bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Fixation by Gliding Arc Plasma: Better Insight by Chemical Kinetics Modelling
Authors: Wang Weizong , Patil Bhaskar , Heijkers Stjin , Hessel Volker , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: March 2017

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into valuable compounds, that is, so‐called nitrogen fixation, is gaining increased interest, owing to the essential role in the nitrogen cycle of the biosphere. Plasma technology, and more specifically gliding arc plasma, has great potential in this area, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, we developed a detailed chemical kinetics model for a pulsed‐power gliding‐arc reactor operating at atmospheric pressure for nitrogen oxide synthesis. Experiments are performed to validate the model and reasonable agreement is reached between the calculated and measured NO and NO2 yields and the corresponding energy efficiency for NOx formation for different N2/O2 ratios, indicating that the model can provide a realistic picture of the plasma chemistry. Therefore, we can use the model to investigate the reaction pathways for the formation and loss of NOx. The results indicate that vibrational excitation of N2 in the gliding arc contributes significantly to activating the N2 molecules, and leads to an energy efficient way of NOx production, compared to the thermal process. Based on the underlying chemistry, the model allows us to propose solutions on how to further improve the NOx formation by gliding arc technology. Although the energy efficiency of the gliding‐arc‐based nitrogen fixation process at the present stage is not comparable to the world‐scale Haber–Bosch process, we believe our study helps us to come up with more realistic scenarios of entering a cutting‐edge innovation in new business cases for the decentralised production of fertilisers for agriculture, in which low‐temperature plasma technology might play an important role.
Acidic Zeolite L as a Highly Efficient Catalyst for Dehydration of Fructose to 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural in Ionic Liquid
Authors: Ma Zhongsen , Hu Hualei , Sun Zhongqiang , Fang Wenting , Zhang Jian , Yang Longfei , Zhang Yajie , Wang Lei
Published: March 2017

Zeolite L was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and post‐treated by NH4 exchange to adjust its acidity. The samples were systematic characterized by various techniques including XRD, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscopy, pyridine IR spectroscopy, and NH3 temperature‐programmed desorption. The results demonstrated that the NH4‐exchange post‐treatment increased the surface area, micropore volume, and acidity of zeolite L. The catalytic performance of the samples was tested in the dehydration of fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide, [bmim]Br). 99.1 % yield of HMF was obtained when the KL‐80 °C‐1 h sample (KL zeolite treated with 1 m NH4NO3 solution at 80 °C for 1 h) was used. The high efficiency could be attributed to the appropriate acid properties of the catalyst. The zeolite catalyst could be reused four times without significant decrease in activity.
Portfolio Rebalancing with a Consideration of Market Conditions Changes Using Instance‐Based Policy Optimization
Authors: HAGIWARA DAICHI , HARADA TAKU
Published: March 2017

The portfolio optimization problem involves decisions pertaining to the investment target and proportion of investment in a large number of assets in order to minimize risk and maximize returns. In recent years, metaheuristics methods have been actively applied to portfolio optimization. Under portfolio optimization, the portfolio is optimized for a fixed period of time so that its performance during that period is excellent. However, the optimized portfolio may not be able to sustain that performance later. Therefore, there is a need for recombining assets and changing the proportion of asset allocation by means of rebalancing. The rebalancing has to be done at an appropriate time. In this paper, we propose a technique for dynamic rebalancing of a portfolio at an appropriate time by applying instance‐based policy optimization, with a consideration of market conditions changes.
Is biodiversity bad for your health?
Authors: Ostfeld Richard S. , Keesing Felicia
Published: March 2017

Natural ecosystems provide services that support human well‐being, but ecosystems may also contain elements that can endanger humans. Some researchers have argued that ecosystems that support high vertebrate diversity pose a danger to human health because they are likely to support a high diversity of zoonotic pathogens, leading to the emergence of infectious diseases. We evaluated the evidence for the three necessary links in the hypothesized causal chain linking high vertebrate diversity to a high probability of emergence of infectious diseases. We found no support for one critical link—that high total diversity of vertebrate pathogens correlates with high diversity of actual or potential zoonotic pathogens. In contrast, there is now substantial evidence that high diversity protects humans against the transmission of many existing diseases. These results have substantial relevance for environmental policy.
Effects of invasion at two trophic levels on diet, body condition, and population size structure of Hawaiian red shrimp
Authors: Dudley Bruce D. , MacKenzie Richard A. , Sakihara Troy S. , Riney Michael H. , Ostertag Rebecca
Published: March 2017

We examined the degree to which invasion by non‐native, nitrogen (N)‐fixing riparian trees and poeciliid fish alters diet of a common grazer/detritivore in brackish ponds on the dry coast of Hawai‛i Island. Because this shrimp,Halocaridina rubra(ʻōpaeʻula), displays a preference for autotrophic components of epilithon, we hypothesized that tree canopy would reduce their body condition and abundance, but that this would be moderated by nutrient quality of leaf litter (high‐quality, non‐native, nitrogen‐fixing tree vs. low‐quality, endemic non‐nitrogen‐fixing tree). We hypothesized that poeciliid invasion would reduce population size and body condition ofH. rubraby direct predation and by inducing reductions in feeding rate. Analysis of stable isotopes (δD, δ13C, and δ15N) showed that direct consumption of leaf litter detritus supplementedH. rubradiet in ponds with canopy cover. In addition, epilithon in ponds with canopy cover was isotopically more similar to leaf litter than epilithon in ponds without canopy cover, and our evidence suggests this may be due to contributions of allochthonous nutrient sources to epilithon assemblages. However, canopy cover, whether native or invasive, did not decrease epilithon growth rates and had little effect on shrimp body condition or population size. In contrast, poeciliid invasion reduced daylight grazing on the benthos, and caused a reduction in body condition among larger shrimp. Our results indicate that primary succession by invasive trees may shift food web linkages in these ponds from autotrophic to heterotrophic support, without negative impacts on native grazer/detritivore communities. We suggest that poeciliid invasions have sub‐lethal effects onH. rubraas well as their direct predation effects, with potential long‐term implications for the ecosystem function of anchialine ponds and other coastal systems.
Fire disturbance disrupts an acacia ant–plant mutualism in favor of a subordinate ant species
Authors: Sensenig Ryan L. , Kimuyu Duncan K. , Ruiz Guajardo Juan C. , Veblen Kari E. , Riginos Corinna , Young Truman P.
Published: March 2017

Although disturbance theory has been recognized as a useful framework in examining the stability of ant–plant mutualisms, very few studies have examined the effects of fire disturbance on these mutualisms. In myrmecophyte‐dominated savannas, fire and herbivory are key drivers that could influence ant–plant mutualisms by causing complete colony mortality and/or decreasing colony size, which potentially could alter dominance hierarchies if subordinate species are more fire resilient. We used a large‐scale, replicated fire experiment to examine long‐term effects of fire on acacia–ant community composition. To determine if fire shifted ant occupancy from a competitive dominant to a subordinate ant species, we surveyed the acacia–ant community in 6–7 yr old burn sites and examined how the spatial scale of these burns influenced ant community responses. We then used two short‐term fire experiments to explore possible mechanisms for the shifts in community patterns observed. Because survival of ant colonies is largely dependent on their ability to detect and escape an approaching fire, we first tested the evacuation response of all four ant species when exposed to smoke (fire signal). Then to better understand how fire and its interaction with large mammal herbivory affect the density of ants per tree, we quantified ant worker density in small prescribed burns within herbivore exclusion plots. We found clear evidence suggesting that fire disturbance favored the subordinate ant Crematogaster nigriceps more than the dominant and strong mutualist ant C. mimosae, whereby C. nigriceps (1) was the only species to occupy a greater proportion of trees in 6–7 yr old burn sites compared to unburned sites, (2) had higher burn/unburn tree ratios with increasing burn size, and (3) evacuated significantly faster than C. mimosae in the presence of smoke. Fire and herbivory had opposite effects on ant density per meter of branch for both C. nigriceps and C. mimosae, with fire decreasing ant densities per meter of branch and the presence of large herbivores increasing ant density. Taken together, these experiments suggest that major ecosystem disturbances like fire can disrupt mutualistic associations and maintain diversity in partner quality and identity despite a clear dominance hierarchy.
Do larvae from deep‐sea hydrothermal vents disperse in surface waters?
Authors: Yahagi Takuya , Kayama Watanabe Hiromi , Kojima Shigeaki , Kano Yasunori
Published: March 2017

Larval dispersal significantly contributes to the geographic distribution, population dynamics, and evolutionary processes of animals endemic to deep‐sea hydrothermal vents. Little is known as to the extent that their larvae migrate vertically to shallower waters and experience stronger currents and richer food supplies. Here, we first provide evidence from early life‐history traits and population genetics for the surface dispersal of a vent species. Planktotrophic larvae of a red blood limpet, Shinkailepas myojinensis (Gastropoda: Neritimorpha: Phenacolepadidae), were cultured to observe their swimming behavior and to evaluate the effects of temperature on survival and growth. In addition, the population structure was analyzed based on 1.2‐kbp mitochondrial DNA sequences from 77 specimens that cover the geographic and bathymetric distributions of the species (northwest Pacific, 442–1,227 m in depth). Hatched larvae constantly swam upward at 16.6–44.2 mm/min depending on temperature. Vertical migration from hydrothermal vents to the surface, calculated to take ~4–43 d, is attainable given their lengthy survival time without feeding. Fed larvae best survived and grew at 25°C (followed by 20°C), which approximates the sea surface temperature in the geographic range of the species. Little or no growth was observed at the temperature of the vent habitat where adult limpets occur (≤15°C). Population genetic analyses showed no differentiation among localities that are <1,350 km apart. The larvae of S. myojinensis most likely migrate to the surface water, where high phytoplankton biomass and strong currents enable their growth and long distance dispersal over many months. Sea surface temperature may represent a critical factor in determining the geographic distribution of many vent endemic species with a planktotrophic early development, and in turn the faunal composition of individual vent sites and regions.
Estimating thermal performance curves from repeated field observations
Authors: Childress Evan S. , Letcher Benjamin H.
Published: March 2017

Estimating thermal performance of organisms is critical for understanding population distributions and dynamics and predicting responses to climate change. Typically, performance curves are estimated using laboratory studies to isolate temperature effects, but other abiotic and biotic factors influence temperature‐performance relationships in nature reducing these models' predictive ability. We present a model for estimating thermal performance curves from repeated field observations that includes environmental and individual variation. We fit the model in a Bayesian framework using MCMC sampling, which allowed for estimation of unobserved latent growth while propagating uncertainty. Fitting the model to simulated data varying in sampling design and parameter values demonstrated that the parameter estimates were accurate, precise, and unbiased. Fitting the model to individual growth data from wild trout revealed high out‐of‐sample predictive ability relative to laboratory‐derived models, which produced more biased predictions for field performance. The field‐based estimates of thermal maxima were lower than those based on laboratory studies. Under warming temperature scenarios, field‐derived performance models predicted stronger declines in body size than laboratory‐derived models, suggesting that laboratory‐based models may underestimate climate change effects. The presented model estimates true, realized field performance, avoiding assumptions required for applying laboratory‐based models to field performance, which should improve estimates of performance under climate change and advance thermal ecology.
Chronic schistosomiasis during pregnancy epigenetically reprograms T‐cell differentiation in offspring of infected mothers
Authors: Klar Kathrin , Perchermeier Sophie , Bhattacharjee Sonakshi , Harb Hani , Adler Thure , Istvanffy Rouzanna , Loffredo‐Verde Eva , Oostendorp Robert A. , Renz Harald , Prazeres da Costa Clarissa
Published: March 2017

Schistosomiasis is a nontransplacental helminth infection. Chronic infection during pregnancy suppresses allergic airway responses in offspring. We addressed the question whether in utero exposure to chronic schistosome infection (Reg phase) in mice affects B‐cell and T‐cell development. Therefore, we focused our analyses on T‐cell differentiation capacity induced by epigenetic changes in promoter regions of signature cytokines in offspring. Here, we show that naïve T cells from offspring of schistosome infected female mice had a strong capacity to differentiate into TH1 cells, whereas TH2 differentiation was impaired. In accordance, reduced levels of histone acetylation of the IL‐4 promoter regions were observed in naïve T cells. To conclude, our mouse model revealed distinct epigenetic changes within the naïve T‐cell compartment affecting TH2 and TH1 cell differentiation in offspring of mothers with chronic helminth infection. These findings could eventually help understand how helminths alter T‐cell driven immune responses induced by allergens, bacterial or viral infections, as well as vaccines.
Charge‐Assisted Hydrogen‐Bonding and Crystallization Effects within UVI Glycine Compounds
Authors: de Groot Joshua , Cassell Brittany , Basile Madeline , Fetrow Taylor , Forbes Tori Z.
Published: March 2017

UVI chemistry is dominated by the uranyl (UO2)2+ cation, in which the oxo group is essentially passivated by a triple bond to the metal center. Weak interactions between the oxo group Lewis acids or hydrogen‐bond donors can be observed in extended solids, but there is little understanding of how the uranyl bond is affected by these additional forces. In the current study, the influence of charge‐assisted hydrogen‐bonding and crystallization effects on the uranyl oxo bond is explored through the synthesis and characterization of four uranyl compounds: [(UO2)3(Gly)2(O)2(OH)2](H2O)1.5 (UG1b), [(UO2)4(Gly)3(For)(O)3(OH)](H2O)6.5 (UGFA1a), [(UO2)8(Gly)6(For)2(O)6(OH)2](H2O)10 (UGFA1b), and [(UO2)4(Gly)3(O)3(OH)2](HFor)(H2O)9.45 (UGFA2). Each of these compounds contains uranyl infinite chain topologies that are built upon trimeric or tetrameric repeating units and are linked through multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions to the uranyl oxo groups. The impact on the uranyl bond was explored through an examination of hydrogen‐bonding donor–acceptor distances and the calculation of force constants obtained from Raman and IR spectral bands. The stretching force constants are lower with cooperative hydrogen bonds to the uranyl oxo groups. This suggests that these interactions are important and can combine with crystallization effects to impact the uranyl oxo bond.
Room‐Temperature Catalytic Reduction of Aqueous Nitrate to Ammonia with Ni Nanoparticles Immobilized on an Fe3O4@n‐SiO2@h‐SiO2–NH2 Support
Authors: Rai Rohit Kumar , Tyagi Deepika , Singh Sanjay Kumar
Published: March 2017

Efficient and selective catalytic reduction of aqueous nitrate to ammonia was achieved over Ni nanoparticles immobilized on Fe3O4@n‐SiO2@h‐SiO2–NH2 [a magnetic hierarchical mesoporous amine‐functionalized (M‐HMAF) silica] by using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. The high hierarchical mesoporous structure (surface area of 416 m2 g–1 and pore size of 3.7 nm) and Fe3O4 core (ca. 7 nm) of the M‐HMAF silica support resulted in a high dispersion of Ni nanoparticles over the support and easy recovery of the catalyst, respectively. Interestingly, the Ni/M‐HMAF silica catalyst exhibited an excellent catalytic turnover (275 mmol gmetal–1 h–1) compared with most of the existing catalysts for the conversion of nitrate ions at room temperature. The mechanistic study using UV/Vis spectroscopy revealed that the catalytic conversion of nitrate ions to ammonia proceeded through in situ generated nitrite ions. Subsequently, the ammonia produced from nitrate ions was isolated and analyzed by 1H and 15N NMR spectroscopy, whereas the N2 gas released as a byproduct of hydrazine was characterized by GC–MS.
The Aza‐Prins Reaction in the Synthesis of Natural Products and Analogues
Authors: Subba Reddy B. V. , Nair Preethi Narayanan , Antony Aneesh , Lalli Claudia , Grée René
Published: March 2017

The classical Prins cyclization reaction has been one of the most studied reactions during the last two decades and it has found many applications in key steps of natural product syntheses, especially for products containing pyran units and related structures in their core skeletons. The nitrogen‐based version of the Prins reaction, aza‐Prins cyclization, has found its own relevance in organic synthesis owing to the fact that it gives direct access to piperidines, which are even more widespread in natural products and in drugs. Even though the potential scope of the reaction is vast, and despite it having afforded significant progress in the synthesis of various azaheterocycles, its applications in the field of natural product synthesis is massively underdeveloped in comparison with the classical Prins reaction. A compilation of the applications of aza‐Prins cyclization in the preparation of natural products and selected analogues, especially compounds of potential biological interest, is presented, with emphasis placed on the key roles of this reaction in the total synthesis of these products.
Sterically Constrained and Encumbered: An Approach to the Naturally Occurring Peptidomimetic Tetrahydropyrazino[1,2‐a]indole‐1,4‐dione Core
Authors: Golubev Pavel , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: March 2017

The combination of two privileged motifs, that is, indoline and the constrained peptidomimetic piperazine‐2,5‐dione, within one tricyclic structure resulted in a scaffold that is abundant in nature but surprisingly scarce in the domain of synthetic bioactive molecules. Utilizing the power of the isocyanide‐based Joullié–Ugi reaction followed by postcondensation cyclization, we synthesized such compounds with four elements of diversity in good yields from readily available precursors. The compounds are constrained peptidomimetics distinctly encumbered in a steric sense and have a pronounced three‐dimensional character, which is a highly desirable feature in modern drug design.
Early Holocene dune field development in Dalarna, central Sweden: A geomorphological and geophysical case study
Authors: Bernhardson Martin , Alexanderson Helena
Published: March 2017

Bonäsheden, Sweden's largest continuous dune field, situated in the county of Dalarna, central Sweden, has been investigated using LiDAR (light detection and ranging) remote sensing, ground penetrating radar as well as by field observations and luminescence dating. The use of LiDAR in conjunction with geographic information system (GIS) software proved to be efficient in mapping the inactive dune field and classifying the dune morphology, especially when slope raster images were used. The dunes have formed mostly by winds from the northwest (NW) and are of a transverse type. Still other dune types, such as parabolic dunes, and transverse dunes with a deviating orientation are present. Also, there seems to be different generations of dunes, suggesting a complex palaeowind environment with a change from predominantly north‐westerly winds to more westerly winds. Luminescence dating finally allows us to have an absolute chronology of the development of the Bonäsheden dune field, revealing formation of the dune field closely following the de‐glaciation of this part of Sweden (c. 10.5 ka). The well preserved transverse shape of the majority of the dunes suggests rapid stabilization by vegetation, although sand drift still seems to have been active on a noticeable scale for at least 1500 years and also, occasionally and patchy, as coversand deposition during the Late Holocene. A simple model is proposed for the dune field development of Bonäsheden based on our findings. This model is a useful addition since the majority of present day dune field models focus on the formation of parabolic dunes or large unvegetated dune fields. Our results suggest that most models cannot adequately simulate the formation of such small dune fields as that of Bonäsheden, with apparently rapidly fixated transverse dunes in a previously glaciated, now vegetated area. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An antenna selection scheme with MRE and AWC for decision fusion in cognitive radio
Authors: Jacob Jaison , Jose Babita R , Mathew Jimson
Published: March 2017

Spectrum sensing is an important task for the existence of cognitive radio. Accuracy of sensing is essential to eliminate interference to primary users. In a practical scenario, primary users may change its position and power frequently. A new scenario that may challenge cooperative spectrum sensing is considered here. An antenna selection scheme with multiple regions encoding for single node sensing and an adaptive weighted combining fusion rule for decision fusion are proposed to manage this scenario. The performance of the rule was analyzed in the new scenario under Rayleigh fading and compared with other fusion rules in the literature namely soft optimized linear combining (SOLC), soft equal weight linear combining, AND, OR, and voting. Probability of detection of the proposed approach was found better than SOLC (best among the rest) at low average SNR. Simulations showed that the probability of detection of proposed approach was nearly 10% better than SOLC at probability of false alarm Pf=0.01 and gradually became equal at Pf=0.15, and it maintains it as Pf goes up. Computational complexity of these approaches were measured as the time consumed in making a decision, and it was found that the proposed approach consumed only 20% of the time than that of SOLC approach. Effect of number of neighbors on the performance of these approaches were also analyzed. Adaptive nature of this rule makes it suitable to perform well in any scenario under distributed sensing.
PHM‐oriented Degradation Indicators for Batteries and Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang D. , Cadet C. , Yousfi‐Steiner N. , Druart F. , Bérenguer C.
Published: March 2017

As electrochemical power sources technologies, namely Li‐ion batteries and PEM fuel cells, continue advancing, ways to extend their lifespan have to be pursued. With prognostics and health management (PHM) approach, several techniques can provide estimation of state of health (SOH) and prediction of remaining useful life (RUL) in order to help the manufacturers improving performance. Before developing a solution, PHM issues need to be properly defined, in particular in terms of deterioration/ageing indicators used for SOH estimation and RUL prediction.

This paper reviews the ageing phenomena of batteries and fuel cells in order to investigate how to define suitable degradation indicators for these devices. Since Li‐ion battery' PHM is much more developed, their similarities and differences have thus been studied as an exploration path of how proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) could benefit from the battery knowledge and experience feedback. Even if no innovative solutions are emerging, the relevance of the covariates used for PEMFC and batteries ageing indicators are argued, providing a first step to build a suitable PHM approach for electrochemical devices.
Advances in Metal−Organic Ligand Systems for Polymer Electrolyte Membranes: A Review
Authors: Dhanabalan K. , Sadhasivam T. , Park J.‐H. , Jung H.‐Y. , Kim B.‐S. , Roh S.‐H.
Published: March 2017

This review discusses the limitations and development of organic–inorganic polymer electrolyte membranes in the field of advanced fuel cell technology. The key achievements and challenges of hybrid membranes are extensively discussed, including the limitations of fluorinated and sulfonated membranes in terms of the durability of the energy system. The state‐of‐the‐art of advanced proton exchange membranes is high‐acidic intercalation for proton transfer through hydrogen bonding in metal–organic ligand polymer membranes. Metal–organic ligand polymer membranes are desirable for their unique feasibility of proton transfer through hydrogen bond in anhydrous environments. Organic acid moiety ligands functionalized with a metal or metal oxide have received significant attention because of their high proton conductivity and the stability of membranes. Metal–organic polymer membranes promise high proton conductivity owing to intramolecular proton transfer. Organic ligand polymers comprise mainly heterocyclic compounds, which provide spatial arrangements of acid moieties and periodic pattern morphologies due to hydrogen bonding. Metal oxide–organic ligand membranes are highly suitable for high temperature applications in terms of chemical stability. Methods of synthesis and the characteristics of metal–organic ligand polymer systems are described in this review. It is of interest to note that proton exchange membranes (PEM) could attain single active redox molecules through hydrogen bonding.
Where next for delirium research?
Authors: Harwood Rowan H. , Teale Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

Clinicians who manage delirium must do so without key information required for evidence‐based practice, not least lack of any clearly effective treatment for established delirium. Both the nature of delirium and the methods used to research it contribute to difficulties. Delirium is heterogeneous, with respect to motor subtype, aetiology, setting and the co‐existence of dementia, and may be almost inevitable towards the end of life. Elements of assessment are subjective, so diagnosis can be uncertain or unreliable. Defining objectives of care and outcomes is sometimes unclear. Better identification and case definition, including seeking biomarkers, stratification by type, or aetiology, and application of more complex models of causation may help. This will likely require further observational epidemiology, imaging and laboratory‐based research before further rounds of large‐scale randomised controlled trials. Application of trial methodologies designed for drug treatments of better‐defined conditions may have failed to take account of the complexities both of diagnosis and complex intervention in delirium. Both drug and complex intervention trials need sufficient preliminary work to ensure that the right dose, duration or intensity of treatment is delivered and a range of ‘intermediate’ and ‘distal’ outcome measures assessed. Re‐purposing of established drugs may provide a source of investigational products. Greater use of alternative research methodologies (qualitative and realist), or adjuvants to trials (process evaluation), will help answer questions about focus, generalisability and why interventions succeed or fail. Delirium research will have to embrace both a ‘back to basics’ approach with increased breadth of methodologies to make progress.
The Legalization of Higher Education
Authors: Badke Lara K.
Published: March 2017

A complete discussion of intellectual property (IP), faculty rights, and the public good requires a thorough framing of higher education's legal context, from which the rise of legalistic criteria (or legalization) and current IP regime have grown.
Faculty Rights to Courses and Digital Courseware
Authors: Ahmadi Shafiqa
Published: March 2017

Ownership of traditional courseware is vested in the faculty. In the digital forum, however, under the Copyright Act of 1976, case law, and institutional policy ownership maybe vested in the institution.
Faculty Rights to Scholarly Research
Authors: Kleinman Molly
Published: March 2017

This chapter provides a history of the scholarly publishing system, and explains how it has evolved to benefit corporate publishers to the detriment of faculty, universities, and the public. It offers the open access movement as a potential remedy for the publishing crisis, and the policy environment surrounding these new forms of communication.
“Owning” Knowledge: Looking Beyond Politics to Find the Public Good
Authors: Bernstein‐Sierra Samantha
Published: March 2017

This chapter explores the theoretical assumptions underlying both the IP system and its counternarrative, academic openness, to encourage stakeholders to look beyond extremes as depicted in political rhetoric, and find a compromise consistent with the common mission of faculty, universities, and publishers.
The role of long noncoding RNA H19 in gender disparity of cholestatic liver injury in multidrug resistance 2 gene knockout mice
Authors: Li Xiaojiaoyang , Liu Runping , Yang Jing , Sun Lixin , Zhang Luyong , Jiang Zhenzhou , Puri Puneet , Gurley Emily C. , Lai Guanhua , Tang Yuping , Huang Zhiming , Pandak William M. , Hylemon Phillip B. , Zhou Huiping
Published: March 2017

The multidrug resistance 2 knockout (Mdr2
–/–) mouse is a well‐established model of cholestatic cholangiopathies. Female Mdr2
–/– mice develop more severe hepatobiliary damage than male Mdr2
–/– mice, which is correlated with a higher proportion of taurocholate in the bile. Although estrogen has been identified as an important player in intrahepatic cholestasis, the underlying molecular mechanisms of gender‐based disparity of cholestatic injury remain unclear. The long noncoding RNA H19 is an imprinted, maternally expressed, and estrogen‐targeted gene, which is significantly induced in human fibrotic/cirrhotic liver and bile duct–ligated mouse liver. However, whether aberrant expression of H19 accounts for gender‐based disparity of cholestatic injury in Mdr2
–/– mice remains unknown. The current study demonstrated that H19 was markedly induced (∼200‐fold) in the livers of female Mdr2
–/– mice at advanced stages of cholestasis (100 days old) but not in age‐matched male Mdr2
–/– mice. During the early stages of cholestasis, H19 expression was minimal. We further determined that hepatic H19 was mainly expressed in cholangiocytes, not hepatocytes. Both taurocholate and estrogen significantly activated the extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway and induced H19 expression in cholangiocytes. Knocking down H19 not only significantly reduced taurocholate/estrogen‐induced expression of fibrotic genes and sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 2 in cholangiocytes but also markedly reduced cholestatic injury in female Mdr2
–/– mice. Furthermore, expression of small heterodimer partner was substantially inhibited at advanced stages of liver fibrosis, which was reversed by H19 short hairpin RNA in female Mdr2
–/– mice. Similar findings were obtained in human primary sclerosing cholangitis liver samples. Conclusion: H19 plays a critical role in the disease progression of cholestasis and represents a key factor that causes the gender disparity of cholestatic liver injury in Mdr2
–/– mice. (Hepatology 2017;66:869–884).
The animal naming test: An easy tool for the assessment of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Campagna Francesca , Montagnese Sara , Ridola Lorenzo , Senzolo Marco , Schiff Sami , De Rui Michele , Pasquale Chiara , Nardelli Silvia , Pentassuglio Ilaria , Merkel Carlo , Angeli Paolo , Riggio Oliviero , Amodio Piero
Published: March 2017

Screening for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) that does not cause obvious disorientation or asterixis (minimal HE [MHE]/grade 1 HE) is important. We examined if the animal naming test (ANT1) (maximum number of animals listed in 1 minute) is useful in this context. In total, 208 healthy controls, 40 controls with inflammatory bowel disease, and 327 consecutive patients with cirrhosis underwent the ANT1. Patients were tested for MHE by the psychometric HE score, and 146 were assessed by electroencephalography; 202 patients were followed up regarding the occurrence of overt HE and death. In the healthy controls, ANT1 was influenced by limited education (<8 years) and advanced age (>80 years, P < 0.001). Using an age and education adjusting procedure, the simplified ANT1 (S‐ANT1) was obtained. An S‐ANT1 of <10 animals was abnormal. Of the patients, 169 were considered unimpaired, 32 as having HE ≥grade 2, and 126 as having MHE/grade 1 HE. This group had lower S‐ANT1 than unimpaired patients (12 ± 0.4 versus 16 ± 0.7, P < 0.001) and higher S‐ANT1 than those with HE ≥grade 2 (4 ± 0.9). In grade 1 HE the S‐ANT1 was lower than in MHE. Following receiver operating characteristic analysis (Youden's index), 15 animals produced the best discrimination between unimpaired and MHE/grade 1 HE patients. Thus, a three‐level score (0 for S‐ANT1 ≥15, 1 for 10 ≤ S‐ANT1 < 15, 2 for S‐ANT1 <10) was obtained. This score was correlated both to the psychometric HE score (P < 0.0001) and to electroencephalography (P = 0.007). By sample random split validation, both S‐ANT1 and its three‐level score showed prognostic value regarding the 1‐year risk of overt HE and death. No inflammatory bowel disease control had S‐ANT <15. Conclusion: The S‐ANT1 is an easily obtainable measure useful for the assessment of HE. (Hepatology 2017;66:198–208).
Influence of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation on South Korean streamflow variability
Authors: Lee Jai Hong , Julien Pierre Y.
Published: March 2017

Deciphering the mechanisms through which the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects hydrometeorological parameters in the tropics and extratropics is of great interest. We investigate climatic teleconnections between warm or cold phases of ENSO and streamflow patterns over South Korea using an empirical methodology designed to detect regions showing a strong and consistent hydroclimatic signal associated with ENSO. We calculate not only spatial coherence values by monthly streamflow composite formed over 2‐year ENSO cycle and the first harmonic fit to detect candidate regions but also temporal consistency rates by aggregate composite and index time series to determine core regions. As a result, the core regions, namely, the Han river basin and the Nakdong river basin, are detected with a high level of response of ENSO phenomena to streamflow patterns. The ENSO composites for both core regions indicate drier (wetter) conditions in early autumn of the warm (cold) episode years and wetter (drier) conditions from winter to spring of the following year. For both regions, the spatial coherences are over 92% (82%) and the temporal consistencies are 71% (75%) during the El Niño (La Niña) events. In addition, for the core regions identified by composite‐harmonic analysis for both extreme episodes, the results of comparative analyses by using correlation, annual cycle, and Wilcoxon rank sum test indicate that 2 opposite phases‐streamflow relationships have a tendency of sign reversal of the streamflow anomaly. Also, the positive departures during the El Niño years show more coherent and strong responses than the negative anomalies in the La Niña events. In conclusion, South Korea experiences climatic teleconnection between ENSO forcing and midlatitude streamflow patterns.
Dietary glycemic and insulin scores and colorectal cancer survival by tumor molecular biomarkers
Authors: Keum NaNa , Yuan Chen , Nishihara Reiko , Zoltick Emilie , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Martinez Fernandez Alejandro , Zhang Xuehong , Hanyuda Akiko , Liu Li , Kosumi Keisuke , Nowak Jonathan A. , Jhun Iny , Soong T. Rinda , Morikawa Teppei , Tabung Fred K. , Qian Zhi Rong , Fuchs Charles S. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Chan Andrew T. , Ng Kimmie , Ogino Shuji , Giovannucci Edward L. , Wu Kana
Published: March 2017

Accumulating evidence suggests that post‐diagnostic insulin levels may influence colorectal cancer (CRC) survival. Yet, no previous study has examined CRC survival in relation to a post‐diagnostic diet rich in foods that increase post‐prandial insulin levels. We hypothesized that glycemic and insulin scores (index or load; derived from food frequency questionnaire data) may be associated with survival from specific CRC subtypes sensitive to the insulin signaling pathway. We prospectively followed 1,160 CRC patients from the Nurses' Health Study (1980–2012) and Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study (1986–2012), resulting in 266 CRC deaths in 10,235 person‐years. CRC subtypes were defined by seven tumor biomarkers (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA mutations, and IRS1, IRS2, FASN and CTNNB1 expression) implicated in the insulin signaling pathway. For overall CRC and each subtype, hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for an increase of one standard deviation in each of glycemic and insulin scores were estimated using time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards model. We found that insulin scores, but not glycemic scores, were positively associated with CRC mortality (HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.02–1.38 for index; HR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04–1.47 for load). The significant positive associations appeared more pronounced among PIK3CA wild‐type cases and FASN‐negative cases, with HR ranging from 1.36 to 1.60 across insulin scores. However, we did not observe statistically significant interactions of insulin scores with PIK3CA, FASN, or any other tumor marker (p interaction > 0.12). While additional studies are needed for definitive evidence, a high‐insulinogenic diet after CRC diagnosis may contribute to worse CRC survival.
The association between metabolic health, obesity phenotype and the risk of breast cancer
Authors: Park Yong‐Moon Mark , White Alexandra J. , Nichols Hazel B. , O'Brien Katie M. , Weinberg Clarice R. , Sandler Dale P.
Published: March 2017

Beyond the current emphasis on body mass index (BMI), it is unknown whether breast cancer risk differs between metabolically healthy and unhealthy normal weight or overweight/obese women. The Sister Study is a nationwide prospective cohort study. Data came from 50,884 cohort participants aged 35 to 74 years enrolled from 2003 through 2009. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for breast cancer risk. Metabolic abnormalities considered included: high waist circumference (≥88 cm); elevated blood pressure (≥130/85 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication); previously diagnosed diabetes or antidiabetic drug treatment; and cholesterol‐lowering medication use. During follow‐up (mean, 6.4 years), 1,388 invasive breast cancers were diagnosed at least 1 year after enrollment. Compared to women with BMI <25 kg/m2 with no metabolic abnormalities (metabolically healthy normal weight phenotype), women with a BMI <25 kg/m2 and ≥1 metabolic abnormality (metabolically unhealthy, normal weight phenotype) had increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.56), as did women with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and no metabolic abnormalities (metabolically healthy overweight/obese phenotype) (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.99–1.55). Furthermore, risk of postmenopausal breast cancer was consistently elevated in women with normal BMI and central obesity (normal weight central obesity phenotype) regardless of the criterion used to define central obesity, with HR for waist circumference ≥88 cm, waist circumference ≥80 cm, and waist‐hip ratio ≥0.85 of 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02–2.46; 1.38, 95% CI: 1.09–1.75; and 1.38, 95% CI: 1.02–1.85, respectively. There was an inverse association between premenopausal breast cancer and metabolically healthy overweight/obese phenotype (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.52–0.97). Our findings suggest that postmenopausal women who are metabolically unhealthy or have central adiposity may be at increased risk for breast cancer despite normal BMI.
Sexual dysfunction and its determinants among women infected with HIV
Authors: Agaba Patricia A. , Meloni Seema T. , Sule Halima M. , Agaba Emmanuel I. , Idoko John A. , Kanki Phyllis J.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To describe the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and its determinants among women with HIV infection enrolled for care and treatment in an ambulatory care setting.

Methods

A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted among women attending the HIV clinic of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between March 2013 and February 2014. The self‐administered Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess FSD; a score of less than 26.55 indicated FSD. Pearson coefficient was used to assess interdomain correlation, and multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with FSD.

Results

Among 370 participants, 330 (89.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 85.6%–92.2%) had FSD. The overall median FSFI score was 19.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.4–23.9). The arousal domain had the lowest subscore (median 2.7, IQR 0.0–3.6). The highest interdomain correlations were between lubrication and orgasm (r=0.87), arousal and lubrication (r=0.84), and arousal and orgasm (r=0.81) domains. Satisfactory health (β=3.34, 95% CI 1.16–5.52) and history of alcohol use (β=2.38, 95% CI 0.28–4.47) were independently associated with FSD.

Conclusion

FSD was prevalent among women with HIV infection. Care providers need to routinely address FSD as part of a comprehensive care package in the study setting.
Evaluation of the associations between childhood asthma and prenatal and perinatal factors
Authors: Kashanian Maryam , Mohtashami Seyyedeh Samaneh , Bemanian Mohammad Hassan , Moosavi Seyyed Ali Javad , Moradi Lakeh Maziar
Published: March 2017

Objective

To identify prenatal and perinatal risk factors for childhood asthma.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was undertaken among children aged 7–14 years in Tehran, Iran, between March 2009 and November 2014. Data for children with asthma (Iranian nationality, non‐smoking parents, and middle‐class socioeconomic status) were compared with those for an equal number of age‐ and sex‐matched non‐asthmatic children. Prenatal and perinatal risk factors were evaluated via complete data sheets of maternal pregnancy and delivery. Forward logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Both groups contained 134 children. Risk of asthma was shown to be associated with maternal history of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 11.62, 95% confidence interval 1.38–96.93; P=0.024), vaginal bleeding during pregnancy (aOR 3.76, 95% CI 1.86–7.57; P<0.001), antibiotics during pregnancy (aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.52–6.67; P=0.002), and maternal age 30 years or older (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.30–4.95; P=0.006). Breastfeeding was protective against childhood asthma (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.151–0.575; P<0.001).

Conclusion

History of maternal asthma was the most influential factor on development of childhood asthma, followed by vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, antibiotic exposure in utero, and older maternal age.
Comparative proteomic profiling of human osteoblast‐derived extracellular matrices identifies proteins involved in mesenchymal stromal cell osteogenic differentiation and mineralization
Authors: Baroncelli Marta , van der Eerden Bram C. , Kan Yik‐Yang , Alves Rodrigo D. , Demmers Jeroen A. , van de Peppel Jeroen , van Leeuwen Johannes P.
Published: March 2017

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic component of tissue architecture that physically supports cells and actively influences their behavior. In the context of bone regeneration, cell‐secreted ECMs have become of interest as they reproduce tissue‐architecture and modulate the promising properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We have previously created an in vitro model of human osteoblast‐derived devitalized ECM that was osteopromotive for MSCs. The aim of this study was to identify ECM regulatory proteins able to modulate MSC differentiation to broaden the spectrum of MSC clinical applications. To this end, we created two additional models of devitalized ECMs with different mineralization phenotypes. Our results showed that the ECM derived from osteoblast‐differentiated MSCs had increased osteogenic potential compared to ECM derived from undifferentiated MSCs and non‐ECM cultures. Proteomic analysis revealed that structural ECM proteins and ribosomal proteins were upregulated in the ECM from undifferentiated MSCs. A similar response profile was obtained by treating osteoblast‐differentiating MSCs with Activin‐A. Extracellular proteins were upregulated in Activin‐A ECM, whereas mitochondrial and membrane proteins were downregulated. In summary, this study illustrates that the composition of different MSC‐secreted ECMs is important to regulate the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. These models of devitalized ECMs could be used to modulate MSC properties to regulate bone quality.
Cover Image, Volume 92, Issue 4
Authors: Hadpe Sandeep Ramesh , Sharma Abhishek Kumar , Mohite Vipin Vilas , Rathore Anurag S
Published: March 2017

The cover image, Sandeep Ramesh Hadpe et al., is based on the Research Article ATF for cell culture harvest clarification: mechanistic modelling and comparison with TFF, DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5165.

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Patient after renal transplantation with syncope: Role of echocardiography in upright position
Authors: Dimitrow Paweł Petkow , Sorysz Danuta , Hładij Rafał , Chyrchel Bernadeta , Dudzik Barbara , Sułowicz Władysław , Surdacki Andrzej
Published: March 2017

In Doppler echocardiography, testing left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient in the supine position (as is done in everyday practice) does not reflect the pathophysiology of this dynamic abnormality during the daily activities that trigger the symptoms (eg, syncope). LVOT obstruction is a dynamic phenomenon, strongly dependent on the left ventricular cavity size, geometric configuration of hypertrophy, load variability, contractility, and mitral apparatus abnormalities. LVOT gradient may develop not only in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but also in various heart diseases. Recent investigations show that LVOT gradient should be measured also in the standing position. Here, we report the case of patient after renal transplantation, who developed LVOT gradient during orthostatic test. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:616–620, 2017