bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Power of Data to Improve Water Use Efficiency and Conservation
Authors: Armstrong Jeff , Harmon Karter M. , Phan Nancy
Published: May 2017

Giving its customers access to specific, real‐time data has contributed to a california water agency's water conservation efforts and has empowered individuals to make decisions about their water usage.
Fostering Leadership in Management
Authors: Bernosky Joseph
Published: May 2017

This Manager to Manager column is dedicated to perspectives on management and leadership. The author lists five management skills as plan, organize, staff, direct, and control. He believes that's a pretty fair assessment of some of the skills a utility manager must master to be effective. However, one distinction to make clear is: sound management does not necessarily constitute good leadership.
Merging Sustainability, Engineering, and Procurement to Foster Innovation
Authors: Reid Carla A. , Tyson Keith W. , Obodoako Aloysius
Published: May 2017

This column discusses how the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) in Laurel, Md., recently changed its standard pipe material from ductile iron pipe (DIP) to zinc‐coated DIP. This change was recommended by the agency's engineering staff to continue to improve the sustainability of the utility into the next 100 years. WSSC now uses a unique approach combining its sustainability goals with field assessments and engineering expertise to inform procurement decisions.
Affordability Mega‐steps
Authors: Lafrance David B.
Published: May 2017

This month LaFrance talks about how to set fair and equitable water and wastewater rates, and advocates for the importance of keeping water and wastewater rates affordable. The importance of and the interrelationships between both continue.
The LiiNK Project®: Comparisons of Recess, Physical Activity, and Positive Emotional States in Grades K-2 Children
Authors: Clark Laura E. , J. Rhea Deborah
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical activity patterns and emotional states differences among elementary school students at two private schools with differently structured school days. Students at one school received the LiiNK Project® pilot intervention, which included an additional two 15-minute recess breaks (unstructured outdoor play) throughout the school day and a 15-minute character development lesson three to four times weekly. Students at the comparison school received only one 30-minute recess daily and no additional character development curriculum. Grades K-2 children from two schools (N=262) wore pedometers for one school week and were observed for emotional expressions during recess. A univariate ANOVA revealed that intervention school students took significantly more steps on average than comparison school students, F(1, 260)=0.784, p<0.0001. Significant interactions were found for average number of steps between school and grade, F(2, 250)=4.298, p<0.05, school and gender, F(1, 250)=4.660, p<0.05, and grade and gender, F(2, 250)=6.919, p<0.001. Another univariate ANOVA revealed that during recess, intervention school students displayed significantly higher percentages of positive emotions than comparison school children, F(1, 52)=15.332, p<0.0001 and significantly lower percentages of not-positive emotions than comparison school students, F(1, 52)=13.900, p<0.0001. Overall, K-2 students who received multiple recesses and a character curriculum called Positive Action were significantly more active during the school day and displayed higher percentages of positive emotions on the playground than comparison school students.
Maternal Diet during Exclusive Breastfeeding can Predict Food Preference in Preschoolers: A Cross-Sectional Study of Mother-Child Dyads in Enugu, South-East Nigeria
Authors: N. Uwaezuoke Samuel , I. Eneh Chizoma , K. Ndu Ikenna , Iloh Kenechukwu , I. Udorah Maria
Published: May 2017

Background: The relationship between food preference in early childhood and prenatal exposure to flavor in the amniotic fluid is well documented. Although its association with flavor transmission in the breast milk has also been noted, it is poorly reported in this country.
Objective: The present study aims to determine the relationship between mothers’ dietary exposure during exclusive breastfeeding and food preference in their preschool-aged children.
Methods: Two hundred and twenty (220) mother-child dyads who met the study criteria were enrolled. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was administered to the mothers. The relationship between maternal consumption of flour-based snacks and staple foods during exclusive breastfeeding and the child’s preference for these foods was determined using risk estimates. After controlling for potential confounders, logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 and all the risk estimates were presented as odds ratios (OR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: The relationship between daily maternal exposure to staple foods during exclusive breastfeeding and the children’s preference for this variety of food was not statistically significant (p = 0.847, OR= 1.083, 95% CI = 0.481-2.437). However, the children’s preference for flour-based snacks was significantly related to weekly or fourth-nightly maternal exposure to similar diet during exclusive breast feeding (p = 0.035, OR = 2.405, 95% C.I = 1.064 - 5.435).
Conclusion: Transmission of flavor in the breast milk may contribute in shaping children’s feeding behavior early in life.
Identification of a novel spinal nociceptive-motor gate control for Aδ pain stimuli in rats
Authors: Blivis Dvir , Haspel Gal , Mannes Philip Z , O'Donovan Michael J , Iadarola Michael J
Published: May 2017

Physiological responses to nociceptive stimuli are initiated within tens of milliseconds, but the corresponding sub-second behavioral responses have not been adequately explored in awake, unrestrained animals. A detailed understanding of these responses is crucial for progress in pain neurobiology. Here, high-speed videography during nociceptive Aδ fiber stimulation demonstrated engagement of a multi-segmental motor program coincident with, or even preceding, withdrawal of the stimulated paw. The motor program included early head orientation and adjustments of the torso and un-stimulated paws. Moreover, we observed a remarkably potent gating mechanism when the animal was standing on its hindlimbs and which was partially dependent on the endogenous opioid system. These data reveal a profound, immediate and precise integration of nociceptive inputs with ongoing motor activities leading to the initiation of complex, yet behaviorally appropriate, response patterns and the mobilization of a new type of analgesic mechanism within this early temporal nociceptive window.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Sturnira parvidens and cross-species amplification in Sturnira species
Authors: Gutiérrez Edgar G. , Hernández Canchola Giovani , León Paniagua Livia S. , Martínez Méndez Norberto , Ortega Jorge
Published: May 2017

Background

Sturnira is one of the most species-rich genera in the Neotropics, and it is found from Mexico and the Lesser Antilles to Argentina. This genus forms a well-supported monophyletic clade with at least twenty-one recognized species, as well as several others under taxonomic review. Sturnira parvidens is a widespread frugivorous bat of the deciduous forests of the Neotropics, is highly abundant, and is a major component in fruit dispersal to regenerate ecosystems.

Methods

We used a technique based on Illumina paired-end sequencing of a library highly enriched for microsatellite repeats to develop loci for S. parvidens. We analyzed millions of resulting reads with specialized software to extract those reads that contained di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexanucleotide microsatellites.

Results

We selected and tested 14 polymorphic (di, tri, and tetra) microsatellites. All markers were genotyped on 26 different individuals from distinct locations of the distributional area of S. parvidens. We observed medium—high genetic variation across most loci, but only 12 were functionally polymorphic. Levels of expected heterozygosity across all markers were high to medium (mean HE = 0.79, mean HO = 0.72). We examined ascertainment bias in twelve bats of the genus, obtaining null/monomorphic/polymorphic amplifications.

Discussion

The Illumina paired-end sequencing system is capable of identifying massive numbers of microsatellite loci, while expending little time, reducing costs, and providing a large amount of data. The described polymorphic loci for S. parvidens in particular, and for the genus in general, could be suitable for further genetic analysis, including taxonomic inconsistencies, parentage/relatedness analysis, and population genetics assessments.
Standing infragravity waves over an alongshore irregular rocky bathymetry
Authors: Winter G. , Lowe R. J. , Symonds G. , Hansen J. E. , van Dongeren A. R.
Published: May 2017

Rocky reef coastlines typically feature highly variable and often abrupt cross‐shore and alongshore changes in bathymetry. The effects of this irregular rocky bathymetry on the dynamics of infragravity waves are largely unknown. Most models of infragravity wave dynamics have been developed and validated on smooth alongshore‐uniform bathymetries, which may break down over these highly variable bathymetries. A 2 week field experiment was conducted on a rocky reef‐fringed beach to investigate how the variable bathymetry affects the spatial and temporal variability of infragravity waves. The height of short (sea‐swell) waves decreased over the shallow reef due to breaking, whereas the height of infragravity waves increased toward the shoreline. Both during a storm event (Hm0 = 2.3 m) and under moderate wave conditions (Hm0 = 1.0–1.8 m), the infragravity waves formed a persistent cross‐shore standing wave pattern along the entire shoreline, despite the irregular bathymetry. In addition, the alongshore components of infragravity waves refracted by the presence of the nearshore reef were observed to propagate in opposite directions up and down the coast resulting in a local alongshore standing wave pattern. Thus, the presence of highly variable nearshore bathymetry, which commonly occurs along rocky reef coastlines, may produce both cross‐shore and alongshore standing wave patterns.
Detecting shifts in tropical moisture imbalances with satellite‐derived isotope ratios in water vapor
Authors: Bailey A. , Blossey P. N. , Noone D. , Nusbaumer J. , Wood R.
Published: May 2017

As global temperatures rise, regional differences in evaporation (E) and precipitation (P) are likely to become more disparate, causing the drier E‐dominated regions of the tropics to become drier and the wetter P‐dominated regions to become wetter. Models suggest that such intensification of the water cycle should already be taking place; however, quantitatively verifying these changes is complicated by inherent difficulties in measuring E and P with sufficient spatial coverage and resolution. This paper presents a new metric for tracking changes in regional moisture imbalances (e.g., E‐P) by defining δDq—the isotope ratio normalized to a reference water vapor concentration of 4 mmol mol−1—and evaluates its efficacy using both remote sensing retrievals and climate model simulations in the tropics. By normalizing the isotope ratio with respect to water vapor concentration, δDq isolates the portion of isotopic variability most closely associated with shifts between E‐ and P‐dominated regimes. Composite differences in δDq between cold and warm phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) verify that δDq effectively tracks changes in the hydrological cycle when large‐scale convective reorganization takes place. Simulated δDq also demonstrates sensitivity to shorter‐term variability in E‐P at most tropical locations. Since the isotopic signal of E‐P in free tropospheric water vapor transfers to the isotope ratios of precipitation, multidecadal observations of both water vapor and precipitation isotope ratios should provide key evidence of changes in regional moisture imbalances now and in the future.
Escape and evolution of Mars's CO2 atmosphere: Influence of suprathermal atoms
Authors: Amerstorfer U. V. , Gröller H. , Lichtenegger H. , Lammer H. , Tian F. , Noack L. , Scherf M. , Johnstone C. , Tu L. , Güdel M.
Published: May 2017

With a Monte Carlo model we investigate the escape of hot oxygen and carbon from the Martian atmosphere for four points in time in its history corresponding to 1, 3, 10, and 20 times the present solar EUV flux. We study and discuss different sources of hot oxygen and carbon atoms in the thermosphere and their changing importance with the EUV flux. The increase of the production rates due to higher densities resulting from the higher EUV flux competes against the expansion of the thermosphere and corresponding increase in collisions. We find that the escape due to photodissociation increases with increasing EUV level. However, for the escape via some other reactions, e.g., dissociative recombination of
, this is only true until the EUV level reaches 10 times the present EUV flux and then the rates start to decrease. Furthermore, our results show that Mars could not have had a dense atmosphere at the end of the Noachian epoch, since such an atmosphere would not have been able to escape until today. In the pre‐Noachian era, most of the magma ocean and volcanic activity‐related outgassed CO2 atmosphere could have been lost thermally until the Noachian epoch, when nonthermal loss processes such as suprathermal atom escape became dominant. Thus, early Mars could have been hot and wet during the pre‐Noachian era with surface CO2 pressures larger than 1 bar during the first 300 Myr after the planet's origin.
Geological interpretation of volcanism and segmentation of the Mariana back‐arc spreading center between 12.7°N and 18.3°N
Authors: Anderson Melissa O. , Chadwick William W. , Hannington Mark D. , Merle Susan G. , Resing Joseph A. , Baker Edward T. , Butterfield David A. , Walker Sharon L. , Augustin Nico
Published: May 2017

The relationships between tectonic processes, magmatism, and hydrothermal venting along ∼600 km of the slow‐spreading Mariana back‐arc between 12.7°N and 18.3°N reveal a number of similarities and differences compared to slow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges. Analysis of the volcanic geomorphology and structure highlights the complexity of the back‐arc spreading center. Here, ridge segmentation is controlled by large‐scale basement structures that appear to predate back‐arc rifting. These structures also control the orientation of the chains of cross‐arc volcanoes that characterize this region. Segment‐scale faulting is oriented perpendicular to the spreading direction, allowing precise spreading directions to be determined. Four morphologically distinct segment types are identified: dominantly magmatic segments (Type I); magmatic segments currently undergoing tectonic extension (Type II); dominantly tectonic segments (Type III); and tectonic segments currently undergoing magmatic extension (Type IV). Variations in axial morphology (including eruption styles, neovolcanic eruption volumes, and faulting) reflect magma supply, which is locally enhanced by cross‐arc volcanism associated with N‐S compression along the 16.5°N and 17.0°N segments. In contrast, cross‐arc seismicity is associated with N‐S extension and increased faulting along the 14.5°N segment, with structures that are interpreted to be oceanic core complexes—the first with high‐resolution bathymetry described in an active back‐arc basin. Hydrothermal venting associated with recent magmatism has been discovered along all segment types.
Testing the sensitivity of past climates to the indirect effects of dust
Authors: Sagoo Navjit , Storelvmo Trude
Published: May 2017

Mineral dust particles are important ice nuclei (IN) and as such indirectly impact Earth's radiative balance via the properties of cold clouds. Using the Community Earth System Model version 1.0.6, and Community Atmosphere Model version 5.1, and a new empirical parameterization for ice nucleation on dust particles, we investigate the radiative forcing induced by dust IN for different dust loadings. Dust emissions are representative of global conditions for the Last Glacial Maximum and the mid‐Pliocene Warm Period. Increased dust leads to smaller and more numerous ice crystals in mixed phase clouds, impacting cloud opacity, lifetime, and precipitation. This increases the shortwave cloud radiative forcing, resulting in significant surface temperature cooling and polar amplification—which is underestimated in existing studies relative to paleoclimate archives. Large hydrological changes occur and are linked to an enhanced dynamical response. We conclude that dust indirect effects could potentially have a significant impact on the model‐data mismatch that exists for paleoclimates.
Non‐self‐similar source property for microforeshocks of the 2014 Mw 6.2 Northern Nagano, central Japan, earthquake
Authors: Imanishi Kazutoshi , Uchide Takahiko
Published: May 2017

Foreshocks are considered as part of the preparation process for large earthquakes and, as such, can provide important constraints on earthquake generation. We examine the characteristics of the 4 day long foreshock sequence of the 2014 Northern Nagano earthquake (Mw 6.2) using seismograms recorded by a dense seismic observation network including data from a deep borehole closest to the foreshock region. The improved earthquake catalog shows a slow‐speed migration of the sequence toward the main shock hypocenter, implying possible slow‐slip transients which should have caused stress loading at the main shock hypocenter. An analysis of source spectra reveals that foreshocks for Mw < 1.5 display a weaker dependence of corner frequency on magnitude than expected for self‐similar scaling, suggesting that these microforeshocks can be regarded as small low‐frequency earthquakes. So far, we might have missed the expected weak low‐frequency preseismic signals, because they emerge only below a certain magnitude and are generally embedded in background noise.
Assessment of Self‐Assembled Monolayers as High‐Performance Thermal Interface Materials
Authors: Wang Yanlei , Cao Yu , Zhou Ke , Xu Zhiping
Published: May 2017

Thermal interface materials (TIMs) are highly desirable for efficient thermal transfer or dissipation in a wide range of material and device applications. The self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are promising candidates for these applications due to their high thermal transparency and structural flexibility. In this work, the performance of SAMs as practical TIMs is assessed by performing atomistic simulations. The mixed nature of diffusive and ballistic thermal transport is identified across the monolayers from signatures of coherent energy propagation and strong phonon scattering processes, respectively. The interfacial thermal conductance (ITC), G, displays remarkable dependence on the length, N, packing density, n and stretch of alkane chains. The nonmonotonic G–N relation features a peak at N = 4 that corresponds to maximum overlap of the vibrational density of states between molecular chains and substrate. When n > 0.98 mols/nm2, phonon scattering between neighboring chains reduces the ITC. The ITC can be reduced by 32.9% under tensile strain of 23.9%, but remains almost unchanged under compression. Compared to other TIMs such as polymers, graphene, and carbon nanotubes, SAMs demonstrate simultaneously high thermal transparency and structural flexibility that can be further tailored through their molecular structures and mechanical loading conditions.
Ultrafast Multipolar Plasmon for Unidirectional Optical Switching in a Hemisphere‐Nanoshell Array
Authors: Lin Yuanhai , Zhang Xinping
Published: May 2017

This study reports ultrafast multipolar plasmons in a large‐area periodic array of hemisphere gold nanoshells. A dipolar plasmon is observed as a resonance mode at longer wavelengths, where the free electrons are driven to oscillate through the nanoshells and the corresponding resonance spectrum is determined by the size of the hemisphere nanoshells. However, a hexapolar plasmon is observed to resonate at shorter wavelengths, where the free electrons are driven to oscillate in the inner shell and in the surrounding gold film and this inner‐shell “bright” dipole induces charge redistribution in the surrounding gold film, leading to the formation of a quadrupolar “dark” plasmon. Different physical mechanisms of these two resonance modes lead to different interactions between plasmonic electrons and photons, resulting in different lifetimes of the plasmonic dynamics. Both resonance modes can be exploited to achieve ultrafast optical switching devices. Large‐area structures with simple fabrication techniques enable potentially practical applications.
Regiodivergent Visible Light‐Induced C–H Functionalization of Quinolines at C‐5 and C‐8 under Metal‐, Photosensitizer‐ and Oxidant‐Free Conditions
Authors: Arockiam Percia Beatrice , Guillemard Lucas , Wencel‐Delord Joanna
Published: May 2017

A general strategy towards the selective perfluoroalkylation of quinoline derivatives at C‐5 and C‐8 is described. This exceptionally mild radical transformation, compatible with a large panel of substrates, does not require any transition metal catalysts or oxidants. Outstandingly, visible light photoinduction using simple household bulbs, in the absence of a photosensitizer, is the unique activation mode. Further importance of this reaction relies on its capacity to functionalize selectively both C‐5 and C‐8 positions of quinolines. This transformation, perfectly fulfilling green chemistry requirements, allows a truly practical and straightforward access to a variety of unprecedented functionalized amino‐ and amidoquinoline skeletons, presenting attractive features for medicinal and agrochemical industry.

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Diammonium and Monoammonium Mixed‐Organic‐Cation Perovskites for High Performance Solar Cells with Improved Stability
Authors: Lu Jianfeng , Jiang Liangcong , Li Wei , Li Feng , Pai Narendra K. , Scully Andrew D. , Tsai Cheng‐Min , Bach Udo , Simonov Alexandr N. , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Spiccia Leone
Published: May 2017

Remarkable power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of metal–halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are overshadowed by concerns about their ultimate stability, which is arguably the prime obstacle to commercialization of this promising technology. Herein, the problem is addressed by introducing ethane‐1,2‐diammonium (+NH3(CH2)2NH3+, EDA2+) cations into the methyl ammonium (CH3NH3+, MA+) lead iodide perovskite, which enables, inter alia, systematic tuning of the morphology, electronic structure, light absorption, and photoluminescence properties of the perovskite films. Incorporation of <5 mol% EDA2+ induces strain in the perovskite crystal structure with no new phase formed. With 0.8 mol% EDA2+, PCE of the MAPbI3‐based PSCs (aperture of 0.16 cm2) improves from 16.7% ± 0.6% to 17.9% ± 0.4% under 1 sun irradiation, and fabrication of larger area devices (aperture 1.04 cm2) with a certified PCE of 15.2% ± 0.5% is demonstrated. Most importantly, EDA2+/MA+‐based solar cells retain 75% of the initial performance after 72 h of continuous operation at 50% relative humidity and 50 °C under 1 sun illumination, whereas the MAPbI3 devices degrade by approximately 90% within only 15 h. This substantial improvement in stability is attributed to the steric and coulombic interactions of embedded EDA2+ in the perovskite structure.
High Performance, Flexible, Solid‐State Supercapacitors Based on a Renewable and Biodegradable Mesoporous Cellulose Membrane
Authors: Zhao Dawei , Chen Chaoji , Zhang Qi , Chen Wenshuai , Liu Shouxin , Wang Qingwen , Liu Yixing , Li Jian , Yu Haipeng
Published: May 2017

A flexible, transparent, and renewable mesoporous cellulose membrane (mCel‐membrane) featuring uniform mesopores of ≈24.7 nm and high porosity of 71.78% is prepared via a facile and scalable solution‐phase inversion process. KOH‐saturated mCel‐membrane as a polymer electrolyte demonstrates a high electrolyte retention of 451.2 wt%, a high ionic conductivity of 0.325 S cm−1, and excellent mechanical flexibility and robustness. A solid‐state electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) using activated carbon as electrodes, the KOH‐saturated mCel‐membrane as a polymer electrolyte exhibits a high capacitance of 110 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, and long cycling life of 10 000 cycles with 84.7% capacitance retention. Moreover, a highly integrated planar‐type micro‐supercapacitor (MSC) can be facilely fabricated by directly depositing the electrode materials on the mCel‐membrane‐based polymer electrolyte without using complicated devices. The resulting MSC exhibits a high areal capacitance of 153.34 mF cm−2 and volumetric capacitance of 191.66 F cm−3 at 10 mV s−1, representing one of the highest values among all carbon‐based MSC devices. These findings suggest that the developed renewable, flexible, mesoporous cellulose membrane holds great promise in the practical applications of flexible, solid‐state, portable energy storage devices that are not limited to supercapacitors.
A novel variant in MED12 gene: Further delineation of phenotype
Authors: Narayanan Dhanya L. , Phadke Shubha R.
Published: May 2017

MED12 is a multiprotein mediator complex, which has a role in cell growth and differentiation and has been implicated in three distinct X‐linked intellectual disability syndromes with distinctive clinical features. These include Opitz–Kaveggia syndrome (FG syndrome), Lujan syndrome, and X‐linked Ohdo syndrome. Recently MED12 variants have been implicated in isolated X‐linked intellectual disability. We describe a 5‐year‐old male patient with intellectual disability and facial dysmorphism and a novel variant in MED12 gene identified by Whole Exome Sequencing. His dysmorphic facial features are distinct from the previously described phenotypes. With a strong genotype–phenotype correlation that is already known for MED12, this could be a new phenotype linked to MED12, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum of MED12‐related disorders.
Prolonged denervation induces remodeling of nasal mucosa in rat model of posterior nasal neurectomy
Authors: Nishijima Hironobu , Kondo Kenji , Toma‐Hirano Makiko , Kikuta Shu , Ando Mizuo , Ueha Rumi , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: May 2017

Background

The posterior nasal nerve is the dominant source of the parasympathetic, sympathetic, and sensory fibers that innervate the nasal respiratory mucosa. Therefore, a posterior nasal neurectomy (PNN) induces denervation of the nasal mucosa and relieves the nasal symptoms of intractable rhinitis. PNN depletes nerve fibers, choline acetyltransferase, and neuropeptides in nasal respiratory mucosa, and reduces nasal secretion. However, the histological and symptomatic changes over an extended period after PNN remain unknown.

Methods

Using a rat model of PNN via the transorbital approach, we investigated chronological changes of nasal morphology, innervation, and secretion over a 48‐week postoperative period after PNN.

Results

The respiratory nasal mucosa exhibited squamous metaplasia, lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, basement membrane thickening, loss of cilia, and hyperplasia of the mucus gland in thickened epithelium with increased connective tissue from 24 weeks after PNN. These changes resemble the characteristics of remodeling in chronic rhinosinusitis. DNA microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that mucin 5ac, interleukin 13, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor messenger RNA (mRNA) were upregulated in PNN‐treated mucosa compared to untreated mucosa. During this period, nerve fibers including sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic fibers gradually reinnervated the mucosa from 12 weeks after PNN. However, nasal secretion was decreased even at 48 weeks after PNN probably due to the prolonged absence of choline acetyltransferase.

Conclusion

Prolonged denervation induces remodeling of the nasal mucosa. Although the depleted nerves were partially reinnervated a few months after PNN, nasal secretion was still suppressed, partly due to a sustained deficiency of acetylcholine synthesis.
SERS‐ and Electrochemically Active 3D Plasmonic Liquid Marbles for Molecular‐Level Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of Microliter Reactions
Authors: Koh Charlynn Sher Lin , Lee Hiang Kwee , Phan‐Quang Gia Chuong , Han Xuemei , Lee Mian Rong , Yang Zhe , Ling Xing Yi
Published: May 2017

Liquid marbles are emergent microreactors owing to their isolated environment and the flexibility of materials used. Plasmonic liquid marbles (PLMs) are demonstrated as the smallest spectroelectrochemical microliter‐scale reactor for concurrent spectro‐ and electrochemical analyses. The three‐dimensional Ag shell of PLMs are exploited as a bifunctional surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform and working electrode for redox process modulation. The combination of SERS and electrochemistry (EC) capabilities enables in situ molecular read‐out of transient electrochemical species, and elucidate the potential‐dependent and multi‐step reaction dynamics. The 3D configuration of our PLM‐based EC‐SERS system exhibits 2‐fold and 10‐fold superior electrochemical and SERS performance than conventional 2D platforms. The rich molecular‐level electrochemical insights and excellent EC‐SERS capabilities offered by our 3D spectroelectrochemical system are pertinent in charge transfer processes.
Total Synthesis of (±)‐Waihoensene
Authors: Lee Hongsoo , Kang Taek , Lee Hee‐Yoon
Published: May 2017

The first total synthesis of waihoensene, a tetracyclic diterpene containing an angular triquinane and a six‐membered ring, with four contiguous quaternary carbon atoms, was achieved through the tandem cycloaddition reaction of an allenyl diazo substrate containing a six‐membered ring via trimethylenemethane (TMM) diyl intermediate.
Study on kinetics of reactive extraction of propranolol enantiomers by multiple linear regression method
Authors: Zhang Panliang , Cheng Qing , Tang Kewen , Qiu Yunren , Xu Weifeng , Jiang Pan , Dai Guilin
Published: May 2017

Kinetic study on reactive extraction of propranolol (Pra) enantiomers with di‐cyclohexyl (D)‐tartrate (DT) and boric acid (BA) as combined chiral selector was performed in a modified Lewis cell. The effects of agitation speed, interfacial area, pH value of aqueous phase, as well as initial concentrations of DT, BA and Pra enantiomers on extraction rate were investigated. The experimental data were analyzed by multiple linear regression method to evaluate some important parameters. It was found that the interfacial reaction is 0.4, 0.8 and 0.8 order separately with respect to BA, Pra and DT, and the forward rate constants have been found to be 5.08 × 10−4 L/(mol s) for (R)‐Pra and 2.42 × 10−4 L/(mol s) for (S)‐Pra. An interfacial reaction mechanism was proposed to understand the rate equation. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun fibers of poly(l‐lactic acid) containing lovastatin with potential applications in drug delivery
Authors: Zhu Yazhe , Pyda Marek , Cebe Peggy
Published: May 2017

Lovastatin (Merck's Mevacor) is a statin drug designed to lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. We use electrospinning to combine the biomedical properties of lovastatin with the advantages of electrospun fibers to prepare a composite biomaterial for lovastatin delivery. Poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, was co‐spun with lovastatin. Incorporation of lovastatin at 5 or 10 wt % improved fiber alignment and surface smoothness, and increased fiber diameter. Influence of lovastatin on the phase structure (crystal, mobile amorphous, and rigid amorphous fractions) was investigated using scanning calorimetry and synchrotron X‐ray scattering. Addition of lovastatin resulted in increased crystallinity and reduced mobile amorphous fraction. PLLA fibers were characterized in terms of their drug release kinetics in comparison to PLLA film. High drug entrapment efficiency (ranging from 72% to 82%) and appropriate release profiles were achieved.In vitrodrug release studies demonstrated that release occurred in two stages: an initial rapid release over the first day and a slower second stage of release which approached a plateau after 7 days. PLLA fibers have a higher release rate than comparable film. Electrospun biomaterial fibers of PLLA provide a promising new release strategy for delivery of lovastatin. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 45287.
Conditional Macrophage Depletion Increases Inflammation and Does Not Inhibit the Development of Osteoarthritis in Obese Macrophage Fas‐Induced Apoptosis–Transgenic Mice
Authors: Wu Chia‐Lung , McNeill Jenna , Goon Kelsey , Little Dianne , Kimmerling Kelly , Huebner Janet , Kraus Virginia , Guilak Farshid
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate whether short‐term, systemic depletion of macrophages can mitigate osteoarthritis (OA) following injury in the setting of obesity.

Methods

CSF‐1R–GFP+macrophage Fas‐induced apoptosis (MaFIA)–transgenic mice that allow conditional depletion of macrophages were placed on a high‐fat diet and underwent surgery to induce knee OA. A small molecule (AP20187) was administrated to deplete macrophages in MaFIA mice. The effects of macrophage depletion on acute joint inflammation, OA severity, and arthritic bone changes were evaluated using histology and micro–computed tomography. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to identify various immune cells. The levels of serum and synovial fluid cytokines were also measured.

Results

Macrophage‐depleted mice had significantly fewer M1 and M2 macrophages in the surgically operated joints relative to controls and exhibited decreased osteophyte formation immediately following depletion. Surprisingly, macrophage depletion did not attenuate the severity of OA in obese mice; instead, it induced systemic inflammation and led to a massive infiltration of CD3+ T cells and particularly neutrophils, but not B cells, into the injured joints. Macrophage‐depleted mice also demonstrated a markedly increased number of proinflammatory cytokines including granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor in both serum and joint synovial fluid, although the mice showed a trend toward decreased levels of insulin and leptin in serum after macrophage depletion.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that macrophages are vital for modulating homeostasis of immune cells in the setting of obesity and suggest that more targeted approaches of depleting specific macrophage subtypes may be necessary to mitigate inflammation and OA in the setting of obesity.
Impact of Hydrogen Bonding on the Susceptibility of Peptides to Oxidation
Authors: Chan Bun , Moran Damian , Easton Christopher J. , Radom Leo
Published: May 2017

The tendency of peptides to be oxidized is intimately connected with their function and even their ability to exist in an oxidative environment. Here we report high‐level theoretical studies that show that hydrogen bonding can alter the susceptibility of peptides to oxidation, with complexation to a hydrogen‐bond acceptor facilitating oxidation, and vice versa, impacting the feasibility of a diverse range of biological processes. It can even provide an energetically viable mechanistic alternative to direct hydrogen‐atom abstraction. We find that hydrogen bonding to representative reactive groups leads to a broad (≈400 kJ mol−1) spectrum of ionization energies in the case of model amide, thiol and phenol systems. While some of the oxidative processes at the extreme ends of the spectrum are energetically prohibitive, subtle environmental and solvent effects could potentially mitigate the situation, leading to a balance between hydrogen bonding and oxidative susceptibility.
Hetero Face‐to‐Face Porphyrin Array with Cooperative Effects of Coordination and Host–Guest Complexation
Authors: Chiba Yusuke , Liu Maning , Tachibana Yasuhiro , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tsuji Yasushi , Terao Jun
Published: May 2017

We successfully synthesized a hetero face‐to‐face porphyrin array composed of ZnTPP and RuTPP(DABCO)2 (TPP: 5, 10, 15, 20‐tetraphenylporphyrin, DABCO: 1,4‐diazabi‐cyclo[2.2.2]octane) in 2:1 molar ratio. A cyclic Zn porphyrin dimer (ZnCP) was also used as the host molecule for the Ru porphyrin. In the latter, the Ru‐DABCO bonding in RuTPP(DABCO)2 was stabilized by the host‐guest complexation. Reaction progress kinetic analysis of the ligand substitution reaction of RuTPP(DABCO)2 and that in ZnCP revealed the stabilization mechanism of the Ru‐DABCO bonding. Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the Zn porphyrin to the Ru porphyrin was observed in the porphyrin array. The host‐guest stabilization of unstable complex for construction of a donor—acceptor–donor structure is expected to be a new method for an artificial photosynthesis.
Using collaborative learning scenarios to teach programming to non‐CS majors
Authors: Echeverría Leovy , Cobos Ruth , Machuca Liliana , Claros Ivan
Published: May 2017

This article presents a new approach based on “collaborative scenarios” to enhance teaching–learning programming in non‐Computer Science oriented curricula. In this context, a literature review of tools related to teaching programming since a collaborative approach is presented. The collaborative scenarios was supported by a platform called TASystem, and applied in a case study carried out with students from Topographic Engineering Department at the Universidad del Valle (Colombia). The students’ social interaction was analyzed with Social Network Analysis and Content Analysis techniques and so was the students’ performance. The results showed an improvement in the students’ performance and an increment in the social relationship among the students.
Atrial flutter in a patient with atrial septal defect and anomalous venous drainage: unusual approach for ablation
Authors: Roca‐Luque Ivo , Rivas Nuria , Dos Laura , Francisco Jaume , Pérez‐Rodon Jordi , Pijuan Antònia , Garcia‐Dorado David , Moya Àngel
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical Message

Atrial flutter ablation in CHD (Congenital Heart Disease) patients is a challenging procedure because of the possibility of multiple circuits. Electroanatomical mapping and pacing maneuvers are crucial to determine critical isthmus. Moreover, vascular abnormalities and residual cardiac defects need to be known before the ablation to decide the better strategy for ablation.
Meta‐Model‐Based Calibration and Sensitivity Studies of Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Jet Pumps
Authors: Kajero Olumayowa T. , Thorpe Rex B. , Yao Yuan , Hill Wong David Shan , Chen Tao
Published: May 2017

Calibration and sensitivity studies in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of process equipment such as the annular jet pump are suitable for design, analysis, and optimization. The application of CFD for such purposes is computationally intensive. Hence, an alternative approach with kriging‐based meta‐models was utilized. Calibration via the adjustment of two turbulent model parameters, and , and likewise two parameters in the simulation correlation for was considered, while sensitivity studies were based on as input. The meta‐model‐based calibration aids exploration of different parameter combinations. Computational time was also reduced with kriging‐assisted sensitivity studies which investigated the effect of different values on pressure distribution.
One‐Step Solvothermal Synthesis of 3D Hierarchical NixCo9‐xS8 Structures for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Rongna , Liu Lei , Hou Li , Zhou Junshuang , Gao Faming
Published: May 2017

Three‐dimensional flowerlike NixCo9‐xS8 nanosheets with polyvinyl pyrrolidone as the agent dictating the material morphology have been synthesized by means of a one‐step solvothermal synthesis procedure. The synthetically facile 3D NixCo9‐xS8 nanosheets (P‐NixCo9‐xS8) achieve high specific surface area and outstanding electrochemical performance. When applied as an electrode material, it demonstrates excellent specific capacitance of 1319.76 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, and good rate performance of 1040.4 F g−1 at 20 A g−1. Also, the material achieves remarkable cycling stability that still retains 93.7 % of max capacity after 1500 cycles at the high current density of 10 A g−1. Even after 4000 cycles, a maximum capacity of 71.2 % is retained. Additionally, the P‐NixCo9‐xS8//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) prepared exhibits excellent capacitive performance with a high specific capacitance (119.9 F g−1), high energy density (43.80 Wh kg−1 at 821.25 W kg−1) and high power density (30.30 Wh kg−1 at 15.58 kW kg−1).
High‐Loading Crystals of Tetraaryladamantanes and the Uptake and Release of Aromatic Hydrocarbons from the Gas Phase
Authors: Alexandre Pierre‐Emmanuel , Schwenger Alexander , Frey Wolfgang , Richert Clemens
Published: May 2017

Recently, a tetraphenyladamantane octamethylether was shown to encapsulate a wide range of small molecules in its crystals. Uptake and release from the liquid phase were demonstrated, and crystalline inclusion complexes were prepared that act as formulation for obnoxious reagents. However, fewer than two equivalents of guest molecules were found within the crystal structures. Here we report the synthesis of 1,3,5,7‐tetrakis(2,4‐diethoxyphenyl)adamantane (TEO) and twelve X‐ray crystal structures that contain up to 3.5 equivalents of guest molecules. After crystallization and drying, TEO gives a material that absorbs 30 wt % of p‐xylene reversibly through the gas phase, and releases it again at 55 °C, suggesting that it may be used for the capture and release of aromatic hydrocarbons.
Temporal Control over Transient Chemical Systems using Structurally Diverse Chemical Fuels
Authors: Chen Jack L.‐Y. , Maiti Subhabrata , Fortunati Ilaria , Ferrante Camilla , Prins Leonard J.
Published: May 2017

The next generation of adaptive, intelligent chemical systems will rely on a continuous supply of energy to maintain the functional state. Such systems will require chemical methodology that provides precise control over the energy dissipation process, and thus, the lifetime of the transiently activated function. This manuscript reports on the use of structurally diverse chemical fuels to control the lifetime of two different systems under dissipative conditions: transient signal generation and the transient formation of self‐assembled aggregates. The energy stored in the fuels is dissipated at different rates by an enzyme, which installs a dependence of the lifetime of the active system on the chemical structure of the fuel. In the case of transient signal generation, it is shown that different chemical fuels can be used to generate a vast range of signal profiles, allowing temporal control over two orders of magnitude. Regarding self‐assembly under dissipative conditions, the ability to control the lifetime using different fuels turns out to be particularly important as stable aggregates are formed only at well‐defined surfactant/fuel ratios, meaning that temporal control cannot be achieved by simply changing the fuel concentration.
Low‐flow/low‐gradient aortic stenosis—Still a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Vogelgesang Anja , Hasenfuss Gerd , Jacobshagen Claudius
Published: May 2017

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most frequently observed valvular heart disease. During the symptomatic stage, the rate of death increases dramatically, so that a precise diagnostic approach is taken to guide therapeutic options. Of patients with severe AS, 30% to 50% present with low‐flow/low‐gradient AS (LF/LGAS) status. This review focuses on LF/LGAS and the best diagnostic and therapeutic management in either classic LF/LGAS with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or paradoxical LF/LGAS with preserved LVEF. Current literature demonstrates that in classic LF/LGAS it is crucial to rule out a pseudo‐severe AS, because reduced LVEF may result in an incomplete opening of the valve. This can be done by low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. Classic LF/LGAS has poor clinical outcomes when managed conservatively; therefore, surgical or interventional aortic valve replacement should be performed. In paradoxical LF/LGAS, the LVEF is preserved (>50%), but impaired filling of the concentric hypertrophied ventricle leads to reduced stroke volume. Therefore, diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in paradoxical LF/LGAS are even more challenging. It is a heterogeneous disease entity, and it is crucial to rule out any diagnostic errors because numerous potential confounders might lead to misdiagnosis. As in classic stenosis, pseudo‐severe stenosis must be ruled out as well. Evaluation via multidetector computed tomography or transesophageal echocardiography can help to evaluate the morphologic alterations of the valve (eg, calcification). Further studies are necessary to understand this disease entity and to evaluate the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach for these patients.
A Strategy to Enhance the Efficiency of Quantum Dot‐Sensitized Solar Cells by Decreasing Electron Recombination with Polyoxometalate/TiO2 as the Electronic Interface Layer
Authors: Chen Li , Chen Weilin , Li Jianping , Wang Jiabo , Wang Enbo
Published: May 2017

Electron recombination occurring at the TiO2/quantum dot sensitizer/electrolyte interface is the key reason for hindering further efficiency improvements to quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). Polyoxometalate (POM) can act as an electron‐transfer medium to decrease electron recombination in a photoelectric device owing to its excellent oxidation/reduction properties and thermostability. A POM/TiO2 electronic interface layer prepared by a simple layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly method was added between fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) and mesoporous TiO2 in the photoanode of QDSCs, and the effect on the photovoltaic performance was systematically investigated. Photovoltaic experimental results and the electron transmission mechanism show that the POM/TiO2 electronic interface layer in the QDSCs can clearly suppress electron recombination, increase the electron lifetime, and result in smoother electron transmission. In summary, the best conversion efficiency of QDSCs with POM/TiO2 electronic interface layers increases to 8.02 %, which is an improvement of 25.1 % compared with QDSCs without POM/TiO2. This work first builds an electron‐transfer bridge between FTO and the quantum dot sensitizer and paves the way for further improved efficiency of QDSCs.
A secure and efficient identity‐based mutual authentication scheme with smart card using elliptic curve cryptography
Authors: Luo Min , Zhang Yunru , Khan Muhammad Khurram , He Debiao
Published: May 2017

The e‐commerce has got great development in the past decades and brings great convenience to people. Users can obtain all kinds of services through e‐commerce platform with mobile device from anywhere and at anytime. To make it work well, e‐commerce platform must be secure and provide privacy preserving. To achieve this goal, Islam et al. proposed a dynamic identity‐based remote user mutual authentication scheme with smart card using Elliptic Curve Cryptography(ECC). Islam et al claimed that the security of their scheme was good enough to resist various attacks. However, we demonstrate that their scheme is vulnerable to insider attack and suffers from off‐line password guessing attack if smart card is compromised. To overcome the deficiencies, we present an improved scheme over Islam's scheme. The security proof and analysis shows that our scheme can also provide user anonymity and mutual authentication, and the security is enough to against relay attack, impersonation attack, and other common secure attackers. The performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme is more efficient than Islam et al's scheme.