bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the importance of time scales when studying adaptive evolution
Authors: Perrier Charles , Charmantier Anne
Published: October 2018

Long-term field studies coupled with quantitative genomics offer a powerful means to understand the genetic bases underlying quantitative traits and their evolutionary changes. However, analyzing and interpreting the time scales at which adaptive evolution occurs is challenging. First, while evolution is predictable in the short term, with strikingly rapid phenotypic changes in data series, it remains unpredictable in the long term. Second, while the temporal dynamics of some loci with large effects on phenotypic variation and fitness have been characterized, this task can be complicated in cases of highly polygenic trait architecture implicating numerous small effect size loci, or when statistical tests are sensitive to the heterogeneity of some key characteristics of the genome, like variation in recombination rate along the chromosomes. After introducing these aforementioned challenges, we discuss a recent investigation of the genomic architecture and spatio-temporal variation in great tit bill length, which was related to the recent use of bird feeders. We discuss how this case study illustrates the importance of considering different temporal scales and evolutionary mechanisms both while analyzing trait temporal trends and when searching for and interpreting the signals of putative genomic footprints of selection. More generally this commentary discusses interesting challenges for unraveling the time scale at which adaptive traits evolve and their genomic bases.
I lie, why don't you: Neural mechanisms of individual differences in self‐serving lying
Authors: Yin Lijun , Weber Bernd
Published: October 2018

People tend to lie in varying degrees. To advance our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms of this heterogeneity, we investigated individual differences in self‐serving lying. We performed a functional magnetic resonance imaging study in 37 participants and introduced a color‐reporting game where lying about the color would in general lead to higher monetary payoffs but would also be punished if get caught. At the behavioral level, individuals lied to different extents. Besides, individuals who are more dishonest showed shorter lying response time, whereas no significant correlation was found between truth‐telling response time and the degree of dishonesty. At the neural level, the left caudate, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) were key regions reflecting individual differences in making dishonest decisions. The dishonesty associated activity in these regions decreased with increased dishonesty. Subsequent generalized psychophysiological interaction analyses showed that individual differences in self‐serving lying were associated with the functional connectivity among the caudate, vmPFC, IFG, and dlPFC. More importantly, regardless of the decision types, the neural patterns of the left caudate and vmPFC during the decision‐making phase could be used to predict individual degrees of dishonesty. The present study demonstrated that lying decisions differ substantially from person to person in the functional connectivity and neural activation patterns which can be used to predict individual degrees of dishonesty.
Generalized fuzzy soft sets theory‐based novel hybrid ensemble credit scoring model
Authors: Xu Dayu , Zhang Xuyao , Feng Hailin
Published: October 2018

In banking and peer‐to‐peer loan applicant firms, customer credit scores have numerous applications in risk control and precision marketing. Numerous credit scoring techniques act as classification methods. In this paper, the main issue is simultaneous and hybrid utilization of the feature selection (FS) algorithm and ensemble learning classification algorithms with respect to their parameter settings to achieve higher performance in the proposed credit scoring model. As a result, this paper reports a hybrid data mining model of generalized fuzzy soft sets (GFSS) theory‐based ensemble learning classification algorithms based on three stages. The first stage addresses data gathering and preprocessing. The second stage uses the adaptive elastic net‐based FS algorithm to eliminate irrelevant or weakly correlated variables. After the appropriate variables are chosen, they are applied to the proposed ensemble model. In the third stage, GFSS theory is exploited to construct a novel weight assignment mechanism for each individual credit scoring model in the ensemble model according to performance. Several comparisons are conducted to validate the proposed model using real world credit datasets. The experimental results, analysis, and statistical tests prove the ability of the proposed approach to improve classification performance against all of the base classifier, hybrid, and combination methods in terms of average accuracy, area under the curve, H‐measure, and Brier score.
The impact of global financial crisis on conventional and Islamic banks in the GCC countries
Authors: Salih Abdalla , Ghecham Mahieddine Adnan , Al‐Barghouthi Sameer
Published: October 2018

Using large dataset from audited financial statements of 81 banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, this article aims at assessing the performance of Islamic banks and conventional banks during the 2008 financial crisis. Unlike major studies that explored this area of study in the GCC countries, this paper investigates the performance of both types of banks before, during, and after the 2008 financial crisis, while covering four different financial performance measures, namely, efficiency, profitability, liquidity, and solvency. Moreover, this investigation is undertaken while covering a larger time span (2006–2012) than perhaps all similar works that covered similar study on the GCC region. With the use of mixed‐effect linear regression, the paper shows that, compared with Islamic banks, conventional banks have sustained a better performance over the 2006–2012 period in relation to efficiency and return on assets. In this context, the paper puts a note on the shortcomings of the institutional arrangement of the Islamic banks that impeded their performance during the crisis as well as on the active role of GCC governments during the financial crash.
Prioritization of Flood Vulnerability Zones Using Remote Sensing and GIS for Hydrological Modelling
Authors: Anees Mohd Talha , Abdullah K. , Nawawi M.N.M. , A. Rahman Nik Norulaini Nik , Ismail Ahmad Zuhdi , Syakir M.I. , Abdul Kadir Mohd Omar
Published: October 2018

Remote sensing and geographic information system techniques were used for prioritization of flood vulnerability zones based on integrated parameters. Estimation of various linear and shape morphometric parameters, spatial and temporal land use and land cover changes (2005–2015), soil loss and sediment yield were performed for each river basin and utilized for the flood vulnerability zones. Further, ranks were assigned on the basis of changes in the parameters' value in areas/distribution of areas. To prioritize, five categories were classified: ‘very high’, ‘high’, ‘medium’, ‘low’ and ‘very low’ in terms of priority. The final prioritization of the integrated analysis revealed that 16 and 5 river basins fall under high and very high priority respectively. It is concluded that these river basins will be selected to conduct hydrological modelling for flood analysis. Validation results support the presented methodology and showed that in the 2014 Kelantan flood, the water level rose drastically in high and very high priority river basins situated in midstream. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implications of the opioid epidemic for critical care practice
Authors: Erstad Brian L.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this paper is to consider the implications of the opioid epidemic for the critical care practitioner and provide recommendations to try to reduce the likelihood of opioid over‐prescribing. The medical literature pertaining to the current opioid epidemic has focused on opioid overdose and deaths associated with the chronic use of opioids, but the issue has implications for the critical care pharmacist because excessive prescribing during hospitalization and at discharge may lead to chronic use. Guidelines are available concerning pain assessment and control in the critical care setting, but the evidence base supporting these recommendations is limited and often based on extrapolations from postoperative pain studies. While current pain management guidelines pertaining to critically ill patients place more emphasis and recommendations on nonopioid agents as adjuncts to opioids for severe pain, the recommendations for these adjuncts are tempered by a lack of higher‐level evidence supporting their use and concerns related to adverse effects. Efforts to control opioid over‐prescribing begin in the intensive care unit (ICU) with implementation of recommendations from current clinical practice guidelines that recommend appropriate assessments. After the ICU stay, attention should be focused on prescribing practices associated with patients' transition of care from hospital to home or other care facility, because this is where acute‐to‐chronic use is most likely to occur. Clinical pharmacist involvement in follow‐up clinics postdischarge has the potential to improve patients' pain control by optimizing medication use.
Can large active‐space CASSCF calculation make sense to the reaction analysis of iron complex? A benchmark study of methane oxidation reaction by FeO+
Authors: Nakatani Naoki , Hada Masahiko
Published: October 2018

A methane oxidation reaction by FeO+ cation was theoretically investigated based on the density functional theory (DFT) and the complete active‐space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) method as well as the coupled‐cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples (CCSD(T)) to explore the active‐space dependency to computational analyses in such strongly correlated reaction systems. A small active‐space CASSCF(5e in 5o) calculation, which only includes five 3d orbitals of the Fe atom in the active‐space, showed remarkable difference both in energy and geometry compared to those computed by the DFT and CCSD(T) methods. Interestingly, a large active‐space CASSCF(17e in 17o) calculation, which includes almost all the valence orbitals gives a qualitative agreement with either the DFT or the CCSD(T) results in the first half part of the reaction, although it varies from them in the latter half part. Therefore, it is indicated that the active‐space dependency is serious in some part of the reaction and the small active‐space CASSCF might lead a wrong discussion. We further investigated the optimized geometry of the intermediate complex with the small and the large active‐space CASSCF methods as well as the CCSD(T) method, and found that the CASSCF(5e in 5o)‐optimized geometry is considerably different from the others. In consequence, a small active‐space CASSCF/CASPT2 calculation does not really work for such a strongly correlated reaction system even qualitatively, and a sophisticated assessment using the large active‐space CASSCF/CASPT2 method will be indispensable. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visualization of myelinated fiber bundles orientation during brain slice preparation by reflection polarized light microscopy
Authors: Takata Norio , Kusayanagi Kohei , Maruyama Hironori , Eitai Kenji , Abo Masaaki , Akiyama Fumihiko , Tajima Ryo , Inaba Shinsuke , Tanaka Kenji F. , Mimura Masaru , Sanaka Kaoru
Published: October 2018

Polarized light imaging (PLI) enables detecting the orientation of myelinated axon bundles in brain slices at microscopic resolution without histological staining. However, standard PLI requires labor‐intensive procedures such as mounting brain cryosections on slide glasses. We developed an optical system that does not require a mounting procedure for PLI. Specifically, we developed an optical system to perform PLI in reflection mode (rPLI) instead of employing transmitted light as in standard PLI. We integrated this rPLI system with a conventional vibratome slicer whose cutting blade surface is a mirror. This combination allowed PLI measurements directly during the slicing procedure at room temperature. Thus, mounting procedure for PLI is not necessary. As a proof‐of‐concept experiment, a perfusion‐fixed brain of a mouse was embedded in gelatin‐containing agar and cut serially at 40~200 μm intervals. The slicing procedure was temporarily halted after each cut to capture the PLI images of the slice on the reflecting blade surface while the slice was still held up by the agar block. The orientation of the fiber bundle estimated with this method agreed with the results obtained from previous reports. Combination of a popular vibratome slicer and our rPLI system that uses versatile and inexpensive optical components would increase popularity of PLI and facilitates connectome studies at microscopic resolution.

Research Highlights

Polarized light imaging (PLI) of brain slices was realized by using reflected light (rPLI) instead of transmitted light.

The rPLI method allows detecting the myelinated fiber bundle orientation during slice preparation.
3D measurements of micro‐objects based on monocular wide‐field optical microscopy with extended depth of field
Authors: Qu Yufu , Zhang Ping , Hu Yongbo
Published: October 2018

Monocular rotational microscopes suffer from shallow depth of field and reduced field of view. Consequently, we propose monocular wide‐field optical microscopy with extended depth of field to enable accurate 3D measurements of micro‐objects. We use a liquid lens and a 4f system to extend the system's depth of field and two additional rotational reflectors to capture multi‐view image sequences. In addition, we increase the number of expansion directions in the patch‐based multi‐view stereo algorithm and optimize the expansion radius. Our approach outperforms that based on the patch‐based multi‐view stereo method and achieves a high relative measurement accuracy of 1.9%.

Research Highlights

This study proposes 3D measurements of micro‐objects via monocular rotational microscopy.

The depth of field is extended by the use of a liquid lens and a 4f system.

Our approach outperforms that based on the patch‐based multi‐view stereo method and achieves a high relative measurement accuracy of 1.9%.
Classification of acute lymphoblastic leukemia using deep learning
Authors: Rehman Amjad , Abbas Naveed , Saba Tanzila , Rahman Syed Ijaz ur , Mehmood Zahid , Kolivand Hoshang
Published: October 2018

Acute Leukemia is a life‐threatening disease common both in children and adults that can lead to death if left untreated. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) spreads out in children's bodies rapidly and takes the life within a few weeks. To diagnose ALL, the hematologists perform blood and bone marrow examination. Manual blood testing techniques that have been used since long time are often slow and come out with the less accurate diagnosis. This work improves the diagnosis of ALL with a computer‐aided system, which yields accurate result by using image processing and deep learning techniques. This research proposed a method for the classification of ALL into its subtypes and reactive bone marrow (normal) in stained bone marrow images. A robust segmentation and deep learning techniques with the convolutional neural network are used to train the model on the bone marrow images to achieve accurate classification results. Experimental results thus obtained and compared with the results of other classifiers Naïve Bayesian, KNN, and SVM. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method achieved 97.78% accuracy. The obtained results exhibit that the proposed approach could be used as a tool to diagnose Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and its sub‐types that will definitely assist pathologists.
Using MRI to study the alterations in liver blood flow, perfusion, and oxygenation in response to physiological stress challenges: Meal, hyperoxia, and hypercapnia
Authors: Cox Eleanor F. , Palaniyappan Naaventhan , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Guha I. Neil , Francis Susan T.
Published: October 2018

Background

Noninvasive assessment of dynamic changes in liver blood flow, perfusion, and oxygenation using MRI may allow detection of subtle hemodynamic alterations in cirrhosis.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of measuring dynamic liver blood flow, perfusion, and T2* alterations in response to meal, hypercapnia, and hyperoxia challenges.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Ten healthy volunteers (HV) and 10 patients with compensated cirrhosis (CC).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T; phase contrast, arterial spin labeling, and mapping.

Assessment

Dynamic changes in portal vein and hepatic artery blood flow (using phase contrast MRI), liver perfusion (using arterial spin labeling), and blood oxygenation ( mapping) following a meal challenge (660 kcal), hyperoxia (target PETO2 of 500 mmHg), and hypercapnia (target increase PETCO2 of ∼6 mmHg).

Statistical Tests

Tests between baseline and each challenge were performed using a paired two‐tailed t‐test (parametric) or Wilcoxon‐signed‐ranks test (nonparametric). Repeatability and reproducibility were determined by the coefficient of variation (CoV).

Results

Portal vein velocity increased following the meal (70 ± 9%, P < 0.001) and hypercapnic (7 (5–11)%, P = 0.029) challenge, while hepatic artery flow decreased (–30 ± 18%, P = 0.005) following the meal challenge in HV. In CC patients, portal vein velocity increased (37 ± 13%, P = 0.012) without the decrease in hepatic artery flow following the meal. In both groups, the meal increased liver perfusion (HV: 82 ± 50%, P < 0.0001; CC: 27 (16–42)%, P = 0.011) with faster arrival time of blood (HV: –54 (–56‐30)%, P = 0.074; CC: –42 ± 32%, P = 0.005). In HVs, increased after the meal and in response to hyperoxia, with a decrease in hypercapnia (6 ± 8% P = 0.052; 3 ± 5%, P = 0.075; –5 ± 6%, P = 0.073, respectively), but no change in CC patients. Baseline between‐session CoV <15% for blood flow and <10% for measures.

Data Conclusion

Dynamic changes in liver perfusion, blood flow, and oxygenation following a meal, hyperoxic, and hypercapnic challenges can be measured using noninvasive MRI and potentially be used to stratify patients with cirrhosis.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1577–1586.
Quantification of biventricular strain and assessment of ventriculo–ventricular interaction in pulmonary arterial hypertension using exercise cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and myocardial feature tracking
Authors: Lin Aaron C.W. , Seale Helen , Hamilton‐Craig Christian , Morris Norman R. , Strugnell Wendy
Published: October 2018

Background

Right ventricular (RV) failure is the main cause of mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Exercise testing helps identify early RV maladaptation and systolic dysfunction and facilitates therapy. Myocardial strain has been shown to be more sensitive than ejection fraction (EF) in detecting subclinical ventricular contractile dysfunction. Chronic pressure overload in PAH had been associated with changes in left ventricular (LV) filling.

Purpose

To compare biventricular strains and ventriculo–ventricular interaction in PAH and controls using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (cMRI‐FT) and to determine the reproducibility of strain analysis.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Nine PAH and nine control subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T MRI balanced steady state free precession.

Assessment

RV and LV longitudinal strain (EllRV and EllLV) were derived using the mid‐axial images. Radial (ErrLV) and circumferential strain (EccLV) were derived using the mid‐ventricular short‐axis images. Relationships between strain and volumetric parameters were assessed at rest and during submaximal in‐magnet exercise.

Statistical Tests

Comparison of rest‐to‐exercise data between PAH and controls was analyzed using two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance. The relationship between volumetric parameters and cMRI‐FT were assessed using Pearson's correlation. Reproducibility was assessed by using Bland–Altman plots.

Results

PAH had significantly lower EllRV at rest (−16.6 ± 2.7 vs. −20.1 ± 3.6, P = 0.03) despite normal RVEF. During exercise, RV systolic contractile reserve measured by EllRV was significantly reduced in PAH (PInteraction = 0.02). In PAH, indexed RV end‐systolic volume (ESVi) significantly correlated with EccLV and ErrLV at rest (r = −0.65 and r = −0.70, P < 0.05) and with ErrLV during exercise (r = −0.43, P < 0.05). High observer agreement was demonstrated.

Data Conclusion

Despite normal resting RVEF, RV systolic function and contractile reserve as measured by EllRV was significantly reduced in PAH. The close relation between RVESVi with EccLV and ErrLV provides evidence of systolic ventriculo–ventricular interaction in PAH. Exercise cMRI‐FT may provide a quantitative metric for detection of subclinical RV dysfunction in PAH.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1427–1436.
Pharmacokinetic and metabolic studies of Vortioxetine in rats using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guan Su , Zou Yake , Jia Bingjie , Wu Lvying , Yang Zhicheng , Yuan Fang , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2018

Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant that has been recently utilized globally. Vortioxetine hemi‐hydrochloride is a novel salt that was previously reported in our research. However, the pharmacokinetics of this salt and the metabolites of Vortioxetine in vivo remain unknown. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of the Vortioxetine hemi‐hydrochloride salt is explored in rats through a newly developed ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method. In addition, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry was used to identify the metabolites of Vortioxetine in vivo. The results demonstrate that after a single, 3 mg/kg oral dose, the maximum concentration for the Vortioxetine hemi‐hydrochloride salt is 14.63 ± 4.00 ng/mL, and is attained in 1.00∼4.00 h. The area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to 24 h is 67.30 ± 23.78 ng·h·mL−1. Additionally, 29 metabolites were identified after the oral administration of 10 mg/kg, including 17 metabolites in the plasma, nine in the urine, and 12 in the feces. Eleven metabolites were novel. The major metabolic pathways include methylation, hydroxylation, oxidation, and glucuronidation. In conclusion, this study provides insight for further development of the Vortioxetine hemi‐hydrochloride salt.
Spectra and satisfiability for logics with successor and a unary function
Authors: Milchior Arthur
Published: October 2018

We investigate the expressive power of two logics, both with the successor function: first‐order logic with an uninterpreted function, and existential monadic second order logic—that is first‐order logic over words—, with multiplication by a constant b. We prove that all b‐recognizable sets are spectra of those logics. Furthermore, it is proven that some encoding of the set of halting times of a non‐deterministic 2‐counter automaton is also a spectrum. This yields undecidability of the finite satisfiability problem for those logics. Finally, it is shown that first‐order logic with one uninterpreted function and successor can encode quickly increasing functions, such as the Knuth's up‐arrows.
Comparative study of gut microbiota in wild and captive Malaysian Mahseer (Tor tambroides)
Authors: Tan Chun K. , Natrah Ikhsan , Suyub Iswan B. , Edward Marilyn J. , Kaman Nazrien , Samsudin Anjas A.
Published: October 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify and compare the gut microbial community of wild and captive Tor tambroides through 16S rDNA metagenetic sequencing followed by functions prediction.

Methods and results

The library of 16S rDNA V3‐V4 hypervariable regions of gut microbiota was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. The sequencing data were analyzed using Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology (QIIME) pipeline and Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt). The most abundant bacterial phyla in both wild and captive T. tambroides were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Cetobacterium spp., Peptostreptococcaceae family, Bacteroides spp., Phosphate solubilizing bacteria PSB‐M‐3, and Vibrio spp. were five most abundant OTU in wild T. tambroides as compared to Cetobacterium spp., Citrobacter spp., Aeromonadaceae family, Peptostreptococcaceae family and Turicibacter spp. in captive T. tambroides.

Conclusion

In this study, the specimens of the wild T. tambroides contain more diverse gut microbiota than of the captive ones. The results suggested that Cetobacterium spp. is one of the core microbiota in guts of T. tambroides. Besides, high abundant Bacteroides spp., Citrobacter spp., Turicibacter spp., and Bacillus spp. may provide important functions in T. tambroides guts.

Significance and impact of the study

The results of this study provide significant information of T. tambroides gut microbiota for further understanding of their physiological functions including growth and disease resistance.
Antimicrobial peptides: Promising alternatives in the post feeding antibiotic era
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Dou Xiujing , Song Jing , Lyu Yinfeng , Zhu Xin , Xu Lin , Li Weizhong , Shan Anshan
Published: October 2018

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), critical components of the innate immune system, are widely distributed throughout the animal and plant kingdoms. They can protect against a broad array of infection‐causing agents, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, and tumor cells, and also exhibit immunomodulatory activity. AMPs exert antimicrobial activities primarily through mechanisms involving membrane disruption, so they have a lower likelihood of inducing drug resistance. Extensive studies on the structure‐activity relationship have revealed that net charge, hydrophobicity, and amphipathicity are the most important physicochemical and structural determinants endowing AMPs with antimicrobial potency and cell selectivity. This review summarizes the recent advances in AMPs development with respect to characteristics, structure‐activity relationships, functions, antimicrobial mechanisms, expression regulation, and applications in food, medicine, and animals.
Design of compact wideband bandpass filter with broad stopband using hybrid HMSIW and open‐circuit tri‐section stepped impedance resonators
Authors: Li Daotong , Yu Yaqing , Tang Ming‐Chun , Shi Ting
Published: October 2018

A compact wideband bandpass filter (BPF) with broad stopband using hybrid half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) resonator and open‐circuit tri‐section SIRs (OTSIRs) is proposed. A BPF with 3 transmission poles (TPs) and 3 transmission zeros is obtained by cascading the HMSIW resonator and OTSIRs using J and K inverters. A demonstrated wideband BPF with the stopband up to 4.4 times the designed center frequency for a 20 dB rejection level is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results verify the predicted attractive features.
5 Important Points When Inspecting Pins
Authors: Beising Michael
Published: October 2018

3D pin‐inspection is a complex task and there are several important points to remember when dealing with the best way to position the connector, the different materials of metal and plastic surfaces, the extreme height differences, and disturbing reflections. There is always more than one solution and only a few are mentioned here with also some difficulties that can occur.
Infrared Cameras in Electronics Development
Authors: Czech Torsten
Published: October 2018

There has been a distinct trend in electronics development in the last few years: Packing density is increasing. Today, modern smartphones are much more powerful than they were only a few years ago, yet they are no bigger. The same applies to IT devices, automobile electronics, and consumer electronics. Accordingly, problems caused by heating must be looked out for with great care. Modern infrared measurement technology is an important aid in this regard.
Opportunities for Hyperspectral and Multispectral Imaging
Authors: Bouyé Clémentine , Tsamba Corinne
Published: October 2018

The farming industry is facing big societal and environmental challenges: an ever‐growing population, the necessity of more sustainability in food production, and the demand from consumers for higher food safety. To overcome these challenges, the agriculture industry is transforming from a traditional industry to an innovative one. Robots, drones, automated harvester will become common tools in farms. These machines will be equipped with sensors to help farmers monitor and enhance crop yield. The need for reliable and low‐cost sensors providing highly valuable information is a huge opportunity for hyperspectral and multispectral imaging (HSI and MSI).
Monitoring Tasks in 3D Printing
Authors: Winkler Erich
Published: October 2018

3D printing is currently experiencing a genuine boom. Whereas 3D printers were originally intended only for the production of prototypes and for the production of individual parts, they have since been used for series production, too. To create high quality products, precise guidance of the print head, and accurate positioning are required. Reliable real‐time control is, e.g., provided by the high precision optoNCDT 1420 laser sensors from Micro‐Epsilon.
Integrated Pierce Detection in Fiber Lasers
Authors: Richmond Mark
Published: October 2018

Piercing is a necessary but time consuming step in sheet metal cutting, particularly in thicker materials. Knowing exactly when pierce through is achieved is key to cutting efficiency, by eliminating wasted dwell time. Pierce detection has been a high priced optional extra on top end cutting process head but its uptake has to date been limited. SPI Lasers has developed a novel sensor within the laser that looks at back reflected light from the work piece. This provides a signal that accurately indicates when pierce through is achieved which can be used to eliminate fixed pierce times and yields significant time savings that can be ten percent or more. This article explains the technical approach and the advantages that machine builders can benefit from by integrating this feature.
The Art of Validating Quantitative Proteomics Data
Authors: Handler David C. , Pascovici Dana , Mirzaei Mehdi , Gupta Vivek , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Haynes Paul A.
Published: October 2018

Western blotting as an orthogonal validation tool for quantitative proteomics data has rapidly become a de facto requirement for publication. In this viewpoint article, the pros and cons of western blotting as a validation approach are discussed, using examples from our own published work, and how to best apply it to improve the quality of data published is outlined. Further, suggestions and guidelines for some other experimental approaches are provided, which can be used for validation of quantitative proteomics data in addition to, or in place of, western blotting.
ECM Remodeling in Breast Cancer with Different Grade: Contribution of 2D‐DIGE Proteomics
Authors: Moriggi Manuela , Giussani Marta , Torretta Enrica , Capitanio Daniele , Sandri Marco , Leone Roberta , De Palma Sara , Vasso Michele , Vozzi Giovanni , Tagliabue Elda , Gelfi Cecilia
Published: October 2018

Tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in outcome of breast cancer (BC) patients. Overexpression of 58 genes, encoding 43 structural ECM proteins, has been identified to determine a specific cluster of BC with accelerated metastatic potential only in the undifferentiated (grade III) phenotype. The scope of this study is to characterize protein repertoire able to predict patient outcome in BC according to ECM gene expression pattern and histological grade. The differential proteomic analysis is based on 2D‐differential gel electrophoresis, MALDI–MS, bioinformatics, and immunoblotting. Results suggest a relationship among ECM remodeling, signal mechanotransduction, and metabolic rewiring in BCs characterized by a specific mRNA ECM signature and identified a set of dysregulated proteins characteristic of hormone receptors expression as fibrinogen‐β chain, collagen α‐1(VI) chain, and α‐1B‐glycoprotein. Furthermore, in triple negative tumors with ECM signature, the FGG and α5β1/αvβ3 integrins increase whereas detyrosinated α‐tubulin and mimecan decrease leading to unorganized integrin presentation involving focal adhesion kinase, activation of Rho GTPases associated to epithelial mesenchymal transition. In hormone receptors negative BCs characterized by a specific ECM gene cluster, the differentially regulated proteins, identified in the present study, can be potentially relevant to predict patient's outcome.
Biochar applications decrease reproductive potential of the English grain aphid Sitobion avenae and upregulate defense‐related gene expression
Authors: Chen Yong , Li Ran , Li Baoping , Meng Ling
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The application of biochar as a targeted strategy for managing herbivorous pests is a topic of growing interest. The present study first determined the influence of biochar amendments on the reproductive performance of the English grain aphid Sitobion avenae, and then examined defense‐related gene expression in the wheat plant as a function of biochar amendments and aphid feeding.

RESULTS

Compared to the control, biocahr amendments decreased aphid lifetime fertility by 9.09% and 20.23% for amending levels at 3% and 5%, respectively; it reduced aphid population by 18.68%, 21.69%, and 28.70% for the levels at 1.5%, 3%, and 5%, respectively. Biochar applications increased silicon content more than 40% in wheat plants. Furthermore, biochar additions increased the expression of four defense‐related genes (AOS, LOX, PAL and PR) in wheat plants with extension of feeding time by aphids.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that biochar amendments to soils have detrimental consequences on the reproductive potential of the aphid on the wheat, and the effect may result from aphid‐induced plant defenses being raised by biochar applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Target‐Adverse Event Profiles to Augment Pharmacovigilance: A Pilot Study With Six New Molecular Entities
Authors: Schotland Peter , Racz Rebecca , Jackson David , Levin Robert , Strauss David G. , Burkhart Keith
Published: October 2018

Clinical trials can fail to detect rare adverse events (AEs). We assessed the ability of pharmacological target adverse‐event (TAE) profiles to predict AEs on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug labels at least 4 years after approval. TAE profiles were generated by aggregating AEs from the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) reports and the FDA drug labels for drugs that hit a common target. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to choose the adverse event (AE) case count (N), disproportionality score in FAERS (proportional reporting ratio (PRR)), and percent of comparator drug labels with an AE to maximize F‐measure. With FAERS data alone, precision, recall, and specificity were 0.57, 0.78, and 0.61, respectively. After including FDA drug label data, precision, recall, and specificity improved to 0.67, 0.81, and 0.71, respectively. Eighteen of 23 (78%) postmarket label changes were identified correctly. TAE analysis shows promise as a method to predict AEs at the time of drug approval.
Pediatric Dosing of Ganciclovir and Valganciclovir: How Model‐Based Simulations Can Prevent Underexposure and Potential Treatment Failure
Authors: Jorga Karin , Reigner Bruno , Chavanne Clarisse , Alvaro Giuseppe , Frey Nicolas
Published: October 2018

Intravenous ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir are effective in the prevention and treatment of pediatric cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection but various dosing regimens are used in medical practice. Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model‐based simulations were used to propose a new ganciclovir pediatric dosing algorithm for regulatory review and to evaluate the approved valganciclovir pediatric dosing algorithm against published dosing recommendations derived from quantitative approaches. Oral valganciclovir (mg = 7 × body surface area (BSA) × creatinine clearance according to the Schwarz formula (CrCLS) daily) and i.v. ganciclovir (mg = 3 × BSA × CrCLS daily) are effective in reaching ganciclovir target exposure for the prevention of CMV (area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC)0–24 40–60 μg ∙ hour/mL) in most pediatric patients across the full pediatric age range. In contrast, ganciclovir and valganciclovir dosing based on body weight, as commonly used in medical practice, leads to underexposure, particularly in younger pediatric patients. This example shows that model‐based dosing algorithms built on clinical pharmacology and implemented using good modeling practice can prevent underexposure and reduce the risk of treatment failure in pediatric patients.
River science and management issues in Chile: Hydropower development and native fish communities
Authors: Habit Evelyn , García Alex , Díaz Gustavo , Arriagada Pedro , Link Oscar , Parra Oscar , Thoms Martin
Published: October 2018

The magnitude of hydropower developments in emerging regions threatens the sustainability of their riverine landscapes. Fragmentation of river networks by multiple barriers and the imposition of new hydrological regimes influences the ability of these river ecosystems to absorb and adapt to these developments and other stressors. Direct transfer of paradigms built from a restricted geographical base to a global context is fraught with issues because of regional differences in eco‐hydro‐geomorphology, biological communities, and nonlinear interactions between the two. In this manuscript, some impacts of hydropower development on Chilean riverine ecosystems are presented. To understand the context of hydropower, we provide the political context of energy development in Chile. Interactions between hydropower generation and Chilean river ecosystems with special reference to native Chilean fish fauna are outlined. Three case studies are presented that considers: (a) habitat alteration downstream of the Rucúe Dam, (b) the effects of daily hydropeaking in the Biobío River, and (c) mitigation strategies to reduce habitat alteration upstream of the San Pedro Dam. These case studies illustrate the expanding scientific knowledge on Chilean riverine landscapes. Finally, new measures to reduce ecosystem impacts of hydropower development on native Chilean fish communities are outlined. Although specific scientific information is available, developing regional ecohydrological models and improving knowledge of ecosystem and sustainability science is required. The scientific approach on which solutions are sought to address present and future river ecosystem problems in Chile are inherently interdisciplinary nature.
Photocatalytic Nanoparticulate ZrxTi1‐xO2 Coatings with Controlled Homogeneity of Elemental Composition
Authors: Cheng Khley , Chhor Khay , Passarello Jean‐Philippe , Colbeau‐Justin Christophe , Kanaev Andrei
Published: October 2018

The mixed oxide ZrxTi1‐xO2 nanoparticulate photocatalysts of different compositions (0≤x≤1) were prepared via sol‐gel method in a rapid micromixing reactor followed by chemical colloid deposition on borosilicate glass beads, drying and heat treatment at temperatures between 400 to 650 °C. The point‐like reaction conditions in the regime of low Damköhler numbers resulted in nucleation of size‐selected reactive zirconium‐titanium oxo‐alkoxy (ZTOA) nanoparticles from zirconium (IV) propoxide and titanium (IV) isopropoxide precursors, which enable strong covalent bonds with hydrophilic supports. The ZTOA nanoparticles with compositions 0≤x≤0.2 convert after a heat treatment to nanoporous monocrystals in distorted anatase phase. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanoparticulate coatings on gaseous ethylene decomposition attained maximum at x=0.043 after heat treatment at 500 °C, which was two times higher than that of pure anatase TiO2. A net correlation between the material photocatalytic activity and amplitude of the slow power decay of photoinduced charges was observed. A model is proposed explaining the power law decay by a thermal release of the localised charges from shallow surface Urbach states. The number density of these states is connected to the specific surface area of the photocatalyst.
Binder–Free Nanotubular Hetero‐Structured Anodes of α–Fe2O3 (Hematite) and TiN for Li–Ion Battery
Authors: Nam Hochul , Bae Changdeuck , Shin Hyunjung
Published: October 2018

Hematite (α‐Fe2O3) has attracted considerable attention as an anode material due to its high theoretical capacity (1,007 mAhg−1), low cost, and non‐toxicity. The conversion reaction, which often leads to the pulverization of hematite and degradation of electrochemical performances (e. g., capacity retention, high rate capability), is also found in hematite as Fe2O3 + 6Li+ + 6e– → 2Fe + Li2O. Here, we synthesized nanotubular hetero‐structures using α‐Fe2O3 and TiN via atomic layer deposition (ALD) without any binders. The initial reversible charge capacity of Fe2O3@TiN nanotubes (NTs) was 952 mAhg−1 with a retention of 673 mAhg−1 after 30 cycles. Porous Fe2O3 NTs with conductive TiN NTs exhibited enhanced electrochemical performances when used as an anode material.
Visible Light Irradiation: A Green‐Pathway‐Promoted Pseudo Four Component Synthesis of Chromeno[4,3,2‐de][1,6]naphthyridine Derivatives under Mild, and Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Mohammadi Hadi , Shaterian Hamid Reza
Published: October 2018

A mild, highly efficient and one‐pot, pseudo four component synthesis of chromeno[4,3,2‐de] [1,6] naphthyridine derivatives under visible light irradiation and catalyst‐free conditions in water as green solvent is described. The reported synthesis is the first example of visible light induced synthesis of chromeno [4,3,2‐ de] [1,6] naphthyridine from 2′‐hydroxyacetephenone derivatives (1 mmol), malononitrile (2 mmol), and aromatic aldehydes (1 mmol) in environmentally benign reaction conditions, operational simplicity, cost effectiveness, short reaction times, high atom economy, clean reaction conditions, and excellent yields that making it a genuinely sustainable to fulfill the parameters of green chemistry.
[Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3im]C6F5O as a New Hydrophilic and Task‐Specific Nanomagnetic Catalyst: Application for Synthesis of β‐Azido Alcohols and Thiiranes under Mild and Green Conditions
Authors: Afsar Javad , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Khazaei Ardeshir
Published: October 2018

[Fe3O4@SiO2@(CH2)3im]C6F5O was designed, synthesized and characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform spectroscopy infrared (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction patterns (XRD), Field scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The described novel hydrophilic nanomagnetic particles were applied as an efficient and reusable catalyst in the ring opening of epoxides using sodium azide for the preparation of β‐azido alcohols. Conversion of epoxides to their thiiranes in water by using potassium thiocyanate in the presence of a catalytic amount of mentioned nanomagnetic catalyst was also carried out.
Green Synthesis of Fluorescent Peptidomimetic Triazoles from Biomass‐Derived 5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural
Authors: Salim Kunnummal Mangott Muhammed , Shamsiya Aranhikkal , Damodaran Bahulayan
Published: October 2018

An easy and green synthetic approach to functional peptidomimetics starting from a biomass‐derived platform chemical 5‐(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF) is described. The overall protocol involves four synthetic steps in which the key step is an intermolecular [3+2] azide‐alkyne click cycloaddition between alkyne functionalized heterocyclic privileged scaffolds and CMF‐azide. The alkyne functionalized heterocyclic scaffolds were obtained from multicomponent coupling reactions (MCRs) and the azide scaffold was derived from biomass source. The peptidomimetics thus obtained showed excellent fluorescent properties with large Stoke's shift comparable to commercial fluorophores. The drug property descriptors of the peptidomimetics are also promising and are well within the limits of Lipinski's rule of five.
Merocyanines of Non‐Activated Spiropyrans: Generation and Spectrokinetic Studies
Authors: Joseph Pradeepruban , Kundu Kshama , Kundu Pintu K.
Published: October 2018

Photo‐induced generation of merocyanines from the corresponding spiropyrans having strong para‐electron withdrawing groups could be observed with naked eyes and conventional UV‐visible spectroscopy. But absence of such groups or presence of weak electron withdrawing groups make the molecular switch a non‐activated system towards photoisomerization. And thus the colored photo‐merocyanine isomers of non‐activated spiropyrans could be monitored exclusively by ultrafast spectroscopy. Here, we describe a novel way of generating metastable merocyanines of non‐activated spiropyrans ‐ via dilution of the corresponding protonated isomers in suitable solvent systems. And studied the thermal kinetics of the colored isomers at an observable time scale via conventional spectroscopy. Protonated merocyanines of non‐activated spiropyrans with a butyl sulfonate group on the nitrogen of the indoline moiety upon dilution with polar aprotic solvents, such as DMF produce the corresponding colored merocyanines with sufficiently high accumulation so that it could easily be detected by human eyes and UV‐visible spectroscopy. Whereas, dilution of the same protonated merocyanines with moderately polar solvents like acetone provide no detectable merocyanine formation. Although acid dissociation at higher dilution seems obvious, but selection of proper solvent is the key factor. Notably, BIPS‐photoacids are known to exist predominantly as undissociated protonated merocyanines in water and methanol.
A Protein Biosynthesis Machinery Strategy for Identifying P53PTC‐Rescuing Compounds as Synergic Anti‐Tumor Drugs
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Qiu Chengbin , Pi Ni , Li Sicong , Cheng Xiyao , Zhang Lei , Chen Yao , Huang Yongqi , Sun Yuhui , Su Zhengding
Published: October 2018

The readthrough of premature termination codons (PTCs) is a promising strategy for curing PTC‐causing diseases. In cancers, the p53 anti‐tumor activity is often disabled by forming premature terminated p53 protein (p53PTC). Currently, there are lack of p53PTC‐rescuing drugs. Herein we designed a feasible strategy for identifying p53PTC‐rescuing compounds using protein biosynthesis machinery in E. coli cells and the lung cancer H1299 cells both harboring p53PTC‐GFP fusion protein expression cassettes. Rescued p53PTC protein enabled a GFP‐tag for fluorescence spectroscopic measurements. Our data revealed that the aminoglycoside G418 not only efficiently rescued p53PTC in H1299 cells, but also synergistically enhanced the efficacy of antitumor drug doxorubicin. Our work gave an insight into the discovery of p53PTC‐rescuing drugs for cancer therapy.