bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A statistical study of global ionospheric map total electron content changes prior to occurrences of M ≥ 6.0 earthquakes during 2000–2014
Authors: Thomas J. N. , Huard J. , Masci F. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThere are many reports on the occurrence of anomalous changes in the ionosphere prior to large earthquakes. However, whether or not these changes are reliable precursors that could be useful for earthquake prediction is controversial within the scientific community. To test a possible statistical relationship between ionospheric disturbances and earthquakes, we compare changes in the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere with occurrences of 1279 M ≥ 6.0 earthquakes globally for 2000–2014. We use TEC data from the global ionosphere map (GIM) and an earthquake list declustered for aftershocks. For each earthquake, we look for anomalous changes in GIM‐TEC within 2.5° latitude and 5.0° longitude of the earthquake location (the spatial resolution of GIM‐TEC). Although case studies of individual earthquakes that used short periods of data sometimes yield GIM‐TEC changes that were considered possible earthquake‐related phenomena, our analysis has not found any statistically significant changes prior to earthquakes when considering all 1279 earthquakes together. Thus, we have found no evidence that would suggest that monitoring changes in GIM‐TEC might be useful for predicting earthquakes.
Production mechanisms of leptons, photons, and hadrons and their possible feedback close to lightning leaders
Authors: Köhn Christoph , Diniz Gabriel , Harakeh Muhsin N. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIt has been discussed that lightning flashes emit high‐energy electrons, positrons, photons, and neutrons with single energies of several tens of MeV. In the first part of this paper we study the absorption of neutron beams in the atmosphere. We initiate neutron beams of initial energies of 350 keV, 10 MeV, and 20 MeV at source altitudes of 4 km and 16 km upward and downward and see that in all these cases neutrons reach ground altitudes and that the cross‐section areas extend to several km2. We estimate that for terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes approximately between 10 and 2000 neutrons per ms and m2 are possibly detectable at ground, at 6 km, or at 500 km altitude. In the second part of the paper we discuss a feedback model involving the generation and motion of electrons, positrons, neutrons, protons, and photons close to the vicinity of lightning leaders. In contrast to other feedback models, we do not consider large‐scale thundercloud fields but enhanced fields of lightning leaders. We launch different photon and electron beams upward at 4 km altitude. We present the spatial and energy distribution of leptons, hadrons, and photons after different times and see that leptons, hadrons, and photons with energies of at least 40 MeV are produced. Because of their high rest mass hadrons are measurable on a longer time scale than leptons and photons. The feedback mechanism together with the field enhancement by lightning leaders yields particle energies even above 40 MeV measurable at satellite altitudes.
Worldwide variability in growth and its association with health: Incorporating body composition, developmental plasticity, and intergenerational effects
Authors: Wells Jonathan C.K. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn their seminal book “Worldwide variation in human growth,” published in 1976, Eveleth and Tanner highlighted substantial variability within and between populations in the magnitude and schedule of human growth. In the four decades since then, research has clarified why growth variability is so closely associated with human health. First, growth patterns are strongly associated with body composition, both in the short‐ and long‐term. Poor growth in early life constrains the acquisition of lean tissue, while compensatory “catch‐up” growth may elevate body fatness. Second, these data are examples of the fundamental link between growth and developmental plasticity. Growth is highly sensitive to ecological stresses and stimuli during early “critical windows,” but loses much of this sensitivity as it undergoes canalization during early childhood. Crucially, the primary source of stimuli during early “critical windows” is not the external environment itself, but rather maternal phenotype, which transduces the impact of ecological conditions. Maternal phenotype, representing many dimensions of “capital,” thus generates a powerful impact on the developmental trajectory of the offspring. There is increasing evidence that low levels of maternal capital impact the offspring's size at birth, schedule of maturation, and body composition and physiological function in adulthood. While evidence has accrued of substantial heritability in adult height, it is clear that the pathway through which it is attained has major implications for metabolic phenotype. Integrating these perspectives is important for understanding how developmental plasticity may on the one hand contribute to adaptation, while on the other shape susceptibility to non‐communicable disease.
Enantioselective Synthesis of (2S,3S)‐epi‐Oxetin and Its Incorporation into Conformationally Constrained Pyrrolidinyl PNA with an Oxetane Backbone
Authors: Seankongsuk Pattarakiat , Vchirawongkwin Viwat , Bates Roderick W. , Padungros Panuwat , Vilaivan Tirayut 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFmoc‐protected (2S,3S)‐epi‐oxetin was synthesized from (E)‐4‐(benzyloxy)but‐2‐enal via enantioselective organocatalytic epoxidation, epoxide ring opening with azide, alcohol activation and ring closure, followed by functional‐group manipulation in eight steps with 12 % overall yield and 94 % ee. The amino acid was used as a building block for a new conformationally constrained pyrrolidinyl PNA with an oxetane‐containing backbone. The unexpected sensitivity of the oxetane backbone posed considerable synthetic challenges under standard Fmoc‐solid‐phase peptide synthesis conditions, and a mechanism for acid‐catalyzed degradation was proposed. In addition, the DNA‐ and RNA‐binding properties of the oxetane PNA were investigated. The presence of an oxetane ring decreased the stability of the PNA⋅DNA and PNA⋅RNA duplexes when compared to PNA with a cyclobutane‐containing backbone, which could be explained by the flattening of the oxetane ring, leading to a suboptimal torsional angle.
Causal Models Drive Preference between Drugs that Treat a Focal versus Multiple Symptoms
Authors: Saporta‐Sorozon Kelly , Danziger Shai , Sloman Steven 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis research examines the effects of causal beliefs on drug preference. In three studies, 374 undergraduate participants imagined that they suffered from a focal symptom and then indicated their preference between a drug claiming to treat only the focal symptom (single treatment) and a drug claiming to treat the focal symptom and a nonfocal symptom (dual treatment) they thought resulted from a common‐cause or from a different cause. Participants who thought that the symptoms resulted from different causes significantly preferred the single treatment drug more and the dual treatment drug less than participants who thought the symptoms resulted from a common‐cause. Process analysis yielded a significant mediation effect. Specifically, an individual's causal model determines preference by affecting the estimates of the potential gain and loss associated with using each drug. Participants who held a common‐cause model concerning the source of the symptoms thought they would be more likely to need the nonfocal treatment provided by the dual treatment drug and less likely to suffer from side effects when taking this drug, than those with a different‐cause model. The results demonstrate the influence of causal structure on judgment and choice. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Behavioral Decision Making Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Physiological capacities decline during induced bioprocesses leading to substrate accumulation
Authors: Reichelt Wieland N. , Brillmann Markus , Thurrold Peter , Keil Peter , Fricke Jens , Herwig Christoph 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDuring the cultivation of E. coli for recombinant protein production, substrate accumulation is often observed in induction phase. Uncontrolled substrate accumulation leads to difficulties in transferring or scaling processes and even to failed batches. The phenomenon of metabolite/substrate accumulation occurs as a result of exceeding the physiological capacity to metabolize substrate (qScrit). In contrast to the common understanding of qScrit as ”static“ value, we hypothesize that qScrit essentially has a dynamic nature. Following the state of the art approach of physio logical strain characterization, substrate pulse experiments were used to quantify qScrit in induction phase. The qScrit was found to be temperature and time dependent. Subsequently, qScrit was expressed through a linear equation, to serve as boundary for physiologically controlled experiments. Nevertheless, accumulation was observed within a physiologically controlled verification experiment, although the qScrit boundary was not exceeded. A second set of experiments was conducted, by oscillating the qS set point between discrete plateaus during physiologically controlled experiments. From the results, we deduced a significant interrelation between the metabolic activity and the timely decline of qScrit. This finding highlights the necessity of a comprehensive but laborious physiological characterization for each strain or alternatively, to use physio logical feedback control to facilitate real time monitoring of qScrit, in order to effectively avoid substrate accumulation.
Importance of biofilm formation in surgical infection
Authors: Percival S L 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background
Biofilms are ubiquitous, and have been observed in both acute and chronic wounds. Their role in wound healing and infection, however, remains controversial. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the role and relevance of biofilms to surgical wounds.

Methods
A search of PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science databases was performed to identify studies related to biofilms. Specifically, studies were sought in acute and chronic wounds, and the management and treatment of non-healing and infected skin and wounds.

Results
Biofilms may develop in all open wounds. In chronic wounds, biofilms may play a role in prolonging and preventing healing, causing chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of infection. Controversies exist regarding the methods presently employed for biofilm detection and management and few data exist to underpin these decisions.

Conclusion
Biofilms in acute surgical and chronic wounds appear to cause a delay in healing and potentially increase the risk of infection. Biofilms can be prevented and once developed can be controlled using wound desloughing and debridement.
Recent developments in the surgical management of complex intra-abdominal infection
Authors: Soop M , Carlson G L 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidance on the management of sepsis often applies to infection originating from abdominal or pelvic sources, which presents specific challenges and opportunities for efficient and rapid source control. Advances made in the past decade are presented in this article.MethodsA qualitative systematic review was undertaken by searching standard literature databases for English-language studies presenting original data on the clinical management of abdominal and pelvic complex infection in adults over the past 10 years. High-quality studies relevant to five topical themes that emerged during review were included.ResultsImportant developments and promising preliminary work are presented, relating to: imaging and other diagnostic modalities; antimicrobial therapy and the importance of antimicrobial stewardship; the particular challenges posed by fungal sepsis; novel techniques in percutaneous and endoscopic source control; and current issues relating to surgical source control and managing the abdominal wound. Logistical challenges relating to rapid access to cross-sectional imaging, interventional radiology and operating theatres need to be addressed so that international benchmarks can be met.ConclusionImportant advances have been made in the diagnosis, non-operative and surgical control of abdominal or pelvic sources, which may improve outcomes in the future. Important areas for continued research include the diagnosis and therapy of fungal infection and the challenges of managing the open abdomen.
Update on surgical sepsis syndrome
Authors: Vincent J-L 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is a serious complication in surgical patients, and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and high mortality rates. The definitions of sepsis have been revisited recently. This article reviews how definitions have changed over the years, and provides an update on basic pathobiology and essential aspects of treatment.

Methods
PubMed was searched for reports published in English before October 2016, using the search terms ‘surgical sepsis’ AND ‘surgical ICU’. The reference lists of articles identified in the search were also checked. Other relevant literature was selected based on personal knowledge of developments in the field of sepsis.

Results
Sepsis is defined as the presence of infection plus associated organ dysfunction. It occurs as the result of a dysregulated host response to the infection. Prevention of infection is an important means of limiting the development of sepsis. Treatment relies on source control, appropriate antibiotics and organ support. Research continues in an attempt to identify effective immunomodulatory therapies.

Conclusion
Sepsis is an important and serious complication of surgery, and precautions must be taken to try to prevent infection in surgical patients. If sepsis develops, rapid diagnosis is crucial so that appropriate source control, antimicrobial therapy and organ support can be started early in the course of disease. New techniques enabling a better classification of a patient's particular sepsis profile will enable more personalized therapy.
Molecular Cross‐Talk between Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase Carrier Proteins and Unstructured Linker Regions
Authors: Harden Bradley J. , Frueh Dominique P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) employ multiple domains separated by linker regions to incorporate substrates into natural products. During synthesis, substrates are covalently tethered to carrier proteins that translocate between catalytic partner domains. The molecular parameters that govern translocation and associated linker remodeling remain unknown. Here, we used NMR to characterize the structure, dynamics, and invisible states of a peptidyl carrier protein flanked by its linkers. We showed that the N‐terminal linker stabilizes and interacts with the protein core while modulating dynamics at specific sites involved in post‐translational modifications and/or domain interactions. The results detail the molecular communication between peptidyl carrier proteins and their linkers and could guide efforts in engineering NRPSs to obtain new pharmaceuticals.
Thermally Converted CoO Nanoparticles Embedded into N‐Doped Carbon Layers as Highly Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Kim Hyeonghun , Kim Youngmin , Noh Yuseong , Lee Seonhwa , Sung Jaekyung , Kim Won Bae 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHybrid materials that consist of transition‐metal oxides and heteroatom‐doped carbon materials have been researched recently as promising bifunctional electrocatalysts for both oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen‐evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. Herein, CoO nanoparticles embedded into N‐doped carbon layers were synthesized by a thermal conversion process of polypyrrole‐coated Co3O4 nanoparticles supported on a carbon layer in Ar atmosphere at 900 °C. During the process, the initial Co3O4 phase was transformed to the CoO phase along with the thermal carbonization of the polypyrrole layer to the N‐doped carbon layer. Owing to the oxidative combustion induced by the O species released from the Co3O4 nanoparticles, the N‐doped carbon layer could contain pores around the CoO nanoparticles. Alkaline electrolytes could penetrate the N‐doped carbon layer toward the CoO nanoparticles through the pores. The nanocomposites with the well‐assembled CoO nanoparticles and porous N‐doped carbon layer could exhibit superior catalytic activity for ORR and OER. In addition, the N‐doped carbon layers effectively prevent the degradation of the catalyst by protecting the CoO nanoparticles from aggregation during the electrocatalytic processes. The hybrid material of CoO and N‐doped carbon showing highly active and durable catalytic characteristics for ORR and OER is a promising electrocatalyst in fuel cells, metal–air batteries, and water‐splitting systems and could be used instead of precious metals such as Pt, Ru, and Ir.
System level design and analysis of a fourth‐order continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulator using relaxed gain‐band‐width amplifiers
Authors: Hasanzadeh Mohammad Reza , Abrishamifar Adib 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIn this paper, based on mathematical approaches and behavioral modeling of internal blocks, an algorithm of designing a continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulator (CT ΔΣM) with aggressive noise shaping is discussed. Using proposed methods, the coefficients of modulator can be calculated directly while the finite gain‐band‐width of amplifiers and rise/fall time of digital‐to‐analog convertors (DACs) in feedback path are included in the transfer function of CT loop filter. To decrease the number of amplifiers, a unique resonator is proposed. Also, an extra feedback DAC is introduced to further reduction of gain‐band‐width requirement of last amplifier. To verify the effectiveness of proposed methods, a fourth‐order, single loop, CT ΔΣM that benefits proportional‐integrator element for compensation of excess‐loop‐delay is realized in system and behavioral circuit levels. It has a 4‐bit quantizer, over‐sampling‐ratio of 10, and out‐of‐band‐gain of 12 dB. The peaking in signal‐transfer‐function is alleviated using a feed‐forward capacitor along with proper choosing of rest coefficients. The designed modulator has 78‐dB signal‐to‐noise‐ratio; even the non‐ideal behaviors of amplifiers and DACs are involved in simulations. Independent to sampling frequency, the proposed methods can be applied to other topologies of CT ΔΣMs. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogenic response of prokaryotes toward silver nanoparticles and ions is facilitated by phenotypes and attachment of silver aggregates to cell surfaces
Authors: Guo Yuting , Stärk Hans J. , Hause Gerd , Schmidt Matthias , Harms Hauke , Wick Lukas Y. , Müller Susann 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTons of anthropogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are assumed to be released into the environment due to their use in many consumer products. AgNPs are known to be toxic toward microorganisms and thus may harm their specific functions in ecosystems. Here we explore the impact of AgNPs on functioning of single cells in microbial populations at doses typically found in anthropogenic environments. The response of single cells to AgNPs was analyzed by flow cytometry and using the fluorescent dyes propidium iodide and DiBAC4(3) as markers for cell membrane disintegration and depolarization, respectively. The effects of 10‐nm and 30‐nm AgNPs on three bacterial species (Mycobacterium frederiksbergense, Pseudomonas putida, and Escherichia coli) showed that the populations split into affected cells and others not showing any malfunction, with varying abundances depending on strains and cell growth states. Further, the dissolution of AgNPs measured with 3 KDa ultrafiltration and inductively coupled plasma‐mass‐spectrometry to distinguish particle‐related effects from toxicity of dissolved Ag revealed that Ag ions were the principal toxicant. AgNP aggregate formation was followed by dynamic light scattering and the aggregates’ attachment to cell surfaces was visualized by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. An increased AgNP‐affected cell fraction relative to the Ag ion impact was identified. The study shows that individual cells in a population cope differently with AgNP induced stress by evolving heterogeneous phenotypes. The response is linked to cell death and cell energy depletion depending on cell type and cell growth states. The attachment of AgNP aggregates to cell surfaces seems to amplify the heterogeneous response. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Abundance distributions for tree species in Great Britain: A two‐stage approach to modeling abundance using species distribution modeling and random forest
Authors: Hill Louise , Hector Andy , Hemery Gabriel , Smart Simon , Tanadini Matteo , Brown Nick 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHigh‐quality abundance data are expensive and time‐consuming to collect and often highly limited in availability. Nonetheless, accurate, high‐resolution abundance distributions are essential for many ecological applications ranging from species conservation to epidemiology. Producing models that can predict abundance well, with good resolution over large areas, has therefore been an important aim in ecology, but poses considerable challenges. We present a two‐stage approach to modeling abundance, combining two established techniques. First, we produce ensemble species distribution models (SDMs) of trees in Great Britain at a fine resolution, using much more common presence–absence data and key environmental variables. We then use random forest regression to predict abundance by linking the results of the SDMs to a much smaller amount of abundance data. We show that this method performs well in predicting the abundance of 20 of 25 tested British tree species, a group that is generally considered challenging for modeling distributions due to the strong influence of human activities. Maps of predicted tree abundance for the whole of Great Britain are provided at 1 km2 resolution. Abundance maps have a far wider variety of applications than presence‐only maps, and these maps should allow improvements to aspects of woodland management and conservation including analysis of habitats and ecosystem functioning, epidemiology, and disease management, providing a useful contribution to the protection of British trees. We also provide complete R scripts to facilitate application of the approach to other scenarios.