bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel switching boost inverter applied to photovoltaic power generation system
Authors: Liu Shuo , Wang Yunhao , Yang Liyong 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis paper presents a new topology of the input current continuous switch boost inverter (ICCSBI) and a perturbation observation with hysteresis comparator method. Because the traditional inverter needs to join the dead time to avoid short circuit, the dead time will cause distortion of the output current. And the traditional inverter is not suitable for photovoltaic power generation because it is a buck converter. The ICCSBI structure improves the booster circuit, which refers to the Z‐source inverter. It can get higher voltage than traditional inverter. Meanwhile, the ICCSBI not only retains the advantages of the Z‐source inverter but also reduces the number of passive components. In addition, the hysteresis band comparator is added to the perturbation observation method to make the system better robustness at the maximum power point of the photovoltaic system. In the photovoltaic system, to ensure the output current stable, the current control method is added to the ICCSBI. Finial, the experimental results are presented to demonstrate the new topology and control method.
No evidence forMHC‐based mate choice in wild giant pandas
Authors: Yu Lijun , Nie Yonggang , Yan Li , Hu Yibo , Wei Fuwen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMajor histocompatibility complex genes (MHC), a gene cluster that controls the immune response to parasites, are regarded as an important determinant of mate choice. However,MHC‐based mate choice studies are especially rare for endangered animals. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a flagship species, has suffered habitat loss and fragmentation. We investigated the genetic variation of threeMHCclassIIloci, includingDRB1,DQA1, andDQA2, for 19 mating‐pairs and 11 parent‐pairs of wild giant pandas based on long‐term field behavior observations and genetic samples. We tested four hypotheses of mate choice based on thisMHCvariation. We found no supporting evidence for theMHC‐based heterosis, genetic diversity, genetic compatibility and “good gene” hypotheses. These results suggest that giant pandas may not useMHC‐based signals to select mating partners, probably because limited mating opportunities or female‐biased natal dispersal restricts selection forMHC‐based mate choice, acknowledging the caveat of the small sample size often encountered in endangered animal studies. Our study provides insight into the mate choice mechanisms of wild giant pandas and highlights the need to increase the connectivity and facilitate dispersal among fragmented populations and habitats.
No evidence for trade‐offs in plant responses to consumer food web manipulations
Authors: Seabloom Eric W. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Kinkel Linda L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPlants face a range of trade‐offs as they attempt to maximize their fitness within a complex web composed of competitors, mutualists, and herbivores. In addition to growth–defense and competition–defense trade‐offs, plants must balance their response to a wide range of potential enemies including pathogens and vertebrate and invertebrate herbivores. We tested for trade‐offs in plant species’ responses to different types of consumers using a foodweb manipulation experiment in which we selectively excluded large vertebrate herbivores and removed foliar fungi, soil fungi, and insects from natural and experimentally planted grassland communities. We found no evidence for trade‐offs in the ability of plants to defend themselves against different sets of consumers, although plants varied widely in their responses to removal of different consumer groups. In addition, the species‐level responses to consumer removal in monoculture were uncorrelated with each species’ response in more diverse communities, highlighting the important role of local context (e.g., competition and apparent competition) in determining the effects of consumers. Plants must balance their allocation of energy among a wide variety of tasks including growing, competing for limited resources, and defending themselves against an array of potential enemies. We found that while plant species differed greatly in their response to the removal of consumers, species that were susceptible to the effects of one consumer group (e.g., insect herbivores) also were susceptible to other consumer groups (e.g., fungal pathogens). This suggests that plants differ in their overall allocation to defense, but defense investment can proffer protection against a wide array of natural enemies. We also found that plant responses to consumers depended on the diversity of the surrounding plant community, suggesting that among‐plant interactions can alter their susceptibility to the impacts of consumers.
Disentangling nutritional pathways linking leafcutter ants and their co‐evolved fungal symbionts using stable isotopes
Authors: Shik Jonathan Z. , Rytter Winnie , Arnan Xavier , Michelsen Anders 
Published: August 2018

AbstractLeafcutter ants are the ultimate insect superorganisms, with up to millions of physiologically specialized workers cooperating to cut and transport vegetation and then convert it into compost used to cultivate co‐evolved fungi, domesticated over millions of years. We tested hypotheses about the nutrient‐processing dynamics governing this functional integration, tracing 15N‐ and 13C‐enriched substrates through colonies of the leafcutter ant Atta colombica. Our results highlight striking performance efficiencies, including rapid conversion (within 2 d) of harvested nutrients into edible fungal tissue (swollen hyphal tips called gongylidia) in the center of fungus gardens, while also highlighting that much of each colony's foraging effort resulted in substrate placed directly in the trash. We also find nutrient‐specific processing dynamics both within and across layers of the fungus garden, and in ant consumers. Larvae exhibited higher overall levels of 15N and 13C enrichment than adult workers, supporting that the majority of fungal productivity is allocated to colony growth. Foragers assimilated 13C‐labeled glucose during its ingestion, but required several days to metabolically process ingested 15N‐labeled ammonium nitrate. This processing timeline helps resolve a 40‐yr old hypothesis, that foragers (but apparently not gardeners or larvae) bypass their fungal crops to directly assimilate some of the nutrients they ingest outside the nest. Tracing these nutritional pathways with stable isotopes helps visualize how physiological integration within symbiotic networks gives rise to the ecologically dominant herbivory of leafcutter ants in habitats ranging from Argentina to the southern United States.
Root imaging showing comparisons in root distribution and ontogeny in novel Festulolium populations and closely related perennial ryegrass varieties
Authors: Humphreys Mike W. , Doonan John H. , Boyle Roger , Rodriguez Anyela C. , Marley Christina L. , Williams Kevin , Farrell Markku S. , Brook Jason , Gasior Dagmara , Loka Dimitra , Collins Rosemary P. , Marshall Athole H. , Allen Debbie K. , Yadav Rattan S. , Dungait Jennifer A. J. , Murray Phil , Harper John A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe incorporation of new sophisticated phenotyping technologies within a crop improvement program allows for a plant breeding strategy that can include selections for major root traits previously inaccessible due to the challenges in their phenotype assessment. High‐throughput precision phenotyping technology is employed to evaluate root ontogeny and progressive changes to root architecture of both novel amphiploid and introgression lines of Festulolium over four consecutive months of the growing season and these compared under the same time frame to that of closely related perennial ryegrass (L. perenne) varieties. Root imaging using conventional photography and assembled multiple merged images was used to compare frequencies in root number, their distribution within 0–20 and 20–40 cm depths within soil columns, and progressive changes over time. The Festulolium hybrids had more extensive root systems in comparison with L. perenne, and this was especially evident at depth. It was shown that the acquisition of extensive root systems in Festulolium hybrids was not dependent on the presence of an entire Festuca genome. On the contrary, the most pronounced effect on root development within the four Festulolium populations studied was observed in the introgression line Bx509, where a single small genome sequence from F. arundinacea had been previously transferred onto its homoeologous site on the long arm of chromosome 3 of an otherwise complete L. perenne genome. This demonstrates that a targeted introgression‐breeding approach may be sufficient to confer a significant improvement in the root morphology in Lolium without a significant compromise to its genome integrity. The forage production of Bx509 was either higher (months 1–3) or equivalent to (month 4) that of its L. perenne parent control demonstrating that the enhanced root development achieved by the introgression line was without compromise to its agronomic performance.
Incorporation of CO2 into carbonates through carboxylation/hydration reaction
Authors: Li Jing‐Yuan , Zhao Qing‐Ning , Liu Ping , Zhang Deng‐Song , Song Qing‐Wen , Zhang Kan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn recent years increasing attention has been given to the efficacious synthesis of organic carbonates from sustainable CO2. The carboxylation/hydration reaction of alcohols with CO2 stands out for its environmentally friendly and economic features. However, it faces several substantial challenges such as thermodynamic limitations, low catalytic efficiency, and product selectivity. In this article, recent advances in the development of catalytic methods for the synthesis of organic carbonates through carboxylation/hydration reaction of alcohols with CO2 are summarized. Catalytic schemes (metal and metal‐free catalysis), water‐dehydration strategies, and catalytic mechanisms are also discussed in detail. The review covers the carbonylation cyclization of various alcohols and the equivalent of CO2, i.e. urea. Finally, an overview is provided of the recent breakthrough in the development of thermodynamically favorable processes involving alcohols and CO2. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonnavigational spatial memory performance is unaffected by hippocampal damage in monkeys
Authors: Basile Benjamin M. , Hampton Robert R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEvidence that the hippocampus is critical for spatial memory in nonnavigational tests is mixed. A recent study reported that temporary hippocampal inactivation impaired spatial memory in the nonnavigational Hamilton Search Task in monkeys. However, several studies have documented no impairment on other nonnavigational spatial memory tests following permanent hippocampal lesions. It was hypothesized that transient, but not permanent, hippocampal disruption produces deficits because monkeys undergoing transient inactivation continue to try to use a hippocampal‐dependent strategy, whereas monkeys with permanent lesions use a nonhippocampal‐dependent strategy. We evaluated this hypothesis by testing five rhesus monkeys with hippocampal lesions and five controls on a computerized analogue of the Hamilton Search Task. On each trial, monkeys saw an array of squares on a touchscreen, each of which “hid” one reward. Retrieving a reward depleted that location and monkeys continued selecting squares until they found all rewards. The optimal strategy is to remember chosen locations and choose each square once. Unlike the inactivation study, monkeys with hippocampal damage were as accurate as controls regardless of retention interval. Critically, we found no evidence that the groups used different strategies, as measured by learning rates, spatial search biases, perseverative win‐stay errors, or inter‐choice distance. This discrepancy between the effect of inactivations and lesions may result from off‐target effects of inactivations or as‐yet‐unidentified differences between the physical and computerized tasks. Combined with previous evidence that hippocampal damage impairs navigational memory in monkeys, this evidence constrains the role of the hippocampus in spatial memory as being critical for navigational tests that likely involve allocentric spatial memory but not nonnavigational tests that likely involve egocentric spatial memory.
The expression of the distal dystrophin isoforms Dp140 and Dp71 in the human epileptic hippocampus in relation to cognitive functioning
Authors: Hoogland Govert , Hendriksen Ruben G. F. , Slegers Rutger J. , Hendriks Marc P. H. , Schijns Olaf E. M. G. , Aalbers Marlien W. , Vles Johan S. H. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDystrophin is an important protein within the central nervous system. The absence of dystrophin, characterizing Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), is associated with brain related comorbidities such as neurodevelopmental (e.g., cognitive and behavioural) deficits and epilepsy. Especially mutations in the downstream part of the DMD gene affecting the dystrophin isoforms Dp140 and Dp71 are found to be associated with cognitive deficits. However, the function of Dp140 is currently not well understood and its expression pattern has previously been implicated to be developmentally regulated. Therefore, we evaluated Dp140 and Dp71 expression in human hippocampi in relation to cognitive functioning in patients with drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and post‐mortem controls. Hippocampal samples obtained as part of epilepsy surgery were quantitatively analyzed by Western blot and correlations with neuropsychological test results (i.e., memory and intelligence) were examined. First, we demonstrated that the expression of Dp140 does not appear to differ across different ages throughout adulthood. Second, we identified an inverse correlation between memory loss (i.e., verbal and visual memory), but not intelligence (i.e., neither verbal nor performance), and hippocampal Dp140 expression. Finally, patients with TLE appeared to have similar Dp140 expression levels compared to post‐mortem controls without neurological disease. Dp140 may thus have a function in normal cognitive (i.e., episodic memory) processes.
Anticancer effects of echinacoside in hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model and HepG2 cells
Authors: Ye Ying , Song Yanan , Zhuang Juhua , Wang Guoyu , Ni Jing , Xia Wei 
Published: August 2018

Echinacoside (ECH) is a phenylethanoid glycoside extracted from a Chinese herbal medicine, Cistanches salsa. ECH possesses many biological properties, including anti‐inflammation, neural protection, liver protection, and antitumor. In the current study, we aimed to explore the effects of ECH on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that ECH could attenuate diethylnitrosamine (DEN)‐induced HCC in mice, and exerted antiproliferative and proapoptotic functions on HepG2 HCC cell line. ECH exposure in HepG2 cells dose‐dependently reduced the phosphorylation of AKT (p‐AKT) and enhanced the expression of p21 (a cell cycle inhibitor) and Bax (a proapoptotic protein). Furthermore, ECH significantly suppressed insulin‐like growth factor‐1‐induced p‐AKT and cell proliferation. These data indicated that phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling was involved in the anti‐HCC activity of ECH. Gene set enrichment analysis results revealed a positive correlation between the PI3K pathway and triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) expression in HCC tissues. ECH exposure significantly decreased TREM2 protein levels in HepG2 cells and DEN‐induced HCC. Furthermore, ECH‐mediated proliferation inhibition and AKT signaling inactivation were notably attenuated by TREM2 overexpression. In conclusion, ECH exerted its antitumor activity via decreasing TREM2 expression and PI3K/AKT signaling.
Inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK‐mediated inflammation and apoptosis by ivabradine improves cardiac function in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zuo Guangfeng , Ren Xiaomin , Qian Xuesong , Ye Peng , Luo Jie , Gao Xiaofei , Zhang Junjie , Chen Shaoliang 
Published: August 2018

Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), which has been identified as a major predisposing factor for heart failure in diabetic patients. Previous studies indicated that ivabradine (a specific agent for heart rate [HR] reduction) has anti‐inflammatory properties, but its role in DCM remains unknown. This study investigated whether ivabradine exerts a therapeutic effect in DCM. C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes; then administered with ivabradine or saline (control). After 12 weeks, the surviving mice were analyzed to determine the cardioprotective effect of ivabradine against DCM. Although treatment with ivabradine did not affect blood glucose levels, it attenuated tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, inhibited c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activation, reduced histological abnormalities, myocardial apoptosis and collagen deposition, and improved cardiac function in the diabetic mice. Interestingly, the anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties of ivabradine, but not its inhibitory effect on JNK and p38 MAPK, were observed in high‐glucose‐cultured neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Attenuating inflammation and apoptosis via intramyocardial injection of lentiviruses carrying short hairpin RNA targeting JNK and p38 MAPK validated that the anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of ivabradine were partly attributed to JNK and p38 MAPK inactivation in diabetic mice. In summary, these data indicate that ivabradine‐mediated improvement of cardiac function in STZ‐induced diabetic mice may be partly attributed to inhibition of JNK/p38 MAPK‐mediated inflammation and apoptosis, which is dependent on the reduction in HR.
A preliminary study of the potential role of Malaysian community pharmacists in type 2 diabetes medicines management clinics
Authors: Sahudin Shariza , Hussain Mumtaz , Yahaya Farah 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundA substantial proportion of Malaysians with type 2 diabetes do not take medication as prescribed and despite the availability of diabetes medication therapy adherence clinics services within government hospitals, many patients do not benefit. Community pharmacists are in an ideal position to play an important role in providing adherence clinics within primary care.AimThis preliminary study explores the knowledge, awareness and attitude of independent community pharmacists in Selangor, Malaysia with respect to the management of diabetes with a particular emphasis on the level of service provision within their local communities and their readiness to offer new services.MethodA pre‐validated questionnaire was distributed to 46 independent pharmacies in Selangor, Malaysia.ResultsThe pharmacists recruited for the study demonstrated a good awareness of diabetes and its management, with many engaging with customers and providing diabetic screening services; however, they generally expressed a lack of opportunity to practise their skills.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists appear to possess the skills required to expand their roles in primary care, and must take steps to establish clear working relationships with other healthcare professionals and improve their visibility within their communities.
Predictors of Invasive Breast Cancer in Patients With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in Ultrasound‐Guided Core Needle Biopsy
Authors: Shin Yoon Joo , Kim Sun Mi , Yun Bo La , Jang Mijung , Kim Bohyoung , Lee Soo Hyun 
Published: August 2018

ObjectivesTo determine predictors of invasiveness of lesions with US‐guided biopsy‐confirmed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), focusing on US features, including shear wave elastography (SWE).MethodsFrom January 2015 to September 2016, a total of 80 lesions with US‐guided biopsy‐confirmed DCIS were detected in patients who underwent preoperative mammography, B‐mode US, and SWE. Data were retrospectively reviewed from clinical records, pathologic reports, and imaging assessments. Imaging data included mammographic findings, B‐mode US findings based on the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS), and the mean and maximum elasticity values on SWE. The final BI‐RADS assessment, including the degree of elasticity of the mass, was evaluated. Continuous variables were examined by an independent t test, and categorical variables were examined by the Fisher exact test. The independent factors for predicting a histologic upgrade were evaluated by a multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong the 80 lesions, 27 (33.8%) showed an invasive component after surgical excision. None of the BI‐RADS US descriptors, which include shape, orientation, margin, and echogenicity, showed a significant correlation with the rate of a histologic upgrade to invasive cancer. However, the BI‐RADS assessment category (P = .015) and nuclear grade (P = .005) were significantly correlated with invasiveness of the mass. The maximum stiffness value was lower in the pure DCIS group (119.04 vs 85.33 kPa; P = .041).ConclusionsThe BI‐RADS category based on US findings, maximum stiffness value on SWE, and nuclear grade of DCIS are predictive of invasive components in DCIS.
Modeling of elementary reactions and kinetics of radical‐initiated methyl methacrylate polymerization in the presence of ferrocene
Authors: Ulitin N. V. , Tereshchenko K. A. , Friesen A. K. , Shiyan D. A. , Takhautdinova A. V. , Kolesov S. V. , Khursan S. L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOn the basis of quantum chemical modeling, a kinetic scheme of methyl methacrylate polymerization initiated by benzoyl peroxide in the presence of ferrocene was proposed. The process runs by mechanism, which includes the reactions of free radical polymerization, and the reactions leading to formation and operability of two type coordination active sites that are capable of converting into each other. On the basis of the proposed scheme, a kinetic model was developed. This model quantitatively described the following: the experimentally determined time dependences of the methyl methacrylate conversion, the conversion dependencies of the number‐average and weight‐average molar masses of poly(methyl methacrylate), the stereoregularity values of poly(methyl methacrylate), and the time dependencies of the methyl methacrylate conversion upon its polymerization on poly(methyl methacrylate) macroinitiators obtained in radical‐initiated polymerization in the presence of ferrocene. As a result of solving the inverse kinetic problem, the parameters of temperature dependences of the reaction rate coefficients of the proposed kinetic scheme were found.