bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recursos minerais do município de Santa Maria
Authors: Pires Carlos Alberto da Fonseca , Robaina Luís Eduardo , Bertoldo Laurindo
Published: July 2018

Brazil has its wide diversification of natural resources, due to geology of each area. It includes the mining as a process that gathers an economic progress and at the same time, it cannot, to cause unbalances and aggressions to the environment. The municipal district of Santa Maria in its mineral potential, seeking to the creation of immediate employment, linked mainly to the civil construction, developed essentially in extraction of clay, sands and the mineral water. The visual impact caused by the activity of mineral extraction change the municipal image, mainly due the ciliate forest extraction and the erosion. Than, the recovery of these areas becomes slower and complex. The mineral extraction in this district quest the economic and social development and supportability of resources in a pragmatic way relate with the industry of civil construction.
Confirmação da ocorrência de Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet, 1849) e Loxosceles intermedia Mello-Leitão, 1934 (Araneae; Sicariidae) no município de Pelotas, RS, Brasil
Authors: Rodrigues Everton Nei Lopes , Dornelles José Eduardo Figueiredo
Published: July 2018

This work deals the occurrence confirmation of spider species, genus Loxosceles Heineken & Lowe, 1832, in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. L. laeta (Nicolet, 1849) and L. intermedia MelloLeitão, 1934 were the collected species. L. intermedia was the most numerous specie. In Pelotas many specimens were collected, over old books, newspapers and paper leaves. In comparasion to previous papers, some morphological variations were observed in this two species: in L. intermedia the length of legs is much larger than the specie general pathern; in L. laeta the same feature do not occur but the long length of male s palp is very conspicuous.
Hummingbird migration and flowering synchrony in the temperate forests of northwestern Mexico
Authors: López-Segoviano Gabriel , Arenas-Navarro Maribel , Vega Ernesto , Arizmendi Maria del Coro
Published: July 2018

Background

Many species of birds are morphologically and physiologically adapted for migration. Migratory movements of birds can range from thousands of kilometers, such as when birds migrate from wintering to breeding sites in summer, to several kilometers, such as when birds migrate among habitats in a single mountain system. The main factor that influences bird migration is the seasonal fluctuation of food resources; climate, predation, competition for resources and endogenous programming are also important factors. Hummingbirds are highly dependent on nectar, so their migration is likely correlated with the blooming of plant species. The ecological implications of altitudinal migration in the mountains of North America as well as the latitudinal migration of Selasphorus rufus through Mexico are still poorly understood. To explore these issues, over three non-consecutive years, we evaluated interannual variation in the phenologies of a latitudinal migrant (S. rufus) and an altitudinal migrant (Amazilia beryllina) and their visited plants.

Methods

We assessed the relationship between two migratory hummingbirds and flower abundance in 20 fixed-radius plots (25 m radius). All available flowers were counted along transects (40 × 5 m) inside each fixed-radius plot. Sampling was performed every 10 days from November 12 through February 20 of 2010–2011, 2013–2014 and 2015–2016, resulting in a total of 11 samples of each plot per period. Phenological variation and the relationships among hummingbird abundance, flower abundance and vegetation type were evaluated using a generalized additive mixed model.

Results

S. rufus abundance was related to sampling time in the first and third periods; this relationship was not significant in the second period. A. beryllina abundance was related with the sampling time over all three periods. The abundance of S. rufus hummingbirds was significantly related to the number of Salvia iodantha flowers. The abundance of A. beryllina hummingbirds was related to the number of S. iodantha and Cestrum thyrsoideum flowers and the total number of flowers. We found a non-significant correlation between S. rufus and A. beryllina abundance and vegetation types.

Conclusion

Contrary to expectations, the long-distance migration of S. rufus was not consistent over the sampling periods. The migration of S. rufus through the study region may be altered by changes in climate, as has occurred with other species of migratory birds. In the present study, the migration of S. rufus was correlated with the blooming of S. iodantha. In comparison, the altitudinal migrant A. beryllina responded to the availability of floral resources but was not associated with a particular plant. The migration of this latter species in the area probably depends on multiple factors, including climatic and demographic factors, but is particularly dependent on the supply of floral resources and competition for these resources.
Fossil eggshell cuticle elucidates dinosaur nesting ecology
Authors: Yang Tzu-Ruei , Chen Ying-Hsuan , Wiemann Jasmina , Spiering Beate , Sander P. Martin
Published: July 2018

The cuticle layer consisting mainly of lipids and hydroxyapatite (HAp) atop the mineralized avian eggshell is a protective structure that prevents the egg from dehydration and microbial invasions. Previous ornithological studies have revealed that the cuticle layer is also involved in modulating the reflectance of eggshells in addition to pigments (protoporphyrin and biliverdin). Thus, the cuticle layer represents a crucial trait that delivers ecological signals. While present in most modern birds, direct evidence for cuticle preservation in stem birds and non-avian dinosaurs is yet missing. Here we present the first direct and chemical evidence for the preservation of the cuticle layer on dinosaur eggshells. We analyze several theropod eggshells from various localities, including oviraptorid Macroolithus yaotunensis eggshells from the Late Cretaceous deposits of Henan, Jiangxi, and Guangdong in China and alvarezsaurid Triprismatoolithus eggshell from the Two Medicine Formation of Montana, United States, with the scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The elemental analysis with EPMA shows high concentration of phosphorus at the boundary between the eggshell and sediment, representing the hydroxyapatitic cuticle layer (HAp). Depletion of phosphorus in sediment excludes the allochthonous origin of the phosphorus in these eggshells. The chemometric analysis of Raman spectra collected from fossil and extant eggs provides further supportive evidence for the cuticle preservation in oviraptorid and probable alvarezsaurid eggshells. In accordance with our previous discovery of pigments preserved in Cretaceous oviraptorid dinosaur eggshells, we validate the cuticle preservation on dinosaur eggshells through deep time and offer a yet unexplored resource for chemical studies targeting the evolution of dinosaur nesting ecology. Our study also suggests that the cuticle structure can be traced far back to maniraptoran dinosaurs and enhance their reproductive success in a warm and mesic habitat such as Montana and southern China during the Late Cretaceous.
Revision of Gyrodactylus salaris phylogeny inspired by new evidence for Eemian crossing between lineages living on grayling in Baltic and White sea basins
Authors: Mieszkowska Agata , Górniak Marcin , Jurczak-Kurek Agata , Ziętara Marek S.
Published: July 2018

In this research, grayling-specific Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg, 1957 isolates from Baltic Sea basin were collected in Sweden for the first time. Samples were obtained in three drainage systems: Kalixälven (River Kaitum), Ljungan (River Sölvbacka strömmar), and Umeälven (River Juktån). Three molecular markers were analysed: nuclear ITS rDNA (Internal Transcribed Spacer) and ADNAM1 (Anonymous DNA Marker 1), and mitochondrial cox1 gene. As a result, four new mitochondrial haplotypes were identified (III-C1tt, III-C1ttht, IX-A1tt and X-A1tt). The ADNAM1 analyses resulted in revealing two new alleles (WS4 and BS9) and two new genotypes (T6 and T7). T7 seems to be an indicator of ancient crossing between Baltic and White Sea lineages of the parasite which happened during a first 3000-year period of Eemian interglacial about 130,000 years ago in the connection between Baltic and White Sea. Molecular clock estimates were adjusted, revealing the mean substitution rate and the divergence rate among branches of 3.6% (95% HPD: 2.2%–5.2%) and 7.2% per million years, respectively. As a result, cox1 phylogeny rooted with the introgressed haplotypes has been revised and altered in accordance to new data, revealing fourteen equidistant lineages five of which have been excluded from the study. Based on the new phylogenetic approach, including the molecular clock, this work suggests an overall revision of G. salaris phylogeny and attempts at precisely drawing the division of lineages within this polytypic species as well as proposes unification in nomenclature for its strains.
4D Biofabrication: Materials, Methods, and Applications
Authors: Ionov Leonid
Published: July 2018

The mission of regenerative medicine is the development of methods to regrow, repair, or replace damaged or diseased cells, organs, or tissues. 3D bioprinting techniques are one of the most promising approaches for engineering the design of artificial tissues. Current 3D bioprinting technologies possess, however, several intrinsic limitations. 4D biofabrication, a recently developed technology with the embedded ability of shape transformation upon response to intrinsic and/or external stimuli, may solve challenges of 3D bioprinting as well as more accurately mimic the dynamics of the native tissues. This article covers recent advances in 4D biofabrication. It gives a detailed picture of used materials and technologies, provides critical comparisons of methods, discusses possibilities and limitations of different 4D biofabrication technologies, and gives examples of applications.
Electrical Breakdown‐Induced Tunable Piezoresistivity in Graphene/Polyimide Nanocomposites for Flexible Force Sensor Applications
Authors: Jiang Yonggang , Liu Mengyang , Yan Xing , Ono Takahito , Feng Lin , Cai Jun , Zhang Deyuan
Published: July 2018

Flexible force sensors based on graphene/polymer nanocomposites have attracted tremendous attention owing to their remarkable sensitivity and ease of fabrication. In the present study, nanocomposites consisting of graphene as conducting fillers in a polyimide matrix are prepared, and an electrical breakdown method is used to endow the nanocomposite with a high piezoresistivity. Electromechanical tests and theoretical models confirm that the piezoresistivity of the nanocomposite originates from the cracks in the carbonized polymers induced by electrical breakdown. The fabricated force sensor exhibits a broad working range of 0–495 kPa, ultrafast response (2.12 ms), and excellent stability (>2000 compression–release cycles). In addition, the sensitivities of the force sensor can be tuned by varying the applied current in the electrical breakdown process. Thus, the electrical breakdown method allows highly facile fabrication of piezoresistive force sensors with tunable sensitivities.
Catalytic O‐ to N‐Alkyl Migratory Rearrangement: Transition Metal‐Free Direct and Tandem Routes to N‐Alkylated Pyridones and Benzothiazolones
Authors: Mishra Abhishek Kumar , Morgon Nelson Henrique , Sanyal Suparna , Robinson de Souza Aguinaldo , Biswas Srijit
Published: July 2018

The present study reports the synthesis of N‐alkylated pyridones and benzothiazolones via O‐ to N‐alkyl group migration under transition metal‐free TfOH‐catalyzed reaction conditions for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Primary as well as secondary alkyl groups smoothly migrate under the present reaction conditions. Moreover, a minor modification of the protocol used in this study is found to be applicable for an entirely new tandem synthesis of 2‐alkoxy‐N‐heterocycles from the simplest starting materials in a solvent‐free reaction conditions. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation identifies the energy species associated with the rearrangement, whereas, mechanistic experiments explore the role of the catalyst as the alkyl group transfer mediator.

magnified image
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Cyclocarbonylation of N‐(3‐Phenylprop‐2‐ynyl)anilines with Carbon Monoxide and Alcohols for the Synthesis of Quinoline‐3‐carboxylic Esters
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhao Mi‐Na , Chen Ming , Ren Zhi‐Hui , Guan Zhenghui
Published: July 2018

A convenient palladium‐catalyzed regioselective cyclocarbonylation of N‐(3‐phenylprop‐2‐ynyl)anilines with carbon monoxide and alcohols has been developed. This methodology provides a simple and practical approach to various quinoline‐3‐carboxylic esters in good yields with high atom efficiency.
Incorporation of antibiotics and systemic steroids by sinus surgeons: is there widespread consensus?
Authors: Arianpour Khashayar , Svider Peter F. , Guys Nicholas , Shenouda Kerolos , Folbe Elana , Hsueh Wayne D. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J.
Published: July 2018

Background

The objective of this work was to evaluate factors associated with antibiotic and oral corticosteroid (OCS) prescription among otolaryngologists regularly performing sinus surgery.

Methods

Fellowship‐trained rhinologists, including fellowship directors, were identified via the American Rhinologic Society (ARS) website. Non–fellowship‐trained otolaryngologists performing ≥25 balloons (frontal/maxillary) or ≥25 functional endoscopic sinus surgeries (FESSs) (frontal/maxillary/ethmoids) were also included in “balloon surgeons” and “sinus surgeon” cohorts, respectively. Prescribing data for Medicare Part D beneficiaries was obtained for 2015.

Results

Otolaryngologists included in this analysis wrote a median of 54 scripts for antibiotics, with a 15.1% antibiotic prescription rate. The overall script length per antibiotic was 11.1 days. Of fellowship‐trained rhinologists, 90.2% wrote fewer than 100 scripts, compared to 25.6% and 32.5% of sinus surgeons and balloon surgeons, respectively. Fellowship‐trained rhinologists wrote lengthier antibiotic scripts (14.1 vs 10.3 days, p < 0.05). Clinicians who have been in practice longer prescribed antibiotics significantly more frequently. Fellowship‐trained rhinologists had a greater OCS rate (8.9%) than balloon and sinus surgeons (7.1%), also writing lengthier courses (15.0 vs 8.1 days). Early‐career otolaryngologists wrote lengthier steroid prescriptions than those with 11 to 20 years and >20 years in practice.

Conclusion

Antibiotic and OCS utilization varies by type of training, as non–fellowship‐trained sinus surgeons and balloon surgeons tend to utilize antibiotics more aggressively, and fellowship‐trained rhinologists utilize OCS more frequently. Otolaryngologists with more years in practice are more likely to incorporate antibiotics in the management of sinus disorders, although these conclusions must be considered in the context of this resource's limitations. Further clarification of guidelines may be helpful for minimizing divergent practices and maintaining a consensus.
A multi‐institutional review of outcomes in biopsy‐proven acute invasive fungal sinusitis
Authors: Wandell Grace M. , Miller Craig , Rathor Aakanksha , Wai Travis Hee , Guyer Richard A. , Schmidt Rodney A. , Turner Justin H. , Hwang Peter H. , Davis Greg E. , Humphreys Ian M.
Published: July 2018

Background

Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) is a rare, aggressive infection occurring in immunocompromised patients. In this study we examined factors that affect survival in AIFS, and whether immune‐stimulating therapies (IST) improve survival.

Methods

Pathology records of biopsy‐proven AIFS were reviewed from 3 academic institutions from 1995 to 2016. Univariate and multivariate Cox regressions were performed at 1 and 3 months from diagnosis.

Results

One hundred fourteen patients were included; 45 received IST. In the univariate analysis, the following factors were associated with worse survival: hematologic malignancy (3‐month hazard ratio [HR], 3.7; p = 0.01); recent chemotherapy (within 1 month of AIFS diagnosis) (3‐month HR, 2.3; p = 0.02); recent bone marrow transplant (BMT) (3‐month HR, 2.5; p = 0.02); and infection with atypical fungi (1‐month HR, 3.1; p = 0.04). The following were associated with improved survival in univariate analysis: increasing A1c% (1‐month HR, 0.7; p = 0.01) and surgical debridement (1‐month HR, 0.1; p = 0.001). One third of patients with a hematologic malignancy had an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1000 at the time of diagnosis. ANC was not associated with prognosis in these patients. The following were associated with worse survival in multivariate analyses: hematologic malignancy; recent chemotherapy; atypical organisms; and cavernous sinus extension. In multivariate analyses, IST was associated with a 70% reduction in mortality at 1 month (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

We presented the largest series of AIFS. Further studies are needed to examine the importance of ANC in diagnosis and prognosis. Patients diagnosed with atypical organisms may be at higher risk of death. IST likely improves short‐term survival, but prospective studies are needed.
Turning heads: The impact of political reform on the professional role, identity and recruitment of head teachers in Wales
Authors: Connolly Mark , Milton Emmajane , Davies Andrew James , Barrance Rhian
Published: July 2018

This article considers the professional work, identity and recruitment of head teachers (HTs) in Wales. Drawing on the sociology of professions, the article illustrates how intensive educational policy reform post‐2011 has restricted HTs’ professional agency and re‐orientated the head teacher role towards organisational professionalism. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews (n=30) with both head and deputy head teachers, the article argues that issues with the recruitment and retention of HTs in Wales can, in part, be explained by the promotion of managerial and technicist approaches to professional practice. This role reconfiguration is the result of myriad and, at times, overlapping accountability mechanisms. The article illustrates how these changes to HT professional roles and identity are more intense within a small education system where HTs had, traditionally, enjoyed an elite professional status. To ameliorate these issues, the article proposes policy initiatives which the Welsh Government could introduce to foster the agency of HTs within a revised professional framework for educational leadership in Wales.
Oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds by Highly Efficient Metal Zeolite Catalysts
Authors: Soares Olívia S. G. P. , Fonseca António M. , Parpot Pier , Órfão José J. M. , Pereira Manuel F. R. , Neves Isabel C.
Published: July 2018

The presence of two metals (M1M2) in a zeolite structure enhances the degradation of pollutants in liquid or gas phase comparing to monometallic catalysts. In this work, the complete oxidation of ethyl acetate into CO2 was achieved by metal catalysts based on NaY zeolite prepared by the ion‐exchange method. The metal zeolite catalysts were optimized by using several parameters: (i) the presence of a second metal in M1M2 catalysts; (ii) the presence or not of a noble metal in the pair CuM2 (M2=Pd, Zn or Ag); (iii) the order of introduction of the metals in M1M2 catalysts (CuPd or PdCu); (iv) particle size of NaY and NaYnano; and (v) the effect of simultaneously adding metal species (Cu and Pd). M1M2 catalysts presented the best results compared to the monometallic catalysts and the presence of a noble metal in M1M2 catalysts enhanced their acivity. Among the metal phases studied, the catalyst (CuPd)0.01‐Y has shown to be the most efficient for this application.
Separation of Methane and Carbon Dioxide Gas Mixtures Using Activated Carbon Modified with 2‐Methylimidazole
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Xin , Xiao Peng , Chen Guang-Jin , Sun Chang-Yu , Yang Lan-Ying
Published: July 2018

Activated carbon was modified by loading 2‐methylimidazole (mIm), ethanol, and glycol onto its surface and adopted to capture CO2 using the absorption‐adsorption method. The modified activated carbon showed high selectivity for separating CH4+CO2 gas mixtures, compared with other methods to modify activated carbon given in the literature. The separation factor was 4.75 times higher than that for the fresh activated‐carbon system, and the separation performance of the activated carbon increased with increasing amount of mIm. The addition of glycol showed greater potential to enhance the selectivity of the activated carbon than ethanol. A recycling test verified the stability of the modified activated carbon for CH4+CO2 gas mixture separation.
Electronic Properties of Single Atom and Molecule Junctions
Authors: Aiba Akira , Iwane Madoka , Fujii Shintaro , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: July 2018

Single atom and molecule junctions are key components of future ultra‐small electronic devices. The novel properties and functionalities appear in the single atom and molecule junctions reflecting their unique structures. The conductance quantization and quantum interface effects have been reported. In this review, we discuss fabrication and electronic properties of the single atom and molecule junctions, including electrical conductance and thermopower. The single atom and molecule junctions are fabricated in a nanogap prepared by electron migration, self‐breaking and mechanical breaking of metal wires. The electric conductance of the single atom and molecule junctions depends not only the atom and molecule within the junctions, but also on their connectivity to the metal wires at the interface. The conductance fluctuation characteristic of single‐molecule junction reflects the character of the metal‐molecular bond at the interface, which enables us to study the molecular adsorption process during the formation of the junction.
Interactions of Gut Endocrine Cells with Epithelium and Neurons
Authors: Liddle Rodger A.
Published: July 2018

Even the simplest animals possess sophisticated systems for sensing and securing nutrients. After all, ensuring adequate nutrition is essential for sustaining life. Once multicellular animals grew too large to be nourished by simple diffusion of nutrients from their environment, they required a digestive system for the absorption and digestion of food. The majority of cells in the digestive tract are enterocytes that are designed to absorb nutrients. However, the digestive tracts of animals ranging from worms to humans contain specialized cells that discriminate between nutrients and nondigestible ingestants. These cells “sense” both the environment within the gut lumen and nutrients as they cross the gut epithelium. This dual sensing is then translated into local signals that regulate the gut epithelium or distant signals through hormones or nerves. This review will discuss how sensors of the gut interact with cells of the epithelium and neurons to regulate epithelial integrity and initiate neural transmission from the gut lumen. © 2017 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol8:1019‐1030, 2018.
Adiponectin Regulation and Function
Authors: Fang Han , Judd Robert L.
Published: July 2018

Adipose tissue is now recognized as an important endocrine organ, capable of secreting a large number of endocrine factors which regulate a wide variety of physiological functions. Adiponectin is one such factor, secreted in large quantities primarily from adipose tissue. Adiponectin is posttranslationally modified from a 30‐kDa monomeric protein into different multimers (low molecular weight or trimer, middle molecular weight or hexamer, and high molecular weight) and secreted into the circulation. Upon binding to its receptors, AdipoR1 and R2, adiponectin initiates a series of tissue‐dependent signal transduction events, including phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMPK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and increased peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) ligand activity. These signal transduction events are regulated by adaptor protein containing a pleckstrin homology domain, phosphotyrosine binding domain, and leucine zipper motif (APPL1), which binds directly to the intracellular regions of AdipoR1 and R2. AdipoR1 and R2 also possesses inherent ceramidase activity, resulting in a decrease in intracellular ceramide, a sphingolipid that has been implicated in insulin resistance, cell death, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Adiponectin stimulates fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and inhibits glucose production in the liver, resulting in an improvement in whole‐body energy homeostasis. Adiponectin is also a classic anti‐inflammatory agent, reducing inflammation in various cell types through AdipoR1 and R2 signaling mechanisms. Adiponectin's anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic properties results in protection of the vasculature, heart, lung, and colon. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the discovery, protein structure, receptors, expression, regulation, and physiological functions of adiponectin. © 2017 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol8:1031‐1063, 2018.
Oxidative damage and antioxidant defense are assay and tissue‐dependent both in captive and wild‐caught bank voles (Myodes glareolus) before and after reproduction
Authors: Ołdakowski Łukasz , Taylor Jan R. E.
Published: July 2018

Reproduction is costly and life‐history theory predicts that current parental investment will result in lower survival or decreased future reproduction. The physiological mechanisms mediating the link between reproduction and survival are still under debate and elevated oxidative damage during reproduction has been proposed as a plausible candidate. Previous studies of oxidative stress during reproduction in animals under natural conditions have been restricted to analyses of blood. Herein, we measured the level of oxidative damage to lipids (tiobarbituric‐acid‐reactive substances) and proteins (carbonyls) in the liver, kidneys, heart and skeletal muscles in free‐living bank vole females from spring and autumn generations, before and after reproduction. Antioxidant defense in the liver and kidneys was also determined. We expected oxidative damage to tissues and hypothesized that the damage would be more uniform between tissues in wild animals compared to those breeding under laboratory conditions. Considering all combinations of markers/tissues/generations, oxidative damage in females did not differ before and after reproduction in 12 comparisons, was lower after reproduction in three comparisons, and was higher after breeding in one comparison. The total glutathione was significantly increased after reproduction only in the liver of the autumn generation and there was no change in catalase activity. Our results confirm—for the first time in the field—previous observations from laboratory studies that there is no simple link between oxidative stress and reproduction and that patterns depend on the tissue and marker being studied. Overall, however, our study does not support the hypothesis that the cost of reproduction in bank voles is mediated by oxidative stress in these tissues.
Evidence that climate sets the lower elevation range limit in a high‐elevation endemic salamander
Authors: Grant Evan H. Campbell , Brand Adrianne B. , De Wekker Stephan F. J. , Lee Temple R. , Wofford John E. B.
Published: July 2018

A frequent assumption in ecology is that biotic interactions are more important than abiotic factors in determining lower elevational range limits (i.e., the “warm edge” of a species distribution). However, for species with narrow environmental tolerances, theory suggests the presence of a strong environmental gradient can lead to persistence, even in the presence of competition. The relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors is rarely considered together, although understanding when one exerts a dominant influence on controlling range limits may be crucial to predicting extinction risk under future climate conditions. We sampled multiple transects spanning the elevational range limit of Plethodon shenandoah and site and climate covariates were recorded. A two‐species conditional occupancy model, accommodating heterogeneity in detection probability, was used to relate variation in occupancy with environmental and habitat conditions. Regional climate data were combined with datalogger observations to estimate the cloud base heights and to project future climate change impacts on cloud elevations across the survey area. By simultaneously accounting for species’ interactions and habitat variables, we find that elevation, not competition, is strongly correlated with the lower elevation range boundary, which had been presumed to be restricted mainly as a result of competitive interactions with a congener. Because the lower elevational range limit is sensitive to climate variables, projected climate change across its high‐elevation habitats will directly affect the species’ distribution. Testing assumptions of factors that set species range limits should use models which accommodate detection biases.
Microbial larvicides for mosquito control: Impact of long lasting formulations ofBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensisandBacillus sphaericuson non‐target organisms in western Kenya highlands
Authors: Derua Yahya A. , Kahindi Samuel C. , Mosha Franklin W. , Kweka Eliningaya J. , Atieli Harrysone E. , Wang Xiaoming , Zhou Guofa , Lee Ming‐Chieh , Githeko Andrew K. , Yan Guiyun
Published: July 2018

The microbial larvicidesBacillus thuringiensisvar.israelensisandBacillus sphaericushave been used extensively for mosquito control and have been found to be effective and safe to non‐target organisms cohabiting with mosquito larvae. Recently developed long lasting microbial larvicides (LLML), although evading the previous challenge of short duration of activity, increase the risk of persistence of toxins in the treated larval habitats. This study monitored the impact ofLLMLFourStar®andLL3 on non‐target organisms cohabiting with mosquito larvae in an operational study to control malaria vectors in western Kenya highlands. A total of 300 larval habitats were selected in three highland villages. The habitats were first monitored for 5 weeks to collect baseline data on non‐target organisms cohabiting with mosquito larvae and then randomized into two treatment arms (respective FourStar®andLL3) and one control arm. Non‐target organisms were sampled weekly for 5 months after treatment to assess the impact ofLLMLintervention. Before treatment, the mean density of all non‐target organisms combined in the control,LL3 and FourStar®treated habitats was 1.42, 1.39 and 1.49 individuals per habitat per sampling occasion, respectively. Following treatment, this density remained fairly unchanged for 21 weeks at which time it was 1.82, 2.11, and 2.05 for the respective control,LL3 and FourStar®treated habitats. Statistical analysis revealed thatLL3 and FourStar®did not significantly alter abundance, richness or diversity of the 11 taxa studied, when comparing the intervention and control larval habitats. However, both FourStar®andLL3 significantly reduced the density of malaria vectors. In conclusion, one round of label rate application of FourStar®orLL3 in natural larval habitats did not alter richness, abundance or diversity of the monitored aquatic non‐target organisms cohabiting with mosquito larvae to an ecologically significant level.
Coupling toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic and population models for assessing aquatic ecological risks to time-varying pesticide exposures
Authors: Thursby Glen , Sappington Keith , Etterson Matthew
Published: July 2018

Population modeling evaluations of pesticide exposure time series were compared with aspects of a currently used risk assessment process. The US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Pesticide Programs models daily aquatic 30-yr pesticide exposure distributions in its risk assessments, but does not routinely make full use of the information in such time series. We used mysid shrimp Americamysis bahia toxicity and demographic data to demonstrate the value of a toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic model coupled with a series of matrix population models in risk assessment refinements. This species is a small epibenthic marine crustacean routinely used in regulatory toxicity tests. We demonstrate how the model coupling can refine current risk assessments using only existing standard regulatory toxicity test results. Several exposure scenarios (each with the same initial risk characterization as determined by a more traditional organism-based approach) were created within which population modeling documented risks different from those of assessments based on the traditional approach. We also present different acute and chronic toxicity data scenarios by which toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic coupled with population modeling can distinguish responses that traditional risk evaluations are not designed to detect. Our results reinforce the benefits of this type of modeling in risk evaluations, especially related to time-varying exposure concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2633–2644. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
High‐reliability and low‐complexity resource allocation for future multicarrier spread spectrum systems
Authors: Shi Jia , Xiao Pei , Liang Wei , Pan Gaofeng , Li Zan
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we investigate resource allocation in the multicarrier spread spectrum systems, especially in the multicell downlink multicarrier direct‐sequence code division multiple‐access systems. The allocation of resources including subcarriers and spreading codes aims to maximize the system reliability, thereby resulting in the high‐reliability mutlicarrier systems. For the sake of achieving low complexity, we develop the novel resource allocation framework. We propose two resource allocation algorithms, which are the simplified heuristic subcarrier‐ and code‐allocation (SHSC) algorithm and the enhanced heuristic subcarrier‐ and code‐allocation (EHSC) algorithm. The two proposed algorithms can find the promising suboptimum solutions to the mixed integer nonconvex resource allocation problem. The SHSC algorithm has lower complexity and demands less backhaul resources than the EHSC algorithm. In return, the EHSC algorithm performs better than the SHSC algorithm. Nevertheless, we show that both algorithms significantly outperform the existing algorithms while approaching the optimal algorithm of high complexity.
MiR‐29a, targeting caveolin 2 expression, is responsible for limitation of pancreatic cancer metastasis in patients with normal level of serum CA125
Authors: Liang Chen , Shi Si , Meng Qingcai , Liang Dingkong , Hua Jie , Qin Yi , Zhang Bo , Xu Jin , Ni Quanxing , Yu Xianjun
Published: July 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive gastrointestinal tumors, with an overall 5‐year survival rate less than 8%. The dismal prognosis is mainly due to aggressive potential for metastasis. Hence, there is an urgent need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis to improve the unfavorable overall survival (OS) of PDAC patients. In this study, we identified microRNA‐29a (miR‐29a) as an important tumor suppressor, which was downregulated in PDAC tissues. Moreover, miR‐29a counteracted MUC16‐mediated migration and invasion. In the pancreatic cancer cells, MUC16 upregulated c‐Myc expression, which enhanced c‐Myc binding to E‐box in the miR‐29a promoter and inhibited miR‐29a transcription. Thus, miR‐29a was negatively correlated with both MUC16 expression and serum CA125 levels. Furthermore, caveolin 2 (CAV2) was demonstrated to be the target of miR‐29a by bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays, and high CAV2 expression was responsible for a poor prognosis, especially in the subgroup with normal CA125 levels. Thus, the present study explains why high levels of serum CA125 are correlated with PDAC metastasis, highlighting the predictive value of this marker in PDAC patients.
Using Agile Systems Engineering Workshops and Model‐Based Systems Engineering to Drive Agile Development
Authors: Koehnemann Harry
Published: July 2018

In agile development, backlogs drive the work teams perform. To make systems engineering relevant in agile contexts, their efforts must continually influence and guide the work in those backlogs. In this article, we discuss a collaborative method, the Agile Systems Engineering Workshop, which puts traditional systems engineering and model‐based systems engineering practices into an agile context. This method creates engineering specifications in a face‐to‐face, collaborative environment and puts engineering activities into the context of Lean‐Agile flow.
Synthesis and structural analysis of mesoporous magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles as efficient catalyst
Authors: Jamil Saba , Khan Shanza Rauf , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf
Published: July 2018

Nanoplatelets of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) were synthesized by the solvothermal method using ethylene glycol as solvent. In order to investigate the morphology and composition, the product was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. It was clear from the TEM images that the product was constituted of thin‐walled nanoplatelets with a size distribution of ~20–100 nm. The antibacterial and catalytic properties of the product were studied. The antibacterial activity was tested against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains. The results of antibacterial activity indicated that the nanoplatelets might be functioning as effective therapeutic agents. The catalytic stability and property of the nanoplatelets are discussed by choosing the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol as a model reaction. The kinetic data of catalysis show that the nanoplatelets might be used as an effective catalyst for reduction reactions.
A Concise Review on the Synthesis and Reactions of Pyrazolopyrazine Heterocycles
Authors: Abd ul‐Malik Mokhtar A. , Zaki Remon M. , Kamal El‐Dean Adel M. , Radwan Shaban M.
Published: July 2018

The pyrazolopyrazine ring system is a very interesting class of heterocyclic compounds that were considered as important scaffolds of many efficacious biologically active agents that show anticancer with low toxicity, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antiparasitic, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic activities. This review throws light on the detailed synthetic approaches for the synthesis and reactions of pyrazolopyrazine moiety. This follow up may encourage the chemists to generate new routes possessing pyrazolopyrazine nucleus with high efficacy.
Determination of maximum loading capacity of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers and evaluation of Cu55 dendrimer‐encapsulated nanoparticles for catalytic activity
Authors: Patala Rapelang , Noh Ji‐Hyang , Meijboom Reinout
Published: July 2018

Spectrophotometric titrations provide information about the interior of the polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, and therefore how nanoparticles are encapsulated. In this work, binding studies were performed to determine maximum loading capacities (N) of hydroxyl terminated G4, G5, and G6 PAMAM dendrimers with Cu2+ ions. The values of N found via spectrophotometric titrations were 16.22, 31.86, and 57.36 for G4‐OH, G5‐OH, and G6‐OH, respectively. The determination of loading capacity was also done using Viva spin filtration, and the results were found to be in agreement with those found via spectrophotometric titrations. From the binding isotherm, the values of equilibrium constant (K′) were determined and found to be 0.0488 (G4‐OH), 0.0291 (G5‐OH), and 0.0158 (G6‐OH). Owing to instability of G4‐OH (Cu16), G5‐OH (Cu32), and G6‐OH (Cu57) dendrimer‐encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) synthesized, G6‐OH (Cu55) DENs of average size 2.6 ± 0.3 nm were prepared and were found to be relatively stable. Thus G6‐OH (Cu55) catalyst was evaluated for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol and was found to be catalytically active toward reduction of 4‐nitrophenol. Reaction kinetics of 4NP reduction was thoroughly studied in light of the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood kinetic model, and surface rate k, and the adsorption rates K4NP, and KBH4 were determined. The reaction was performed at different temperatures, which further expanded the study into determination of thermodynamic (ΔH‡, ΔS‡, ΔG‡, and EA) parameters.
Characteristics of microbial communities and intestinal pathogenic bacteria for migrated Larus ridibundus in southwest China
Authors: Liao Feng , Gu Wenpeng , Li Duo , Liang Junrong , Fu Xiaoqing , Xu Wen , Duan Ran , Wang Xin , Jing Huaiqi , Dai Jiejie
Published: July 2018

Larus ridibundus, a migratory wild bird, has become one of the most popular gull species in southwest China in recent years. There has been no information on the gut microbiota and intestinal pathogenic bacteria configuration in wild L. ridibundus, even though the public are in close contact with this bird. In this study, 16S rRNA amplicon‐sequencing methods were used to describe the microbial community structure and intestinal pathogenic bacteria were isolated to identify their characteristics. The taxonomic results revealed that Firmicutes (86%), Proteobacteria (10%), and Tenericutes (3%) were the three most abundant phyla in the gut of L. ridibundus. Enterococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Mycoplasmataceae were the most predominant families, respectively. The number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), the richness estimates and diversity indices of microbiota, was statistically different (p < 0.05). However, beta diversity showed that no statistical significance (p > 0.05) between all the fecal samples. The most frequently isolated intestinal pathogenic bacteria from L. ridibundus were enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (32%) and Salmonella (21%). Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) results of Salmonella species revealed a high degree of similarity between isolates, which was not observed for other species. None of the potentially pathogenic isolates were identical to human‐isolated counterparts suggesting that there was little cross‐infection between humans and gulls, despite close proximity. In brief, this study provided a baseline for future L. ridibundus microbiology analysis, and made an understanding of the intestinal bacterial community structure and diversity.
Long‐Term Genistein Consumption Modifies Gut Microbiota, Improving Glucose Metabolism, Metabolic Endotoxemia, and Cognitive Function in Mice Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: López Patricia , Sánchez Mónica , Perez‐Cruz Claudia , Velázquez‐Villegas Laura A. , Syeda Tauqeerunnisa , Aguilar‐López Miriam , Rocha‐Viggiano Ana K. , del Carmen Silva‐Lucero María , Torre‐Villalvazo Ivan , Noriega Lilia G. , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando R.
Published: July 2018

Scope

The aim of this study is to assess whether the long‐term addition of genistein to a high‐fat diet can ameliorate the metabolic and the cognitive alterations and whether the changes can be associated with modifications to the gut microbiota.

Methods and results

C57/BL6 mice were fed either a control (C) diet, a high‐fat (HF) diet, or a high‐fat diet containing genistein (HFG) for 6 months. During the study, indirect calorimetry, IP glucose tolerance tests, and behavioral analyses were performed. At the end of the study, plasma, liver, brain, and fecal samples were collected. The results showed that mice fed the HFG diet gained less weight, had lower serum triglycerides, and an improvement in glucose tolerance than those fed an HF diet. Mice fed the HFG diet also modified the gut microbiota that was associated with lower circulating levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the liver compared to those fed HF diet. The reduction in LPS by the consumption of genistein was accompanied by an improvement of the cognitive function.

Conclusions

Genistein is able to regulate the gut microbiota, reducing metabolic endotoxemia and decreasing the neuroinflammatory response despite the consumption of a HF diet.
Inflammation, Immunity, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: I. Etiology and pathology
Authors: Lyon Miles S. , Wosiski‐Kuhn Marlena , Gillespie Rachel , Caress James , Milligan Carol
Published: July 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severely debilitating disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Charcot first described ALS in 18691; however, its pathogenesis remains unknown, and effective treatments remain elusive. It is apparent that new paradigms must be investigated to understand the effectors of ALS, including inflammation, immune responses, and the body's response to stress and injury. Herein we discuss the potential role of the immune system in ALS pathogenesis and critically review evidence from patient and animal studies. Although immune system components may indeed play a role in ALS pathogenesis, studies implicating immune cells, antibodies, and cytokines in early disease pathology are limited. We propose more focused studies that examine the role of the immune system together with characterized pathogenesis to determine when, where, and if immune and inflammatory processes are critical to disease progression, and thus worthy targets of intervention. Muscle Nerve 59:10–22, 2019
Development of Tri‐Layered s‐Si/s‐SiGe/s‐Si Channel Heterostructure‐on‐Insulator MOSFET for Enhanced Drive Current
Authors: Khiangte Lalthanpuii , Dhar Rudra Sankar
Published: July 2018

Incubation of strain technology in the Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) arena by developing heterostructure layers combined of Si and SiGe layers within the channel is employed widely. Development of a fully depleted novel device featuring a distinguished tri‐layer heterostructure channel consisting of mobility enriched double strained Si (s‐Si) layers sandwiching strained SiGe (s‐SiGe) in between has been the crux of this paper. The channel with s‐Si/s‐SiGe/s‐Si significantly enhances electron mobility in comparison to conventional device of s‐Si on relaxed SiGe channel, leading to improved device performance without implementing additional scaling. The tri‐layered channel and the conventional device are compared and eloquent drain current enhancement of 49% attained with minimal value of threshold voltage roll‐off with increased strain infusion within the channel region, which augments electron mobility in the s‐Si layers. Augmented maximum transconductance for sub‐50 nm channel length due to velocity overshoot enhancement of 119% in comparison to conventional device acquired lead to ≈25% decrease in threshold voltage by band structure lowering with the instigation of the strain technology in the short channel device attained. Hence, with higher carrier mobility and improved drive current double strained Si heterostructure on insulator (HOI) MOSFET device is designed and developed.