drilling. Normally drilling requires a drilling fluid that will infiltrate into the drill core. Drilling fluid contains non‐indigenous materials and microbes from the surface, so its presence renders a sample unsuitable for microbiological and many other analyses. Because infiltration cannot be avoided, it is of paramount importance to assess the degree of contamination to identify uncontaminated samples for geomicrobiological investigations. To do this, usually a tracer is mixed into the drilling fluid. In past drilling operations a variety of tracers have been used, each has specific strengths and weaknesses. For microspheres the main problem was the high price, which limited their use to spot checks or drilling operations that require only small amounts of drilling fluid. Here, we present a modified microsphere tracer approach that uses an aqueous fluorescent pigment dispersion with a similar concentration of fluorescent particles as previously used microsphere tracers. However, it costs four orders of magnitude less, allowing for a more liberal use even in large operations. Its applicability for deep drilling campaigns was successfully tested during two drilling campaigns of the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP) at Lake Towuti, Sulawesi, Indonesia, and Lake Chalco, Mexico. Quantification of the tracer requires only a fluorescence microscope or a flow cytometer. The latter allowing for high‐resolution data to be obtained directly on‐site within minutes and with minimal effort, decreasing sample processing times substantially relative to traditional tracer methods. This approach offers an inexpensive, rapid, but powerful alternative technique for contamination assessment during drilling campaigns.
Hybrid projective synchronization of complex Duffing–Holmes oscillators with application to image encryption
Authors: Wei Deng , Wang Xingyuan , Hou Jialin , Liu Ping
Published: February 2017

Many works on hybrid projective synchronization (or simply ‘HPS’ for short) of nonlinear real dynamic systems have been performed, while the HPS of chaotic complex systems and its application have not been extensively studied. In this paper, the HPS of complex Duffing–Holmes oscillators with known and unknown parameters is separately investigated via nonlinear control. The adaptive control methods and explicit expressions are derived for controllers and parameters estimation law, which are respectively used to achieve HPS. These expressions on controllers are tested numerically, which are in excellent agreement with theory analysis. The proposed synchronization scheme is applied to image encryption with exclusive or (or simply ‘XOR’ for short). The related security analysis shows the high security of the encryption scheme. Concerning the complex Duffing–Holmes oscillator, we also discuss its chaotic properties via the maximum Lyapunov exponent. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiple sign‐changing solutions for Kirchhoff‐type equations in
Authors: He Xiumei , Wu Xian
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we study the following Kirchhoff‐type equations

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4346:mma4346-math-0003
where a>0,b⩾0,4<p<2∗=6, and
. Under some suitable conditions, we prove that the equation has three solutions of mountain pass type: one positive, one negative, and sign‐changing. Furthermore, this problem has infinitely many sign‐changing solutions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An optimized transurethral catheterization cystometry in mice and comparison with classic suprapubic catheterization cystometry
Authors: Xiang Zhuoyi , Li Yaohui , Bian Tingchang , He Minke , Xu Yeqing , Wang Guomin , Guo Jianming , Wang Hang
Published: February 2017

Aims

The aim of this study is to establish an optimized, minimally invasive transurethral catheterization cystometry (TUCC) and a novel urethral pressure profile (UPP) measurement for mice.

Methods

The optimized TUCC and the UPP measurement were first established. This optimized TUCC was then performed in 16 anesthetized female mice and compared with the suprapubic catheterization cystometry (SCC) in parallel after suprapubic catheters implantation (SCI; on zero, third, and seventh day, respectively). Finally, the optimized TUCC and novel UPP measurement were applied to investigate in another eight mice of partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) model. The urodynamic parameters including micturition pressure (MP), basal pressure (BP), threshold pressure (TP), bladder capacity (BC), micturition volume (MV), residual urine (RV), bladder compliance (COM), maximum urethral pressure (MUP), bladder pressure curve and UPP were recorded. Statistical cross‐comparisons of parameters for two kinds of cystometries and pBOO model were performed.

Results

Compared with the optimized TUCC before SCI, the MV, RV, BC, and MP decreased significantly on the seventh day after SCI (270.4‐132.5 µL, 46.13‐20.09 µL, 316.4‐152.5 µL, 30.01‐24.34 cmH20, respectively). After SCI, the BP, MP, TP, MV, RV, BC, and COM showed no significant difference between the TUCC and SCC at the same time point. The MUP increased significantly after pBOO operation (19.1‐46.6 cmH20, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The minimally invasive TUCC along with UPP measurement could be widely applied to study the bladder function of mice as a feasible, repeatable, and accessible method.
Prediction of Anti‐Alzheimer's Activity of Flavonoids Targeting Acetylcholinesterase in silico
Authors: Das Subrata , Laskar Monjur A. , Sarker Satyajit D. , Choudhury Manabendra D. , Choudhury Prakash Roy , Mitra Abhijit , Jamil Shajarahtunnur , Lathiff Siti Mariam A. , Abdullah Siti Awanis , Basar Norazah , Nahar Lutfun , Talukdar Anupam D.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Prenylated and pyrano‐flavonoids of the genus Artocarpus J. R. Forster & G. Forster are well known for their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory, anti‐cholinergic, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐microbial, anti‐oxidant, anti‐proliferative and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. Some of these compounds have also been shown to be effective against Alzheimer's disease.

Objective

The aim of the in silico study was to establish protocols to predict the most effective flavonoid from prenylated and pyrano‐flavonoid classes for AChE inhibition linking to the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Methodology

Three flavonoids isolated from Artocarpus anisophyllus Miq. were selected for the study. With these compounds, Lipinski filter, ADME/Tox screening, molecular docking and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) were performed in silico. In vitro activity was evaluated by bioactivity staining based on the Ellman's method.

Results

In the Lipinski filter and ADME/Tox screening, all test compounds produced positive results, but in the target fishing, only one flavonoid could successfully target AChE. Molecular docking was performed on this flavonoid, and this compound gained the score as ˗13.5762. From the QSAR analysis the IC50 was found to be 1659.59 nM. Again, 100 derivatives were generated from the parent compound and docking was performed. The derivative compound 20 was the best scorer, i.e. ˗31.6392 and IC50 was predicted as 6.025 nM.

Conclusion

Results indicated that flavonoids could be efficient inhibitors of AChE and thus, could be useful in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preterm births and use of medication in early adulthood: a population‐based registry study
Authors: Engeland Anders , Bjørge Tone , Klungsøyr Kari , Skurtveit Svetlana , Furu Kari
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To explore associations between preterm birth and use of medications in young adulthood as a proxy for different diseases.

Methods

We linked data on birth characteristics from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (1967–1999) and the Norwegian Prescription Database (2004–2015). Individuals born as singletons during 1974–1984 and alive at the age of 31 were included (main analyses) (n = 450 555). Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of using different medications were estimated by log‐binomial regression. Population attributable risk and attributable risk percentage (PAR% and AR%) due to preterm birth were calculated.

Results

Individuals born preterm used more specific medications at age 30 than those born at term. The risks of being dispensed psychotropic medications overall and the subgroups antiepileptics, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and hypnotics were elevated in individuals born preterm. For attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications, the risk was elevated in males born extremely preterm (RR 5.8; 95%CI: 2.2–15). The risk of being dispensed antiasthmatics increased by shorter gestational ages. For psychotropic medications, PAR% was 0.6% in males and 0.7% in females at age 30; AR% was 13% in males and 17% in females. For antiasthmatics, the corresponding figures were 1.4, 1.1, 24 and 23%.

Conclusion

Individuals born preterm used more psychotropic medications overall and antiasthmatics around age 30 than those born at term. The proportions using these medications increased for those born at earlier gestational ages. Those born preterm, especially before 32 weeks of gestation, should be given special attention during early adulthood regarding development of symptoms and signs of certain diseases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface nanocrystalline Si structure and its surface passivation for highly efficient black Si solar cells
Authors: Imamura Kentaro , Irishika Daichi , Kobayashi Hikaru
Published: February 2017

19.5% conversion efficiency crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells having simple structure without antireflection coating have been fabricated using the surface structure chemical transfer method which produces a nanocrystalline Si layer simply by contacting catalytic platinum with Si wafers in hydrogen peroxide plus hydrofluoric acid solutions. The reflectivity becomes less than 3% after the surface structure chemical transfer method due to formation of black Si. Deposition of phosphosilicate glass and heat treatment at 925 °C performed for formation of pn‐junction effectively passivate the nanocrystalline Si surface. With this phosphosilicate glass passivation plus the hydrogen treatment at 400 °C, the internal quantum efficiency is greatly improved and reaches 81% at a wavelength of 400 nm. Analysis of ellipsometry data shows that incident light with wavelength shorter than 400 nm is almost completely absorbed by the nanocrystalline Si layer. The high internal quantum efficiency for short wavelength light is attributed to effective surface passivation and the nanocrystalline Si layer band‐gap energy which decreases with the distance from the top of the network structure of the nanocrystalline Si layer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting changes in adaptive functioning and behavioral adjustment following treatment for a pediatric brain tumor: A report from the Brain Radiation Investigative Study Consortium
Authors: Hoskinson Kristen R. , Wolfe Kelly R. , Yeates Keith Owen , Mahone E. Mark , Cecil Kim M. , Ris M. Douglas
Published: February 2017

Background

Children are at risk for behavioral and adaptive difficulties following pediatric brain tumor. This study explored whether familial/demographic, developmental, diagnostic, or treatment‐related variables best predict posttreatment behavioral and adaptive functioning.

Methods

Participants included 40 children (mean age = 12.76 years, SD = 4.01) posttreatment (mean time since diagnosis = 1.99 years, SD = 0.21) for pediatric brain tumor. Parents rated children's behavioral adjustment and adaptive functioning and provided demographic and developmental histories. Diagnostic and treatment‐related information was abstracted from medical records.

Results

Ratings of adaptive and behavioral functioning approximately 2 years postdiagnosis were within the average range, although the percentage of children exceeding clinical cutoffs for impairment in adaptive skills exceeded expectation, particularly practical skills. Premorbid behavior problems and tumor size predicted posttreatment adaptive functioning. After accounting for adaptive functioning near diagnosis, premorbid behavior problems predicted declines in adaptive functioning 2 years postdiagnosis. After accounting for adjustment near diagnosis, no variables predicted declines in behavioral adjustment.

Conclusions

Children may be vulnerable to reduced adaptive functioning following pediatric brain tumor treatment, especially in practical skills. Assessing prediagnosis functioning and diagnostic and treatment‐related variables may improve our ability to predict those at greatest risk, although those factors may be less helpful in identifying children likely to develop behavioral difficulties. Screening of these factors in tertiary care and long‐term follow‐up settings may improve identification of those at greatest need for support services.
The relative influence of derivatization and normalization procedures on the compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of nitrogen in amino acids
Authors: Yarnes Christopher T. , Herszage Julian
Published: February 2017

Rationale

Within the last decade, applications of compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of nitrogen (δ15N values) in amino acids (CSIA‐AA) have developed rapidly, particularly within organismal ecology. Unlike with bulk stable isotope analysis (BSIA), the reproducibility of δ15N‐AA measurements has not been critically assessed. Two primary concerns include the diversity of techniques available for the derivatization of amino acids prior to analysis by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) and the myriad of standardization practices and quality assurance procedures used across studies.

Methods

We examined the relative effect of three normalization procedures, (1) internal reference calibration, (2) compound‐specific calibration, and (3) scale‐normalization, on the accuracy and precision of δ15N‐AA measurements by GC/C/IRMS and the comparability of δ15N‐AA measurements by two derivatization techniques, methoxycarbonylation‐esterification and acetylation‐esterification, across a range of organisms.

Results

The overall accuracy and precision of δ15N‐AA measurements were improved following both compound‐specific calibration and scale‐normalization, as was the comparability of δ15N‐AA measurements of individual amino acids between derivatization techniques across organisms. The mean difference of scale‐normalized δ15N‐AA values across all organisms between the two derivatization techniques was 0.19‰, much less than the typical analytical error associated with δ15N‐AA measurements (±1‰).

Conclusions

Adoption of standardized calibration procedures will be important to establishing reproducibility in δ15N‐AA measurements, particularly across derivatization techniques. It is both technically practical and desirable for users of CSIA‐AA to adopt practices in quality control and assessment similar to those outlined for BSIA, including the compound‐specific calibration of δ15N‐AA values, followed by scale‐normalization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergency surgery for lung cancer with abscess formation after transbronchial biopsy
Authors: Takanashi Yusuke , Miyashita Koichi , Tajima Shogo , Hayakawa Takamitsu , Neyatani Hiroshi , Funai Kazuhito
Published: February 2017

Abscess formation in lung cancer after transbronchial biopsy (TBB) is a rare complication with no standard consensus on a coping strategy or prophylaxis. We describe an instructive case of lung cancer which developed into an abscess after TBB. An 80‐year‐old man with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus underwent TBB for diagnosing a mass lesion in the left upper lobe. The TBB specimen confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer, and he was scheduled for radical surgery. However, the tumour was revealed to have progressed into an enlarged abscess 24 days after TBB. Prompt use of meropenem failed to relieve the infection, hence we performed emergency left upper lobectomy. Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus was considered to be a risk for the formation of a tumour abscess after TBB. It was difficult to control the infection with conservative treatment using antibiotics; emergency surgical resection was considered to be the safest strategy for recovery.
Energy efficiency on the product roadmap: An empirical study across releases of a software product
Authors: Jagroep Erik , Procaccianti Giuseppe , van der Werf Jan Martijn , Brinkkemper Sjaak , Blom Leen , van Vliet Rob
Published: February 2017

In the quest for energy efficient Information and Communication Technology, research has mostly focused on the role of hardware.

However, the impact of software on energy consumption has been acknowledged as significant by researchers in software engineering. In spite of that, due to cost and time constraints, many software producing organizations are unable to effectively measure software energy consumption preventing them to include energy efficiency in the product roadmap.

In this paper, we apply a software energy profiling method to reliably compare the energy consumed by a commercial software product across 2 consecutive releases. We demonstrate how the method can be applied and provide an in‐depth analysis of energy consumption of software components. Additionally, we investigate the added value of these measurement for multiple stakeholders in a software producing organization, by means of semistructured interviews.

Our results show how the introduction of an encryption module caused a noticeable increase in the energy consumption of the product. Such results were deemed valuable by the stakeholders and provided insights on how specific software changes might affect energy consumption. In addition, our interviews show that such a quantification of software energy consumption helps to create awareness and eventually consider energy efficiency aspects when planning software releases.
ZWR: Combining wear‐leveling with reclamation for flash‐memory‐based storage systems of embedded systems
Authors: Yang Yin , Sandeep Subhoyt
Published: February 2017

Flash memory is widely adopted in embedded applications since it has several unique advantages. However, due to its hardware characteristic, uneven erasing and inefficient reclamation have been major concerns. These may not only severely degrade the overall performance but also damage the reliability. In order to solve these problems, we propose a novel scheme, which we call ZWR, for zoning, wear‐leveling, and reclamation. The storage zone is divided into the following three levels: an active zone for storing hot data, an inactive zone for storing cold data, and a transitional zone for storing the reclamation block. A function layer and a flash transformation layer are added to flash memory, which are located between the memory technology device layer and the file system. According to the combined wear‐leveling and efficient reclamation, in the function layer, the erase–write cycles are evenly distributed around the entire flash devices and the invalid blocks can be reclaimed properly. Finally, we implement an accurate flash simulator to evaluate the efficacy of ZWR and compare it with those of other flash schemes. We demonstrate that ZWR can effectively solve uneven erasing and inefficient reclamation problems. It can also greatly prolong the service life of flash devices and improve the efficiency of the erasing operation of blocks. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Vivimos la Revolución: los voceros del alvaradismo y el discurso de la memoria revolucionaria en Yucatán
Authors: Peña Alcocer Joed Amílcar
Published: February 2017

Este trabajo analiza el papel de la literatura y el periodismo en la conformación de la memoria sobre la Revolución en Yucatán durante la administración de Salvador Alvarado, cuyo discurso político buscó posicionarla como una etapa histórica necesaria. De este mensaje se apropiaron intelectuales quienes, sin ser propagandistas oficiales, contribuyeron a forjar la historia y memoria de esta etapa, a través de sus novelas y artículos periodísticos. El discurso literario y periodístico basado en las experiencias de sus autores pronto se unió a la memoria colectiva de Yucatán.
Méthode de Glimm et problème mixte
Authors: Sablé-Tougeron Monique
Published: February 2017

We clear the natural extension to initial-boundary value problems of the Glimm’s method of global existence for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws, with nonlinear general and exact boundary conditions.

On dégage l’extension naturelle au problème mixte de la méthode de Glimm d’existence globale de solutions faibles de systèmes hyperboliques de lois de conservation, pour des conditions au bord non linéaires générales, vérifiées de façon exacte.
Analyse multi-résolution bi-orthogonale sur l’intervalle et applications
Authors: Jouini A. , Lemarie-Rieusset P.G.
Published: February 2017

We present bi-orthogonal systems on

[0, 1]

, which are well-adapted to the study of the Sobolev spaces

H^k([0, 1])

and

\mathrm{H}_{0}^{k}([0,1])

(

k \in \mathbb{Z}

) and are provided through dyadic translations and dilatations from a finite number of basic functions. Those bases allow also the study of divergence-free vector functions on

[0, 1]^n

.

Nous présentons des systèmes bi-orthogonaux sur

[0, 1]

adaptés à l’étude des espaces

H^k([0, 1])

et

\mathrm{H}_{0}^{k}([0,1])

(

k \in \mathbb{Z}

) et engendrés par translation et dilatation dyadiques à partir d’un nombre fini de fonctions de base. Ces bases permettent également l’étude des fonctions vectorielles à divergence nulle sur

[0, 1]^n

.