bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE UPDATING OF GEOSPATIAL BASE DATA
Authors: Alrajhi Muhamad N. , Konecny Gottfried
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Topopographic mapping issues concern the area coverage at different scales and their age. The age of the map is determined by the system of updating. The United Nations (UNGGIM) have attempted to track the global map coverage at various scale ranges, which has greatly improved in recent decades. However the poor state of updating of base maps is still a global problem. In Saudi Arabia large scale mapping is carried out for all urban, suburban and rural areas by aerial surveys. Updating is carried out by remapping every 5 to 10 years. Due to the rapid urban development this is not satisfactory, but faster update methods are forseen by use of high resolution satellite imagery and the improvement of object oriented geodatabase structures, which will permit to utilize various survey technologies to update the photogrammetry established geodatabases. The longterm goal is to create an geodata infrastructure, which exists in Great Britain or Germany.
Heat, salt, and volume transports in the eastern Eurasian Basin of
the Arctic Ocean, from two years of mooring observations
Authors: Pnyushkov Andrey , Polyakov Igor , Rember Robert , Ivanov Vladimir , Alkire Matthew B. , Ashik Igor , Baumann Till M. , Alekseev Genrikh , Sundjord Arild
Published: April 2018

Abstract. This study discusses along-slope volume, heat, and salt transports derived from observations collected in 2013–15 using a cross-slope array of six moorings ranging from 250 m to 3900 m in the eastern Eurasian Basin (EB) of the Arctic Ocean. These observations demonstrate that in the upper 780 m layer, the along-slope boundary current advected, on average, 5.1 ± 0.1 Sv of water, predominantly in the eastward (shallow-to-right) direction. Monthly net volume transports across the Laptev Sea slope vary widely, from ~ 0.3 ± 0.8 in April 2014 to ~ 9.9 ± 0.8 Sv in June 2014. 3.1 ± 0.1 Sv (or 60 %) of the net transport was associated with warm and salty intermediate-depth Atlantic Water (AW). Calculated heat transport for 2013–15 (relative to −1.8 °C) was 46.0 ± 1.7 TW, and net salt transport (relative to zero salinity) was 172 ± 6 Mkg/s. Estimates for AW heat and salt transports were 32.7 ± 1.3 TW (71 % of net heat transport) and 112 ± 4 Mkg/s (65 % of net salt transport). The variability of currents explains ~ 90 % of the variability of the heat and salt transports. The remaining ~ 10 % is controlled by temperature and salinity anomalies together with temporal variability of the AW layer thickness. The annual mean volume transports decreased by 25 % from 5.8 ± 0.2 Sv in 2013–14 to 4.4 ± 0.2 Sv in 2014–15 suggesting that changes of the transports at interannual and longer time scales in the eastern EB may be significant.
The nodal dependence of long-period ocean tides in the Drake Passage
Authors: Woodworth Philip L. , Hibbert Angela
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Almost three decades of bottom pressure recorder (BPR) measurements at the Drake Passage, and 31 years of hourly tide gauge data from Vernadsky station on the Antarctic Peninsula, have been used to investigate the temporal and spatial variations in this region of the three main long-period tides Mf, Mm and Mt (in order of decreasing amplitude, with periods of a fortnight, a month and third of a month respectively). The amplitudes of Mf and Mt, and the phase lags for all three constituents, vary over the nodal cycle (18.61 years) in essentially the same way as in the equilibrium tide, so confirming the validity of Doodson's nodal factors for these constituents. The amplitude of Mm is found to be essentially constant, and so inconsistent at the three-sigma level from the ±13 % (or ~ ±0.15 mbar) anticipated variation over the nodal cycle, which can probably be explained by energetic non-tidal variability in the records at monthly timescales and longer. The north-south differences in amplitude for all three constituents are consistent with those in a modern ocean tide model (FES2014), as are those in phase lag for Mf and Mt, while the difference for Mm is smaller than in the model. BPR measurements are shown to be superior to conventional tide gauge data in such tidal studies, thanks to the lower proportion of non-tidal variability in the records.
Power, ideology and children: Socialist childhoods in Czechoslovakia
Authors: Tesar Marek
Published: April 2018

There was not one, singular childhood in socialist Czechoslovakia, but many and diverse, plural, childhoods. Spanning over 40 years (1948–1989), the Czechoslovak communist governance produced diverse conceptualisations of childhoods that remain often invisible, unexplored, and the current analyses are at best sketchy and refer mostly to pedagogical nuances of strong ideological pedagogical struggles. One way to explore such an abundance of historical data in a short journal article is to utilise a somewhat personal narrative of a child. This dialogic approach allows the strong presence of the voice of a child, re-told from an adult’s perspective, and it methodologically justifies an approach to thinking and theorising of socialist childhoods through Vaclav Havel’s (1985; 1989; 1990) theoretical thinking that has been utilised in philosophy of education previously (see Tesar, 2015e). There are also other examples of complex and thorough analyses of socialist childhoods in other countries (see for example Aydarova et al, 2016), and theoretical thinking about the socialist child as a foreigner to its own land, can be done through Kristeva’s lens (Arndt, 2015).
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Engineering Management Research, Vol. 7, No. 1
Authors: Taylor Cathy
Published: April 2018

Reviewer acknowledgements for Engineering Management Research, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2018
Comparison of Foliar Verses Soil Application of Micronutrients on the Production of Wheat (Triticum aestivum. L) Crop.
Authors: Arshad Ali Kaleri  , Mukesh Kumar Soothar  , Barkat Ali  , Saeed Ahmed  , Aurang Zaib  , Abdul Jabbar Chandio  , Feroz Gul Nizamani  , Ayaz Ali Pahnwar
Published: April 2018

The present work was laid out to compare the effect of foliar verses soil application of micronutrients on the production of wheat crop at experimental side of southern wheat station Agriculture Research Institute Tandojam, during Rabi season 2016. There were ten fertilizer treatments viz T1= K2%, T2= 1% Zn, T3= B 0.2%, T4= Cu 2%, T5= Mg 1% as foliar application while T6= 6Kg Zn ha-1, T7= 3.5Kg B ha-1 (Borax) T8= 5Kg Cu ha-1 (CuSo4), untreated T9 tried with an standard dose of 230-115 Kg and NP ha-1 was (T10). The experiment was laid out in three replicated Randomized Complete Block Design. It was observed that plant height, tillers plant-1, spike length, grains spike-1, 1000 grain weight and grain yield ha-1 differed significant between all the treatments. Soil application of 6 Kg ha-1 Zn gave maximum grain yield of 5113.33 Kg ha-1, this increscent in yield was associated with significant increase in tillers plant-1 of 20.81.Spike length of 13.84 cm, grain spike-1 of 71.95 and 1000 seed weight was 68.66 respectively. It is concluded that soil application of micronutrients were relatively more effective than foliar application in local soil condition. Among the micronutrients Zn applied at 6 Kg ha-1, followed by 3 Kg Mg ha-1 and 3.5 Kg B ha-1 gave higher grain yield due to increased values in all yield related parameters.
Cómo evaluar conocimientos y competencias en la resolución matemática de problemas en el contexto económico a través de rúbricas
Authors: Masero Moreno Inmaculada Concepción , Camacho Peñalosa María Enriqueta , Vázquez Cueto María José
Published: April 2018

 El uso de nuevos instrumentos para la evaluación de conocimientos y competencias es un reto en la Educación Matemática a nivel universitario. Dentro del marco teórico de este artículo se abordan las rúbricas como una de las herramientas más adecuada para realizar una evaluación formativa. Esta adquiere sentido si se realizan tareas que faciliten tanto el aprendizaje como la evaluación. En este trabajo, se expone el perfil de las tareas de aprendizaje-evaluación a través de la resolución matemática de problemas en el contexto económico. A partir de las relaciones entre los conocimientos y las competencias a evaluar, se diseña una rúbrica en la que se detallan los criterios de evaluación y sus respectivos indicadores de logro para su uso como herramienta pedagógica. La ventaja de esta propuesta es que puede ser adaptada a cualquier otro contexto.
Scientific literature text mining and the case for Open Access
Authors: Sarma Gopal P
Published: April 2018

“Open access” has become a central theme of journal reform in academic publishing. In this article, I examine the relationship between open access publishing and an important infrastructural element of a modern research enterprise, scientific literature text mining, or the use of data analytic techniques to conduct meta-analyses and investigations into the scientific corpus. I give a brief history of the open access movement, discuss novel journalistic practices, and an overview of data-driven investigation of the scientific corpus. I argue that particularly in an era where the veracity of many research studies has been called into question, scientific literature text mining should be one of the key motivations for open access publishing, not only in the basic sciences, but in the engineering and applied sciences as well. The enormous benefits of unrestricted access to the research literature should prompt scholars from all disciplines to lend their vocal support to enabling legal, wholesale access to the scientific literature as part of a data science pipeline.
Water contaminated with Didymosphenia geminata alters fish cell line viability
Authors: Olivares Pamela , Peredo-Parada Matias , Chavez Viviana , Carmona Erico , Astuya Allison , Parodi Jorge
Published: April 2018

Didymosphenia geminata (D. geminata) in Chilean rivers is a complex problem. Its biology and effects on ecosystems is still being studied, at the moment not research has focused on its D. geminata effects at the cellular level. We developed an artificial river system to maintain D. geminata study material and evaluate effects of water contaminated with this diatom on the viability of two fish cell lines. Results indicate that CHSE-214 cells are sensitive to increasing D. geminata extract concentrations, reducing crop viability by 50% when exposed for 24 hours at a 0.01V/V dilution and reducing proliferative capacity by 70% on a 5 day temporal curve. SHK-1 cells showed lower sensitivity, presenting a decrease of 20% in viability at 24 hours, and a lower cell proliferation rate by day 5, but higher than of the CHSE-214 cells. Both lines were affected by exposure to D. geminata extracts, but CHSE-214 lines were more sensitive to polyphenols extracted from the microalgae. We conclude that certain cell types are sensitive to D. geminata in rivers, meaning that chronic effects on aquatic species contaminated with this diatom should be observed. Effects of this plague at a cellular level can be further studied to understand its full impact on river ecosystems.
Cytological observations of transfer of immune complexes via porcine erythrocytes
Authors: Yin Wei , Wang Chun , Fan Kuohai , Sun Na , Sun Yaogui , Li Hongquan
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Although the activation of pathogen phagocytosis via complement system has been studied, erythrocyte-phagocyte interactions in pigs are not clearly understood. Therefore, we sought to investigate the ability of porcine erythrocytes to clear immune complexes by using laser confocal microscopy and flow cytometry to observe the immune adhesion of porcine erythrocytes to fluorescent bacilli and the immune presentation process of transferring fluorescent bacilli to macrophages. Isolated porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) had uniform morphology and size, and a survival rate of 97.2%. The phagocytosis rate was 98.8%. After WT E. coli was labeled with FITC, the bacteria showed a bright green fluorescence, and the labeling rate was 92.3%. When laser confocal microscopy was utilized to observe the co-incubation system of porcine erythrocytes, PAM, and fluorescent E. coli, the fluorescence intensity of bacilli decreased with increasing observation time and even disappeared. Flow Cytometry examination showed that the average fluorescence intensity of PAMs co-incubated with porcine erythrocytes adhered to WT-E. coli-FITC, was significantly higher than that of normal PAMs. Furthermore, when porcine erythrocytes adhered to WT E. coli were incubated with PAMs, the surface mean fluorescence intensity of porcine erythrocytes was significantly higher than that of the blank control group. This shows that PAMs can competitively bind to the oposinized E. coli adhered to the surface of porcine erythrocytes, and these oposinized pathogens can enter macrophages by the process of phagocytosis，which promoting the internalization of immune complexes or pathogens. During this process, the physical morphology of porcine erythrocytes was not damaged, but the levels of its main functional protein CR1-like were decreased.
Acting in tandem
Authors: Battaglia Robert A , Ke Ailong
Published: April 2018

RNA structures called tandem riboswitches allow bacteria to employ complex logical operations in response to nutrient starvation.
Improving Winter Storm Forecasts With Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs). Part 2: Evaluating a Satellite Gap With Idealized and Targeted Dropsondes
Authors: English Jason M. , Kren Andrew C. , Peevey Tanya R.
Published: April 2018

Numerous satellites utilized in numerical weather prediction are operating beyond their nominal lifetime, and their replacements are not yet operational. We investigate the impacts of a loss of U.S.‐based microwave and infrared satellite data and the addition of dropsonde data on forecast skill by conducting Observing System Simulation Experiments with the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts T511 Nature Run and the National Center for Environmental Prediction Global Forecast System Model. Removing all U.S.‐based microwave and infrared satellite data increases Global Forecast System analysis error, global forecast error, and forecast error during the first 36 hr of three winter storms that impact the United States. Data from Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership contributes roughly one third of the total satellite impacts. Assimilating “idealized” dropsondes (sampling over a large region of the Pacific/Arctic Oceans) significantly improves global forecasts and forecasts for all three storms. Assimilating targeted dropsonde flight paths using the Ensemble Transform Sensitivity method for 15 verification dates/locations for the three storms improves roughly 80% of forecasts relative to the control and 50% of forecasts relative to their corresponding experiments without dropsondes. However, removing satellite data degrades only 30% of targeted domain forecasts relative to the control. These results suggest that targeted dropsondes cannot compensate for a gap in satellite data regarding global average forecasts but may be able to compensate for specific targeted storms. However, as with any study of specific weather events, results are variable and more cases are needed to conclude whether targeted observations—as well as satellite data—can be expected to improve forecasts of specific weather events.
The Effect of Droplet Sizes on Overspray in Aerosol‐Jet Printing
Authors: Chen Guang , Gu Yuan , Tsang Harvey , Hines Daniel R. , Das Siddhartha
Published: April 2018

One of the most important concerns of aerosol‐jet based printing (AJP) is the substantial amount of overspray (OS) that can accompany printed traces. In this study, the authors develop a full, three‐dimensional (3‐D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the aerosol carrier gas flow (CGF), that is, confined by an annular sheath gas flow (ShGF) during the AJP process. The authors then use this model to pinpoint the fundamental fluid mechanics principles that control the OS in a standard AJP process as a function of the droplet size distribution and the ShGF rate. In their model, the authors consider the trajectories of various sized, monodisperse droplets in an ink‐stream in order to unravel the manner in which the OS is dictated by the intricate interplay between drop size and both gas flow (CGF and ShGF) rates. Their results explain several experimental results, namely 1) that there is an abundance of smaller sized drops in the OS region at low ShGF rates; 2) that the OS first reduces and then increases as the ShGF rate increases; and 3) that there is no longer a prevalence of smaller particles in the OS region at larger ShGF rates. The authors also discuss the hitherto unaddressed issues related to how 1) the large impact velocity of the ink droplets at the substrate surface (and the resultant Weber number) and 2) the misalignment between the CGF and the cylindrical axis of the ShGF annulus appear to affect OS. The authors anticipate that their analysis will provide an important understanding in the optimization of operating parameters for AJP with respect to OS that can result in an overall improvement in printing resolution.
In Situ Self‐Assembled Polyoxotitanate Cages on Flexible Cellulosic Substrates: Multifunctional Coating for Hydrophobic, Antibacterial, and UV‐Blocking Applications
Authors: Li Ning , Pranantyo Dicky , Kang En‐Tang , Wright Dominic S. , Luo He‐Kuan
Published: April 2018

Surface coating is a powerful approach to fabricate multifunctional materials that are essential for numerous applications. However, to achieve such multifunctional coating with a facile single‐step procedure, especially on flexible substrates, is still a big challenge, as current fabrication protocols usually require sophisticated equipment and complicated procedures. Here, a novel coating technology involving in situ self‐assembly of the polyoxotitanate (POT) cage [Ti18Mn4O30(OEt)20Phen3] is reported to fabricate multifunctional cotton fabrics in a single step. The in situ generated spherical microparticles of 0.8 µm average diameter are firmly mounted on the underlying cotton substrate, imparting the coated surface with robust hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 148.1 ± 5.4°), antibacterial activity (against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus), and excellent UV‐blocking performance (89% blocked at 350 nm). This coating technology is efficient, straightforward, requires no specialized equipment, and most importantly, is readily extendable to other flexible substrates. Combined with the rapidly developing area of POT cages and similar molecular materials, the reported technology based on in situ self‐assembly holds great promise for further advancing the fabrication of multifunctional flexible devices via a single‐step coating operation.
Experimental Characterization of Microfabricated Thermoelectric Energy Harvesters for Smart Sensor and Wearable Applications
Authors: Dunham Marc T. , Barako Michael T. , Cornett Jane E. , Gao Yuan , Haidar Samer , Sun Nian , Asheghi Mehdi , Chen Baoxing , Goodson Kenneth E.
Published: April 2018

Microfabricated thermoelectric generators (µTEGs) are excellent candidates for sustainable power delivery for the next generation of smart sensors and wearable devices through harvesting of waste heat. However, the assembly process and inherently small contact areas for thermal and electrical transport introduce losses which can significantly reduce the effective figure of merit ZT. Further, the form factor of µTEGs makes these losses extremely challenging to quantify. The relative contributions of the thermoelectric film and interfaces greatly impact the choice of materials, device geometry, and maximum power point operation. A comprehensive study of µTEG devices including microfabrication, detailed modeling and optimization, and electrical, structural, and thermal characterization of modules and their constituent films is presented. Using a combination of novel infrared microscopy and thin‐film characterization techniques, the average thermoelectric material properties and the power output as a function of the true temperature difference across the device are isolated. Power outputs as high as 1 mW for a µTEG with 13.8 mm2 footprint and device ΔT of 7.3 K are measured. An order of magnitude reduction in figure of merit for the devices (ZT ≈ 0.03) compared to the constituent thermoelectric films (zT ≈ 0.3), with implications for the selection of maximum power point operation, is demonstrated.
A Spoof Surface Plasmon Transmission Line Loaded with Varactors and Short‐Circuit Stubs and Its Application in Wilkinson Power Dividers
Authors: Zhang Xuanru , Tang Wen Xuan , Zhang Hao Chi , Xu Jie , Bai Guo Dong , Liu Jun Feng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2018

A tunable spoof surface plasmon transmission line (SSP‐TL) is proposed and investigated, which is periodically loaded with varactors and short‐circuit stubs. Compared with the common SSP‐TL with open‐circuit stubs, the proposed SSP‐TL exhibits better compactness and higher tunability. The dispersion and impedance features are analyzed using the T‐matrix method. The proposed SSP‐TL can also be biased in a conventional microstrip bias circuit, and seamlessly integrated into microstrip circuits. As applications, a frequency‐reconfigurable and compact Wilkinson power divider is designed and fabricated using the proposed SSP‐TL as the λ/4 impedance transformer around 1 GHz, which is validated by both numerical and experimental results. It is shown that 35% (or 20%) frequency tunability is achieved in simulated (or measured) results, reducing the footprint to 46% of the conventional microstrip one.
A Novel Histochemical Staining Approach for Rare‐Earth‐Based Nanoprobes
Authors: Huang Jiayi , Hou Yi , Ma Tiancong , Zhang Peisen , Li Yingying , Liu Chunyan , Zhang Boyuan , Qiu Shanshan , Zeng Jianfeng , Gao Mingyuan
Published: April 2018

Rare‐earth (RE)‐based nanoparticles have exhibited broad potential applications in the biomedical field owing to their unique magnetic and optical properties. But until now, there has been no reliable histochemical staining method developed for probing the distribution of RE‐based nanoparticles in different organs and tissues, which is imperative for evaluating the targeting ability and safety profiles of RE‐based nanoparticles used as the diagnostic probe and the therapeutic agent. Herein, the authors propose a novel and effective staining approach for identifying RE‐based nanoprobes in tissues through unique chromogenic reactions between Chlorophosphonazo III and RE3+, which is independent of the element type. More importantly, a staining color analysis method based on the specific RGB range‐selective integration of the stained images is developed for establishing a quantitative relationship between the optical density and RE3+ concentration in the tissue slices.
Anti‐EpCAM Gold Nanorods and Femtosecond Laser Pulses for Targeted Lysis of Retinoblastoma
Authors: Katchinskiy Nir , Godbout Roseline , Hatef Ali , Elezzabi Abdulhakem Y.
Published: April 2018

Retinoblastoma is a cancerous disease that affects the retina, and primarily affects young children. To date, the primary treatment goal of retinoblastoma is to save the child's life, while the preservation of the eye and its functionality are the secondary goals. Reoccurrence of tumors is mainly attributed to the persistence of cancer stem cells. EpCAM+ Y79 retinoblastoma cells behave like cancer stem cells and are recognized as cells that are resistant to treatment. We demonstrate an effective technique to treat retinoblastoma cancer cells, using femtosecond laser pulses and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)‐targeting gold nanorods (Au‐NRs). Complete assessment of the optimal laser parameters required for the development of a translational retinoblastoma cancer treatment is provided. Both an MTS cellular metabolism assay and a fluorescence viability assay demonstrate an astonishing cellular viability drop, to ≈10%. Right after laser irradiation the cellular membrane ruptures. Calculations and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) imaging show that Au‐NRs reach melting temperature after laser pulse exposure. Delivering femtosecond laser pulses directly onto the retina to treat retinoblastoma through the medium of the eye is possible without interacting with its compartments—making this treatment ideal for this type of cancer. This treatment methodology would be an invaluable tool for treatment of chemotherapy‐resistant and radiation‐resistant cancers.
Progress and Promise of Nitric Oxide‐Releasing Platforms
Authors: Yang Tao , Zelikin Alexander N. , Chandrawati Rona
Published: April 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly potent radical with a wide spectrum of physiological activities. Depending on the concentration, it can enhance endothelial cell proliferation in a growth factor‐free medium, mediate angiogenesis, accelerate wound healing, but may also lead to tumor progression or induce inflammation. Due to its multifaceted role, NO must be administered at a right dose and at the specific site. Many efforts have focused on developing NO‐releasing biomaterials; however, NO short half‐life in human tissues only allows this molecule to diffuse over short distances, and significant challenges remain before the full potential of NO can be realized. Here, an overview of platforms that are engineered to release NO via catalytic or noncatalytic approaches is presented, with a specific emphasis on progress reported in the past five years. A number of NO donors, natural enzymes, and enzyme mimics are highlighted, and recent promising developments of NO‐releasing scaffolds, particles, and films are presented. In particular, key parameters of NO delivery are discussed: 1) NO payload, 2) maximum NO flux, 3) NO release half‐life, 4) time required to reach maximum flux, and 5) duration of NO release. Advantages and drawbacks are reviewed, and possible further developments are suggested.
Functional MRI technologies in the study of medication treatment effect on Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Guo Hui , Grajauskas Lukas , Habash Baraa , D'Arcy Ryan CN , Song Xiaowei
Published: April 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of late‐life dementia. Characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, the disease is expressed as gradual memory loss together with decline in cognitive abilities and other brain functions. Despite extensive research over the past decade, the cause and cure of AD both remain largely unknown. Several AD‐associated deficits have been targeted for interventions, including those based on amyloid‐beta, tau, and inflammation hypotheses. Only 2 types of medications—cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine—have been approved, to control the cognitive symptoms of AD such as the loss of memory, language, and executive function. Noninvasive in vivo functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies, including the blood oxygen level‐dependent functional MRI, arterial spin labeling‐based perfusion MRI, and the proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been used to study the effect of ChEIs and memantine in the brain. Most of these studies have demonstrated increased functional activation and connectivity, increased regional brain blood flow and volume post‐treatment, and positive responses of critical brain metabolites reflecting neuronal status and functionality in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment. The findings have contributed to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the medication treatments and support the crucial role of functional MRI technologies in the development and refinement of AD medication therapies.
Multi‐locus phylogenetics, lineage sorting, and reticulation in Pinus subsection Australes
Authors: Gernandt David S. , Aguirre Dugua Xitlali , Vázquez‐Lobo Alejandra , Willyard Ann , Moreno Letelier Alejandra , Pérez de la Rosa Jorge A. , Piñero Daniel , Liston Aaron
Published: April 2018

Premise of the Study

Both incomplete lineage sorting and reticulation have been proposed as causes of phylogenetic incongruence. Disentangling these factors may be most difficult in long‐lived, wind‐pollinated plants with large population sizes and weak reproductive barriers.

Methods

We used solution hybridization for targeted enrichment and massive parallel sequencing to characterize low‐copy‐number nuclear genes and high‐copy‐number plastomes (Hyb‐Seq) in 74 individuals of Pinus subsection Australes, a group of ~30 New World pine species of exceptional ecological and economic importance. We inferred relationships using methods that account for both incomplete lineage sorting and reticulation.

Key Results

Concatenation‐ and coalescent‐based trees inferred from nuclear genes mainly agreed with one another, but they contradicted the plastid DNA tree in recovering the Attenuatae (the California closed‐cone pines) and Oocarpae (the egg‐cone pines of Mexico and Central America) as monophyletic and the Australes sensu stricto (the southern yellow pines) as paraphyletic to the Oocarpae. The plastid tree featured some relationships that were discordant with morphological and geographic evidence and species limits. Incorporating gene flow into the coalescent analyses better fit the data, but evidence supporting the hypothesis that hybridization explains the non‐monophyly of the Attenuatae in the plastid tree was equivocal.

Conclusions

Our analyses document cytonuclear discordance in Pinus subsection Australes. We attribute this discordance to ancient and recent introgression and present a phylogenetic hypothesis in which mostly hierarchical relationships are overlain by gene flow.
A Durable Nickel Single‐Atom Catalyst for Hydrogenation Reactions and Cellulose Valorization under Harsh Conditions
Authors: Liu Wengang , Chen Yinjuan , Qi Haifeng , Zhang Leilei , Yan Wensheng , Liu Xiaoyan , Yang Xiaofeng , Miao Shu , Wang Wentao , Liu Chenguang , Wang Aiqin , Li Jun , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2018

Hydrothermally stable, acid‐resistant nickel catalysts are highly desired in hydrogenation reactions, but such a catalyst remains absent owing to the inherent vulnerability of nickel under acidic conditions. An ultra‐durable Ni‐N‐C single‐atom catalyst (SAC) has now been developed that possesses a remarkable Ni content (7.5 wt %) required for practical usage. This SAC shows not only high activities for hydrogenation of various unsaturated substrates but also unprecedented durability for the one‐pot conversion of cellulose under very harsh conditions (245 °C, 60 bar H2, presence of tungstic acid in hot water). Using integrated spectroscopy characterization and computational modeling, the active site structure is identified as (Ni‐N4)⋅⋅⋅N, where significantly distorted octahedral coordination and pyridinic N constitute a frustrated Lewis pair for the heterolytic dissociation of dihydrogen, and the robust covalent chemical bonding between Ni and N atoms accounts for its ultrastability.
Hydrogels based on alkylated chitosan and polyelectrolyte copolymers
Authors: Palacio Daniel A. , Urbano Bruno F. , Rivas Bernabé L.
Published: April 2018

Hydrogels formed by alkylated chitosan withN‐(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride and synthetic copolymers forming polyelectrolyte complexes are presented. The copolymer polyelectrolytes were synthesized through free‐radical polymerization. Their compositions and reactivity parameters were determined by the Finemann–Ross and Kelen–Tüdos methods. The copolymers have structures that tend to be alternating. The hydrogels were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and water solubility tests at different pH values. For the formation of the hydrogels, they were prepared using different molar ratios of alkylated chitosan and polyelectrolyte copolymers. Their stability was determined by rheological analysis, evaluating the response as a function of strain and frequency. The rheological tests showed that the stability of the polyelectrolyte complexes followed the trend ChT‐CP2 > ChT‐CP3 > ChT‐CP1 due to the presence of greater electrostatic interactions. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46556.
3D Analysis of Human Embryos and Fetuses Using Digitized Datasets From the Kyoto Collection
Authors: Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: April 2018

Three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of the human embryonic and early‐fetal period has been performed using digitized datasets obtained from the Kyoto Collection, in which the digital datasets play a primary role in research. Datasets include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired with 1.5 T, 2.35 T, and 7 T magnet systems, phase‐contrast X‐ray computed tomography (CT), and digitized histological serial sections. Large, high‐resolution datasets covering a broad range of developmental periods obtained with various methods of acquisition are key elements for the studies. The digital data have gross merits that enabled us to develop various analysis. Digital data analysis accelerated the speed of morphological observations using precise and improved methods by providing a suitable plane for a morphometric analysis from staged human embryos. Morphometric data are useful for quantitatively evaluating and demonstrating the features of development and for screening abnormal samples, which may be suggestive in the pathogenesis of congenital malformations. Morphometric data are also valuable for comparing sonographic data in a process known as “sonoembryology.” The 3D coordinates of anatomical landmarks may be useful tools for analyzing the positional change of interesting landmarks and their relationships during development. Several dynamic events could be explained by differential growth using 3D coordinates. Moreover, 3D coordinates can be utilized in mathematical analysis as well as statistical analysis. The 3D analysis in our study may serve to provide accurate morphologic data, including the dynamics of embryonic structures related to developmental stages, which is required for insights into the dynamic and complex processes occurring during organogenesis. Anat Rec, 301:960–969, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hands‐on or no hands‐on training in ultrasound imaging: A randomized trial to evaluate learning outcomes and speed of recall of topographic anatomy
Authors: Knudsen Lars , Nawrotzki Ralph , Schmiedl Andreas , Mühlfeld Christian , Kruschinski Carsten , Ochs Matthias
Published: April 2018

Medical students have difficulties in interpreting two‐dimensional (2D) topographic anatomy on sectional images. Hands‐on and no hands‐on training in ultrasound imaging facilitate learning topographic anatomy. Hands‐on training is linked with active search for patterns of anatomical structures and might train pattern recognition for image interpretation better although the added value on learning outcomes is unclear. This study explores first year medical students’ knowledge in topographic anatomy of the upper abdomen after attending hands‐on or no hands‐on training in ultrasound in a randomized trial. While students in the hands‐on ultrasound group (N = 21) generated and interpreted standardized planes of ultrasound imaging, students in the no hands‐on seminar group (N = 22) interpreted provided ultrasound images by correlation to three‐dimensional (3D) anatomical prosections. Afterwards knowledge in topographic anatomy was measured repetitively by text and ultrasound image‐based multiple choice (MC) examinations. As surrogate for pattern recognition, students rated whether answers were known after reflection or instantly. While intrinsic motivation was higher in the ultrasound group, no differences in the MC‐examination score were found between ultrasound and seminar group instantly (66.5 ±10.9% vs. 64.5% ±11.0%, P = 0.551) or six weeks (62.9% ±12.3% vs. 61.5% ±11.0%, P = 0.718) after training. In both groups scores in text‐based questions declined (P < 0.001) while scores in image‐based questions remained stable (P = 0.895) with time. After six weeks more image‐based questions were instantly known in the hands‐on ultrasound compared to seminar‐group (28% ±17.3% vs. 16% ±13.5%, P = 0.047). Hands‐on ultrasound‐training is linked with faster interpreting of ultrasound images without loss in accuracy. The added value of hands‐on training might be facilitation of pattern recognition.
Non‐Cell Cycle Functions of the CDK Network in Ciliogenesis: Recycling the Cell Cycle Oscillator
Authors: Krasinska Liliana , Fisher Daniel
Published: April 2018

Cyclin‐dependent kinases are Ser/Thr protein kinases best known for their cell cycle roles, where CDK1 triggers mitotic onset in all eukaryotes. CDKs are also involved in various other cellular processes, some of which, such as transcription and centrosome duplication, are coupled to cell cycle progression. A new study suggests that the mitotic CDK network is active at low levels in non‐dividing, differentiating precursors of multiciliated cells, and that it drives ciliogenesis. Manipulating the activity of CDK1 or PLK1 altered transitions between the amplification, growth, and disengagement phases, in a manner analogous to the control of passage through different phases of mitosis. How the dynamics of the mitotic kinase network are controlled in these post‐mitotic cells, and whether other cell cycle regulators are also involved, remains unknown. In the present mini‐review we suggest that the redeployment of cell cycle regulators to control steps of differentiation in non‐dividing cells might be a more general, hitherto under‐recognized, feature of cell regulation.
Sleep disturbances and depression severity in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kay Daniel B. , Tanner Jared J. , Bowers Dawn
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multisystem movement disorder associated with sleep disturbance and depression. Sleep disturbances and depression severity share a bidirectional association. This association may be greater in individuals who are more vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of sleep disturbance and depression severity. We investigated whether the association between sleep disturbances and depression severity is greater in patients with PD than in matched controls (MC).

Materials and Methods

The study sample (N = 98) included 50 patients with idiopathic PD and 48 age‐, race‐, sex‐, and education‐matched controls. Sleep disturbances were assessed using self‐reported total sleep time (TST) on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the sleep item on the Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd ed. (BDI‐II), and the Insomnia Severity Index total score. Depression severity was assessed using the BDI‐II total score, excluding the sleep item. Spearman's correlations, chi‐squared tests, and multiple regression were used to assess associations between sleep disturbances and depression severity in PD and MC. Fisher's Z transformation was used to test whether the association between sleep disturbances and depression severity was stronger in patients with PD.

Results

Shorter TST, sleeping less than usual, and insomnia severity were associated with depression severity in the total sample, rs(94) = −0.35, p = .001; rs(71) = 0.51, p < .001; rs(78) = −0.47, p < .001; rs(98) = 0.46, p < .001, respectively. The association between shorter TST and depression severity was greater in patients with PD than it was in MC, p < .05.

Conclusion

Short TST may be an important marker, predictor, or consequence of depression severity in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Discrepancy between catheter and doppler gradients immediately post transcatheter aortic valve replacement in an underexpanded prosthesis
Authors: Hameedullah Imad , Ahmed Elnazeer O. , Alzoobiy Abdalla , Elkhateeb Osama
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Underexpansion of an aortic bioprosthetic valve is common after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Significant discrepancy between invasive hemodynamic gradients and echocardiographic Doppler gradients in an underexpanded bioprosthesis can be attributed to pressure recovery phenomenon. This case emphasizes the importance of echocardiographic guidance in implantation and assessment of bioprosthetic valve during TAVR.
Selective Oxidation of Cyclohexane to Cyclohexanone Using Chromium Oxide Supported Mesoporous MCM‐41 Nanospheres: Probing the Nature of Catalytically Active Chromium Sites
Authors: Betsy Kurisingal J. , Nayak Chandrani , Lazar Anish , Krishnan Athira , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu , Jha Shambhu N. , Vinod Chathakudath P.
Published: April 2018

Highly dispersed chromium oxide supported mesoporous MCM‐41 nanosphere catalysts have been synthesized using a simple wet impregnation method. This work is devoted to a systematic study to reveal the active Cr sites in chromium oxide supported MCM‐41 nanosphere catalysts for the selective oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone. To probe the nature of the active species, we synthesized 0.5–10 wt % Cr loaded catalysts and characterized them by using XRD, UV/Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis, X‐ray absorption near edge structure analysis, N2 sorption analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, 29Si NMR spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM. The liquid‐phase oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone (99 % selectivity) was performed under mild reaction conditions, and the results reveal clearly that the 5 wt % Cr loaded catalyst was optimum for the reaction. The initial composition of isolated Cr3+ species in the catalyst is the major factor that influences the enhanced activity for cyclohexane oxidation.
Gold Nanoparticles Supported on Imidazole‐Modified Bentonite: Environmentally Benign Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Three‐Component Synthesis of Propargylamines in Water
Authors: Gholinejad Mohammad , Bonyasi Reza , Najera Carmen , Saadati Fariba , Bahrami Maedeh , Dasvarz Neda
Published: April 2018

Gold nanoparticles supported on imidazole‐modified bentonite, Bent@Im@Au NPs, has been developed for the first time as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of propargylamines under mild reaction conditions in water at a loading of 0.07 mol % of Au. Various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and element mapping by scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. The new gold catalyst was found to be highly active providing high to excellent yields of A3 coupling products via the reactions of various aldehydes, having electron‐withdrawing as well as electron‐donating substituents, with different amines and alkynes. The catalysts can be easily recovered and reused without significant loss of activity and the recycled catalyst was characterized.
Controllable Preparation of Uniform Micron‐Sized Barium‐Sulfate Spheres
Authors: Liu Yuejiao , Guo Xiaoyan , Yang Suohe , He Guangxiang , Jin Haibo
Published: April 2018

In this work, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium (EDTA·2Na) is used as a complexing agent to control the preparation of micron‐sized barium sulfate spheres via a precipitation reaction between sodium sulfate and barium chloride at 35 °C. To better characterize the morphology, structure and particle size of barium sulfate spheres and to understand the formation mechanisms, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), laser particle size analyser (PSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are employed. The influence of the reaction conditions such as pH, [EDTA/Ba2+] ratio, [Ba2+] concentration and reaction time are investigated. These parameters affected the size and morphology of barium sulfate. Moreover, this work attempts to provide a primary understanding of the formation mechanism of micron‐sized spherical barium sulfate spheres
Synthesis of Porous Sulfonamide Polymers by Capturing Atmospheric Sulfur Dioxide
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Chen Dong , Chen Nanqing , Huang Kuan , Tao Duanjian , Li Meijun , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2018

The emission of SO2 from the burning of fossil fuel has resulted in a severe atmospheric pollution. The development of efficient strategies for not only capturing but also utilizing SO2 is highly welcome. A simple, mild, and versatile method has been developed that exploits atmospheric SO2 in the synthesis of porous polymers. Inspired by the chemistry of sulfonamides, contorted or bulky monomers with multiple amine groups were cross‐linked by SO2 molecules in the presence of Et3N and I2. The sulfonamide polymers have specific surface areas up to 211 m2 g−1. In contrast to most porous polymers, the porous sulfonamide polymers (PSPs) are soluble in organic solvents, thus offering a chance to study their structures and molecular weights by liquid‐state NMR spectroscopy and gel‐permeation chromatography, respectively. Moreover, these PSPs can be easily processed into organic membranes. The current concept should encourage more studies to design porous polymers with SO2 or CO2 gases as linkages.
Monitoring circulating prostate cancer cells by in vivo flow cytometry assesses androgen deprivation therapy on metastasis
Authors: Pang Kai , Xie Chengying , Yang Zhangru , Suo Yuanzhen , Zhu Xi , Wei Dan , Weng Xiaofu , Wei Xunbin , Gu Zhengqin
Published: April 2018

It remains controversial whether surgical castration prolongs survival rate and improves therapy prospects in patients suffering from prostate cancer. We used PC3 cell line to establish prostate tumor models. In vivo flow cytometry and ultrasonic imaging were used to monitor the process of prostate cancer growth, development and metastasis. We found out that the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in orthotopic tumor model was higher than that in subcutaneous tumor model. The CTC number in orthotopic tumor model was due to burst growth, while CTC number in subcutaneous tumor model showed a gradual increase with tumor size. After androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) through testicular extraction, we constructed GFP‐PC3 subcutaneous tumor models and orthotopic tumor models. We found dramatically decreased CTC number, relieved symptoms caused by the tumor, and significantly prolonged survival time after testicular extraction in orthotopically transplanted prostate tumor model, while the carcinogenesis process and metastases were little influenced by ADT in subcutaneous tumor model. ADT treatment can restrict tumor growth, decrease the CTC number significantly and inhibit distant invasion through inhibition of tumor proliferation and tumor angiogenesis in orthotopical prostate tumor model. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Paclitaxel Conjugates Involving Linkers Cleavable by Lysosomal Enzymes and αVβ3‐Integrin Ligands for Tumor Targeting
Authors: López Rivas Paula , Ranđelović Ivan , Raposo Moreira Dias André , Pina Arianna , Arosio Daniela , Tóvári József , Mező Gábor , Dal Corso Alberto , Pignataro Luca , Gennari Cesare
Published: April 2018

Two cyclo[DKP‐RGD]‐PTX (PTX = paclitaxel) and two cyclo[RGDfK]‐PTX conjugates containing the Gly‐Phe‐Leu‐Gly (GFLG) linker, which is cleavable by lysosomal enzymes, were synthesized and compared to two cyclo[DKP‐RGD]‐Val‐Ala‐PTX conjugates. The conjugates were evaluated for their ability to inhibit biotinylated vitronectin binding to the isolated αvβ3 receptor, retaining good binding affinity, in the same nanomolar range of the free ligands. Cell viability assays were performed for the six conjugates in the αvβ3+ U87 and in the αvβ3– HT29 cell lines. Loss of potency was observed for all the conjugates, attenuated by the presence of a tetraethylene glycol (PEG‐4) spacer. A good Targeting Index (TI = Relative Potency in the αvβ3+ U87/Relative Potency in the αvβ3– HT29) was displayed by the conjugates, in particular by cyclo[DKP‐RGD]‐PEG‐4‐Val‐Ala‐PTX 9 (TI = 533). This conjugate was tested in the αvβ3+ U87 cell line in the presence of 50‐fold excess free cyclo[DKP‐RGD] ligand 2. In this competition experiment, a fivefold decrease of the conjugate cytotoxicity was calculated, suggesting that the conjugate is possibly internalized by an αvβ3 integrin‐mediated process.