bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Analyses and Structural Design Requirements for Flexible Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Mao Lijuan , Meng Qinghai , Ahmad Aziz , Wei Zhixiang
Published: July 2017

Flexible energy storage devices with excellent mechanical deformation performance are highly required to improve the integration degree of flexible electronics. Unlike those of traditional power sources, the mechanical reliability of flexible energy storage devices, including electrical performance retention and deformation endurance, has received much attention. To provide the guideline for the construction design of devices, the strain distribution and failure modes in the entire architecture should be comprehensively investigated during mechanical deformation. This review mainly focuses on the mechanical deformation characterization, analysis, and structural design strategies used in recent flexible lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors (SCs). The primary theoretical calculation of bending strain in the devices is introduced first, and then several parameters to describe the bending status are summarized. Among those parameters, bending radius and its corresponding test methods and equipment are highlighted. Derivative strategies for structural design and an overview of their application progresses, such as selection of substrates, thickness of devices, employment of encapsulation, and novel architectural designs, are reviewed in detail. Finally, the challenges and prospects of flexible energy storage devices with reliable mechanical performance are discussed.
4‐Tert‐butylpyridine Free Organic Hole Transporting Materials for Stable and Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Bo , Zhu Zonglong , Zhang Jinbao , Liu Hongbin , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Li Xiaosong , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: July 2017

4‐Tert‐butylpyridine (tBP) is an important additive in triarylamine‐based organic hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) for improving the efficiency and steady‐state performance of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). However, the low boiling point of tBP (196 °C) significantly affects the long‐term stability and device performance of PVSCs. Herein, the design and synthesis of a series of covalently linked Spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene] (SFX)‐based organic HTMs and pyridine derivatives to realize efficient and stable planar PVSCs are reported. One of the tailored HTMs, N2,N2,N7,N7‐tetrakis(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐3′,6′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethoxy) spiro[fluorene‐9,9′‐xanthene]‐2,7‐diamine (XPP) with two para‐position substituted pyridines that immobilized on the SFX core unit shows a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.2% in planar CH3NH3PbI3‐based PVSCs under 100 mW cm−2 AM 1.5G solar illumination, which is much higher than the efficiency of 5.5% that using the well‐known 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxy‐phenyl‐amine)9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐OMeTAD) as HTM (without tBP) under the same condition. Most importantly, the pyridine‐functionalized HTM‐based PVSCs without tBP as additive show much better long‐term stability than that of the state‐of‐the‐art HTM Spiro‐OMeTAD‐based solar cells that containing tBP as additive. This is the first case that the tBP‐free HTMs are demonstrated in PVSCs with high PCEs and good stability. It paves the way to develop highly efficient and stable tBP‐free HTMs for PVSCs toward commercial applications.
Design and assessment of delay timer alarm systems for nonlinear chemical processes
Authors: Tulsyan Aditya , Alrowaie Feras , Gopaluni Bhushan
Published: July 2017

In process and manufacturing industries, alarm systems play a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient operations. The objective of a standard industrial alarm system is to detect undesirable deviations in process variables as soon as they occur. Fault detection and diagnosis systems often need to be alerted by an industrial alarm system; however, poorly designed alarms often lead to alarm flooding and other undesirable events. In this article, we consider the problem of industrial alarm design for processes represented by stochastic nonlinear time‐series models. The alarm design for such complex processes faces three important challenges: (1) industrial processes exhibit highly nonlinear behavior; (2) state variables are not precisely known (modeling error); and (3) process signals are not necessarily Gaussian, stationary or uncorrelated. In this article, a procedure for designing a delay timer alarm configuration is proposed for the process states. The proposed design is based on minimization of the rate of false and missed alarm rates—two common performance measures for alarm systems. To ensure the alarm design is robust to any non‐stationary process behavior, an expected‐case and a worst‐case alarm designs are proposed. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed alarm design is illustrated on a non‐stationary chemical reactor problem. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 77–90, 2018
Dupuytren's contracture and handwork: A case‐control study
Authors: Haines Alfred , Levis Carolyn , Goldsmith Charles H. , Kaur Manraj , Duku Eric , Wells Richard , Walter Stephen D. , Rook Cheryl , Stock Susan , Liss Gary , Murphy Jessica , Thoma Achilleas
Published: July 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the association between Dupuytren's contracture (DC), repetitive handwork (RHW), heavy handwork (HHW), and/or vibration exposure.

Methods

Frequency and intensity of the three types of handwork were collected and compared between DC patients and controls. Hours of work were weighted by average “frequency,” for RHW, and average “intensity,” for HHW and use of vibrating tool. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk of developing DC associated with the above‐mentioned factors.

Results

Data from 129 cases (74 clinical, 106 controls) was analyzed. Family history, male gender and age (decades) were associated with increased risk of DC. Results indicate that the risk becomes substantial after about 30 years of steady RHW. Independent effects of intensity‐weighted HHW and vibrating exposure were not established.

Conclusions

Frequency‐weighted RHW increases DC risk. Additionally, a strong association between DC, male gender and heredity was found.
Total Synthesis of (+)‐Dendrowardol C
Authors: Wolleb Helene , Carreira Erick M.
Published: July 2017

The first total synthesis of the tetracyclic sesquiterpenoid (+)‐dendrowardol C is described. It relies on an intramolecular aldol reaction to forge the central bicyclic scaffold and subsequent cyclobutane formation by cyclization of a γ‐triflyloxy ketone. Key is the treatment of the latter with lithium naphthalenide. Finally, the diastereoselective hydroboration of a 1,1‐disubstituted double bond is enabled by a chiral CoI catalyst.
Hydroxamic Acids as Chemoselective (ortho‐Amino)arylation Reagents via Sigmatropic Rearrangement
Authors: Shaaban Saad , Tona Veronica , Peng Bo , Maulide Nuno
Published: July 2017

The use of readily available hydroxamic acids as reagents for the chemoselective (ortho‐amino)arylation of amides is described. This reaction proceeds under metal‐free, mild conditions, displays a very broad scope, and constitutes a direct approach for the metal‐free attachment of aniline residues to carbonyl derivatives.
Cancer adaptations: Atavism, de novo selection, or something in between?
Authors: Thomas Frédéric , Ujvari Beata , Renaud François , Vincent Mark
Published: July 2017

From an evolutionary perspective, both atavism and somatic evolution/convergent evolution theories can account for the consistent occurrence, and astounding attributes of cancers: being able to evolve from a single cell to a complex organized system, and malignant transformations showing significant similarities across organs, individuals, and species. Here, we first provide an overview of these two hypotheses, including the possibility of them not being mutually exclusive, but rather potentially representing the two extremes of a continuum in which the diversity of cancers can emerge. In reviewing the current literature, we also discuss the criteria that should be applied to discriminate between the two competing theories and to determine their relevant contributions to oncogenesis and cancer progression. Finally, we deliberate on the potential applications of this conceptual framework in developing novel treatment strategies.
Multilevel covariance regression with correlated random effects in the mean and variance structure
Authors: Quintero Adrian , Lesaffre Emmanuel
Published: July 2017

Multivariate regression methods generally assume a constant covariance matrix for the observations. In case a heteroscedastic model is needed, the parametric and nonparametric covariance regression approaches can be restrictive in the literature. We propose a multilevel regression model for the mean and covariance structure, including random intercepts in both components and allowing for correlation between them. The implied conditional covariance function can be different across clusters as a result of the random effect in the variance structure. In addition, allowing for correlation between the random intercepts in the mean and covariance makes the model convenient for skewedly distributed responses. Furthermore, it permits us to analyse directly the relation between the mean response level and the variability in each cluster. Parameter estimation is carried out via Gibbs sampling. We compare the performance of our model to other covariance modelling approaches in a simulation study. Finally, the proposed model is applied to the RN4CAST dataset to identify the variables that impact burnout of nurses in Belgium.
Current trends in admissions and outcomes of cardiac diseases in Ghana
Authors: Appiah Lambert T. , Sarfo Fred S. , Agyemang Charles , Tweneboah Humphrey O. , Appiah Nana Akua B.A. , Bedu‐Addo George , Opare‐Sem Ohene
Published: July 2017

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a major burden in Africa, but data on temporal trends in disease burden are lacking. We assessed trends in CVD admissions and outcomes in central Ghana using a retrospective analysis of data from January 2004 to December 2015 among patients admitted to the medical wards of a tertiary medical center in Kumasi, Ghana. Rates of admissions and mortality were expressed as CVD admissions and deaths divided by the total number of medical admissions and deaths, respectively. Case fatality rates per specific cardiac disease diagnosis were also computed. Over the period, there were 4226 CVD admissions, with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.1 to 1. There was a progressive increase in percentage of CVD admissions from 4.6% to 8.2%, representing an 78% increase, between 2004 and 2014. Of the 2170 CVD cases whose data were available, the top 3 causes of CVD admissions were heart failure (HF; 88.3%), ischemic heart disease (IHD; 7.2%), and dysrhythmias (1.9%). Of all HF admissions, 52% were associated with hypertension. IHD prevalence rose by 250% between 2005 and 2015. There were 976 deaths (23%), with an increase in percentage of hospital deaths that were cardiovascular in nature from 3.6% to 7.3% between 2004 and 2014, representing a 102% increase. Cardiac disease admissions and mortality have increased progressively over the past decade, with HF as the most common cause of admission. Once rare, IHD is emerging as a significant contributor to the CVD burden in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Extreme population‐level events: Do they have an impact on cancer?
Authors: Thompson Beti , Gehlert Sarah , Paskett Electra D.
Published: July 2017

The report by Sadetzki and colleagues in this issue showcases the impact of a horrendous event—the Holocaust—on subsequent health decades after the occurrence. Two additional calamities—country‐wide famines and population‐level discrimination—are provided as examples of this phenomenon to add evidence to the causal pathway identified by Sadetzki et al.

See also pages 3335‐45.
Cooking with Active Oxygen and Solid Alkali: A Promising Alternative Approach for Lignocellulosic Biorefineries
Authors: Jiang Yetao , Zeng Xianhai , Luque Rafael , Tang Xing , Sun Yong , Lei Tingzhou , Liu Shijie , Lin Lu
Published: July 2017

Lignocellulosic biomass, a matrix of biopolymers including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, has gathered increasing attention in recent years for the production of chemicals, fuels, and materials through biorefinery processes owing to its renewability and availability. The fractionation of lignocellulose is considered to be the fundamental step to establish an economical and sustainable lignocellulosic biorefinery. In this Minireview, we summarize a newly developed oxygen delignification for lignocellulose fractionation called cooking with active oxygen and solid alkali (CAOSA), which can fractionate lignocellulose into its constituents and maintain its processable form. In the CAOSA approach, environmentally friendly chemicals are applied instead of undesirable chemicals such as strong alkalis and sulfides. Notably, the alkali recovery for this process promises to be relatively simple and does not require causticizing or sintering. These features make the CAOSA process an alternative for both lignocellulose fractionation and biomass pretreatment. The advantages and challenges of CAOSA are also discussed to provide a comprehensive perspective with respect to existing strategies.
Analysis and design of LC oscillators associated with frequency multipliers: a phase noise perspective
Authors: Cabrera D. , Begueret JB. , Mazouffre O. , Tesson O. , Gamand P.
Published: July 2017

When a local oscillator signal generation system is based on an LC oscillator and a frequency multiplier, the question of determining the optimal multiplication factor is a key issue. In this paper, the problem is addressed in order to minimize the 1/f2 phase noise within a tuning range constraint. The analysis, with a practical graphical representation, reveals the oscillator phase noise dependence on the oscillating frequency in the transition from two different regimes, named the inductor‐limited quality factor and the capacitor‐limited quality factor. The results obtained enable the evaluation of the phase noise performance of systems based on a sub‐harmonic and super‐harmonic oscillators and how they compare with an oscillator in the fundamental mode. Crucial questions like the phase noise improvement that these systems can achieve are analytically answered. A design methodology is thus proposed and verified through measurements on a frequency source at 31 GHz, composed by a sub‐harmonic voltage‐controlled oscillator followed by an injection‐locked frequency tripler, dedicated to backhauling applications, designed on a BiCMOS process technology. The tuning range is 10%, and the phase noise at a 1‐MHz offset is −112 dBc/Hz. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
tbx6l and tbx16 are redundantly required for posterior paraxial mesoderm formation during zebrafish embryogenesis
Authors: Morrow Zachary T. , Maxwell Adrienne M. , Hoshijima Kazuyuki , Talbot Jared C. , Grunwald David J. , Amacher Sharon L.
Published: July 2017

Background: T‐box genes encode a large transcription factor family implicated in many aspects of development. We are focusing on two related zebrafish T‐box genes, tbx6l and tbx16, that are expressed in highly overlapping patterns in embryonic paraxial mesoderm. tbx16 mutants are deficient in trunk, but not tail, somites; we explored whether presence of tail somites in tbx16 mutants was due to compensatory function provided by the tbx6l gene. Results: We generated two zebrafish tbx6l mutant alleles. Loss of tbx6l has no apparent effect on embryonic development, nor does tbx6l loss enhance the phenotype of two other T‐box gene mutants, ta and tbx6, or of the mesp family gene mutant msgn1. In contrast, loss of tbx6l function dramatically enhances the paraxial mesoderm deficiency of tbx16 mutants. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that tbx6l and tbx16 genes function redundantly to direct tail somite development. tbx6l single mutants develop normally because tbx16 fully compensates for loss of tbx6l function. However, tbx6l only partially compensates for loss of tbx16 function. These results resolve the question of why loss of function of tbx16 gene, which is expressed throughout the ventral and paraxial mesoderm, profoundly affects somite development in the trunk but not the tail. Developmental Dynamics 246:759–769, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the Link between Visual Perception, Visual–Motor Integration, and Reading in Normal Developing and Impaired Children using DTVP‐2
Authors: Bellocchi Stéphanie , Muneaux Mathilde , Huau Andréa , Lévêque Yohana , Jover Marianne , Ducrot Stéphanie
Published: July 2017

Reading is known to be primarily a linguistic task. However, to successfully decode written words, children also need to develop good visual‐perception skills. Furthermore, motor skills are implicated in letter recognition and reading acquisition. Three studies have been designed to determine the link between reading, visual perception, and visual–motor integration using the Developmental Test of Visual Perception version 2 (DTVP‐2). Study 1 tests how visual perception and visual–motor integration in kindergarten predict reading outcomes in Grade 1, in typical developing children. Study 2 is aimed at finding out if these skills can be seen as clinical markers in dyslexic children (DD). Study 3 determines if visual–motor integration and motor‐reduced visual perception can distinguish DD children according to whether they exhibit or not developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Results showed that phonological awareness and visual–motor integration predicted reading outcomes one year later. DTVP‐2 demonstrated similarities and differences in visual–motor integration and motor‐reduced visual perception between children with DD, DCD, and both of these deficits. DTVP‐2 is a suitable tool to investigate links between visual perception, visual–motor integration and reading, and to differentiate cognitive profiles of children with developmental disabilities (i.e. DD, DCD, and comorbid children). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Watershed vs. within‐lake drivers of nitrogen: phosphorus dynamics in shallow lakes
Authors: Ginger Luke J. , Zimmer Kyle D. , Herwig Brian R. , Hanson Mark A. , Hobbs William O. , Small Gaston E. , Cotner James B.
Published: July 2017

Research on lake eutrophication often identifies variables affecting amounts of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) in lakes, but understanding factors influencing N:P ratios is important given its influence on species composition and toxin production by cyanobacteria. We sampled 80 shallow lakes in Minnesota (USA) for three years to assess effects of watershed size, proportion of watershed as both row crop and natural area, fish biomass, and lake alternative state (turbid vs. clear) on total N : total P (TN : TP), ammonium, total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and seston stoichiometry. We also examined N:P stoichiometry in 20 additional lakes that shifted states during the study. Last, we assessed the importance of denitrification by measuring denitrification rates in sediment cores from a subset of 34 lakes, and by measuring seston δ15N in four additional experimental lakes before and after they were experimentally manipulated from turbid to clear states. Results showed alternative state had the largest influence on overall N:P stoichiometry in these systems, as it had the strongest relationship with TN : TP, seston C:N:P, ammonium, and TDP. Turbid lakes had higher N at given levels of P than clear lakes, with TN and ammonium 2‐fold and 1.4‐fold higher in turbid lakes, respectively. In lakes that shifted states, TN was 3‐fold higher in turbid lakes, while TP was only 2‐fold higher, supporting the notion N is more responsive to state shifts than is P. Seston δ15N increased after lakes shifted to clear states, suggesting higher denitrification rates may be important for reducing N levels in clear states, and potential denitrification rates in sediment cores were among the highest recorded in the literature. Overall, our results indicate lake state was a primary driver of N:P dynamics in shallow lakes, and lakes in clear states had much lower N at a given level of P relative to turbid lakes, likely due to higher denitrification rates. Shallow lakes are often managed for the clear‐water state due to increased value as wildlife habitat. However, our results indicate lake state also influences N biogeochemistry, such that managing shallow lakes for the clear‐water state may also mitigate excess N levels at a landscape scale.
Cryogenic vacuum artifacts do not affect plant water‐uptake studies using stable isotope analysis
Authors: Newberry S.L. , Nelson D.B. , Kahmen A.
Published: July 2017

Water movement through the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum can be tracked through its hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition. How the isotopic composition of water evolves as it moves through this continuum provides critical information on ecosystem hydrology and climate change. Cryogenic vacuum extraction is the most applied method to extract waters from soil and plant material for such studies. However, recent experiments where oven dried soils were spiked with a reference water suggest potential for these techniques to bias results. We present results from a greenhouse‐based plant water uptake and cryogenic vacuum distillation experiment using Salix viminalis cuttings. We tested the capacity for cryogenic vacuum extraction to recover irrigation water and the plant‐available water pool from 4 soils that were subject to continuous irrigation as would occur in nature. Results show that δ2H and δ18O values of extracted soil waters reflect those of irrigation water, but with some influence of evaporation that varied with differences in soil humic and clay content. This suggests that isotope effects observed in laboratory experiments with oven‐dried soils may not be relevant under natural conditions. Cryogenic vacuum extraction also recovered xylem water δ2H values that matched the δ2H values of extracted soil water but revealed small, consistent offsets between xylem and soil water δ18O values of 0.84 ± 1.13‰. Although these effects may not significantly bias water isotope sourcing applications, they do result in large extrapolation errors when estimating original source water isotope composition from extracted xylem waters using the back extrapolation to the global meteoric water line method.
Biogeomorphic impact of oligochaetes (Annelida) on sediment properties and Salicornia spp. seedling establishment
Authors: van Regteren M. , ten Boer R. , Meesters E. H. , de Groot A. V.
Published: July 2017

Oligochaetes (Annelida) are active bioturbators that can be present in high densities in the transition zone between intertidal flats and salt marshes, though their occurrence and functional role remain understudied. This study aimed to clarify the biogeomorphic role of oligochaete bioturbation in facilitating or hindering vegetation establishment. Two microcosm experiments were performed to assess the effect of oligochaete bioturbation on sediment properties, oxidation depth, algal biomass, seed distribution, and germination success of pioneer species Salicornia spp. Oligochaetes created burrow networks in the sediment matrix, which, together with upward conveyor belt feeding, lead to substrate mixing. Sediment reworking rates of oligochaetes were compared with those of polychaete macrofauna. Bioturbation and bio‐irrigation of burrows can stimulate resource flows into the sediment. Oxidation depth increased almost tenfold in the presence of oligochaetes. Their bioturbation did not seem to affect sediment properties such as dry bulk density, porosity, and organic matter content. Sediment reworking, however, significantly reduced algal biomass at the surface with possible cascading effects on sediment stability and erodibility. Oligochaete conveyor belt feeding buried Salicornia spp. seeds until below the critical germination depth, thus negatively affecting Salicornia spp. germination and seedling establishment. Our study indicates that small, though numerous, oligochaete bioturbators may reduce lateral expansion potential of salt marshes by hindering the establishment of pioneer vegetation in the transition zone. Additionally, in dynamic fine‐grained habitats, these oligochaetes have the feature to quickly oxygenate the sediment top layer.
A Continuous‐Flow Method for the Desulfurization of Substituted Thioimidazoles Applied to the Synthesis of Etomidate Derivatives
Authors: Baumann Marcus , Baxendale Ian R.
Published: July 2017

A simple yet robust flow set‐up for the efficient desulfurization of a series of thioimidazoles is presented, which generates the corresponding imidazole derivatives in high yields. The strategic choice of peristaltic over piston pumps allowed reliable delivery of the heterogeneous stream of the thioimidazole substrate into a T‐piece where it reacted with NaNO2 in the presence of acetic acid. This approach enabled the controlled and safe formation of the reactive nitrosonium species without uncontrolled exposure to hazardous nitrous oxide by‐products as observed in related batch protocols. The value of the resulting imidazole products was further demonstrated by their conversion into various esters representing new derivatives of the known analgesic etomidate through an efficient one‐pot Corey–Gilman–Ganem oxidation procedure.
Mercury speciation and subcellular distribution in experimentally dosed and wild birds
Authors: Perkins Marie , Barst Benjamin D. , Hadrava Justine , Basu Niladri
Published: July 2017

Many bird species are exposed to methylmercury (MeHg) at levels shown to cause sublethal effects. Although MeHg sensitivity and assimilation can vary among species and developmental stages, the underlying reasons (such as MeHg toxicokinetics) are poorly understood. We investigated Hg distribution at the tissue and cellular levels in birds by examining Hg speciation in blood, brain, and liver and Hg subcellular distribution in liver. We used MeHg egg injection of white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), sampled at 3 early developmental stages, and embryonic ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) exposed to maternally deposited MeHg. The percentage of MeHg (relative to total Hg [THg]) in blood, brain, and liver ranged from 94 to 121%, indicating little MeHg demethylation. A liver subcellular partitioning procedure was used to determine how THg was distributed between potentially sensitive and detoxified compartments. The distributions of THg among subcellular fractions were similar among chicken time points, and between embryonic chicken and ring-billed gulls. A greater proportion of THg was associated with metal-sensitive fractions than detoxified fractions. Within the sensitive compartment, THg was found predominately in heat-denatured proteins (∼42–46%), followed by mitochondria (∼15–18%). A low rate of MeHg demethylation and high proportion of THg in metal-sensitive subcellular fractions further indicates that embryonic and hatchling time points are Hg-sensitive developmental stages, although further work is needed across a range of additional species and life stages. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3289–3298. © 2017 SETAC
Development of cultures of the marine sponge Hymeniacidon perleve for genotoxicity assessment using the alkaline comet assay
Authors: Akpiri Rachael U. , Konya Roseline S. , Hodges Nikolas J.
Published: July 2017

Sponges are a potential alternative model species to bivalves in pollution biomonitoring and environmental risk assessment in the aquatic ecosystem. In the present study, a novel in vivo exposure sponge culture model was developed from field-collected and cryopreserved sponge (Hymeniacidon perleve) cells to investigate the genotoxic effects of environmentally relevant metals in the laboratory. Sponge cell aggregates were cultured and exposed to noncytotoxic concentrations (0–0.4 mg/L) of cadmium chloride, nickel chloride, and sodium dichromate as quantified by the reduction of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and DNA-strand breaks assessed by the comet assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was quantified by oxidation of 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate in sponge cell aggregates exposed to the same concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) concentration-dependent increase in the level of DNA-strand breaks and ROS formation in all of the metals investigated. To the best of our knowledge, we have utilized for the first time the alkaline comet assay to detect DNA-strand breaks in marine sponge cells and demonstrated that exposure to noncytotoxic concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni for 12 h results in a concentration-dependent increase in DNA damage and levels of ROS production. In conclusion, we have developed a novel in vivo model based on culture of cryopreserved sponge cells that is compatible with the alkaline comet assay. Genotoxicity in marine sponges measured by the comet assay technique may be a useful tool for biomonitoring research and risk assessment in aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3314–3323. © 2017 SETAC
Holocene fluvial history of the Nile's west bank at ancient Thebes, Luxor, Egypt, and its relation with cultural dynamics and basin‐wide hydroclimatic variability
Authors: Toonen Willem H. J. , Graham Angus , Pennington Benjamin T. , Hunter Morag A. , Strutt Kristian D. , Barker Dominic S. , Masson‐Berghoff Aurélia , Emery Virginia L.
Published: July 2017

In the Theban area around modern Luxor (Egypt), the River Nile divides the temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor from New Kingdom royal cult temples on the western desert edge. Few sites have been archaeologically identified in the western flood plain, despite its presumed pivotal role in the ancient ritual landscape as the territory that both physically divided and symbolically connected the areas inhabited by the living and the areas occupied by the dead. Using borehole data and electrical resistivity tomography, the current investigation of subsurface deposits reveals the location of an abandoned channel of the Nile. This river course was positioned in the western, distal part of the Nile flood plain. Over 2100 ceramic fragments recovered from boreholes date the abandonment of the relatively minor river channel to the (late) New Kingdom. This minor river branch could have played an important role in the cultural landscape, as it would have served to connect important localities in the ritual landscape. Changes in the fluvial landscape match with established periods of basin‐wide hydroclimatic variability. This links cultural and landscape changes observed on a regional scale to hydroclimatic dynamics in the larger Nile catchment, in one of the focal areas of Ancient Egyptian cultural development.
Optimizing secondary prevention of cervical cancer: Recent advances and future challenges
Authors: Ogilvie Gina , Nakisige Carolyn , Huh Warner K. , Mehrotra Ravi , Franco Eduardo L. , Jeronimo Jose
Published: July 2017

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines offer enormous promise for the ultimate control and possible elimination of cervical cancer, barriers to uptake and coverage of the vaccine both in high‐ and low/middle‐income settings mean that advances in secondary prevention continue to be essential to prevent unnecessary deaths and suffering from cervical cancer for decades to come. While cytology (the Pap smear) has reduced cervical cancer incidence and prevalence in jurisdictions where it has been systematically implemented in population‐based programs—mainly in high‐income settings—limitations inherent to this method, and to program delivery, leave many women still vulnerable to cervical cancer. Recent evidence has confirmed that screening based on HPV testing prevents more invasive cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, and offers innovative options such as self‐collection of specimens to improve screening uptake broadly. In this paper, we review key advances, future opportunities, and ongoing challenges for secondary prevention of cervical cancer using HPV‐based testing.
Treatment of cervical intraepithelial lesions
Authors: Castle Philip E. , Murokora Dan , Perez Carlos , Alvarez Manuel , Quek Swee Chong , Campbell Christine
Published: July 2017

Precancerous cervical lesions precede the development of invasive cervical cancer by 10–20 years, making cervical cancer preventable if these lesions are detected and effectively treated. Treatment has evolved in the last few decades and now includes ablative options that can be performed in lower‐resource settings where surgical excision is not feasible or routinely available. Gas‐based cryotherapy, which freezes cervical tissue to induce localized necrosis, is the most commonly used ablative treatment. However, its implementation in low‐resource settings is difficult because the refrigerant gas can be difficult to procure and transport, and is expensive. New cryotherapy devices that do not require an external supply of gas appear promising. Thermal coagulation, which burns cervical tissue to induce necrosis, has become more widely available in the last few years owing to its portability and the feasibility of using battery‐powered devices. These two ablative treatments successfully eradicate 75%–85% of high‐grade cervical lesions and have minor adverse effects.
The investment case for cervical cancer elimination
Authors: Tsu Vivien Davis , Ginsburg Ophira
Published: July 2017

We already know what causes cervical cancer, how to prevent it, and how to treat it, even in resource‐constrained settings. Inequitable access to human papillomavirus vaccine for girls and screening and precancer treatment for women in low‐ and middle‐income countries is unacceptable on ethical, social, and financial grounds. The burden of cervical cancer falls on the poor and extends beyond the narrow bounds of the family, affecting national economic development and community life, as family resources are drained and poverty tightens its grip. Proven solutions are available and the priorities for the next few years are clear, as shown by the papers in this Supplement. Sustained political commitment and strategic investments in cervical cancer prevention can not only save millions of lives over the next 10 years, but can also pave the way for the broader fight against all cancers.
Pharmacophore feature prediction and molecular docking approach to identify novel anti‐HCV protease inhibitors
Authors: Venkatesan Arthi , Rambabu Majji , Jayanthi Sivaraman , Febin Prabhu Dass J
Published: July 2017

Discovering a potential drug for HCV treatment is a challenging task in the field of drug research. This study initiates with computational screening and modeling of promising ligand molecules. The foremost modeling method involves the identification of novel compound and its molecular interaction based on pharmacophore features. A total of 197 HCV compounds for NS3/4A protein target were screened for our study. The pharmacophore models were generated using PHASE module implemented in Schrodinger suite. The pharmacophore features include one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor, and three hydrophobic sites. As a result, based on mentioned hypothesis the model ADHHH.159 corresponds to the CID 59533233. Furthermore, docking was performed using maestro for all the 197 compounds. Among these, the CID 59533313 and 59533233 possess the best binding energy of −11.75 and −10.40 kcal/mol, respectively. The interactions studies indicated that the CID complexed with the NS3/4A protein possess better binding affinity with the other compounds. Further the compounds were subjected to calculate the ADME properties. Therefore, it can be concluded that these two compounds could be a potential alternative drug for the development of HCV.
Community‐Engaged Scholarship, Knowledge, and Dominant Discourse: A Cautionary Tale From the Global Development Sector
Authors: Hartman Eric
Published: July 2017

Community‐engaged scholarship (CES) often intersects with international education, global development, and leadership studies as higher education institutions work to prepare global leaders. The intersection is rife with perverse incentives, and illustrates the importance of conceptual and technical preparation as they relate to right action in marginalized communities. After reviewing the social phenomena resulting from these perverse incentives, the current paper considers the ways in which dominant discourse may prevent students and faculty from seeing the full shape of issues they wish to address through CES. A rights‐based approach is advanced as a tool in the effort to ensure ethically grounded partnerships.
Formation and function of the “Xestoleberis‐spot” in Xestoleberis hanaii (Crustacea: Ostracoda)
Authors: Yamada Shinnosuke
Published: July 2017

The crescent sculpture of the so‐called “Xestoleberis‐spot” develops inside the calcified valve of the family Xestoleberididae. Electron microscopic observations on both, intermoult and postmoult stages of Xestoleberis species reveal that the “Xestoleberis‐spot” system consists of three elements; two calcified chambers, a vesicle of electron‐dense material and an uncalcified procuticle. The formation and function of the “Xestoleberis‐spot” system are discussed. In conclusion, the “Xestoleberis‐spot” system functions as the muscle attachment site for several antennal muscles, and provides the material for chitinous fibers in the exocuticle of outer lamella. The unique cuticular structures of the family Xestoleberididae are due to the “Xestoleberis‐spot” system.
Impacts of different ENSO flavors and tropical Pacific convection variability (ITCZ, SPCZ) on austral summer rainfall in South America, with a focus on Peru
Authors: Sulca Juan , Takahashi Ken , Espinoza Jhan‐Carlo , Vuille Mathias , Lavado‐Casimiro Waldo
Published: July 2017

El Niño in the eastern and central Pacific has different impacts on the rainfall of South America, and the atmospheric pathways through the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) and Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) are poorly understood. To address this, we performed linear regression analysis of E (eastern Pacific) and C (central Pacific) indices of sea surface temperature (SST), as well as precipitation indices for the SPCZ and ITCZ, with gridded precipitation and reanalysis data sets during the austral summer (December–February) for the 1980–2016 period. Positive C induces dry anomalies along the tropical Andes and northern South America (NSA), while wet anomalies prevail over southeastern South America (SESA). Moreover, it produces wet conditions in the northwestern Peruvian Amazon. In contrast, positive E enhances wet conditions along the coasts of Ecuador and northern Peru associated with the southward displacement of the eastern Pacific ITCZ and induces dry conditions in Altiplano, Amazon basin, and northeastern Brazil (NEB). Both El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices are associated with weakened upper‐level easterly flow over Peru, but it is more restricted to the central and southern Peruvian Andes with positive E. Both SPCZ indices, the zonal position of the SPCZ and its latitudinal displacement, suppress rainfall along western Peruvian Andes when are positive, but the latter also inhibits rainfall over the Bolivian Altiplano. They are also linked to upper‐level westerly wind anomalies overall of Peru, but these anomalies do not extend as far south in the first. The southward displacement of the eastern Pacific ITCZ also induces wet anomalies in SESA while dry anomalies prevail over NEB, the western Amazon basin, and Bolivia. Oppositely, the southward displacement of the central Pacific ITCZ induces dry anomalies in NEB and along the northern coast of Peru; while wet anomalies occur mainly in eastern Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia through an enhancement of the low level jet.
Abrupt cooling events during the Early Holocene and their potential impact on the environment and human behaviour along the southern North Sea basin (NW Europe)
Authors: Crombé Philippe
Published: July 2017

In this paper the potential impact of the 9.3k cal a BP cooling event on the environment and human occupation in the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt region of NW Europe is investigated. Although various environmental (decreased fluvial activity, increased wildfires and changing vegetation) and cultural changes (lithic technology, raw material circulation, decreasing site density) can be identified in the (late) Boreal, a serious problem of equifinality remains. Lacking a high‐resolution chronology for these events, it is still difficult to separate the impact of gradual from punctuated climatic changes. However, at present it seems that (some) environmental and cultural changes were already ongoing before the 9.3k cal a BP event but were accelerated by the latter. To gain a better understanding of these processes, it is necessary to take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach towards the Early Holocene in the southern North Sea basin.
UV‐Blocking Coating with Self‐Healing Capacity
Authors: Liang Xiang‐Yong , Wang Lu , Wang Ya‐Min , Ding Li‐Sheng , Li Bang‐Jing , Zhang Sheng
Published: July 2017

UV‐blocking coatings are necessary to protect materials from photochemical degradation, especially for organic polymers. And self‐healing capacity is necessary to ensure the service time of UV‐blocking coatings. Here, an UV‐blocking coating (denoted as βCD‐TiO2/P(HEMA‐co‐BA)) with self‐healing capacity is prepared successfully by copolymerizing 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), butyl acrylate (BA) and functional monomers, inclusion complexes of β‐cyclodextrin (βCD)‐modified TiO2nanoparticles, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐adamantine (HEMA‐Ad). The βCD‐TiO2/P(HEMA‐co‐BA) coating not only shows excellent UV‐blocking property but also enhances mechanical properties and good self‐healing properties. After being damaged, βCD‐TiO2/P(HEMA‐co‐BA) can repair scratches by adding a little water, and the UV‐blocking capacity can be restored completely along with the self‐healing process. Furthermore, the self‐healing process is repeatable at a given place.
Photochromic Inorganic/Organic Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Zhang Jiuyang , Li Jing , Huo Mengmeng , Li Naixu , Zhou Jiancheng , Li Tuoqi , Jiang Jing
Published: July 2017

Photochromic materials are an important class of “smart materials” and are broadly utilized in technological devices. However, most photochromic materials reported so far are composed of inorganic compounds that are challenging to process and suffer from poor mechanical performance, severely limiting their applications in various markets. In this paper, inorganic photochromic tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanocrystals are conveniently grafted with polymers to hurdle the deficiency in processability and mechanical properties. This new type of photochromic material can be thermally processed into desired geometries like disks and dog‐bone specimens. Fully reversible photochromic response under UV light is also achieved for WO3‐graft polymers, exhibiting tunable response rate, outperforming the pristine WO3 nanocrystals. Notably, the resulted graft polymers show extraordinary mechanical performance with excellent ductility (≈800% breaking strain) and relatively high breaking strength (≈2 MPa). These discoveries elucidate an effective pathway to design smart inorganic/organic hybrid thermoplastic elastomers endowed with outstanding photochromic and mechanical properties as well as exceptional processability.
Shape‐Shifting Azo Dye Polymers: Towards Sunlight‐Driven Molecular Devices
Authors: Bushuyev Oleksandr S. , Aizawa Miho , Shishido Atsushi , Barrett Christopher J.
Published: July 2017

The development of stimuli‐responsive polymers is among the key goals of modern materials science. The structure and properties of such switchable materials can be designed to be controlled via various stimuli, among which light is frequently the most powerful trigger. Light is a gentle energy source that can target materials remotely, and with extremely high spatial and temporal resolution easily and cheaply. Reversible light‐control over molecular mechanical properties in particular has in recent years attracted great interest due to potential applications as optical‐to‐mechanical conversion actuators and ‘devices’, enabling ‘molecular robotic machines’. In this review, some recent examples and emerging trends in this exciting field of research are highlighted, covering a wide variety of polymer hosts that contain azobenzene photo‐reversible switches. It is hoped that this review will help stimulate more interest towards the development of light‐reversible materials for energy harvesting and conversion, and their successful incorporation into a wide variety of current and future high‐tech applications in devices.
Longitudinal community walking activity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Fowler Eileen G. , Staudt Loretta A. , Heberer Kent R. , Sienko Susan E. , Buckon Cathleen E. , Bagley Anita M. , Sussman Michael D. , McDonald Craig M.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Natural history studies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) have not included measures of community ambulation.

Methods

Step activity (SA) monitors quantified community ambulation in 42 boys (ages 4–16 years) with DMD with serial enrollment up to 5 years by using a repeated‐measures mixed model. Additionally, data were compared with 10‐meter walk/run (10mWR) speed to determine validity and sensitivity.

Results

There were significant declines in average strides/day and percent strides at moderate, high and pediatric high rates as a function of age (P < 0.05). Significant correlations for 10mWR versus high and low stride rates were found at baseline (P < 0.05). SA outcomes were sensitive to change over 1 year, but the direction and parameter differed by age group (younger vs. older). Changes in strides/day and percentages of high frequency and low frequency strides correlated significantly with changes in 10mWR speed (P < 0.05).

Discussion

Community ambulation data provide valid and sensitive real‐world measures that may inform clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 57: 401–406, 2018
Creation and behavior of radicals and ions in the Acetylene/Argon microwave ECR discharge
Authors: Pokorný Petr , Musil Jindřich , Novotný Michal , Lančok Ján , Fitl Přemysl , Vlček Jan
Published: July 2017

Formation and number of molecules, radicals, and ions in ECR acetylene/argon discharge is studied as functions of gas flow rate, supplied power, and partial pressure of acetylene. The spectra obtained by neutral mass spectrometry (NMS) exhibit the presence of atomic hydrogen and H2 molecules. The quantity of acetylene ions is rather high in the range of power up to 350 W, but it drops down with increasing power. At higher powers, the change to C2H+ ion takes place and its quantity grows with increasing power. The dependence of the number of C2+, C2H+, C2H2+ on the electron energy is judged by appearance potential mass spectrometry in the energy range 0–100 eV. The obtained findings are useful for the technology of industrial preparation of DLC thin films.