bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ Synthesis of V2O3‐Intercalated N‐doped Graphene Nanobelts from VOx‐Amine Hybrid as High‐Performance Anode Material for Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jiabao , Li Qingwei , Liao Zhenhua , Wang Lei , Xu Juan , Ren Xiaochuan , Gao Biao , Chu Paul K. , Huo Kaifu
Published: March 2018

V2O3 is a promising anode material for lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and natural abundance. However, the low conductivity, sluggish ion reaction kinetics, and large volume change limit the rate and cycling stability in batteries. In this work, the V2O3‐nanoparticles‐intercalated N‐doped graphene (V2O3/NG) hybrid is prepared by one‐step controlled pyrolysis of inorganic‐organic hybrid VOx/3‐phenylpropylamine nanobelts under Ar. The intercalated 3‐phenylpropylamine molecules are carbonized in situ into the NG layers and the sandwiched VOx layers are converted into 10–20 nm V2O3 nanoparticles. The V2O3/NG nanobelts possess well‐defined 0D‐in‐1D morphology and excellent electrochemical performance such as high reversible capacities of 435 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 over 250 cycles for Li‐ion storage and 154 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1 over 500 cycles for Na‐ion storage. The well‐defined 0D‐in‐1D hybrid V2O3/NG structure with small V2O3 nanoparticles, interconnected nanochannels, and conductive NG layers offer abundant electrochemical active sites leading to fast Li+ and electron transport and excellent alkali‐ion storage.
Template‐Directed Synthesis of Titania Nanocages with Four Tetrahedrally Arranged Open Windows
Authors: Cheng Jiaji , Mallet Nicolas , Baaziz Walid , Ersen Ovidiu , Gombart Emilie , Alard Valérie , Majimel Jérôme , Delville Marie‐Hélène , Tréguer‐Delapierre Mona , Duguet Etienne
Published: March 2018

Original titania nanocages are fabricated from sacrificial silica/polystyrene tetrapod‐like templates. Here the template synthesis, titania deposition and nanocage development through polystyrene dissolution and subsequent silica etching are described. Discussion about the competitive deposition of titania on the biphasic templates is particularly emphasized. The morphology of the nanocages is investigated by TEM, STEM, EDX mapping and electron tomography.
PSYCHE Pure Shift NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Foroozandeh Mohammadali , Morris Gareth A. , Nilsson Mathias
Published: March 2018

Broadband homodecoupling techniques in NMR, also known as “pure shift” methods, aim to enhance spectral resolution by suppressing the effects of homonuclear coupling interactions to turn multiplet signals into singlets. Such techniques typically work by selecting a subset of “active” nuclear spins to observe, and selectively inverting the remaining, “passive”, spins to reverse the effects of coupling. Pure Shift Yielded by Chirp Excitation (PSYCHE) is one such method; it is relatively recent, but has already been successfully implemented in a range of different NMR experiments. Paradoxically, PSYCHE is one of the trickiest of pure shift NMR techniques to understand but one of the easiest to use. Here we offer some insights into theoretical and practical aspects of the method, and into the effects and importance of the experimental parameters. Some recent improvements that enhance the spectral purity of PSYCHE spectra will be presented, and some experimental frameworks, including examples in 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, for the implementation of PSYCHE will be introduced.
Photo‐catalytic degradation of formaldehyde using nitrogen‐doped TiO2 nano‐photocatalyst: Statistical design with response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam , Sabbaghi Samad , Zerafat Mohammad Mahdi
Published: March 2018

Formaldehyde is considered as a common pollutant in industrial wastewaters requiring removal techniques designed to reduce its harmful effects due to distribution in the environment. In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles are modified through nitrogen doping by sol‐gel technique and their photo‐catalytic performance for formaldehyde degradation is studied under UV and solar irradiation. Various characterization techniques such as: PSA, FTIR, XRD, and SEM are performed on the synthesized nano‐photocatalyst with a ∼20 nm average size. The significance of parameters such as initial formaldehyde concentration, catalyst molar ratio N/Ti, pH, and removal time under UV and solar radiation are assessed using response surface methodology based on central composite design. Formaldehyde removal was measured as a function of irradiation time using UV‐Visible spectrophotometry. The results show that the maximum formaldehyde removal at optimal conditions (pH = 5 for 400 ppm initial formaldehyde concentration) by nitrogen‐doped TiO2 is 64.02 % under solar and 60.15 % under UV radiation suggesting it as an effective photo‐catalyst for formaldehyde removal.
Evaluation of degradation and kinetics parameters of acid orange 7 through wet air oxidation process
Authors: Minière Marine , Boutin Olivier , Soric Audrey
Published: March 2018

Among the industrial effluents presenting constraints to traditional biological treatments, those from textile industries are of particular concern. Wet air oxidation is an effective process that significantly increases biodegradability of the treated effluent. In this study, the advantage of this process was tested for the treatment of acid orange 7, a dye molecule used as a model textile effluent. Different experimental conditions of temperature (200 to 300 °C) and duration of treatment were used to determine its degradation yield during the wet air oxidation process, at a total pressure of 30 MPa. All these conditions led to complete degradation of acid orange 7, but residual Total Organic Carbon always remained. Oxidation byproducts were identified by the means of GC and HPLC analyses. Acetic acid remains the major compound not oxidized. These experiments resulted in the proposal of a reaction scheme associated with kinetic constants. Finally, the optimal conditions for the improvement of the biodegradability of the effluent were determined. This wet air oxidation process could then be coupled with a biological treatment to obtain an overall degradation meeting the criteria for release into the environment.
Periprocedural management of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in direct oral anticoagulant–treated patients
Authors: Martin Anne‐Céline , Lessire Sarah , Leblanc Isabelle , Dincq Anne‐Sophie , Philip Ivan , Gouin‐Thibault Isabelle , Godier Anne
Published: March 2018

Background

Guidelines recommend performing atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation without interruption of a direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and to administer unfractionated heparin (UFH) for an activated clotting time (ACT) ≥300 seconds, by analogy with vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Nevertheless, pharmacological differences between DOACs and VKA, especially regarding ACT sensitivity and UFH response, prevent extrapolation from VKA to DOACs.

Hypothesis

The level of anticoagulation at the time of the procedure in uninterrupted DOAC–treated patients is unpredictable and would complicate intraprocedural UFH administration and monitoring.

Methods

This prospective study included interrupted DOAC–treated patients requiring AF ablation. Preprocedural DOAC concentration ([DOAC]), intraprocedural UFH administration, and ACT values were recorded. A cohort of DOAC‐treated patients requiring flutter catheter ablation was considered to illustrate [DOAC] without DOAC interruption.

Results

Forty‐eight patients underwent AF and 14 patients underwent flutter ablation, respectively. In uninterrupted DOAC–treated patients, [DOAC] ranged from ≤30 to 466 ng/mL. When DOAC were interrupted, from 54 to 218 hours, [DOAC] were minimal (maximum: 36 ng/mL), preventing DOAC‐ACT interference. Anyway, ACT values were poorly correlated with UFH doses (R
2 = 0.2256).

Conclusions

Our data showed that uninterrupted DOAC therapy resulted in an unpredictable and highly variable initial level of anticoagulation before catheter ablation. Moreover, even with DOAC interruption preventing interference between DOAC, UFH, and ACT, intraprocedural UFH monitoring was complex. Altogether, our exploratory results call into question the appropriateness of transposing UFH dose protocols, as well as the relevance of ACT monitoring in uninterrupted DOAC–treated patients.
Clinical predictors and outcomes of patients with pericardial effusion in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ravi Venkatesh , Iskander Fady , Saini Abhimanyu , Brecklin Carolyn , Doukky Rami
Published: March 2018

Background

Pericardial effusion is common in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We sought to identify predictors and prognostic impact of pericardial effusion in CKD patients.

Hypothesis

Clinical and biochemical parameters can predict pericardial effusion in CKD patients.

Methods

In a retrospective nested case‐control design, we analyzed hospitalized adult patients with CKD stage 4, 5, or end‐stage renal disease diagnosed with pericardial effusion. Controls were same‐stage CKD patients without effusion.

Results

Among 84 cases and 61 controls, 44% and 34% were on dialysis, respectively. The mean creatinine was higher among cases versus controls (8.4±6.0 vs. 6.0±3.4 mg/dL, P = 0.002). Effusion was moderate to large in 46% of cases. Independent predictors of any pericardial effusion were serum potassium (OR: 1.95 per 1‐mEq/L increment, 95% CI: 1.21–3.13, P = 0.006), serum corrected calcium (OR: 1.33 per 1‐mg/dL decrement, 95% CI: 1.11–1.67, P = 0.015), and admission heart rate (OR: 1.29 per 10‐bpm increment, 95% CI: 1.03–1.62, P = 0.027). Corrected calcium level was an independent predictor of moderate to large pericardial effusion (OR: 1.38 per 1‐mg/dL decrement, 95% CI: 1.04–1.82, P = 0.023). Corrected calcium <8.0 mg/dL demonstrated 95% specificity for moderate to large effusion. Patients with effusion had no significant difference in the composite endpoint of mortality or cardiovascular rehospitalization (P = 0.408).

Conclusions

In hospitalized CKD patients, hypocalcemia may be useful in identifying those with moderate to large pericardial effusion. In this population, pericardial effusion does not seem to be associated with adverse outcomes.
Theoretical Investigation of Metal‐Support Interactions on Ripening Kinetics of Supported Particles
Authors: Hu Sulei , Li Wei‐Xue
Published: March 2018

The stability of supported metal particles is one of the key issues for successful industrialization of catalysts. A theoretical study of Ostwald ripening of supported particles and its dependence on metal‐support interactions, sublimation energy, and surface energy is reported. Two distinct metal‐support interactions are differentiated: metal particle‐support and metal atom‐support. Although strong metal particle‐support interaction (small contact angle) stabilizes the supported particles and improve the ripening resistance, strong metal atom‐support interactions decrease the total activation energy and dramatically lower the onset temperature and half‐life time of ripening, a fact that should be prevented. Moreover, supported particles with low surface energy and/or high sublimation energy of supported particles would have a high onset temperature and a long half‐life time. Compared to the metal particle‐support interaction and surface energy, the metal atom‐support interaction and sublimation energy are most influential to the overall ripening resistance. The present work highlights the importance of interplay between two types of metal‐support interactions on the overall stability of supported particles.
One‐Step Synthesis of Multifunctional Zinc‐Iron‐Oxide Hybrid Carbon Nanowires by Chemical Fusion for Supercapacitors and Interfacial Water Marbles
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Xinyu , Poyraz Selcuk , Zhang Chao , Xin John H.
Published: March 2018

Hybrid carbon nanowires with tunable elemental composition and nanoscale component mixing resolution can be synthesized by a chemical fusion method in one pot, using a unique heating mechanism of conducting polymers under the electromagnetic field of microwave. Carbon nanowire matrices hybridized with metals and oxides can be facilely synthesized by simple instrumentation and processes within tens of seconds. Different metallic precursors (e. g. Fe and Zn) can be selectively incorporated in the chemical fusion process that substantially integrated with the carbon nanowire matrices during the growth process while their characteristic functions are infused. The hybrid carbon nanowires show excellent electrochemical supercapacitive and supramolecular self‐assembly properties owing to the unique hybrid nanostructures and surface characteristics. “Interfacial water marbles” can be obtained by the supramolecular self‐assembly of hybrid carbon nanowires on the water/hexane interface. The interfacial water marbles are semi‐permanent and completely impede the event of coalescence cascade, demonstrating significant applications in mass transport, microfluidics, and interfacial synthesis.
Influence of CYP2C19 Phenotype on the Effect of Clopidogrel in Patients Undergoing a Percutaneous Neurointervention Procedure
Authors: Saiz‐Rodríguez Miriam , Romero‐Palacián Daniel , Villalobos‐Vilda Carlos , Caniego José Luis , Belmonte Carmen , Koller Dora , Bárcena Eduardo , Talegón María , Abad‐Santos Francisco
Published: March 2018

This observational retrospective study assessed the antiplatelet response and clinical events after clopidogrel treatment in patients who underwent percutaneous neurointervention, related to CYP2C19 metabolizer status (normal (NM), intermediate/poor (IM‐PM), and ultrarapid (UM); inferred from *2, *3, and *17 allele determination). From 123 patients, IM‐PM had a higher aggregation value (201.1 vs. 137.6 NM, 149.4 UM, P < 0.05) and lower response rate (37.5% vs. 69.8% NM, 61.1% UM), along with higher treatment change rate (25% vs. 5.7% NM, 10.5% UM). The highest ischemic events incidence occurred in NM (11.3% vs. 6.3% IM, 10.5% UM) and hemorrhagic events in UM (13.2% vs. 0% IM and 3.8% NM). No differences were found regarding ischemic event onset time, while hemorrhagic event frequency in UM was higher with shorter onset time (P = 0.047). CYP2C19 no‐function and increased function alleles defined the clopidogrel response. UM patients had increased bleeding risk. Therapeutic recommendations should include dose reduction or treatment change in UM.
Computational Identification of Pyrrole Ring C as the Preferred Donor for Excited‐State Proton Transfer in Bacteriophytochromes
Authors: Falklöf Olle , Durbeej Bo
Published: March 2018

The engineering of bacteriophytochrome photoreceptors into near‐infrared fluorescent proteins is a promising route toward deep‐tissue imaging of living cells with many challenges ahead. One key objective is to increase the fluorescence quantum yields, which are limited by competing non‐radiative relaxation processes involving not only the well‐known double‐bond photoisomerization of the tetrapyrrole chromophore, but also a potential excited‐state proton transfer from the chromophore to the protein. Motivated by the lack of mechanistic knowledge about this proton transfer, we here use hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methods to investigate three possible scenarios for how the process is initiated. Through calculated excited‐state pKa values of the chromophore inside the protein matrix of Deinococcus radiodurans bacteriophytochrome, it is found that pyrrole ring C is a much more likely donor for excited‐state proton transfer than rings A and B, which are also possible donors discussed in the literature. This finding offers a starting point for establishing a strategy to strengthen the fluorescence of engineered bacteriophytochromes through biochemical inhibition of the proton transfer.
Oxygen Exchange Kinetics of SrTiO3 Single Crystals: A Non‐Destructive, Quantitative Method
Authors: Stöber Max , Cherkouk Charaf , Leisegang Tilmann , Schelter Matthias , Zosel Jens , Walter Juliane , Hanzig Juliane , Zschornak Matthias , Prucnal Slawomir , Böttger Roman , Meyer Dirk C.
Published: March 2018

The time‐resolved oxygen exchange rate of strontium titanate (SrTiO3) single crystals is studied by means of oxygen solid electrolyte coulometry (OSEC) and compared to model calculations. Experiments are performed on pure, ion implanted (Ni, Ag, O and N ions) and partially covered crystals with silver layer. In this work, a theoretical model is used, which is based on defect chemistry under equilibrium conditions. It is applied as a fit in order to determine the effective rate constants and activation energy of the oxygen exchange reaction on the crystal surface. OSEC is used for the first time to characterize kinetic parameters of oxygen exchange on single crystalline surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy and sputter X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are performed to determine structural and chemical changes after ion implantation.
Catching TFSI: A Computational–Experimental Approach to β‐Cyclodextrin‐Based Host–Guest Systems as electrolytes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jeschke Steffen , Jankowski Piotr , Best Adam S. , Johansson Patrik
Published: March 2018

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are pyranoside‐based macromolecules with a hydrophobic cavity to encapsulate small molecules. They are used as molecular vehicles, for instance in pharmaceutical drug delivery or as solubility enhancer of monomers for their polymerization in aqueous solution. In this context, it was discovered about 10 years ago that the bis(trifluoromethylsulonyl)imide (TFSI) anion forms host–guest complexes with βCD in aqueous media. This sparked interest in using the TFSI anion in lithium‐based battery electrolytes open for its encapsulation by βCD as an attractive approach to increase the contribution of the cation to the total ion conductivity. By using semi‐empirical quantum mechanical (SQM) methods and the conductor‐like screening model for a real solvent (COSMO‐RS), a randomly methylated βCD (RMβCD) is here identified as a suitable host for TFSI when using organic solvents often used in battery technology. By combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with different NMR and FTIR experiments, the formation of the corresponding RMβCD–TFSI complex was investigated. Finally, the effects of the addition RMβCD to a set of electrolytes on the ion conductivity are measured and explained using three distinct scenarios.
Host species, and not environment, predicts variation in blood parasite prevalence, distribution, and diversity along a humidity gradient in northern South America
Authors: Pulgarín‐R Paulo C. , Gómez Juan P. , Robinson Scott , Ricklefs Robert E. , Cadena Carlos Daniel
Published: March 2018

Environmental factors strongly influence the ecology and evolution of vector‐borne infectious diseases. However, our understanding of the influence of climatic variation on host–parasite interactions in tropical systems is rudimentary. We studied five species of birds and their haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) at 16 sampling sites to understand how environmental heterogeneity influences patterns of parasite prevalence, distribution, and diversity across a marked gradient in water availability in northern South America. We used molecular methods to screen for parasite infections and to identify parasite lineages. To characterize spatial heterogeneity in water availability, we used weather‐station and remotely sensed climate data. We estimated parasite prevalence while accounting for spatial autocorrelation, and used a model selection approach to determine the effect of variables related to water availability and host species on prevalence. The prevalence, distribution, and lineage diversity of haemosporidian parasites varied among localities and host species, but we found no support for the hypothesis that the prevalence and diversity of parasites increase with increasing water availability. Host species and host × climate interactions had stronger effects on infection prevalence, and parasite lineages were strongly associated with particular host species. Because climatic variables had little effect on the overall prevalence and lineage diversity of haemosporidian parasites across study sites, our results suggest that independent host–parasite dynamics may influence patterns in parasitism in environmentally heterogeneous landscapes.
Comparing the consequences of natural selection, adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and matching habitat choice for phenotype–environment matching, population genetic structure, and reproductive isolation in meta‐populations
Authors: Nicolaus Marion , Edelaar Pim
Published: March 2018

Organisms commonly experience significant spatiotemporal variation in their environments. In response to such heterogeneity, different mechanisms may act that enhance ecological performance locally. However, depending on the nature of the mechanism involved, the consequences for populations may differ greatly. Building on a previous model that investigated the conditions under which different adaptive mechanisms (co)evolve, this study compares the ecological and evolutionary population consequences of three very different responses to environmental heterogeneity: matching habitat choice (directed gene flow), adaptive plasticity (associated with random gene flow), and divergent natural selection. Using individual‐based simulations, we show that matching habitat choice can have a greater adaptive potential than plasticity or natural selection: it allows for local adaptation while protecting genetic polymorphism despite global mating or strong environmental changes. Our simulations further reveal that increasing environmental fluctuations and unpredictability generally favor the emergence of specialist genotypes but that matching habitat choice is better at preventing local maladaptation by individuals. This confirms that matching habitat choice can speed up the genetic divergence among populations, cause indirect assortative mating via spatial clustering, and hence even facilitate sympatric speciation. This study highlights the potential importance of directed dispersal in local adaptation and speciation, stresses the difficulty of deriving its operation from nonexperimental observational data alone, and helps define a set of ecological conditions which should favor its emergence and subsequent detection in nature.
The temperature‐size rule in Daphnia magna across different genetic lines and ontogenetic stages: Multiple patterns and mechanisms
Authors: Hoefnagel K. Natan , de Vries E. H. J. (Lisenka) , Jongejans Eelke , Verberk Wilco C. E. P.
Published: March 2018

Ectotherms tend to grow faster, but reach a smaller size when reared under warmer conditions. This temperature‐size rule (TSR) is a widespread phenomenon. Despite the generality of this pattern, no general explanation has been found. We therefore tested the relative importance of two proposed mechanisms for the TSR: (1) a stronger increase in development rate relative to growth rate at higher temperatures, which would cause a smaller size at maturity, and (2) resource limitation placing stronger constraints on growth in large individuals at higher temperatures, which would cause problems with attaining a large size in warm conditions. We raised Daphnia magna at eight temperatures to assess their size at maturity, asymptotic size, and size of their offspring. We used three clonal lines that differed in asymptotic size and growth rate. A resource allocation model was developed and fitted to our empirical data to explore the effect of both mechanisms for the TSR. The genetic lines of D. magna showed different temperature dependence of growth and development rates resulting in different responses for size at maturity. Also, at warm temperatures, growth was constrained in large, but not in small individuals. The resource allocation model could fit these empirical data well. Based on our empirical results and model explorations, the TSR of D. magna at maturity is best explained by a stronger increase in development rate relative to growth rate at high temperature, and the TSR at asymptotic size is best explained by a size‐dependent and temperature‐dependent constraint on growth, although resource limitation could also affect size at maturity. In conclusion, the TSR can take different forms for offspring size, size at maturity, and asymptotic size and each form can arise from its own mechanism, which could be an essential step toward finding a solution to this century‐old puzzle.
Distinct responses of soil respiration to experimental litter manipulation in temperate woodland and tropical forest
Authors: Bréchet Laëtitia M. , Lopez‐Sangil Luis , George Charles , Birkett Ali J. , Baxendale Catherine , Castro Trujillo Biancolini , Sayer Emma J.
Published: March 2018

Global change is affecting primary productivity in forests worldwide, and this, in turn, will alter long‐term carbon (C) sequestration in wooded ecosystems. On one hand, increased primary productivity, for example, in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), can result in greater inputs of organic matter to the soil, which could increase C sequestration belowground. On other hand, many of the interactions between plants and microorganisms that determine soil C dynamics are poorly characterized, and additional inputs of plant material, such as leaf litter, can result in the mineralization of soil organic matter, and the release of soil C as CO2 during so‐called “priming effects”. Until now, very few studies made direct comparison of changes in soil C dynamics in response to altered plant inputs in different wooded ecosystems. We addressed this with a cross‐continental study with litter removal and addition treatments in a temperate woodland (Wytham Woods) and lowland tropical forest (Gigante forest) to compare the consequences of increased litterfall on soil respiration in two distinct wooded ecosystems. Mean soil respiration was almost twice as high at Gigante (5.0 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) than at Wytham (2.7 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) but surprisingly, litter manipulation treatments had a greater and more immediate effect on soil respiration at Wytham. We measured a 30% increase in soil respiration in response to litter addition treatments at Wytham, compared to a 10% increase at Gigante. Importantly, despite higher soil respiration rates at Gigante, priming effects were stronger and more consistent at Wytham. Our results suggest that in situ priming effects in wooded ecosystems track seasonality in litterfall and soil respiration but the amount of soil C released by priming is not proportional to rates of soil respiration. Instead, priming effects may be promoted by larger inputs of organic matter combined with slower turnover rates.
Coexistence of DC and CSMA in SRD channel access and resilience to LTE interference: A simulator‐based analysis
Authors: Bandeira Rita , Sousa Ivo , Queluz Maria Paula , Rodrigues António
Published: March 2018

The foreseen increased use of short‐range devices (SRDs) will boost the competition for radio channel access in license‐exempt frequency bands. Therefore, it is important to find out the most efficient SRD configurations in terms of their performance in high‐contention scenarios; moreover, it is crucial to ensure that SRD networks do not impair the radio systems that operate in neighboring licensed spectrum, and vice versa. This paper addresses the previous issues by simulating a building automation application scenario, where 2 channel access mechanisms, namely duty cycling (DC) and carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), are evaluated independently and in coexisting scenarios, and, also, in the presence of a Long‐Term Evolution (LTE) user equipment. The CSMA protocol analysis shows that very high or very low transmission powers decrease its performance, and thus, either this parameter has to be calibrated or the gateways location has to be adjusted; for the DC protocol, its performance is only affected by the number of gateways within the SRD network, which should be as high as possible. Regarding the coexistence of the DC and CSMA schemes, the results show that CSMA‐based SRDs can successfully operate in the presence of a significant number of DC‐based SRDs, whereas the contrary is not true. Lastly, it is proven that an LTE user equipment may harm the SRD network, although this effect can be mitigated by adjusting the SRDs transmission power; furthermore, the SRDs interference on LTE systems is found to be negligible.
Comparative analysis examining patterns of genomic differentiation across multiple episodes of population divergence in birds
Authors: Delmore Kira E. , Lugo Ramos Juan S. , van Doren Benjamin M. , Lundberg Max , Bensch Staffan , Irwin Darren E. , Liedvogel Miriam
Published: March 2018

Heterogeneous patterns of genomic differentiation are commonly documented between closely related populations and there is considerable interest in identifying factors that contribute to their formation. These factors could include genomic features (e.g., areas of low recombination) that promote processes like linked selection (positive or purifying selection that affects linked neutral sites) at specific genomic regions. Examinations of repeatable patterns of differentiation across population pairs can provide insight into the role of these factors. Birds are well suited for this work, as genome structure is conserved across this group. Accordingly, we reestimated relative (FST) and absolute (dXY) differentiation between eight sister pairs of birds that span a broad taxonomic range using a common pipeline. Across pairs, there were modest but significant correlations in window-based estimates of differentiation (up to 3% of variation explained for FST and 26% for dXY), supporting a role for processes at conserved genomic features in generating heterogeneous patterns of differentiation; processes specific to each episode of population divergence likely explain the remaining variation. The role genomic features play was reinforced by linear models identifying several genomic variables (e.g., gene densities) as significant predictors of FST and dXY repeatability. FST repeatability was higher among pairs that were further along the speciation continuum (i.e., more reproductively isolated) providing further insight into how genomic differentiation changes with population divergence; early stages of speciation may be dominated by positive selection that is different between pairs but becomes integrated with processes acting according to shared genomic features as speciation proceeds.
Utilizing cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) for food and nutrition security: A review
Authors: Boakye Abena A. , Wireko‐Manu Faustina Dufie , Oduro Ibok , Ellis William O. , Gudjónsdóttir María , Chronakis Ioannis S.
Published: March 2018

The critical role of indigenous crops in the socioeconomic growth of developing nations has necessitated calls for accelerated exploitation of staples. Cocoyam, Xanthosoma sagittifolium, is food for over 400 million people worldwide and is the most consumed aroid in West Africa. However, it remains an underexploited food resource. This study reviews existing literature and also makes use of primary data from interviews with indigenous cocoyam farmers, processors, consumers, and cocoyam scientists in the research Institutes of Ghana, to provide insight into existing nomenclature of the species, indigenous knowledge on food uses, nutritional value, and potential novel food applications of cocoyam. Adaptable technologies in conformity to new trends in food science that could be employed for in‐depth molecular studies and further exploitation of the crop are also discussed. It is envisaged that the provided information would contribute to global efforts aimed at exploiting the full potential of indigenous crops for sustainable food and nutrition security.
Hierarchical network modeling with multidimensional information for aquatic safety management in the cold chain
Authors: Liu Lu , Liu Xinlei , Li Wubin
Published: March 2018

The cold‐chain information has characterized by the loss and dispersion according to the different collecting methods. The description for the quality decay factors of aquatic products can be defined as the multidimensional information. A series of nodes with multidimensional information are assembled to be hierarchies aiming at describing the environment conditions and locations in the supply chain. Each of the single hierarchy levels constitutes a sequence of node information in a network, which is applied as internal information analysis. The cross‐layer information structure is defined as “bridge” information which is able to record the information transmissions among every hierarchy from the point of view of the whole chain. The study has established a novel structured modeling to describe the cold chain of aquatic products based on a network‐hierarchy framework. An organized and sustainable transmission process can be built and recorded by the multidimensional attributes for the whole course of cold chain of aquatic products. In addition, seamless connections among every hierarchy are attainable by the environmental information records continuously to monitor the quality of aquatic products. The quality assessments and shelf life predictions are estimated properly as the risk control in order to monitor and trace the safety of aquatic products under the supply chain perspective.
Green leafy vegetables from two Solanum spp. (Solanum nigrum L and Solanum macrocarpon L) ameliorate scopolamine‐induced cognitive and neurochemical impairments in rats
Authors: Ogunsuyi Opeyemi B. , Ademiluyi Adedayo O. , Oboh Ganiyu , Oyeleye Sunday I. , Dada Abayomi F.
Published: March 2018

This study examined the modulatory effect of Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L) and African eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L) leaves on cognitive function, antioxidant status, and activities of critical enzymes of monoaminergic and cholinergic systems of neurotransmission in scopolamine‐administered rats. Cognitive impairment was induced in albino rats pretreated with dietary inclusions of Black nightshade (BN) and African eggplant (AE) leaves by single administration (i.p.) of scopolamine (2 mg/kg body weight). Prior to termination of the experiment, the rats were subjected to spontaneous alternation (Y‐maze) test to assess their spatial working memory. Thereafter, activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), arginase, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD, and GST) of rat brain homogenate were determined. Also, the malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, and GSH contents of the homogenate were determined. The results showed that pretreatment with dietary inclusions of AE and BN significantly reversed the impairment in the rats’ spatial working memory induced by scopolamine. Similarly, elevations in activities of AChE, BChE, and MAO induced by scopolamine were significantly reversed in rats pretreated with dietary inclusions of AE and BN. In addition, impaired antioxidant status induced by scopolamine was reversed by pretreatment with dietary inclusions of AE and BN. This study has shown that dietary inclusions of AE and BN could protect against cognitive and neurochemical impairments induced by scopolamine, and hence, these vegetables could be used as a source of functional foods and nutraceuticals for the prevention and management of cognitive impairments associated diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Characterization of mud volcanoes in the northern Zhongjiannan Basin, western South China Sea
Authors: Wan Zhifeng , Yao Yongjian , Chen Kewei , Zhong Siling , Xia Bin , Sun Yuefeng
Published: March 2018

Mud volcanoes are important to understand hydrocarbon research and exploration, crustal movement and neotectonic activity, geological engineering, and climate change. They are widely distributed along the Alps‐Tethys suture zone, the Pacific belt, and continental slopes. Previous detailed studies on mud volcanoes concentrated mostly on onshore areas. Recent developments in geophysical technology have opened vast deepwater areas for research on mud volcanoes. Based on multibeam bathymetry, multichannel seismic reflection, gravity, and magnetics data, mud volcanoes in the northern Zhongjiannan Basin have been studied comprehensively and systematically. Abundant mud volcanoes were found in the whole Northern Depression of the basin, not only in the Zhongjian Valley but also in the Rizhao Valley, with different sizes, morphologies, and eruption intensities. Five types of mud volcanoes are identified in the study area, which include the following: deep source high‐energy large‐size mud volcanoes, shallow source low‐energy small‐size mud volcanoes, budding mud volcanoes (mud diapir), mud volcanoes related to canyon and bottom current channels, and mud volcanoes related to pockmarks and gas chimneys. At the developmental scale, the distribution and type of mud volcanoes (diapirs) in the Zhongjiannan Basin are obviously different than those in the Yinggehai Basin, which is famous for the development of a large number of large mud diapirs in the North‐western South China Sea. The region's tectonic and sedimentary environment is the main controlling factor of the development of mud volcanoes. Three sets of Tertiary thick mudstones in the Zhongjiannan Basin are the material basis for the formation of mud volcanoes. Overpressured fluid, generated from the combined factors of undercompaction, hydrocarbon generation, hydrothermal pressurization, and tectonic compression, is the driving force of the eruption of mud volcanoes. Furthermore, earthquakes that occurred in the surrounding areas of the Zhongjiannan Basin are the triggering mechanism of mud volcano eruptions.
Tyrosine kinase SYK is a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis
Authors: Qu Chen , Zheng Dandan , Li Sai , Liu Yingjun , Lidofsky Anna , Holmes Jacinta A. , Chen Jianning , He Lu , Wei Lan , Liao Yadi , Yuan Hui , Jin Qimeng , Lin Zelong , Hu Qiaoting , Jiang Yuchuan , Tu Mengxian , Chen Xijun , Li Weiming , Lin Wenyu , Fuchs Bryan C. , Chung Raymond T. , Hong Jian
Published: March 2018

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) plays a critical role in immune cell signaling pathways and has been reported as a biomarker for human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We sought to investigate the mechanism by which SYK promotes liver fibrosis and to evaluate SYK as a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis. We evaluated the cellular localization of SYK and the association between SYK expression and liver fibrogenesis in normal, hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected, hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) liver tissue (n=36, 127, 22 and 30, respectively). A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was used to detect the changes in transcription factor (TF) expression in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with SYK knockdown. The effects of SYK antagonism on liver fibrogenesis were studied in LX‐2 cells, TWNT‐4 cells, primary human HSCs, and three progressive fibrosis/cirrhosis animal models, including a CCL4 mouse model, and diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and bile duct ligation (BDL) rat models. We found that SYK protein in HSCs and hepatocytes correlated positively with liver fibrosis stage in human liver tissue. HBV or HCV infection significantly increased SYK and cytokine expression in hepatocytes. Increasing cytokine production further induced SYK expression and fibrosis‐related gene transcription in HSCs. Up‐regulated SYK in HSCs promoted HSC activation by increasing the expression of specific TFs related to activation of HSCs. SYK antagonism effectively suppressed liver fibrosis via inhibition of HSC activation, and decreased obstructive jaundice and reduced HCC development in animal models. Conclusion: SYK promotes liver fibrosis via activation of HSCs and is an attractive potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis and prevention of HCC development. (Hepatology 2018).
Hepatic resection compared to chemoembolization in intermediate‐ to advanced‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis of high‐quality studies
Authors: Hyun Myung Han , Lee Young‐Sun , Kim Ji Hoon , Lee Chan Uk , Jung Young Kul , Seo Yeon Seok , Yim Hyung Joon , Yeon Jong Eun , Byun Kwan Soo
Published: March 2018

According to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) treatment guidelines for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the role of surgery has been expanded beyond the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm. We compared primary hepatectomy (PH) with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with intermediate‐ to advanced‐stage (BCLC stage B/C) HCC to determine the current evidence. Through a database search, we included 18 high‐quality studies (one randomized controlled trial [RCT], five propensity‐score matching nonrandomized comparative trials [NRCTs], and 12 NRCTs) that compared survival outcomes of 5,986 patients after PH and TACE. We found significant survival benefits for PH over TACE in BCLC stage B/C patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51‐0.67; P < 0.00001; I2
= 84%). According to the BCLC, both stage B and stage C patients showed significantly better overall survival (OS) for PH compared to TACE (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43‐0.65; P < 0.00001; I2
= 77%; HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.59‐0.77; P < 0.00001; I2
= 79%, respectively). Five‐year survival rates for PH were significantly higher than those for TACE in BCLC stage B/C, stage B, and BCLC stage C patients (odds ratio [OR], 2.71, 2.77, and 3.03, respectively; all P < 0.00001). Survival benefits persisted across subgroup, sensitivity, and metaregression analyses; interstudy heterogeneity remained constant. Conclusion: This meta‐analysis suggests that surgical resection provides survival benefits in patients with intermediate‐ to advanced‐stage HCC. The evidence found herein may assist in the choice of treatment modality based on diverse definitions of operability. (Hepatology 2018).
Outdoor physical activity for older people—the senior exercise park: Current research, challenges and future directions
Authors: Levinger Pazit , Sales Myrla , Polman Remco , Haines Terry , Dow Briony , Biddle Stuart J. H. , Duque Gustavo , Hill Keith D.
Published: March 2018

Issue addressed

Exercising outdoors provide beneficial effect on mental and physical health for all ages. However, few older people exercise outdoors other than walking. While outdoor gyms have become increasingly common in Australia, limited outdoor exercise equipment specifically designed for older people is available in public spaces. We have set up and evaluated a unique purpose‐built outdoor exercise park for older people in the community setting and demonstrated positive physical and wellbeing outcomes associated with the provision of this unique exercise mode and social program.

Methods

This study is a reflective narrative describing this innovative exercise approach and reports challenges associated with establishment of the exercise park, conducting the randomised trial, strategies adopted to address these challenges and recommendations for future implementation of this approach in the community.

Results

Many challenges were encountered, including securing appropriate land to locate the exercise park, control of environmental factors for safety (non‐slippery ground and equipment) as well as logistics in running the exercise program itself. Several adjustments in the equipment were also required to ensure safe use by older people.

Conclusion

The inclusion of outdoor equipment for older people in public spaces or urban parks is important and careful consideration needs to be taken by local/public authorities to provide access, amenities and safety for all as well as activities to suit all ages.

So what?

Seniors’ exercise parks can be installed in public places and may provide an enjoyable and effective approach to engage older individuals in a more active and healthier lifestyle.
Decentralisation and health services delivery in Tanzania: Analysis of decision space in planning, allocation, and use of financial resources
Authors: Kigume Ramadhani , Maluka Stephen , Kamuzora Peter
Published: March 2018

While decentralisation of health systems has been on the policy agenda in low‐income and middle‐income countries since the 1970s, many studies have focused on understanding who has more decision‐making powers but less attention is paid to understand what those powers encompass. Using the decision space approach, this study aimed to understand the amount of decision‐making space transferred from the central government to institutions at the periphery in the decentralised health system in Tanzania. The findings of this study indicated that the decentralisation process in Tanzania has provided authorities with a range of decision‐making space. In the areas of priority setting and planning, district health authorities had moderate decision space. However, in the financial resource allocation and expenditure of funds from the central government, the districts had narrow decision‐making space. The districts, nevertheless, had wider decision‐making space in mobilising and using locally generated financial resources. However, the ability of the districts to allocate and use locally generated resources was constrained by bureaucratic procedures of the central government. The study concludes that decentralisation by devolution which is being promoted in the policy documents in Tanzania is yet to be realised at the district and local levels. The study recommends that the central government should provide more space to the decentralised district health systems to incorporate locally defined priorities in the district health plans.
Role of ultrasonography in the management of twin gestation
Authors: Smith Jessica , Treadwell Marjorie C. , Berman Deborah R.
Published: March 2018

Twins represent 1%–2% of all pregnancies, yet continue to account for a disproportionate share of neonatal adverse events including neonatal intensive care admission, morbidity, and mortality. Ultrasonography is central to the proper diagnosis of the type of twinning. Ideally, ultrasonography is performed before 14 weeks of gestation to determine chorionicity and amnionicity. Correct identification of the chorionicity in a twin pregnancy facilitates proper counseling and management of the gestation, including ultrasonography follow‐up. Herein, the different types of twinning are reviewed, together with the implications for ultrasonography monitoring of each specific type of twin gestation.
Internet of things and virtual sensors for electromobility
Authors: Roccotelli Michele , Nolich Massimiliano , Fanti Maria Pia , Ukovich Walter
Published: March 2018

In the era of the Internet of things, billion of smart objects are going to be connected, with the needs of producing and storing big amount of data. In this context, there are many drawbacks to overcome related to data storage, processing power and connection capabilities of physical devices. This paper focuses on the specification of virtual sensors (VSs) as abstraction of real sensors, reproducing their logical behavior and enriching their functionalities within the cloud platform. The use of VSs is presented with the goal of proposing innovative services for stakeholders in the electromobility framework. To this purpose, a methodology to describe and implement VSs is presented based on Unified Modeling Language diagrams and a useful VS is designed for electromobility enhancement, that is, charge price prediction VS.
Does preference rank predict substitution for the reinforcer for problem behavior? a behavioral economic analysis
Authors: Frank‐Crawford Michelle A. , Castillo Mariana I. , DeLeon Iser G.
Published: March 2018

Predictions made under low response requirements inherent in most preference assessments (PAs) do not guarantee the utility of stimuli in treatments. We examined whether PA rank would predict how well stimuli supported compliance for children with escape‐maintained problem behavior by examining the relation between PA rank and demand elasticity across five fixed‐ratio values. Three patterns were observed: All stimuli were selected equally across values, higher ranked stimuli were selected more at higher values, and something other than the highest ranked stimulus was selected more at higher values (i.e., mixed correspondence).