bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a soil moisture‐based distributed hydrologic model for determining hydrologically based critical source areas
Authors: Li Sisi , Gitau Margaret , Bosch David , Engel Bernard A. , Zhang Liang , Du Yun
Published: July 2017

A simple grid cell‐based distributed hydrologic model was developed to provide spatial information on hydrologic components for determining hydrologically based critical source areas. The model represents the critical process (soil moisture variation) to run‐off generation accounting for both local and global water balance. In this way, it simulates both infiltration excess run‐off and saturation excess run‐off. The model was tested by multisite and multivariable evaluation on the 50‐km2 Little River Experimental Watershed I in Georgia, U.S. and 2 smaller nested subwatersheds. Water balance, hydrograph, and soil moisture were simulated and compared to observed data. For streamflow calibration, the daily Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficient was 0.78 at the watershed outlet and 0.56 and 0.75 at the 2 nested subwatersheds. For the validation period, the Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficients were 0.79 at the watershed outlet and 0.85 and 0.83 at the 2 subwatersheds. The per cent bias was less than 15% for all sites. For soil moisture, the model also predicted the rising and declining trends at 4 of the 5 measurement sites. The spatial distribution of surface run‐off simulated by the model was mainly controlled by local characteristics (precipitation, soil properties, and land cover) on dry days and by global watershed characteristics (relative position within the watershed and hydrologic connectivity) on wet days when saturation excess run‐off was simulated. The spatial details of run‐off generation and travel time along flow paths provided by the model are helpful for watershed managers to further identify critical source areas of non‐point source pollution and develop best management practices.
Lateral water flux in the unsaturated zone: A mechanism for the formation of spatial soil heterogeneity in a headwater catchment
Authors: Gannon John P. , McGuire Kevin J. , Bailey Scott W. , Bourgault Rebecca R. , Ross Donald S.
Published: July 2017

Measurements of soil water potential and water table fluctuations suggest that morphologically distinct soils in a headwater catchment at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire formed as a result of variations in saturated and unsaturated hydrologic fluxes in the mineral soil. Previous work showed that each group of these soils had distinct water table fluctuations in response to precipitation; however, observed variations in soil morphology also occurred above the maximum height of observed saturation. Variations in unsaturated fluxes have been hypothesized to explain differences in soil horizon thickness and presence/absence of specific horizons but have not been explicitly investigated. We examined tensiometer and shallow groundwater well records to identify differences in unsaturated water fluxes among podzols that show distinct morphological and chemical differences. The lack of vertical hydraulic gradients at the study sites suggests that lateral unsaturated flow occurs in several of the soil units. We propose that the variations in soil horizon thickness and presence/absence observed at the site are due in part to slope‐parallel water flux in the unsaturated portion of the solum. In addition, unsaturated flow may be involved in the translocation of spodic material that primes those areas to contribute water with distinct chemistry to the stream network and represents a potential source/sink of organometallic compounds in the landscape.
Alphas in disguise: A new approach to uncovering them
Authors: Chinthalapati Venkata , Mateus Cesario , Todorovic Natasa
Published: July 2017

Four‐factor Carhart alphas of passive indices should be zero, but recent empirical evidence shows otherwise. We propose an optimization algorithm that makes small (fixed) adjustments to the time series of the market, size, value, and momentum factors, which ensures a zero alpha for any (single) self‐designated benchmark index of a mutual fund. Our “adjusted factors” can then be used to estimate a mutual fund's “adjusted alpha.” We test this methodology on a sample of 1,281 active and 102 tracker U.S. equity mutual funds (reporting S&P 500 index as their prospectus benchmark). Our time series adjustment of the Carhart 4 factors leads to an increase (decrease) in a fund's “adjusted alpha” in periods of fund‐benchmark underperformance (outperformance). On the whole, our “adjusted alphas” of both active and tracker funds are statistically significantly negative. This is particularly pronounced for tracker funds.
Bilirubin coating attenuates the inflammatory response to everolimus‐coated stents
Authors: Bae In‐Ho , Park Dae Sung , Lee So‐Youn , Jang Eun‐Jae , Shim Jae‐Won , Lim Kyung‐Seob , Park Jun‐Kyu , Kim Ju Han , Sim Doo Sun , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bilirubin‐ and/or everolimus (EVL)‐coated stents to prevent arterial neointimal hyperplasia and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. The stents were prepared by spray coating bare metal stents (BMS) with bilirubin and/or EVL. Study groups were divided into (1) BMS, (2) bilirubin‐coated stents (BES), (3) commercialized stents (Synergy™; EES), and (4) bilirubin/EVL‐coated stents (B‐EES). The coating thickness and drug release rates were comparable to previous reports (i.e., <4 µm thickness and 50% drug release in 7 days). Smooth muscle cell migration was inhibited in both EVL‐containing groups (20.5 ± 3.80% in EES and 18.4 ± 2.55% in B‐EES) compared to the non‐EVL‐containing groups (78.0 ± 6.41% in BMS and 76.1 ± 4.88% in BES) (n = 10, p < 0.05). Stents were randomly implanted to 40 coronary arteries in 20 pigs and subjected to various analyses after 4 weeks of implantation. As results, the inflammation score was dramatically increased in the EES group (2.1 ± 0.42) compared to that of the other groups (1.5 ± 0.55, 1.3 ± 0.23, and 1.5 ± 0.27 for BMS, BES, and B‐EES, respectively, n = 10, p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that inflammation was prevented in the bilirubin‐containing groups (BES and B‐EES). However, the percent area of restenosis was decreased in the EVL‐containing groups (20.5 ± 4.11% for EES and 18.4 ± 3.61% for B‐EES) compared to the non‐EVL‐containing groups (32.3 ± 6.41% for BMS and 29.6 ± 5.95% for BES, n = 10, p < 0.05). The percent areas of restenosis determined by histopathology, optical coherence tomography, and micro‐computed tomography were consistent. In addition, the stent was barely covered in the EES and B‐EES groups at 4 weeks postimplantation. These dual drug‐coated stents may be especially beneficial to patients who have an increased risk of inflammation. These stents have great potential for use in cardiovascular applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 1486–1495, 2018.
Exploring the Use and Application of Framing Devices in College/University President Speeches
Authors: Young Ira G. , Pemberton Cynthia Lee A.
Published: July 2017

Using a random stratified sample, presidential speeches were collected from college/university websites and content analyzed for framing device usage. Framing devices, delimited in the current study as transcripted oral communication used to frame a vision for the college/university, were evidenced in the speeches analyzed with the following trends noted: (a) Traditional leadership framing devices were used more than cultural symbolic devices and (b) private university and female presidents used more culturally symbolic framing devices, while public university and male presidents used framing devices typically considered more traditional. Although the findings were not statistically significant, the current study opens the door for a closer examination of how culturally symbolic framing devices are, can, and, some would argue, should be used as higher education leadership tools.
Intra‐ and Intersexual swim bladder dimorphisms in the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus): Implications of swim bladder proximity to the inner ear for sound pressure detection
Authors: Mohr Robert A. , Whitchurch Elizabeth A. , Anderson Ryan D. , Forlano Paul M. , Fay Richard R. , Ketten Darlene R. , Cox Timothy C. , Sisneros Joseph A.
Published: July 2017

The plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus, is a nocturnal marine teleost that uses social acoustic signals for communication during the breeding season. Nesting type I males produce multiharmonic advertisement calls by contracting their swim bladder sonic muscles to attract females for courtship and spawning while subsequently attracting cuckholding type II males. Here, we report intra‐ and intersexual dimorphisms of the swim bladder in a vocal teleost fish and detail the swim bladder dimorphisms in the three sexual phenotypes (females, type I and II males) of plainfin midshipman fish. Micro‐computerized tomography revealed that females and type II males have prominent, horn‐like rostral swim bladder extensions that project toward the inner ear end organs (saccule, lagena, and utricle). The rostral swim bladder extensions were longer, and the distance between these swim bladder extensions and each inner‐ear end organ type was significantly shorter in both females and type II males compared to that in type I males. Our results revealed that the normalized swim bladder length of females and type II males was longer than that in type I males while there was no difference in normalized swim bladder width among the three sexual phenotypes. We predict that these intrasexual and intersexual differences in swim bladder morphology among midshipman sexual phenotypes will afford greater sound pressure sensitivity and higher frequency detection in females and type II males and facilitate the detection and localization of conspecifics in shallow water environments, like those in which midshipman breed and nest.
The morphology of the male reproductive system, spermatogenesis and the spermatozoon of Daphnia magna (Crustacea: Branchiopoda)
Authors: Wuerz Maggie , Huebner Erwin , Huebner Judith
Published: July 2017

This study analyses the histological and cellular morphology of the testis and sperm development in the male Daphnia magna Straus 1820. Due to the rarity of males and predominately parthenogenetic lifecycle of Daphnia, there has been limited detailed information on males in contrast to the well‐studied female. Using light and electron microscopy approaches, we describe the morphology of the testis during the progression from an immature to mature testis. The testis has an encasing muscular mesh sheath outside the basal lamina, beneath which is a thin somatic epithelial cell layer. Internal to the epithelium are the spermatogonial stem cells and subsequent syncytial clusters of the germ cells as they progress through spermatogenesis; spermatozoa occupy the entire testis in sexually mature D. magna. We describe the structure of developing and mature spermatozoa; mature spermatozoa are non‐flagellated, ovoid in shape with plasmalemma filapodia and are encased in an extracellular capsule.
Application of vector immune system to distribution network reconfiguration
Authors: Ferrero Simone , Freschi Fabio , Pons Enrico , Repetto Maurizio
Published: July 2017

Distributed energy generation facilities, often based on renewable energy sources, have changed the classical management of Distribution Networks. Optimisation tools are useful to change the grid configuration improving its capability and exploiting an optimal flow of power within the network. There are different criteria for the evaluation of the network performance like losses, voltage profile, and reliability indicators that are often in contrast, requiring thus a multiobjective optimisation. Network reconfiguration by changing its topology is a technique that leads to a combinatorial formulation. The Vector Immune System algorithm can be adapted to deal with this issue and has been applied to the definition of the network reconfiguration with original implementations for the generation of the first population and for the mutation operator. Results on an industrial example are presented.
Rapid sensory profiling and hedonic rating of whole grain sorghum‐cowpea composite biscuits by low income consumers
Authors: Dovi Koya AP , Chiremba Constance , Taylor John RN , de Kock Henriëtta L
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The challenges of malnutrition and urbanization in Africa demand the development of acceptable, affordable, nutritious complementary‐type foods. Biscuits (i.e. cookies; a popular snack) from whole grain staples are an option. The present study aimed to relate check‐all‐that‐applies (CATA) sensory profiles of sorghum‐cowpea composite biscuits compared to economic commercial refined wheat biscuits with hedonic ratings by low income consumers. In addition, the nutritional composition and protein quality, L*a*b* colour and texture of the biscuits were determined.

RESULTS

The CATA method is suitable for rapidly determining which attributes consumers perceive in food products and relating these to acceptability. Consumers preferred the lighter, more yellow wheat biscuits with ginger, vanilla, sweet and cinnamon flavours compared to the stronger flavours (sorghum, beany and nutty) and harder but brittle, grittier, dry and rough textured sorghum or sorghum‐cowpea biscuits. However, a substantial proportion of consumers also liked the latter biscuits. The composite biscuits had higher dietary fibre content and a similar protein quality to the standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole grain sorghum‐cowpea biscuits could serve as acceptable value‐added nutritious complementary snacks for consumers in sub‐Saharan Africa. The biscuits are simple to produce for the creation of viable small enterprises. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Improvement of solid‐phase microextraction efficiency by the application of a carbon‐nanotubes‐based ternary microextraction fiber composite
Authors: Mohammadiazar Sirwan , Fallahpour Nastaran , Roostaie Ali , Ebrahimi Bahram
Published: July 2017

In this study, a novel technique is proposed for preparation of an efficient and unbreakable metal‐wire‐supported solid‐phase microextraction fiber. A sol–gel film was deposited on electrophoretically deposited carbon nanotubes on a stainless‐steel wire. The applicability of the fiber was evaluated through the extraction of some aromatic pollutants as model compounds from the headspace of aqueous samples in combination with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The parameters affecting the structure and extraction efficiency of the fiber (including the type of solvent, time, and potential for electrophoretic deposition) and the parameters affecting the extraction efficiency (such as coating type, salt content, extraction temperature, and time) were investigated. The results showed that the film thickness will be increased by increasing the potential and time duration. Finally, the characterization of the deposited film was accomplished by scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. After the optimization of the extraction parameters, the limit of detection of less than 20 pg/mL was achieved, and the calibration curves were all linear (r2 ≥ 0.9737), in the range from 50 to 500 pg/mL. The solid‐phase microextraction fiber has a high mechanical strength; good stability and long service life, making it potentially applicable in the extraction of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from aqueous samples.
Sediment properties, biota, and local habitat structure explain variation in the erodibility of coastal sediments
Authors: Joensuu M. , Pilditch C. A. , Harris R. , Hietanen S. , Pettersson H. , Norkko A.
Published: July 2017

Sediment resuspension is a frequent phenomenon in coastal areas and a key driver for many ecosystem functions. Sediment resuspension is often linked to biological and anthropogenic activities, which in combination with hydrodynamic forcing initiate sediment erosion and resuspension, if the erosion threshold (τc) is exceeded. Despite its importance to ecosystem functions very few studies have provided measurements on natural assemblages for subtidal sediments. The aim of this study was to determinate key environmental variables regulating sediment resuspension potential across a sedimentary gradient in a subtidal coastal environment. In order to explore this, we sampled 16 sites encompassing a wide variety in environmental variables (e.g., grain size distribution, macrofaunal communities, vegetation) in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea. A core‐based erosion device (EROMES) was used to determine sediment resuspension potential measures of erosion threshold, erosion rate (ER), and erosion constant (me). Based on abiotic and biotic properties sampled, sediments diverged into two distinct groups; cohesive (“muddy”) and noncohesive (“sandy”) sediments. Results showed that abiotic sediment properties explained 38–53% and 15–36% of the total variation in resuspension potential measures in “muddy” and “sandy” sediments, respectively. In cumulative models, biota accounted for 12–26% and 6–24% to the total variation in “muddy” and “sandy” sediments, respectively. Sediment erodibility and resuspension potential of natural sediments is highly variable from local habitats to a larger seascape scale. Our results underline the importance of biota to resuspension potential measures in spatially variable environments.
Comprehensive Examination of Mechanical and Diffusional Effects on Cell Behavior Using a Decoupled 3D Hydrogel System
Authors: Kim Suntae , Sim Sung Bo , Lee Kangseok , Cha Chaenyung
Published: July 2017

Hydrogels possess several physical and chemical properties suitable for engineering cellular environments for biomedical applications. Despite recent advances in hydrogel systems for cell culture, it is still a significant challenge to independently control the mechanical and diffusional properties of hydrogels, both of which are well known to influence various cell behaviors when using hydrogels as 3D cell culture systems. Controlling the crosslinking density of a hydrogel system to tune the mechanical properties inevitably affects their diffusional properties, as the crosslinking density and diffusion are often inversely correlated. In this study, a polymeric crosslinker is demonstrated that allows for the adjustment of the degree of substitution of reactive functional groups. By using this polymeric crosslinker, the rigidity of the resulting hydrogel is controlled in a wide range without changing the polymer concentration. Furthermore, their diffusional properties, as characterized by their swelling ratios, pore diameters, and drug release rates, are not significantly affected by the changes in the degree of substitution. 3D cell studies using this hydrogel system successfully demonstrate the varying effects of mechanical properties on different cell types, whereas those in a conventional hydrogel system are more significantly influenced by changes in diffusional properties.
Reduced and Surface‐Modified Graphene Oxide with Nonlinear Resistivity
Authors: Wåhlander Martin , Nilsson Fritjof , Andersson Richard L. , Carlmark Anna , Hillborg Henrik , Malmström Eva
Published: July 2017

Field‐grading materials (FGMs) are used to reduce the probability for electrical breakdowns in critical regions of electrical components and are therefore of great importance. Usually, FGMs are heavily filled (40 vol.%) with semi‐conducting or conducting particles. Here, polymer‐grafted reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is used as a filler to accomplish percolated networks at very low filling ratios (<2 vol.%) in a semi‐crystalline polymer matrix: poly(ethylene‐co‐butyl acrylate) (EBA). Various simulation models are used to predict the percolation threshold and the flake‐to‐flake distances, to complement the experimental results. A substantial increase in thermal stability of rGO is observed after surface modification, either by silanization or subsequent polymerizations. The non‐linear DC resistivity of neat and silanized rGO and its trapping of charge‐carriers in semi‐crystalline EBA are demonstrated for the first time. It is shown that the polymer‐grafted rGO improve the dispersibility in the EBA‐matrix and that the graft length controls the inter‐flake distances (i.e. charge‐carrier hopping distances). By the appropriate selection of graft lengths, both highly resistive materials at 10 kV mm‐1 and FGMs with a large and distinct drop in resistivity (six decades) are obtained, followed by saturation. The nonlinear drop in resistivity is attributed to narrow inter‐flake distance distributions of grafted rGO.
Particle Penetration into Polydisperse Polymer Brushes: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Qi Shuanhu
Published: July 2017

Based on theoretical analysis, the effect of polydispersity on particle penetration into polydisperse polymer brushes is investigated. Three different polydispersities representing sharp, moderate, and extremely wide chain length distributions are chosen, since the corresponding explicit expressions of brush density at these polydispersities are available. To simplify the discussion, this study is restricted to spherical particles of small size which ensure that the particle insertion only causes local conformational perturbations. By analyzing the particle distribution, it is found that polydispersity always facilitates particle penetration. This prediction is confirmed by analyzing the surface fluctuations of the brushes. Interestingly, uniform scaling relations are observed for particles penetrating into monodisperse and moderately polydisperse brushes. The uniformity predicted by monodisperse and moderately polydisperse brushes originates from the same asymptotic behavior of their densities approaching the brush edge. This indicates that polydispersity brings significant influence only at high polydispersities.
Cten promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through the post‐transcriptional stabilization of Snail
Authors: Thorpe Hannah , Asiri Abdulaziz , Akhlaq Maham , Ilyas Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Cten promotes cell migration however the knowledge of underlying signalling pathways is sparse. We have shown that Cten downregulates E‐cadherin, a feature of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This prompted us to investigate whether Cten further contributed to EMT processes to regulate cell motility. The regulation of Snail by Cten was investigated following overexpression, knockdown (by RNA‐interference) or knockout of Cten in HCT116, Caco‐2 and SW620 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Subsequently, the cycloheximide (CHX) pulse chase assay was used to investigate changes in Snail protein stability and the functional relevance of Cten‐Snail signalling was investigated. Snail was identified as a downstream target of Cten signalling using multiple approaches of Cten expression manipulation. Furthermore, this activity was mediated through the SH2 domain of Cten. The CHX assay confirmed that Cten was regulating Snail at a post transcriptional level and this was through the prevention of Snail degradation. Cell migration, invasion and colony formation efficiency were increased following forced expression of GFP‐Cten but subsequently lost when Snail was knocked down, demonstrating a functional Cten‐Snail signalling axis. In conclusion, we have described a novel Cten‐Snail signaling pathway that contributes to cell motility in CRC, mediated by the stabilization of Snail protein. This finding potentially furthers the understanding of EMT regulatory networks in cancer metastasis.
Comment on “On the Neumann function and the method of images in spherical and ellipsoidal geometry”
Authors: Xue Changfeng , Deng Shaozhong
Published: July 2017

In this note, we point out two errors in the article “On the Neumann function and the method of images in spherical and ellipsoidal geometry” by Dassios and Sten. Two corrections are then proposed.
Autonomous change of behavior for environmental context: An intermittent search model with misunderstanding search pattern
Authors: Murakami Hisashi , Gunji Yukio‐Pegio
Published: July 2017

Although foraging patterns have long been predicted to autonomously adapt to environmental conditions, empirical evidence has been found in recent years. This evidence suggests that the search strategy of animals is open to change so that animals can flexibly respond to their environment. In this study, we began with a simple computational model that possesses the principal features of an intermittent strategy, ie, careful local searches separated by longer steps, as a mechanism for relocation, where an agent in the model follows a rule to switch between two phases, but it could misunderstand this rule, ie, the agent follows an ambiguous switching rule. Thanks to this ambiguity, the agent's foraging strategy can continuously change. First, we demonstrate that our model can exhibit an autonomous change of strategy from Brownian‐type to Lévy type depending on the prey density, and we investigate the distribution of time intervals for switching between the phases. Moreover, we show that the model can display higher search efficiency than a correlated random walk.
Cyanidin‐3‐glucoside increases whole body energy metabolism by upregulating brown adipose tissue mitochondrial function
Authors: You Yilin , Yuan Xiaoxue , Liu Xiaomeng , Liang Chen , Meng Minghui , Huang Yuanyuan , Han Xue , Guo Jielong , Guo Yu , Ren Chenglong , Zhang Qianwen , Sun Xiangyu , Ma Tingting , Liu Guojie , Jin Wanzhu , Huang Weidong , Zhan Jicheng
Published: July 2017

Scope

Obesity develops when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Promoting brown adipose tissue (BAT) formation and function increases energy expenditure and may protect against obesity. Cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G) is an anthocyanin compound that occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables. In this study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of C3G on the prevention of obesity.

Methods and results

Db/db mice received C3G dissolved in drinking water for 16 wk; drinking water served as the vehicle treatment. The total body weight, energy intake, metabolic rate, and physical activity were measured. The lipid droplets, gene expression and protein expression were evaluated by histochemical staining, real‐time PCR, and western blots. We found that C3G increased energy expenditure, limited weight gain, maintained glucose homeostasis, reversed hepatic steatosis, improved cold tolerance, and enhanced BAT activity in obese db/db mice. C3G also induces brown‐like adipocytes (beige) formation in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (sWAT) of db/db mice model. We also found that C3G potently regulates the transcription of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) both in BAT and sWAT through increasing mitochondrial number and function.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that C3G plays a role in regulating systemic energy balance, which may have potential therapeutic implications for the prevention and control of obesity.
A different way to study frequency volume charts in patients with nocturia
Authors: Denys Marie‐Astrid , Goessaert An‐Sofie , Dejaeghere Brecht , Decalf Veerle , Hoebeke Piet , Everaert Karel
Published: July 2017

Background

Nocturia results from a mismatch between bladder capacity and nocturnal urine production (NUP), which is determined with a frequency volume charts (FVC).

Aim

This is the first study that aimed to describe variations in nocturia severity and its associated factors by evaluating FVCs per single 24 h‐period.

Methods

This was a post‐hoc analysis of patients who completed a 72 h‐FVC in prospective, observational studies. The nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) was defined as the ratio of nocturnal and 24 h urine output. Subgroups were defined according to variations in nocturia frequency during the three 24 h‐periods of the FVC (fluctuating/consistent) and to the number of nocturia episodes during a single night (0/1/≥2).

Results

We analyzed 504 24 h‐FVC, collected by 168 subjects (58% female) with a median age of 60 (50‐68) years. Nocturia frequency fluctuated in 69 (41%) subjects. For the same number of nocturnal voids, we found no differences in NPi and maximum voided volume (MVV) between consistent and fluctuating nocturia frequency. Increasing numbers of nocturnal voids were associated with an increasing NPi in subjects with fluctuating nocturia, while for consistent nocturia, it was linked to an increase in NPi and a decrease in MVV. For both subjects with fluctuating and consistent nocturia, increasing nocturia severity was associated with increasing daytime fluid intake.

Conclusion

For the same number of nocturnal voids, bladder capacity, and NUP were similar between patients with consistent and fluctuating nocturia. An increasing number of nocturnal voids in subjects with fluctuating nocturia was linked to more NUP and more daytime fluid intake.
Annual degradation rates of recent crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules
Authors: Ishii Tetsuyuki , Masuda Atsushi
Published: July 2017

Long‐term reliability and durability of recently installed photovoltaic (PV) systems are currently unclear because they have so far only been operated for short periods. Here, we investigated the quality of six types of recent crystalline silicon PV modules to study the viability of PV systems as dispersed power generation systems under operating conditions connected to an electric power grid. Three indicators were used to estimate the annual degradation rates of the various crystalline silicon PV modules: energy yield, performance ratio, and indoor power. Module performance was assessed both with indoor and outdoor measurements using electric measurements taken over a 3‐year period. The trends in the results of the three indicators were almost consistent with each other. Although the performance of the newly installed PV modules decreased by over 2% owing to initial light‐induced degradation immediately after installation, little to no degradation was observed in all the PV modules composed of p‐type solar cells over a 3‐year operation period. However, the PV modules composed of n‐type solar cells clearly displayed performance degradation originating from the reduction of open‐circuit voltage or potential‐induced degradation. The results indicate that a more continuous and detailed outdoor actual investigation is important to study the quality of new, high‐efficiency solar cells, such as heterojunction, interdigitated back contact solar cells, and passivated emitter rear cells, which are set to dominate the PV markets in the future. © 2017 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The La(Fe,Mn,Si)13Hz magnetic phase transition under pressure
Authors: Lovell Edmund , Bez Henrique N. , Boldrin David C. , Nielsen Kaspar K. , Smith Anders , Bahl Christian R. H. , Cohen Lesley F.
Published: July 2017

We study the magnetocaloric metamagnetic transition in LaFe11.74Mn0.06Si1.20 and LaFe11.76Mn0.06Si1.18H1.65 under hydrostatic pressure up to 1.2 GPa. For both compounds, hydrostatic pressure depresses the zero field critical temperature. However, in detail, pressure influences the magnetic properties in different ways in the two compounds. In the dehydrogenated case the transition broadens under pressure whereas in the hydrogenated case the transition sharpens. In both cases thermal hysteresis increases under pressure, although with different trends. These observations suggest both intrinsic and extrinsic hysteresis loss brought about by the use of hydrostatic pressure. We explore the multicaloric field‐pressure cycle, demonstrating that although the gain introduced by overcoming the magnetic hysteresis loss is closely countered by the loss introduced in the pressure cycle, there are significant advantages in that the temperature range of operation can be finely tuned and extended, and the magnetocaloric transition can operate in lower absolute applied fields (<0.5 T), potentially overcoming one of the most significant bottlenecks to the commercialization of this technology.
Effects of Davallia formosana Hayata Water and Alcohol Extracts on Osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 Cells
Authors: Wu Chia‐Feng , Lin Yeong‐Shenn , Lee Sheng‐Chi , Chen Cheng‐Yu , Wu Ming‐Chang , Lin Jen‐Shinn
Published: July 2017

The Taiwanese native fern Davallia formosana Hayata (DFH) is used to treat bone diseases in classical Chinese medicine. We analyzed MC3T3E1 osteoblasts treated with different concentrations of water and ethanol extracts (10, 25, and 50 [both], and 100 μg/mL [DFE only]) using cell viability, expression of osteoblast differentiation markers [bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2), collagen 1 (CoL‐1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx 2)], and mineralization. These were significantly increased by DFW or DFE after 24‐h incubation compared with the untreated controls. Compared with other treatments, DFW 50 and DFE 100 μg/mL significantly increased MC3T3E1 cell survival. DFW 25 and 50 μg/mL increased bone BMP‐2, CoL‐1, ALP, and Runx2 protein expression, ALP activity, and mineralization more than DFE did. Repeated chromatographic separation of DFW yielded compound (−)‐epicatechin‐3‐O‐d‐allipyranoside (ECAP), which was characterized using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. (−)‐Epicatechin‐3‐O‐d‐allipyranoside (0.01 μg/mL) significantly increased cell survival (118.9%) and mineralization (218.7%) compared with that of the control treatment. We inferred that ECAP could mediate the main activity of DFW in bone formation, likely through BMP‐2‐induced Runx2 transcription, which increased bone cell differentiation factors ALP and CoL‐1 and promoted mineralization. (−)‐Epicatechin‐3‐O‐d‐allipyranoside could be an anti‐osteoporotic agent. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitude change when presenting science museum visitors with risk–benefit information
Authors: Phelan Siëlle , Specht Inga , Schnotz Wolfgang , Lewalter Doris
Published: July 2017

Visitors to modern science museums are likely to encounter exhibitions presenting conflicting information, such as risks and benefits of new scientific developments. Such exhibitions encourage visitors to reflect upon different sides of a story and to form or adjust their attitudes toward the topic on display. However, there is very little evidence of museum visits influencing visitors’ attitudes. Using a risk–benefit museum text, we set out to explore this blind spot of attitude change in a science museum, with visual and auditory text as information conditions. Our results show a small average change in visitors’ attitude toward the text topic after information (N= 225). No significant differences were found between participants’ attitude change in the two information conditions. We also explored whether participants’ attitude change can be predicted based on presentation modality and four dimensions of attitude strength (prior knowledge, attitudinal certainty, attitudinal importance, and attitudinal ambivalence) that are known to play a role in attitude change. Results indicate that this model explained a small part of the variance, but only ambivalence added statistically significantly to the prediction. Overall, our findings suggest that risk–benefit information can on average change visitors’ attitudes and that prior attitudinal ambivalence can influence that change.
Seismic behavior of coupled shear wall structures with various concrete and steel coupling beams
Authors: Li Guo‐Qiang , Pang Mengde , Sun Feifei , Jiang Jian , Hu Dazhu
Published: July 2017

A novel 2‐level yielding steel coupling beam (TYSCB) has been developed to enhance the seismic performance of coupled shear wall systems. The TYSCB consists of a shear‐yielding beam designed to yield first under minor earthquakes and a bend‐yielding beam designed to yield under severe earthquakes. A comparison of seismic behavior of 4 20‐storey coupled shear wall structures with reinforced concrete coupling beams, complete steel coupling beams, fuse steel coupling beams, and TYSCB is presented. The dimensions and force‐displacement curves of these coupling beams are first designed. Nonlinear dynamic analyses on these structures are carried out under minor and severe earthquakes. The seismic behavior of these models is studied by comparing their storey shear forces, storey drift ratios and ductility demands. The results show that the base shear and storey drift of the structure with TYSCB under both minor and severe earthquakes are less than those of structures with concrete coupling beams and complete steel coupling beams. Furthermore, the ductility demand of coupled shear walls with TYSCB subjected to severe earthquakes can be greatly released compared with those using fuse steel coupling beams. This indicates that the proposed TYSCB has a better balance between ductility demand and energy dissipation, compared to traditional steel coupling beams.
PIXE‐based detection of elemental accumulation during direct organogenesis in Blepharispermum subsessileDC.: An endangered medicinal plant of Odisha, India
Authors: Nayak Pranati , Ram Shidharth Sankar , Kalidass C.
Published: July 2017

Particle‐induced X‐ray emission was used to investigate mineral accumulation during different developmental stages of direct organogenesis from cotyledon explants of Blepharispermum subsessile beginning from shoot bud initiation and formation to in vitro regenerated roots. Mineral uptake and accumulation appeared selective and varied between different stages of shoot bud initiation and formation (Stage 1), proliferation of leafy shoots (Stage 2), and in vitro regenerated roots (Stage 3). The concentrations of 2 macro elements, K and Ca, were found in higher quantity during proliferation of shoot buds to leafy shoots stage suggesting their role in cell division, bud formation, and multiplication of the plant. Most of the micronutrients such as Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn were found to be accumulated in higher quantities in in vitro regenerated roots, as they provide the plant with a larger surface area and hence a greater potential for mineral uptake. The results of particle‐induced X‐ray emission test suggest that the information on the accumulation of elements during developmental stages in vitro could be useful for formulating a media for the induction of high‐frequency regeneration of in this important endangered medicinal plant species for its ex situ conservation.
Biotechnological and Novel Approaches for Designing Structured Lipids Intended for Infant Nutrition
Authors: Şahin‐Yeşilçubuk Neşe , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: July 2017

Human milk fat (HMF) is a perfect nutritional source that includes all the required ingredients which are necessary for the growth of infants up to 6 months. Although its composition may differ among mothers or during lactation stage, its unique triacylglycerol (TAG) structure remains constant which is characterized by the presence of palmitic acid (PA) at the sn‐2 position. Previous reports provided convincing information of higher PA and calcium absorption and efficient use of dietary energy when at this specific position in the TAG moiety than when PA is at the sn‐1,3 positions. During the design of structured lipids (SLs) intended for infant nutrition, this unique property is taken into consideration. Human milk fat substitutes (HMFS) enriched with important fatty acids such as omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids are intended to better mimic the functions of HMF as well as provide associated health benefits. The use of microencapsulation technology and novel technologies such as ultrasound technology in conjunction with SL production and enzyme‐catalyzed reactions are evolving and ongoing issues in infant formula production. Therefore, further studies should be directed towards new process improvements in order to increase the functional properties and oxidative stabilities of HMFS. Novel technologies in lipid biotechnology related to HMFS preparation should also be explored.
Liver Disease in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Authors: Mitchell Ellen L. , Khan Zahida
Published: July 2017

Purpose of Review

The aim of the study is to review the liver disease caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD), including pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, and recent therapeutic developments.

Recent Findings

Therapeutic approaches target several intracellular pathways to reduce the cytotoxic effects of the misfolded mutant globular protein (ATZ) on the hepatocyte. These include promoting ATZ transport out of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), enhancing ATZ degradation, and preventing ATZ globule-aggregation.

A1ATD is the leading genetic cause of liver disease among children. It is a protein-folding disorder in which toxic insoluble ATZ proteins aggregate in the ER of hepatocytes leading to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The absence of the normal A1AT serum protein also predisposes patients to pan lobar emphysema as adults. At this time, the only approved therapy for A1ATD-associated liver disease is orthotopic liver transplantation, which is curative. However, there has been significant recent progress in the development of small molecule therapies with potential both to preserve the native liver and prevent hepatotoxicity.
A new mapping method to estimate exit sites of ventricular arrhythmias using intracardiac echocardiography and M‐mode for catheter ablation
Authors: Inaba Osamu , Nitta Junichi , Kuroda Syunsuke , Sekigawa Masahiro , Suzuki Masahito , Inamura Yukihiro , Satoh Akira , Isobe Mitsuaki , Hirao Kenzo
Published: July 2017

Background

Catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) has been used as a curative therapy in many cases. Intracardiac ultrasound with a magnetic sensor probe has recently become available for catheter ablation. In this study, we assessed a new mapping method, contraction mapping, for determining the optimal ablation sites using intracardiac ultrasound and M‐mode. This study sought to assess the accuracy of the new mapping method using intracardiac echocardiography.

Methods

Eighteen patients (10 males and eight females; mean age, 63±12 years) with 104 mapping points diagnosed as idiopathic PVCs were included in this study. At the mapping points, the time interval from the onset of the QRS to the onset of the contraction (QRS‐c‐time) and the local activation time were measured using M‐mode with an intracardiac echo probe and using the conventional method. The correlation between the QRS‐c‐time and local activation time were studied.

Results

The QRS‐c‐time was significantly correlated with the local activation time (activation time=−66.8+0.882 * QRS‐c‐time, R2=0.728, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Contraction mapping could help determine the local activation time without the delivery of a catheter to the mapping points.
Hong Kong’s Public Enforcement Model of Investor Protection
Authors: DONALD David C. , CHEUK Paul W.H.
Published: July 2017

The market of a successful financial centre must be efficient, orderly, and fair, which requires that investor protection rules be enforced effectively. While a substantial literature exists promoting privately driven enforcement of investor protection rules, there is a growing consensus that enforcement action by public bodies is likely to be more important for most markets than privately initiated litigation. Hong Kong exemplifies this point. In Hong Kong, public authorities carry almost the entire burden of enforcing corporate and securities laws. Yet Hong Kong functions at a high level of quality globally despite operating a market in which most companies are foreign-incorporated—often originating from jurisdictions with reputations for governance that are middling at best—and trading takes place in multiple currencies. To revisit the debate on the determinants of effective corporate and securities law enforcement, this paper evaluates the enforcement of investor protection laws in Hong Kong. The paper first examines the institutional context, presenting key corporate and securities regulation and explaining avenues for private and public actions. It looks at the powers and competencies of the relevant supervisory authorities, including the stock exchange, which has a quasi-public role in regulating the market. Then, using publicly available data supplemented through interviews with agency staff, the paper presents Hong Kong’s enforcement “inputs” (funding and staffing) and “outputs” (actions and sanctions) for the main public enforcers. We find evidence that the Hong Kong public enforcement model effectively disciplines even its dangerous environment of foreign companies, controlling shareholders, and complex, international groups, and might be able better to do so exactly because of a focus on public, rather than private, enforcement.
Calving and rifting on the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica
Authors: Banwell Alison F. , Willis Ian C. , Macdonald Grant J. , Goodsell Becky , Mayer David P. , Powell Anthony , Macayeal Douglas R.
Published: July 2017

On 2 March 2016, several small en échelon tabular icebergs calved from the seaward front of the McMurdo Ice Shelf, and a previously inactive rift widened and propagated by ~3 km, ~25% of its previous length, setting the stage for the future calving of a ~14 km2 iceberg. Within 24 h of these events, all remaining land-fast sea ice that had been stabilizing the ice shelf broke-up. The events were witnessed by time-lapse cameras at nearby Scott Base, and put into context using nearby seismic and automatic weather station data, satellite imagery and subsequent ground observation. Although the exact trigger of calving and rifting cannot be identified definitively, seismic records reveal superimposed sets of both long-period (>10 s) sea swell propagating into McMurdo Sound from storm sources beyond Antarctica, and high-energy, locally-sourced, short-period (<10 s) sea swell, in the 4 days before the fast ice break-up and associated ice-shelf calving and rifting. This suggests that sea swell should be studied further as a proximal cause of ice-shelf calving and rifting; if proven, it suggests that ice-shelf stability is tele-connected with far-field storm conditions at lower latitudes, adding a global dimension to the physics of ice-shelf break-up.
China’s Cap on Coal and the Efficiency of Local Interventions: A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Phasing out Coal in Power Plants and in Households in Beijing
Authors: Jin Yana , Andersson Henrik , Zhang Shiqiu
Published: July 2017

China’s Cap on Coal Consumption (CCC) Policy serves as a key strategy to address the serious air pollution in China, and it helps to address coal’s climate, environment and health damages. Current implementation of it focuses on substituting coal used in power plants and boilers with natural gas, whereas phasing out household coal use is less emphasized. This study estimates the benefits and costs of interventions for phasing out coal used in power plants and in households in Beijing. The results suggest that the phasing out of household coal use can result in net social benefits. However, coal-to-gas projects for power plants actually bring net social losses, a result largely attributable to the relative high price of natural gas in China. In addition to the actual policy evaluations of phasing out coal, this study outlines how to conduct economic analysis of air pollution policies in China taking into account uncertainty and correlations of key parameters. With the importance at a national and global level to reduce the negative effects of coal consumption, together with the trend of scaling up coal reduction interventions in China from local pioneers to the national level, this study provides implications on how to achieve more socially beneficial results for such interventions.