bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemoglobin Providence (β82 Lys > Asn, Asp) and lower‐than‐expected HbA1c in a nonadherent teenager with type 1 diabetes: a case report and literature review
Authors: Newman Charles N. , Litwin Christine M. , Bowlby Deborah A. , Lewis Katherine A. , Paulo Remberto C.
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

Endocrinologists should have a high index of suspicion for a Hb variant when the HbA1c is not consistent with other indices of glycemic control.
Conservative treatment of a young adult patient with a moderate skeletal Class III malocclusion by applying the temporary anchorage devices and the surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion
Authors: Liu Panpan , Chen Hui , Shi Xiaoxin , Guo Jing
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

We present the orthodontic treatment of a 20‐year‐old Chinese man with the moderate skeletal Class III malocclusion. The usages of the temporary anchorage devices and the surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) have provided a variety of options for the treatment of Class III malocclusion.
A rare and important case of Staphylococcus haemolyticus‐associated ventricular atrial shunt nephritis
Authors: Suen Kyle , Mashhadian Ardavan , Figarsky Ian , Payumo Jeff , Liu Antonio
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

Shunt nephritis is a rare and relatively new diagnosis involving glomerular kidney damage following ventriculoperitoneal and ventriculoatrial shunt placement. Our case report summarizes the presentation, diagnostic workup, and management of a patient with shunt nephritis. We also review and discuss the current literature on the topic.
Coexistence of true talon cusp and double dens invaginatus in a single tooth: a rare case report and review of the literature
Authors: Nu Nu Lwin Hnin , Phyo Kyaw Pyae , Wai Yan Myint Thu Sai
Published: October 2017

Key Clinical Message

Co‐occurrence of a talon cusp and double dens invaginatus is an extremely rare developmental dental anomaly. This case report represents a talon cusp with two dens invaginatus on a maxillary right lateral incisor. Early identification is needed for prevention of potential problems on the affected or opposing tooth.
Tetrabutylammonium Salts: Cheap Catalysts for the Facile and Selective Synthesis of α‐Alkylidene Cyclic Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Alkynols
Authors: Méreau Raphaël , Grignard Bruno , Boyaval Amélie , Detrembleur Christophe , Jerome Christine , Tassaing Thierry
Published: October 2017

n‐Tetrabutylammonium organic salts were used for the first time as catalysts for the coupling of CO2 with 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol to form an α‐methylene cyclic carbonate. Final yields up to 98 % were reached in less than 10 h at 353 K and 3 MPa under solvent‐free conditions. A particular synergistic effect between the cation and the anion of the organocatalyst was demonstrated through catalyst screening. Online kinetic studies by Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) IR spectroscopy correlated to DFT calculations revealed compelling evolution of solvation of the catalyst during the reaction that provided insight into the underlying reason for the observed unique kinetics and selectivity. Such in‐depth fundamental mechanistic and kinetic studies enabled determination and comprehension of the key parameters favoring the design of novel, highly active and selective catalysts for valorization of CO2 as a chemical feedstock.
Ethylene Selectivity in CO Electroreduction when using Cu Oxides: An In Situ ATR‐SEIRAS Study
Authors: Lee Seunghwa , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: October 2017

Among all of the known catalysts for CO2 electroreduction, copper oxide materials have the most extraordinary activity and selectivity to multi‐carbon compounds such as ethylene. However, the exact nature of the active surface is not fully understood and, thus, there have been different points of view on the origin of the remarkable catalytic properties. By using in situ attenuated total reflectance surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR‐SEIRAS), we show that carbon monoxide (CO) binds more strongly on the surface of copper oxides than on pure metallic copper and, consequently, the prolonged population of CO, a key intermediate of CO2 reduction, is observed. The high CO coverage could be a key factor that can explain the propensity of CO2 and CO electroreduction to ethylene in general but there have been a number of controversial factors in the research field of CO2 reduction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that presents direct evidence for the hypothesis relating stronger CO binding and higher CO coverage to enhanced ethylene selectivity on the copper oxide catalyst relative to metallic copper based on in situ real‐time observations. This ATR‐SEIRAS application provides general phenomenological insights into the ethylene selectivity in CO electroreduction when using a copper‐based system.
Water‐Soluble Green Binder for Li4Ti5O12 Anodes: Effect of Binder Choice on Lithium Storage
Authors: Karuppiah Saravanan , Franger Sylvain , Nallathamby Kalaiselvi
Published: October 2017

This study mainly focuses on the effect of newly identified water‐soluble green binder, LA132, on the lithium storage properties of the Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode in comparison with that of conventionally used non‐aqueous PVdF binder. Herein, the electrochemical behavior of the LTO anode is significantly improved with the LA132 binder to the extent that better cyclability (100 cycles), appreciable rate capability (20 C), and enhanced cycle life behavior (200 cycles) at 1 C have been demonstrated. Such an excellent electrochemical performance of LTO/LA132 assembly over that of LTO/PVdF could be correlated with the enhanced lithium‐ion transport kinetics (3.0×10−12 cm2 s−1), resulting from the narrow and uniform coverage of LA132 binder on the surface of LTO particles as well as on the conductive carbon, as evidenced by XPS and SEM analyses, thus demonstrating the possibilities of realizing high lithium‐ion mobility and absence of electrode fracture, especially upon extended cycles. In addition, EIS and contact angle measurements clearly evidence that the LTO anode with LA132 binder shows a lower charge‐transfer resistance (50.23 Ω), lower apparent activation energy (27.5 KJ mol−1), good wettability with the electrolyte, and lower apparent diffusion activation energy (41.5 KJ mol−1) compared with that of LTO and PVdF binder. We believe that the newly investigated water‐based LA132 binder for LTO anodes paves the way to the demonstration of low‐cost and green lithium‐ion technology.
Hybrids from the π−π Stacking of Graphene Oxide and Aromatic Sulfonic Compounds for Improved Proton Conductivity
Authors: Shudo Yuta , Karim Mohammad Razaul , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Hayami Shinya
Published: October 2017

π‐π stacking between GO and benzene sulfonic acid (BS), naphthalene sulfonic acid (NS), pyrene sulfonic acid (PS), and naphthalene disulfonic acid (ND) results in the formation of respective GO‐BS, GO‐NS, GO‐PS and GO‐ND hybrid materials. The proton conductivities of these materials follow the trend as GO‐NS>GO‐BS>GO‐PS>GO>GO‐ND. GO‐NS, possessing the highest interlayer distance, exhibits the optimum proton conductivity. Evidently, GO‐sulfonic acid hybrids reveal excellent superionic conductivity.
Unveiling the Role of Macrodipolar Interactions in the Properties of Self‐Assembled Supramolecular Materials
Authors: Pereira Oliveira Marina , Schmidt Hans‐Werner , Queiroz Albuquerque Rodrigo
Published: October 2017

Self‐assembling of supramolecules composed of benzene and cyclohexane tricarboxamide derivatives can form highly organized 1 D fibers exhibiting macrodipoles. The way fibers pack in the condensed phase governs the final properties of the supramolecular material, in which macrodipoles can be oriented parallel or antiparallel to each other, and their magnitude can be tuned by additional intra‐columnar dipole stabilization. X‐ray structural elucidation of these materials remains a real challenge due to the difficulty in growing single crystals. This problem can be tackled by using atomistic molecular dynamics to simulate supramolecular materials composed of cyclohexanetricarboxamide derivatives assuming different magnitudes and orientations of macrodipoles in the condensed phase, as we show here. The results provide insight on the isotropization mechanism of the supramolecules and also reveal that the relative orientation between macrodipoles can indeed influence their stability. This work nicely complements X‐ray structural characterizations of supramolecular materials, and helps understand structure–property relationships of a range of similar noncovalent materials.
Fatty Acid Chain Shortening by a Fungal Peroxygenase
Authors: Olmedo Andrés , Río José C. del , Kiebist Jan , Ullrich René , Hofrichter Martin , Scheibner Katrin , Martínez Angel T. , Gutiérrez Ana
Published: October 2017

A recently discovered peroxygenase from the fungus Marasmius rotula (MroUPO) is able to catalyze the progressive one‐carbon shortening of medium and long‐chain mono‐ and dicarboxylic acids by itself alone, in the presence of H2O2. The mechanism, analyzed using H218O2, starts with an α‐oxidation catalyzed by MroUPO generating an α‐hydroxy acid, which is further oxidized by the enzyme to a reactive α‐keto intermediate whose decarboxylation yields the one‐carbon shorter fatty acid. Compared with the previously characterized peroxygenase of Agrocybe aegerita, a wider heme access channel, enabling fatty acid positioning with the carboxylic end near the heme cofactor (as seen in one of the crystal structures available) could be at the origin of the unique ability of MroUPO shortening carboxylic acid chains.
Silylene‐Functionalized N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (Si−NHC)
Authors: Rottschäfer Dennis , Blomeyer Sebastian , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Ghadwal Rajendra S.
Published: October 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Rajendra S. Ghadwal at the University of Bielefeld. The image depicts the bridging of a silylene and a carbene, leading to the formation of the silylene‐functionalized NHC (Si‐NHC). Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201703530.
On the aggregation of bilirubinoids in solution as evidenced by VCD and ECD spectroscopy and DFT calculations
Authors: Ghidinelli Simone , Longhi Giovanna , Mazzeo Giuseppe , Abbate Sergio , Boiadjiev Stefan E. , Lightner David A.
Published: October 2017

Vibrational and electronic circular dichroism (VCD and ECD) spectra of 3 optically active bilirubin analogs with propionic acid groups replaced by (1) 1‐(S)‐methylpropyl groups, (2) 3‐acetoxy‐1‐(S)‐methylpropyl groups, and (3) 1‐(S)‐2‐(R)‐dimethyl‐2‐(methoxycarbonyl)ethyl groups have been recorded at different concentrations in chloroform. The aliphatic chains attached to C‐8 and C‐12 of the 3 chosen mesobilirubins were modified so as to possess no OH group. The variation of the VCD spectra with concentration is consistent with the formation of dimers at high concentration. Density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations on monomeric and dimeric forms support such a conclusion. Comparing with previous VCD (ECD) and IR (UV) studies of other mesobilirubin molecules, it is concluded that here, the key feature for aggregation is the missing OH groups on the propionic acid chains. The latter, in synergy with the polar groups of lactam moieties, appear to be involved in intramolecular phenomena and thus favor monomeric forms. Investigation of ECD and UV spectra of the same compounds in mixed DMSO/chloroform solutions provide further clues to the proposed picture.
Prostate cancer outcomes for men aged younger than 65 years with Medicaid versus private insurance
Authors: Mahal Amandeep R. , Mahal Brandon A. , Nguyen Paul L. , Yu James B.
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

In the current national debate regarding private insurance versus Medicaid expansion, understanding how insurance is associated with racial disparities in prostate cancer (CaP) outcomes has broad policy implications. In the current study, the authors examined the association between insurance status, race, and CaP outcomes.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program identified 155,524 men aged < 65 years who were diagnosed with CaP from 2007 through 2014. The association between insurance and stage of disease at the time of presentation was examined. Among men with localized CaP, the associations between insurance and receipt of therapy and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) were determined.

RESULTS

Compared with private insurance, men with Medicaid were more likely to present with metastatic disease (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.27; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 4.01‐4.55), were less likely to receive definitive treatment (AOR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.62‐0.71), and had increased PCSM (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.50‐2.24), regardless of race. Significant interactions between race and insurance status indicated that insurance had more than an additive association with race. Among privately insured patients, disparities in PCSM (AOR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.40 [P = .019]) and presentation with metastatic disease (AOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.21 [P<.001]) were observed. No disparities were observed among patients with Medicaid insurance with regard to PCSM (AOR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.52‐1.20 [P = .272]) and metastatic disease (AOR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80‐1.03 [P = .139]).

CONCLUSIONS

Racial disparities in the outcomes of patients with CaP were observed in privately insured cohorts, whereas these disparities appeared to be reduced among patients with Medicaid insurance. However, outcomes need to be improved overall. Whether the equality in outcomes for Medicaid is due to white and African American patients doing “equally poorly” or “equally well” is unclear. Cancer 2018;124:752‐9. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Predicting the role of microstructural and biomechanical cues in tumor growth and spreading
Authors: Santagiuliana Raffaella , Pereira Rui C. , Schrefler Bernhard A. , Decuzzi Paolo
Published: October 2017

A multitude of mathematical and computational approaches have been proposed for predicting tumor growth. Yet, most models treat malignant masses as fluids neglecting microstructural and biomechanical features of the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, a continuum porous media model is developed within the thermodynamically constrained averaging theory framework for elucidating the role of these mechanical cues in regulating tumor growth and spreading. The model comprises 3 fluid phases—tumor cells, host cells, and interstitial fluid—and a solid phase—the ECM—considered as an elasto‐visco‐plastic medium. After validating the computational model against a multicellular tumor spheroid of glioblastoma multiforme, the effect on tumor development of ECM stiffness, adhesion with tumor cells, and porosity is investigated. It is shown that stiffer matrices and higher cell‐matrix adhesion limit tumor growth and spreading toward the surrounding tissue. A decrease in ECM Young's modulus E from 600 to 200 Pa induces a 60% increase in tumor mass within 8 days of observation. Similarly, a decrease of the adhesion parameter μ from 40 to 5 is responsible for an increase in tumor mass of 100%. On the other hand, higher matrix porosities favor the growth of the malignant mass and the dissemination of tumor cells. A modest increase in the porosity parameter ε from 0.7 to 0.9 is associated with a 300% increase in tumor mass. This model could be used for predicting the response of malignant masses to novel therapeutic agents affecting directly the tumor microenvironment and its micromechanical cues.
Global Weak Solutions for SQG in Bounded Domains
Authors: Constantin Peter , Nguyen Huy Quang
Published: October 2017

We prove existence of global weak L2 solutions of the inviscid SQG equation in bounded domains. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erbin and ErbB2 play roles in the sexual differentiation of the song system nucleus HVC in bengalese finches (Lonchura Striata var. domestica)
Authors: Zhao Yueliu , Zhang Xuebo , Wang Rui , Bing Jie , Wu Fan , Zhang Yitong , Xu Jincao , Han Zhongming , Zhang Xinwen , Zeng Shaoju
Published: October 2017

Song control nuclei have distinct sexual differences in songbirds. However, the mechanism that underlies the sexual differentiation of song nuclei is still not well understood. Using a combination of anatomical, pharmacological, genetic, and behavioral approaches, the present study investigated the role of erbb2 (a homolog of the avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2) and the erbb2‐interacting gene, erbin, in the sexual differentiation of the song nucleus HVC in the Bengalese finch. We first found that both erbin and erbb2 were expressed in the developing HVC at posthatch day (PHD) 15 in a male‐biased fashion using qRT‐PCR and in situ hybridization. Following the addition of a pharmaceutical inhibitor of the ErbB2 signaling pathway to the culture medium, cell proliferation in the cultured ventricle zone (VZ) that overlies the developing HVC decreased significantly. After the injection of erbin‐ or erbb2‐interfering lentiviruses into the HVC and its overlying VZ at PHD 15, the cell proliferation in the VZ at PHD 24, the number of the differentiated neurons (Hu+/BrdU+ or NeuN+/BrdU+) in the HVC at PHD 31 or PHD 130, and the number of RA‐projecting cells at PHD 130 all decreased significantly. Additionally, the adult songs displayed serious abnormalities. Finally, 173 male‐biased genes were expressed in the developing HVC at PHD 15 using cDNA microarrays, of which 27.2% were Z‐linked genes and approximately 20 genes were involved in the Erbin‐ or ErbB2‐related signaling pathways. Our results provide some specific genetic factors that contribute to neurogenesis and sex differentiation in a song nucleus of songbirds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 15–38, 2018
Advances in noninvasive myelin imaging
Authors: Heath Florence , Hurley Samuel A. , Johansen‐Berg Heidi , Sampaio‐Baptista Cassandra
Published: October 2017

Myelin is important for the normal development and healthy function of the nervous system. Recent developments in MRI acquisition and tissue modeling aim to provide a better characterization and more specific markers for myelin. This allows for specific monitoring of myelination longitudinally and noninvasively in the healthy brain as well as assessment of treatment and intervention efficacy. Here, we offer a nontechnical review of MRI techniques developed to specifically monitor myelin such as magnetization transfer (MT) and myelin water imaging (MWI). We further summarize recent studies that employ these methods to measure myelin in relation to development and aging, learning and experience, and neuropathology and psychiatric disorders. © 2017 The Authors. Developmental Neurobiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 136–151, 2018
Trait‐based indicators of bird species sensitivity to habitat loss are effective within but not across data sets
Authors: Hatfield Jack H. , Orme C. David L. , Tobias Joseph A. , Banks‐Leite Cristina
Published: October 2017

Species’ traits have been widely championed as the key to predicting which species are most threatened by habitat loss, yet previous work has failed to detect trends that are consistent enough to guide large‐scale conservation and management. Here we explore whether traits and environmental variables predict species sensitivity to habitat loss across two data sets generated by independent avifaunal studies in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, both of which detected a similar assemblage of species, and similar species‐specific responses to habitat change, across an overlapping sample of sites. Specifically, we tested whether 25 distributional, climatic, ecological, behavioral, and morphological variables predict sensitivity to habitat loss among 196 bird species, both within and across studies, and when data were analysed as occurrence or abundance. We found that four to nine variables showed high explanatory power within a single study or data set, but none performed as strong predictors across all data sets. Our results demonstrate that the use of species traits to predict sensitivity to anthropogenic habitat loss can produce predictions that are species‐ and site‐specific and not scalable to whole regions or biomes, and thus should be used with caution.
Colorful seashells: Identification of haem pathway genes associated with the synthesis of porphyrin shell color in marine snails
Authors: Williams Suzanne T. , Lockyer Anne E. , Dyal Patricia , Nakano Tomoyuki , Churchill Celia K. C. , Speiser Daniel I.
Published: October 2017

Very little is known about the evolution of molluskan shell pigments, although Mollusca is a highly diverse, species rich, and ecologically important group of animals comprised of many brightly colored taxa. The marine snail genus Clanculus was chosen as an exceptional model for studying the evolution of shell color, first, because in Clanculus margaritarius and Clanculus pharaonius both shell and foot share similar colors and patterns; and second, because recent studies have identified the pigments, trochopuniceus (pink‐red), and trochoxouthos (yellow‐brown), both comprised of uroporphyrin I and uroporphyrin III, in both shell and colored foot tissue of these species. These unusual characteristics provide a rare opportunity to identify the genes involved in color production because, as the same pigments occur in the shell and colored foot tissue, the same color‐related genes may be simultaneously expressed in both mantle (which produces the shell) and foot tissue. In this study, the transcriptomes of these two Clanculus species along with a third species, Calliostoma zizyphinum, were sequenced to identify genes associated with the synthesis of porphyrins. Calliostoma zizyphinum was selected as a negative control as trochopuniceus and trochoxouthos were not found to occur in this species. As expected, genes necessary for the production of uroporphyrin I and III were found in all three species, but gene expression levels were consistent with synthesis of uroporphyrins in mantle and colored foot tissue only in Clanculus. These results are relevant not only to understanding the evolution of shell pigmentation in Clanculus but also to understanding the evolution of color in other species with uroporphyrin pigmentation, including (mainly marine) mollusks soft tissues and shells, annelid and platyhelminth worms, and some bird feathers.
Testing the intermittent upwelling hypothesis: upwelling, downwelling, and subsidies to the intertidal zone
Authors: Shanks Alan L. , Morgan Steven G.
Published: October 2017

The Intermittent Upwelling Hypothesis (IUH) posits that subsidies of larvae and phytoplankton to intertidal communities should vary unimodally along a gradient of upwelling from persistent upwelling to persistent downwelling with most subsidies occurring where upwelling is of intermediate strength and intermittent. Furthermore, the hypothesis states that larvae and phytoplankton are transported far offshore by strong, persistent upwelling and fail to subsidize nearshore communities, whereas weak upwelling or downwelling reduces nutrients for phytoplankton production limiting food for larvae and nearshore communities. We review studies conducted at sea and onshore and reanalyze published data to test the IUH and evaluate alternative hypotheses. To test the hypothesis, we examine five predictions that must hold if the IUH is true. (1) Larvae should inhabit the surface Ekman layer where they are transported offshore during upwelling. Larvae of many intertidal taxa occur deeper in the water column where currents flow shoreward during upwelling. (2) Larvae of nearshore species should occur farther offshore during upwelling than during relaxation or downwelling. Larvae of many nearshore species remain within several kilometers of shore during both conditions. (3) Larval settlement in intertidal communities should be lower during upwelling than relaxation or downwelling. Daily larval settlement has not observed to be higher during relaxation or downwelling events; settlement has most often been seen to vary with the fortnightly tidal cycle likely due to onshore larval transport by internal tides. (4) Larval settlement and recruitment in intertidal communities should be lower in areas of strong, persistent upwelling than where upwelling is weaker and less persistent. Recruitment of mussels and barnacles to artificial and natural substrates did not vary with the strength of upwelling, but did vary inversely with two measures of desiccation potential, and directly with indicators of surf zone hydrodynamics; larval recruitment was higher where surf zones were more dissipative with rip currents. (5) Phytoplankton subsidies to nearshore communities should be highest where upwelling is moderate and intermittent. Like larval subsidies, phytoplankton subsidies varied spatially with surf zone hydrodynamics rather than upwelling. This reconsideration of the evidence for the IUH finds the hypothesis unsupported.
Maintenance of salt barrens inhibited landward invasion ofSpartinaspecies in salt marshes
Authors: Qi Man , Sun Tao , Zhang Heyue , Zhu Meisha , Yang Wei , Shao Dongdong , Voinov Alexey
Published: October 2017

Spartinaspp. (cordgrasses) often dominates intertidal mudflats and/or low marshes. The landward invasion of these species was typically thought to be restrained by low tidal inundation frequencies and interspecific competition. We noticed that the reported soil salinity levels in some salt marshes were much higher than those at the mean higher high water level, which might inhibit the landward invasion of cordgrass. To test this possibility, we transplantedSpartina alternifloraacross an elevational gradient in an invaded salt marsh in the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, where a salt accumulation zone (i.e., salt barren) was previously observed. We found thatS. alterniflorawas significantly inhibited by the salt barren in high marsh regions, although it performed better at upland and low marsh regions. A common garden experiment further elucidated thatS. alternifloraperformed best at low salinity levels and that this species is less sensitive to inundation frequency. Our results indicated that the salt barren inhibited the landward invasion ofS. alterniflorain salt marshes and provided a natural barrier to protect the upland from invasion. Though field observations suggest thatS. alternifloracould propagate along tidal channels, which provide low‐salinity corridors for the dispersal of propagules, natural salt barrens can inhibit the landward invasion ofSpartinain salt marshes. However, artificial disturbances that break the salt barren band in salt marshes (e.g., artificial ditches) might accelerate the invasion ofSpartinaspp. This new finding should alert salt marsh managers to pay attention to artificial ditches and/or other human activities when attempting to controlSpartinainvasion.
Interaction frequency, network position, and the temporal persistence of interactions in a plant–pollinator network
Authors: Chacoff Natacha P. , Resasco Julian , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: October 2017

Ecological interactions are highly dynamic in time and space. Previous studies of plant–animal mutualistic networks have shown that the occurrence of interactions varies substantially across years. We analyzed interannual variation of a quantitative mutualistic network, in which links are weighted by interaction frequency. The network was sampled over six consecutive years, representing one of the longest time series for a community‐wide mutualistic network. We estimated the interannual similarity in interactions and assessed the determinants of their persistence. The occurrence of interactions varied greatly among years, with most interactions seen in only one year (64%) and few (20%) in more than two years. This variation was associated with the frequency and position of interactions relative to the network core, so that the network consisted of a persistent core of frequent interactions and many peripheral, infrequent interactions. Null model analyses suggest that species abundances play a substantial role in generating these patterns. Our study represents an important step in the study of ecological networks, furthering our mechanistic understanding of the ecological processes driving the temporal persistence of interactions.
Method for Diffusing Carrier Noise under Zero‐Speed Condition using a Zero‐Sequence Voltage
Authors: AYANO HIDEKI , ISHIKAWA SEITARO , MATSUI YOSHIHIRO
Published: October 2017

In this paper, a technique is proposed to reduce the carrier noise of pulse width modulation (PWM) inverters for a permanent magnet motor drive. The carrier noise is generated by the motor and the reactor driven by the inverter and affected by the switching frequency. When a motor rotates and drives a machine, the carrier noise is hidden by the machine noise. However, when the motor speed is approximately zero, the carrier noise becomes dominant and raucous. The typical method to reduce the noise employs a switching frequency higher than the audible frequency of human hearing. However, the increase in switching frequency results in the inverter suffering a higher switching loss and lower efficiency. In particular, when the permanent magnet motor operates at approximately zero‐speed and full‐load, for example, in the hill‐start conditions of electric vehicles and the start and stop conditions of elevators, the current flows in specific power devices and the switching loss further increases. The proposed technique uses a zero‐sequence voltage, which is generated randomly with the M‐sequence signal, and diffuses the frequency components of the ripple contained in the current. The technique is able to reduce the noise without increasing the switching frequency of the inverter when the motor speed is almost zero. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed technique can diffuse the carrier noise and the cycle of the M‐sequence signal changes the diffusion effect of the carrier noise.
Origin of Concentration Quenching in Ytterbium Coordination Polymers: Phonon‐Assisted Energy Transfer
Authors: Omagari Shun , Nakanishi Takayuki , Hirai Yuichi , Kitagawa Yuichi , Seki Tomohiro , Fushimi Koji , Ito Hajime , Hasegawa Yasuchika
Published: October 2017

Phonons are important in energy transfer for compensating the energy mismatch between a donor and an acceptor. In inorganic hosts doped with lanthanides, phonon‐assisted energy transfer can lead to quenching by a direct transfer of the energy to the phonon mode of the acceptor lanthanide. We demonstrate that this also applies to lanthanide coordination polymers and is the reason for the weak concentration quenching in this type of material. [YbxGd1–x(hfa)3dpbp]n [x = 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1; hfa: hexafluoroacetylacetonate, dpbp: 4,4′‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)biphenyl] coordination polymers have been synthesized and their photophysical properties investigated. The single‐exponential emission lifetimes of Yb3+ gradually decreased with increasing concentration of Yb3+. Qualitative agreement was achieved between the experimental and theoretical lifetimes by using the phonon‐assisted energy‐transfer‐induced quenching model, which indicates that the origin of the concentration quenching in the coordination polymers is phonon‐assisted energy transfer.
Scd1 Contributes to Lipid Droplets Formation in GMEC via Transcriptional Regulation of Tip47 and Adrp
Authors: Ren Caifang , Wang Lizhong , Fan Yixuan , Jia Ruoxin , Zhang Guomin , Deng Mingtian , Deng Kaiping , Wang Feng
Published: October 2017

Sterol‐CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1) plays a pivotal role in the synthesis and metabolism of fatty acids (FA). However, whether Scd1 contributes to lipid accumulation in dairy goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC), and how it affects FA synthesis and metabolism remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to detect the effect of Scd1 on lipid droplets (LD) formation and uncover its regulatory mechanism in GMEC. In this study, a novel fluorescence reporter system was developed to confirm the expression of SCD1 protein in GMEC plasma. In addition, a mammalian expression vector (pCAG‐SCD1) and siRNA targeting Scd1 were constructed and confirmed to be efficient by qRT‐PCR. Notably, the amount and the size of LD varied with the alteration of Scd1. Furthermore, Scd1 induced the mRNA expression of genes involved in de novo FA synthesis, triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis, lipid droplets formation, and milk fat lipolysis. In particular, changes in Scd1 led to a consistent change in LD formation‐associated genes (tail‐interacting protein of 47 kDa (Tip47) and adipose differentiation‐related protein (Adrp)). Overall, the results suggest that Scd1 affects lipid accumulation by altering the FA metabolic profile in GMEC.

Practical Applications: As is known, FA metabolism closely associates with human health. The results of our research firstly exposed the metabolic profile associated with SCD1 in GMEC. It will be helpful for our understanding about the regulatory role of Scd1 in FA metabolism in mammary gland of dairy goats. It also provides a reference for the studies on Scd1‐related FA metabolic pathways, which is of great significance for human health. Furthermore, this study lays the foundation for engineering the FA content via SCD1 in transgenic goat milk products.

Sterol‐CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1) differentially activates signaling pathways associated with de novo fatty acid (FA) synthesis (Acaca and Fasn), TAG biosynthesis (Gpam, Agpat6, and Dgat1), lipid droplets (LD) formation (Tip47 and Adrp), and milk fat lipolysis (Atgl and Hsl) in GMEC; in particular, it contributes to the LD formation through transcriptional regulation of Tip47 and Adrp.
The role of peripheral vasopressin 1A and oxytocin receptors on the subcutaneous vasopressin antinociceptive effects
Authors: Manzano‐García A. , González‐Hernández A. , Tello‐García I.A. , Martínez‐Lorenzana G. , Condés‐Lara M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Vasopressin (AVP) seems to play a role as an antinociceptive neurohormone, but little is known about the peripheral site of action of its antinociceptive effects. Moreover, AVP can produce motor impairment that could be confused with behavioural antinociception. Finally, it is not clear which receptor is involved in the peripheral antinociceptive AVP effects.

Methods

In anaesthetized rats with end‐tidal CO2 monitoring, extracellular unitary recordings were performed, measuring the evoked activity mediated by Aβ‐, Aδ‐, C‐fibres and post‐discharge. Behavioural nociception and motor impairment were evaluated under subcutaneous AVP (0.1–10 μg) using formalin and rotarod tests. Selective antagonists to vasopressin (V1AR) or oxytocin receptors (OTR) were used. Additionally, vasopressin and oxytocin receptors were explored immunohistochemically in skin tissues.

Results

Subcutaneous AVP (1 and 10 μg/paw) induced antinociception and a transitory reduction of the end‐tidal CO2. The neuronal activity associated with Aδ‐ and C‐fibre activation was diminished, but no effect was observed on Aβ‐fibres. AVP also reduced paw flinches in the formalin test and a transitory locomotor impairment was also found. The AVP‐induced antinociception was blocked by the selective antagonist to V1AR (SR49059) or OTR (L368,899). Immunohistochemical evidence of skin VP and OT receptors is given.

Conclusions

Subcutaneous AVP produces antinociception and behavioural analgesia. Both V1a and OTR participate in those effects. Our findings suggest that antinociception could be produced in a local manner using a novel vasopressin receptor located in cutaneous sensorial fibres. Additionally, subcutaneous AVP also produces important systemic effects such as respiratory and locomotor impairment.

Significance

Our findings support that AVP produces peripheral antinociception and behavioural analgesia in a local manner; nevertheless, systemic effects are also presented. Additionally, this is the first detailed electrophysiological analysis of AVP antinociceptive action after subcutaneous administration. The results are reasonably explained by the demonstration of V1AR and OTR in cutaneous fibres.
The contribution of pain in determining the health status of cancer patients with bone metastases: A secondary analysis of data from three Phase III registration trials
Authors: Mendoza T. R. , Dueck A. C. , Shi Q. , Ma H. , Zhang J. , Qian Y. , Cleeland C. S.
Published: October 2017

Background

We aimed to provide a simple, descriptive health‐status profile for cancer patients with bone metastases, based on the EuroQol EQ‐5D, a tool commonly used to measure health utility scores, and to evaluate its association with the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), a legacy pain‐assessment tool. Although pain is one of five health‐status dimensions measured by the EQ‐5D, our understanding of how pain relates to the other EQ‐5D dimensions is limited.

Methods

We derived data from 5500 patients with bone metastases who completed the EQ‐5D and BPI. Regression analyses examined how BPI severity and interference scores correlated with EQ‐5D utility scores and how BPI items associated with EQ‐5D items, for the entire sample and by disease‐type subgroup.

Results

Regardless of cancer site, the percentage of patients reporting moderate/severe problems in each of the five EQ‐5D dimensions were pain/discomfort, 78%; usual activities, 58%; mobility, 55%; anxiety/depression, 57%; and self‐care, 26%. BPI pain interference explained more of the variability in the EQ‐5D utility scores than did pain severity (R2 = 41% vs. 34%). BPI worst pain, average pain, pain now, interference with general activity, and interference with work significantly predicted EQ‐5D pain/discomfort, with odds ratio estimates <1.

Conclusions

Pain/discomfort was the worst‐rated dimension of the EQ‐5D in this population, but the relationship of this item to BPI pain severity was modest, suggesting that the single pain item of the EQ‐5D may be of limited utility in studies for which pain is an endpoint.

Significance

Health‐status dimensions include more than pain. We examine the contribution of pain severity and pain‐related functional interference in determining the health status of cancer patients with bone metastases. The pain dimension from a health‐status measure may be an inadequate metric in clinical trials/clinical practice when pain is an important outcome.
Thermo‐Economic Analysis and Optimization of Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (A‐CAES) System Coupled with a Kalina Cycle
Authors: Li Ruixiong , Wang Huanran , Tu Qingshi
Published: October 2017

An adiabatic compressed air energy storage system (A‐CAES) can improve the energy storage potential, compared with conventional CAES systems, by capturing the heat generated during the charge stage. However, a challenge remains in the utilization step of the stored thermal energy due to the energy loss from the thermal energy storage vessel, which has hindered commercialization of A‐CAES. To utilize the thermal energy produced by a compressor during the charge process efficiently, a novel system that couples A‐CAES system with the Kalina cycle (KC) is designed to recover the loss of heat. In the new system, which is characterized by a higher and more stable power output, a Kalina cycle and the expander absorb the heat released from thermal energy storage units to generate electricity. Theoretical thermodynamic analysis shows that the novel combined system can achieve more efficient operation than a single A‐CAES system. By examining the effects of key thermodynamic parameters on the exergy efficiency and overall capital cost, a Pareto frontier obtained shows the tradeoff between exergy efficiency and overall capital cost of the system, where 47.17 % and 1.455 k$ kW−1 are determined as the optimum values for the two objectives from the optimum design solutions.
Scientific and Technological Assessment of Iron Pyrite for Use in Solar Devices
Authors: Shukla Sudhanshu , Ager Joel W. , Xiong Qihua , Sritharan Thirumany
Published: October 2017

Iron pyrite (FeS2) holds an enormous potential as a low cost and non‐toxic photoelectrochemical and energy‐harvesting material owing to its interesting optical, electronic, and chemical properties along with elemental abundance. In this Review, low cost and scalable processing techniques to synthesize phase‐pure pyrite thin films and nanocubes are described, and the application of this material in various energy‐harvesting devices such as dye‐sensitized solar cells, photodiodes, and heterojunction solar cells is discussed. A detailed analysis of the electron transport in single‐crystal iron pyrite is presented to shed light on its bulk‐ and surface‐conduction properties, which could be useful in designing better pyrite solar cells and could be exploited for novel device architectures. Finally, future prospects and directions are discussed.
Experimental analysis and simulation of a production line for CPV modules: impact of defects, misalignments, and binning of receivers
Authors: Herrero Rebeca , Antón Ignacio , Victoria Marta , Domínguez César , Askins Stephen , Sala Gabriel , De Nardis Davide , Araki Kenji
Published: October 2017

An inherent characteristic of high concentrator photovoltaics (HCPV) modules is a tight mechanical tolerance caused by the narrow angular transmission of the optical system, typically below or close to 1°. Misalignments in the modules caused during the assembly process in the production line will degrade not only the electrical but also the angular performance of the module. Moreover, dispersion in the electrical characteristics of the elementary units comprising a module would lead also to power loss. Quality control and data analysis on the production line is of great significance for adjusting the production line and preserving the angular tolerance and the electrical performance. This is particularly critical during the set‐up and tuning of an automated production line. This paper presents the results of a pilot production line for HCPV modules carried out within the European funded ECOSOLE project. Several quality controls were established, which are the binning of the photovoltaic receivers, the measurement of misalignments among the elementary units within every module, and the indoor electrical characterization of the modules. Collected experimental data during the tuning phase of the pilot line were used to validate a module performance model based on production parameters. Monte Carlo method is lately applied to the model to assess the influence of production defects of diverse nature and the adequacy of quality controls, in several manufacturing scenarios beyond the specific constrains of the ECOSOLE experience.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in clean‐contaminated head and neck cases with microvascular free flap reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haidar Yarah M. , Tripathi Prem B. , Tjoa Tjoson , Walia Sartaaj , Zhang Lishi , Chen Yanjun , Nguyen Danh V. , Mahboubi Hossein , Armstrong William B. , Goddard Julie A.
Published: October 2017

Background

Optimal antibiotic prophylaxis duration in head and neck clean‐contaminated free‐flap cases is unknown.

Methods

A systematic review/meta‐analysis was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web‐of‐Science, and Scopus databases.

Results

Of the 3755 searched articles, 5 articles were included for a total of 861 patients. The recipient surgical site infection risk was significantly higher in patients receiving prophylactic antibiotics for ≤24 hours compared to >24 hours (relative risk [RR] 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13‐2.14). In the post hoc multivariate analysis based on available individual‐level data on 697 patients from 3 studies, the risk of surgical site infection for ≤24 hours versus >24 hours was not significant after adjusting for antibiotic type (RR 1.09; 95% CI 0.78‐1.55). When compared to ampicillin‐sulbactam, patients who received clindamycin prophylaxis had an increased likelihood of recipient surgical site infection (RR 2.85; 95% CI 1.95‐4.17).

Conclusion

Less than or equal to 24 hours of antibiotic prophylaxis in head and neck clean‐contaminated free‐flap is likely sufficient but a strong conclusion remains elusive. Clindamycin prophylaxis increases the risk of recipient surgical site infection. Further prospective trials are necessary to clarify.
The role of baseflow in dissolved solids delivery to streams in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Rumsey Christine A. , Miller Matthew P. , Schwarz Gregory E. , Hirsch Robert M. , Susong David D.
Published: October 2017

Salinity has a major effect on water users in the Colorado River Basin, estimated to cause almost $300 million per year in economic damages. The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program implements and manages projects to reduce salinity loads, investing millions of dollars per year in irrigation upgrades, canal projects, and other mitigation strategies. To inform and improve mitigation efforts, there is a need to better understand sources of salinity to streams and how salinity has changed over time. This study explores salinity in the baseflow fraction of streamflow, assessing whether groundwater is a significant contributor of dissolved solids to streams in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). Chemical hydrograph separation was used to estimate baseflow discharge and baseflow dissolved solids loads at stream gages (n = 69) across the UCRB. On average, it is estimated that 89% of dissolved solids loads originate from the baseflow fraction of streamflow, indicating that subsurface transport processes play a dominant role in delivering dissolved solids to streams in the UCRB. A statistical trend analysis using weighted regressions on time, discharge, and season was used to evaluate changes in baseflow dissolved solids loads in streams (n = 27) from 1986 to 2011. Decreasing trends in baseflow dissolved solids loads were observed at 63% of streams. At the three most downstream sites, Green River at Green River, UT, Colorado River at Cisco, UT, and the San Juan River near Bluff, UT, baseflow dissolved solids loads decreased by a combined 823,000 metric tons (mT), which is approximately 69% of projected basin‐scale decreases in total dissolved solids loads as a result of salinity control efforts. Decreasing trends in baseflow dissolved solids loads suggest that salinity mitigation projects, landscape changes, and/or climate are reducing dissolved solids transported to streams through the subsurface. Notably, the pace and extent of decreases in baseflow dissolved solids loads declined during the most recent decade; average decreasing loads during the 2000s (28,200 mT) were only 54% of average decreasing loads in the 1990s (51,700 mT).
Outage probability for a decode‐and‐forward SWIPT relaying system in Nakagami fading
Authors: Nawaz Farhan , Hassan Syed Ali , Aissa Sonia , Saleem Sajid
Published: October 2017

The outage probability of a decode‐and‐forward (DF) relaying system based on simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) in the presence of Nakagami fading is investigated. The relaying model considers both the source‐destination direct link in addition to the source‐relay‐destination link. The power splitter at the relaying device provides energy to the relay by splitting the received signal power into energy harvesting and information transfer parts. The derived outage expression is verified using simulation results. The results show an impressive amount of percentage decrease in outage probability for Nakagami fading with different values of shape parameter in comparison to Rayleigh fading.