bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remodeling- and Modeling-Based Bone Formation With Teriparatide Versus Denosumab: A Longitudinal Analysis From Baseline to 3 Months in the AVA Study
Authors: Dempster David W , Zhou Hua , Recker Robert R , Brown Jacques P , Recknor Christopher P , Lewiecki E Michael , Miller Paul D , Rao Sudhaker D , Kendler David L , Lindsay Robert , Krege John H , Alam Jahangir , Taylor Kathleen A , Melby Thomas E , Ruff Valerie A
Published: October 2017

There has been renewed interest of late in the role of modeling-based formation (MBF) during osteoporosis therapy. Here we describe early effects of an established anabolic (teriparatide) versus antiresorptive (denosumab) agent on remodeling-based formation (RBF), MBF, and overflow MBF (oMBF) in human transiliac bone biopsies. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis received subcutaneous teriparatide (n = 33, 20 μg/d) or denosumab (n = 36, 60 mg once/6 months), open-label for 6 months at 7 US and Canadian sites. Subjects received double fluorochrome labeling at baseline and before biopsy at 3 months. Sites of bone formation were designated as MBF if the underlying cement line was smooth, RBF if scalloped, and oMBF if formed over smooth cement lines adjacent to scalloped reversal lines. At baseline, mean RBF/bone surface (BS), MBF/BS, and oMBF/BS were similar between the teriparatide and denosumab groups in each bone envelope assessed (cancellous, endocortical, periosteal). All types of formation significantly increased from baseline in the cancellous and endocortical envelopes (differences p < 0.001) with teriparatide (range of changes 2.9- to 21.9-fold), as did MBF in the periosteum (p < 0.001). In contrast, all types of formation were decreased or not significantly changed with denosumab, except MBF/BS in the cancellous envelope, which increased 2.5-fold (difference p = 0.048). These data highlight mechanistic differences between these agents: all 3 types of bone formation increased significantly with teriparatide, whereas formation was predominantly decreased or not significantly changed with denosumab, except for a slight increase in MBF/BS in the cancellous envelope. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A new parameter of growth inhibition for cell proliferation assays
Authors: Fiorentino Francesco P. , Bagella Luigi , Marchesi Irene
Published: October 2017

Cell proliferation assays are performed by four decades to test the anti‐proliferative activity of natural products and synthetic compounds in cell cultures. In cancer research, they are widely employed to evaluate drug efficacy in in vitro tumor models, such as established cell lines, primary cultures, and recently developed three‐dimensional tumor organoids. In this manuscript, we demonstrated that current employed parameters used by researchers to quantify in vitro growth inhibition, IC50 and GI50, lead to a misinterpretation of results based on the exponential, and not linear, proliferation of the cells in culture. Therefore, we introduce a new parameter for the analysis of growth inhibition in cell proliferation assays, termed relative population doubling capacity, that can be employed to properly quantify the anti‐proliferative activity of tested compounds and to compare drug efficacy between distinct cell models.
C‐C motif chemokine ligand 23 abolishes ER stress‐ and LPS‐induced reduction in proliferation of bovine endometrial epithelial cells
Authors: Lim Whasun , Bae Hyocheol , Bazer Fuller W. , Song Gwonhwa
Published: October 2017

To reduce embryonic losses in domestic animals for economic production of livestock meat and milk, chemokines and their receptors are required for proper implantation and placentation during early pregnancy. In this study, we investigated the effects of C‐C‐motif chemokine ligand 23 (CCL23) on the proliferation of bovine endometrial (BEND) epithelial cells. CCL23 treatment improved BEND cell proliferation by enhancing PCNA and cyclin D1 expression via activation of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, a combination of CCL23 and tunicamycin reversed the ER stress‐induced reduction in cell proliferation and the decreased expression of UPR‐mediated signaling proteins, including IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6α. Moreover, it regulated the lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation in BEND cells by inhibiting the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6andIL‐8), and by restoring intracellular Ca2+levels. These findings demonstrate that CCL23 improves endometrial development and uterine receptivity required for implantation and placentation during early pregnancy.
Prenatal sonographic monitoring of progressive cardiac damages caused by anti‐Ro antibodies: A case report
Authors: Tongprasert Fuanglada , Sittiwangkul Rekwan , Lerthiranwong Thitikarn , Tongsong Theera
Published: October 2017

Maternal autoantibodies to Ro/SSA are often linked to congenital heart block and rarely associated with structural defects. We describe the case of a fetus with anti‐Ro‐mediated second‐degree block at 19 weeks, which progressed to a complete block, fibroelastosis, atrioventricular valve insufficiency, and semilunar valve stenosis/insufficiency at 20, 22, 24, and 26 weeks, respectively, although the fetus received transplacental anti‐arrhythmic drugs. The 2150‐g fetus was vaginally delivered at 35 weeks. An external pacemaker was inserted immediately after birth and replaced with permanent pacemaker at the age of 3 months. The newborn has had a good outcome with well‐controlled heart rate.
Different influences on the tropical Pacific SST gradient from natural and anthropogenic forcing
Authors: Ning Liang , Liu Jian , Wang Zhiyuan , Bradley Raymond S.
Published: October 2017

The influences of natural forcings (i.e. solar radiation and volcanic aerosol) and anthropogenic forcings (i.e. greenhouse gases) on the tropical Pacific zonal sea‐surface temperature (SST) gradient are investigated through numerical sensitivity experiments, forced by natural forcing, anthropogenic forcing, or full forcing (both natural and anthropogenic forcing) using the Community Earth System Model (CESM) over the past two millennia. Under full forcing, during the present warming period (PWP; 1901–1999), the Pacific SST shows a larger warming over the tropical Pacific region than the subtropical Pacific region. This pattern is composed of an El Niño‐like SST gradient (due to the greenhouse gas forcing) and a La Niña‐like SST gradient (due to natural forcing). Two sensitivity experiments, the PWP under greenhouse gas forcing and the medieval warming period (MWP; 751–1250) under natural forcing, were used to examine the mechanisms. The results showed that under the greenhouse gas forcing, the larger warming over the eastern tropical Pacific is induced by an increased surface net heat flux, which is mainly caused by short‐wave radiation and long‐wave radiation. Under natural forcing, a larger warming is induced over the western tropical Pacific by changes in the ocean vertical heat transportation, caused by surface wind anomalies.
Elevation‐dependent effects of climate change on vegetation greenness in the high mountains of southwest China during 1982–2013
Authors: Tao Jian , Xu Tongqing , Dong Jinwei , Yu Xiuqin , Jiang Yanbin , Zhang Yangjian , Huang Ke , Zhu Juntao , Dong Jianxin , Xu Yimin , Wang Shusheng
Published: October 2017

Effects of climate change on vegetation greenness have attracted considerable attention in the context of global change; however, the dependence of such climatic effects on elevation remains poorly understood. In this study, we examine the relationship between vegetation greenness change and climate change and, in particular, characterize how this relationship changes with elevation in the high mountains of southwest China by using the remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and observed temperature and precipitation data sets for the period of 1982–2013. The results show that vegetation exhibited a greening trend (slope: 0.0008 year−1, p < 0.01) under climate warming (slope: 0.04 °C year−1, p < 0.01) and drying (slope: −2.47 mm year−1, p > 0.05). The vegetation greening and climate warming trends were stronger in the higher elevation plateaus than in the lower elevation mountains. Statistical analysis showed that temperature was the main driving factor on vegetation greening, and the driving effect was elevation‐dependent. A substantially more significant correlation between climate warming and vegetation greening was found in the higher elevation plateaus, which reveals a higher temperature sensitivity of these plateaus. In addition, a significant correlation between inter‐annual standard deviations of NDVI and precipitation during 1982–2013 was tracked over the entire study area.
Deep eutectic solvent based magnetic nanofluid in the development of stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction: An efficient hyphenated sample preparation for ultra‐trace nitroaromatic explosives extraction in wastewater
Authors: Zarei Ali Reza , Nedaei Maryam , Ghorbanian Sohrab Ali
Published: October 2017

A deep eutectic solvent based magnetic nanofluid was coupled with stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction as a hyphenated sample preparation technique. The neodymium core magnetic stir bar was coated physically with nanofluid of magnetic carbon nanotube nanocomposites and deep eutectic solvents. The prepared nanofluid has magnetic and strong sorbing properties and is compatible with gas chromatography. In this nanofluid, the deep eutectic solvent acts simultaneously as both carrier and stabilizer for magnetic nanotubes. The predominant experimental variables affecting the extraction efficiency of nitroaromatic compounds were evaluated. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection and enrichment factor were in the range of 0.2–4.9 ng/L and 852–1480, respectively. The relative standard deviations were between 5.6 and 10.2% (n = 6). Method validation was performed by both spiking–recovery method and comparison of results with other methods. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for the extraction and pre‐concentration of nitroaromatic explosives in water samples, followed by determination by gas chromatography with micro‐electron capture detection.
Adding a new separation dimension to MS and LC–MS: What is the utility of ion mobility spectrometry?
Authors: D'Atri Valentina , Causon Tim , Hernandez‐Alba Oscar , Mutabazi Aline , Veuthey Jean‐Luc , Cianferani Sarah , Guillarme Davy
Published: October 2017

Ion mobility spectrometry is an analytical technique known for more than 100 years, which entails separating ions in the gas phase based on their size, shape, and charge. While ion mobility spectrometry alone can be useful for some applications (mostly security analysis for detecting certain classes of narcotics and explosives), it becomes even more powerful in combination with mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Indeed, the limited resolving power of ion mobility spectrometry alone can be tackled when combining this analytical strategy with mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Over the last few years, the hyphenation of ion mobility spectrometry to mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry has attracted more and more interest, with significant progresses in both technical advances and pioneering applications. This review describes the theoretical background, available technologies, and future capabilities of these techniques. It also highlights a wide range of applications, from small molecules (natural products, metabolites, glycans, lipids) to large biomolecules (proteins, protein complexes, biopharmaceuticals, oligonucleotides).
Land use change uncertainty impacts on streamflow and sediment projections in areas undergoing rapid development: A case study in the Mekong Basin
Authors: Shrestha Bikesh , Cochrane Thomas A. , Caruso Brian S. , Arias Mauricio E.
Published: October 2017

Quantitative understanding of potential changes in streamflow and sediment load is complicated by uncertainty related to land use change projections, which is characterized by a high uncertainty in terms of demand (quantity) and location of changes (spatial distribution). We simulate the Sesan, Srepok, and Sekong Rivers (3S), the most important tributaries of the lower Mekong River, with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to investigate the implications of conversion of forest to agricultural lands. Multiple land use transitions in the 3S basin are projected using the Land Change Modeler. The uncertainty in land use projection was addressed using an ensemble forecasting approach for 2060, combining (a) three land demand scenarios, (b) two transition potential modeling approaches (i.e., approach to create maps of the likelihood for areas to transition from one land use type to another), and (c) retaining or not protected areas. Land demand leads to the greatest uncertainty in land use change projections. Transition potential modeling approaches do not make much difference in the total change, but can result in spatial variations of change. Retaining protected areas can contribute significantly to uncertainty in land use change projections. Decrease in annual streamflow of the 3S basin varied from 3% to 21%, and changes in annual sediment outflux from the basin ranged from −8% to 249% for simulated scenarios. Land use demand uncertainty results in the highest streamflow and sediment load changes and can thus have major consequences for water and sediment management strategies in areas undergoing rapid development.
Insights into the ecology of the Black Sea through the qualitative loop analysis of the community structure
Authors: Bodini Antonio , Rocchi Marta , Scotti Marco
Published: October 2017

Overfishing, excess nutrient load, and invasion of Mnemiopsis leidyi acted on the Black Sea from 1960s to 1990s. Under the effect of these drivers, the ecosystem underwent several transformations that culminated in the shift from a planktonic food chain to a network with most of the energy diverted to jellyfish. The interplay between multiple stressors and the intricate web of trophic interactions make it difficult to understand which causative mechanisms linked the sources of change to the observed variations. To study such interplay, we focused on the structure of the trophic interactions and applied loop analysis to qualitatively predict the response of variables to stressors. Significant variations in biomass trends were identified with statistical analysis and considered as benchmark to validate loop analysis predictions. The results of the comparisons were used to select the most influential trophic interactions that explain the changes observed between 1960 and 1990. The models were applied to test (1) the importance of various environmental drivers and (2) the mechanisms that produced the observed changes. The results suggested that the changes observed before M. leidyi invasion were strongly influenced by the excess nutrient addition, an outcome that challenges the relevance of the trophic cascade as described in literature. The concurrent effect of overfishing, climate, and nutrient enrichment likely triggered the outburst of M. leidyi in the late 1980s. Our work shows the potential of loop analysis to grasp the causal relationships between the drivers, the structure of the interactions, and the responses of the variables.
Hydrodynamic mediation of killifish predation on infaunal polychaetes
Authors: Hentschel Brian T. , Hayman Nicholas T. , Anderson Todd W.
Published: October 2017

To explore predator‐prey interactions between California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis) and spionid polychaetes (Polydora cornuta and Streblospio benedicti) in saltmarsh creeks, we conducted a laboratory flume experiment to quantify whether killifish prey‐patch selectivity varies with water flow. The flume included a 300‐cm2 area of defaunated sediment within which we centrally positioned 24 P. cornuta, 24 S. benedicti, or no worms as a control. We videotaped groups of three killifish for 50 min at one of six unidirectional flow speeds (3 cm s−1, 6 cm s−1, 9 cm s−1, 12 cm s−1, 15 cm s−1, or 18 cm s−1) and recorded their bite rate anywhere in the sediment vs. bites directed at the central patch containing worms (98 cm2). The number of bites anywhere in the 300‐cm2 sediment area increased as flow increased from 3 cm s−1 to 6 cm s−1 and declined linearly as flow increased further. The number of bites anywhere was lower in treatments with no worms than when either worm species was present. The percentage of bites directed at the central patch varied significantly with flow speed and worm presence. With defaunated sediment only, ∼ 33% of bites were directed at the central patch at all flows, consistent with a null model of nonselective foraging. When either worm species inhabited the central patch, ∼ 65% of bites were directed at the central patch at 3 cm s−1 and 6 cm s−1, with patch selection declining as flow increased. Despite differences in morphology and behavior, the two prey species elicited similar foraging activity by killifish. These results suggest the importance of hydrodynamics in driving these epibenthic predator‐prey interactions.
Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polypyridine via a Cross Coupling Approach as an n‐Type π‐Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Koga Takashi , Nabae Yuta , Funakawa Akiyasu , Hayakawa Teruaki , Kakimoto Masa‐aki
Published: October 2017

The synthesis of an n‐type π‐conjugated hyperbranched polymer, hyperbranched polypyridine, is described. The polymer is obtained by copolymerization of 2,4,6‐tribromopyridine and 2,5‐dibromopyridine via chain‐growth condensation polymerization catalyzed by Ni(dppp)Cl2. The NMR and fourier transform infrared results indicate the successful introduction of the branching unit into polypyridine by this cross coupling approach. The results of UV–vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry suggest that the introduction of the branching unit contributes to a quick response during electrochemical doping due to the diffusion of dopant enhanced by the hyperbranched structure.
Surface Modification of Carbon Fibers by Free Radical Graft‐Polymerization of 2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate for High Mechanical Strength Fiber–Matrix Composites
Authors: Giebel Elisabeth , Herrmann Thomas , Simon Frank , Fery Andreas , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: October 2017

Free radical polymerization of vinylic monomers in the presence of carbon fibers results in the grafting of polymers onto the carbon fiber surface. Graft polymers cannot be removed by intense washing with good polymer solvents. The density and size of these structures are successfully controlled by reaction conditions. Grafting of the carbon fiber surface with hydroxyethyl methacrylate allows for introducing functional groups suitable for the reaction with an epoxy‐based resin. The resulting fiber‐reinforced composites show enhanced mechanical properties compared to samples prepared from carbon fibers equipped with a standard sizing for epoxy resins. Thus, tensile strength increases by 10%, while interlaminar shear strength improves by 20%.
Pro‐inflammatory M1 macrophage enhances metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cells through NF‐κB activation
Authors: Cho Untack , Kim Boyun , Kim Soochi , Han Youngjin , Song Yong Sang
Published: October 2017

Obesity is a serious health problem and critically related to poor prognosis in cancer, presumably through induction of chronic inflammation. The major culprit for cancer progression in obesity is presumed to be macrophages. Accumulation of macrophages in adipose tissue due to obesity induced chronic inflammation has been observed. However, obesity‐induced macrophage accumulation related to ovarian cancer progression remains unclear. So, the role of macrophage in cancer progression is needed to be further defined for therapeutic intervention. Here we determined the effect of macrophage type 1 (M1 macrophage) on ovarian cancer cells in relation to the metastasis. Ovarian cancer cell lines (PA‐1, SKOV3) and monocyte‐derived macrophages were used in this study. Treatment with M1 macrophage conditioned media on ovarian cancer cells increased the metastatic potential, such as migration and invasion capabilities. Interestingly, upon treatment with M1 macrophage conditioned media, nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, p60, and p50, from the cytosol was enhanced together with increased transcriptional activity of the NF‐κB. Pre‐treatment with TPCK (NF‐κB inhibitor) and NF‐κB siRNA on ovarian cancer cells suppressed M1 macrophage‐induced metastatic potential. Furthermore, Treatment of TNF‐α on ovarian cancer cells showed NF‐κB activation. Co‐treatment with TNF‐α inhibitor, etanercept, and M1 macrophage conditioned media on ovarian cancer cell lines reversed M1 macrophage conditioned media induced NF‐κB activation. Taken together, TNF‐α released from M1 macrophage increased metastatic potential in ovarian cancer cells through the activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway. These results provide a new insight into the critical role of M1 macrophage in the tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer.
Excretion of Avenanthramides, Phenolic Acids and their Major Metabolites Following Intake of Oat Bran
Authors: Schär Manuel Y. , Corona Giulia , Soycan Gulten , Dine Clemence , Kristek Angelika , Alsharif Sarah N. S. , Behrends Volker , Lovegrove Alison , Shewry Peter R. , Spencer Jeremy P. E.
Published: October 2017

Scope

Wholegrain has been associated with reduced chronic disease mortality, with oat intake particularly notable for lowering blood cholesterol and glycemia. To better understand the complex nutrient profile of oats, we studied urinary excretion of phenolic acids and avenanthramides after ingestion of oat bran in humans.

Methods and results

After a 2‐d (poly)phenol‐low diet, seven healthy men provided urine 12 h before and 48 h after consuming 60 g oat bran (7.8 μmol avenanthramides, 139.2 μmol phenolic acids) or a phenolic‐low (traces of phenolics) control in a crossover design. Analysis by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)–MS/MS showed that oat bran intake resulted in an elevation in urinary excretion of 30 phenolics relative to the control, suggesting that they are oat bran‐derived. Mean excretion levels were elevated between 0–2 and 4–8 h, following oat bran intake, and amounted to a total of 33.7 ± 7.3 μmol total excretion (mean recovery: 22.9 ± 5.0%), relative to control. The predominant metabolites included: vanillic acid, 4‐ and 3‐hydroxyhippuric acids, and sulfate‐conjugates of benzoic and ferulic acids, which accounted collectively for two thirds of total excretion.

Conclusion

Oat bran phenolics follow a relatively rapid urinary excretion, with 30 metabolites excreted within 8 h of intake. These levels of excretion suggest that bound phenolics are, in part, rapidly released by the microbiota.
Understanding parent–teacher agreement of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): Comparison across seven European countries
Authors: Cheng Sabrina , Keyes Katherine M. , Bitfoi Adina , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Koç Ceren , Goelitz Dietmar , Otten Roy , Lesinskiene Sigita , Mihova Zlatka , Pez Ondine , Kovess‐Masfety Viviane
Published: October 2017

Assessments of child psychopathology are often derived from parental and teacher reports, yet there is substantial disagreement. This study utilized data from 7 European countries to examine parent–teacher agreement and possible explanatory factors for parent–teacher disagreement such as child and family characteristics, parenting dimensions, and maternal distress were explored. Parent–teacher agreement of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were assessed using a cross‐sectional survey of 4,894 school aged children 6–11 from the School Children Mental Health Europe Project. Parent–teacher agreement was low to moderate (Pearson correlation ranging from .24 (Prosocial) to .48 (Hyperactivity) for the 5 subscales across 7 countries); kappa coefficient ranged from .01 (Turkey) to .44 (Italy) for internalizing problems and .19(Romania) to .44(Italy) for externalizing problems. Child's gender and age, mother's employment status, single parent home, number of children in household, and selected parenting dimension were found to be explanatory of informant disagreement. This study not only serves to advance our understanding of parent–teacher agreement of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in 7 European countries but provides a novel approach to examining the factors that contribute to informant disagreement.
Nearly dynamic programming NN‐approximation–based optimal control for greenhouse climate: A simulation study
Authors: Su Yuanping , Xu Lihong , Goodman Erik D.
Published: October 2017

Greenhouse production must create a suitable growth environment for its crop to improve yield while minimizing the energy used to maintain the greenhouse environment, thereby reducing production cost. To this end, this paper develops a nearly optimal control approach based on adaptive dynamic programming. In this method, 3 neural networks are used to estimate the value function and control policy and to compensate for the unmodeled dynamics of the greenhouse climate. Taking into account the greenhouse system typically being an overactuated system, the total control efforts for heat, fog, and CO2 are considered as the virtual control inputs to be generated by the optimal controller. To obtain the real control inputs, a control allocation technique is introduced to distribute the virtual control inputs to the actuators. Finally, Lyapunov stability analysis is performed to derive the update law of the neural networks to ensure the asymptotic convergence of the closed‐loop system, and simulation is carried out to illustrate the effectiveness and control performance of the proposed approach.
Prenatal molecular diagnosis in RASA1‐related disease
Authors: Palmyre Aurélien , Eyries Mélanie , Senat Marie‐Victoire , Ozanne Augustin , Staraci Stéphanie , Dufour Philippe , Chinet Thierry , Lacombe Pascal , Soubrier Florent , Charron Philippe
Published: October 2017

RASA1‐related disease is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by capillary malformations, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and/or arteriovenous fistulas (AFVs). Penetrance is nearly complete and vascular malformations may cause serious complications such as organ injury due to oxygenation disorder, brain abscess, hemorrhage, and stroke. Early diagnosis is useful in order to discuss optimal management, including AVMs/AVFs embolization or surgical procedures, and try to prevent some of the complications. In this context, molecular testing of RASA1 gene mutation in relatives may help to better manage the family. All arteriovenous malformations are however not accessible to such procedures. In addition, these therapeutic procedures may result in potential side effects and complications.

A couple was referred to our genetics unit and asked us for prenatal genetic testing about a RASA1 mutation. Here, we discuss about arguments that led our team to accept prenatal testing. To the best of our knowledge, no molecular prenatal diagnosis was reported until now in RASA1‐related diseases. This first report of prenatal diagnosis in RASA1‐related diseases may also offer perspectives for a more general discussion in the field of inherited arteriovenous malformations.
Doping effects of cerium ion on structure and electrochemical properties of polyaniline
Authors: Li Zhihua , Shen Yuting , Li Yanbo , Zheng Feng , Liu Lanlan
Published: October 2017

Polyaniline (PANI)/Ce3+and PANI/Ce4+composites were successfully prepared byin situpolymerization in an aqueous solution of poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and electrochemical methods. The results showed that the PANI/Ce ion composites had a high degree of sphericity, high electrical conductivity and good electrochemical performance. The conductivity of PANI/Ce(NO3)3reaches a maximum of 46.76 S cm−1at 20 wt% of Ce(NO3)3. It is increased by 377% by comparison with that of pure PANI. In particular, the polarization results showed that the corrosion current density (0.47 µA cm−2) and the inhibition efficiency (97%) of PANI/Ce(NO3)3were better than the results for PANI and PANI/Ce(SO4)2composite. This suggested that the PANI/Ce(NO3)3composite has promising applications in conductive materials, anticorrosion coatings and other related fields. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Frontal Polymerization of Deep Eutectic Solvents Composed of Acrylic and Methacrylic Acids
Authors: Fazende Kylee F. , Phachansitthi Manysa , Mota‐Morales Josué D. , Pojman John A.
Published: October 2017

Frontal polymerization of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) made with acrylic or methacrylic acid as the monomer and hydrogen bond donor was studied. Fronts with acrylic acid and choline chloride propagated more uniformly than with pure acrylic acid, so an exploration into how the DES affected frontal polymerization was performed. The hydrogen bond acceptor of the DES was replaced by several analogs to determine the effect on the DES front behavior. The analogs used were talc, DMSO, lauric acid, and stearic acid, which acted as a heat sink, inert diluent, hydrogen bonding diluent, and inert phase change material, respectively. None of the methacrylic acid‐analog systems were able to sustain a front. While the acrylic acid‐analog systems did sustain a front (with the exception of stearic acid), none of the fronts replicated the acrylic acid DES behavior. The acrylic acid–talc sample behaved more violently—like pure acrylic acid polymerization—than the acrylic acid DES, and the DMSO and lauric acid samples produced slower fronts than that of the acrylic acid DES. We propose that the reactivity of the acrylic acid and methacrylic acid is enhanced in the DES. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 4046–4050
Facile synthesis of hyperbranched poly(p‐phenyleneethynylene‐alt‐m‐phenyleneethynylene) with narrow dispersity and high branching degree by sonogashira polymerization of an AB2 monomer
Authors: Wang Biyun , Tan Qinglan , Lu Jiang , Liang Hui
Published: October 2017

An AB2 monomer PhBr2CCPhCCH containing one acetylene group and two bromide groups was efficiently synthesized by a strategy based on the different reactivity between aromatic iodide and bromide in Sonogashira reaction. The Sonogashira polymerization of PhBr2CCPhCCH was investigated to get hyperbranched poly(p‐phenyleneethynylene‐alt‐m‐phenyleneethynylene) (hb‐PMPE) in terms of the effects of monomer addition method, core molecule with different functionality, and ratio of [monomer]/[core molecule]. The results showed that narrow dispersities (D) (D: 1.23∼1.50) were obtained by slow monomer addition and with core molecule. Bifunctional core molecule induced narrower dispersity than monofunctional core molecule. The molecular weight of hb‐PMPE increased with increasing ratio of [monomer]/[core molecule], however, a negative deviation from calculated value was observed. The dispersity slightly increased with increasing [monomer]/[core molecule]. When the ratio of [monomer]/[core molecule] was below 50/1, monomodal distribution was observed; whereas when the ratio increased to 70/1, bimodal distribution was obtained. All the polymers showed degrees of branching (DBs) around 0.6. The hb‐PMPEs showed one major absorption band with λmax around 330 nm, and emission band with λmax around 390 nm. All the polymers showed relative quantum yields (Φr) above 0.5 in dilute THF solution. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 96–104
Anisotropy development during HDPE necking studied at the microscale with in situ continuous 1D SAXS scans
Authors: Farge Laurent , Boisse Julien , Bihannic Isabelle , Diaz Ana , André Stéphane
Published: October 2017

To improve our understanding of the rheology of solid semi‐crystalline polymers, descriptions of the deformation‐induced microstructural reorganization mechanisms with precise and local quantitative data are needed. The novel results presented in this paper for high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) were obtained in situ on a coherent synchrotron beamline specifically developed to allow very fast scanning of a specimen under tensile test. From the recorded small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) patterns, a quantitative index characterizing the microstructure local anisotropy was calculated. With the scanning operating mode, many different material points could be studied. These material points were subjected to various deformation paths in the plastic regime due to the necking development and its propagation. Their positions and strain evolutions were obtained through digital image correlation (DIC). With an appropriate analysis coupling the bulk‐averaged SAXS and DIC surface measurements, the microstructural anisotropy index is shown to have a given value at a given true strain. This means that the microstructure morphology is only governed by the current strain level. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 170–181
PixelDB: Protein–peptide complexes annotated with structural conservation of the peptide binding mode
Authors: Frappier Vincent , Duran Madeleine , Keating Amy E.
Published: October 2017

PixelDB, the Peptide Exosite Location Database, compiles 1966 non‐redundant, high‐resolution structures of protein–peptide complexes filtered to minimize the impact of crystal packing on peptide conformation. The database is organized to facilitate study of structurally conserved versus non‐conserved elements of protein–peptide engagement. PixelDB clusters complexes based on the structural similarity of the peptide‐binding protein, and by comparing complexes within a cluster highlights examples of domains that engage peptides using more than one binding mode. PixelDB also identifies conserved peptide core structural motifs characteristic of each binding mode. Peptide regions that flank core motifs often make non‐structurally conserved interactions with the protein surface in regions we call exosites. Many examples establish that exosite contacts can be important for enhancing protein binding and interaction specificity. PixelDB provides a resource for computational and structural biologists to study, model, and predict core‐motif and exosite‐contacting peptide interactions. PixelDB is available to the community without restriction in a convenient flat‐file format with accompanying visualization tools.
Camera traps and activity signs to estimate wild boar density and derive abundance indices
Authors: Massei Giovanna , Coats Julia , Lambert Mark Simon , Pietravalle Stephane , Gill Robin , Cowan Dave
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Populations of wild boar and feral pigs are increasing worldwide, in parallel with their significant environmental and economic impact. Reliable methods of monitoring trends and estimating abundance are needed to measure the effects of interventions on population size. The main aims of this study, carried out in five English woodlands were: (i) to compare wild boar abundance indices obtained from camera trap surveys and from activity signs; and (ii) to assess the precision of density estimates in relation to different densities of camera traps. For each woodland, we calculated a passive activity index (PAI) based on camera trap surveys, rooting activity and wild boar trails on transects, and estimated absolute densities based on camera trap surveys.

RESULTS

PAIs obtained using different methods showed similar patterns. We found significant between‐year differences in abundance of wild boar using PAIs based on camera trap surveys and on trails on transects, but not on signs of rooting on transects. The density of wild boar from camera trap surveys varied between 0.7 and 7 animals/km2. Increasing the density of camera traps above nine per km2 did not increase the precision of the estimate of wild boar density.

CONCLUSION

PAIs based on number of wild boar trails and on camera trap data appear to be more sensitive to changes in population size than PAIs based on signs of rooting. For wild boar densities similar to those recorded in this study, nine camera traps per km2 are sufficient to estimate the mean density of wild boar. © 2017 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Cation‐Induced Stabilization and Denaturation of DNA Origami Nanostructures in Urea and Guanidinium Chloride
Authors: Ramakrishnan Saminathan , Krainer Georg , Grundmeier Guido , Schlierf Michael , Keller Adrian
Published: October 2017

The stability of DNA origami nanostructures under various environmental conditions constitutes an important issue in numerous applications, including drug delivery, molecular sensing, and single‐molecule biophysics. Here, the effect of Na+ and Mg2+ concentrations on DNA origami stability is investigated in the presence of urea and guanidinium chloride (GdmCl), two strong denaturants commonly employed in protein folding studies. While increasing concentrations of both cations stabilize the DNA origami nanostructures against urea denaturation, they are found to promote DNA origami denaturation by GdmCl. These inverse behaviors are rationalized by a salting‐out of Gdm+ to the hydrophobic DNA base stack. The effect of cation‐induced DNA origami denaturation by GdmCl deserves consideration in the design of single‐molecule studies and may potentially be exploited in future applications such as selective denaturation for purification purposes.
Enriching Nanomaterials Omics Data: An Integration Technique to Generate Biological Descriptors
Authors: Tsiliki Georgia , Nymark Penny , Kohonen Pekka , Grafström Roland , Sarimveis Haralambos
Published: October 2017

The interest toward omics data is growing in the field of toxicology owing to the diverse knowledge they generate, which can improve prediction and dosage profiling for more accurate safety assessment. An integration methodology is presented where high‐throughput omics data are enriched with biological‐pathway information to produce a novel set of biological (BIO) descriptors by decomposing omics data to meaningful clusters in terms of both their mechanistic interpretation and correlation affinity. A generalized simulated annealing algorithm is employed to estimate the optimal partition of the enriched data and accordingly produce novel descriptors based on gene content similarity. BIO descriptors are characterized by the pathway information fused to the data; thereby, they refer to groups of genes with similar biological implications rather than specific genes, which could vary across studies. The methodology is applied to an extensive proteomics data set and demonstrates that BIO descriptors are beneficial for modeling prediction, outperforming the prediction accuracy of the original omics data, and offering a readily available biological interpretation of the findings.
Rectification of jacking method for brick‐wooden buildings in deformation analysis with CFST reinforcement
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐nan , Shan Ren‐liang , Lu Man
Published: October 2017

The tilting of buildings not only leads to inconvenience but also causes serious building collapses with heavy casualties and serious social impacts. However, rectification and reinforcement construction method started late in China. Now, this construction pattern mainly depends on sophisticated design techniques, without systematic techniques to reference. Based on the in‐depth analysis on tilt reason of a brick‐wooden building in Yunnan Province in China and combined with jacking rectification method, the impact pile project, artificial inserting shield engineering for steel box girder project, unbonded prestressed engineering project and concrete filled steel tube reinforcement example. Analyzing the multipoint synchronous lifting process by 3‐dimensional numerical simulation in ANSYS finite software. The actual monitoring results showed that the maximum inclination rate was reduced to less than 2.95‰ in the end, and the architectural distortion was stabilized in the process of rectification and reinforcement, which guarantees building safety and efficiency in the process of rectification.
A review of the diagrid structural system for tall buildings
Authors: Liu Chengqing , Li Qinfeng , Lu Zheng , Wu Handan
Published: October 2017

Unlike vertical columns of traditional structure, diagrid structural systems for tall buildings have special inclined columns. Due to the inclined columns, a diagrid structural system for tall buildings produces axial force along the column direction under horizontal load, which has the advantage of resisting horizontal wind load and seismic load and gives more freedom to architectural design, so a diagrid structural system for tall buildings becomes an effective new structure style for tall and super‐tall buildings. Theories and tests regarding the diagrid structural system for tall buildings have been intensely researched since the exterior tube of diagrid structural system for tall buildings was first proposed by Torroja in his seminal book. At present, studies for mechanical characteristics, joint form, theories, and tests have been systematized. This paper systematically summarizes existing research achievements of the diagrid structural system for tall buildings and confirms that the structure has larger lateral stiffness and good seismic performance. Based on the favourable performance of concrete‐filled steel tubes, this paper advises the use of concrete‐filled steel tube columns as the columns in diagrid structural systems for tall buildings.
The Geodesic X-ray Transform with a $$GL(n,\mathbb {C})$$-Connection
Authors: Monard François , Paternain Gabriel P.
Published: October 2017

We derive reconstruction formulas for a family of geodesic ray transforms with connection, defined on simple Riemannian surfaces. Such formulas provide injectivity of all such transforms in a neighborhood of constant curvature metrics and non-unitary connections with curvature close to zero. If certain Fredholm equations are injective in the absence of connection, then for any smooth enough connection multiplied by a complex parameter, the corresponding transform is injective for all values of that parameter outside a discrete set. Range characterizations are also provided.
Module sectional category of products
Authors: Carrasquel J. G. , Parent P.-E. , Vandembroucq L.
Published: October 2017

Adapting a result of Félix–Halperin–Lemaire concerning the Lusternik–Schnirelmann category of products, we prove the additivity of a rational approximation for Schwarz’s sectional category with respect to products of certain fibrations.
We have come a long way, baby: “Explaining positive adaptation of immigrant youth across cultures”☆
Authors: Motti‐Stefanidi Frosso , García Coll Cynthia
Published: October 2017

Immigrant youth are and will continue to be a diverse and important part of Western nations. In this context, the study of immigrant youth adaptation has burgeoned. The papers of this special section represent a shift from a deficit‐based to a strength‐based approach to immigrant youth. They focus on unpacking the immigrant paradox, often based on longitudinal, multilevel data. In this commentary, we discuss how the research findings and themes that emerge from these papers contribute to our understanding of the processes of development and acculturation, of the importance of individual differences and the role of context for immigrant youth adaptation. These studies show that we have come a long way … but that we still have a long way to go.
Correction and addendum to “Boundary regularity of minimizers of p(x)-energy functionals” [Ann. Inst. Henri Poincaré, Anal. Non Linéaire 33 (2) (2016) 451–476]
Authors: Tachikawa Atsushi , Ragusa Maria Alessandra
Published: October 2017

In the paper [1] “Boundary regularity of minimizers of

p(x)

-energy functionals”, some modifications are needed.
Non-Coding RNAs and Their Roles in Stress Response in Plants
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Meng Xianwen , Dobrovolskaya Oxana B. , Orlov Yuriy L. , Chen Ming
Published: October 2017

Eukaryotic genomes encode thousands of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which play crucial roles in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Accumulating evidence indicates that ncRNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), have emerged as key regulatory molecules in plant stress responses. In this review, we have summarized the current progress on the understanding of plant miRNA and lncRNA identification, characteristics, bioinformatics tools, and resources, and provided examples of mechanisms of miRNA- and lncRNA-mediated plant stress tolerance.
Alternative Polyadenylation: Methods, Findings, and Impacts
Authors: Chen Wei , Jia Qi , Song Yifan , Fu Haihui , Wei Gang , Ni Ting
Published: October 2017

Alternative polyadenylation (APA), a phenomenon that RNA molecules with different 3′ ends originate from distinct polyadenylation sites of a single gene, is emerging as a mechanism widely used to regulate gene expression. In the present review, we first summarized various methods prevalently adopted in APA study, mainly focused on the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based techniques specially designed for APA identification, the related bioinformatics methods, and the strategies for APA study in single cells. Then we summarized the main findings and advances so far based on these methods, including the preferences of alternative polyA (pA) site, the biological processes involved, and the corresponding consequences. We especially categorized the APA changes discovered so far and discussed their potential functions under given conditions, along with the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. With more in-depth studies on extensive samples, more signatures and functions of APA will be revealed, and its diverse roles will gradually heave in sight.
Patients' Conceptions of Terms Related to Sexual Interest, Desire, and Arousal
Authors: DeLamater John D. , Weinfurt Kevin P. , Flynn Kathryn E.
Published: October 2017

Background

Measurement of sexual function typically uses self-report, which, to work as intended, must use language that is understood consistently by diverse respondents. Commonly used measures employ multiple terms, primarily (sexual) interest, desire, and arousal, that might not be understood in the same way by laypeople and professionals.

Aim

To inform self-reported measurement efforts for research and clinical settings by examining how US men and women recruited from a health care setting understand and interpret different terms.

Methods

We conducted 10 focus groups in Durham, NC (N = 57). Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed, and the content of the discussions was systematically analyzed in 2 phases of coding by the research team, facilitated by Nvivo qualitative analysis software (QSR International, Doncaster, VIC, Australia).

Outcomes

Patient focus group discussions about the meanings and connotations of multiple terms related to sexual function, especially interest, desire, and arousal.

Results

5 groups included male participants and 5 included female participants. Participants characterized (sexual) interest as a cognitive phenomenon and a situational response to a specific person. Similarly, they characterized (sexual) desire as a situational person-specific experience with some support for it as a cognitive phenomenon but more support for it as a physical phenomenon. In contrast, participants characterized sexual arousal as a physical phenomenon occurring in response to physical or visual stimulation and not related to a specific person.

Clinical Implications

These results can help us understand how laypeople are using and responding to these terms when they are used in clinical and research settings.

Strengths and Limitations

Patient participants in these groups were diverse in age, gender, sexual orientation, and health, with the potential to voice diverse perspectives on sexual functioning; however, the sample was limited to a single city in the southeastern United States.

Conclusion

The meanings of interest, desire, and arousal were defined, compared, and contrasted in the context of patient focus groups. Qualitative coding showed that interest was considered the most “cognitive,” arousal the most “physical,” and desire somewhere in between.