bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Fractional Order PI Controller Design for a Flexible Swing arm System Via Enhanced Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning
Authors: Xie Yuanlong , Tang Xiaoqi , Zheng Shiqi , Qiao Wenjun , Song Bao
Published: August 2017

Flexible swing arm system (FSAS) is one of the most important components in the LED packaging industry. The trajectory tracking performance of the FSAS will directly affect the efficiency and accuracy of the LED packaging equipment. In order to meet the high precision and high speed requirements, this paper proposes an adaptive fractional order proportional integral (AFOPI) control method based on enhanced virtual reference feedback tuning (EVRFT). In this method, the AFOPI controller is applied to handle the fractional order characteristics of the FSAS. EVRFT is used to tune the AFOPI controller in a real‐time way to accommodate the time‐varying operating conditions. The proposed method is facilitated with two advantages: 1) only input/output measured data are fully utilized during the recursive tuning process without using model information of the controlled FSAS; 2) an improved adaptive law is incorporated in EVRFT to reduce the computation burden and provide an unbiased estimate for the ideal controller simultaneously. Thus, the conventional VRFT is enhanced both in efficiency and accuracy. The stability of the proposed method is guaranteed by rigorous theoretical analysis. Finally, experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the EVRFT‐based AFOPI controller.
Investigating facial phenotype in autism spectrum conditions: The importance of a hypothesis driven approach
Authors: Boutrus Maryam , Maybery Murray T. , Alvares Gail A. , Tan Diana Weiting , Varcin Kandice J. , Whitehouse Andrew J. O.
Published: August 2017

Atypical facial characteristics have been observed in many disorders associated with developmental disability. While autism spectrum conditions (ASC) have not previously been thought to be associated with a distinct facial phenotype, an emerging research literature is casting doubt on this assumption. The identification of differences in the facial phenotype of individuals with ASC may contribute to efforts to promote early identification of the condition and help elucidate etiological pathways. With the aim of identifying facial phenotypes associated with ASC, this commentary evaluated facial features purported to distinguish ASC from typical development. Although there is little consensus across the reviewed studies for the majority of facial characteristics described, preliminary evidence suggests increased facial asymmetry may be more common in ASC. There is also evidence to suggest that there are morphologically distinct subgroups within ASC that correspond with different cognitive and behavioral symptomatology. However, in light of the various inconsistencies in the reported literature, and based on an accumulating understanding of etiological pathways proposed to be associated with ASC, we propose an alternative paradigm for investigating facial phenotypes in ASC. A series of studies are outlined to demonstrate the promise of a research program that has taken a hypothesis‐driven approach to examine facial phenotypes associated with increased exposure to prenatal testosterone and to ASC. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1910–1918. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This commentary reviewed studies that found differences in the facial features of individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) compared to typically developing individuals. While there is little agreement between studies, there is some support for asymmetrical facial features associated with ASC, and preliminary evidence that particular facial features relate to specific patterns of cognitive and behavioral symptoms. However, in light of inconsistencies between studies and based on accumulating understanding of etiological pathways, we propose an alternative approach to investigating facial differences in ASC.
Neuroprotective effects of honokiol: from chemistry to medicine
Authors: Talarek Sylwia , Listos Joanna , Barreca Davide , Tellone Ester , Sureda Antoni , Nabavi Seyed Fazel , Braidy Nady , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad
Published: August 2017

The incidence of neurological disorders is growing in developed countries together with increased lifespan. Nowadays, there are still no effective treatments for neurodegenerative pathologies, which make necessary to search for new therapeutic agents. Natural products, most of them used in traditional medicine, are considered promising alternatives for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Honokiol is a natural bioactive phenylpropanoid compound, belonging to the class of neolignan, found in notable amounts in the bark of Magnolia tree, and has been reported to exert diverse pharmacological properties including neuroprotective activities. Honokiol can permeate the blood brain barrier and the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid to increase its bioavailability in neurological tissues. Diverse studies have provided evidence on the neuroprotective effect of honokiol in the central nervous system, due to its potent antioxidant activity, and amelioration of the excitotoxicity mainly related to the blockade of glutamate receptors and reduction in neuroinflammation. In addition, recent studies suggest that honokiol can attenuate neurotoxicity exerted by abnormally aggregated Aβ in Alzheimer's disease. The present work summarizes what is currently known concerning the neuroprotective effects of honokiol and its potential molecular mechanisms of action, which make it considered as a promising agent in the treatment and management of neurodegenerative diseases. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):760–769, 2017
Blocking the ERK1/2 signal pathway can inhibit S100A12 induced human aortic smooth muscle cells damage
Authors: Jiang Wanli , Wang Zhiwei , Hu Zhipeng , Wu Hongbing , Hu Rui , Hu Xiaoping , Ren Zongli , Huang Jizhen
Published: August 2017

Increased levels of S100A12 and activated matrix metalloproteinase 2/9 (MMP‐2/9) produced by human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) have recently implicated in the development of thoracic aortic disease. In the present study, we investigated the effect of S100A12 on HASMCs and identified the intracellular signal pathways involved by Western blot. The results were shown that up‐expression of S100A12 in HASMCs induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation. Additionally, S100A12 significantly increased the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and VCAM‐1 in HASMCs at translational levels. Furthermore, our results also showed that S100A12 induced HASMCs damage by increased related proteins expression was mediated by the activation of ERK1/2 signal pathway, whereas p38 MAPK had no effect on those processes. Blocked the activation of ERK1/2 could decrease S100A12 induced the apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation of HASMCs. In conclusion, these results indicated that S100A12 could increase the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1) in HASMCs via activation of ERK1/2 signal pathway, which leads to injury of HASMCs. Therefore, antagonists of ERK1/2 may be useful for treating thoracic aortic dissection.
Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli with reticulated hyperpigmentation of the extremities
Authors: Al‐Saif Fahad Mohammad , Baqays Abdullah Ali , AlSaif Hadeel Fahad , Alhumidi Ahmed Abdullah
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli (EFFC) is a distinct, rare, and underdiagnosed condition of unknown etiology that is characterized by well‐demarcated erythema, hyperpigmentation, and follicular papules. The pigmentation is usually on both maxillary, preauricular regions, and the cheeks. We report a case of a 12‐year‐old boy with EFFC that was associated with reticulated pigmentation of the extremities.
Continuous Hydrogenation of L‐Arabinose and D‐Galactose in a Mini Packed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Müller Anne , Hilpmann Gerd , Haase Stefan , Lange Rüdiger
Published: August 2017

The continuous hydrogenation of a mixture of L‐arabinose and D‐galactose over a Ru/C catalyst was investigated in a miniaturized packed‐bed reactor. The reaction is one important step of the transformation of the naturally occurring hemicellulose arabinogalactan into valuable sugar alcohols. Process intensification was accomplished by reducing the reactor dimensions to a few millimeters; thus leading to better mass and heat transfer performance. The effects of temperature, pressure, and liquid flow rate on the yield and by‐product formation are discussed. Based on a kinetic model derived from batch experiments, a model of the continuous reactor was developed and used for scale‐up purposes.
Thermochemical Biomass Conversion for Decentralized Power Generation with the Inverse Brayton Cycle
Authors: Pfeil Marcel , Konradi Simon T. , Pohl Sven
Published: August 2017

Biomass is an important energy source for decentralized power generation. The combination of a two‐stage thermochemical conversion unit with an inverse Brayton cycle (IBC) is the subject of current research activities. Several advantages are expected compared to commercially available concepts. A commercially proven turbocharger from the automotive industry is used for the IBC unit. No cost‐intensive gas cleaning is required due to an almost dust‐ and tar‐free biomass conversion. The influence of the feedstock characteristics on the thermochemical conversion, the emissions, and the overall plant performance is subject to process optimization studies. Furthermore, validation of the concept is the target of a demonstration phase planned for a later stage of the research activities.
A Three‐dimensional Non‐fullerene Small Molecule Acceptor for Solution‐processed Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chang Meijia , Wang Yunchuang , Qiu Nailiang , Yi Yuan‐Qiu‐Qiang , Wan Xiangjian , Li Chenxi , Chen Yongshen
Published: August 2017

An acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (A‐D‐A) three‐dimensional (3D) small molecule acceptor (SFTTIC), using spirobifluorene as the core unit linking with four thieno[3,2‐b]thiophenes (TT) and end‐capped with 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile (INCN) was developed for solution processed organic solar cells. SFTTIC has a high absorption coefficient up to 3.12 × 105 mol−1•cm−1, good thermal stability and appropriate energy levels. The optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.66% and 4.65% was achieved for the devices with PBDB‐T:SFTTIC and PTB7‐Th:SFTTIC, respectively.
Back Cover: Direct Observation of Growth and Self‐assembly of Pt Nanoclusters in Water with the Aid of a Triblock Polymer Using in situ Liquid Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) (Chin. J. Chem. 8/2017)
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Chang , Kong Xing , Cao Hongliang , Wang Hulian , Zhou Xiaoqin
Published: August 2017

The back cover picture shows schematic of direct in situ liquid cell TEM observation of electron bean induced growth and self‐assembly of nanoclusters in water with the aid of a triblock copolymer. The growth and self‐assembly of the Pt nanoclusters with the aid of triblock copolymer F127 are directly observed, and a surfactant guided nanocluster formation mechanism is proposed. Dramatic differences are found on the cluster forming behavior and final morphologies between thick and thin liquid regions. The difference in precursor availability and charging effects are attributed to the different growth behavior in different thickness regions. More details are discussed in the article by Chen et al. on page 1278–1283.

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Discrepant HPV/cytology cotesting results: Are there differences between cytology‐negative versus HPV‐negative cervical intraepithelial neoplasia?
Authors: Tracht Jessica M. , Davis Antoinette D. , Fasciano Danielle N. , Eltoum Isam‐Eldin A.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to compare cervical high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions subcategorized as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia‐3 (CIN‐3)–positive after a negative cytology result but positive for high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) testing to those with a negative HR‐HPV test but positive cytology (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASCUS]‐positive/HPV‐negative) and to assess reasons for discrepancies.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed women who underwent screening with cytology and HPV testing from 2010 through 2013. After a review of surgical specimens and cytology, discrepancies were classified as sampling or interpretation error. Clinical and pathologic findings were compared.

RESULTS

In total, 15,173 women (age range, 25‐95 years; 7.1% were aged < 30 years) underwent both HPV and cytologic testing, and 1184 (8.4%) underwent biopsy. Cytology was positive in 19.4% of specimens, and HPV was positive in 14.5%. Eighty‐four CIN‐3–positive specimens were detected, including 55 that tested ASCUS‐positive/HPV‐positive, 11 that tested negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM)/HPV‐positive, 10 that tested ASCUS‐positive/HPV‐negative, 3 that tested NILM/HPV‐negative, and 5 tests that were unsatisfactory. There was no significant difference between NILM/HPV‐positive and ASCUS‐positive/HPV‐negative CIN‐3 in terms of size, time to occurrence, the presence of a cytopathic effect, screening history, race, or age. Six of 11 NILM/HPV‐positive cases were reclassified as ASCUS, indicating an interpreting error of 55% and a sampling error of 45%. No ASCUS‐positive/HPV‐negative cases were reclassified. Seven cases of CIN‐3 with positive cytology were HPV‐negative.

CONCLUSIONS

There are no significant clinical or pathologic differences between NILM/HPV‐positive and ASCUS‐positive/HPV‐negative CIN‐3–positive specimens. Cytologic sampling or interpretation remains the main reason for discrepancies. However, HPV‐negative CIN‐3 with positive cytology exists and may be missed by primary HPV screening. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:795‐805. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Solvothermal Synthesis, Gas‐Sensing Properties, and Solar Cell‐Aided Investigation of TiO2–MoOx Nanocrystals
Authors: Epifani Mauro , Kaciulis Saulius , Mezzi Alessio , Altamura Davide , Giannini Cinzia , Tang PengYi , Morante Joan R. , Arbiol Jordi , Siciliano Pietro , Comini Elisabetta , Concina Isabella
Published: August 2017

Titania anatase nanocrystals were prepared by sol‐gel/solvothermal synthesis in oleic acid at 250 °C, and modified by co‐reaction with Mo chloroalkoxide, aimed at investigating the effects on gas‐sensing properties induced by tailored nanocrystals surface modification with ultra‐thin layers of MoOx species. For the lowest Mo concentration, only anatase nanocrystals were obtained, surface modified by a disordered ultra‐thin layer of mainly octahedral MoVI oxide species. For larger Mo concentrations, early MoO2 phase segregation occurred. Upon heat treatment up to 500 °C, the sample with the lowest Mo concentration did not feature any Mo oxide phase segregation, and the surface Mo layer was converted to dense octahedral MoVI oxide. At larger Mo concentrations all segregated MoO2 was converted to MoO3. The two different materials typologies, depending on the Mo concentration, were used for processing gas‐sensing devices and tested toward acetone and carbon monoxide, which gave a greatly enhanced response, for all Mo concentrations, to acetone (two orders of magnitude) and carbon monoxide with respect to pure TiO2. For the lowest Mo concentration, dye‐sensitized solar cells were also prepared to investigate the influence of anatase surface modification on the electrical transport properties, which showed that the charge transport mainly occurred in the ultra‐thin MoOx surface layer.
Macroscopic Magnetic Anisotropy Induced by the Combined Control of Size, Shape and Organization of NiFe Prussian Blue Analog Nanoparticles in an Ordered Mesoporous Silica Monolith
Authors: Moulin Robinson , Fornasieri Giulia , Impéror‐Clerc Marianne , Rivière Eric , Beaunier Patricia , Bleuzen Anne
Published: August 2017

Integration of coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks into real applications requires a processing step at the nanoscale. However, their synthesis in the form of nanoparticles with controlled size, shape and organization remains a challenge faced by diverse scientific communities. Ordered mesoporous silica monolith with 2D‐hexagonal structure of the mesopores is used to form ferromagnetic NiFe Prussian blue analog (PBA) nanoparticles with anisotropic shape. The PBA nanowires formed within the nanochannels of the monolith are made of single chains of nanocrystals. Furthermore, when using an ordered mesoporous silica monolith instead of the more frequently used mesoporous powders a parallel organization of the pores is achieved over whole macroscopic fragments of the monolith. A 1×1×1 mm3 fragment of monolith exhibits a remarkably strong anisotropy in its magnetic properties, arising from unprecedented magnetic dipolar interaction along the chains of coordination nanocrystals, which is spread to the macroscopic scale thanks to the long‐range organization of the pores. As various confined chemistries can be developed within the ordered porosity of such monolith, this tool opens up new opportunities for the development of original nanostructured materials exhibiting anisotropy in their properties at the macroscopic scale.
Bioequivalence and Safety of Twice‐Daily Sustained‐Release Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Compared With 3‐ and 4‐Times‐Daily Paracetamol: A Repeat‐Dose, Crossover Pharmacokinetic Study in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Liu Dongzhou J. , Collaku Agron
Published: August 2017

Twice‐daily sustained‐release (SR) paracetamol (acetaminophen) offers convenient administration to chronic users. This study investigated at steady state (during the last 24 hours of a 3‐day dosing period) the pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, and safety of twice‐daily SR paracetamol compared with extended‐release (ER) and immediate‐release (IR) paracetamol. In this open‐label, randomized, multidose, 3‐way crossover study, 28 healthy subjects received paracetamol SR (2 × 1000 mg twice daily), ER (2 × 665 mg 3 times daily), and IR (2 × 500 mg 4 times daily). At steady state, twice‐daily SR paracetamol was bioequivalent to ER and IR paracetamol. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratios of geometric means were within the acceptance interval for SR/ER paracetamol (AUC0–t, 0.973–1.033; AUC0–24, 0.974–1.034; AUC0–∞, 0.948–1.011; Cmax, 1.082–1.212; Cav, 1.011–1.106) and SR/IR paracetamol (AUC0–t, 0.969–1.029; AUC0–24, 0.968–1.027; AUC0–∞, 0.963–1.026; Cmax, 0.902–1.010; Cav, 1.004–1.098). Given twice daily, the SR formulation demonstrated SR properties as expected. Mean time at or above a 4 μg/mL plasma concentration of paracetamol from 2 daily doses of the SR formulation was significantly longer than that from 4 daily doses of IR paracetamol. SR formulation also had a greater Tmax, a longer half‐life, and lower Cmin compared with ER and IR paracetamol. All formulations were well tolerated.
SLA‐based PaaS profit optimization
Authors: Dib Djawida , Parlavantzas Nikos , Morin Christine
Published: August 2017

The socioeconomic impact of cloud solutions and particularly PaaS (platform as a service) solutions is becoming increasingly critical. The main objective of PaaS providers is to generate the maximum profit from the services they provide. This requires them to face a number of challenges such as efficiently managing the underlying resources and satisfying the SLAs of the hosted applications. In this paper, we consider a cloud‐bursting PaaS environment where the PaaS provider owns some private resources and is able to rent public cloud resources on demand. In that context, we propose a profit‐efficient solution for managing such a system under SLA constraints. We define a profit optimization policy that evaluates the cost of hosting each application using public and private resources and chooses the option that generates the highest profit. During peak periods, the optimization policy considers two more options. The first option is to obtain some resources from running applications, taking into account the payment of penalties if their promised quality of service is affected. The second option is to wait until private resources become available, taking into account the payment of penalties if the quality of service promised to the new application is affected. Furthermore, we designed and implemented an open cloud‐bursting PaaS system, called Meryn, which integrates the proposed optimization policy and provides support for batch and MapReduce applications. The results of our evaluation show the effectiveness of our approach in optimizing the provider profit. Indeed, compared to a basic approach, our approach provides up to 11.59% and 9.02% more provider profit in, respectively, simulations and experiments.
FeFe(CN)6 Nanocubes as a Bipolar Electrode Material in Aqueous Symmetric Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Junshu , Zhang Dapeng , Niu Feier , Li Xiaotong , Wang Chunsheng , Yang Jian
Published: August 2017

Bipolar materials, which work as both the cathode and anode material in aqueous sodium‐ion batteries, have advantages over aqueous electrolytes such as the low cost of sodium and high convenience of the material processing. However, the available materials are greatly limited. Herein, Prussian blue FeFe(CN)6 nanocubes were successfully synthesized by using a modified co‐precipitation method. Owing to the well‐separated redox reactions, fair cycling stability and rate capability of FeFe(CN)6, it could be developed as a bipolar material in an aqueous sodium‐ion battery. The as‐obtained full battery exhibits good cycling stability and rate capability. It was able to deliver a capacity of 32 mA h g−1 at 20 C, 76 % of the capacity at 2 C. After 200 cycles at 2 C, 97 % of the initial capacity was maintained for this battery, which suggests good cycling stability.
Flow cytometric analysis of viable bacteria in urine samples of febrile patients at the emergency department
Authors: Tavenier Anne H. , de Boer Foppie J. , Moshaver Bijan , van der Leur Sjef J.C.M. , Stegeman Coen A. , Groeneveld Paul H.P.
Published: August 2017

Background

Fast and reliable diagnostics are important in febrile patients admitted to the emergency department. Current urine diagnostics are fast but moderately reliable or reliable but time consuming. Flow cytometry (FC) is a new promising technique in the diagnostics of complicated urinary tract infections by counting bacteria in urine samples. The aim of this study is to improve the FC method by counting only viable bacteria.

Methods

Urine was obtained from 135 consecutive febrile patients at the emergency department. According to protocol regular diagnostic urine tests were performed. In addition, FC counting of viable and non‐viable bacteria was executed after staining with thiazole orange and propidium iodide. All test results were compared to the results of urine culture (≥ 105 colony forming units/mL).

Results

At a cut‐off value of 2.01 × 105 viable bacteria/mL the sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 78.4% (AUC‐value 0.955 on ROC‐curve). Spearman correlation test exhibited a higher correlation for flow cytometric counting of only viable bacteria than counting of all bacteria (0.59 vs. 0.37). Using ROC‐curves, the AUC‐values for FC counting of all bacteria, only viable bacteria and Gram staining were respectively 0.935, 0.955, and 0.968 (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

FC counting of only viable bacteria can predict quickly and reliably positive and negative urine cultures in febrile patients admitted to the emergency department. It can help to improve the speed and accuracy of the diagnostic procedure at the emergency department. © 2017 Clinical Cytometry Society
Identifying prebariatric subtypes based on temperament traits, emotion dysregulation, and disinhibited eating: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Schäfer Lisa , Hübner Claudia , Carus Thomas , Herbig Beate , Seyfried Florian , Kaiser Stefan , Schütz Tatjana , Dietrich Arne , Hilbert Anja
Published: August 2017

Objective

The efficacy of bariatric surgery has been proven; however, a subset of patients fails to achieve expected long‐term weight loss postoperatively. As differences in surgery outcome may be influenced by heterogeneous psychological profiles in prebariatric patients, previous subtyping models differentiated patients based on temperament traits. The objective of this study was to expand these models by additionally considering emotion dysregulation and disinhibited eating behaviors for subtyping, as these factors were associated with maladaptive eating behaviors and poor postbariatric weight loss outcome.

Method

Within a prospective multicenter registry, N = 370 prebariatric patients were examined using interview and self‐report questionnaires. A latent profile analysis was performed to identify subtypes based on temperament traits, emotion dysregulation, and disinhibited eating behaviors.

Results

Five prebariatric subtypes were identified with specific profiles regarding self‐control, emotion dysregulation, and disinhibited eating behaviors. Subtypes were associated with different levels of eating disorder psychopathology, depression, and quality of life. The expanded model increased variance explanation compared to temperament‐based models.

Conclusion

By adding emotion dysregulation and disinhibited eating behaviors to previous subtyping models, specific prebariatric subtypes emerged with distinct psychological deficit patterns. Future investigations should test the predictive value of these subtypes for postbariatric weight loss and health‐related outcomes.
Population structure of a widespread bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) in an island system
Authors: Speer Kelly A. , Petronio Brandi Jo , Simmons Nancy B. , Richey Rebecca , Magrini Kristin , Soto‐Centeno J. Angel , Reed David L.
Published: August 2017

Dispersal is a driving factor in the creation and maintenance of biodiversity, yet little is known about the effects of habitat variation and geography on dispersal and population connectivity in most mammalian groups. Bats of the family Molossidae are fast‐flying mammals thought to have potentially high dispersal ability, and recent studies have indicated gene flow across hundreds of kilometers in continental North American populations of the Brazilian free‐tailed bat,Tadarida brasiliensis. We examined the population genetics, phylogeography, and morphology of this species in Florida and across islands of The Bahamas, which are part of an island archipelago in the West Indies. Previous studies indicate that bats in the family Phyllostomidae, which are possibly less mobile than members of the family Molossidae, exhibit population structuring across The Bahamas. We hypothesized thatT. brasiliensiswould show high population connectivity throughout the islands and thatT. brasiliensiswould show higher connectivity than two species of phyllostomid bats that have been previously examined in The Bahamas. Contrary to our predictions,T. brasiliensisshows high population structure between two groups of islands in The Bahamas, similar to the structure exhibited by one species of phyllostomid bat. Phylogenetic and morphological analyses suggest that this structure may be the result of ancient divergence between two populations ofT. brasiliensisthat subsequently came into contact in The Bahamas. Our findings additionally suggest that there may be cryptic species withinT. brasiliensisin The Bahamas and the West Indies more broadly.
Phenotypic selection on flowering phenology and pollination efficiency traits between Primula populations with different pollinator assemblages
Authors: Wu Yun , Li Qing‐Jun
Published: August 2017

Floral traits have largely been attributed to phenotypic selection in plant–pollinator interactions. However, the strength of this link has rarely been ascertained with real pollinators. We conducted pollinator observations and estimated selection through female fitness on flowering phenology and floral traits between two Primula secundiflora populations. We quantified pollinator‐mediated selection by subtracting estimates of selection gradients of plants receiving supplemental hand pollination from those of plants receiving open pollination. There was net directional selection for an earlier flowering start date at populations where the dominant pollinators were syrphid flies, and flowering phenology was also subjected to stabilized quadratic selection. However, a later flowering start date was significantly selected at populations where the dominant pollinators were legitimate (normal pollination through the corolla tube entrance) and illegitimate bumblebees (abnormal pollination through nectar robbing hole which located at the corolla tube), and flowering phenology was subjected to disruptive quadratic selection. Wider corolla tube entrance diameter was selected at both populations. Furthermore, the strength of net directional selection on flowering start date and corolla tube entrance diameter was stronger at the population where the dominant pollinators were syrphid flies. Pollinator‐mediated selection explained most of the between‐population variations in the net directional selection on flowering phenology and corolla tube entrance diameter. Our results suggested the important influence of pollinator‐mediated selection on floral evolution. Variations in pollinator assemblages not only resulted in variation in the direction of selection but also the strength of selection on floral traits.
Polyhalogenated Decaborate and 1‐Ammoniododecaborate Ions: An Improved Synthesis with Elemental Halogens, and Physicochemical and Chemical Properties
Authors: Holub Josef , El Anwar Suzan , Jelínek Tomáš , Fojt Lukáš , Růžičková Zdeňka , Šolínová Veronika , Kašička Václav , Gabel Detlef , Grüner Bohumír
Published: August 2017

Currently, the whole area of polyhalogenated polyhedral anions is undergoing a renaissance due to their high stability, the kinetic inertness of the cage B–X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) bonds and facile tuning of the physicochemical properties (stability, polarity, lipophilicity, pKa, solubility, electrochemical potentials, etc.). Herein, we report on specific procedures that facilitate the polyhalogenation of basic 10‐ and 12‐vertex borate anions. Newly improved preparative methods for the perhalogenation of the [B10H10]2– ion in aqueous solution that easily and almost quantitatively produce [B10X10]2– species (X = Cl, Br, I) have been developed using elemental halogens in a glass pressure vessel. Moreover, attention has also been paid to similar reactions leading to derivatives with mixed substitutions with heavier halogens and an ammonium group, that is, to the series of [1‐NH3B12X11]– (X = Cl, Br, I). The X‐ray structure of the [1‐NH3B12I11]– derivative is presented and the spectral, electrochemical and physicochemical properties of these polyhalogenated systems are outlined along with specific insights into the properties of the –NH3 group and its substitution chemistry.
Oolong Tea Polyphenols–Phospholipids Complex Reduces Obesity in High Fat Diet‐Induced Mice Model
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Xin , Cheng Mei , Cao Jinxuan , Wu Zufang , Weng Peifang , Yan Meidi
Published: August 2017

In this study, the anti‐obesity effect of oolong tea polyphenols–phospholipids complex (OTC) was investigated. OTC was prepared with oolong tea polyphenols (OTP) and phospholipids, and exhibited higher stability than OTP in vitro. Then high fat diet‐induced obesity human flora‐associated (HFA) mice model were obtained, and the administration of both OTP and OTC alleviated the changes of the serum and liver levels induced by high fat diet dramatically. The numbers (log10 cell mL−1) of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus/Enterococcus spp., Bacteroides‐Prevotella and Clostridium histolyticum in obesity models fed with OTC after 8 weeks were 8.28 ± 0.03, 8.21 ± 0.01, 7.23 ± 0.02, and 7.05 ± 0.03 compared with 8.21 ± 0.02, 8.07 ± 0.02, 7.31 ± 0.02, and 7.10 ± 0.01, respectively, in the control. Together, it confirmed the potential of phospholipids in the promotion of intestinal transport of polyphenols, suggesting OTC may have prebiotic‐like activity to prevent obesity‐related metabolic disorders.

Oolong tea polyphenols–phospholipids complex show modulatory effect on the intestinal microbiota of high fat diet‐induced obesity mice model, and may have prebiotic‐like activity contributing to the prevention of obesity.
Chronic widespread pain prevalence in the general population: A systematic review
Authors: Andrews P. , Steultjens M. , Riskowski J.
Published: August 2017

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a significant burden in communities. Understanding the impact of population‐dependent (e.g., age, gender) and contextual‐dependent (e.g. survey method, region, inequality level) factors have on CWP prevalence may provide a foundation for population‐based strategies to address CWP. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the global prevalence of CWP and evaluate the population and contextual factors associated with CWP. A systematic review of CWP prevalence studies (1990–2017) in the general population was undertaken. Meta‐analyses were conducted to determine CWP prevalence, and study population data and contextual factors were evaluated using a meta‐regression. Thirty‐nine manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Study CWP prevalence ranged from 1.4% to 24.0%, with CWP prevalence in men ranging from 0.8% to 15.3% and 1.7% to 22.1% in women. Estimated overall CWP prevalence was 9.6% (8.0–11.2%). Meta‐regression analyses showed gender, United Nations country development status, and human development index (HDI) influenced CWP prevalence, while survey method, region, methodological and reporting quality, and inequality showed no significant effect on the CWP estimate. Globally CWP affects one in ten individuals within the general population, with women more likely to experience CWP than men. HDI was noted to be the socioeconomic factor related to CWP prevalence, with those in more developed countries having a lower CWP prevalence than those in less developed countries. Most CWP estimates were from developed countries, and CWP estimates from countries with a lower socioeconomic position is needed to further refine the global estimate of CWP.

Significance

This systematic review and meta‐analysis updates the current global CWP prevalence by examining the population‐level (e.g. age, gender) and contextual (e.g. country development status; survey style; reporting and methodologic quality) factors associated with CWP prevalence. This analyses provides evidence to support higher levels of CWP in countries with a lower socioeconomic position relative to countries with a higher socioeconomic position.
Impedance Sensor to Detect Substance Change at the Needle Tip
Authors: Helen Lisa , O'Donnell Brian D. , Messina Walter , O'Mahony Conor , Ahmed Osman M. A. , Moore Eric J.
Published: August 2017

Objective, reliable, accurate and cost‐effective methods for real‐time needle localization within the body are needed for many different clinical applications. Electrical impedance (EI) is a technique used to identify biological tissues and has the potential to provide real‐time needle localization during medical procedures. We have developed a needle integrated with an impedance sensor to enable needle tip impedance measurement and tissue identification. This paper details device performance as it traversed test media, gelatine and lard, at constant speeds and provides analysis of the impedance measurements taken from the needle tip. The average needle speed of forward advancement during ultrasound guided peripheral nerve block was defined and used in these experiments as a clinically relevant needle speed. Impedance was also recorded while the needle was static in bulks of the different substances. Physical change of substance at the needle tip was compared to a change in magnitude of impedance. A delay between the physical substance change and indication of a substance change by impedance was observed. On further investigation using impedance data recorded while the needle was static, limitations of current electrochemical analysers and software were identified as the cause for the delay. Impedance measured by the needle tip electrode accurately determined a change in substance. We conclude that this technology can feasibly provide data to inform substance type at the needle tip. An application in medical procedures will subsequently be evaluated.
Advances in Capillary Electrophoretically Mediated Microanalysis for On‐line Enzymatic and Derivatization Reactions
Authors: Huang Shengyun , Paul Prasanta , Ramana Pranov , Adams Erwin , Augustijns Patrick , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: August 2017

This review summarizes recent developments, applications, and innovations of capillary electrophoretically mediated microanalysis methods. As a follow up of an earlier review, it covers the literature from early 2015 to early 2017. This article is divided into three parts. In the first part, different types of mixing procedures and applications of enzyme mediated microanalysis are discussed; the second part summarizes immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs), while the third part deals with recent advances in on‐line derivatization reactions.
A soft computing tool for species classification and prediction of glucomannan content inAmorphophallusgenus
Authors: Banerjee Anupam , Das Priti , Mekkerdchoo Orachorn , Borompichaichartkul Chaleeda , Basu Subhadip , Nasipuri Mita , Srzednicki Georges
Published: August 2017

The proposed work aims at designing a classification system for automatic identification ofA. muellerispecies, grown as a potential cash crop in many Asian countries, from the DNA fingerprints ofAmorphophallusgenus. Four sets of 48 DNA fingerprints belonging to 37 species of theAmorphophallusgenus, developed with the help of four different primers are considered for the experiment, with an objective to identify only the fingerprints of the species of interest. A second experimental setup deals with the automatic classification of species containing high amounts of glucomannan from the same set of DNA fingerprints of theAmorphophallusgenus. For each set of 48 DNA fingerprints generated with a specific primer, the DNA fingerprints are preprocessed to extract a 42 dimensional feature vector which is used to generate a k‐Nearest Neighbor based classifier based on the Leave One Out Cross Validation protocol. Final classification based on outputs from individual classifiers constructed with respect to the four different primers is performed according to a n‐star consensus strategy. The n‐star consensus predicts speciesA. muelleriwith cent per cent accuracy while it predicts species containing glucomannan with a more modest accuracy of 81.25%.
Temperature Control for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell based on Current Constraint with Consideration of Limited Cooling Capacity
Authors: Chen F. , Yu Y. , Gao Y.
Published: August 2017

Temperature is one of the key factors to ensure reliable and efficient performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Whereas, due to the limited cooling capacity in automotive application, conventional strategies may fail to remove the excessive heat when the cooling actuator saturates. Hence, three temperature control strategies based on current constraint are developed in this study. Firstly, a dynamic thermal model based on energy conservation is presented. Then a duty ratio split control strategy is proposed to calculate the reduced current from the excess of duty ratio of radiator, yet spike behavior occurs. Hence, a current governor control strategy and a constrained model predictive control strategy are derived to trade off the power demand and cooling capacity, where the maximum load current is calculated by current governor in real time and optimized under the physical constraints of duty ratio and current change rate, respectively. The performances of all the strategies are demonstrated. The current governor control strategy is easy to implement with less computational burden. The constrained model predictive control strategy has fast response and can take into account various constraints explicitly. Both of them have satisfying control performances regardless of limited cooling capacity.
Understanding Current FCC Regulations and Industry Trends in Pole Attachments
Authors: Knowles Sean
Published: August 2017

Picture a time in the not‐too‐distant future when you are riding in the driver's seat of your Tesla. Because the car drives itself, you're watching a streaming movie on Netflix. Your car pulls off the road to power up at an EV charging station, and you don't even look up.
Mexican Energy Reform—New Production Could Eventually Threaten US Exports
Authors: Smead Richard G.
Published: August 2017

Mexico is now four years into the ambitious, comprehensive reform and liberalization of its energy industries begun in 2013.
Will NAFTA Renegotiation Stop Greening of Mexico's Power Sector?
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: August 2017

[We welcome Thomas N. Russo as an Energy and the Environment columnist—Ed.]
The effect of designing parameter of WAG injection on enhancement of CO2 trapping in heterogeneous formations: A numerical study
Authors: Joodaki Saba , Yang Zhibing , Niemi Auli
Published: August 2017

Dissolution and residual trapping of CO2 injected in saline aquifers can be influenced by injection strategies applied. In this study, we focus on the water‐alternating‐gas (WAG) strategy and investigate the importance of parameters needed to design an effective WAG injection sequence, including (i) CO2 and water injection rates, (ii) WAG ratio, and (iii) number of cycles. Using TOUGH2‐ECO2N, we perform 3D numerical simulations of sequences of CO2 and water injection into a heterogeneous formation. Hysteresis in relative permeability and capillary pressure functions is considered based on the Land trapping model. Results show that to design a WAG injection in a high permeable formation, the WAG ratio and number of injection cycles are more important parameters than the CO2 and water injection rates. Increasing the total amount of water injection (i.e., decreasing the WAG ratio for given total amount of injected CO2) improves the CO2 dissolution and residual trapping. It is also shown that increasing the number of injection cycles has a negative effect on both residual and dissolution trapping as measured at the end of the injection sequence, because both the free‐phase and the dissolved CO2 plumes in the one‐cycle injection scenario reach farther distances and occupy larger reservoir volumes than in the multi‐cycle injection. This result means that while water injection following the CO2 injection improves trapping in comparison with the CO2‐only injection strategy, the WAG scheme with multiple cycles should not be chosen to enhance trapping for the scenario considered in this study. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on filtration patterns of supercritical CO2 fracturing in unconventional natural gas reservoirs
Authors: Wang Jintang , Sun Baojiang , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhang Jianbo
Published: August 2017

Taking the supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) Joule–Thomson coefficient and the effects of adsorption between CO2‐shale‐CH4 into consideration, a two‐phase filtration rate calculation model of SC‐CO2 fracturing in unconventional natural gas reservoirs is proposed. With the help of an experimental apparatus of fluid filtration in shales, it has been found that the theoretical calculation and experimental measurement have an absolute error of 3.31% of the steady filtration rate under specific conditions. Under different pressure differentials between the reservoir and the fracture, the absolute average error of the calculated filtration rate is 2.53%, compared with the experimental data. The filtration of the SC‐CO2 fracturing in an unconventional natural gas reservoir is characterized by the filtration rate, which gradually decreases with time, and the rate of its decrease tends to reach equilibrium in the late stage. The funnel‐like pressure distribution occurs near the fracture during the transmission of the filtration pressure. A non‐linear relationship exists between the filtration rate and the permeability, which indicates that higher permeability enlarges the effective range of the fracturing fluid pressure as well as the invasion region. Moreover, the steady filtration rate and the pressure drop magnitude present a nearly linear increase with the increasing filtration pressure differential. In the site operation of the SC‐CO2 fracturing, the injection temperature, pressure, and pump rate can be optimized using the proposed chart. Thickening of the SC‐CO2 fracturing fluid can effectively decrease the filtration rate, and thus development of thickened SC‐CO2 fracturing fluid systems that prevent formation damage is needed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calibrated imaging reveals altered grey matter metabolism related to white matter microstructure and symptom severity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hubbard Nicholas A. , Turner Monroe P. , Ouyang Minhui , Himes Lyndahl , Thomas Binu P. , Hutchison Joanna L. , Faghihahmadabadi Shawheen , Davis Scott L. , Strain Jeremy F. , Spence Jeffrey , Krawczyk Daniel C. , Huang Hao , Lu Hanzhang , Hart John , Frohman Teresa C. , Frohman Elliot M. , Okuda Darin T. , Rypma Bart
Published: August 2017

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves damage to white matter microstructures. This damage has been related to grey matter function as measured by standard, physiologically‐nonspecific neuroimaging indices (i.e., blood‐oxygen‐level dependent signal [BOLD]). Here, we used calibrated functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging to examine the extent to which specific, evoked grey matter physiological processes were associated with white matter diffusion in MS. Evoked changes in BOLD, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) were measured in visual cortex. Individual differences in the diffusion tensor measure, radial diffusivity, within occipital tracts were strongly associated with MS patients’ BOLD and CMRO2. However, these relationships were in opposite directions, complicating the interpretation of the relationship between BOLD and white matter microstructural damage in MS. CMRO2 was strongly associated with individual differences in patients’ fatigue and neurological disability, suggesting that alterations to evoked oxygen metabolic processes may be taken as a marker for primary symptoms of MS. This work demonstrates the first application of calibrated and diffusion imaging together and details the first application of calibrated functional MRI in a neurological population. Results lend support for neuroenergetic hypotheses of MS pathophysiology and provide an initial demonstration of the utility of evoked oxygen metabolism signals for neurology research. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5375–5390, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circulating tumor cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Feasibility of detection and quantitation
Authors: Kawada Tomoyuki , Takahashi Hideyuki , Sakakura Koichi , Ida Shota , Mito Ikko , Toyoda Minoru , Chikamatsu Kazuaki
Published: August 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to present our findings that because circulating tumor cells (CTCs) exist in extremely low numbers, their detection and quantification are challenging.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 32 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and were subjected to the CellSieve Microfiltration Assay using a low‐pressure filtration system. The CTCs captured by the filter were stained with an antibody cocktail (anti‐cytokeratin (CK) 8, 18, and 19, anti‐epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and anti‐CD45 antibodies).

Results

The CTCs were detected in 29 of 32 patients (90.6%). Although patients with advanced disease had a significantly higher number of CTCs, the clinical N classification was not associated with the CTC count. After treatment, the CTC count showed a significant decrease.

Conclusion

The CTCs were successfully detected and quantified in patients with HNSCC by using a low‐pressure filtration system equipped with precision microfilters. Further studies using a larger number of patient samples and/or molecular analysis of CTCs are warranted.