bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Herbivore Population Dynamics Into a Global Land Biosphere Model: Plugging Animals Into the Earth System
Authors: Dangal Shree R. S. , Tian Hanqin , Lu Chaoqun , Ren Wei , Pan Shufen , Yang Jia , Di Cosmo Nicola , Hessl Amy
Published: November 2017

Mammalian herbivores are an essential component of grassland and savanna ecosystems, and with feedbacks to the climate system. To date, the response and feedbacks of mammalian herbivores to changes in both abiotic and biotic factors are poorly quantified and not adequately represented in the current global land surface modeling framework. In this study, we coupled herbivore population dynamics in a global land model (the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model, DLEM 3.0) to simulate populations of horses, cattle, sheep, and goats, and their responses to changes in multiple environmental factors at the site level across different continents during 1980–2010. Simulated results show that the model is capable of reproducing observed herbivore population dynamics across all sites for these animal groups. Our simulation results also indicate that during this period, climate extremes led to a maximum mortality of 27% of the total herbivores in Mongolia. Across all sites, herbivores reduced aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and heterotrophic respiration (Rh) by 14% and 15%, respectively (p < 0.05). With adequate parameterization, the model can be used for historical assessment and future prediction of mammalian herbivore populations and their relevant impacts on biogeochemical cycles. Our simulation results demonstrate a strong coupling between primary producers and consumers, indicating that inclusion of herbivores into the global land modeling framework is essential to better understand the potentially large effect of herbivores on carbon cycles in grassland and savanna ecosystems.
Subsurface Nonlinear Dynamical Heating and ENSO Asymmetry
Authors: Hayashi Michiya , Jin Fei‐Fei
Published: November 2017

This study presents evidence of interannual to interdecadal variabilities residing in the subsurface nonlinear dynamical heating (NDH) along the equatorial Pacific thermocline based on ocean reanalysis products. In association with a flattened thermocline and drastic halt of the Equatorial Undercurrent, the NDH increases sharply right after a peak of the strong El Niño, reducing the linear anomalous advective subsurface cooling by 30%. As the result, subsurface cold signals in the west are significantly weakened as it reaches the easternmost Pacific, causing less surface cooling in the east and thus weakening the subsequent La Niña. Therefore, the subsurface NDH contributes to asymmetry in both the magnitude and structure between El Niño and La Niña. The acute positive subsurface NDH associated with strong El Niño events leads to substantial variations in its decadal means and serves as a potential source for tropical Pacific decadal to interdecadal variabilities.
The Influence of Hydraulic Fracturing on Carbon Storage Performance
Authors: Fu Pengcheng , Settgast Randolph R. , Hao Yue , Morris Joseph P. , Ryerson Frederick J.
Published: November 2017

Conventional principles of the design and operation of geologic carbon storage (GCS) require injecting CO2 below the caprock fracturing pressure to ensure the integrity of the storage complex. In nonideal storage reservoirs with relatively low permeability, pressure buildup can lead to hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir and caprock. While the GCS community has generally viewed hydraulic fractures as a key risk to storage integrity, a carefully designed stimulation treatment under appropriate geologic conditions could provide improved injectivity while maintaining overall seal integrity. A vertically contained hydraulic fracture, either in the reservoir rock or extending a limited height into the caprock, provides an effective means to access reservoir volume far from the injection well. Employing a fully coupled numerical model of hydraulic fracturing, solid deformation, and matrix fluid flow, we study the enabling conditions, processes, and mechanisms of hydraulic fracturing during CO2 injection. A hydraulic fracture's pressure‐limiting behavior dictates that the near‐well fluid pressure is only slightly higher than the fracturing pressure of the rock and is insensitive to injection rate and mechanical properties of the formation. Although a fracture contained solely within the reservoir rock with no caprock penetration, would be an ideal scenario, poroelastic principles dictate that sustaining such a fracture could lead to continuously increasing pressure until the caprock fractures. We also investigate the propagation pattern and injection pressure responses of a hydraulic fracture propagating in a caprock subjected to heterogeneous in situ stress. The results have important implications for the use of hydraulic fracturing as a tool for managing storage performance.
Role of Compressibility on Tsunami Propagation
Authors: Abdolali Ali , Kirby James T.
Published: November 2017

In the present paper, we aim to reduce the discrepancies between tsunami arrival times evaluated from tsunami models and real measurements considering the role of ocean compressibility. We perform qualitative studies to reveal the phase speed reduction rate via a modified version of the Mild Slope Equation for Weakly Compressible fluid (MSEWC) proposed by Sammarco et al. (2013). The model is validated against a 3‐D computational model. Physical properties of surface gravity waves are studied and compared with those for waves evaluated from an incompressible flow solver over realistic geometry for 2011 Tohoku‐oki event, revealing reduction in phase speed.
Deep Bering Sea Circulation and Variability, 2001–2016, From Argo Data
Authors: Johnson Gregory C. , Stabeno Phyllis J.
Published: November 2017

The mean structure, seasonal cycle, and interannual variability of temperature and salinity are analyzed in the deep Bering Sea basin using Argo profile data collected from 2001 to 2016. Gyre transports are estimated using geostrophic stream function maps of Argo profile data referenced to a 1,000 dbar nondivergent absolute velocity stream function mapped from Argo parking pressure displacement data. Relatively warm and salty water from the North Pacific enters the basin through the Near Strait and passages between Aleutian Islands to the east. This water then flows in a cyclonic (counterclockwise) direction around the region, cooling (and freshening) along its path. Aleutian North Slope Current transports from 0 to 1,890 dbar are estimated at 3–6 Sverdrups (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1) eastward, feeding into the northwestward Bering Slope Current with transports of mostly 5–6 Sv. The Kamchatka Current has transports of ∼6 Sv north of Shirshov Ridge, increasing to 14–16 Sv south of the ridge, where it is augmented by westward flow from Near Strait. Temperature exhibits strong interannual variations in the upper ocean, with warm periods in 2004–2005 and 2015–2016, and cold periods around 2009 and 2012. In contrast, upper ocean salinity generally decreases from 2001 to 2016. As a result of this salinity decrease, the density of the subsurface temperature minimum decreased over this time period, despite more interannual variability in the minimum temperature value. The subsurface temperature maximum also exhibits interannual variability, but with values generally warmer than those previously reported for the 1970s and 1980s.
Diurnal Forcing Induces Variations in Seasonal Temperature and Its Rectification Mechanism in the Eastern Shelf Seas of China
Authors: Yu Yang , Gao Huiwang , Shi Jie , Guo Xinyu , Liu Guangliang
Published: November 2017

This study investigates the seasonal variation in temperature induced by diurnal forcing in the eastern shelf seas of China (ESSC) using a high‐resolution Regional Ocean Modeling System model forced by the National Center for Environmental Prediction and the National Center for Atmospheric Research re‐analysis data for surface fluxes with both 6 h and daily frequencies, respectively. The comparison between two experiments revealed a
modification of the variation in seasonal temperature by diurnal forcing, which also increases the mixed‐layer depth (MLD) in August by 26% and reduces the volume of the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) by 25%. Sensitivity experiments using different forcing variables indicated that diurnal wind can explain over 80% of the variability in seasonal temperature induced by diurnal forcing. Diurnal wind led to an increase in the net heat flux into the ocean by about 13
in summer and a decrease by about 15
in winter. Diurnal wind also generated an additional downward heat transport of 21
over the ESSC that contributed to variability in the mean MLD and YSCWM in August. Experiments changing the temporal interval of wind forcing suggested that the increase in the forcing temporal interval gradually enhanced the reproduction of the variability in seasonal temperature generated by diurnal wind; a 6 h wind forcing can capture 70% of this type of variability given by 1 h wind forcing, while a 3 h or shorter wind forcing can capture 90%.
Eddy‐Kuroshio Interactions: Local and Remote Effects
Authors: Jan Sen , Mensah Vigan , Andres Magdalena , Chang Ming‐Huei , Yang Yiing Jang
Published: November 2017

Quasi‐geostrophic mesoscale eddies regularly impinge on the Kuroshio in the western North Pacific, but the processes underlying the evolution of these eddy‐Kuroshio interactions have not yet been thoroughly investigated in the literature. Here this interaction is examined with results from a semi‐idealized three‐dimensional numerical model and observations from four pressure‐sensor equipped inverted echo sounders (PIESs) in a zonal section east of Taiwan and satellite altimeters. Both the observations and numerical simulations suggest that, during the interaction of a cyclonic eddy with the Kuroshio, the circular eddy is deformed into an elliptic shape with the major axis in the northwest‐southeast direction, before being dissipated; the poleward velocity and associated Kuroshio transport decrease and the sea level and pycnocline slopes across the Kuroshio weaken. In contrast, for an anticyclonic eddy during the eddy‐Kuroshio interaction, variations in the velocity, sea level, and isopycnal depth are reversed; the circular eddy is also deformed to an ellipse but with the major axis parallel to the Kuroshio. The model results also demonstrate that the velocity field is modified first and consequently the SSH and isopycnal depth evolve during the interaction. Furthermore, due to the combined effect of impingement latitude and realistic topography, some eddy‐Kuroshio interactions east of Taiwan are found to have remote effects, both in the Luzon Strait and on the East China Sea shelf northeast of Taiwan.
Controlling Pulsed EM Scattering of a One‐Port Receiving Antenna
Authors: Štumpf Martin
Published: November 2017

A time domain compensation theorem concerning electromagnetic (EM) scattering of a one‐port antenna system is derived with the aid of the reciprocity theorem of the time convolution type. The theorem describes the impact of a change in the antenna load on receiving antenna scattering properties. The compensation theorem is next applied to express the change of the copolarized backscattered far‐field amplitude in terms of (local) Kirchhoff circuit quantities excited in the corresponding receiving scenarios. Applications of the results can be found in controlling the pulsed echo of a receiving antenna as well as in related theoretical aspects of receiving antenna scattering theory. Illustrative numerical results are given for both linear and nonlinear antenna loads.
Introduction of H2C2‐type zinc‐binding residues into HIV‐2 Vpr increases its expression level
Authors: Koga Ryoko , Yamamoto Minami , Ciftci Halil Ibrahim , Otsuka Masami , Fujita Mikako
Published: November 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 has two structurally similar proteins, Vpx and Vpr. Vpx degrades the host anti‐viral protein SAMHD1 and is expressed at high levels, while Vpr is responsible for cell cycle arrest and is expressed at much lower levels. We constructed a Vpr mutant with a high level of expression by replacing the amino acids HHCR/HHCH with a putative H2C2‐type zinc‐binding site that is carried by Vpx. Our finding suggests that during the evolution of Vpr and Vpx, zinc‐binding likely became a mechanism for regulating their expression levels.
Overweight, Obesity, and the Likelihood of Achieving Sustained Remission in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Schulman Elizabeth , Bartlett Susan J. , Schieir Orit , Andersen Kathleen M. , Boire Gilles , Pope Janet E. , Hitchon Carol , Jamal Shahin , Thorne J. Carter , Tin Diane , Keystone Edward C. , Haraoui Boulos , Goodman Susan M. , Bykerk Vivian P. ,   the CATCH Investigators
Published: November 2017

Objective

Obesity is implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development, severity, outcomes, and treatment response. We estimated the independent effects of overweight and obesity on ability to achieve sustained remission (sREM) in the 3 years following RA diagnosis.

Methods

Data were from the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort, a multicenter observational trial of early RA patients treated by rheumatologists using guideline‐based care. sREM was defined as Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) <2.6 for 2 consecutive visits. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) as healthy (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Cox regression was used to estimate the effect of the BMI category on the probability of achieving sREM over the first 3 years, controlling for age, sex, race, education, RA duration, smoking status, comorbidities, baseline DAS28, Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index, C‐reactive protein level, and initial treatment.

Results

Of 982 patients, 315 (32%) had a healthy BMI, 343 (35%) were overweight, and 324 (33%) were obese; 355 (36%) achieved sREM within 3 years. Initial treatment did not differ by BMI category. Compared to healthy BMI, overweight patients (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.58–0.98]) and obese patients (HR 0.53 [95% CI 0.39–0.71]) were significantly less likely to achieve sREM.

Conclusion

Rates of overweight and obesity were high (69%) in this early RA cohort. Overweight patients were 25% less likely, and obese patients were 47% less likely, to achieve sREM in the first 3 years, despite similar initial disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug treatment and subsequent biologic use. This is the largest study demonstrating the negative impact of excess weight on RA disease activity and supports a call to action to better identify and address this risk in RA patients.
Precise Assembly of Synthetic Carriers of siRNA through a Series of Interlocked Thermodynamically Self‐Regulated Processes
Authors: Feng Jia , Chen Shun , Ge Xuemei , Wu Fei , Bai Guang , Jin Tuo
Published: November 2017

A synthetic carrier of small interfering RNA (siRNA) with customizable size, pH‐responsive degradability and optimized surface population of cell‐targeting agents is constructed precisely through a series of interlocked thermodynamically self‐regulated processes. This system consists of a unimolecular polyplex core formed from each individual molecule of networked cationic polymer and a multi‐functional shell assembled from a rationally designed triblock copolymer. The core‐forming polymer of defined size is synthesized via Zeta potential‐regulated condensation of branched and linear multi‐amine bearing oligomers through pH‐responding imidazole conjugated imine linkages. The shell‐forming copolymer consists of a multi‐carboxyl saccharide end block to guide to the surface assembly, a hydrophobic central block to form an encapsulating layer, and a poly(ethylene glycol) end block equipped with a highly selective active ester for “hooking” various cell‐targeting agents. Animal assays confirm the flexibility and convenience of this system to equip with selected functional components for systemic delivery of siRNA.
Bio‐Inspired Photonic Materials: Prototypes and Structural Effect Designs for Applications in Solar Energy Manipulation
Authors: Zhou Han , Xu Jun , Liu Xianghui , Zhang Haiwen , Wang Dantong , Chen Zhihan , Zhang Di , Fan Tongxiang
Published: November 2017

Natural creatures have evolved elaborate photonic nanostructures on multiple scales and dimensions in a hierarchical, organized way to realize controllable absorption, reflection, or transmitting the desired wavelength of the solar spectrum. A bio‐inspired strategy is a powerful and promising way for solar energy manipulation. This feature article presents the state‐of‐the‐art progress on bio‐inspired photonic materials on this particular application. The article first briefly recalls the physical origins of natural photonic effects and catalogues the typical natural photonic prototypes including light harvesting, broadband reflection, selective reflection, and UV/IR response. Next, typical applications are categorized into two primary areas: solar energy utilization and reflection. Recent advances including solar‐to‐electricity, solar‐to‐fuels, solar‐thermal (e.g., photothermal converters, infrared detectors, thermoelectric materials, smart windows, and solar steam generation) are highlighted in the first part. Meanwhile, solar energy reflection involving infrared stealth, radiative cooling, and micromirrors are also addressed. In particular, this article focuses on bioinspired design principles, structural effects on functions, and future trends. Finally, the main challenges and prospects for the next generation of bioinspired photonic materials are discussed, including new design concepts, emerging ideas, and possible strategies.
Controlling Protein Adsorption through Nanostructured Polymeric Surfaces
Authors: Firkowska‐Boden Izabela , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Jandt Klaus D.
Published: November 2017

The initial host response to healthcare materials' surfaces after implantation is the adsorption of proteins from blood and interstitial fluids. This adsorbed protein layer modulates the biological/cellular responses to healthcare materials. This stresses the significance of the surface protein assembly for the biocompatibility and functionality of biomaterials and necessitates a profound fundamental understanding of the capability to control protein–surface interactions. This review, therefore, addresses this by systematically analyzing and discussing strategies to control protein adsorption on polymeric healthcare materials through the introduction of specific surface nanostructures. Relevant proteins, healthcare materials' surface properties, clinical applications of polymer healthcare materials, fabrication methods for nanostructured polymer surfaces, amorphous, semicrystalline and block copolymers are considered with a special emphasis on the topographical control of protein adsorption. The review shows that nanostructured polymer surfaces are powerful tools to control the amount, orientation, and order of adsorbed protein layers. It also shows that the understanding of the biological responses to such ordered protein adsorption is still in its infancy, yet it has immense potential for future healthcare materials. The review, which is—as far as it is known—the first one discussing protein adsorption on nanostructured polymer surfaces, concludes with highlighting important current research questions.
Black Phosphorus Nanosheets as a Neuroprotective Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Disorder Therapy
Authors: Chen Wansong , Ouyang Jiang , Yi Xinyao , Xu Yan , Niu Chengcheng , Zhang Weiyu , Wang Liqiang , Sheng Jianping , Deng Liu , Liu You‐Nian , Guo Shaojun
Published: November 2017

Transition‐metal dyshomeostasis is recognized as a critical pathogenic factor at the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorder (ND). Excess transition‐metal ions such as Cu2+ can catalyze the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and thereafter induce neuronal cell apoptosis. Exploring new chelating agents, which are not only capable of capturing excess redox‐active metal, but can also cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), are highly desired for ND therapy. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2D black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets can capture Cu2+ efficiently and selectively to protect neuronal cells from Cu2+‐induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies show that the BBB permeability of BP nanosheets is significantly improved under near‐infrared laser irradiation due to their strong photothermal effect, which overcomes the drawback of conventional chelating agents. Furthermore, the excellent biocompatibility and stability guarantee the biosafety of BP in future clinical applications. Therefore, these features make BP nanosheets have the great potential to work as an efficient neuroprotective nanodrug for ND therapy.
Direct Inkjet Printing of TIPS‐Pentacene Single Crystals onto Interdigitated Electrodes by Chemical Confinement
Authors: Pipan Giulio , Bogar Marco , Ciavatti Andrea , Basiricò Laura , Cramer Tobias , Fraboni Beatrice , Fraleoni‐Morgera Alessandro
Published: November 2017

Organic semiconducting single crystals (OSSCs) are very promising for low‐cost electronics, being the highest performers among organic semiconductors in terms of charge transport, with carrier mobilities exceeding 10 cm2 V s−1. Here, it is demonstrated how it is possible to obtain millimeter‐long single crystals of 6,13‐bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS‐pentacene) onto gold interdigitated electrodes patterned onto flexible plastic substrates, via direct inkjet printing of precursor solutions. This result is enabled by a novel chemical confinement strategy that exploits fluorinated thiols as solvophobic “chemical fences”, able to avoid the printed solution spreading, thus promoting the formation of single crystals even on highly heterogeneous surfaces, without changing the chemical nature of the surface underlying the grown crystals. Electrical measurements demonstrate a good electrical contact with the electrodes. Moreover, their response UV‐vis (Ultraviolet‐visible) is among the highest up to now reported for organic UV–vis photodetectors, and their performance as direct X‐ray detectors is satisfactory, confirming that the printed crystals have an effective electrical contact with the underlying electrodes. Since both the solvophobic fence and the TIPS crystals precursor solution are inkjet printed on flexible substrates, this work opens novel perspectives for the practical use of OSSCs in low cost, yet performing, flexible electronics.
Tin‐Based Perovskite with Improved Coverage and Crystallinity through Tin‐Fluoride‐Assisted Heterogeneous Nucleation
Authors: Xiao Min , Gu Shuai , Zhu Pengchen , Tang Mingyao , Zhu Weidong , Lin Renxing , Chen Chuanlu , Xu Weichao , Yu Tao , Zhu Jia
Published: November 2017

Tin fluoride (SnF2) is widely used as an effective additive for lead‐free tin‐based perovskite solar cells. However, the function of SnF2 and the mechanism in improving the film morphology are still not clear. In this work, it is clearly demonstrated that SnF2 can play a crucial role in the crystal nucleation process. Due to the limited solubility, SnF2 creates more nucleuses for the crystal growth and therefore enables more uniform thin film with high coverage. It is confirmed that this mechanism can be applied to the growth of both thin film and single crystal. As a result of tin‐fluoride‐assisted heterogeneous nucleation, an MASnIBr2‐based perovskite solar cell with a high and stable power conversion efficiency of 3.70% is demonstrated.
Same‐level fall injuries in US workplaces by age group, gender, and industry
Authors: Scott Kenneth A. , Fisher Gwenith G. , Barón Anna E. , Tompa Emile , Stallones Lorann , DiGuiseppi Carolyn
Published: November 2017

Background

As the workforce ages, occupational injuries from falls on the same level will increase. Some industries may be more affected than others.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate same‐level fall injury incidence rates by age group, gender, and industry for four sectors: 1) healthcare and social assistance; 2) manufacturing; 3) retail; and 4) transportation and warehousing. We calculated rate ratios and rate differences by age group and gender.

Results

Same‐level fall injury incidence rates increase with age in all four sectors. However, patterns of rate ratios and rate differences vary by age group, gender, and industry. Younger workers, men, and manufacturing workers generally have lower rates.

Conclusions

Variation in incidence rates suggests there are unrealized opportunities to prevent same‐level fall injuries. Interventions should be evaluated for their effectiveness at reducing injuries, avoiding gender‐ or age‐discrimination and improving work ability.
Noncovalent Interactions of π Systems with Sulfur: The Atomic Chameleon of Molecular Recognition
Authors: Motherwell William B. , Moreno Rafael B. , Pavlakos Ilias , Arendorf Josephine R. T. , Arif Tanzeel , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Aliev Abil E.
Published: November 2017

The relative strength of noncovalent interactions between a thioether sulfur atom and various π systems in designed top pan molecular balances was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Compared to its oxygen counterpart, the sulfur atom displays a remarkable ability to interact with almost equal facility over the entire range of π systems studied, with the simple alkene emerging as the most powerful partner. With the exception of the O⋅⋅⋅heteroarene interaction, all noncovalent interactions of sulfur with π systems are favoured over oxygen.
Modeling and simulation of a fluidized bed gasifier
Authors: Jain A. A. , Mehra A. , Ranade V. V.
Published: November 2017

A mathematical model to simulate continuous gasification of coal particles in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor is presented. Material and energy balance equations have been formulated based on the 2‐phase theory. Well‐known correlations have been used to estimate the hydrodynamics. Devolatilization, heterogeneous reactions, and homogenous reactions have been included in the model. The model is used to simulate 29 experimental data sets from the published literature. The model predictions agree very well with the experimental data by adjusting the particle size. After establishing agreement with the data, the model was used to investigate influence of various operating parameters on overall performance (carbon conversion and the gross calorific value of generated gas). Thermodynamic analysis (using the minimization of the Gibbs free energy approach) has also been discussed. The presented model and results provide useful tool and insight on design and operation of fluidized bed gasifier.
A Library of Multipurpose Supramolecular Supergelators: Fabrication of Structured Silica, Porous Plastics, and Fluorescent Gels
Authors: Krishnan Baiju P. , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: November 2017

Supramolecular gels find applications in various fields. Usually, a specific gelator is useful only for a specific application. This one‐gelator‐one‐application format is one factor that limits the usefulness of supramolecular gels. We report the synthesis of a library of gelators from a common core by using a click‐chemistry approach. Thus, the click reaction of β‐azido‐4,6‐O‐benzylidene–galactopyranoside (1) with various alkynes gave 11 different gelators having varying gelation abilities. Whereas gelators having alkyl‐chain substituents congealed alkanes and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), the gelators having aromatic substituents congealed aromatic solvents. We exploited this difference in gelling behavior in the templated synthesis of silica rods and porous plastics. The styrene gel of gelator 2 j was polymerized, and the gelator was removed by washing to obtain porous polystyrene. The TEOS gel of gelator 2 b was polymerized to silica, and the gelator template was removed by calcination to give microstructured silica rods. We also developed fluorescent gelator 2 f by this method, which might find applications by virtue of its fluorescence in the assembled state.
Guiding Decision Makers' Eye Movements with (Un)Predictable Object Locations
Authors: Orquin Jacob L. , Chrobot Nina , Grunert Klaus G.
Published: November 2017

We propose a new approach for guiding eye movements by controlling the predictability of object locations. We hypothesize that when a high (low) relevance object has a predictable location, observers are more (less) likely to fixate it compared with objects in unpredictable locations. We tested this hypothesis in three decision‐making studies, manipulating the location of a product label in an unpredictable, a predictable, and a mixed visual environment. In Study 1 and Study 2, we find that participants are less likely to fixate a low and medium relevance label in a predictable location, and in Study 3, we find that participants are more likely to fixate a high relevance label in a predictable location. Our findings suggest that predictable locations increase while unpredictable locations decrease top‐down control. The approach can be used to increase or decrease eye movements towards specific information depending on the goals of the choice architect. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Routine practice in staffed community accommodation (approved premises) in England and Wales: Quantitative benchmarking from the first year of a longitudinal study
Authors: Davies Jason , O'Meara Aisling
Published: November 2017

Background

In England and Wales, ‘approved premises’ offer 24‐hour staffed accommodation for high‐risk offenders, most of whom are returning to the community from prison. With a move towards a standardised operating model, it is essential to be able to measure outcomes.

Aims

Our aim is to collate and evaluate ‘benchmarks’ for approved premises.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, descriptive design was used to establish the impact of existing practice in all four approved premises in Wales. Data on well‐being, life satisfaction, attitudes to violence and problem‐solving abilities were recorded with 114 male residents (of 486), and attitudes to personality disorder and personal well‐being/burnout with 30 staff (of 86), in both narrative style and according to a number of scales used within criminal justice and healthcare systems. Perceptions of environmental climate were assessed with both groups. Scores were compared with those from reference groups, including prisoners and secure hospital patients. Criminological outcomes (e.g. prison recall) were obtained for all 486 men.

Results

Scores on the scales used were broadly comparable with those in relevant reference groups, but some showed floor or ceiling effects. Recall rates, whether directly from the premises or after further onward movement, were about 42% overall, comparable with those reported for similar offenders elsewhere.

Conclusions

This paper provides a short battery of measurements for use as benchmarks of experience and outcomes in staffed community accommodation for high‐risk men. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Direct Prebiotic Synthesis of Nicotinamide Nucleotide
Authors: Kim Hyo‐Joong , Benner Steven A.
Published: November 2017

The “RNA World” hypothesis proposes an early episode of the natural history of Earth, where RNA was used as the only genetically encoded molecule to catalyze steps in its metabolism. This, according to the hypothesis, included RNA catalysts that used RNA cofactors. However, the RNA World hypothesis places special demands on prebiotic chemistry, which must now deliver not only four ribonucleosides, but also must deliver the “functional” portion of these RNA cofactors. While some (e.g., methionine) present no particular challenges, nicotinamide ribose is special. Essential to its role in biological oxidations and reductions, its glycosidic bond that holds a positively charged heterocycle is especially unstable with respect to cleavage. Nevertheless, we are able to report here a prebiotic synthesis of phosphorylated nicotinamide ribose under conditions that also conveniently lead to the adenosine phosphate components of this and other RNA cofactors.
Programming Recognition Arrays through Double Chalcogen‐Bonding Interactions
Authors: Biot Nicolas , Bonifazi Davide
Published: November 2017

In this work, we have programmed and synthesized a recognition motif constructed around a chalcogenazolo‐pyridine scaffold (CGP) that, through the formation of frontal double chalcogen‐bonding interactions, associates into dimeric EX‐type complexes. The reliability of the double chalcogen‐bonding interaction has been shown at the solid‐state by X‐ray analysis, depicting the strongest recognition persistence for a Te‐congener. The high recognition fidelity, chemical and thermal stability and easy derivatization at the 2‐position makes CGP a convenient motif for constructing supramolecular architectures through programmed chalcogen‐bonding interactions.
Evaluating the Economically Suitability of Soft Brown Coal by Geology and Organic Petrology
Authors: Gerschel Henny , Volkmann Norbert , Rascher Jochen
Published: November 2017

Die geologisch‐petrologische Untersuchung von Weichbraunkohlen birgt großes Potenzial zur Lagerstättenerkundung und Rohstoffcharakterisierung. So können der Aufbau der Kohlen identifiziert, die Mikrohärte gemessen und verschiedene mikrophotometrische Kenngrößen bestimmt werden. Aus der Untersuchung von Veredlungsprodukten oder festen Prozessrückständen erwächst zudem die Möglichkeit, Aussagen zum technologischen Verhalten einzelner Komponenten zu geben, die Prozessbedingungen im Reaktionsraum zu rekonstruieren und besonders aufwendige, kohlenchemische Analysen zu ersetzen.
A mutational comparison of adult and adolescent and young adult (AYA) colon cancer
Authors: Tricoli James V. , Boardman Lisa A. , Patidar Rajesh , Sindiri Sivasish , Jang Jin S. , Walsh William D. , McGregor Paul M. , Camalier Corinne E. , Mehaffey Michele G. , Furman Wayne L. , Bahrami Armita , Williams P. Mickey , Lih Chih‐Jian , Conley Barbara A. , Khan Javed
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

It is possible that the relative lack of progress in treatment outcomes among adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer is caused by a difference in disease biology compared with the corresponding diseases in younger and older individuals. There is evidence that colon cancer is more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis in AYA patients than in older adult patients.

METHODS

To further understand the molecular basis for this difference, whole‐exome sequencing was conducted on a cohort of 30 adult, 30 AYA, and 2 pediatric colon cancers.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in mutational frequency was observed between AYA and adult samples in 43 genes, including ROBO1, MYC binding protein 2 (MYCBP2), breast cancer 2 (early onset) (BRCA2), MAP3K3, MCPH1, RASGRP3, PTCH1, RAD9B, CTNND1, ATM, NF1; KIT, PTEN, and FBXW7. Many of these mutations were nonsynonymous, missense, stop‐gain, or frameshift mutations that were damaging. Next, RNA sequencing was performed on a subset of the samples to confirm the mutations identified by exome sequencing. This confirmation study verified the presence of a significantly greater frequency of damaging mutations in AYA compared with adult colon cancers for 5 of the 43 genes (MYCBP2, BRCA2, PHLPP1, TOPORS, and ATR).

CONCLUSIONS

The current results provide the rationale for a more comprehensive study with a larger sample set and experimental validation of the functional impact of the identified variants along with their contribution to the biologic and clinical characteristics of AYA colon cancer. Cancer 2018;124:1070‐82. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Nonstoichiometric CuxInyS Quantum Dots for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Fan Xiang‐Bing , Yu Shan , Zhan Fei , Li Zhi‐Jun , Gao Yu‐Ji , Li Xu‐Bing , Zhang Li‐Ping , Tao Ye , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: November 2017

Unlike their bulk counterpart, CuxInyS quantum dots (QDs) prepared by an aqueous synthetic approach, show promising activity for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, which is competitive with the state‐of‐the‐art Cd chalcogen QDs. Moreover, the as‐prepared CuxInyS QDs with In‐rich composition show much better efficiency than the stoichiometric ones (Cu/In=1:1).
A minimum five‐component five‐term single‐nonlinearity chaotic jerk circuit based on a twin‐jerk single‐op‐amp technique
Authors: Munmuangsaen Buncha , Srisuchinwong Banlue
Published: November 2017

A minimum 5‐component 5‐term single‐nonlinearity chaotic jerk circuit is presented as the first simplest chaotic jerk circuit in a category that a single op‐amp is employed. Such a simplest circuit displays 5 simultaneous advantages of (1) 5 minimum basic electronic components, (2) 5 minimum algebraic terms in a set of 3 coupled first‐order ordinary differential equations (ODEs), (3) a single minimum term of nonlinearity in the ODEs, (4) a simple passive component for nonlinearity, and (5) a single op‐amp. The proposed 5‐term single‐nonlinearity chaotic jerk circuit and a slightly modified version of an existing 6‐term 2‐nonlinearity chaotic jerk circuit form mirrored images of each other. Although both mirrored circuits yield 2 different sets of the ODEs, both sets however can be recast into a pair of twin jerk equations. Both mirrored circuits are therefore algebraically twin 5‐component chaotic jerk circuits, leading to a twin‐jerk single‐op‐amp approach to the proposed minimum chaotic jerk circuit. Two cross verifications of trajectories of both circuits are illustrated through numerical and experimental results. Dynamical properties are also presented.
Implementing noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features may potentially impact the risk of malignancy for thyroid nodules categorized as AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN
Authors: Li Weihong , Sciallis Andrew , Lew Madelyn , Pang Judy , Jing Xin
Published: November 2017

Background

Noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has recently been reclassified as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP). Implementation of the new terminology may alter the implied risk of malignancy (ROM) across the six categories of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC).

Methods

The study cohort consisted of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) cases which were assessed between January 2011 and June 2016 and led to surgical resections. For each case, patient demographics as well as cytologic and corresponding histologic diagnoses were recorded. The surgical specimens diagnosed as follicular variant of PTC (FVPTC) were re‐reviewed to identify cases that met the diagnostic criteria for NIFTP. The ROM with and without exclusion of NIFTP from malignant categorization, as well as the relative change in ROM were calculated for individual categories of TBSRTC.

Results

A total of 908 FNA cases with surgical follow‐up were retrieved and PTC was identified in 252 (27.8%) surgical specimens. Twenty‐nine of 252 (11.5%) were initially classified as FVPTC, of which 17 (6.7%) were reclassified as NIFTP. The cytologic interpretations for the majority of NIFTP cases were atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS, n = 8) or follicular neoplasm/suspicious for neoplasm/(FN/SFN, n = 4). Excluding NIFTP from malignant categorization resulted in a relative decrease in ROM in AUS/FLUS (25.8%) and FN/SFN (22.3%) categories.

Conclusion

Our institutional data demonstrates that eliminating NIFTP from malignant categorization may result in a reduction of the implied ROM for AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN categories.
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis, mimicking malignancy, a rare presentation in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Chaturvedi Rachana , Kolhe Ashvini , Pardeshi Kirti , Naik Leena , Wanjare Shashir
Published: November 2017

Aspergillus species are ubiquitous opportunistic molds that cause both allergic and invasive syndromes. A 65‐year‐old female, farmer by occupation, presented with left upper limb and trunk swelling for one year, associated with pain, tightening of skin, and vesicles with watery discharge. Local examination showed a diffuse swelling extending from left arm to forearm and lateral chest wall associated with edema, induration, and raised temperature. The swelling was firm to hard with superficial skin ulcers and black eschar. Hematological investigations of the patient showed raised total WBC count and peripheral blood eosinophilia. Patient had no history suggesting immunosuppression. Clinico‐radiological impression was left breast carcinoma with secondary skin involvement. fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the swelling showed inflammatory cells, necrosis, epitheloid cell granulomas, and giant cells along with branching hyphae of variable thickness, confirmed on Gomori Methenamine Silver stain as fungal hyphae. Culture was advised which identified the species as Aspergillius fumigatus. Primary cutaneous infection by A. fumigatus in an immunocompetent patient is unheard of. FNAC has an important role in resolving diagnostic dilemma in primary cutaneous aspergillosis, which may mimic malignancy as in our case.
Characterization of mice carrying a conditional TEAD1 allele
Authors: Wen Tong , Yin Qin , Yu Luyi , Hu Guoqing , Liu Jinhua , Zhang Wei , Huang Liang , Su Huabo , Wang Menghong , Zhou Jiliang
Published: November 2017

The Hippo‐ yes‐associated protein (YAP) pathway is essential for controlling organ size and tumorigenesis. Previous studies have demonstrated that the primary outcome of YAP signaling in the nucleus is achieved by interaction with the transcription factor TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD1). The YAP/TEAD1 complex binds to DNA element and regulates the expression of genes involved in cell growth. However, constitutive knockout of TEAD1 leads to early embryonic lethality in mice. Thus, generation of a floxed TEAD1 mouse becomes crucial for further understanding mid‐ to late‐gestation and post‐natal role of TEAD1. Herein, we created and characterized a mouse model that allows for conditional disruption of TEAD1. Embryonic fibroblasts derived from the floxed TEAD1 mice enabled the Cre‐mediated deletion of TEAD1 in vitro using virally delivered Cre recombinase. Furthermore, crossing the floxed TEAD1 mouse with a ubiquitously expressing Cre mouse resulted in efficient ablation of the floxed allele in vivo, and the animals recapitulated early embryonic lethality defects. In conclusion, our data demonstrate an important role of TEAD1 in early development in mice, and the floxed TEAD1 mouse model will be a valuable genetic tool to determine the temporal and tissue‐specific functions of TEAD1.
Adaptive servo‐ventilation for central sleep apnoea in systolic heart failure: results of the major substudy of SERVE‐HF
Authors: Cowie Martin R. , Woehrle Holger , Wegscheider Karl , Vettorazzi Eik , Lezius Susanne , Koenig Wolfgang , Weidemann Frank , Smith Gillian , Angermann Christiane , d'Ortho Marie‐Pia , Erdmann Erland , Levy Patrick , Simonds Anita K. , Somers Virend K. , Zannad Faiez , Teschler Helmut
Published: November 2017

Aims

The SERVE‐HF trial investigated the impact of treating central sleep apnoea (CSA) with adaptive servo‐ventilation (ASV) in patients with systolic heart failure. A preplanned substudy was conducted to provide insight into mechanistic changes underlying the observed effects of ASV, including assessment of changes in left ventricular function, ventricular remodelling, and cardiac, renal and inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods and results

In a subset of the 1325 randomised patients, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and biomarker analysis were performed at baseline, and 3 and 12 months. In secondary analyses, data for patients with baseline and 12‐month values were evaluated; 312 patients participated in the substudy. The primary endpoint, change in echocardiographically determined left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to 12 months, did not differ significantly between the ASV and the control groups. There were also no significant between‐group differences for changes in left ventricular dimensions, wall thickness, diastolic function or right ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction (echocardiography), and on cMRI (in small patient numbers). Plasma N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide concentration decreased in both groups, and values were similar at 12 months. There were no significant between‐group differences in changes in cardiac, renal and systemic inflammation biomarkers.

Conclusion

In patients with systolic heart failure and CSA, addition of ASV to guideline‐based medical management had no statistically significant effect on cardiac structure and function, or on cardiac biomarkers, renal function and systemic inflammation over 12 months. The increased cardiovascular mortality reported in SERVE‐HF may not be related to adverse remodelling or worsening heart failure.
Triacylglycerol Profile of Summer and Winter Bovine Milk Fat and the Feasibility of Triacylglycerol Fragmentation
Authors: Tzompa‐Sosa Daylan A. , Meurs Pim P. , van Valenberg Hein J. F.
Published: November 2017

Bovine milk fat (MF) is considered to be one of the most complex fats, as it can consist of 400 FA which are non‐randomly esterified into the TAG molecule. This study aims to determine specific differences on MF TAG profile between summer and winter cow's milk, and to study the feasibility of TAG fragmentation on non‐chemically hydrogenated MF using MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS with post source decay. The most notable discrimination between summer and winter MF is seen in polyunsaturated TAG, which are more abundant in summer. The feasibility of MF TAG fragmentation in non‐chemically hydrogenated TAG is assessed using bulk MF and TAG previously separated according to degree of unsaturation. This last approach shows to be the most suitable. We show that sample concentration and abundance ratio with neighboring TAG affects TAG fragmentation. Non‐chemically hydrogenated MF TAG has not been previously fragmented. Furthermore, this is the first time that the conditions affecting TAG fragmentation in MF are reported.

Practical Application: TAG constitute the fundamental unit of fat crystals. Hence, fat crystal network is affected by variations in TAG profile. Understanding the variability of MF TAG profile between seasons may help to explain differences on crystallization behavior seen through the year in industrial processes. Moreover, TAG fragmentation allows determination of FA composition of individual TAG. This information is needed when studying the mechanism of FA acylation into TAG. For instance, when studying the effect of genetic variation of diacylglycerol acyl transferase isomer one in cows. The reported technique increases the capacity of MALDI‐TOF MS in lipidomic analysis.

This study aims to determine specific differences in milk‐fat triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles between summer and winter cow's milk, and to study the feasibility of TAG fragmentation on non‐chemically hydrogenated milk fat using MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS with post source decay.
Organo‐ and Copper‐Multi‐Catalyzed Pseudo Four‐Component Access to gem‐Difluorohydrins
Authors: Ricucci Angela , Rodriguez Jean , Quintard Adrien
Published: November 2017

A new efficient multi‐catalytic pseudo four‐component strategy combining an aldehyde, a β‐keto‐acid and two equivalents of a fluorinating agent has been designed. Thanks to the combined effects of a secondary amine as organocatalyst and a copper catalyst, highly volatile gem‐difluorinated intermediates can be produced and trapped in situ by a chemo‐compatible decarboxylative aldolization providing a rapid access to original gem‐difluorinated β‐aldol building blocks.