bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BTW – Bioinformatics Through Windows: an easy-to-install package to analyze marker gene data
Authors: Morais Daniel , Roesch Luiz , Redmile-Gordon Marc , Santos Fausto , Baldrian Petr , Andreote Fernando , Pylro Victor S
Published: February 2018

Recent advances in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) make comparative analyses of the composition and diversity of whole microbial communities possible at far greater depth than ever before. This brings new challenges, such as an increased dependence on computation to process these huge datasets. The demand on system resources usually requires migrating from Windows to Linux-based operating systems and prior familiarity with command-line interfaces. To overcome this barrier, we developed a fully automated and easy-to-install package as well as a complete, easy to follow pipeline for microbial metataxonomic analysis operating in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) - Bioinformatics Through Windows (BTW). BTW combines several open-access tools for processing marker gene data, including 16S rRNA, bringing the user from raw sequencing reads to diversity-related conclusions. It includes data quality filtering, clustering, taxonomic assignment and further statistical analyses, directly in WSL, avoiding the prior need of migrating from Windows to Linux. BTW is expected to boost the use of NGS amplicon data by facilitating rapid access to bioinformatics tools for Windows users. BTW is a Bash script and is available in GitHub ( https://github.com/vpylro/BTW ). The package is freely available for noncommercial users.
Explosive mutation accumulation triggered by heterozygous human Pol ε proofreading-deficiency is driven by suppression of mismatch repair
Authors: Hodel Karl P , de Borja Richard , Henninger Erin E , Campbell Brittany B , Ungerleider Nathan , Light Nicholas , Wu Tong , LeCompte Kimberly G , Goksenin A Yasemin , Bunnell Bruce A , Tabori Uri , Shlien Adam , Pursell Zachary F
Published: February 2018

Tumors defective for DNA polymerase (Pol) ε proofreading have the highest tumor mutation burden identified. A major unanswered question is whether loss of Pol ε proofreading by itself is sufficient to drive this mutagenesis, or whether additional factors are necessary. To address this, we used a combination of next generation sequencing and in vitro biochemistry on human cell lines engineered to have defects in Pol ε proofreading and mismatch repair. Absent mismatch repair, monoallelic Pol ε proofreading deficiency caused a rapid increase in a unique mutation signature, similar to that observed in tumors from patients with biallelic mismatch repair deficiency and heterozygous Pol ε mutations. Restoring mismatch repair was sufficient to suppress the explosive mutation accumulation. These results strongly suggest that concomitant suppression of mismatch repair, a hallmark of colorectal and other aggressive cancers, is a critical force for driving the explosive mutagenesis seen in tumors expressing exonuclease-deficient Pol ε.
Opposite regulation of inhibition by adult-born granule cells during implicit versus explicit olfactory learning
Authors: Mandairon Nathalie , Kuczewski Nicola , Kermen Florence , Forest Jérémy , Midroit Maellie , Richard Marion , Thevenet Marc , Sacquet Joelle , Linster Christiane , Didier Anne
Published: February 2018

Both passive exposure and active learning through reinforcement enhance fine sensory discrimination abilities. In the olfactory system, this enhancement is thought to occur partially through the integration of adult-born inhibitory interneurons resulting in a refinement of the representation of overlapping odorants. Here, we identify in mice a novel and unexpected dissociation between passive and active learning at the level of adult-born granule cells. Specifically, while both passive and active learning processes augment neurogenesis, adult-born cells differ in their morphology, functional coupling and thus their impact on olfactory bulb output. Morphological analysis, optogenetic stimulation of adult-born neurons and mitral cell recordings revealed that passive learning induces increased inhibitory action by adult-born neurons, probably resulting in more sparse and thus less overlapping odor representations. Conversely, after active learning inhibitory action is found to be diminished due to reduced connectivity. In this case, strengthened odor response might underlie enhanced discriminability.
Gender-associated factors for frailty and their impact on hospitalization and mortality among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Zhang Qin , Guo Huanyu , Gu Haifeng , Zhao Xiaohong
Published: February 2018

Background

Frailty associated with aging increases the risk of falls, disability, and death. We investigated gender-associated factors for frailty.

Methods

Data of 3,079 geriatric subjects were retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010 database. After excluding 1,126 subjects with missing data on frailty, medical history and survival, data of 1,953 patients were analyzed. Main endpoints were frailty prevalence, mortality rates and causes of death.

Results

Frailty prevalence was 5.4% in males, 8.8% in females. Significant risk factors for geriatric frailty in males were being widowed/divorced/separated, low daily total calorie intake, physical inactivity, sleeping >9 h, smoking and hospitalization history; and in females were obesity, physical inactivity, sleeping <6 h, family history of diabetes and heart attack, and hospitalization history. Frail subjects had higher mortality rates (22.5% male; 8.5% female) than pre-frail (8.7% male; 6.4% female) and non-frail (5.4% male; 2.5% female). Main causes of death were heart diseases (41%) and chronic lower respiratory diseases (23.0%) in males and nephritis/nephrosis (32.3%) and chronic lower respiratory diseases (17.6%) in females.

Discussion

Factors associated with frailty differ by gender, with higher frailty prevalence in females and higher mortality in males. Gender-associated factors for frailty identified in this study may be useful in evaluating frailty and guiding development of public health measures for prevention.

Key Message

Common predictive factors for frailty among older adults of both genders, including more frequent previous hospitalizations, physical inactivity, and certain gender-associated factors for frailty, are consistent with results of other NHANES studies in which self-reported higher levels of illness and sedentary behavior were directly associated with frailty.
Outplanting technique, host genotype, and site affect the initial success of outplanted Acropora cervicornis
Authors: Goergen Elizabeth A. , Gilliam David S.
Published: February 2018

Acropora cervicornis is the most widely used coral species for reef restoration in the greater Caribbean. However, outplanting methodologies (e.g., colony density, size, host genotype, and attachment technique) vary greatly, and to date have not been evaluated for optimality across multiple sites. Two experiments were completed during this study, the first evaluated the effects of attachment technique, colony size, and genotype by outplanting 405 A. cervicornis colonies, from ten genotypes, four size classes, and three attachment techniques (epoxy, nail and cable tie, or puck) across three sites. Colony survival, health condition, tissue productivity, and growth were assessed across one year for this experiment. The second experiment assessed the effect of colony density by outplanting colonies in plots of one, four, or 25 corals per 4 m2 across four separate sites. Plot survival and condition were evaluated across two years for this experiment in order to better capture the effect of increasing cover. Colonies attached with a nail and cable tie resulted in the highest survival regardless of colony size. Small corals had the lowest survival, but the greatest productivity. The majority of colony loss was attributed to missing colonies and was highest for pucks and small epoxied colonies. Disease and predation were observed at all sites, but did not affect all genotypes, however due to the overall low prevalence of either condition there were no significant differences found in any comparison. Low density plots had significantly higher survival and significantly lower prevalence of disease, predation, and missing colonies than high density plots. These results indicate that to increase initial outplant success, colonies of many genotypes should be outplanted to multiple sites using a nail and cable tie, in low densities, and with colonies over 15 cm total linear extension.
Количественная оценка цунамиопасности и карты цунамирайонирования, "Фундаментальная и прикладная гидрофизика"
Authors: Кайстренко В.М.
Published: February 2018

Приведены сведения о наиболее значительных цунами, произошедших на Дальневосточном побережье России. Критически проанализирован исторический опыт развития методов количественной оценки цунамиопасности побережий. Дан краткий обзор логической цепочки опасность-уязвимость-риск для цунами. Рассмотрены параметры, характеризующие опасность цунами. Дан краткий обзор результатов количественных оценок потерь и разрушений. Рассмотрена вероятностная модель последовательности цунами пуассоновского типа, согласующаяся с данными о проявлениях исторических цунами на Дальневосточном побережье России. Также рассмотрены общие проблемы вероятностного подхода к оценке цунамиопасности. Выявлены параметры такой модели общего вида, определен их физический смысл и описан корректный метод получения их оценок на базе натурных данных о заплесках исторических цунами. Предложены аналитические зависимости для количественных оценок опасности цунами с использованием параметров вероятностной модели. Особо рассмотрена фаза наката цунами на берег. Для зоны одномерного наката построены зависимости максимальных (минимальных) отклонений уровня и максимальных скоростей наката (отката) от горизонтальной координаты, направленной нормально к берегу. Кратко рассмотрена проблема наката цунами с обрушенным фронтом. Обоснован выбор параметров для построения карт цунамирайонирования и приведен пример карты цунамиопасности побережья Южных Курильских островов по h.
Long non‐coding RNA CASC15 regulates gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition by targeting CDKN1A and ZEB1
Authors: Wu Qiong , Xiang Shihao , Ma Jiali , Hui Pingping , Wang Ting , Meng Wenying , Shi Min , Wang Yugang
Published: February 2018

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is responsible for a diverse range of cellular functions, such as transcriptional and translational regulation and variance in gene expression. The lncRNA CASC15 (cancer susceptibility candidate 15) is a long intergenic non‐coding RNA (lincRNA) locus in chromosome 6p22.3. Previous research shows that lncRNA CASC15 is implicated in the biological behaviors of several cancers such as neuroblastoma and melanoma. Here, we aimed to explore in detail how CASC15 contributes to the growth of gastric cancer (GC). As predicted, the expression of CASC15 was enriched in GC tissues and cell lines as compared with healthy tissues and cells using qRT‐PCR. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to demonstrate that high expression of CASC15 is linked to a poor prognosis for patients suffering from GC. Additionally, functional experiments proved that the down‐ or up‐regulation of CASC15 inhibited or facilitated cell proliferation via the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and also suppressed or accelerated cell migration and invasion by affecting the progression of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vivo experiments showed that the knockdown of CASC15 lessened the tumor volume and weight and influenced the EMT process. This was confirmed by western blot assays and immunohistochemistry, indicating impaired metastatic ability in nude mice. CASC15 involvement in the tumorigenesis of GC occurs when CASC15 interacts with EZH2 and WDR5 to modulate CDKN1A in nucleus. Additionally, the knockdown of CASC15 triggered the silencing of ZEB1 in cytoplasm, which was shown to be associated with the competitive binding of CASC15 to miR‐33a‐5p.
On the Diffusion Rates of Electron Bounce Resonant Scattering by Magnetosonic Waves
Authors: Maldonado Armando A. , Chen Lunjin
Published: February 2018

Magnetosonic waves have been demonstrated as effective for bounce resonant scattering. Electron scattering rates due to bounce resonance interaction with magnetosonic waves are derived in a general form, where the effects of the finite Larmor radius, of violation in the first adiabatic invariant, and of latitudinal wave power distribution are considered. Such bounce resonance diffusion coefficients are important, but missing, from radiation belt modeling. Additionally, we provide a parametric study on the electron energy and equatorial pitch angle, magnetosonic wave, and background parameters to identify the factors that determine effective bounce resonant scattering.
Controls on the T Phase Energy Fluxes Recorded on Juan Fernandez Island by Continental Seismic Wave Paths and Nazca Bathymetry
Authors: Sáez Miguel , Ruiz Sergio
Published: February 2018

T phases from 54 South American earthquakes with Mw > 5.2 are observed at a broadband station on Juan Fernandez Island. We computed the T phase energy flux (TPEF) values of the seismograms. The TPEF values show a large dispersion that can be explained by considering the tectonic characteristics of the South American plate and the Nazca plate bathymetry. The TPEFs generated by the 2015 Illapel and 2017 Valparaíso seismic sequences were controlled by the positions of the interface events along the dip. The central and downdip interplate earthquakes were more efficient in the generation of T phases than the near‐trench interplate earthquakes (depths of <15 km). The variations in the generation efficiency with depth are explained by the continental raypaths of the body waves and the incidence angles of waves entering the sound fixing and ranging channel. Additionally, we observed differences in the TPEFs from both earthquake sequences that were controlled by seamounts atop the Nazca plate along the T phase paths.
The Origin of the Moon Within a Terrestrial Synestia
Authors: Lock Simon J. , Stewart Sarah T. , Petaev Michail I. , Leinhardt Zoë , Mace Mia T. , Jacobsen Stein B. , Cuk Matija
Published: February 2018

The giant impact hypothesis remains the leading theory for lunar origin. However, current models struggle to explain the Moon's composition and isotopic similarity with Earth. Here we present a new lunar origin model. High‐energy, high‐angular‐momentum giant impacts can create a post‐impact structure that exceeds the corotation limit, which defines the hottest thermal state and angular momentum possible for a corotating body. In a typical super‐corotation‐limit body, traditional definitions of mantle, atmosphere, and disk are not appropriate, and the body forms a new type of planetary structure, named a synestia. Using simulations of cooling synestias combined with dynamic, thermodynamic, and geochemical calculations, we show that satellite formation from a synestia can produce the main features of our Moon. We find that cooling drives mixing of the structure, and condensation generates moonlets that orbit within the synestia, surrounded by tens of bars of bulk silicate Earth vapor. The moonlets and growing moon are heated by the vapor until the first major element (Si) begins to vaporize and buffer the temperature. Moonlets equilibrate with bulk silicate Earth vapor at the temperature of silicate vaporization and the pressure of the structure, establishing the lunar isotopic composition and pattern of moderately volatile elements. Eventually, the cooling synestia recedes within the lunar orbit, terminating the main stage of lunar accretion. Our model shifts the paradigm for lunar origin from specifying a certain impact scenario to achieving a Moon‐forming synestia. Giant impacts that produce potential Moon‐forming synestias were common at the end of terrestrial planet formation.
Fluid Topology in Pore Scale Two‐Phase Flow Imaged by Synchrotron X‐ray Microtomography
Authors: Khanamiri Hamid Hosseinzade , Torsæter Ole
Published: February 2018

A flow experiment including drainage and imbibition by water and surfactant was performed on a water‐wet Berea sandstone. The three‐dimensional (3‐D) pore scale changes of the fluid configuration were captured under flow using synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography. Euler characteristic of ganglia and connected pathway was calculated to study topology of these entities. In addition, Betti numbers and volumes of the ganglia and connected pathway were calculated to study their contribution in the flow. Results showed that Euler characteristic of the ganglia and the whole phase (ganglia plus connected pathway) versus saturation exhibited hysteresis in imbibition and drainage. However, the Euler characteristic of the connected pathway versus saturation had insignificant hysteresis in imbibition and drainage. Results of the Betti numbers and volume changes in nonwetting ganglia and connected pathway showed that the ganglia contributed to the flow by creating internal redundant connections, volume exchange with the connected pathway and saturation change. Further, the number of redundant connections in nonwetting connected pathway increased in drainage and decreased in imbibition, smoothly in both cases, with insignificant sensitivity to the changes in rate and interfacial tension.
Contributions of Dynamic and Thermodynamic Scaling in Subdaily Precipitation Extremes in India
Authors: Ali Haider , Mishra Vimal
Published: February 2018

Despite the importance of subdaily precipitation extremes for urban areas, the role of dynamic and thermodynamic scaling in changes in precipitation extremes in India remains poorly constrained. Here we estimate contributions from thermodynamic and dynamic scaling on changes in subdaily precipitation extremes for 23 urban locations in India. Subdaily precipitation extremes have become more intense during the last few decades. Moreover, we find a twofold rise in the frequency of subdaily precipitation extremes during 1979–2015, which is faster than the increase in daily precipitation extremes. The contribution of dynamic scaling in this rise in the frequency and intensity of subdaily precipitation extremes is higher than the thermodynamic scaling. Moreover, half‐hourly precipitation extremes show higher contributions from the both thermodynamic (~10%/K) and dynamic (~15%/K) scaling than daily (6%/K and 9%/K, respectively) extremes indicating the role of warming on the rise in the subdaily precipitation extremes in India. Our findings have implications for better understanding the dynamic response of precipitation extremes under the warming climate over India.
Fluorescence Manipulation of Carbon Dots by 1D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wu Yuxin , Shen Huaizhong , Ye Shunsheng , Zhao Xiaohuan , Zhang Kai , Zhang Junhu , Yang Bai
Published: February 2018

Luminescent carbon dots (CDs) hold great potential in the light‐emitting diode (LED) application on account of their high photostability and eco‐friendliness. The utilization of LED in display requires pixel sources of pure and saturated colors. To optimize the broad emission of CDs, a versatile approach for narrowing the fluorescence of CDs via 1D photonic crystals (1DPCs) is developed. The 1DPC reported herein has sandwiched a thicker layer of CDs in the middle of two hybrid periodic laminar structures, yielding a transmittance dip. CDs are utilized as prepared without further purification. The transmittance dip is able to be tuned by altering the thickness of layers. Such background thus permits the adjustment of structural properties to narrow the full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) and manipulate the emission color of LED device (composed of a GaN chip and the 1DPC). The transmittance dip enhances the fluorescence intensity, which is quite different from the traditional color filter such as liquid crystal. Furthermore, the mechanism of fluorescent manipulation is confirmed by the assistance of a finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulation. Such fluorescence tuning not only molds emission properties of CDs but also provides possibilities for the construction of more efficient devices for color purification.
Hollow NiCo2S4 Nanospheres Hybridized with 3D Hierarchical Porous rGO/Fe2O3 Composites toward High‐Performance Energy Storage Device
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Zexiang , Lei Tao , Ai Yuanfei , Peng Zhenkai , Yan Xinyu , Li Hai , Zhang Jijun , Wang Zhiming M. , Chueh Yu‐Lun
Published: February 2018

Hierarchical hollow NiCo2S4 microspheres with a tunable interior architecture are synthesized by a facile and cost‐effective hydrothermal method, and used as a cathode material. A three‐dimensional (3D) porous reduced graphene oxide/Fe2O3 composite (rGO/Fe2O3) with precisely controlled particle size and morphology is successfully prepared through a scalable facile approach, with well‐dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles decorating the surface of rGO sheets. The fixed Fe2O3 nanoparticles in graphene efficiently prevent the intermediates during the redox reaction from dissolving into the electrolyte, resulting in long cycle life. KOH activation of the rGO/Fe2O3 composite is conducted for the preparation of an activated carbon material–based hybrid to transform into a 3D porous carbon material–based hybrid. An energy storage device consisting of hollow NiCo2S4 microspheres as the positive electrode, the 3D porous rGO/Fe2O3 composite as the negative electrode, and KOH solution as the electrolyte with a maximum energy density of 61.7 W h kg−1 is achieved owing to its wide operating voltage range of 0–1.75 V and the designed 3D structure. Moreover, the device exhibits a high power density of 22 kW kg−1 and a long cycle life with 90% retention after 1000 cycles at the current density of 1 A g−1.
Vacuum Deposited Triple‐Cation Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gil‐Escrig Lidón , Momblona Cristina , La‐Placa Maria‐Grazia , Boix Pablo P. , Sessolo Michele , Bolink Henk J.
Published: February 2018

Hybrid lead halide perovskites are promising materials for future photovoltaics applications. Their spectral response can be readily tuned by controlling the halide composition, while their stability is strongly dependent on the film morphology and on the type of organic cation used. Mixed cation and mixed halide systems have led to the most efficient and stable perovskite solar cells reported, so far they are prepared exclusively by solution‐processing. This might be due to the technical difficulties associated with the vacuum deposition from multiple thermal sources, requiring a high level of control over the deposition rate of each precursor during the film formation. In this report, thermal vacuum deposition with multiple sources (3 and 4) is used to prepare for the first time, multications/anions perovskite compounds. These thin‐film absorbers are implemented into fully vacuum deposited solar cells using doped organic semiconductors. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 16% is obtained, with promising device stability. The importance of the control over the film morphology is highlighted, which differs substantially when these compounds are vacuum processed. Avenues to improve the morphology and hence the performance of fully vacuum processed multications/anions perovskite solar cells are proposed.
Fatty Acid Profiles in Sunflower Grains During Storage in Different Environments
Authors: de Carvalho Claudio Guilherme Portela , da Silva Matheus Felipe , Mandarino José Marcos Gontijo , Grunvald Anna Karolina , Ramos Nilza Patrícia , Ribeiro José Lopes , de Paulo Campos Godinho Vicente
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid profiles of sunflower oil extracted from hybrid grains produced and stored in different environments. The trials were conducted in Teresina (Piauí), Vilhena (Rondônia), and Jaguariúna (São Paulo) in randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. After harvesting, grains from 1 high oleic and 3 traditional hybrids were packed in kraft paper bags and stored in a covered shed and in a cold chamber up to 12 months. The fatty acid profiles were determined by gas chromatography after 0, 4, 8, and 12 months of storage. Analyses of variance were conducted in a split‐plot design, with hybrids being considered as whole plots and storage times as subplots. Tukey's test was performed to compare hybrids and regression analyses for storage times. The initial fatty acid profile of the grains of the same hybrid varied depending on the production location. The grain storage of high oleic and traditional sunflower hybrids during 12 months in covered shed and in cold chamber resulted in little changes in oil fatty acid profiles, regardless of the initial contents. These changes occurred only for linoleic and palmitic acids.
Identification of n‐6 Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in Acer Seed Oils
Authors: Sun Jin‐Yue , Wang Xin‐Kun , Smith Mark A.
Published: February 2018

Seed oils from Acer species are a potential source of the nutraceutical fatty acids, nervonic acid (cis‐15‐tetracosenoic acid, NA), and γ‐linolenic acid (cis‐6,9,12‐octadecatrienoic acid, GLA). To further characterize the genus, seed fatty acid content and composition were determined for 20 species of Acer. Fatty acid content ranged from 8.2% for Acer macrophyllum to over 36% for A. mono and A. negundo. The presence of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA), with chain length of 20‐carbons or greater, and GLA were characteristic features of the seed oils. In all species, erucic acid (cis‐13‐docosenoic acid, EA) was the predominant VLCFA with the highest level of NA being only 8.6% in A. olivianum. Regioselective lipase digestion demonstrated that VLCFA are largely absent from the sn‐2 position of seed triacylglycerol, whereas GLA is primarily located at this position. Five Acer species contained low levels (<2%) of cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid and cis‐14‐eicosenoic acid, uncommon n‐6 fatty acids not previously reported from Acer.
Assessing the Sustainability of Urban Water Supply Systems
Authors: Richter Brian D. , Blount Mary Elizabeth , Bottorff Cara , Brooks Holly E. , Demmerle Amanda , Gardner Brittany L. , Herrmann Haley , Kremer Marnie , Kuehn Thomas J. , Kulow Emma , Lewis Lena , Lloyd Haley K. , Madray Chantal , Mauney Christina I. , Mobley Benjamin , Stenseth Sydney , Strick Alan Walker
Published: February 2018

THE PERPETUAL NEED FOR SAFE WATER PRESENTS COMMUNITIES AND UTILITIES WITH 21ST‐CENTURY CHALLENGES; A RECENTLY DEVELOPED SERIES OF INDICATORS CAN HELP IN ESTABLISHING AND MONITORING WATER SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS.
Performance Improvements of Cobalt Oxide Cathodes for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Tian Zhongchen , Yu Hui , Zhang Zhong , Xu Xijin
Published: February 2018

Lithium‐ion batteries are essential mobile power sources for portable devices and energy supplies. Among the various cathode materials, cobalt oxides are the most important materials used in lithium‐ion batteries. But the intrinsic drawbacks of cobalt oxides restrict their wide application. In this paper, we present an overview of current approaches to improve the electrochemical performance of the cathode materials, as well as the capacity and cycling capability of the lithium‐ion batteries.
Particle Measurement Techniques in Fluid Process Engineering
Authors: Lichti Markus , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: February 2018

Droplets, bubbles, or solid particle concentrations and their particle size distributions markedly influence the process conditions. In this article, an overview with respect to popular invasive and non‐invasive local measurement techniques for bubbles and droplets will be given. It starts with capillary suction probes, laser Doppler anemometry and finally covers actual developments in tomography and optical endoscopic measurement techniques. Furthermore, the possibilities and limitations of analyzing particle size distributions with these different methods in various application fields will be discussed.
The competitive reaction mechanism between oxidation and pyrolysis consumption during low‐rank coal combustion at lean‐oxygen conditions: A quantitative calculation based on thermogravimetric analyses
Authors: Ma Liyang , Wang Deming , Xin Haihui , Qi Xuyao , Dou Guolan
Published: February 2018

The evolution of the oxidation‐pyrolysis competitive mechanism during low‐rank coal combustion at lean‐oxygen conditions determines the development of the coalfield fires and the burning loss rate of the coal resource. In the present work, the mass increments of oxygen‐chemisorption were measured and calculated firstly. An abstract shrinking core model was built for distinguishing the oxidation and pyrolysis pathways. On this basis, the consumption rates of oxidation and pyrolysis were respectively calculated with the TGA data obtained under the lean‐oxygen gradient of 21–0 %. The results demonstrate that the oxidation path gradually delays in temperature while the pyrolysis exhibits great temperature stability as the oxygen concentration decreases. Besides, the significant transition of the competitive consumption mechanism exists below 9 % for the oxidation phase before ignition and 5 % for the combustion phase after ignition, respectively. Two temperature indicators of TC1 and TC2 for guiding the optimal fire extinguishing schemes based on the actual oxygen concentrations and temperatures are proposed. Furthermore, 1 % is identified as the limiting oxygen concentration for the development of the coalfield fires where the ignition mechanisms of both the HST and WD coal transform into the homogeneous ignition. The WD lignite, which always maintains the coke state as the burnout mechanism, holds higher reactivity but wider dispersion degrees of combustion compared with the HST sub‐bituminous coal.
Wide Band Gap Non‐Fullerene Small Molecular Acceptors Containing Spirobifluorene and Benzotriazole with Three Different End‐Capped Groups for P3HT‐Based Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wen Xiaoyu , Xiao Bo , Tang Ailing , Hu Junyi , Yang Chunhe , Zhou Erjun
Published: February 2018

Spirofluorene (SF) and benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole (BTA) have been considered as promising building blocks to construct n‐type photovoltaic materials. Herein, three new small molecule acceptors (SMAs) named BTA21, BTA23 and BTA27 with the structure of A2 = A1‐D‐A1 = A2 have been designed, in which SF and BTA were used as a central unit of D and bridged acceptor unit of A1, respectively. In addition, 3‐ethylrhodanine, 2‐(3‐ethyl‐4‐ oxothiazolidin‐2‐ylidene)malononitrile and malononitrile were chosen as terminal acceptor units to modulate the properties of the final SMAs. Three SMAs show wide optical band gaps (Eg) of 2.19, 2.15 and 2.21 eV, respectively, with gradually down‐shift of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels in the order of BTA21, BTA23 and BTA27 depending on the electron‐withdrawing capability of terminal acceptor units. BTA21 shows great advantages with respect to donor poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) over BTA23 and BTA27, such as well energy‐level matching, complementary absorption and proper morphology. Concequently, P3HT:BTA21 shows the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 3.28% with an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.02 V, a short‐circuit current (JSC) of 5.45 mA·cm–2 and a fill factor (FF) of 0.59. These results indicate that the terminal acceptor group end‐capped in SMAs plays a significant role in controlling their optical, electronic, and photovoltaic properties.
Conditional Manipulation of Gene Function in Human Cells with Optimized Inducible shRNA
Authors: Bertero Alessandro , Yiangou Loukia , Brown Stephanie , Ortmann Daniel , Pawlowski Matthias , Vallier Ludovic
Published: February 2018

The difficulties involved in conditionally perturbing complex gene expression networks represent major challenges toward defining the mechanisms controlling human development, physiology, and disease. We developed an OPTimized inducible KnockDown (OPTiKD) platform that addresses the limitations of previous approaches by allowing streamlined, tightly‐controlled, and potent loss‐of‐function experiments for both single and multiple genes. The method relies on single‐step genetic engineering of the AAVS1 genomic safe harbor with an optimized tetracycline‐responsive cassette driving one or more inducible short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). OPTiKD provides homogeneous, dose‐responsive, and reversible gene knockdown. When implemented in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), the approach can be then applied to a broad range of hPSC‐derived mature cell lineages that include neurons, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes. Generation of OPTiKD hPSCs in commonly used culture conditions is simple (plasmid based), rapid (two weeks), and highly efficient (>95%). Overall, this method facilitates the functional annotation of the human genome in health and disease. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Adverse outcome pathway networks I: Development and applications
Authors: Knapen Dries , Angrish Michelle M. , Fortin Marie C. , Katsiadaki Ioanna , Leonard Marc , Margiotta-Casaluci Luigi , Munn Sharon , O'Brien Jason M. , Pollesch Nathan , Smith L. Cody , Zhang Xiaowei , Villeneuve Daniel L.
Published: February 2018

Based on the results of a Horizon Scanning exercise sponsored by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry that focused on advancing the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework, the development of guidance related to AOP network development was identified as a critical need. This not only included questions focusing directly on AOP networks, but also on related topics such as mixture toxicity assessment and the implementation of feedback loops within the AOP framework. A set of two articles has been developed to begin exploring these concepts. In the present article (part I), we consider the derivation of AOP networks in the context of how it differs from the development of individual AOPs. We then propose the use of filters and layers to tailor AOP networks to suit the needs of a given research question or application. We briefly introduce a number of analytical approaches that may be used to characterize the structure of AOP networks. These analytical concepts are further described in a dedicated, complementary article (part II). Finally, we present a number of case studies that illustrate concepts underlying the development, analysis, and application of AOP networks. The concepts described in the present article and in its companion article (which focuses on AOP network analytics) are intended to serve as a starting point for further development of the AOP network concept, and also to catalyze AOP network development and application by the different stakeholder communities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1723–1733. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Sustainable production of sweet sorghum for biofuel production through conservation agriculture in South Africa
Authors: Malobane Mashapa E. , Nciizah Adornis D. , Wakindiki Isaiah I. C. , Mudau Fhatuwani N.
Published: February 2018

The increase in greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions in the world has significantly contributed to climate change, prompting an active search for renewable and sustainable biofuels. Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) is a leading biofuel feedstock that is produced with minimum inputs and does well even in semi‐arid areas with soils of low fertility. However, a sustainable production system for sweet sorghum is not yet established in South Africa. Lately, conservation agriculture (CA) has gained research focus because of its benefits as a sustainable crop production system. Therefore,CAmay offset the negative impacts of intensive agronomic practices during biofuel crop production. This paper reviewedCAas a possible sustainable crop production system for sweet sorghum as a biofuel feedstock.CAenhanced soil quality, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, and increased yield of sorghum and related cereals. It was concluded thatCAhas potential to enhance sweet sorghum production as a biofuel feedstock under semi‐arid conditions in South Africa. Therefore, local field experiments on sweet sorghum production underCAare desirable in South Africa.
In‐Depth Focus on Pipes and Bucks
Authors: McGuire Michael J.
Published: February 2018

The focus of this issue is infrastructure and finance. Some months we have few and other months we have many. In the October 2014 issue, we had only two papers on the focus topic ‐ disinfection. It is not surprising that there are so many articles on infrastructure and finance, which are fundamentally intertwined and popular topics of conversation in our community.
Homocysteine‐Lowering Treatment and the Risk of Fracture: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial and an Updated Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Garcia Lopez Maria , Baron John A , Omsland Tone K , Søgaard Anne Johanne , Meyer Haakon E
Published: February 2018

High plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. Several studies have assessed the possible preventive effect of homocysteine‐lowering B‐vitamin treatment on the risk of fracture with inconclusive results. In the current study, we include new results from the Aspirin Folate Polyp Prevention Study (AFPPS) together with an updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Our objective was to determine whether there is an association between homocysteine‐lowering B‐vitamin treatment and the risk of fracture. The AFPPS trial was performed between 1994 and 2004 in nine clinical centers in the United States, and 1021 participants were randomized to a daily folic acid dose of 1 mg (n = 516) or placebo (n = 505). The main outcome was fracture of any type. In addition, we analyzed the risk of hip fracture. In the meta‐analysis, studies were identified following a search strategy in electronic database and by hand searching. Risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was chosen for pooled analyses. In the AFPPS, no statistically significant association was found between folic acid treatment and fractures of any type (risk ratio [RR] = 0.95; 95% CI 0.61–1.48) or hip fracture (RR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.25–3.89). In the meta‐analysis, six RCTs were included with a total of 36,527 participants. For interventions including folic acid and/or vitamin B12, the pooled RR for treatment was 0.97 (95% CI 0.87–1.09) for fractures of any type (n = 1199) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.81–1.23) for hip fractures (n = 335). In conclusion, no association was found between homocysteine‐lowering treatment with B vitamins (folic acid and vitamin B12) and the risk of fracture. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Microstructures and corrosion behaviors of squeeze‐cast Mg‐4Al‐2RE and Mg‐4Al‐0.5RE‐xCa (x = 0.3, 0.8, and 1.5) alloys
Authors: Chen Yun , Wang Zhiping , Xiong Xinhong , Zhu Chao , Yan Pan
Published: February 2018

To develop low‐cost and ultrahigh strength magnesium alloys, AE42 (Mg‐4Al‐2RE) alloy is modified by adding Ca (Mg‐4Al‐0.5RE (RE = Y, Ce)‐xCa (x = 0.3, 0.8, and 1.5)) to replace the majority of rare earth elements. The microstructures of squeeze‐cast AE42 and Mg‐4Al‐0.5RE‐xCa alloys are investigated by XRD, EPMA, and SEM, respectively. The corrosion behaviors of all alloys are studied by gravimetric measurements and electrochemical tests. Results show that the microstructure difference between AE42 and Mg‐4Al‐0.5RE‐xCa alloys is that with the addition of Ca, dendritic and acicular Al‐RE phases are suppressed and thin acicular Al2Ca or bone‐shaped (Mg, Al)2Ca phases are formed. Because the reduction of Al‐RE phases can decrease the number of cathode and the Ca‐containing phases have lower potential, the corrosion resistance of Mg‐Al‐0.5RE‐xCa alloys is significantly better than that of AE42 alloy. The alloy with 0.8 wt% Ca addition shows the best corrosion resistance, which can be attributed to the effect of mixed oxide film of RE and Ca and moderate Al2Ca phase discontinuously distributed on the grain boundaries.
Lack of Accurate Self‐appraisal is Equally Likely in MCI from Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Pillai Jagan A. , Bonner‐Jackson Aaron , Floden Darlene , Fernandez Hubert , Leverenz James B.
Published: February 2018

Background

How accurate are mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients in assessing their cognitive and functional deficit is often unclear to the clinician. The accuracy of patient self‐appraisal in Parkinson's disease‐MCI (PD‐MCI) has received less attention than amnestic MCI (a‐MCI) often associated with Alzheimer's disease. We evaluated if PD‐MCI patients demonstrate accurate self‐appraisal of their cognitive deficits compared to patients with amnestic a‐MCI or non‐amnestic MCI (na‐MCI).

Methods

This cross‐sectional cohort study included, 30 PD‐MCI, 33 a‐MCI, and 17 na‐MCI patients. Self‐appraisal was assessed by comparing responses of caregivers and patients on a validated self‐rating questionnaire of cognitive and functional impairments. All patients completed a full neuropsychological evaluation and depression screening measure. Univariate ANOVA, regression, and correlational analyses were employed to identify group differences in self‐appraisal scores and relationships between cognitive and functional impairment, depression measures, and self‐appraisal scores.

Results

Self‐appraisal scores for PD‐MCI did not differ significantly from a‐MCI and na‐MCI. In the PD‐MCI group, higher depression scores were associated with lower self‐appraisal scores (i.e, patients assessed cognition as worse than caregivers). In a stepwise regression model with self‐appraisal scores as the dependent variable, only the depression score was significant predictor among PD‐MCI and accounted for 50% of the variance.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that impaired patient self‐appraisal is equally likely to occur in PD‐MCI as in a‐MCI and na‐MCI patients. Among PD‐MCI, depression was the strongest predictor of impaired patient self‐appraisal. Impaired insight into cognitive impairment and depression should be considered in both care and research with PD patients.
The Neuropsychiatric Fluctuations Scale for Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schmitt Emmanuelle , Krack Paul , Castrioto Anna , Klinger Helene , Bichon Amelie , Lhommée Eugénie , Pelissier Pierre , Fraix Valerie , Thobois Stephane , Moro Elena , Martinez‐Martin Pablo
Published: February 2018

Background

Non‐motor fluctuations represent a main source of disability in Parkinson's disease (PD). Among them, neuropsychiatric fluctuations are the most frequent and are often under‐recognized by patients and physicians, partly because specific tools for assessment of neuropsychiatric fluctuations are lacking.

Objective

To develop a scale for detecting and evaluating the presence and the severity of neuropsychological symptoms during the ON and OFF phases of non‐motor fluctuations.

Methods

Neuropsychiatric symptoms reported by PD patients in the OFF‐ and the ON‐medication conditions were collected using different neuropsychiatric scales (BDI‐II, BAI, Young, VAS, etc.). Subsequently, tree phases of a pilot study was performed for cognitive pretesting, identification of ambiguous or redundant items (item reduction), and to obtain preliminary data of acceptability of the new scale. In all the three phases, the scale was applied in both the OFF and ON condition during a levodopa challenge.

Results

Twenty items were selected for the final version of the neuropsychiatric fluctuation scale (NFS): ten items measured the ON neuropsychological symptoms and ten items the OFF neuropsychological manifestations. Each item rated from 0‐3, providing respective subscores from 0 to 30.

Conclusions

Once validated, our NFS can be used to identify and quantify neuropsychiatric fluctuations during motor fluctuations. The main novelty is that it could be used in acute settings. As such, the NFS can assess the neuropsychiatric state of the patient at the time of examination. The next step will be to validate the NFS to be used in current practice.
Time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced MR angiography with single‐echo Dixon fat suppression
Authors: Stinson Eric G. , Trzasko Joshua D. , Campeau Norbert G. , Glockner James F. , Huston John , Young Phillip M. , Riederer Stephen J.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Dixon‐based fat suppression has recently gained interest for dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI, but multi‐echo techniques require longer scan times and reduce temporal resolution compared to single‐echo alternatives without fat suppression. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate accelerated single‐echo Dixon imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution.

Theory and Methods

Real‐valued water and fat images can be obtained from a single measurement if the shared initial phase and that due to
are assumed known a priori. An expression for simultaneous sensitivity encoding (SENSE) unfolding and fat‐water separation is derived for the general undersampling case, and simplified under the special case of uniform Cartesian undersampling. In vivo experiments were performed in extremities and brain with SENSE acceleration factors of up to R = 8.

Results

Single‐echo Dixon reconstruction of highly undersampled data was successfully demonstrated. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced water and fat images provided high spatial and temporal resolution dynamic images with image update times shorter than previous single‐echo Dixon work.

Conclusion

Time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced MRI with single‐echo Dixon fat suppression shows high image quality, improved vessel delineation, and reduced sensitivity to motion when compared to time‐subtraction methods.
Magnetic Nature of the CrIII–LnIII Interactions in [CrIII2LnIII3] Clusters with Slow Magnetic Relaxation
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Qing , Xiang Shuo , Wang Jin , Bao Dong‐Xu , Li Yun‐Chun
Published: February 2018

Two 3d‐4f hetero‐metal pentanuclear complexes with the formula {[CrIII2LnIII3L10(OH)6(H2O)2]Et3NH} [Ln=Tb (1), Dy (2); HL=pivalic acid, Et3N=triethylamine] have been produced. The metal core of each cluster is made up of a trigonal bipyramid with three LnIII ions (plane) and two CrIII ions (above and below) held together by six μ3‐OH bridges. Also reported with this series is the diamagnetic CrIII–YIII analogue (3). Fortunately, we successfully prepared AlIII–LnIII analogues with the formula {[AlIII2LnIII3L10(OH)6(H2O)2]Et3NH⋅H2O} [Ln=Tb (4), Dy (5)], containing diamagnetic AlIII ions, which can be used to evaluate the CrIII–LnIII magnetic nature through a diamagnetic substitution method. Subsequently, static (dc) magnetic susceptibility studies reveal dominant ferromagnetic interactions between CrIII and LnIII ions. Dynamic (ac) magnetic susceptibility studies show frequency‐dependent out‐of‐phase (χ′′) signals for [CrIII2TbIII3] (1), [CrIII2DyIII3] (2), and [AlIII2DyIII3] (5), which are derived from the single‐ion behavior of LnIII ions and/or the CrIII–LnIII ferromagnetic interactions.
Medicinal Attributes of Lignans Extracted from Piper Cubeba: Current Developments
Authors: Godoy de Lima Regiane , Barros Maria Teresa , da Silva Laurentiz Rosangela
Published: February 2018

Lignans are a large class of natural products that have been isolated from many plants. They reveal diverse biological activities, especially antiviral and antitumor properties. From Piper cubeba, lignans of several classes can be isolated from the roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves, seeds, and fruits. Among its various chemical constituents, (−)‐cubebin and (−)‐hinokinin are found in significant quantities. Although they have been known for some time, during the last few decades their biological properties have been studied by several research groups. The cubebins have been identified as a lactol monomer and dimers as a mixture of diastereoisomers. Recently, their structural characterization and the synthesis of the possible structures have led to the correction of some earlier structural proposals. This review describes the more recent developments in the study of the medicinal attributes of cubebin and hinokinin extracted from Piper cubeba and the synthesis and biological testing of some analogues.