bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the causal relationships of ecological integrity: a re‐evaluation of Karr's iconic Index of Biotic Integrity
Authors: Capmourteres Virginia , Rooney Neil , Anand Madhur
Published: April 2018

The Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) has been widely used since the 1980s to estimate ecological integrity—the capacity of an ecosystem to support and maintain its full range of components and processes. Despite this, IBI approaches have been criticized for their lack of objectivity, of justification for the selection of metrics, and of statistical rigor. In this paper, we assessed the potential of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and Structural equation modeling (SEM) as complementary methods for assessing ecological integrity. We use an iconic freshwater ecosystem dataset from Northeastern Illinois to assess ecological integrity using both classical IBI approach, and compare this with alternative methods. When we attempt to replicate the IBI methodology, we find issues with the approach including the possibility of the same IBI value for many possible levels of ecological integrity. We showed with the use of other methods (CCA) that the use of tolerant species, total abundance, and total richness—all defining components in IBI—can result in misleading interpretations of ecological integrity and that IBI scores might not comprehensively depict integrity scenarios. Structural equation modeling allowed us to test a conceptual causal model of ecological integrity. We found that water quality had an effect on the diversity and abundance of fish, and these in turn had an effect on trophic function, revealing important relationships between variables that contribute to ecological integrity. We conclude that CCA and SEM can complement multimetric indices, like IBI, and help with the development of more reliable, objective, and science‐based estimations of ecosystem integrity, as well as generate testable hypotheses about ecological integrity.
Camouflage patterns are highly heritable but predictability varies among three populations of white‐tailed deer
Authors: Henderson Colby B. , Michel Eric S. , Demarais Stephen , Strickland Bronson K.
Published: April 2018

If ungulate neonate cryptic coloration provides a survival advantage, it should be heritable and adapted to their prevailing environment. However, recent changes in land use and predation pressure may have created a mismatch between previously adapted camouflage and the current environment. In Mississippi, USA, row‐crop agriculture has altered some landscapes while recovery of native predators and establishment of novel predators may apply new directional pressures. We assessed whether spotting characteristics of neonate white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were heritable and whether they accurately predicted region of origin, indicating adaptation to specific environmental characteristics. Spotting characteristics were moderately (total number of spotting clusters) to highly (number of single spots) heritable, suggesting specific characteristics may provide an adaptive advantage. Camouflage patterns were moderately distinctive for neonates with lineages originating in the Lower Coastal Plain (LCP) and Thin Loess regions (≥67% of neonates accurately classified into their respective region) supporting previous selection for specific patterns at the regional level. However, camouflage patterns failed to predict region of origin for neonates originating from the Delta region (0%), suggesting a disruption of previous adaptation. Of the three regions, the Delta is the most heavily converted from forested habitats, with over 70% in agriculture, while the LCP and Thin Loess are <40% and 21%, respectively. Given that camouflage patterns display high heritability and neonates displaying successful camouflage patterns should display increased survival, the lack of a predictable pattern within the dynamic Delta landscape suggests that major land‐use changes and new predatory pressures may have disrupted the neonate cryptic coloration best suited to this population's current environment.
Multidimensional nutritional ecology and urban birds
Authors: Coogan Sean C. P. , Raubenheimer David , Zantis Simon P. , Machovsky‐Capuska Gabriel E.
Published: April 2018

There is growing interest in the question of how urbanization affects the ecology of birds, across timescales from relatively short‐term physiological responses to long‐term evolutionary adaptation. The ability to gain the required nutrients in urban habitats is a key trait of successful urban birds. Foraging behavior, in itself, increasingly is recognized as a complex nutritional phenomenon, where the ratios, proportions, and amounts of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, and lipid) in foods, meals, and diets have been shown to exert a driving influence. Yet, despite the rising trend of urbanization, the importance of food quality and quantity in urban ecology, and the growing evidence demonstrating the pervasive and sometimes complex role of macronutrients in foraging behavior, the nutritional ecology of urban birds remains poorly understood. Here, we review the foraging behavior and role of macronutrients in the ecology of urban birds and demonstrate how incorporating a multidimensional approach to nutrition can provide new insights into their urban ecology. To that end, we demonstrate how a macronutrient‐based view can aid in understanding the relationships between natural, anthropogenic, and supplementary foods. We then provide an overview of multidimensional nutritional niche concepts that can be used to generate explanatory and predictive models for urban bird ecology. We conclude that multidimensional nutritional ecology provides an appropriate framework for understanding the roles that nutrition plays in the relationships between urban birds and their environments.
Pesticide‐mediated trophic cascade and an ecological trap for mosquitoes
Authors: Duchet Claire , Moraru Gail M. , Spencer Matthew , Saurav Kumar , Bertrand Celine , Fayolle Stephanie , Gershberg Hayoon Anna , Shapir Ronen , Steindler Laura , Blaustein Leon
Published: April 2018

Broad‐spectrum pesticides can have immediate toxic effects both on target pest species and on non‐target species. They may also have positive residual effects on mosquitoes after pesticide degradation, by altering the community structure, that is, by reducing abundances of mosquito competitors and predators, and via a trophic cascade, which may increase food resources for mosquito larvae. Alternatively, if a pesticide‐mediated trophic cascade results in toxic or inedible algae, the pesticide can act as an ecological trap for some taxa by attracting oviposition in sites where algae are abundant but unsuitable. The present study assessed mosquito oviposition habitat selection, mosquito larval performance, and community structure alterations after applications of various pesticides. The experiment was conducted in outdoor mesocosms assigned to one of four treatments: (1) control, no pesticides; (2) Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), a narrow‐spectrum bacterium well known for its larvicidal activity on mosquitoes and other dipterans; (3) temephos, an organophosphate mosquito larvicide with community‐wide spectrum effects; and (4) pyriproxyfen, a pyridine‐based insect growth regulator (IGR) class with wide‐spectrum effects. Soon after pesticide application, Culex pipiens oviposition was highest in the control pools. Invertebrate species richness and abundance were strongly reduced in the broad‐spectrum pesticide treatments (temephos and pyriproxyfen) when compared to control. One month after pesticide application, Cx. pipiens oviposition was highest in the pyriproxyfen‐treated pools, although larval survival remained lowest in the pyriproxyfen‐treated pools. Our results suggest that pyriproxyfen causes a chemically mediated trophic cascade and provides an ecological trap, that is, attracting mosquito oviposition due to an altered community structure, but causing high mosquito larval mortality.
Do the ecological impacts of dam removal extend across the aquatic–terrestrial boundary?
Authors: Sullivan S. Mažeika P. , Manning David W. P. , Davis Robert P.
Published: April 2018

The longitudinal influences of dam removal on river ecosystems are increasingly well described, but impacts to aquatic–terrestrial connectivity are largely unknown. Before and four successive years after dam removal, we quantified density and trophic metrics of nearshore tetragnathid spiders and riparian swallows and their potential emergent‐aquatic insect prey at two experimental reaches located within the former impoundment (one unrestored, one with channel restoration) and one control reach above an intact lowhead dam. We observed substantial annual variability in response variables; however, few patterns appear to be strongly linked to dam removal. We found negligible changes in emergent‐insect biomass or community structure, although there were slight changes in the relative abundance of feeding modes (e.g., increased predators, decreased collector‐gatherers). The most pronounced response was a ~9.9 times average decline in spider densities after dam removal at the restored reach. Stable‐isotope analysis (13C, 15N) indicated that changes in aquatically‐derived energy (i.e., nutritional subsidies derived from aquatic primary producers) to riparian consumers generally showed comparable patterns system‐wide; swallow aquatically‐derived energy declined more in the restored vs. control reach by the final year of the study. Trophic position (TP) of spiders showed little change post‐dam removal, while swallow TP converged slightly between control and experimental reaches after dam removal. Collectively, we interpret our results as evidence that lowhead dam removal can prompt relatively nuanced shifts in aquatic–terrestrial trophic dynamics, regardless of intensive channel‐restoration activities. In contrast, we found that broader‐scale forcings (e.g., discharge, regional temperature) may be more influential in governing cross‐boundary trophic interactions than the perturbations related to lowhead dam removal. This study furthers current understanding of the effects of dam removal on integrative, food‐web metrics of ecosystem structure and function.
Electromotive Manipulator Control by Detection of Proximity, Contact, and Slipping Using MEMS Multiaxial Tactile Sensor
Authors: ARAKI RYOMA , ABE TAKASHI , NOMA HARUO , SOHGAWA MASAYUKI
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we have demonstrated usefulness of the electromotive manipulator system with a developed single element MEMS sensor which can detect proximity, contact, and slipping to skillful gripping of the object. This MEMS sensor can detect proximity as impedance change of Si substrate by reflected light from the object due to the photoconductive effect. In addition, both normal and shear load can be also detected as resistance change of strain gage on cantilevers located threefold symmetry and embedded in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). By attaching the sensor on the electromotive manipulator, accurate control of gripping force was enabled by feedback of the sensor output.
Copper(II) Catalyzed C–H Alkoxylation of 2‐Phenyl Pyridines with Aliphatic Diols
Authors: Xiao Yan , Li Juan , Liu Yajun , Wang Shuo , Zhang Hui , Ding Huaiwei
Published: April 2018

A very simple copper(II) catalyzed C–O coupling reaction of 2‐phenylpyridines and aliphatic diols was achieved by using a strategy of C–H functionalization. A series of aroxyl ethanols are easily obtained with the yields of 30–67 %. Various functional groups, as well as different length of aliphatic diols are well tolerated in the developed catalytic system. This new protocol featurs a simple reaction system, economical catalyst and good regioselectivity. In addition, a “one‐pot” synthesis of 2‐phenyl pyridines was developed.
Branched‐Selective Decarboxylative Heck Reaction with Electronically Unbiased Olefins
Authors: Shen Jianchen , Xu Biping , Zhang Min , Su Weiping
Published: April 2018

We describe the PdII‐catalyzed decarboxylative Heck reaction of aromatic carboxylic acids with an array of electronically unbiased olefins, which allows regioselective formation of less common branched products in good yield. This protocol enables the use of inexpensive, stable, and readily available aromatic carboxylic acids as aryl reagents, thus providing an attractive method for the synthesis of useful α‐alkyl vinylarenes.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Silylated Enol Triflates from Silyl Enol Ethers for Cyclohexynes and 1,2‐Cyclohexadienes
Authors: Inoue Kazuki , Nakura Ryo , Okano Kentaro , Mori Atsunori
Published: April 2018

Regiocontrolled synthesis of precursors for strained cyclohexynes and 1,2‐cyclohexadienes is described based on one‐pot rearrangement of silyl enol ether followed by formation of enol triflate. Treatment of silyl enol ether with a combination of LDA and tBuOK led to the migration of the silyl group to generate α‐silyl enolate, which was treated with Comins' reagent to provide the corresponding enol triflate. The transient α‐silylated lithium enolate was smoothly isomerized in the presence of stoichiometric amount of water within one hour at room temperature, providing precursors for cyclohexynes exclusively in one pot. Effects of silyl groups, isomerization of the lithium enolate, and regiocontrolled generation of these precursors for these strained molecules were also investigated.
Application of Different Carbon Materials for Carbon Paste Electrodes to Simultaneous Electrochemical Detection of four DNA Bases with High Simpleness
Authors: Zhu Xiaping , Yuan Yali , Zhang Yun , Li Jianping , Pan Hongcheng
Published: April 2018

Three different carbon materials, graphite, graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), were applied to fabricate carbon paste electrodes and used directly as working electrodes without any further modification in a simple electrochemical system for simultaneous detection of four DNA bases, guanine, adenine, thymine and cytosine. EIS and SEM were used to characterize the formed carbon paste electrodes made from different carbon nanomaterials and silicon oil, respectively. Conditions for bases detection were studied, such as ratio of carbon nanomaterials to silicon oil, types of buffer saline and pH. An unexpected result was discovered that compared with graphite and graphene, MWCNTs in carbon paste electrodes were not able to obtain admirable electrochemical behavior, the possible reason of which was preliminary discussed. Individual and simultaneous detection of four bases were successfully carried out, with acceptable linear ranges and low detection limits. Furthermore, this facile method had admirable reproducibility, stability and acceptable recovery in real urine sample (97.62 % ∼103.36 %), indicating certain practical potential.
Evaluation of the physicochemical, proximate, and sensory properties of moinmoin from blends of cowpea and water yam flour
Authors: Otunola Gloria Aderonke , Afolayan Anthony Jide
Published: April 2018

Moinmoin is a steamed cowpea seed‐based pudding native to Nigeria. This study evaluated the physicochemical, proximate, and sensory properties of moinmoin from a blend of cowpea and water yam flours. The pudding was prepared by varying the proportion of cowpea to water yam flour (CWYP). The blends were in the ratio 75:25% (CWYP1), 50:50% (CWYP2), and 100:0% cowpea flour (CPP) which served as the control. Physicochemical evaluation indicated that the products will have good keeping quality and reconstitute easily. Protein content was 26.90%, 20.10%, and 17.60% for CPP, CWYP1 and CWYP2, respectively, and the presence of water yam significantly (p < .05) increased the crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents of the cowpea/water yam products relative to the control. Pasting properties revealed that regardless of the proportion of water yam in the mixture, the moinmoin samples cooked at approximately the same time; and sensory evaluation showed that CWYP1 was best preferred in terms of taste, flavor, color, and overall acceptability. These findings suggest that the cowpea/water yam pudding can meet the nutritional demands of a meal and that the 75%–25% cowpea/water yam mixture was the most acceptable. The study contributes to the knowledge nutritious products with desirable organoleptic qualities from a blend of cowpea and water yam flour, allowing for up to 50% water yam substitution. It also provides an alternative way of utilizing water yam thus preventing wastage during peak production and ensuring food and nutritional security because of the balanced products obtained.
Numerical Analysis of Different Multi‐serpentine Flow Fields for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu H. C. , Yang W. M. , Cheng L. S. , Tan J.
Published: April 2018

The flow field on bipolar plate of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) plays a decisive role in cell performance. In this work, two compensated flow fields, termed separated multi‐serpentine flow field and combined multi‐serpentine flow field, were investigated to understand their effects on cell performance, flow uniformity and water removal capability. The results show that the compensated flow fields can significantly enhance flow uniformity and cross‐flow under the rib, compared with the conventional multi‐serpentine one, resulting in even distribution of current density. Furthermore, the combined multi‐serpentine flow field shows more uniform distribution of current density and stronger water removal capability than the separated one, because it combines the entrance parts and exit parts of the channels.
Age‐dependent glycosylation of the sodium taurocholate cotransporter polypeptide: From fetal to adult human livers
Authors: Sargiacomo Camillo , El‐Kehdy Hoda , Pourcher Guillaume , Stieger Bruno , Najimi Mustapha , Sokal Etienne
Published: April 2018

Sodium taurocholate cotransporter polypeptide (NTCP), mainly expressed on the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes, is one of the major transporters responsible for liver bile acid (BA) re‐uptake. NTCP transports conjugated BA from the blood into hepatocytes and is crucial for correct enterohepatic circulation. Studies have shown that insufficient hepatic clearance of BA correlates with elevated serum BA in infants younger than 1 year of age. In the current study, we investigated human NTCP messenger RNA and protein expression by using reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting in isolated and cryopreserved human hepatocytes from two different age groups, below and above 1 year of age. Here, we show that NTCP messenger RNA expression is not modulated whereas NTCP protein posttranslational glycosylation is modulated in an age‐dependent manner. These results were confirmed by quantification analysis of NTCP 55‐kDa N‐glycosylated bands, which showed significantly less total NTCP protein in donors below 1 year of age compared to donors older than 1 year. NTCP tissue localization was also analyzed by means of immunofluorescence. This revealed that NTCP cellular localization in fetal samples was mainly perinuclear, suggesting that NTCP is not glycosylated, while its postnatal localization on the plasma membrane is age dependent compared to multidrug resistant protein 2, which is apical starting in fetal life. Conclusion: After birth, the NTCP age‐dependent maturation process requires approximately 1 year to complete NTCP glycosylation in human hepatocytes. Therefore, NTCP late posttranslational glycosylation appears to be important for correct NTCP membrane localization, which might explain physiologic cholestasis in neonatal life and might play a central role for HBV infection after birth. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:693‐702)
Neural architecture in lymphoid organs: Hard‐wired antigen presenting cells and neurite networks in antigen entrance areas
Authors: Wülfing Clemens , Schuran Fenja Amrei , Urban Julia , Oehlmann Jasmin , Günther Hauke Simon
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Recently, we found abundant innervation of antigen presenting cells that were reached and enclosed by single neurites. These neurally hard‐wired antigen presenting cells (wAPC) could be observed in the T‐cell zone of superficial cervical lymph nodes of rats and other mammalians, including humans.

Methods

As a consequence, we investigated lymph nodes at many different anatomical positions as well as all primary and secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) in rodents for a similar morphology of innervation regarding antigen presenting cells known in those tissues.

Results

As a result, we confirmed wAPC in lymph nodes independent from their draining areas and anatomical positions but also in all other T‐cell zones of lymphoid organs, like Peyer's patches, NALT and BALT, as well as in the thymic medulla. Other cells were innervated in a similar fashion but with seemingly missing antigen presenting capacity. Both types of innervated immune cells were observed as being also present in the dermis of the skin. Only in the spleen wAPC could not be detected. Beyond this systematic finding, we also found another regular phenomenon: a dense network of neurites that stained for neurofilament always in antigen entrance areas of lymphoid organs (subsinoidal layer of lymph nodes, subepithelial dome of Peyer's patches, subsinoidal layer of the splenic white pulp, margins of NALT and BALT). Lastly, also thymic epithelial cells (TEC) restricted to the corticomedullary junction of the thymus showed similar neurofilament staining.

Conclusions

Therefore, we propose much more hard‐wired and probably afferent connections between lymphoid organs and the central nervous system than is hitherto known.
HDAC5–LSD1 axis regulates antineoplastic effect of natural HDAC inhibitor sulforaphane in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Cao Chunyu , Wu Hao , Vasilatos Shauna N. , Chandran Uma , Qin Ye , Wan Yong , Oesterreich Steffi , Davidson Nancy E. , Huang Yi
Published: April 2018

Our recent studies have shown that cross‐talk between histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) and lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) facilitates breast cancer progression. In this work, we demonstrated that regulatory activity at −356 to −100 bp promoter element plays a critical role in governing HDAC5 transcription. By using DNA affinity precipitation and mass spectrometry, we identified a group of factors that bind to this element. Among these factors, Upstream Transcription Factor 1 (USF1) was shown to play a critical role in controlling HDAC5 transcription. Through screening a panel of epigenetic modifying drugs, we showed that a natural bioactive HDAC inhibitor, sulforaphane, downregulated HDAC5 transcription by blocking USF1 activity. Sulforaphane facilitated LSD1 ubiquitination and degradation in an HDAC5‐dependent manner. A comparative microarray analysis demonstrated a genome wide cooperative effect of HDAC5 and LSD1 on cancer‐related gene expression. shRNA knockdown and sulforaphane inhibition of HDAC5/LSD1 exhibited similar effects on expression of HDAC5/LSD1 target genes. We also showed that coordinated cross‐talk of HDAC5 and LSD1 is essential for the antitumor efficacy of sulforaphane. Combination treatment with sulforaphane and a potent LSD1 inhibitor resulted in synergistic growth inhibition in breast cancer cells, but not in normal breast epithelial cells. Furthermore, combined therapy with sulforaphane and LSD1 inhibitor exhibited superior inhibitory effect on MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft tumor growth. Taken together, our work demonstrates that HDAC5–LSD1 axis is an effective drug target for breast cancer. Inhibition of HDAC5–LSD1 axis with sulforaphane blocks breast cancer growth and combined treatment with LSD1 inhibitor improves the therapeutic efficacy of sulforaphane.
Ambient benzene at the residence and risk for subtypes of childhood leukemia, lymphoma and CNS tumor
Authors: Raaschou‐Nielsen Ole , Hvidtfeldt Ulla A. , Roswall Nina , Hertel Ole , Poulsen Aslak H. , Sørensen Mette
Published: April 2018

Exposure to benzene increases the risk for acute myeloid leukemia and possibly other types of cancer in adults. For children, only limited evidence about benzene and cancer exists. A few studies have indicated that benzene may increase risk for some subtypes of childhood cancer but not for others. We aimed to investigate if outdoor levels of benzene at the residence increase the risk for subtypes of leukemia, lymphoma and CNS tumor in children. We identified 1,989 children diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or CNS tumor during 1968–1991 in the Danish Cancer Registry and randomly selected 5,506 control children from the Danish population, matched on sex, age and calendar time. We traced residential history of all children from 9 months before birth to time of diagnosis, calculated outdoor benzene concentration at all addresses and summarized cumulative exposure over fetal and childhood periods separately. We used conditional logistic regression for the statistical analyses. Benzene exposure during childhood above the 90th percentile was associated with relative risks for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of 1.0 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.6–1.7) and 1.9 (95% CI: 0.3–11.1), respectively, when compared with exposure levels below the median. For CNS tumors, there was a tendency of lower risk for ependymoma and higher risk for medulloblastoma in association with higher exposure. In conclusion, benzene was associated with higher risk for childhood AML, but not ALL, which is consistent with the few previous studies.
Inorganic Reactions Self‐organize Life‐like Microstructures Far from Equilibrium
Authors: Knoll Pamela , Steinbock Oliver
Published: April 2018

A fundamental problem in chemistry is the nontrivial extension of molecular complexity to macroscopic length scales. The exploration of such concepts offers profound insights into the hierarchical organization of living matter and promises a novel engineering paradigm under which materials and devices are grown biomimetically far from the thermodynamic equilibrium. Inorganic microstructures called biomorphs are an ideal model system to develop such approaches. They are polycrystalline nanorod assemblies that form in basic solution from alkaline‐earth metal ions, silicate, and carbonate. Biomorphs range in size from tens of micrometers to millimeters and form over several hours under simple experimental settings. Their noneuhedral, life‐like shapes include surprising leafs, helices, funnels, urns, and coral‐shaped motifs. Here we review the current understanding of biomorphs, highlight links to nonlinear chemical dynamics, and discuss applications in materials science and astrobiology.
Excluding pairs of tournaments
Authors: Choromanski Krzysztof
Published: April 2018

The Erdős–Hajnal conjecture states that for every given undirected graph H there exists a constant such that every graph G that does not contain H as an induced subgraph contains a clique or a stable set of size at least . The conjecture is still open. Its equivalent directed version states that for every given tournament H there exists a constant such that every H‐free tournament T contains a transitive subtournament of order at least . In this article, we prove that for several pairs of tournaments, H1 and H2, there exists a constant such that every ‐free tournament T contains a transitive subtournament of size at least . In particular, we prove that for several tournaments H, there exists a constant such that every ‐free tournament T, where stands for the complement of H, has a transitive subtournament of size at least . To the best of our knowledge these are first nontrivial results of this type.
Statistical downscaling of daily precipitation and temperatures in southern La Plata Basin
Authors: Bettolli María Laura , Penalba Olga Clorinda
Published: April 2018

La Plata Basin has a considerable socio‐economic value, being one of the most important agricultural and hydropower‐producing regions in the world. In this region, there is increasing evidence of a changing climate with more frequent and more intense extreme events. Despite the importance of empirical statistical downscaling for regional climate impact studies, few studies have addressed this issue for southern South American regions. In this work, the analogue method was calibrated and validated for simulating local daily precipitation and maximum and minimum temperatures in southern La Plata Basin. The model was trained for the 1979–2000 period and validated for the independent period 2001–2014. Daily fields from NCEP‐NCAR Reanalysis 2 were used as predictors and daily observed data from 25 meteorological stations were used as predictands. A variety of potential predictors (including circulation, temperature and humidity variables) and combinations of them over different domain sizes were tested, revealing that the method was more skilful when combined predictors were considered. However, depending on the local predictand and the season of the year different predictor sets may be more appropriate. The method was comprehensively evaluated by means of several skill measures concerning different properties such as mean values, day‐to‐day variance, daily correspondence, persistence, inter‐annual variability, probability distributions and extreme percentiles. The method showed an overall good performance. It tended to overestimate (underestimate) temperature values, especially during winter (summer); however, the day‐to‐day variance during these seasons was fairly well represented. The method was able to reproduce extreme percentiles and their spatial distributions for the three predictand variables as well as the probability of compound temperature and precipitation extreme events. The performance of the method was very good at estimating seasonal cycles of the different aspects explored. It showed some difficulties in representing the persistence in daily temperatures and the inter‐annual variability of seasonal precipitation.
Career Narratives of African American Female College Students: Insights for College Counselors
Authors: Storlie Cassandra A. , Hilton Tracy Lara , Duenyas Deborah , Archer Robin , Glavin Kevin
Published: April 2018

The authors collected narrative data from 11 African American female college students at a predominantly White institution using the Career Construction Interview (Savickas & Hartung, ), the Future Career Autobiography (Rehfuss, ), and a qualitative career experiences questionnaire. Using the constant comparison method (Strauss & Corbin, ), the authors uncovered 4 overarching themes based on the unique experiences of participants. The authors present insights for college counselors providing career development services.
Fermented meat sausages from game and venison: what are the opportunities and limitations?
Authors: Chakanya Chido , Arnaud Elodie , Muchenje Voster , Hoffman Louwrens C
Published: April 2018

An increase in the acceptance, demand and production of game meat and venison has been experienced globally. Game meat and venison fit into consumers' ideology of healthy and environmentally friendly meat when compared to domesticated animals. Opportunities exist to explore the use of these meat sources in developing new products, particularly as game meat and venison in their fresh state are sometimes perceived as being tough. Consumers have shown a trend for trying exciting new products with different organoleptic qualities, and fermented sausages occupy a special niche in the gastro‐economic trade. In this review, the production potential of game meat and venison and its prospective use in the development of fermented sausages are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of meat characteristics in textural and sensorial development as well as the safety of fermented sausages. Additionally, consumers' perception of venison and game meat is discussed. Possible areas of research and knowledge gaps are highlighted, particularly the potential use of meat with high pH and microbial load. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A topographic perspective on the distribution of degraded meadows and their changes on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, West China
Authors: Li Xilai , Gao Jay , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2018

Meadow degradation is a serious environmental and ecological problem on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. A topographic perspective on the changes in the severity of meadow degradation can yield vital information on the effectiveness of rehabilitative measures and efforts. This study aims to reveal the topographic properties of degraded meadows in relation to those of the general terrain in the Qingzhen Township of southern Qinghai Province of China comparatively. After degraded meadows were mapped at 3 levels of severity from satellite images recorded in 1995, 2001, and 2015, the topographic features of degraded meadows, intact meadows, and the changes between them were explored in a geographic information system. It is found that degraded meadows increased by 528.07 ha (15.21%) during 1995–2001, but lost 1,495.67 ha (37.40%) during 2001–2015. The most and the least severely degraded meadows experienced a loss whereas moderately degraded meadows increased, with most changes taking place between adjoining levels of severity. Topographically, the changes in degradation severity bear a consistent relationship with elevation and slope gradient in that more severely degraded meadows are located at a lower elevation of a gentler slope. The changes from degraded to intact meadows take place at a lower elevation on a gentler slope, an outcome likely attributable to the rehabilitative efforts.
Preliminary study on the treatment of vitiligo with carbon dioxide fractional laser together with tacrolimus
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhou Yuan , Huang Fei‐ran , Luo Dan , Wang Da‐guang
Published: April 2018

Background

Tacrolimus is a conventional medication for the treatment of vitiligo, but the effect of a single medication is limited.

Objective

This paper aims at observing the effects, adverse responses, and repigmentation results of the joint treatment of vitiligo by Carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser together with tacrolimus.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with vitiligo were randomly divided into two groups: treatment (T) group and control (C) group, and each group was further divided into three subgroups (face, torso and limbs, and hand and foot) according to the location of the skin defect. Both groups used topical 0.1% tacrolimus cream, but the T group was given one CO2 fractional laser treatment each month. We observed the clinical efficacy, adverse responses, and repigmentation results after 6 months.

Results

Compared to the C group, the T group showed better improvement in both objective and subjective assessments. When the treatment time was increased, the efficacy was also improved, and the repigmentation in the T group occured in three ways: perifollicular repigmentation, marginal repigmentation and diffuse repigmentation. There were three cases of isomorphic responses (2 cases in the rapid progression stage, one case in the progression stage), and 1 case formed scarring on the neck in the T group.

Conclusions

The treatment of vitiligo by CO2 fractional laser together with tacrolimus is significantly effective and is most suitable for patients in the progression stage. Patients in the rapid progression stage should use this approach with caution, and its efficacy was limited for patients in the stable stage. An extended course of treatment is helpful for the repigmentation of white patches. All three forms of repigmentation can occur in the joint treatment of vitiligo by CO2 fractional laser together with tacrolimus. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:829–836, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of fecal viruses and bacteriophage in Canadian farmed mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Xie Xiao‐Ting , Kropinski Andrew M. , Tapscott Brian , Weese J. Scott , Turner Patricia V.
Published: April 2018

Recent viral metagenomic studies have demonstrated the diversity of eukaryotic viruses and bacteriophage shed in the feces of domestic species. Although enteric disease is a major concern in the commercial mink farming industry, few etiologic agents have been well characterized. This study aimed to identify viruses shed in the fecal matter of clinically healthy commercial mink from 40 southern Ontario farms. Viral RNA was extracted from 67 pooled fecal samples (30 adult female mink and 37 kit) and amplified for Illumina sequencing on the NextSeq platform, and the resulting contigs were trimmed and assembled using Trimmomatic 0.36.0 and Spades 3.8.0 in iVirus (CyVerse, AZ, USA) and SeqMan NGen 12 (DNAStar, WI, USA). Identification of assembled sequences >100 bp (Geneious 10.1.3) showed an abundance of bacteriophage sequences, mainly from families Siphoviridae (53%), Podoviridae (22%), Myoviridae (20%), Inoviridae (1%), Leviviridae (0.04%), Tectiviridae (0.01%), and Microviridae (0.01%). A diverse range of vertebrate viruses were detected, of which posavirus 3, mink bocavirus, gyroviruses, and avian‐associated viruses were most abundant. Additionally, sequences from nonvertebrate viruses with water and soil‐associated amebal and algal hosts were also highly prevalent. The results of this study show that viruses shed in the fecal matter of healthy commercial mink are highly diverse and could be closely associated with diet, and that more research is necessary to determine how the detected viruses may impact mink health.
Quorum‐dependent transfer of the opine‐catabolic plasmid pAoF64/95 is regulated by a novel mechanism involving inhibition of the TraR antiactivator TraM
Authors: Wetzel Margaret E. , Asenstorfer Robert E. , Tate Max E. , Farrand Stephen K.
Published: April 2018

We previously described a plasmid of Agrobacterium spp., pAoF64/95, in which the quorum‐sensing system that controls conjugative transfer is induced by the opine mannopine. We also showed that the quorum‐sensing regulators TraR, TraM, and TraI function similarly to their counterparts in other repABC plasmids. However, traR, unlike its counterpart on Ti plasmids, is monocistronic and not located in an operon that is inducible by the conjugative opine. Here, we report that both traR and traM are expressed constitutively and not regulated by growth with mannopine. We report two additional regulatory genes, mrtR and tmsP, that are involved in a novel mechanism of control of TraR activity. Both genes are located in the distantly linked region of pAoF64/95 encoding mannopine utilization. MrtR, in the absence of mannopine, represses the four‐gene mocC operon as well as tmsP, which is the distal gene of the eight‐gene motA operon. As judged by a bacterial two‐hybrid analysis, TmsP, which shows amino acid sequence relatedness with the TraM‐binding domain of TraR, interacts with the antiactivator. We propose a model in which mannopine, acting through the repressor MrtR, induces expression of TmsP which then titrates the levels of TraM thereby freeing TraR to activate the tra regulon.
Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase IX targets primary tumors, metastases, and cancer stem cells: Three for the price of one
Authors: Supuran Claudiu T. , Alterio Vincenzo , Di Fiore Anna , D’ Ambrosio Katia , Carta Fabrizio , Monti Simona Maria , De Simone Giuseppina
Published: April 2018

Human carbonic anhydrase (CA) IX is a tumor‐associated protein, since it is scarcely present in normal tissues, but highly overexpressed in a large number of solid tumors, where it actively contributes to survival and metastatic spread of tumor cells. Due to these features, the characterization of its biochemical, structural, and functional features for drug design purposes has been extensively carried out, with consequent development of several highly selective small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies to be used for different purposes. Aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive state‐of‐the‐art of studies performed on this enzyme, regarding structural, functional, and biomedical aspects, as well as the development of molecules with diagnostic and therapeutic applications for cancer treatment. A brief description of additional pharmacologic applications for CA IX inhibition in other diseases, such as arthritis and ischemia, is also provided.
High gain pentagonal loop rectifying antenna
Authors: Ahn Chi‐Hyung , Oh Seongwon
Published: April 2018

In this article, a high gain rectifying antenna using a pair of pentagonal loops has been developed for wireless power transfer at 5.8 GHz. For a long range wireless power transfer, the rectenna system requires high gain and high conversion efficiency. The proposed rectenna system consists of a pair of pentagonal loop antennas to achieve high gain characteristics, an impedance transformer, and a rectifying circuit which are designed on a CPS (Coplanar stripline) structure. A metal reflector is also placed for achieving higher gain characteristics in a broadside direction. A CPS to microstrip line balun is designed to verify performance of the pentagonal loop antennas based on CPS structure. The fabricated pentagonal antenna demonstrates high gain of 10.1 dBi, and it results in receiving more RF energy from a designated source. An impedance transformer is designed to change the antenna's input impedance to diode's input impedance and block higher order signals coming back from the rectifying diode. To obtain high conversion efficiency, several load resistors are used. The proposed rectenna system based on CPS pentagonal loops shows measured conversion efficiency of 75% at 5.8 GHz, and its performance has been verified through simulation and measurement.
A 28 GHz LNA using defected ground structure for 5G application
Authors: Luo Jiang , He Jin , Wang Hao , Chang Sheng , Huang Qijun , Yu Xiao‐Peng
Published: April 2018

In this article, a defected ground structure (DGS) is proposed to replace the inductor placed between common source and common gate stage in cascode low‐noise amplifier (LNA), leading to silicon area reducing as well as good internal matching condition. For verification, a 28 GHz three‐stage cascode LNA with DGS is designed and implemented in a 130‐nm CMOS technology. The fabricated prototype achieves a peak gain of 20 dB and minimum noise figure of 5.2 dB. The LNA occupies small silicon area of only 0.12 mm2 excluding testing pads, and it draws a current of 16 mA from a 1.5 V supply voltage.
Hilbert fractal stub‐based wideband microstrip bandpass filter with notched band on low‐cost substrate
Authors: Karthie S. , Salivahanan S.
Published: April 2018

A wideband Hilbert fractal stub‐based microstrip bandpass filter with a notched band at 5 GHz on a low‐cost substrate is presented. The proposed filter has a 3 dB fractional bandwidth of 88% from 2.9 to 7.3 GHz, with the lower passband of 43% and upper passband of 32% separated by a notched band. The measured insertion loss of the fabricated filter is less than 1.2 dB in the two passbands of 2.9 to 4.5 GHz and 5.3 to 7.3 GHz. The filter is designed and simulated using full‐wave electromagnetic analysis tool and is validated experimentally. Measured data matches reasonably well with the simulated response. This filter can find applications in any wideband wireless communication devices.
Compact filtering power divider with wide passband bandwidth
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yu Cuiping , Wu Yongle , Liu Yuanan
Published: April 2018

In this article, a compact filtering power divider (PD) with wide passband bandwidth and high selectivity is designed and analyzed. The filtering PD is constructed by quarter‐ wavelength three‐conductor parallel‐coupled line structure terminated with two stepped impedance transmission line sections as well as an isolation resistor loaded on unique location. The even‐odd mode analysis is adopted to explain the operating mechanism of signal splitting, filtering, and isolating. Then, a practical design procedure is introduced. For verification, a wideband filtering PD centered at 3.0 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 62% is designed and fabricated. The measured results agree well with the simulated ones.
Patch array with distribution system based on radial waveguide
Authors: Pasternak Yuriy G. , Proskurin Dmitry K. , Fedorov Sergey M. , Chuguevskiy Vitaliy I.
Published: April 2018

Design of a broadband antenna array with a distribution system based on radial waveguide with absorbing elements is presented. Dependence of the array main characteristics on the design parameters is studied.
Open‐ended waveguide dielectric probe using time‐domain measurements
Authors: Chan Kevin , Rambabu Karumudi , Boulanger Pierre
Published: April 2018

The method of using a coaxial‐to‐waveguide adaptor as a broadband dielectric probe with time‐domain measurements is presented. The reflected pulses at the aperture of the open‐ended waveguide are measured for short circuit and dielectric slab loads. A reflection coefficient frequency response analysis is applied to the pulses for the relative permittivity extraction of the dielectric slab. Dispersion compensation is introduced for error correction. Accuracies of within 10% are achievable for an octave bandwidth.
Double‐square and gridded‐square loop frequency‐selective surface in the K‐band
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Li Zhuo , Tang Cuiwei , Yu Junsheng , Zhou Jun , Chen Xiaodong
Published: April 2018

In this article, the double square loop and gridded square loop structures were studied to investigate their operating principle and the effects of the key parameters for the design of high selectivity frequency‐selective surface (FSS). An explicit expression was proposed for the starting point of optimization. To experimentally verify the design principle, a K‐band FSS was fabricated and measured. Measurement was conducted using time gated method and compared with the simulation, showing a satisfactory agreement between each other.
Multiband microstrip yagi‐uda antenna based on drivers stack configuration
Authors: Tirado‐Mendez Jose A. , Jardon‐Aguilar Hildeberto , Flores‐Leal Ruben , Rangel‐Merino Arturo , Linares‐Miranda Roberto
Published: April 2018

In this article, a multiband Yagi‐Uda antenna is developed based on a driver stack configuration, providing the required bands without modifying significantly the parameters of a conventional one. The design and construction are very easy in comparison to other similar configurations. The resonances are derived from each driver used in the configuration, which are excited simultaneously without any complex feeding network. The reflector and directors are proposed according to the largest and shortest driver, respectively, in order to preserve the directive radiation pattern as well as the gain compared to a conventional Yagi‐Uda antenna. In this case, the device is designed to perform at 600, 900, and 1900 MHz, achieving an average gain of 4.5 dBi, and a front‐to‐back lobe ratio of 10 dB by using just one director.
An efficient raw data simulation algorithm for large complex marine targets and extended sea clutter in spotlight SAR
Authors: Sofiani Rahman , Heidar Hamid , Kazerooni Morteza
Published: April 2018

An efficient algorithm is proposed to simulate the backscattering field of a complex marine target and surrounding 3D sea surface as clutter. Sea surface backscattering is simulated based on the numerical solution of the Electric Field Integral Equation by an improved meshing algorithm. The complex target is modeled using the discrete scattering centers independently. Combining the target and sea surface backscattered fields is used to extract the SAR raw data. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified for 2 hypothetical cases.