bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Denoising the Denoisers: An independent evaluation of microbiome sequence error-correction methods
Authors: Nearing Jacob T , Douglas Gavin M , Comeau André M , Langille Morgan G.I
Published: February 2018

High-depth sequencing of universal marker genes such as the 16S rRNA gene are a common strategy to profile microbial communities. Traditionally, sequence reads are clustered into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at a defined identity threshold to avoid sequencing errors generating spurious taxonomic units. However, there have been numerous bioinformatic methods recently released that attempt to correct sequencing errors to determine real biological sequences at single nucleotide resolution by generating amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). As the microbiome field moves from OTUs to higher resolution ASVs, there is a need for an in-depth and unbiased comparison of these novel “denoising” methods. In this study, we conduct a thorough comparison of three of the most widely-used denoising methods on mock, soil, and host-associated communities. We tested three different methods - DADA2, UNOISE3, and Deblur - on four mock communities and found that, although they produced similar microbial compositions based on relative abundance, the methods identified vastly different numbers of ASVs. Our analysis of a soil dataset also showed that the three methods were consistent in their per-sample compositions, resulting in only minor differences based on weighted UniFrac distances. However, DADA2 tended to find more ASVs than the other two methods when analyzing both the real soil data and two other host-associated datasets, suggesting that it could be better at finding rare organisms. The three tested methods were significantly different in their run times, with UNOISE3 running greater than 1200 and 15 times faster than DADA2 and Deblur, respectively. Our results indicate that the choice of denoising method will depend on a researcher’s individual importance for identifying rare ASVs, the availability of computational resources, and their willingness to support open-source or closed-source software.
Effect of Chinese rice wine on proteolytic characterization originating from endogenous proteases in topmouth culter ( Culter alburnus)
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Wei Zhaohui , Fan Linlin , Ge Da'e , Wang Fan , Zhao Jiangtao
Published: February 2018

In this study we investigated the influence of rice wine (Jinbiao, Yinbiao, Wunianchen, Nv’erhong) on the activity of endogenous proteases, myofibrillar degradation and quality characteristics in topmouth culter muscle. Rice wines had pH of about 4.3, and micromolar level of calcium ions. Nv’erhong (NEH) had the highest total phenolics content, while Wunianchen (WNC) showed the strongest total antioxidant capacity. WNC showed the considerable inhibitory action on the endogenous proteases, and delayed the degradation of myosin heavy chain and α-actinin, which occurred more quickly in other groups, especially in blank and alcohol controls. Total volatile base nitrogen production and texture profile for the fish fillets confirmed the improvement role of rice wine on the quality. In general, rice wine can inhibit the endogenous proteases and reduce the extent of myofibrillar degradation on the combined role of acidic pH and antioxidative components, resulting in the maintaining of good quality of the fish.
The Role of Health System to Support PMTCT Program Implementation in Jayawijaya Regency
Authors: Trisnawati Lea Meirina , Thabrany Hasbulah
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The incidence of HIV and AIDS in Indonesia continues to increase. The possibility of mother to child transmission will be greater if intervention is not performed. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of health systems in health and non-health sector affecting the implementation of PMTCT. This qualitative research took place in Jayawijaya. Primary data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, and observation. Secondary data was derived from the survey of health facilities conducted in Papua. We interviewed eleven (11) informants. The results of this study confirmed that the implementation of PMTCT was still inadequate, only 64% of the health services in Jayawijaya provide PMTCT services. Considering the vast area and the difficulty of access to health services, local government should undertake expansion of comprehensive PMTCT services, provide antiretroviral drugs for pregnant women, and reagents, as well as psychosocial support to PLHIV. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, PMTCT, health system
Policy Implementation of Health Coverage for Indonesian Migrant Workers
Authors: Hartono Risky Kusuma , Hidayat Budi , Puji Pujiyanto
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to analyze the policy implementation of health coverage for TKI. This research uses a qualitative method with in-depth interview. The framework of this research consists of the aspect of the advisable policy, the implementation factors, and the schematic representation of the problem by using SWOT. The result of this research is the health insurance owned by TKI comes from TKI insurance, the membership of JKN, and insurance during their employment abroad. TKI insurance policy is the instruction of Law No. 39 of 2004 which regulates the obligation of the ownership of the social security and or insurance policy for TKI. However, TKI insurance has not been involved with the social aspect because the agency commercializes the coverage of TKI and it is not included a social security. The change of consortium may have decreased the ratio of claim’s values to the annual premium which is attributable to the decreasing complaint cases from TKI. In the implementation, TKI insurance has been assisted by a lot of agencies. However, the bilateral cooperation related to the coordination of health coverage among countries has not been maximized. This research concludes that the coverage of health insurance for TKI is still lower (curative) and the government's attempt to integrate the social security for TKI is important. The researcher suggests the government should comprehensively implement the health coverage for TKI by incorporating the principle of promotion and prevention. Keywords: TKI Insurance, Consortium, Law No. 39 of 2004, SWOT, Bilateral Cooperation
Quantifying the effectiveness of shoreline armoring removal on coastal biota of Puget Sound
Authors: Lee Timothy S. , Toft Jason D. , Cordell Jeffery R. , Dethier Megan N. , Adams Jeffrey W. , Kelly Ryan P.
Published: February 2018

Shoreline armoring is prevalent around the world with unprecedented human population growth and urbanization along coastal habitats. Armoring structures, such as riprap and bulkheads, that are built to prevent beach erosion and protect coastal infrastructure from storms and flooding can cause deterioration of habitats for migratory fish species, disrupt aquatic–terrestrial connectivity, and reduce overall coastal ecosystem health. Relative to armored shorelines, natural shorelines retain valuable habitats for macroinvertebrates and other coastal biota. One question is whether the impacts of armoring are reversible, allowing restoration via armoring removal and related actions of sediment nourishment and replanting of native riparian vegetation. Armoring removal is targeted as a viable option for restoring some habitat functions, but few assessments of coastal biota response exist. Here, we use opportunistic sampling of pre- and post-restoration data for five biotic measures (wrack % cover, saltmarsh % cover, number of logs, and macroinvertebrate abundance and richness) from a set of six restored sites in Puget Sound, WA, USA. This broad suite of ecosystem metrics responded strongly and positively to armor removal, and these results were evident after less than one year. Restoration responses remained positive and statistically significant across different shoreline elevations and temporal trajectories. This analysis shows that removing shoreline armoring is effective for restoration projects aimed at improving the health and productivity of coastal ecosystems, and these results may be widely applicable.
Pulse Compression in Parametric Amplification
Authors: Diels Jean-Claude , Hsu Ning , Luo Xuan , Biegert Jens , Arissian Ladan
Published: February 2018

This article presents some of the phenomena associated with second‐order nonlinearities that can be exploited for pulse compression. This includes not only the optical pulse compression in second harmonic generation and parametric amplification, but also giant phase modulation leading to pulse compression in dispersive structures. The large bandwidth associated with ultrashort pulses and pulses with large phase modulation requires a theoretical treatment in the frequency domain, instead of considering the equations in the time domain with frequency‐dependent parameters. Our treatment in the frequency domain takes into account Sellmeier equations for the frequency dependence of the index of refraction, instead of a series expansion to first or second order. We also discuss applications in ultrashort pulse diagnostic and in predicting the autostabilization of optical parametric oscillators against cavity length fluctuations, by controlling the chirp of the pump and signal pulses.
Aggregation Operators in Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Bustince Humberto , Fernandez Javier , Mesiar Radko , Stupňanová Andrea
Published: February 2018

This article presents the main classes of aggregation functions considered in the fuzzy set theory, including the most recent research trends and examples that have appeared in the literature. Apart from classical functions, such as t‐norms, t‐conorms, negations, and averages, it also reviews recent concepts such as overlap and preaggregation functions. In this way, the article provides the theoretical grounds of the field of aggregation functions as a tool for fusing information applied in various engineering areas.
Mesoscale Effects on Carbon Export: A Global Perspective
Authors: Harrison Cheryl S. , Long Matthew C. , Lovenduski Nicole S. , Moore Jefferson K.
Published: February 2018

Carbon export from the surface to the deep ocean is a primary control on global carbon budgets and is mediated by plankton that are sensitive to physical forcing. Earth system models generally do not resolve ocean mesoscale circulation (
(10–100) km), scales that strongly affect transport of nutrients and plankton. The role of mesoscale circulation in modulating export is evaluated by comparing global ocean simulations conducted at 1° and 0.1° horizontal resolution. Mesoscale resolution produces a small reduction in globally integrated export production (<2%); however, the impact on local export production can be large (±50%), with compensating effects in different ocean basins. With mesoscale resolution, improved representation of coastal jets block off‐shelf transport, leading to lower export in regions where shelf‐derived nutrients fuel production. Export is further reduced in these regions by resolution of mesoscale turbulence, which restricts the spatial area of production. Maximum mixed layer depths are narrower and deeper across the Subantarctic at higher resolution, driving locally stronger nutrient entrainment and enhanced summer export production. In energetic regions with seasonal blooms, such as the Subantarctic and North Pacific, internally generated mesoscale variability drives substantial interannual variation in local export production. These results suggest that biogeochemical tracer dynamics show different sensitivities to transport biases than temperature and salinity, which should be considered in the formulation and validation of physical parameterizations. Efforts to compare estimates of export production from observations and models should account for large variability in space and time expected for regions strongly affected by mesoscale circulation.
Faults Get Colder Through Transient Granular Vortices
Authors: Einav I. , Rognon P. , Miller T. , Sulem J.
Published: February 2018

Fault temperatures govern their weakening and control the dynamics of earthquakes during slip. Despite predictions of significant temperature rise within fault gouges during earthquake events, observations of frictional melting zones along exhumed faults are relatively rare. Could there be a heat transfer mechanism, previously not considered, that results in ubiquitously colder faults during earthquakes? We demonstrate that the remarkable, previously neglected mechanism of heat transfer through transient granular vortices may be at the core of this. We present and analyze results from perpetual simple shear experiments on a system of granular disks with which we are able to quantify the sizes and lifetimes of granular vortices within fault gouges during earthquakes. We then develop a formula that captures the contribution these vortices have on heat transfer. Using this formula, we show that crustal faults such as those in the San Andreas system may experience a maximum temperature rise 5 to 10 times lower than previously thought.
New Mass‐Conserving Bedrock Topography for Pine Island Glacier Impacts Simulated Decadal Rates of Mass Loss
Authors: Nias I. J. , Cornford S. L. , Payne A. J.
Published: February 2018

High‐resolution ice flow modeling requires bedrock elevation and ice thickness data, consistent with one another and with modeled physics. Previous studies have shown that gridded ice thickness products that rely on standard interpolation techniques (such as Bedmap2) can be inconsistent with the conservation of mass, given observed velocity, surface elevation change, and surface mass balance, for example, near the grounding line of Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica. Using the BISICLES ice flow model, we compare results of simulations using both Bedmap2 bedrock and thickness data, and a new interpolation method that respects mass conservation. We find that simulations using the new geometry result in higher sea level contribution than Bedmap2 and reveal decadal‐scale trends in the ice stream dynamics. We test the impact of several sliding laws and find that it is at least as important to accurately represent the bedrock and initial ice thickness as the choice of sliding law.
Linking Low‐Frequency Large‐Scale Circulation Patterns to Cold Air Outbreak Formation in the Northeastern North Atlantic
Authors: Papritz L. , Grams C. M.
Published: February 2018

The regional variability of wintertime marine cold air outbreaks (CAOs) in the northeastern North Atlantic is studied focusing on the role of weather regimes in modulating the large‐scale circulation. Each regime is characterized by a typical CAO frequency anomaly pattern and a corresponding imprint in air‐sea heat fluxes. Cyclonically dominated regimes, Greenland blocking and the Atlantic ridge regime are found to provide favorable conditions for CAO formation in at least one major sea of the study region; CAO occurrence is suppressed, however, by blocked regimes whose associated anticyclones are centered over northern Europe (European / Scandinavian blocking). Kinematic trajectories reveal that strength and location of the storm tracks are closely linked to the pathways of CAO air masses and, thus, CAO occurrence. Finally, CAO frequencies are also linked to the strength of the stratospheric polar vortex, which is understood in terms of associated variations in the frequency of weather regimes.
Estimation of Antarctic Land‐Fast Sea Ice Algal Biomass and Snow Thickness From Under‐Ice Radiance Spectra in Two Contrasting Areas
Authors: Wongpan P. , Meiners K. M. , Langhorne P. J. , Heil P. , Smith I. J. , Leonard G. H. , Massom R. A. , Clementson L. A. , Haskell T. G.
Published: February 2018

Fast ice is an important component of Antarctic coastal marine ecosystems, providing a prolific habitat for ice algal communities. This work examines the relationships between normalized difference indices (NDI) calculated from under‐ice radiance measurements and sea ice algal biomass and snow thickness for Antarctic fast ice. While this technique has been calibrated to assess biomass in Arctic fast ice and pack ice, as well as Antarctic pack ice, relationships are currently lacking for Antarctic fast ice characterized by bottom ice algae communities with high algal biomass. We analyze measurements along transects at two contrasting Antarctic fast ice sites in terms of platelet ice presence: near and distant from an ice shelf, i.e., in McMurdo Sound and off Davis Station, respectively. Snow and ice thickness, and ice salinity and temperature measurements support our paired in situ optical and biological measurements. Analyses show that NDI wavelength pairs near the first chlorophyll a (chl a) absorption peak (≈440 nm) explain up to 70% of the total variability in algal biomass. Eighty‐eight percent of snow thickness variability is explained using an NDI with a wavelength pair of 648 and 567 nm. Accounting for pigment packaging effects by including the ratio of chl a‐specific absorption coefficients improved the NDI‐based algal biomass estimation only slightly. Our new observation‐based algorithms can be used to estimate Antarctic fast ice algal biomass and snow thickness noninvasively, for example, by using moored sensors (time series) or mapping their spatial distributions using underwater vehicles.
The Wintertime Covariation of CO2 and Criteria Pollutants in an Urban Valley of the Western United States
Authors: Bares Ryan , Lin John C. , Hoch Sebastian W. , Baasandorj Munkhbayar , Mendoza Daniel L. , Fasoli Ben , Mitchell Logan , Catharine Douglas , Stephens Britton B.
Published: February 2018

Numerous mountain valleys experience wintertime particulate pollution events, when persistent cold air pools (PCAPs) develop and inhibit atmospheric mixing, leading to the accumulation of pollutants. Here we examine the relationships between trace gases and criteria pollutants during winter in Utah's Salt Lake Valley, in an effort to better understand the roles of transport versus chemical processes during differing meteorological conditions as well as insights into how targeted reductions in greenhouse gases will impact local air quality in varying meteorological conditions. CO2 is a chemically inert gas that is coemitted during fossil fuel combustion with pollutants. Many of these coemitted pollutants are precursors that react chemically to form secondary particulate matter. Thus, CO2 can serve as a stable tracer and potentially help distinguish transport versus chemical influences on pollutants. During the winter of 2015–2016, we isolated enhancements in CO2 over baseline levels due to urban emissions (“CO2ex”). CO2ex was paired with similar excesses in other pollutant concentrations. These relationships were examined during different wintertime conditions and stages of pollution episodes: (a) Non‐PCAP, (b) beginning, and (c) latter stages of an episode. We found that CO2ex is a good indicator of the presence of gaseous criteria pollutants and a reasonable indicator of PM2.5. Additionally, the relationships between CO2ex and criteria pollutants differ during different phases of PCAP events which provide insight into meteorological and transport processes. Lastly, we found a slight overestimation of CO:CO2 emission ratios and a considerable overestimation of NOx:CO2 by existing inventories for the Salt Lake Valley.
An Iterative Local Updating Ensemble Smoother for Estimation and Uncertainty Assessment of Hydrologic Model Parameters With Multimodal Distributions
Authors: Zhang Jiangjiang , Lin Guang , Li Weixuan , Wu Laosheng , Zeng Lingzao
Published: February 2018

Ensemble smoother (ES) has been widely used in inverse modeling of hydrologic systems. However, for problems where the distribution of model parameters is multimodal, using ES directly would be problematic. One popular solution is to use a clustering algorithm to identify each mode and update the clusters with ES separately. However, this strategy may not be very efficient when the dimension of parameter space is high or the number of modes is large. Alternatively, we propose in this paper a very simple and efficient algorithm, i.e., the iterative local updating ensemble smoother (ILUES), to explore multimodal distributions of model parameters in nonlinear hydrologic systems. The ILUES algorithm works by updating local ensembles of each sample with ES to explore possible multimodal distributions. To achieve satisfactory data matches in nonlinear problems, we adopt an iterative form of ES to assimilate the measurements multiple times. Numerical cases involving nonlinearity and multimodality are tested to illustrate the performance of the proposed method. It is shown that overall the ILUES algorithm can well quantify the parametric uncertainties of complex hydrologic models, no matter whether the multimodal distribution exists.
Impacts of Near‐Term Climate Change on Irrigation Demands and Crop Yields in the Columbia River Basin
Authors: Rajagopalan K. , Chinnayakanahalli K. J. , Stockle C. O. , Nelson R. L. , Kruger C. E. , Brady M. P. , Malek K. , Dinesh S. T. , Barber M. E. , Hamlet A. F. , Yorgey G. G. , Adam J. C.
Published: February 2018

Adaptation to a changing climate is critical to address future global food and water security challenges. While these challenges are global, successful adaptation strategies are often generated at regional scales; therefore, regional‐scale studies are critical to inform adaptation decision making. While climate change affects both water supply and demand, water demand is relatively understudied, especially at regional scales. The goal of this work is to address this gap, and characterize the direct impacts of near‐term (for the 2030s) climate change and elevated CO2 levels on regional‐scale crop yields and irrigation demands for the Columbia River basin (CRB). This question is addressed through a coupled crop‐hydrology model that accounts for site‐specific and crop‐specific characteristics that control regional‐scale response to climate change. The overall near‐term outlook for agricultural production in the CRB is largely positive, with yield increases for most crops and small overall increases in irrigation demand. However, there are crop‐specific and location‐specific negative impacts as well, and the aggregate regional response of irrigation demands to climate change is highly sensitive to the spatial crop mix. Low‐value pasture/hay varieties of crops—typically not considered in climate change assessments—play a significant role in determining the regional response of irrigation demands to climate change, and thus cannot be overlooked. While, the overall near‐term outlook for agriculture in the region is largely positive, there may be potential for a negative outlook further into the future, and it is important to consider this in long‐term planning.
A Primer for Model Selection: The Decisive Role of Model Complexity
Authors: Höge Marvin , Wöhling Thomas , Nowak Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

Selecting a “best” model among several competing candidate models poses an often encountered problem in water resources modeling (and other disciplines which employ models). For a modeler, the best model fulfills a certain purpose best (e.g., flood prediction), which is typically assessed by comparing model simulations to data (e.g., stream flow). Model selection methods find the “best” trade‐off between good fit with data and model complexity. In this context, the interpretations of model complexity implied by different model selection methods are crucial, because they represent different underlying goals of modeling. Over the last decades, numerous model selection criteria have been proposed, but modelers who primarily want to apply a model selection criterion often face a lack of guidance for choosing the right criterion that matches their goal. We propose a classification scheme for model selection criteria that helps to find the right criterion for a specific goal, i.e., which employs the correct complexity interpretation. We identify four model selection classes which seek to achieve high predictive density, low predictive error, high model probability, or shortest compression of data. These goals can be achieved by following either nonconsistent or consistent model selection and by either incorporating a Bayesian parameter prior or not. We allocate commonly used criteria to these four classes, analyze how they represent model complexity and what this means for the model selection task. Finally, we provide guidance on choosing the right type of criteria for specific model selection tasks. (A quick guide through all key points is given at the end of the introduction.)
Identification of small‐molecule elastase inhibitors as antagonists of IL‐36 cytokine activation
Authors: Sullivan Graeme P. , Davidovich Pavel B. , Sura‐Trueba Sylvia , Belotcerkovskaya Ekaterina , Henry Conor M. , Clancy Danielle M. , Zinoveva Anna , Mametnabiev Tazhir , Garabadzhiu Alexander V. , Martin Seamus J.
Published: February 2018

IL‐1 family cytokines act as apical initiators of inflammation in many settings and can promote the production of a battery of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and other inflammatory mediators in diverse cell types. IL‐36α, IL‐36β and IL‐36γ, which belong to the extended IL‐1 family, have been implicated as key initiators of skin inflammation in psoriasis. IL‐36γ is highly upregulated in lesional skin from psoriatic individuals, and heritable mutations in the natural IL‐36 receptor antagonist result in a severe form of psoriasis. IL‐36 family cytokines are initially expressed as inactive precursors that require proteolytic processing for activation. The neutrophil granule‐derived protease elastase proteolytically processes and activates IL‐36α and IL‐36γ, increasing their biological activity ~ 500‐fold, and also robustly activates IL‐1α and IL‐33 through limited proteolytic processing. Consequently, inhibitors of elastase activity may have potential as anti‐inflammatory agents through antagonizing the activation of multiple IL‐1 family cytokines. Using in silico screening approaches, we have identified small‐molecule inhibitors of elastase that can antagonize activation of IL‐36γ by the latter protease. The compounds reported herein may have utility as lead compounds for the development of inhibitors of elastase‐mediated activation of IL‐36 and other IL‐1 family cytokines in inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis.
Flexible Fiber and Fabric Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chenjun , Zhu Jixin , Lin Huijuan , Huang Wei
Published: February 2018

The rapid development of wearable electronics requires developing flexible and efficient energy storage systems. To this end, novel flexible fiber and fabric batteries attract increasing attention due to their combined superiorities in flexibility, weavability, and miniaturization compared with conventional bulky structures. Herein, the recent progress in the electrode fabrication, structure design, and battery performance of fiber and fabric batteries is summarized, and the possibility of battery textiles, challenges, and future directions to satisfy the requirement of the next‐generation flexible energy storage systems is also highlighted.
Tunable Antireflection Coating to Remove Index‐Matching Requirement for Interference Lithography
Authors: Bacon‐Brown Daniel A. , Braun Paul V.
Published: February 2018

Interference lithography is a flexible technique for creating 3D periodic nano‐ and microstructures that can be used to make a wide variety of crystal lattices, but as it is found, some lattices require index‐matched substrates to eliminate reflections at the photoresist–substrate interface. In this study a tunable‐refractive index quarter wavelength‐thickness polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) homopolymer blend backside antireflection coating, which alleviates this issue, is presented. The coating's refractive index can be tuned from 1.47 to 1.6, drastically reducing reflections at the photoresist–substrate interface for substrates with refractive indices as low as 1.35 for normal incidence and even lower for angled illumination. By injecting the light through the substrate and applying the antireflection layer to the top of the photoresist, interference lithography can even be performed on high refractive index substrates, such as indium tin oxide (ITO)‐coated glass. Fabrication of hexagonal, face‐centered cubic, and simple cubic lattices in SU‐8 photoresist (refractive index of 1.59) is demonstrated using 532 nm laser light on nonindex matched substrates including ITO‐coated glass and borosilicate glass, and the effects of reflection interference on the photonic bandstructure are investigated.
The Effects of Nanoscale Zerovalent Iron on Microbial Fuel Cells in the Start‐up Process
Authors: Xiao Xiaofeng , Wang Qingping , Jin Xiaoying , Chen Zuliang
Published: February 2018

Municipal sludge contains carbon‐rich material that can be used in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to generate electrical power. However, manufactured nanoparticles found in sewage pose a potential risk in MFCs although the extent of this is still unclear. In this study, MFCs using sludge containing two types of nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) as substrates are investigated. It is found that in the MFC start‐up process, the maximum output voltage of the green synthesized nZVI (g‐nZVI) group and chemically synthesized nZVI group (c‐nZVI) decreases to 202.5 mV and 94.7 mV, respectively. Meanwhile the maximum output voltage of the control group is higher than 500 mV. These outcomes are attributed to a high concentration of nZVI being inhibited during the start‐up phase, and nZVI makes no essentially significant change in generating electricity despite MFCs being started successfully. Concerning the results on the rate of removing chemical oxygen demand, scanning electron microscope, and electrochemical characterization indicate that green synthesized nZVI, compared to chemically synthesized nZVI, reveals less antibacterial activity to microbial community in anode. The electronic properties of MFCs are lightly affected due to the mature biofilm adhering to the anode's electrode surface. Finally, nZVI can effectively extend and stabilize the output voltage of the produced electricity by releasing Fe3+ ions.
2D Black Phosphorus: from Preparation to Applications for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Wu Shuxing , Hui Kwan San , Hui Kwun Nam
Published: February 2018

Black phosphorus (BP) is rediscovered as a 2D layered material. Since its first isolation in 2014, 2D BP has triggered tremendous interest in the fields of condensed matter physics, chemistry, and materials science. Given its unique puckered monolayer geometry, 2D BP displays many unprecedented properties and is being explored for use in numerous applications. The flexibility, large surface area, and good electric conductivity of 2D BP make it a promising electrode material for electrochemical energy storage devices (EESDs). Here, the experimental and theoretical progress of 2D BP is presented on the basis of its preparation methods. The structural and physiochemical properties, air instability, passivation, and EESD applications of 2D BP are discussed systemically. Specifically, the latest research findings on utilizing 2D BP in EESDs, such as lithium‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, and emerging technologies (lithium–sulfur batteries, magnesium‐ion batteries, and sodium‐ion batteries), are summarized. On the basis of the current progress, a few personal perspectives on the existing challenges and future research directions in this developing field are provided.
The Ethics of Brokering a Settlement With Fewer than All the Defendants
Authors: Suplee Dennis R.
Published: February 2018

This article addresses a question that arises from time to time, most recently in a complex commercial case in which there were three parties: the Plaintiff, Defendant A, and Defendant B.
The Contagious Emotion: Gratitude Is Us
Authors: Creo Robert A.
Published: February 2018

What is gratitude?
A Call for Corporate Leadership to Sustain And Reinvigorate a Culture of Arbitration
Authors: Burt David H.
Published: February 2018

Business‐to‐business dispute arbitration—once the customized, streamlined, speedy and confidential route to solving disputes—has now long lost those charms. Many business customers believe they are poorly served by its present state.
Brief Report: Association of Quantitative and Topographic Assessment of Heberden's Nodes With Knee Osteoarthritis: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Kumar Neil M. , Hafezi‐Nejad Nima , Guermazi Ali , Haj‐Mirzaian Arya , Haugen Ida K. , Roemer Frank W. , Demehri Shadpour
Published: February 2018

Objective

To determine whether the presence, number, and topography (digit location and symmetry) of Heberden's nodes are associated with the incidence and progression of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Methods

We analyzed 8,023 knees (with 8 years of follow‐up) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Cox regression was performed on Heberden's node presence, total number, location, and symmetry (using 2 symmetry index models) obtained at baseline physical examination as well as self‐report of Heberden's node presence for evaluation of association with radiographic knee OA incidence (development of a Kellgren/Lawrence grade of ≥2) and progression (worsening in the medial joint space narrowing score of ≥1). Covariate adjustments relevant to OA outcomes were performed.

Results

The presence of Heberden's nodes (in 64% of the subjects) at baseline physical examinations, but not subjective self‐report of Heberden's nodes, was associated with radiographic knee OA incidence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.19 and 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.001–1.402 [approached statistical significance]). Each additional Heberden's node found on physical examination was associated with knee OA incidence (HR 1.03 [95% CI 1.000–1.054] [approached statistical significance]) and progression (HR 1.04 [95% CI 1.016–1.063]). Knee OA incidence and progression were associated with Heberden's nodes located on the third digit (HR 1.26 [95% CI 1.068–1.487] and 1.18 [95% CI 1.019–1.361], respectively) and first digit (HR 1.186 [95% CI 0.992–1.418] [approached statistical significance] and HR 1.26 [95% CI 1.084–1.453], respectively). Heberden's node symmetry was associated with knee OA incidence (model 1 HR 1.09 [95% CI 0.997–1.185] [approached statistical significance]) and progression (model 2 HR 1.13 [95% CI 1.035–1.234]).

Conclusion

The number of Heberden's nodes, their locations, and symmetry were associated with knee OA incidence and progression over 8 years.
Encourage athletics administrators to develop harassment awareness, training, response plans
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: February 2018

From Hollywood celebrities to politicians to TV hosts, the careers of a number of prominent individuals have recently come to a screeching halt as a result of allegations ranging from sexual harassment to sexual assault. In some cases, their respective employers have quickly found themselves on the receiving end of criticism for not doing enough to prevent and/or immediately remedy these issues.
Can university be liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: February 2018

Ann Meehan became a curator at the Loyola University of Chicago Art Museum in 2005.
Expression of miR‐634 in gastric carcinoma and its effects on proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells
Authors: Guo Jiao , Zhang Chun‐Dong , An Jia‐Xiang , Xiao Yun‐Yun , Shao Shuai , Zhou Nuo‐Ming , Dai Dong‐Qiu
Published: February 2018

This study aims to observe the expression of microRNA (miR)‐634 in different gastric cancer cell lines and tissues, and to study the effects of miR‐634 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the gastric cancer cells. The miR‐634 mimics and miR‐634 inhibitors were transfected by lentivirus into human gastric cancer SGC‐7901 and MGC‐803 cells, and the miR‐634 cells without transfection were used as the control group (NC group). The expression of miR‐634 in the transfected cells was detected by qRT‐PCR. Cell viability was measured by the CCK8 assay. The migration and invasion ability of the cells were detected by scratch assays and Transwell® chamber assays, respectively, and the luciferase assay verified the binding of miR‐634 to the target gene JAG1. The expression level of miR‐634 in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines was significantly lower than that in normal adjacent tissues and control cells. The survival of cells was significantly decreased, and number of cells migrating and invading was decreased in the miR‐634 mimics group. However, in the miR‐634 inhibitor group, the opposite results were observed. Over‐expression of miR‐634 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cell lines, and the miR‐634 target gene was JAG1.
Epigenetic silencing of RNF144A expression in breast cancer cells through promoter hypermethylation and MBD4
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yang Yin‐Long , Zhang Fang‐Lin , Liao Xiao‐Hong , Shao Zhi‐Min , Li Da‐Qiang
Published: February 2018

Emerging evidence shows that ring finger protein 144A (RNF144A), a poorly characterized member of the Ring‐between‐Ring (RBR) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, is a potential tumor suppressor gene. However, its regulatory mechanism in breast cancer remains undefined. Here, we report that RNF144A promoter contains a putative CpG island and the methylation levels of RNF144A promoter are higher in primary breast tumors than those in normal breast tissues. Consistently, RNF144A promoter methylation levels are associated with its transcriptional silencing in breast cancer cells, and treatment with DNA methylation inhibitor 5‐Aza‐2‐deoxycytidine (AZA) reactivates RNF144A expression in cells with RNF144A promoter hypermethylation. Furthermore, genetic knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of endogenous methyl‐CpG‐binding domain 4 (MBD4) results in increased RNF144A expression. These findings suggest that RNF144A is epigenetically silenced in breast cancer cells by promoter hypermethylation and MBD4.
CGB5 expression is independently associated with poor overall survival and recurrence‐free survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Yuxin , Shi Yonghong , Hou Yanjuan , Lu Ying , Yang Jinliang
Published: February 2018

The human CGB5 gene encodes chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)β 5, which is aberrantly expressed in trophoblastic neoplasm and in some non‐trophoblastic neoplasms. Fucntional studies observed that it involved tumor initiation, growth, and metastatic outgrowth. In this study, using data from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), we assessed the independent prognostic value of CGB5 expression in patients with primary gastric cancer (GC). Results showed that CGB5 expression was nearly not expressed in normal GC tissues. In comparison, its expression was detected in 214 of the 415 primary GC cases (51.6%) in TCGA‐STAD and was associated with poor response to primary therapy and a higher risk of recurrence and death. In early stages, CGB5 expression was not a prognostic factor in terms of OS (HR: 1.448; 95% CI: 0.811–2.588, P = 0.211) or RFS (HR: 1.659; 95% CI: 0.778–3.540, P = 0.190). However, its expression was independently associated with unfavorable OS (HR: 1.719; 95% CI: 1.115–2.651, P = 0.014) and RFS (HR: 3.602; 95% CI: 1.708–7.598, P = 0.001) in advanced stages. Using deep sequencing data from TCGA‐STAD, we found that CGB5 expression was not related to its genetic amplification or DNA methylation in GC. Based on these findings, we infer that CGB5 expression is common in GC patients and its expression might independently predict poor OS and RFS in advanced stages, but not in early stages of GC.
To send or not to send … that is the question
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: February 2018

Recently, our emergency management colleagues in Hawaii faced every emergency manager's worst nightmare: sending a “live” alert to countless recipients in error. To make matters worse, this was not an alert warning about a traffic condition or the cancellation of a music concert or a rip current advisory. No, this was the worst possible scenario that I and many other practitioners could imagine. This was an alert to the entire state indicating that a ballistic missile was incoming and advising them to seek shelter immediately. Adding insult to the initial injury, there was a 38‐minute delay before an official message was delivered indicating that the first was sent in error and that there wasn't actually a missile threat. What happened next was not surprising. Fingers pointed, knees jerked, blame was placed, and calls were made for immediate reforms regarding the way the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency handles its alerts. My advice? Be careful what you wish for.
Most campuses don't track student suicides, despite increase in resources
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2018

Most large public research institutions in the country do not track student suicides, according to a research report issued by The Associated Press. The AP asked the 100 largest public research institutions in the country for their annual statistics on student suicide. Of those 100 institutions, only 46 reported tracking annual student suicides. Of the remaining 54 institutions, 43 did not track student suicides at all, nine were able to provide limited or incomplete data, and two did not reply to the survey.
Address issue of sexual harassment via awareness, training, response plan
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: February 2018

From Hollywood celebrities to politicians to TV hosts, the careers of a number of prominent individuals have recently come to a screeching halt as a result of allegations ranging from sexual harassment to sexual assault. In some cases, their respective employers have quickly found themselves on the receiving end of criticism for not doing enough to prevent and/or immediately remedy these issues.
Improving the validity of objective assessment in higher education: Steps for building a best‐in‐class competency‐based assessment program
Authors: Gyll Sean , Ragland Shelley
Published: February 2018

Faculty's attitudes toward and expertise in what constitutes valid assessment design has produced sizable discord in higher education. Traditionally, assessment activities within higher education have been implemented as additions to the curriculum, designed for purposes of program evaluation rather than being integral to student mastery. In this paper, we briefly explore the history of objective assessment in higher education, studying its historical antecedents, and use this information to define next steps toward building a standards‐based community of practice. We operationally define competency‐based education, paying particular attention to the term “competence” and what it means in the context of maintaining standards for assessment validity. We then offer 12 steps for building a best‐in‐class objective assessment program. We conclude with case study metrics from Western Governors University's assessment portfolio, which describes four key assessment performance indicators and documents our commitment to continuous quality improvement through a quarterly assessment review process.
Adult intussusceptions induced by a terminal ileum diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Nakazawa Nobuhiro , Suzuki Hideki , Ebara Gen , Watanabe Yu , Tsukagoshi Ritsuko , Ieta Keisuke , Morohara Koji , Osawa Hidenobu , Katayama Kazuhisa , Yasuda Yasukuni , Tanaka Shigehumi , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: February 2018

Key Clinical Message

We herein report a case of adult intussusceptions induced by a terminal ileum diverticulum. Histological examination confirmed a terminal ileum diverticulum full of feces, and it was considered an infiltrated region. The clinical characteristics of previously reported adult intussusceptions are also discussed, including jejunoileal diverticulum and surgical management.
Analytical and semi‐analytical kinetics models for design and optimization of double‐resistance resin in pulp and carbon in pulp processes with both reversible and irreversible nature
Authors: Naderi Ali , Outokesh Mohammad , Ahmadian Koudakan Payam , Ghoddocynejad Davood , Saberyan Kamal
Published: February 2018

The current study was aimed at developing a package of “model + algorithm” for the design of resin in pulp (RIP) and carbon in pulp (CIP) processes of gold, uranium, and base metals. For this purpose, we first formulated a double‐resistance model for irreversible adsorption (accompanied by chemical reaction) in CSTRs, and modified the McKay et al. semi‐analytical model for reversible uptake in a similar system. We then devised two algorithms for the design and optimization of reversible and irreversible RIP and CIP cascades. The developed algorithms were applied on the extraction of copper, uranium, and gold. The packages are able to specify the optimum number of stages, reactor volume (V), resin flow rate (m.), and resin hold up (φs). This shows an evident advantage over the McCabe‐Thiele method, whose only result is the number of stages. The new methods have only two adjustable parameters of diffusivity (Deff) and liquid film coefficient (k), whose determination can be carried out through simple batch experiments. As an additional work, this study also presents a method for mathematical troubleshooting for the Mc Kay et al. model.
Surface Modification on Pd Nanostructures for Selective Styrene Oxidation with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Hu Canyu , Xia Xiaoqian , Jin Jianbo , Ju Huanxin , Wu Di , Qi Zeming , Hu Shanwei , Long Ran , Zhu Junfa , Song Li , Xiong Yujie
Published: February 2018

The catalytic oxidation based on molecular oxygen (O2) is one of the most preferable choices for oxidation reactions toward atom‐efficient utilization of oxidants, in which heterogeneous catalysts based on palladium (Pd) nanostructures have been commonly used. However, in terms of selective styrene oxidation, it is still a great challenge to balance reactivity and selectivity by employing pure Pd catalysts. Herein, a well‐designed model for seeking a selective oxidation catalyst based on surface lattice engineering is described. In the proposed model, Au atoms are sparsely deposited on the surface of concave Pd nanostructures. As such, the activation degree of adsorbed O2 can be altered by simply tailoring the concentration of Au atoms on surface, suppressing the formation of over‐oxidized byproducts. Moreover, the Pd@Au nanostructures reported here have sufficient plasmonic cross‐sections for light harvesting, which enables light‐driven catalysis through a photothermal effect. Taken together, the Pd@Au0.08 concave nanostructures with an Au/Pd ratio of 8% achieve 87% main product selectivity with a conversion of 44% in the aerobic oxidation of styrene using molecular O2 (1 atm) without additional initiator.
Liposome Preparation for the Analysis of Lipid‐Receptor Interaction and Efferocytosis
Authors: Voss Oliver H. , Lee Ha‐Na , Tian Linjie , Krzewski Konrad , Coligan John E.
Published: February 2018

Efficient phagocytosis of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) is essential for immune homeostasis. Phospholipids exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells, such as phosphatidylserine, supply important “eat‐me” signals. Liposomes are lipid bilayer vesicles that can be generated from one or several types of phospholipids of interest. Thus, these vesicles offer versatility, flexibility, and, importantly, a three‐dimensional structure for studying the interaction between lipids and their receptors as well as the lipid‐receptor interaction–mediated signaling events controlling efferocytosis by cells like professional phagocytes. Here, we describe methods to prepare liposomes, perform liposome‐based lipid–receptor binding assays, use liposomes to block efferocytosis, and utilize liposome‐coated beads as apoptotic cell surrogates for phagocytosis. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.