bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulse frequency and soil‐litter mixing alter the control of cumulative precipitation over litter decomposition
Authors: Joly François‐Xavier , Kurupas Kelsey L. , Throop Heather L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMacroclimate has traditionally been considered the predominant driver of litter decomposition. However, in drylands, cumulative monthly or annual precipitation typically fails to predict decomposition. In these systems, the windows of opportunity for decomposer activity may rather depend on the precipitation frequency and local factors affecting litter desiccation, such as soil‐litter mixing. We used a full‐factorial microcosm experiment to disentangle the relative importance of cumulative precipitation, pulse frequency, and soil‐litter mixing on litter decomposition. Decomposition, measured as litter carbon loss, saturated with increasing cumulative precipitation when pulses were large and infrequent, suggesting that litter moisture no longer increased and/or microbial activity was no longer limited by water availability above a certain pulse size. More frequent precipitation pulses led to increased decomposition at high levels of cumulative precipitation. Soil‐litter mixing consistently increased decomposition, with greatest relative increase (+194%) under the driest conditions. Collectively, our results highlight the need to consider precipitation at finer temporal scale and incorporate soil‐litter mixing as key driver of decomposition in drylands.
Germination phenology determines the propensity for facilitation and competition
Authors: Leverett Lindsay D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA single plant can interact both positively and negatively with its neighbors through the processes of facilitation and competition, respectively. Much of the variation in the balance of facilitation and competition that individuals experience can be explained by the degree of physical stress and the sizes or ages of plants during the interaction. Germination phenology partly controls both of these factors, but its role in defining the facilitation‐competition balance has not been explicitly considered. I performed an experiment in a population of the winter annual Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) to test whether germinating during physically stressful periods leads to facilitation while germinating during periods that promote growth and reproduction leads to competition. I manipulated germination and neighbor presence across two years in order to quantify the effects of the local plant community on survival, fecundity, and total fitness as a function of germination phenology. Neighbors increased survival when germination occurred under conditions that were unsuitable for survival, but they reduced fecundity in germinants that were otherwise the most fecund. Later germination was associated with facilitation in the first year but competition in the second year. These episodes of facilitation and competition opposed each other, leading to no net effect of neighbors when averaged over all cohorts. These results indicate that variation in germination timing can explain some of the variation in the facilitation‐competition balance in plant communities.
Activation of catalase by pioglitazone: Multiple spectroscopic methods combined with molecular docking studies
Authors: Yekta Reza , Dehghan Gholamreza , Rashtbari Samaneh , Sheibani Nader , Moosavi‐Movahedi Ali Akbar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPioglitazone is an important prescription antidiabetic drug with positive roles in controlling high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the present study, we investigated the effects of pioglitazone on the structure and function of bovine liver catalase (BLC) using different spectroscopic and theoretical methods. UV‐Vis absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence, and circular dichroism studies revealed conformational changes in the BLC structure and heme group in the presence of different concentrations of pioglitazone. Kinetic studies indicated that pioglitazone can increase BLC activity by approximately threefold compared with free enzyme. The fluorescence quenching data showed one binding site for pioglitazone, and the binding constants at 298, 304, and 310 K were calculated as 5.01 × 107 M−1, 5.8 × 107 M−1, and 6.6 × 107 M−1, respectively. The static type of quenching mechanism was mainly involved in the quenching of intrinsic emission of the enzyme. Thermodynamic data suggested that hydrophobic interactions played a major role in the binding reaction of pioglitazone with BLC. The molecular docking studies indicated that pioglitazone interacts with the cavity in the middle of the β‐barrel and wrapping domain of BLC. Thus, pioglitazone can increase catalase activity by changing the BLC structure.
A low‐ripple switched‐capacitor voltage regulator with decoupling capabilities
Authors: Gaiotto Stefano , Riganti Fulginei Francesco , Lozito Gabriele Maria , Salvini Alessandro 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a switched‐capacitor voltage regulator with a very low output ripple and decoupling capability is presented. To implement this regulator, a dual‐phase, double fly capacitors configuration is proposed. Besides having a very low output ripple, it is demonstrated how it is very effective in suppressing power input noise as well, for example EMI interferences propagating across the power lines, thus introducing a new concept of active filtering. Being based on switched capacitors, filters based on this concept can be easily placed in an integrated circuit; in addition, unlike traditional analog filters, resonance phenomena are not possible. Because of these characteristics, the proposed converter has been intended for those circuits where it is required to have very clean power sources even in the presence of disturbing magnetic fields, like measurement instruments operating in hard environmental conditions.
Self‐protective reactions to peer abusive supervision: The moderating role of prevention focus and the mediating role of performance instrumentality
Authors: Shao Ping , Li Andrew , Mawritz Mary 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAcross 3 studies, we apply a self‐protection perspective of observed mistreatment to examine a moderated mediation model on “when” and “why” third parties are motivated by peer abusive supervision. We hypothesize that prevention‐focused third parties will increase their performance effort as a response to peer abusive supervision, and this effect is mediated by performance instrumentality. In a field study of working adults (Study 1) and an experimental study that manipulated peer abusive supervision (Study 2), we found that peer abusive supervision interacted with third parties' prevention focus to predict their performance effort such that peer abuse was positively related to third parties' performance effort only for those high on prevention focus. Results were replicated in a second field study of working adults (Study 3). Further, we found support for the mediating effect of performance instrumentality. The theoretical and practical implications of our results are discussed.
Robotic versus laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: A propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Liu Rong , Liu Qu , Zhao Zhi‐Ming , Tan Xiang‐Long , Gao Yuan‐Xing , Zhao Guo‐Dong 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundRobotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) is considered a safe and feasible alternative to laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP). However, previous studies have some limitations including small sample size and selection bias. This study aimed to evaluate whether the robotic approach has advantages over laparoscopic surgery in distal pancreatectomy.MethodsDemographics and perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing RDP (n = 102) and LDP (n = 102) between January 2011 and December 2015 were reviewed. A 1:1 propensity score matched analysis was performed between both groups.ResultsBoth groups displayed no significant differences in perioperative outcomes including operative time, blood loss, transfusion rate, and rates of overall morbidities and pancreatic fistula. Robotic approach reduced the rate of conversion to laparotomy (2.9% vs 9.8%, P = 0.045), especially in patients with large tumors (0% vs 22.2%, P = 0.042). RDP improved spleen (SP) and splenic vessels preservation (SVP) rates in patients with moderate tumors (60.0% vs 35.5%, P = 0.047; 37.1% vs 12.9%, P = 0.025), especially in patients without malignancy (95.5% vs 52.4%, P = 0.001; 59.1% vs 19.0%, P = 0.007). RDP also reduced postoperative hospital stay (PHS) significantly (7.67% vs 8.58, P = 0.032).ConclusionsRDP is associated with less rate of conversion to laparotomy, shorter PHS, and improved SP and SVP rates in selected patients than LDP.
Quantitation of γ‐aminobutyric acid in equine plasma by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yi Rong , Zhao Sarah , Kong Noel , Zhang Julia , Loganathan Devan , Mérette Sandrine , Morrissey Barbara 
Published: June 2017

γ‐Aminobutyric acid is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and regulates the neuronal excitability. There has been anecdotal evidence that γ‐aminobutyric acid has been used within a few hours prior to competition in equine sports to calm down nervous horses. However, regulating the use of γ‐aminobutyric acid is challenging because it is an endogenous substance in the horse. γ‐Aminobutyric acid is usually present at low ng/mL levels in equine plasma; therefore, a sensitive method has to be developed to quantify these low background levels. Measuring low concentrations of endogenous γ‐aminobutyric acid is essential to establish a threshold that can be used to differentiate levels attributable to exogenous administrations of γ‐aminobutyric acid. A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantitation of γ‐aminobutyric acid in equine plasma. Calibrators were prepared in artificial surrogate matrix consisting of 35 mg/mL equine serum albumin in phosphate buffered saline. Samples were prepared by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Utilizing this methodology, a total of 403 equine plasma samples collected post‐competition from horses participating in equestrian events in Canada were analyzed.
Recent applications of metal–organic frameworks in sample pretreatment
Authors: Wang Yonghua , Rui Min , Lu Guanghua 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks are promising materials in diverse analytical applications especially in sample pretreatment by virtue of their diverse structure topology, tunable pore size, permanent nanoscale porosity, high surface area, and good thermostability. According to hydrostability, metal–organic frameworks are divided into moisture‐sensitive and water‐stable types. In the actual applications, both kinds of metal–organic frameworks are usually engineered into hybrid composites containing magnetite, silicon dioxide, graphene, or directly carbonized to metal–organic frameworks derived carbon. These metal–organic frameworks based materials show good extraction performance to environmental pollutants. This review provides a critical overview of the applications of metal–organic frameworks and their composites in sample pretreatment modes, that is, solid‐phase extraction, magnetic solid‐phase extraction, micro‐solid‐phase extraction, solid‐phase microextraction, and stir bar solid extraction.
Effects of substitution of X (X=rhenium, chromium and zirconium) on the properties of Co7Mo6 μ phase: A first‐principles study
Authors: Ma S. Y. , Ren N. N. , Zhang J. X. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe effects of three typical refractory elements (rhenium, chromium and zirconium) substituting the molybdenum atom in Co7Mo6 μ phase were investigated using first‐principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). Energy (including binding energy and defect energy) and electronic structures (including density of states and charge density) of Co7Mo5X (X=rhenium, chromium and zirconium) were calculated. The optimized lattice structure of Co7Mo6 agrees well with the experimental data. The calculated results show the bonding between doped rhenium atom and its nearest neighbor molybdenum and cobalt atoms gets visibly stronger, contributing to the good stability of the unit cell. Neverthless, the bonding between chromium and its nearest neighbor molybdenum and cobalt is weaker, and the zirconium‐molybdenum and zirconium‐cobalt bonds are much weaker. The results reveal rhenium tends to participate in the formation of μ phase, but zirconium and chromium atoms are not prone to concentrate in μ phase.
Archaeometric case studies on decorations of pre‐Columbian pottery using X‐ray spectroscopy maps and profiles
Authors: Dietrich D. , Mehner T. , Del‐Solar‐Velarde N. , Nickel D. , Lampke T. , Chapoulie R. , Butters L.J. Castillo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe potential of chemical information obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based methods is examined for archaeometric studies on polychrome decorations of ceramics. Achieved on polished block sections, the feasibility and benefits are demonstrated as case studies using pre‐Columbian pottery (Wari, Moche, and Cajamarca). Elemental mapping and profiling by X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) allow separate consideration of the paste in the body, slip, binder and pigments in the polychrome decoration. Compositional profiles across decorative layers substantiate the use of manganese ores for the formation of jacobsite as black pigment. To enlighten trade relations, technological transfer and shared heritage of pre‐Columbian cultures in Peru, the results provide information about local or non‐local pottery production.
An effective tridental molecular clip for fullerenes
Authors: Denis Pablo A. , Kramer Michael , Lee Catherine , Yanney Michael 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBy means of density functional calculations, we studied the performance of 2 fullerene receptors that contain 3 corannulene or triphenylene pincers. For the first time, we found a receptor that has a small tendency to form intramolecular stacks between the 3 corannulene pincers. After comparing their ability to trap fullerenes, with that of buckycatcher, buckycatcher‐II, and the Venus flytrap, we conclude that a record‐breaking association constant is expected for the receptor with 3 corannulene pincers. Although triphenylene is less effective than the corannulene units in forming inclusion complexes with C60, the triphenylene‐based host is also expected to have a high association constant. Finally, we discuss the theoretical problems found in reproducing the experimental free energy changes in solution for buckycatcher, buckycatcher‐II, and the Venus flytrap.
Kind of blue: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of music interventions in cancer treatment
Authors: Bro Margrethe Langer , Jespersen Kira Vibe , Hansen Julie Bolvig , Vuust Peter , Abildgaard Niels , Gram Jeppe , Johansen Christoffer 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectivesMusic may be a valuable and low‐cost coping strategy for cancer patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to identify the psychological and physical effects of music interventions in cancer treatment.MethodsWe included randomized, controlled trials with adult patients in active cancer treatment exposed to different music interventions versus control conditions. Qualitative studies and systematic reviews were excluded. We identified a total of 2624 records through 2 systematic searches (June 2015 and September 2016) in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane, and PsycINFO and used Risk of Bias Assessment, GRADE and Checklist for Reporting Music‐Based Interventions to evaluate the music applied and quality of the studies. We conducted meta‐analyses using Review Manager (version 5.3). PROSPERO reg. no. CRD42015026024.ResultsWe included 25 RCT's (N = 1784) of which 20 were eligible for the meta‐analysis (N = 1565). Music reduced anxiety (SMD −0·80 [95% CI, −1.35 to −0.25]), pain (SMD −0.88 [95% CI −1.45 to −0.32]), and improved mood (SMD −0.55 [95% CI, −0.98 to −0.13]). However, studies were hampered by heterogeneity with I2 varying between 54% and 96%. Quality of the studies ranged from very low to low. The most effective mode of music intervention appeared to be passive listening to self‐selected, recorded music in a single session design.ConclusionsMusic may be a tool in reducing anxiety, pain, and improving mood among patients with cancer in active treatment. However, methodological limitations in the studies conducted so far prevent firm conclusions.
Numbers in global security governance
Authors: Baele Stephane J. , Balzacq Thierry , Bourbeau Philippe 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe use of numbers has been remarkably effective at pressing global claims. While research has documented the historical processes through which numbers gained such prominence, and has examined the political and ethical consequences of this omnipresence, very little is known regarding the specific ways in which numbers create the outcomes that sustain governance. This article proposes to close that gap. Building on the literature that acknowledges that numbers not only describe things but also have profound impacts on things themselves, this article offers an integrated account of the working dynamics of numbers in the governance of security. To do so, the article identifies three distinct but connected vectors of power through which numbers shape security governance: persuasion, (de)politicisation, and standardisation. These insights are exemplified through the prism of different empirical examples, the variety of which aims to display the advantages of the approach we propose.
An automated, 0.5 Hz nano-foil target positioning system for intense laser plasma experiments
Authors: Gao Ying , Bin Jianhui , Haffa Daniel , Kreuzer Christian , Hartmann Jens , Speicher Martin , Lindner Florian H. , Ostermayr Tobias M. , Hilz Peter , Rösch Thomas F. , Lehrack Sebastian , Englbrecht Franz , Seuferling Sebastian , Gilljohann Max , Ding Hao , Ma Wenjun , Parodi Katia , Schreiber Jörg 
Published: June 2017

We report on a target system supporting automated positioning of nano-targets with a precision resolution of $4~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ in three dimensions. It relies on a confocal distance sensor and a microscope. The system has been commissioned to position nanometer targets with 1 Hz repetition rate. Integrating our prototype into the table-top ATLAS 300 TW-laser system at the Laboratory for Extreme Photonics in Garching, we demonstrate the operation of a 0.5 Hz laser-driven proton source with a shot-to-shot variation of the maximum energy about 27% for a level of confidence of 0.95. The reason of laser shooting experiments operated at 0.5 Hz rather than 1 Hz is because the synchronization between the nano-foil target positioning system and the laser trigger needs to improve.
GAME SEMANTICS AND THE GEOMETRY OF BACKTRACKING: A NEW COMPLEXITY ANALYSIS OF INTERACTION
Authors: ASCHIERI FEDERICO 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe present abstract complexity results about Coquand and Hyland–Ong game semantics, that will lead to new bounds on the length of first-order cut-elimination, normalization, interaction between expansion trees and any other dialogical process game semantics can model and apply to. In particular, we provide a novel method to bound the length of interactions between visible strategies and to measure precisely the tower of exponentials defining the worst-case complexity. Our study improves the old estimates on average by several exponentials.
How predictable are symptoms in psychopathological networks? A reanalysis of 18 published datasets
Authors: Haslbeck J. M. B. , Fried E. I. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundNetwork analyses on psychopathological data focus on the network structure and its derivatives such as node centrality. One conclusion one can draw from centrality measures is that the node with the highest centrality is likely to be the node that is determined most by its neighboring nodes. However, centrality is arelativemeasure: knowing that a node is highly central gives no information about the extent to which it is determined by its neighbors. Here we provide anabsolutemeasure of determination (or controllability) of a node – its predictability. We introduce predictability, estimate the predictability of all nodes in 18 prior empirical network papers on psychopathology, and statistically relate it to centrality.MethodsWe carried out a literature review and collected 25 datasets from 18 published papers in the field (several mood and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, psychosis, autism, and transdiagnostic data). We fit state-of-the-art network models to all datasets, and computed the predictability of all nodes.ResultsPredictability was unrelated to sample size, moderately high in most symptom networks, and differed considerable both within and between datasets. Predictability was higher in community than clinical samples, highest for mood and anxiety disorders, and lowest for psychosis.ConclusionsPredictability is an important additional characterization of symptom networks because it gives an absolute measure of thecontrollabilityof each node. It allows conclusions about how self-determined a symptom network is, and may help to inform intervention strategies. Limitations of predictability along with future directions are discussed.
Dub is the new black: modes of identification and tendencies of appropriation in late 1970s post-punk
Authors: Haddon Mimi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis article examines the complex racial and national politics that surrounded British post-punk musicians’ incorporation of and identification with dub-reggae in the late 1970s. I analyse this historical moment from sociological, intra-musical and discursive perspectives, reading the musical incorporation of dub-reggae by The Police, Gang of Four and Joy Division against the backdrop of the era's music press discourse. I also unpack discursive representations of Jamaican musicians and ask: what role does subaltern performativity play in contributing to ‘imaginary’ critical conceptions of dub, particularly concerning the Jamaican melodica player Augustus Pablo? I conclude by suggesting that post-punk musicians’ incorporation of dub-reggae represents neither an unencumbered post-colonial socio-musical alliance nor a purely colonial one, but rather exceeds and therefore problematises these two positions.