bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Insight into Adaptive Deformation of Rigid Cucurbit[6]uril Host in Symmetric [2]Pseudorotaxanes
Authors: Li Fei‐ze , Mei Lei , Wu Qun‐yan , Tian Yin , Hu Kong‐qiu , Ge Yun‐chen , Liu Ning , Gibson John K. , Chai Zhi‐fang , Shi Wei‐qun
Published: June 2018

We here report for the first time on the guest‐dependent structural deformation of a symmetrical rigid cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) host in symmetrically well‐defined supramolecular entities, that is, [2]pseudorotaxanes of different sizes, which is proved by NMR, infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies, and single‐crystal analysis, to be an adaptive response of the macrocyclic host to bipyridinium guests with varying axles. Detailed analyses by quantum‐mechanical (QM) calculations on this adaptive supramolecular systems provide an insight into the intrinsic nature of underlying host–guest interactions for adaptive response of CB[6] host, which reveal that the deformation for [2]pseudorotaxane with a shorter pentamethylene (C5) axle is largely attributed to the strong orbital interactions between CB[6] and guests, while those for [2]pseudorotaxane longer axles are mainly dispersion interactions.
Selecting microhaplotypes optimized for different purposes
Authors: Kidd Kenneth K. , Pakstis Andrew J. , Speed William C. , Lagace Robert , Wootton Sharon , Chang Joseph
Published: June 2018

Massively parallel sequencing is transforming forensic work by allowing various useful forensic markers, such as STRPs and SNPs, to be multiplexed providing information on ancestry, individual and familial identification, phenotypes for eye/hair/skin pigmentation, and the deconvolution of mixtures. Microhaplotypes also become feasible with massively parallel sequencing, these are DNA segments (smaller than 300 nucleotides) that are selected to contain multiple SNPs unambiguously defining three or more haplotype alleles occurring at common frequencies. The physical extent of a microhaplotype can thus be covered by a single sequence read making these loci phase‐known codominant genetic systems. Such microhaplotypes supply significantly more information than a single SNP can. Our efforts to develop useful sets of microhaplotypes have already identified 182 such loci that we have studied on a large number of human populations from around the world. We present various analyses on 83 populations in our ongoing study for a subset of the best microhaplotypes currently available illustrating their characteristics and potential utility for ancestry, identification, and mixture deconvolution.
Potential of ligninolytic enzymatic complex produced by white‐rot fungi from genus Trametes isolated from Bulgarian forest soil
Authors: Krumova Ekaterina , Kostadinova Nedelina , Miteva‐Staleva Jeni , Stoyancheva Galina , Spassova Boryana , Abrashev Radoslav , Angelova Maria
Published: June 2018

Because of the crucial role of ligninolytic enzymes in a variety of industrial processes, the demand for a new effective producer has been constantly increasing. Furthermore, information on enzyme synthesis by autochthonous fungal strains is very seldom found. Two fungal strains producing ligninolytic enzymes were isolated from Bulgarian forest soil. They were identified as being Trametes trogii and T. hirsuta. These two strains were assessed for their enzyme activities, laccase (Lac), lignin peroxidase (LiP) and Mn‐dependent peroxidase (MnP) in culture filtrate depending on the temperature and the type of nutrient medium. T. trogii was selected as the better producer of ligninolytic enzymes. The production process was further improved by optimizing a number of parameters such as incubation time, type of cultivation, volume ratio of medium/air, inoculum size and the addition of inducers. The maximum activities of enzymes synthesized by T. trogii was detected as 11100 U/L for Lac, 2.5 U/L for LiP and 4.5 U/L for MnP after 14 days of incubation at 25°C under static conditions, volume ratio of medium/air 1:6, and 3 plugs as inoculum. Among the supplements tested, 5% glycerol increased Lac activity to a significant extent. The addition of 1% veratryl alcohol had a positive effect on MnP.
Riparian spiders indicate the magnitude and sources of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination at a large contaminated sediment site
Authors: Walters David M. , Otter Ryan R. , Kraus Johanna M. , Mills Marc A.
Published: June 2018

We investigated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination at the Ashtabula River (northeast OH, USA) area of concern following remedial dredging using araneid and tetragnathid spiders. The PCB concentrations remain elevated in the area of concern compared with reference conditions. Patterns of contamination were strikingly similar between taxa, but were higher in tetragnathids at the most contaminated sites. Spider PCB homolog distributions identified 2 PCB sources to the area of concern. Based on these findings, we recommend situations where these taxa can be used alone, in concert, or combined into a composite “spider” sample to assess environmental contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2467–2474. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
QoS optimization‐based dynamic secondary spectrum access model
Authors: Khan Mubbashar Altaf , Jamali Mohsin M.
Published: June 2018

Cognitive radio (CR) is believed to be the future communication technology that provides the solution to the radio spectrum scarcity problem. Quality of service (QoS) and secondary radio spectrum pricing are two important aspects of the ongoing research on CR. The primary users (PUs) have guaranteed QoS while the secondary users (SUs) can make only opportunistic access to the radio spectrum. The SUs coexist with the PUs on a noninterfering basis and must vacate the bands under their use, if required by the PUs. Good QoS can be exercised by an allocation of whitespaces with QoS appropriate to the SUs that minimize the mobility probability. If the pricing issues are not addressed properly, they may result in economic viability challenges and/or pose existential threats to the CR technology. This research proposes a QoS optimization‐based dynamic secondary spectrum access model using genetic algorithm along with a pricing and a payment methodology for the sales to secondary spectrum markets. The trade‐off between the spectrum allocation and the economic parameters for the secondary radio spectrum trade is considered. An extensive simulation is created to analyze the QoS optimization and pricing for the secondary radio spectrum trade. The results indicate that the profitability and sales in the secondary spectrum market are based on the fitness of the offered QoS with respect to that requested by the SUs. An increase in the QoS provided to the SUs is realized at the cost of a slight increase in the unit cost of the secondary spectrum.
The effects of haploid selection on Y chromosome evolution in two closely related dioecious plants
Authors: Sandler George , Beaudry Felix E. G. , Barrett Spencer C. H. , Wright Stephen I.
Published: June 2018

The evolution of sex chromosomes is usually considered to be driven by sexually antagonistic selection in the diploid phase. However, selection during the haploid gametic phase of the lifecycle has recently received theoretical attention as possibly playing a central role in sex chromosome evolution, especially in plants where gene expression in the haploid phase is extensive. In particular, male-specific haploid selection might favor the linkage of pollen beneficial alleles to male sex determining regions on incipient Y chromosomes. This linkage might then allow such alleles to further specialize for the haploid phase. Purifying haploid selection is also expected to slow the degeneration of Y-linked genes expressed in the haploid phase. Here, we examine the evolution of gene expression in flower buds and pollen of two species of Rumex to test for signatures of haploid selection acting during plant sex chromosome evolution. We find that genes with high ancestral pollen expression bias occur more often on sex chromosomes than autosomes and that genes on the Y chromosome are more likely to become enriched for pollen expression bias. We also find that genes with low expression in pollen are more likely to be lost from the Y chromosome. Our results suggest that sex-specific haploid selection during the gametophytic stage of the lifecycle may be a major contributor to several features of plant sex chromosome evolution.
Timing malaria transmission with mosquito fluctuations
Authors: Pigeault Romain , Caudron Quentin , Nicot Antoine , Rivero Ana , Gandon Sylvain
Published: June 2018

Temporal variations in the activity of arthropod vectors can dramatically affect the epidemiology and evolution of vector-borne pathogens. Here, we explore the “Hawking hypothesis”, which states that these pathogens may evolve the ability to time investment in transmission to match the activity of their vectors. First, we use a theoretical model to identify the conditions promoting the evolution of time-varying transmission strategies in pathogens. Second, we experimentally test the “Hawking hypothesis” by monitoring the within-host dynamics of Plasmodium relictum throughout the acute and the chronic phases of the bird infection. We detect a periodic increase of parasitemia and mosquito infection in the late afternoon that coincides with an increase in the biting activity of its natural vector. We also detect a positive effect of mosquito bites on Plasmodium replication in the birds both in the acute and in the chronic phases of the infection. This study highlights that Plasmodium parasites use two different strategies to increase the match between transmission potential and vector availability. We discuss the adaptive nature of these unconditional and plastic transmission strategies with respect to the time scale and the predictability of the fluctuations in the activity of the vector.
Development of a rheological model for creep strain evolution in steel and aluminium at high temperature
Authors: Torić Neno , Glavinić Ivana Uzelac , Burgess Ian W.
Published: June 2018

The paper presents a rheological model capable of reproducing the temperature‐, stress‐, and time‐dependent strain component, which occurs in steel and aluminium during exposure to high temperature. The model is capable of providing the creep strain output for the primary, secondary, and tertiary creep phases for both steel and aluminium. Constitutive parameters of the rheological model are calibrated using 2 recent coupon test studies based on the European steel grade S275JR and aluminium grade EN6082AW T6, both of which are currently used in the construction industry. The calibrated constitutive parameters are valid within the temperature range, within which creep is expected to occur (400‐600°C for steel and 200‐300°C for aluminium). The rheological model proposed in the paper can easily be used for application in finite element–based computer codes.
The Sustainable Development Goals: Contextualizing Africa's Economic and Health Landscape
Authors: Cerf Marlon E.
Published: June 2018

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) encompass 17 goals with targets and indicators, collectively striving to improve national, regional, continental, and global development. SDG 8 strives for improved and sustainable economic growth. Africa's population is estimated to increase markedly and rapidly over the next few decades. The African demographic dividend presents opportunities to be harnessed, but several socioeconomic challenges exist that may constrain progress for achieving the SDGs. Poverty and inequality are pervasive in Africa and constrain economic and health gains. SDG 3 aims for good health and well‐being for all ages and has 13 targets linked to 26 indicators. Collectively, SDG 3 targets aim to improve health outcomes by reducing mortality, ending epidemics, and preventing diseases to ensure affordable and quality healthcare access for all. The dynamic African health landscape and scarcity of healthcare human capital also present challenges for advancing SDG 3. The implementation of the SDGs presents major and complex challenges but ultimately yields rewards. Advancement across all SDG 3 targets is necessary for the benefit of healthier global citizens.
FastSKAT: Sequence kernel association tests for very large sets of markers
Authors: Lumley Thomas , Brody Jennifer , Peloso Gina , Morrison Alanna , Rice Kenneth
Published: June 2018

The sequence kernel association test (SKAT) is widely used to test for associations between a phenotype and a set of genetic variants that are usually rare. Evaluating tail probabilities or quantiles of the null distribution for SKAT requires computing the eigenvalues of a matrix related to the genotype covariance between markers. Extracting the full set of eigenvalues of this matrix (an matrix, for n subjects) has computational complexity proportional to n3. As SKAT is often used when , this step becomes a major bottleneck in its use in practice. We therefore propose fastSKAT, a new computationally inexpensive but accurate approximations to the tail probabilities, in which the k largest eigenvalues of a weighted genotype covariance matrix or the largest singular values of a weighted genotype matrix are extracted, and a single term based on the Satterthwaite approximation is used for the remaining eigenvalues. While the method is not particularly sensitive to the choice of k, we also describe how to choose its value, and show how fastSKAT can automatically alert users to the rare cases where the choice may affect results. As well as providing faster implementation of SKAT, the new method also enables entirely new applications of SKAT that were not possible before; we give examples grouping variants by topologically associating domains, and comparing chromosome‐wide association by class of histone marker.
Specialist services in early diagnosis and support for older people with dementia in England: Staff roles and service mix
Authors: Ahmed Saima , Hughes Jane , Davies Sue , Stewart Karen , Orrell Martin , Clarkson Paul , Challis David ,   Members of the HoSt‐D (Home Support in Dementia) Programme Management Group
Published: June 2018

Objectives

This study investigated staff roles and tasks in Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) and memory clinics, which are provided within a framework determined by local Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey design was used to collect data in England in 2015. Teams were identified by mental health providers (n = 68) and invited to complete a questionnaire.

Results

Fifty‐one NHS Trusts responded to the request. The response rate varied. Data were obtained for all Clinical Commissioning Groups areas in 3 of the 9 regions in England, but only half in one of them. CMHTs were significantly more likely to have larger staff groups. Compared with memory clinics they were also more likely to have staff that were not professionally qualified. The occupational therapist role showed a strong association with the provision of all services in CMHTs. Both CMHTs and memory clinics provided information and advice about dementia. CMHTs provided more services associated with the support of a person with dementia at home.

Conclusion

Variations in the staff mix in CMHTs and memory clinics reflected their different functions. There was limited evidence in both of profession specific interventions relating to the provision of support, information, therapy and education, associated with either diagnosis or long‐term support. The potential for a single service to undertake both diagnostic and long‐term support and the associated costs and benefits are areas for future research.
Metabolomics of the amniotic fluid: Is it a feasible approach to evaluate the safety of Chinese medicine during pregnancy?
Authors: Shan Jinjun , Xie Tong , Xu Jianya , Zhou Huifang , Zhao Xia
Published: June 2018

The use of Chinese medicines (CMs) during pregnancy has long been a major public health concern. Although CMs have been shown to be effective in treating infertility and preventing miscarriage, their use has been restricted, mainly because of limited knowledge of their potential toxicity. Accurate toxicology data are urgently required to assess whether these CMs are safe for maternal health and fetal development. Amniotic fluid (AF) contains carbohydrates, lipids and phospholipids, urea and proteins, all of which aid in the growth of the fetus and reflect the mother's health status as well. The changes in metabolomic patterns of AF are related to pathophysiological occurrences during the course of pregnancy. In this review, we provide a summary of the research performed in recent years on metabolomic AF samples, and use our previous study as an example to explore the feasibility of metabolomics of AF to evaluate the safety of CMs during pregnancy. We believe that metabolomics of AF play a far more important role than traditional morphology methods in the safety evaluation of CMs for pregnancy, with a higher sensitivity and correlation.
Near‐infrared laser photons induce glutamate release from cerebrocortical nerve terminals
Authors: Amaroli Andrea , Marcoli Manuela , Venturini Arianna , Passalacqua Mario , Agnati Luigi F. , Signore Antonio , Raffetto Mirco , Maura Guido , Benedicenti Stefano , Cervetto Chiara
Published: June 2018

Although photons have been repeatedly shown to affect the functioning of the nervous system, their effects on neurotransmitter release have never been investigated. We exploited in vitro models that allow effects involving neuron‐astrocyte network functioning to be detected (mouse cerebrocortical slices) and dissected these effects at cerebrocortical nerve endings and astrocyte processes. Infrared light proved able to induce glutamate release by stimulating glutamatergic nerve endings.
The cardioprotective effect of thymoquinone on ischemia‐reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart via regulation of apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Xiao Junhui , Ke Zun‐Ping , Shi Yan , Zeng Qiutang , Cao Zhe
Published: June 2018

Thymoquinone (TQ), as the active constituents of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed oil, has been reported to have potential protective effects on the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of TQ on myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury in Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts. Wister rat hearts were subjected to I/R and the experimental group were pretreated with TQ prior to I/R. Hemodynamic parameters, myocardial infarct size, cardiac marker enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were assayed. Compared with the untreated group, TQ preconditioning significantly improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, decreased cardiac lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) levels, suppressed enedoxidative stress, and apoptosis. In addition, TQ treatment promoted autophagy, which was partially reversed by chloroquine (CQ), a kind of autophagy blocker. Our study suggests that TQ can protect heart against I/R injury, which is associated with anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects through activation of autophagy.
Protective properties of Huperzine A through activation Nrf2/ARE‐mediated transcriptional response in X‐rays radiation‐induced NIH3T3 cells
Authors: Zhu Huan‐Feng , Yan Peng‐Wei , Wang Li‐Jun , Liu Ya‐Tian , Wen Jing , Zhang Qian , Fan Yan‐Xin , Luo Yan‐Hong
Published: June 2018

Huperzine A (HupA), derived from Huperzia Serrata, has exhibited a variety of biological actions, in particular neuroprotective effect. However, the protective activities of HupA on murine embryonic fibroblast NIH3T3 cells after X‐rays radiation have not been fully elucidated. Herein, HupA treatment dramatically promoted cell viability, abated a G0/G1 peak accumulation, and ameliorated increase of cell apoptosis in NIH3T3 cells after X‐rays radiation. Simultaneously, HupA notably enhanced activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes, inhibited activity of lipid peroxide, and efficiently eliminated production of reactive oxygen species in NIH3T3 cells after X‐rays radiation. Dose‐dependent increase of antioxidant genes by HupA were associated with up‐regulated Nrf2 and down‐regulated Keap‐1 expression, which was confirmed by increasing nuclear accumulation, and inhibiting of degradation of Nrf2. Notably, augmented luciferase activity of ARE may explained Nrf2/ARE‐mediated signaling pathways behind HupA protective properties. Moreover, expression of Nrf2 HupA‐mediated was significant attenuated by AKT inhibitor (LY294002), p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB202190) and ERK inhibitor (PD98059). Besides, HupA‐mediated cell viability, and ROS production were dramatically bated by LY294002, SB202190, and PD98059. Taken together, HupA effectively ameliorated X‐rays radiation‐induced damage Nrf2‐ARE‐mediated transcriptional response via activation AKT, p38, and ERK signaling in NIH3T3 cells.
Effects of panax notoginseng saponin on the pathological ultrastructure and serum IL‐6 and IL‐8 in pulmonary fibrosis in rabbits
Authors: Zhang Jizhou , Li Qing , Shao Qiqi , Song Jingling , Zhou Bin , Shu Peng
Published: June 2018

Panax notoginseng saponin (PNS) constitutes the major effective components of Panax notoginseng, which is widely used to treat microcirculatory disturbance associated diseases. In this study, we designed to investigate the effect of PNS on the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and further explored its mechanism. A total of 40 healthy Japanese White rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (control group; PF model group; PNS prevention group; PNS treatment group; and western medicine [prednisone acetate] treatment group). Expression of hydroxyproline (HYP), fibronectin (FN), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) in serum was detected using corresponding detection kits. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of p50 and p65 in pulmonary tissues. The pathological variations of the cardiac and pulmonary ultrastructure were observed under both the optical and electron microscope. PF models were established successfully. The results showed that compared with the other groups, PNS groups (PNS prevention and treatment group) apparently relieved the cardiopulmonary injury, and reduced IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression levels in the serum. Furthermore, the PNS groups performed better in relieving cardiopulmonary injurythan other groups. Both the PNS groups and the western medicine treatment group presented an obvious role in relieving PF. We concluded that PNS could reduce the expression of AST, LDH, CK, IL‐6, and IL‐8 in serum of the rabbits, relieve the pathological ultrastructure of cardiopulmonary injury, alleviate PF. And it might be attributed to the inhibition on the NF‐κB signaling pathway.
The influence of parenting practices and neighborhood characteristics on the development of childhood aggression
Authors: Miller Grace Maloney , Tolan Patrick H.
Published: June 2018

The present study examined the way in which neighborhood impoverishment, neighborhood social processes, and parenting practices relate to the development of aggressive behavior among children aged 6–8 years raised in low‐income neighborhoods. A total of 424 children (male = 207, female = 217) and their families participated in the study. Hierarchical linear regression revealed that neighborhood impoverishment, neighborhood social processes, and parental monitoring/supervision were associated with childhood aggression 2 years later. Neighborhood social processes did not mediate the relation between neighborhood impoverishment and childhood aggression, nor did parental monitoring/supervision mediate the relation between neighborhood characteristics and childhood aggression. Children residing in neighborhoods with substantial poverty are at greater risk of developing aggressive behavior. Strong neighborhood social processes and high levels of parental supervision/monitoring are associated with lower levels of aggression. Despite the protective benefits of neighborhood social processes and high‐quality parenting, neighborhood economic deprivation continues to elevate risk of developing aggressive behavior.
Potential role of microRNAs in the regulation of adipocytes liposecretion and adipose tissue physiology
Authors: Maurizi Giulia , Babini Lucia , Della Guardia Lucio
Published: June 2018

Adipose tissue is a dynamic endocrine organ playing a pivotal role in metabolism modulation. Adipocytes differentiation requires a highly orchestrated series of changes of gene expression in precursor cells. At the same time, white mature adipocytes are plastic cells able to reversibly transdifferentiate toward fibroblast‐like cells via the liposecretion process, returning back to a non‐committed status of the cells. In particular, adipose tissue microenvironment along with external signaling molecules such as adipokines, cytokines and growth factors can regulate adipocytes physiology through complex molecular networks. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of non‐coding RNA, acting as fine regulators of biological processes and their expression is sensible to the environment and cellular status changes. MiRNAs are thought to play a pivotal role in regulating the physiology of adipose tissue as well as in the development of obesity and associated metabolic disturbances, although the underlying mechanisms have not been identified so far. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms orchestrating adipose tissue biology is required to better characterize obesity and its associated diseases. In this respect, the review aims to analyze the microRNAs potentially involved in adipogenesis highlighting their role in the process of liposecretion, adipocyte proliferation, and adipokines secretion. The role of microRNAs in the development of obesity and obesity‐associated disorders is also discussed.
Serum C‐reactive protein in the prediction of cardiovascular diseases: Overview of the latest clinical studies and public health practice
Authors: Avan Amir , Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Tajfard Mohammad , Ferns Gordon
Published: June 2018

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Epidemiological studies using high‐sensitivity assays for serum C‐reactive protein have shown a consistent association between cardiovascular disease risk and serum C‐reactive protein concentrations. C‐reactive protein is a biomarker for inflammation, and has been established in clinical practice as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease events. There is evidence that serum C‐reactive protein is an excellent biomarker of cardiovascular disease and is also an independent and strong predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Further characterization of the impact and influence of lifestyle exposures and genetic variation on the C‐reactive protein response to cardiovascular disease events may have implications for the therapeutic approaches to reduce cardiovascular disease events. This review summarizes the studies that have examined the association between serum C‐reactive protein and the risk of cardiovascular disease. We also discuss the impact of independent factors and C‐reactive protein genetic polymorphisms on baseline plasma C‐reactive protein levels.
Recovery of biogeochemical processes in restored tropical dry forest on a coal mine spoil in La Guajira, Colombia
Authors: Barliza Jeiner Castellanos , Peláez Juan Diego León , Campo Julio
Published: June 2018

Open‐cast coal mining eliminates vegetation, alters physical and chemical characteristics of soils, and therefore limits the establishment of native vegetation by lack of sufficient moisture, increase bulk density, and low organic matter content. Restoration of extremely degraded areas through plantation of fast growing species is expected to accelerate the recovers of soil organic matter and nutrient cycles. The purposes of this study were to compare intrasystem cycling of C, N, P, and base cations in native and restored forests at an open‐cast coal mine in a dry region of Colombia. Leaf‐fall, standing leaf litter, and their N, P, Ca, Mg, and K contents were measured for 1 year in native forests and restored forests of various ages (7, 10, and 21 years). The exploitation of coal in La Guajira degraded soil fertility, and although tree planting was sufficient to achieve the partial recovery of soil chemistry and N cycling relative to reference conditions (i.e., native forest), a P deficiency in forest function remained unresolved even 21 years after restoration. The restoration of biogeochemical processes, particularly of critical processes of the P cycle, requires additional human interventions (such as the application of nutrient‐rich litterfall from native forests of the region) that favor nutrient dynamics and lead to the recovery of a self‐sustaining ecosystem. Thus, multiple efforts are needed for the restoration of these dryland forests to recover ecosystem services (such as soil fertility) that improve C sequestration and help mitigate climate change.
Modelling and mapping erosion in smallholder agro‐ecosystems, Tanzania
Authors: Wickama Juma , Kessler Aad , Sterk Geert
Published: June 2018

The West Usambara Highlands in north‐eastern Tanzania have many smallholder agro‐ecosystems with unknown composition, management, and vulnerability to erosion. Their specific locations and spatial extent are difficult to trace by satellite images or remote sensing imagery alone. To address these limitations, we combined ground soil surveys, geographic information system, and erosion modelling to (a) locate and map smallholder agro‐ecosystems, (b) determine their biophysical characteristics, and (c) model their soil losses. Land resource information was collected from 301 random 0.1‐ha plots sampled from a total area of 200 km2. Annual soil losses were estimated using the universal soil loss equation. The study located six dominant agro‐ecosystems with the following spatial extent: maize‐bean (24.9%), maize‐bean‐agroforestry (31.2%), maize‐bean‐agroforestry‐high value trees (18.9%), tree farms (7.0%), forests (15.6%), and grazing lands (2.3%). Agroforestry and other tree‐based agro‐ecosystems dominate the area due to historical land use change and later institutional interventions. This study finds combined use of soil surveys, geographic information system, and modelling to be reliable in locating, mapping, and assessing soil losses in smallholder agro‐ecosystems. The agro‐ecosystems differ significantly (p < 0.05) in slope, vegetation cover, soil conditions, and soil losses. Soil loss in the maize‐bean agro‐ecosystem (28.3 t ha−1 yr−1) was 18 times higher compared with natural forests (1.57 t ha−1 yr−1) due to lower soil cover and inefficient conservation and cultivation practices. Our results show that adoption of soil conservation measures and improved vegetation cover technologies across the agro‐ecosystems reduces soil losses by 37% and increases organic carbon levels by 16%.
Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Based Thermogel with Tunable Gelation and Self‐Healing Property
Authors: Liu Mengjuan , Lu Xiaoxuan , Gao Liang , Wang Shuting , Huo Yanping , Chen Zhe‐Ning
Published: June 2018

Injectable thermogelated hydrogels with self‐healing and multi‐responsiveness are emerging as a class of significant “smart” materials because of their many potential applications. However, there are only very limited precedents that combine thermogels with self‐healing and tunable functions. In this work, it is demonstrated that N‐alkyl substituted carbamate modified polyvinyl alcohol with borax as a crosslinker enables a variety of tunable and dynamic thermogelation properties. As far as it is known, this is the first polyvinyl alcohol–based thermogel system. This system characterizes shear thinning, multiple responsiveness, and dynamic gelation features. Systematic investigation suggests that these features collaborate to contribute to attractive injectability, quick self‐healing ability, and tunable thermogelation behavior. A stepwise in situ gelation and carbon dioxide–triggered release are demonstrated.
Effects of Photodegradable o‐Nitrobenzyl Nanogels on the Photopolymerization Process
Authors: Liu Tao , Shah Parag K. , Liu Zhenzhen , Gao Guangzhe , Bowman Christopher N. , Stansbury Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2018

A series of partially photodegradable o‐nitrobenzyl nanogels (NBNG) with different caged functional groups (COOH, OH, SH) are prepared and compared with a nondegradable nanogel as additives in photocurable materials. Photoinduced nanogel network disruption and photoinitiated polymerization of infiltrating and dispersing monomer could be controlled independently. In triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), o‐NBNGs that release a COOH or OH functional group upon photodegradation of the o‐nitrobenzyl crosslinker, the reduced chemical crosslinking density of the nanogel network allows greater penetration of monomer into the partially degraded nanogel network, which results in an increase in volumetric shrinkage and polymerization stress. In contrast, the formulation of o‐NBNGs with caged SH groups also can be photodegraded but is able to rebuild the chemical crosslinking through thiol‐based chain transfer reactions when photocured as a dispersion in TEGDMA. As such, it behaves like a photo‐inert nanogel. Dynamic thermomechanical analysis and testing by three‐point bending further confirms the photoinduced crosslink density variation influences mechanical properties of the final polymer networks. This work demonstrates the inherent properties of the nanogel network and the type of crosslinking can alter the performance of the photocured resin while a separate photochemical process can be used to regulate photoinduced polymerization.
ICS educational module: Pressure flow study in children
Authors: Wen Jian G. , Djurhuus Jens C. , Rosier Peter F.W.M. , Bauer Stuart B.
Published: June 2018

Aims

To introduce the standard procedure and results interpretation of pressure/flow study (PFS) in children.

Methods

The literature on PFS in children in PubMed for the last 20 years was reviewed. The updated knowledge on PFS in children in children regarding indication, preparation, technique, and interpretation were summarized.

Results

This educational module explains when and how to do a PFS and how to analyze the results. All requirements and instructions for the PFS in children described in this document follow ICS reports on Good Urodynamic Practice and urodynamic equipment performance as well as guidelines from the ICCS. PFS can be obtained subsequent to filling cystometry with no specific additional equipment (apart from a flowmeter) or patient preparation needed. It requires both vesical and intra‐abdominal pressures being recorded. Information from clinical history, physical examination, voiding diaries, and free uroflowmetry with or without perineal patch EMG and pertinent imaging results should be available before undertaking urodynamic testing.

Conclusions

Following ICS and ICCS guidelines, PFS is an easy procedure and a useful tool to provide information on voiding function in children.
Implementation of a physics‐based general elastic imperfect interface model in the XFEM and LSM context
Authors: Liu J.‐T. , He B. , Gu S.‐T. , He Q.‐C.
Published: June 2018

When reinforcement particles of composites are imperfectly bonded to the matrix media, the interfacial effect may significantly change the physical fields and the material overall moduli. In this paper, we first recall a physics‐based general isotropic interface model of our companion paper to describe such effects. This model is characterized by both the displacement and normal traction discontinuities across an interface and includes the spring‐layer interface model and the coherent interface model as particular cases. The strong and weak governing formulations of composites with arbitrarily shaped imperfect interfaces are provided, and a computational approach is developed in the extended finite element method and level set method context to capture the interfacial discontinuities. To examine the performance and validity of the computational approach, the analytical solution of our previous work is used as a benchmark and several bulk and interface material combinations are considered. It is observed that the slowest convergence rate of our approach is no less than 1.45 for all investigated cases, and that both the predicted displacements and normal tractions are in excellent agreement with the analytic solutions. Finally, the influences of material compositions and periodic boundary conditions are evaluated numerically and discussed with a heterogeneous material containing multiple particles.
Postprandial Triglycerides Predict Newborn Fat More Strongly than Glucose in Women with Obesity in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Barbour Linda A. , Farabi Sarah S. , Friedman Jacob E. , Hirsch Nicole M. , Reece Melanie S. , Van Pelt Rachael E. , Hernandez Teri L.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Maternal obesity (OB) accounts for the majority of large‐for‐gestational‐age infants, and newborn percent fat (NB%fat) correlates strongest with childhood OB. In addition to maternal glucose, fasting triglycerides (TGs) may contribute, but postprandial triglycerides (PPTGs) are unstudied. It was hypothesized that fasting TGs and PPTGs are higher in women with OB compared with women with normal weight (NW) throughout pregnancy, correlate more strongly with NB%fat than glucose, and may relate to dietary chylomicron TGs.

Methods

Fasting TGs and PPTGs, free fatty acids, glucose, and insulin were prospectively measured 10 times over 4 hours after a controlled liquid breakfast early (14‐16 weeks) and later (26‐28 weeks) in pregnancy in 27 mothers with NW and 27 with OB. NB%fat was measured by dual x‐ray absorptometry.

Results

Fasting TGs and PPTGs were already ≥ 30% higher in mothers with OB at 14 to 16 weeks (P < 0.001) versus mothers with NW. In mothers with OB, a simple 1‐hour (r = 0.71;P < 0.01) or 2‐hour (r = 0.69;P < 0.01) PPTG at 14 to 16 weeks correlated strongest with NB%fat. In mothers with NW, the increase in TGs from early to later pregnancy correlated strongest with NB%fat (r = 0.57;P < 0.01). Maternal glucose did not statistically add to prediction models.

Conclusions

These novel data suggest that 1‐ or 2‐hour PPTGs might be a new target for early intervention in pregnancies with OB to prevent excess newborn adiposity and attenuate child OB risk.
Proactive personality and mental health: The role of job crafting
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Lu HaiRong , Li Feng
Published: June 2018

In this study, we examined the relationships among proactive personality, job crafting, and mental health. A total of 1971 full‐time Chinese employees completed the survey. The results of structural equation modeling analyses indicated that job crafting mediated the positive relationship between proactive personality and mental health.
Diagnosis‐based cohort augmentation using laboratory results data: The case of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Smith David H. , Shetterly Susan , Flory James , Haynes Kevin , Lu Christine Y. , Gagne Joshua J. , Herrinton Lisa , Nyirenda Carsie , Patorno Elisabetta , Shoaibi Azadeh , Raebel Marsha A.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

In this report, we use data from FDA's Sentinel System to focus on how augmenting a diagnosis‐based chronic kidney disease cohort with patients identified through laboratory results impacts cohort characteristics and outcomes.

Methods

We used data from 2 Data Partners. Patients were eligible if they were health plan members on January 1, 2012. We classified chronic kidney disease patients into mutually exclusive categories according to the hierarchy of (1) ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis (DXGroup), or (2) two estimated glomerular filtration rates <60 mL/min/1.73m2, separated by at least 90 days (2‐LabGroup), or (3) a single estimated glomerular filtration rates <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (1‐LabGroup).

We compared the groups on demographic, clinical, and health care utilization characteristics using pairwise standardized differences. We used Cox regression to compare the groups on mortality, adjusting for baseline covariates.

Results

We identified 209 864 patients: 107 607 in DxGroup (51%) and 102 257 (49%) from laboratory data alone. For every characteristic, the DxGroup was the sickest, followed by the 2‐LabGroup and then the 1‐LabGroup. The DxGroup was more likely to die than 2‐LabGroup (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.22‐1.77) at Site 1; that effect was observed, but attenuated, at Site 2 (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.25). The DxGroup was more likely to die than the 1‐LabGroup at Site 1 (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20‐1.55), but not at Site 2 (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89‐1.00).

Conclusions

We suggest that drug safety researchers consider whether the method of cohort identification contributes to generalizability of safety findings.
Effect of dopant and oxidant on the electrochemical properties of polyaniline/graphite nanoplate composites
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Grätz Olga , Pionteck Jürgen
Published: June 2018

Optimizing the synthesis parameters of polyaniline/graphite nanoplate (PANI/GNP) composite is essential to the final electrochemical performance. Herein, the electrochemical properties of PANI/GNP composites, prepared by in situ chemical polymerization using varying amounts of different oxidants, with or without the addition of 4‐dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as dopant, were investigated. Cyclic voltammetric results suggested that a stoichiometric amount of the oxidant iron chloride (FeCl3) was beneficial to the electrochemical properties of the composites. The use of ammonium persulfate (APS) instead of FeCl3 as oxidant largely increased the actual PANI content, conductivity and specific capacitance of the PANI/GNP composites. The dopant DBSA increased the conductivity of the PANI/GNP composites but did not show a positive effect on the electrochemical behavior. The cyclic voltammograms of the PANI/GNP composites indicated that the pseudocapacitance of PANI contributes more than the electrical double‐layer capacitance of GNP to the capacitance of the composites, while the presence of GNP plays an essential role in the rate capability of the composites. In this study, PANI/GNP (1:1) composite synthesized with an APS to aniline molar ratio of 1 showed a balanced combination of high specific capacitance (180.5 F g−1 at 20 mV s−1) and good rate capability (78% retention at 100 mV s−1). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Adaptive error feedback regulation problem for 1D wave equation
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhou Hua‐cheng , Krstic Miroslav
Published: June 2018

By using the adaptive control approach, we solve the error feedback regulator problem for the one‐dimensional wave equation with a general harmonic disturbance anticollocated with control and with two types of disturbed measurements, ie, one collocated with control and the other anti‐collocated with control. Different from the classical error feedback regulator design, which is based on the internal mode principle, we give the adaptive servomechanism design for the system by making use of the measured tracking error (and its time derivative) and the estimation mechanism for the parameters of the disturbance and of the unknown reference. Constructing auxiliary systems and observer and applying the backstepping method for infinite‐dimensional system play important roles in the design. The control objective, which is to regulate the tracking error to zero and to keep the states bounded, is achieved.
Temperature‐dependent local atomic structures in the traditional Fe65Ni35 Invar alloy by X‐ray fluorescence holography
Authors: Stellhorn Jens Rüdiger , Ideguchi Yuuki , Hosokawa Shinya , Happo Naohisa , Matsushita Tomohiro , Yubuta Kunio , Suzuki Motohiro , Ishii Hirofumi , Liao Yen‐Fa , Kimura Koji , Hayashi Kouichi
Published: June 2018

Fe and Ni Kα X‐ray fluorescence holography measurements were conducted on a single crystal Fe65Ni35 Invar alloy at 100 and 300 K to investigate the temperature dependence of the 3‐dimensional local structures around the Fe and Ni atoms, respectively. Local structural information was obtained by detailed analyses using a L1‐regularized linear regression for the experimental data. At 100 K, the local atomic arrangements around both the elements show fcc structures. At 300 K, however, only the image around Fe shows a bcc‐like neighboring arrangement. From these X‐ray fluorescence holography data, we propose a model that with increasing temperature, an Fe atom with the low‐spin state enters at the central position of the fcc lattice and is stabilized. And then, large angular positional fluctuations are induced for the atoms at the face‐centered positions around the central Fe atom only.
Summary of ISO/TC 201 Technical Report: ISO/TR 19693 Surface chemical analysis—Characterization of functional glass substrates for biosensing applications
Authors: Dietrich P. M. , Unger W. E. S.
Published: June 2018

ISO/TR 19693:2018—Surface chemical analysis—Characterization of functional glass substrates for biosensing applications gives an overview of methods, strategies, and guidance to identify possible sources of problems related to substrates, device production steps (cleaning, activation, and chemical modification), and shelf life (storage conditions and aging). It is particularly relevant for surface chemical analysts characterizing glass‐based biosensors, and developers or quality managers in the biosensing device production community. Based on quantitative and qualitative surface chemical analysis, strategies for identifying the cause of poor performance during device manufacturing can be developed and implemented. A review of measurement capabilities of surface analytical methods is given to assist readers from the biosensing community.
Superhydrophilic/superhydrophobic surfaces fabricated by spark‐coating
Authors: Kumpika T. , Kantarak E. , Sroila W. , Panthawan A. , Jhuntama N. , Sanmuangmoon P. , Thongsuwan W. , Singjai P.
Published: June 2018

In this study, the authors researched the preparations of superhydrophilic/superhydrophobic surfaces on commercial cup stock polyethylene coated papers by using sparked aluminum nanoparticles deposited on substrates through a sparking process. In this stage, the surface was porous and showed superhydrophilic properties. The samples were then annealed in air at various temperatures and some transformed to superhydrophobicity. It is well known that a suitable roughness in combination with low surface energy has been required to obtain superhydrophobic surfaces. Therefore, it is believed that during annealing process, when polyethylene is diffused from the substrate through the nanoparticle films and the superhydrophobic characteristics were created. The scanning electron microscope images showed that the film surfaces had a fluffy structure for both the as‐deposited and the annealed samples. However, the atomic force microscopy phase images showed completely different surface properties. Moreover, the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra showed different surface chemical compositions. The experimental results revealed that the working temperature to produce superhydrophobic surfaces depended on the sparked film thickness. Furthermore, in order to prove the assumption explained above, glass and poly (methyl methacrylate) were also used as substrates.