bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of the primary processes that lead to the drop in divertor target ion current at detachment in TCV
Authors: Fil A. , Dudson B. , Lipschultz B. , Moulton D. , Verhaegh K. , Fevrier O. , Wensing M. ,   EUROfusion MST1 teams,   The TCV team
Published: February 2018

Using SOLPS‐ITER, we model a TCV conventional divertor discharge density ramp to understand the role of various processes in the loss of target ion current. We find that recombination is not a strong contributor to the rollover of the target ion current at detachment. In contrast, the divertor ion source appears to play a central role in magnitude (the source of most of the ion target current) and time, apparently dropping during the density ramps as a result of a drop in power available for ionization.
Maternal care‐related differences in males and females rats’ sensitivity to ethanol and the associations between the GABAergic system and steroids in males
Authors: Popoola Daniel O. , Cameron Nicole M.
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the effect of maternal care on adolescent ethanol consumption, sensitivity to ethanol‐induced hypnosis, as well as gonadal hormones and γ‐aminobutyric acid type‐A (GABAA) systems. Long Evans rat dams were categorized by maternal licking/grooming (LG) frequency into High‐ and Low‐LG mothers. Both female and male offspring from Low‐LG rats demonstrated a greater sensitivity to ethanol‐induced hypnosis in the loss‐of‐righting‐reflex test at ethanol doses of 3.0 and 3.5 g/kg during late‐adolescence (postnatal Day 50) but not at mid‐adolescence (postnatal Day 42). However, we found no effect of maternal care on consumption of a 5% ethanol solution in a two‐bottle choice test. We further investigated the association between the observed variations in sensitivity to ethanol‐induced hypnosis and baseline hormonal levels in males. In male offspring from Low‐LG mothers compared to High‐LG mothers, baseline plasma corticosterone and progesterone levels were higher. GABAA α1 and δ subunit expressions were also higher in the cerebral cortex of Low‐LG males but lower in the cerebellar synaptosomal fraction. Early environmental influences on adolescent sensitivity to ethanol‐induced hypnosis, consumption, and preference may be mediated by gonadal hormones and possibly through GABAergic functions.
Responsiveness of rat fetuses to sibling motor activity: Communication in utero?
Authors: Brumley Michele R. , Hoagland Riana , Truong Melissa , Robinson Scott R.
Published: February 2018

Previous research has revealed that fetuses detect and respond to extrauterine stimuli such as maternal movement and speech, but little attention has been cast on how fetuses may directly influence and respond to each other in the womb. This study investigated whether motor activity of E20 rat fetuses influenced the behavior of siblings in utero. Three experiments showed that; (a) contiguous siblings expressed a higher frequency of synchronized movement than noncontiguous siblings; (b) fetuses that lay between two siblings immobilized with curare showed less movement relative to fetuses between saline or uninjected controls; and (c) fetuses between two siblings behaviorally activated by the opioid agonist U50,488 also showed less activity and specific behavioral changes compared to controls. Our findings suggest that rat fetuses are directly impacted by sibling motor activity, and thus that a rudimentary form of communication between siblings may influence the development of fetuses in utero.
A conservation planning tool for Greater Sage‐grouse using indices of species distribution, resilience, and resistance
Authors: Ricca Mark A. , Coates Peter S. , Gustafson K. Benjamin , Brussee Brianne E. , Chambers Jeanne C. , Espinosa Shawn P. , Gardner Scott C. , Lisius Sherri , Ziegler Pilar , Delehanty David J. , Casazza Michael L.
Published: February 2018

Managers require quantitative yet tractable tools that identify areas for restoration yielding effective benefits for targeted wildlife species and the ecosystems they inhabit. As a contemporary example of high national significance for conservation, the persistence of Greater Sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the Great Basin is compromised by strongly interacting stressors of conifer expansion, annual grass invasion, and more frequent wildfires occurring in sagebrush ecosystems. Associated restoration treatments to a sagebrush‐dominated state are often costly and may yield relatively little ecological benefit to sage‐grouse if implemented without estimating how Sage‐grouse may respond to treatments, or do not consider underlying processes influencing sagebrush ecosystem resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasive species. Here, we describe example applications of a spatially explicit conservation planning tool (CPT) to inform prioritization of: (1) removal of conifers (i.e., pinyon‐juniper); and (2) wildfire restoration aimed at improving habitat conditions for the Bi‐State Distinct Population Segment of Sage‐grouse along the California–Nevada state line. The CPT measures ecological benefits to sage‐grouse for a given management action through a composite index comprised of resource selection functions and estimates of abundance and space use. For pinyon‐juniper removal, we simulated changes in land‐cover composition following the removal of sparse trees with intact understories, and ranked treatments on the basis of changes in ecological benefits per dollar‐unit of cost. For wildfire restoration, we formulated a conditional model to simulate scenarios for land cover changes (e.g., sagebrush to annual grass) given estimated fire severity and underlying ecosystem processes influencing resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasion by annual grasses. For both applications, we compared CPT rankings to land cover changes along with sagebrush resistance and resilience metrics. Model results demonstrated how the CPT can be an important step in identifying management projects that yield the highest quantifiable benefit to Sage‐grouse while avoiding costly misallocation of resources, and highlight the importance of considering changes in sage‐grouse ecological response and factors influencing sagebrush ecosystem resilience to disturbance and resistance to invasion. This unique framework can be adopted to help inform other management questions aimed at improving habitat for other species across sagebrush and other ecosystems.
Studies of modern Italian dog populations reveal multiple patterns for domestic breed evolution
Authors: Talenti Andrea , Dreger Dayna L. , Frattini Stefano , Polli Michele , Marelli Stefano , Harris Alexander C. , Liotta Luigi , Cocco Raffaella , Hogan Andrew N. , Bigi Daniele , Caniglia Romolo , Parker Heidi G. , Pagnacco Giulio , Ostrander Elaine A. , Crepaldi Paola
Published: February 2018

Through thousands of years of breeding and strong human selection, the dog (Canis lupus familiaris) exists today within hundreds of closed populations throughout the world, each with defined phenotypes. A singular geographic region with broad diversity in dog breeds presents an interesting opportunity to observe potential mechanisms of breed formation. Italy claims 14 internationally recognized dog breeds, with numerous additional local varieties. To determine the relationship among Italian dog populations, we integrated genetic data from 263 dogs representing 23 closed dog populations from Italy, seven Apennine gray wolves, and an established dataset of 161 globally recognized dog breeds, applying multiple genetic methods to characterize the modes by which breeds are formed within a single geographic region. Our consideration of each of five genetic analyses reveals a series of development events that mirror historical modes of breed formation, but with variations unique to the codevelopment of early dog and human populations. Using 142,840 genome‐wide SNPs and a dataset of 1,609 canines, representing 182 breeds and 16 wild canids, we identified breed development routes for the Italian breeds that included divergence from common populations for a specific purpose, admixture of regional stock with that from other regions, and isolated selection of local stock with specific attributes.
The genomic and ecological context of hybridization affects the probability that symmetrical incompatibilities drive hybrid speciation
Authors: Comeault Aaron A.
Published: February 2018

Despite examples of homoploid hybrid species, theoretical work describing when, where, and how we expect homoploid hybrid speciation to occur remains relatively rare. Here, I explore the probability of homoploid hybrid speciation due to “symmetrical incompatibilities” under different selective and genetic scenarios. Through simulation, I test how genetic architecture and selection acting on traits that do not themselves generate incompatibilities interact to affect the probability that hybrids evolve symmetrical incompatibilities with their parent species. Unsurprisingly, selection against admixture at “adaptive” loci that are linked to loci that generate incompatibilities tends to reduce the probability of evolving symmetrical incompatibilities. By contrast, selection that favors admixed genotypes at adaptive loci can promote the evolution of symmetrical incompatibilities. The magnitude of these outcomes is affected by the strength of selection, aspects of genetic architecture such as linkage relationships and the linear arrangement of loci along a chromosome, and the amount of hybridization following the formation of a hybrid zone. These results highlight how understanding the nature of selection, aspects of the genetics of traits affecting fitness, and the strength of reproductive isolation between hybridizing taxa can all be used to inform when we expect to observe homoploid hybrid speciation due to symmetrical incompatibilities.
Using stable isotopes to estimate reliance on agricultural food subsidies and migration timing for a migratory bird
Authors: Boggie Matthew A. , Carleton Scott A. , Collins Daniel P. , Vradenburg John , Sroka Christopher J.
Published: February 2018

Anthropogenic activities have adversely transformed terrestrial ecosystems consequently limiting many species to more fragmented areas and increasing human–wildlife conflicts. Under some circumstances, this creates a need for management programs to support wildlife populations by subsidizing food resources. Evaluation and improvement of supplementary feeding practices should be implemented to determine dietary importance of supplementary food and identify when to make food resources available, an important consideration for migratory species using seasonal habitats. Large aggregations of greater sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis tabida) wintering in the Middle Rio Grande Valley of central New Mexico have come into conflict with agricultural practices. Resulting crop depredation on private lands has consequently required a mitigation program that subsidizes cranes with cultivated corn to manage their foraging behavior and provide nutritive support. To assess dependency of cranes on corn subsidies and estimate arrival dates of migratory sandhill cranes, we measured stable isotope ratios of liver and muscle tissues of sandhill cranes and their food items during winter. Over 60% of sandhill crane diet in the winter came from corn subsidies. Rates of carbon isotope incorporation in liver and muscle tissues were 0.03 d−1 ± 0.02 (mean ± SE) and 0.02 d−1 ± 0.01, respectively, and differed predictably by metabolic activity of different tissues. Estimated arrival date on wintering grounds derived from rates of carbon isotope incorporation was November 6 ± 3 d (mean ± SE) and was within 17 d of the estimated arrival date on the wintering grounds of sandhill cranes equipped with satellite transmitters (November 23 ± 2 d). Our approach demonstrates a field‐based application of intrinsic biomarkers to inform supplementary feeding practices for wildlife populations by identifying dietary response to supplementary food. Additionally, estimating arrival on wintering grounds supports management and conservation decisions by synchronizing availability of supplementary food resources with arrival times.
N‐Phenyl‐N‐aceto‐vinylsulfonamides as Efficient and Chemoselective Handles for N‐Terminal Modification of Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Huang Rong , Li Zhihong , Ren Peiling , Chen Wenzhang , Kuang Yuanyuan , Chen Jiakang , Zhan Yuexiong , Chen Hongli , Jiang Biao
Published: February 2018

A number of vinylsulfonamides were synthesized and screened to identify reagents that can be used to modify octreotide under biological pH and room temperature with improved efficiency. N‐Phenyl‐N‐aceto‐vinylsulfonamide exhibits higher reactivity and has emerged as an efficient reagent that has the ability to realize the selective modification of peptides and proteins at the N‐terminus via aza‐Michael addition. We showed that, after conjugation of peptides and proteins with the reagent containing a bioorthogonal functional group, the derivatives could be further labelled by functionalities, including fluorescent tags, modified drugs and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers without the need for prior treatment. Somatostatin, lysozyme, and RNaseA were selectively modified at the N‐terminus, which illustrated the application of the method.
Synthesis of Secondary Amides through the Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Arylboronic Acids with Amines or Hydrazines and Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Zhang Jin , Ma Yuqiang , Ma Yangmin
Published: February 2018

A new Pd‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation of arylboronic acids with amines or phenylhydrazines has been developed. Various secondary amides were produced from readily available substrates and cheap common metal catalysts in a CO atmosphere (balloon). Remarkably, we presents the first example of aminocarbonylations between arylboronic acids and phenylhydrazines.
N‐Acyl‐Glutarimides: Privileged Scaffolds in Amide N–C Bond Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Meng Guangrong , Szostak Michal
Published: February 2018

In this Microreview, we describe the recent exciting developments in the burgeoning area of amide N–C cross‐coupling enabled by amide bond twist of N‐acyl‐glutarimides. Since the initial reports in 2015, these amides have been demonstrated to be by far the most reactive amide derivatives in the biologically‐relevant manifold of N–C activation/cross‐coupling, thus stimulating the development of more than 10 previously unknown catalytic modes of reactivity of the amide bond. The capacity of N‐acyl‐glutarimides as privileged scaffolds to expedite acyl and decarbonylative cross‐couplings by amide N–C cleavage is discussed.
Observation of Lidocaine‐suppressed Decrease of Magnesium in Salicylate‐induced Tinnitus with an Online Electrochemical System
Authors: Li Tao , Liu Junxiu , Li Lijuan , Xin Ying , Zhang Ke , Song Yu , Xiong Shan , Ma Furong
Published: February 2018

Tinnitus, characterized by an auditory perception in the absence of actual sound, is one of the most common encountered difficulties to manage otological problems, in which, lidocaine has been shown to provide temporary relief from subjective tinnitus. However, the pathophysiological mechanism of lidocaine treatment remains to be understood. The study demonstrates the first observation on that lidocaine well suppresses the decrease in the level magnesium (Mg2+) in inferior colliculus (IC) of guinea pigs following salicylate‐induced tinnitus with an online electrochemical system (OECS) for continuously monitoring of microdialysate of Mg2+. The OECS was established by efficiently coupling a selective electrochemical detector with in vivo microdialysis to monitor Mg2+ in the microdialysate continuously sampled from animal brain. The selective detection of Mg2+ over other coexisting neurochemicals was successfully achieved through a mechanism with divalent metal cations (e. g., Mg2+, Ca2+) enhanced catalytic current of organic dyes (i. e., polymerized film of toluidine blue O, p‐TBO) toward the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and with ethyleneglcol‐bis (2‐aminoethylether) tetraacetic acid (EGTA) as selective masking agents for Ca2+. Tinnitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of sodium salicylate (350 mg/kg body weight). For the lidocaine group, using the microdialysis probe, 1 % lidocaine was perfused into IC of guinea pigs at 2 μL/min for 20 min. With the OECS, we found that the perfusion of lidocaine could recover the decrease of the Mg2+ level caused by salicylate‐induced tinnitus. The basal level of microdialysate Mg2+ in IC of guinea pigs was previously determined to be 1.29±0.44 mM, which was decreased significantly following salicylate‐induced tinnitus. The lidocaine perfusion significantly recovers the Mg2+ level by 37.7±14.8 %. This observation suggests that Mg2+ plays an important role in the pathological mechanism of tinnitus.
Benefits of spatiotemporal modeling for short‐term wind power forecasting at both individual and aggregated levels
Authors: Lenzi Amanda , Steinsland Ingelin , Pinson Pierre
Published: February 2018

The share of wind energy in total installed power capacity has grown rapidly in recent years. Producing accurate and reliable forecasts of wind power production, together with a quantification of the uncertainty, is essential to optimally integrate wind energy into power systems. We build spatiotemporal models for wind power generation and obtain full probabilistic forecasts from 15 min to 5 h ahead. Detailed analyses of forecast performances on individual wind farms and aggregated wind power are provided. The predictions from our models are evaluated on a data set from wind farms in western Denmark using a sliding window approach, for which estimation is performed using only the last available measurements. The case study shows that it is important to have a spatiotemporal model instead of a temporal one to achieve calibrated aggregated forecasts. Furthermore, spatiotemporal models have the advantage of being able to produce spatially out‐of‐sample forecasts. We use a Bayesian hierarchical framework to obtain fast and accurate forecasts of wind power generation not only at wind farms where recent data are available but also at a larger portfolio including wind farms without recent observations of power production. The results and the methodologies are relevant for wind power forecasts across the globe and for spatiotemporal modeling in general.
Whole‐rock geochemistry and zircon Hf isotope of Late Carboniferous–Triassic sediments in the Bogda region, NW China: Clues for provenance and tectonic setting
Authors: Wang Jialin , Wu Chaodong , Li Zhuang , Zhu Wen , Zhou Tianqi , Wu Jun , Wang Jun
Published: February 2018

Detailed petrological, whole‐rock geochemical, and zircon Hf isotopic researches were conducted on the Late Carboniferous–Triassic sedimentary rocks in the Bogda region to evaluate the effects of weathering, sorting, and alteration, as well as to understand their provenance and tectonic setting. These rocks show variable major element compositions, but most are generally similar to post‐Archean Australian shales. The relatively narrow range of TiO2–Zr variation and good correlation between Th/Sc and Zr/Sc signify no obvious sorting and recycling of the sedimentary rocks. The relatively high index of compositional variability (0.8–3.1) and low chemical index of alteration values (44.4–76.4) of the sedimentary rocks indicate that they are immature and probably undergo weak to moderate chemical weathering. In the chondrite‐normalized diagrams, almost all the samples are distinguished by moderately enriched light rare earth element and flat heavy rare earth element patterns with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.5–0.8). In conjunction with their Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, La/Th, Zr/Al2O3, TiO2/Zr, Co/Th, and La/Sc ratios, we infer that the major sources of these sedimentary rocks were the intermediate–acidic igneous rocks from the North Tianshan and Yili–Central Tianshan. Combining the orientation of the Bogda region in the Palaeozoic that was roughly perpendicular to the Tianshan and/or East Junggar orogens with the sedimentologic, petrologic, and tectonic researches, we suggest that the Bogda region was a rift basin that occurs at high angles to the orogenic belt. On the other hand, the zircons from these sediments have minor Precambrian grains (<0.2%), positive εHf(t) values (mostly +7.1–+15.0) and young 2‐stage Hf model ages (major peak <1,000 Ma), suggesting that a juvenile continental crust exists as the basement of the Junggar Basin.
Ergonomics study and analysis of workstations in Tunisian mechanical manufacturing
Authors: Boulila Atef , Ayadi Mahfoudh , Mrabet Khadija
Published: February 2018

The workers’ performance in the mechanical manufacturing sector is the main factor for the improvement of productivity and quality. At present, it seems that the available information on the ergonomics and the working environment of the mechanical manufacturing actors is scarce. This study deals with the relationship between the working method and the workstation in injection mold manufacturing. An original methodology, based on the survey of operators using participatory ergonomic tools, is proposed in order to evaluate the ergonomic performance of 3 workstations: milling, turning, and drilling. The surveys concerned 3 operators. Obtained results showed that ergonomics play a key role in improving mechanical manufacturing. The results obtained from the analysis showed that ergonomics has a key role in the quality of the various tasks performed by operators. Using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) investigation tools, the examination of the workstations revealed 4 machining operations and 12 operator postures that have a direct influence on the performance of all machining stations. In addition, data from the analysis conducted on injection mold manufacturing revealed that neither the workstations were ergonomic nor the operators complied with the ergonomic rules. Based on the results obtained, a new standardized score is proposed for the RULA and REBA calculations. This score was applied and validated through another study conducted in a leaf spring manufacturing plant. The results of these studies were concretized by proposing the digital factory where CATIA software was used for the virtual design of the ergonomic workstations and their environments.
Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer survival: The multiethnic cohort
Authors: Amshoff Yvette , Maskarinec Gertraud , Shvetsov Yurii B. , Raquinio Phyllis H. , Grandinetti Andrew , Setiawan Veronica W. , Haiman Christopher A. , Le Marchand Loïc
Published: February 2018

This analysis examined type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a predictor of colorectal cancer (CRC) survival within the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Registry linkages in Hawaii and California identified 5,284 incident CRC cases. After exclusion of cases with pre‐existing cancer diagnosis within 1 year and systemic disease, the analytic dataset had 3,913 cases with 1,800 all‐cause and 678 CRC‐specific deaths after a mean follow‐up of 9.3 ± 5.2 years. Among CRC cases, 707 were diagnosed with T2D 8.9 ± 5.3 years before CRC. Cox regression with age as time metric was applied to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for T2D status as predictor of CRC‐specific and all‐cause survival while adjusting for known confounders. Overall, CRC‐specific survival was not associated with pre‐existing T2D (HR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.67–1.07). However, a significant interaction was seen for comorbidity (pinteraction = 0.03) with better survival among those without pre‐existing conditions (HR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.25–0.96) while no association was seen in patients with comorbid conditions. All‐cause mortality was also not related to pre‐existing T2D (HR = 1.11; 95% CI = 0.98–1.27), but significantly elevated for individuals with T2D reporting comorbid conditions (HR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.19–1.56). Stratification by T2D duration suggested higher CRC‐specific and all‐cause mortality among participants with a T2D history of ≥10 than <10 years. The findings were consistent across sex and ethnic subgroups. In contrast to previous reports, pre‐existing T2D had no influence on disease‐specific and all‐cause survival among CRC patients. Only participants with additional comorbidity and possibly those with long T2D duration experienced higher mortality related to T2D.
Neoadjuvant treatments for locally advanced, resectable esophageal cancer: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chan Kelvin K. W. , Saluja Ronak , Delos Santos Keemo , Lien Kelly , Shah Keya , Cramarossa Gemma , Zhu Xiaofu , Wong Rebecca K.S.
Published: February 2018

The relative survival benefits and postoperative mortality among the different types of neoadjuvant treatments (such as chemotherapy only, radiotherapy only or chemoradiotherapy) for esophageal cancer patients are not well established. To evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant therapies in resectable esophageal cancer, a Bayesian network meta‐analysis was performed. MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for publications up to May 2016. ASCO and ASTRO annual meeting abstracts were also searched up to the 2015 conferences. Randomized controlled trials that compared at least two of the following treatments for resectable esophageal cancer were included: surgery alone, surgery preceded by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The primary outcome assessed from the trials was overall survival. Thirty‐one randomized controlled trials involving 5496 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. The network meta‐analysis showed that neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy improved overall survival when compared to all other treatments including surgery alone (HR 0.75, 95% CR 0.67–0.85), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.83. 95% CR 0.70–0.96) and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (HR 0.82, 95% CR 0.67–0.99). However, the risk of postoperative mortality increased when comparing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy to either surgery alone (RR 1.46, 95% CR 1.00–2.14) or to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (RR 1.58, 95% CR 1.00–2.49). In conclusion, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy improves overall survival but may also increase the risk of postoperative mortality in patients locally advanced resectable esophageal carcinoma.
Epidemiologic associations of HPV‐positive oropharyngeal cancer and (pre)cancerous cervical lesions
Authors: Rietbergen M.M. , van Bokhoven A.A.J.D. , Lissenberg‐Witte B.I. , Heideman D.A.M. , Leemans C.R. , Brakenhoff R.H. , Bloemena E.
Published: February 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐induced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains increasing worldwide. We aimed to investigate if the HPV‐prevalence of OPSCC in the Netherlands is rising as well, also in female patients. In addition, we evaluated the association between HPV‐positive OPSCC and suspicious Pap results of the cervix in these female patients. Patients with OPSCC treated in the period 2000–2015 at the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, were included (n = 926). The presence of an oncogenic HPV infection was determined by p16‐immunostaining, followed by a high‐risk HPV general primer 5+/6+ DNA PCR on the p16‐immunopositive cases. A review of pathology reports in all female patients (n = 305) was undertaken to identify cytological signs of HPV‐related (pre)cancer of the cervix. In total 281 of 926 (30.3%) OPSCCs were HPV‐positive. Moreover, a significant increase in the prevalence of HPV‐positive OPSCCs was observed from 14.0% in 2000 to 48.1% in 2015 (p < 0.001). Among the female patients with an HPV‐positive OPSSC (n = 70), the results of cervical smears were available in 56 of 70 patients (80.0%). Of the female patients with HPV‐positive OPSCC, 9 of 56 (16.1%) patients had a vaginal cuff Papanicolaou (Pap) test ≥3b in their medical history compared to 7 of 168 (4.2%) in the HPV‐negative group (p = 0.003). In conclusion, a continuous increase in the HPV‐attributable fraction of OPSCC was demonstrated in the period 2000–2015 in the Amsterdam region. HPV‐positive OPSCC has a significant association with a history of suspicious Pap results of the cervix in female patients.
1,25‐Dihydroxy vitamin D prevents tumorigenesis by inhibiting oxidative stress and inducing tumor cellular senescence in mice
Authors: Chen Lulu , Yang Renlei , Qiao Wanxin , Yuan Xiaoqin , Wang Shui , Goltzman David , Miao Dengshun
Published: February 2018

Human epidemiological studies suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency might increase cancer incidence, but no spontaneous tumors have been reported in mice lacking 1,25(OH)2D3 or deficient in its receptor. In our study, we detected, for the first time, diverse types of spontaneous tumors in l,25(OH)2D3 deficient mice more than 1 year of age. This was associated with increased oxidative stress, cellular senescence and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype molecules, such as hepatocyte growth factor, mediated via its receptor c‐Met. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2D3 prevented spontaneous tumor development. We also demonstrated that l,25(OH)2D3 deficiency accelerates allograft tumor initiation and growth by increasing oxidative stress and DNA damage, activating oncogenes, inactivating tumor suppressor genes, stimulating malignant cell proliferation and inhibiting their senescence; in contrast, supplementation with exogenous l,25(OH)2D3 or antioxidant, or knock‐down of the Bmi1 or c‐Met oncogene, largely rescued the phenotypes of allograft tumors. Results from our study suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency enhances tumorigenesis by increasing malignant cell oxidative stress and DNA damage, stimulating microenvironmental cell senescence and a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype, and activating oncogenes and inactivating tumor suppressor genes, thus increasing malignant cell proliferation. Our study provides direct evidence supporting the role of vitamin D deficiency in increasing cancer incidence. Conversely, 1,25(OH)2D3 prevented spontaneous tumor development, suggesting that this inhibitory effect prevents the initiation and progression of tumorigenesis, thus provides a mechanistic basis for 1,25(OH)2D3 to prevent tumorigenesis in an aging organism.
Long-Term Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease Risk and Prognosis in Elderly Women With Abdominal Aortic Calcification on Lateral Spine Images Captured During Bone Density Testing: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lewis Joshua R , Schousboe John T , Lim Wai H , Wong Germaine , Wilson Kevin E , Zhu Kun , Thompson Peter L , Kiel Douglas P , Prince Richard L
Published: February 2018

Lateral spine images are captured using bone densitometers for vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) in older women. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is commonly seen on these images; however, the long-term prognosis in women with AAC remains uncertain. In a prospective study of 1052 community-dwelling ambulant white women over 70 years old abdominal aortic calcification 24 scale (AAC24) scores were calculated from digital lateral spine images captured during bone density testing in 1998 or 1999. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 1998, whereas 14.5-year atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD)-related hospitalizations and deaths (events) were available through linked health records. Using established cut points for AAC 471 women (45%) had low AAC (AAC24 score 0 or 1), 387 (37%) moderate AAC (AAC24 score 2–5), and 197 (19%) had high AAC (AAC24 score ≥6). Over 14.5 years, 420 women experienced an ASVD event. Increasing severity of AAC was associated with increased absolute risk of ASVD events (37%, 39%, and 49%, respectively, p = 0.008 for trend), ASVD deaths (15%, 21%, and 27%, respectively, p < 0.001 for trend), and all-cause mortality (30%, 38%, and 44%, respectively, p < 0.001 for trend). After adjusting for Framingham risk scores, women with high AAC had increased relative hazard for ASVD events, HR 1.37 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.77; p = 0.013) compared to women with low AAC. Similarly, women with moderate AAC and high AAC had increased relative hazards for ASVD deaths HR 1.41 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.94; p = 0.034) and HR 1.80 (95% CI, 1.26 to 2.57; p = 0.001), or any deaths HR 1.30 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.64; p = 0.026) and HR 1.53 (95% CI, 1.17 to 2.00; p = 0.002), compared to women with low AAC. In conclusion, more advanced AAC on images captured for VFA is associated with long-term ASVD hospitalizations and deaths before and after adjusting for Framingham risk scores. AAC assessment could be considered in addition to VFA to identify individuals who may benefit for more aggressive cardiovascular primary prevention strategies. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Cu2+‐doped ITO as a Novel Efficient, Transparent, and Fast‐Response Transducer for Ammonia Sensing
Authors: Moharamzadeh Mohamad Reza , Salar Amoli Hossein , Rahmanian Reza , Mozaffari Seyed Ahmad
Published: February 2018

As a novel approach, the effect of Cu2+‐doped indium tin oxide (ITO) on a flexible polycarbonate substrate is considered as an ammonia sensor. The sensor was fabricated using spin‐coating and subsequent annealing at 160°C for 60 min. The constructed sensor morphology accomplished by surface composition was explored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersiveX‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Using the new strategy, a flexible sensor for ammonia determination with a fast response time of less than 7 s and a recovery time of 8 s was achieved. Sensor characteristics, such as sensitivity, recyclability, response/recovery time, selectivity, stability, flexibility, and transmittance of the layers, were examined. The impedance results showed high sensitivity when the constructed sensor was exposed to NH3 concentrations in the range 5–1000 ppm. The results showed that doping ITO with Cu2+ imparted higher electronic charge density to the sensor surface and enhanced the sensitivity of the sensor by a factor of 352% in comparison with that of pure ITO. The sensitivity, fast response, and recovery time with low‐cost materials and deposition procedure suggest an effective and disposable ammonia sensor at room temperature (23°C).
Removal of Chromium Ions by Fe3O4‐containing Polypyrrole Matrix and Environmental Applications
Authors: Sun Wanhong , Su Qiong , Zhang Ping , Sun Yu , Chen Lihua , Wang Yanbin
Published: February 2018

In this work, the PPy/Fe3O4@TiO2 composite was synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements (using a vibrating sample magnetometer). The adsorption performance of PPy/Fe3O4@TiO2 composite for Cr(VI) ions was evaluated by UV irradiation. The effects of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and the initial concentration on the adsorption performance of Cr(VI) onto PPy/Fe3O4@TiO2 were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) upon doped PPy/Fe3O4@TiO2 is 85.30 mg/g at room temperature. The total adsorption process likely follows the Langmuir model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. Our study suggests that the PPy/Fe3O4@TiO2 composite can be efficiently used for the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions.
Chemokines and receptors in intestinal B lymphocytes
Authors: Zhiming Wang , Luman Wang , Tingting Qian , Yiwei Chu
Published: February 2018

Recent studies indicate that chemoattractant cytokines (chemokines) and their receptors modulate intestinal B lymphocytes in different ways, including regulating their maturity and differentiation in the bone marrow and homing to intestinal target tissues. Here, we review several important chemokine/chemokine receptor axes that guide intestinal B cells, focusing on the homing and migration of IgA antibody-secreting cells (IgA-ASCs) to intestinal-associated lymphoid tissues. We describe the selective regulation of these chemokine axes in coordinating the IgA-ASC trafficking in intestinal diseases. Finally, we discuss the role of B cells as chemokine producers serving dual roles in regulating the mucosal immune microenvironment.
Methyl group transfer upon gas phase decomposition of protonated methyl benzoate and similar compounds
Authors: Frański Rafał , Gierczyk Błażej , Zalas Maciej , Jankowski Wojciech , Hoffmann Marcin
Published: February 2018

Gas phase decompositions of protonated methyl benzoate and its conjugates have been studied by using electrospray ionization‐collision induced dissociation‐tandem mass spectrometry. Loss of CO2 molecule, thus transfer of methyl group, has been observed. In order to better understand this process, the theoretical calculations have been performed. For methyl benzoate conjugates, it has been found that position of substituent affects the loss of CO2 molecule, not the electron donor/withdrawing properties of the substituent. Therefore, electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry in positive ion mode may be useful for differentiation of isomers of methyl benzoate conjugates.
A cold and organic solvent tolerant lipase produced by Antarctic strainRhodotorulasp. Y‐23
Authors: Maharana Abhas K. , Singh Shiv M.
Published: February 2018

Psychrotolerant yeastRhodotorulasp. Y‐23 was isolated from the sediment core sub‐samples of Nella Lake, East Antarctica. Isolate was screened for lipase production using plate assay method followed by submerged fermentation. Production optimization revealed the maximum lipase production by using palmolein oil (5% v/v), pH 8.0 and inoculum size of 2.5% v/v at 15 °C. The potential inducers for lipase were 1% w/v of galactose and KNO3, and MnCl2(0.1% w/v). Final productions with optimized conditions gave 5.47‐fold increase in lipase production. Dialyzed product gave a purification fold of 5.63 with specific activity of 26.83 U mg−1and 15.67% yields. This lipase was more stable at pH 5.0 and −20 °C whereas more activity was found at pH 8.0 and 35 °C. Stability was more in 50 mM Fe3+, EDTA‐Na (20 mM), sodium deoxycholate (20 mM), H2O2(1% v/v), and almost all organic solvents (50% v/v). Tolerance capacity at wider range of pH and temperature with having lowerKmvalue i.e., 0.08 mg ml−1and higherVmax385.68 U mg−1at 15 °C make the studied lipase useful for industrial applications. Besides this, the lipase was compatible with commercially available detergents, and its addition to them increases lipid degradation performances making it a potential candidate in detergent formulation.
Efficacy of tendency and linear inverse models to predict southern Peru's rainy season precipitation
Authors: Wu Shu , Notaro Michael , Vavrus Stephen , Mortensen Eric , Montgomery Rob , de Piérola José , Block Paul
Published: February 2018

Southern Peru receives over 60% of its annual climatological precipitation during the short period of January–March. This rainy season precipitation exhibits strong inter‐annual and decadal variability, including severe drought events that incur devastating societal impacts and cause agricultural communities and mining facilities to compete for limited water resources. Improving existing seasonal prediction models of summertime precipitation could aid in water resource planning and allocation across this water‐limited region. While various underlying mechanisms modulating inter‐annual variability have been proposed by past studies, operational forecasts continue to be largely based on rudimentary El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐based indices, such as Niño3.4, justifying further exploration of predictive skill. To bridge the gap between understanding precipitation mechanisms and operational forecasts, we perform systematic studies on the predictability and prediction skill of southern Peru's rainy season precipitation by constructing statistical forecast models using best available weather station and reanalysis data sets. We construct a simple regression model, based on the principal component (PC) tendency of tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SST), and a more advanced linear inverse model (LIM), based on the empirical orthogonal functions of tropical Pacific SST and large‐scale atmospheric variables from reanalysis. Our results indicate that both the PC tendency and LIM models consistently outperform the ENSO‐only based regression models in predicting precipitation at both the regional scale and for individual station, with improvements for individual stations ranging from 10 to over 200%. These encouraging results are likely to foster further development of operational precipitation forecasts for southern Peru.
Testing the impact of environmental change on hunter‐gatherer settlement organization during the Upper Paleolithic in western Iberia
Authors: Cascalheira João , Bicho Nuno
Published: February 2018

Recent cross‐disciplinary research in the Iberian Peninsula has revealed a synchronous pattern between rapid climate change and widespread cultural modifications during the Late Paleolithic. The beginning and development of each traditionally defined techno‐complex is thought to be associated with different environmental conditions. A main contrast is put on the impact of cold and arid conditions at the onset of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and its coincidence with the development of blade/flake‐size projectiles and bifacial technologies, against the dominance of bladelet‐size backed points across more temperate and forested environments. Based on the long‐recognized assumption that lithic technology operates within the broader context of Pleistocene human ecodynamics, here we test the hypothesis that climate‐related lithic techno‐typological changes across the Upper Paleolithic are linked to modifications in land‐use patterns and settlement organization. We present statistical analysis comparing the Shannon–Weaver diversity index for retouched stone tool assemblages (used as proxy for site function) and locational parameters of a series of contexts from Central Portugal. The results show a trend of continuity and change between periods, with some of the most important deviations starting at the onset of the LGM, with the Heinrich Event 2 associated with patterns of technological diversification and biocultural expansion.
DFT calculations of the IR and Raman spectra of anthraquinone dyes and lakes
Authors: Pagliai Marco , Osticioli Iacopo , Nevin Austin , Siano Salvatore , Cardini Gianni , Schettino Vincenzo
Published: February 2018

The IR and Raman spectra of alizarin, purpurin, kermesic acid, and carminic acid have been computed performing density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d) level of theory. The computational approach adopted has been validated on the basis of a series of calculations with different level of theory on the anthraquinone molecule, the common moiety of these dyes. The computed vibrational frequencies have been adopted as a guideline to propose the vibrational assignment of the dyes and to obtain useful information on the Raman spectra of their aluminum complexes.
Feasible preparation and improved properties of Ag‐graphite composite coating for switch contact by cyanide‐free electrodeposition
Authors: Lv Wangyan , Chen Tian Sheng , Zheng Ke Qin , Zhang Zeng Guang
Published: February 2018

A cyanide‐free electrodeposition system was employed to prepare Ag‐graphite composite coatings on Cu substrate for switch contact. The effects of graphite concentration, current density, stirring speed, and plating temperature on the thickness and quality of the composite coating were investigated. The feasibility of cyanide‐free electrodeposition for Ag‐graphite composite was confirmed and the optimized conditions were determined. The growth mechanism of the composite coating was also analyzed. The properties of the composite coating were also investigated compared with Cu substrate and Ag coating. The results show that the Ag‐graphite composite coating has the lowest friction coefficient, moderate corrosion resistance, and relatively low contact resistance. The present results indicate that Ag‐graphite composite coating prepared by cyanide‐free electrodeposition is suitable for disconnector coating.
Corrosion resistance of chromium‐steel and stainless steel reinforcement in concrete
Authors: Fahim Andrew , Dean Alyson E. , Thomas Michael D. A. , Moffatt Edward G.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents results of a study conducted to determine the corrosion‐resistance of chromium‐steel (ASTM A1035 steel) and several stainless steel grades (316LN, 304, 2205, and XM‐28), as concrete reinforcements. The study included laboratory experiments investigating the reinforcements’ performance in a concrete pore solution containing chlorides, with and without wetting and drying cycles, as well as in cases of cracked and uncracked concretes exposed to chlorides. The study also included field‐exposure experiments, where reinforced mortar bars and bare bars were exposed to a marine tidal environment. Results indicated that the service‐life enhancement provided by these reinforcements was highly dependent on their alloy composition. ASTM A1035 steel was found to be less corrosion‐resistant than all stainless steel grades, due to the lower alloy contents. XM‐28 was also found to have a substantially lower corrosion resistance compared to other stainless steels, due to the incorporation of manganese, coupled with the lower nickel content. Finally, 304, 316LN, and 2205 reinforcements showed no signs of corrosion onset in all experiments, even in cases of cracked concrete.
Influence of rotation speed on mechanical properties and corrosion sensitivity of friction stir welded AA2024‐T3 joints
Authors: Li Na , Li Wenya , Xu Yaxin , Yang Xiawei , Alexopoulos Nikolaos D.
Published: February 2018

A study of aluminum alloy 2024‐T3 friction stir welded (FSWed) joints under different rotation speeds at fixed travel speed of 200 mm/min is summarized. The effect of rotation speed on the hardness, tensile mechanical properties as well as corrosion sensitivity of the welded joints was explicitly investigated. The results show that the rotation speed has a remarkable influence on the shape and geometry of the stirred zone. Microstructure of the joint varied, while it was shown that microhardness was increased as the rotation speed of the process increased. This was attributed to the formation of high volume fraction of GPB zones under high rotation speed. An optimal in the strength to ductility compromise was obtained for the 600 rpm rotation speed. This was supported by the appropriate grain size and precipitates density and size, resulting in ultimate tensile strength of approximate 420 MPa and elongation at fracture of approximate 8.7%. This welded joint also exhibited the lowest corrosion susceptibility, while the heat‐affected zone proved to be more corrosion resistant than the respective friction stir zone.
Prediction of Protein−compound Binding Energies from Known Activity Data: Docking‐score‐based Method and its Applications
Authors: Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Yamashita Yasunobu , Mashimo Tadaaki , Nakamura Haruki
Published: February 2018

We used protein−compound docking simulations to develop a structure‐based quantitative structure−activity relationship (QSAR) model. The prediction model used docking scores as descriptors. The binding free energy was approximated by a weighted average of docking scores for multiple proteins. This approximation was based on a pharmacophore model of receptor pockets and compounds. The weights of the docking scores were restricted to small values to avoid unrealistic weights by a regularization term. Additional outlier elimination improved the results. We applied this method to two groups of targets. The first target was the kinase family. The cross‐validation results of 107 kinase proteins showed that the RMSE of predicted binding free energies was 1.1 kcal/mol. The second target was the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, which has been difficult for docking programs. MMPs require metal‐binding groups in their inhibitor structures in many cases. A quantum effect contributes to the metal−ligand interaction. Despite this difficulty, the present method worked well for the MMPs. This method showed that the RMSE of predicted binding free energies was 1.1 kcal/mol. In comparison, with the original docking method the RMSE was 1.7 kcal/mol. The results suggest that the present QSAR model should be applied to general target proteins.