bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies Identifies Three Loci Associated With Stiffness Index of the Calcaneus
Authors: Lu Hsing-Fang , Hung Kuo-Sheng , Chu Hou-Wei , Wong Henry Sung-Ching , Kim Jihye , Kim Mi Kyung , Choi Bo Youl , Tai Yu-Ting , Ikegawa Shiro , Cho Er-Chieh , Chang Wei-Chiao
Published: February 2019

The stiffness index (SI) from quantitative ultrasound measurements is a good indicator of BMD and may be used to predict the risk of osteoporotic fracture. We conducted a genomewide association study (GWAS) for SI using 7742 individuals from the Taiwan Biobank, followed by a replication study in a Korean population (n = 2955). Approximately 6.1 million SNPs were subjected to association analysis, and SI-associated variants were identified. We further conducted a meta-analysis of Taiwan Biobank significant SNPs with a Korean population-based cohort. Candidate genes were prioritized according to epigenetic annotations, gene ontology, protein–protein interaction, GWAS catalog, and expression quantitative trait loci analyses. Our results revealed seven significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within three loci: 7q31.31, 17p13.3, and 11q14.2. Conditional analysis showed that three SNPs, rs2536195 (CPED1/WNT16), rs1231207 (SMG6), and rs4944661 (LOC10050636/TMEM135), were the most important signals within these regions. The associations for the three SNPs were confirmed in a UK Biobank estimated BMD GWAS; these three cytobands were replicated successfully after a meta-analysis with a Korean population cohort as well. However, two SNPs were not replicated. After prioritization, we identified two novel genes, RAB15 and FNTB, as strong candidates for association with SI. Our study identified three SI-associated SNPs and two novel SI-related genes. Overall, these results provide further insight into the genetic architecture of osteoporosis. Further studies in larger East Asian populations are needed. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sinusoidal Electromagnetic Fields Increase Peak Bone Mass in Rats by Activating Wnt10b/β-Catenin in Primary Cilia of Osteoblasts
Authors: Zhou Jian , Gao Yu-Hai , Zhu Bao-Ying , Shao Jia-Le , Ma Hui-Ping , Xian Cory J , Chen Ke-Ming
Published: February 2019

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields have been considered a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis; however, their action mechanism and optimal magnetic flux density (intensity) parameter are still elusive. The present study found that 50-Hz sinusoidal electromagnetic fields (SEMFs) at 1.8 mT increased the peak bone mass of young rats by increasing bone formation. Gene array expression studies with femoral bone samples showed that SEMFs increased the expression levels of collagen-1α1 and Wnt10b, a critical ligand of the osteogenic Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Consistently, SEMFs promoted osteogenic differentiation and maturation of rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) in vitro through activating the Wnt10b/β-catenin pathway. This osteogenesis-promoting effect of SEMFs via Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling was found to depend on the functional integrity of primary cilia in osteoblasts. When the primary cilia were abrogated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting IFT88, the ability of SEMFs to promote the osteogenic differentiation of ROBs through activating Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling was blocked. Although the knockdown of Wnt10b expression with RNA interference had no effect on primary cilia, it significantly suppressed the promoting effect of SEMFs on osteoblastic differentiation/maturation. Wnt10b was normally localized at the bases of primary cilia, but it disappeared (or was released) from the cilia upon SEMF treatment. Interestingly, primary cilia were elongated to different degrees by different intensities of 50-Hz SEMFs, with the window effect observed at 1.8 mT, and the expression level of Wnt10b increased in accord with the lengths of primary cilia. These results indicate that 50-Hz 1.8-mT SEMFs increase the peak bone mass of growing rats by promoting osteogenic differentiation/maturation of osteoblasts, which is mediated, at least in part, by Wnt10b at the primary cilia and the subsequent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The nanoeconomics of concurrent choice behavior
Authors: Taylor Russell , Elliffe Douglas , Podlesnik Christopher A. , Cowie Sarah
Published: February 2019

We introduce to behavior analysis a way of analyzing choice behavior that exploits recent developments in nanoeconomics, financial economics, and econometrics. A response return, modeled on an economic return, is the log differenced count of responses allocated to each of two alternatives during a short time window, compared with that in the immediately preceding window. The response return is a new dependent variable which offers a novel and useful way of looking at operant behavior, especially at the molecular level of analysis. The response–return series is a near‐instantaneous measure of an organism's dynamic preferences for each of two alternatives. Analyzing such a series requires time‐analytic techniques, including Auto‐Regressive Conditional Heteroskedastic (ARCH) models. We illustrate these techniques by analyzing choices between combinations of arithmetic and exponential variable‐interval schedules with pigeon subjects. All response–return series were well‐fitted by one of three ARCH‐family models. The fitted models were differentially sensitive to transition versus steady‐state data samples. The particular insights that the ARCH analyses offer are improved understanding of the effects of the instantaneous effects of reinforcers and their absence, of how the distribution of reinforcers in time affects choice, and of the differences between choice in transition and at steady state.
Readiness of clinical genetic healthcare professionals to provide genomic medicine: An Australian census
Authors: Nisselle Amy , Macciocca Ivan , McKenzie Fiona , Vuong Hannah , Dunlop Kate , McClaren Belinda , Metcalfe Sylvia , Gaff Clara ,   for the Australian Genomics Workforce & Education Working Group
Published: February 2019

We aimed to determine capacity and readiness of Australian clinical genetic healthcare professionals to provide genomic medicine. An online survey was administered to individuals with genetic counseling or clinical genetics qualifications in Australia. Data collected included: education, certification, continuing professional development (CPD), employment, and genetic versus genomic clinical practice. Of the estimated 630 clinical genetic healthcare professionals in Australia, 354 completed the survey (56.2% response rate). Explanatory interviews were conducted with 5.5% of the genetic counselor respondents. Those working clinically reported being involved in aspects of whole exome or genome sequencing (48.6% genetic counselors, 88.6% clinical geneticists). Most genetic counselors (74.2%) and clinical geneticists (87.0%) had attended genomics CPD in the last two years, with 61.0% and 39.1% self‐funding, respectively. Genetic counselors desire broad involvement in genomics, including understanding classifying and interpreting results to better counsel patients. The majority of respondents (89.9%) were satisfied with their job and 91.6% planned to work in genetics until retirement. However, 14.1% of the genetic counselors in clinical roles and 24.6% of the clinical geneticists planned to retire within 10 years. This is the first national audit of clinical genetic healthcare professionals, revealing the Australian workforce is motivated and prepared to embrace new models to deliver genomic medicine but consideration of education and training is required to meet demand.
Easy Access to Crystalline Indolines via Hydrogen Bond Transfer
Authors: Khatoon Saira , Vgenopoulou Aggeliki , Naseer Muhammad Moazzam , Shirinfar Bahareh , Kariuki Benson M. , Dege Necmi , Ahmed Nisar
Published: February 2019

Several indoline derivatives with specific geometries are biologically active and have inhibitor properties. Many indolines are a key part of natural products. Much attention has been focused on the development of synthetic routes for their easy access. Current synthesis depends largely on metal catalysis, iodine reagents, and Oxone. To date, no synthetic route has been established that is metal‐free, reagent‐free, and environmentally friendly and provides a base for green chemistry. Here, we report the first facile metal‐free and reagent‐free synthesis of indoline derivatives, which could potentially be influential in the design of new biologically active compounds. The synthesis proceeds through intramolecular amination between a urea nucleophile and unactivated alkene. The ring closure occurs in a few hours in the presence of pre‐dried silica gel and gives good yields of indolines products, but in the absence of silica gel, the ring closure occurred overnight with stirring in dry solvent. An electron withdrawing group at the substituted aryl moiety of ureas increases the hydrogen bond donor ability of substrates that mediate the internal proton transfer at the terminal alkene and results in facile amination to give the indoline product with an “in plane” orientation of the carbonyl group and aromatic part of indoline framework. Such orientation in indolines is important for potent biological activities.
Multicomponent Reaction for Synthesis of Novel 2‐Tosyloxyphenylpyridines
Authors: Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Ali Ali M.
Published: February 2019

2‐Tosyloxybenzaldehyde 1 was reacted with some active methylene compounds as 1:1 or 1:2 molar ratio under different basic conditions to afford the corresponding 2‐tosyloxyarylidenes 2–4 and/or 2‐tosyloxyphenylpyridine 5, respectively. Multicomponent reaction of 2‐tosyloxyarylidene 2 and AcONH4 with active methylene compounds namely: malononitrile, ethyl acetoacetate, ethyl benzoylacetate, 1,3‐benzothiazol‐2‐ylacetonitrile, acetophenones or 3‐acetylheterocycle derivatives in methanol gave 2‐tosyloxyphenylpyridine derivatives 8–17, respectively. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by elemental and spectral analysis.
Virtual Team Effectiveness: Insights from the Virtual World Teams of Massively Multiplayer Online Games
Authors: Mysirlaki Sofia , Paraskeva Fotini
Published: February 2019

Over the years, an explosive growth in the use of virtual teams in organizations has been noticed. However, the individual and team factors that result in the team effectiveness of a virtual team still remain unclear. The purpose of the paper is to try to comprehend how virtual teams work better, by shedding light on the Virtual World Teams of Massively Multiplayer Online Games. A framework based on the input‐process‐output model was used to test the relationships between leader emotional intelligence, task interdependence, cooperative group norms, social capital, team cohesion, transformational leadership, and team effectiveness in virtual teams, from a multilevel perspective. Structural equations modeling (N = 500) revealed that leader emotional intelligence is positively related to transformational leadership, which in turn is associated with virtual team effectiveness. Moreover, a significant relation between task interdependence, cooperative group norms, social capital, team cohesion, and virtual team effectiveness was revealed. In addition, task interdependence seemed to also be related to team satisfaction, a subfactor of virtual team effectiveness. Finally, team cohesion has a partially mediating role between transformational leadership perceived at the team level and virtual team effectiveness. The study provides useful insights for leaders and human resource development professionals interested in designing effective virtual teams.
Performance optimization of LQR‐based PID controller for DC‐DC buck converter via iterative‐learning‐tuning of state‐weighting matrix
Authors: Saleem Omer , Rizwan Mohsin
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a numerically optimized linear‐quadratic‐regulator–based tuning mechanism for a ubiquitous proportional‐integral‐derivative controller to improve the output‐voltage regulation capability of a direct‐current (DC)‐DC buck converter. The linear‐quadratic‐regulator minimizes the quadratic cost of variations in the control signal and error‐dynamics of output‐voltage to provide a trivial set of optimized proportional‐integral‐derivative controller gains in the form of the state‐feedback gain vector. In order to further improve the controller's time‐domain performance and its disturbance‐rejection capability against load‐transients and input‐fluctuations, an iterative‐learning‐tuning mechanism is adopted to optimize the state‐weighting matrix of the linear‐quadratic cost function. The proposed optimization mechanism iteratively converges in the direction of the steepest gradient‐descent of another performance index that directly captures the transient response characteristics, and thus, optimally selects the weighting matrix to achieve the desired natural frequency and damping ratio of the closed‐loop system. Credible hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiments are conducted on a low‐power DC‐DC buck converter circuit to validate the aforementioned propositions.
Raman study of Ming porcelain dark spots: Probing Mn‐rich spinels
Authors: Pinto Ariane , Sciau Philippe , Zhu Tiequan , Zhao Bing , Groenen Jesse
Published: February 2019

We report on the analysis of dendritic crystals present in the dark spot areas of blue‐and‐white Ming porcelains. Using Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer, we were able to evidence Mn‐rich spinels. Small Mn‐based spinel crystals being highly sensitive to laser‐induced heating, we identified proper working conditions, avoiding excessive heating and damage. Local temperatures during Raman measurements were deduced from Stokes/anti‐Stokes intensity ratios. By analysing the behaviour of the A1g mode of Mn‐rich spinels, we were able to identify phases ranging from jacobsite‐like to hausmannite‐like compounds. Polarized Raman scattering was shown to provide a convenient means of discriminating between these two types of phases, as they display different symmetries. Inhomogeneities within the dendritic network, as evidenced by micro‐Raman measurements, highlight its gradual formation during the cooling phase of firing, depending of Fe3+ and Mn3+ availability. The presence of Mn‐based spinels is consistent with the use of a local Chinese Mn‐rich cobalt ore during the middle Ming Dynasty.
Strong Raman yield enhancement in large Si nanocrystals from ultraviolet to infrared: Density and shape dependence
Authors: Faraci Giuseppe , Italia Markus , Ruggeri Rosa , Litrico Grazia , Mannino Giovanni
Published: February 2019

Silicon nanocrystals, few hundred nanometers in size, demonstrate impressive Raman yield enhancement. We report, first, the enormous Raman yield enhancement obtained with octahedral‐shaped nanocrystals in a wide wavelength range going from the ultraviolet, through the visible, to the infrared. We observed, along with the main Si peak amplification at 521 cm−1, also the amplification of the 480 cm−1 broad peak of a thin amorphous Si layer embedded between the nanocrystals, together with an amplification of the overall background under both Raman peaks. In order to clarify the mechanism governing the previous enhancements, the previous data were completed exploring the influence of shape by using irregular nanocrystals of similar size. These latter nanocrystals showed an amplified Raman yield, although reduced with respect to those of octahedral shape. Collected data, displayed as a function of the size and density, have been interpreted and discussed.
Immunomodulatory activities of proteins from Astragalus membranaceus waste
Authors: Huang Hao , Luo Shuang‐hui , Huang De‐chun , Cheng Shu‐jie , Cao Chong‐jiang , Chen Gui‐tang
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional Chinese medicine that has a long history of medical applications. It is of interest to investigate the functional components of A. membranaceus waste with regard to its development and utilization and increasing resource utilization.

RESULTS

The protein AMWP was isolated from the A. membranaceus waste. This protein was further purified by DEAE‐cellulose‐52 chromatography and Sephadex G‐200 size‐exclusion chromatography to obtain three fractions, named AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6. Then, their immunomodulatory activities were evaluated by using cell model experiments. The results indicated that the protein fractions could significantly increase the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, peritoneal macrophages and bone‐marrow‐derived cells (BMDCs). AMWPDG2 showed the highest immunocompetence. AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 not only significantly improved the phagocytosis and immunomodulatory factors (interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide) secretion of peritoneal macrophages, but also promoted the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐12 p40, IL‐1β, IL‐1α) and chemokines (CXCL1, CCL3) in BMDCs.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicated that three protein fractions from the A. membranaceus waste might be a potential natural immunomodulator. Moreover, it also provided the theoretical basis for further researching the mechanism of AMWPDG2, AMWPDG4 and AMWPDG6 on improving the immune response. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fear and food: Effects of predator‐derived chemical cues and stoichiometric food quality onDaphnia
Authors: Bell Alex T. C. , Murray Dennis L. , Prater Clay , Frost Paul C.
Published: February 2019

While resource quality and predator‐derived chemical cues can each have profound effects on zooplankton populations and their function in ecosystems, the strength and direction of their interactive effects remain unclear. We conducted laboratory experiments to evaluate how stoichiometric food quality (i.e., algal carbon [C] : phosphorus [P] ratios) affects responses of the zooplankter,Daphnia pulicaria,to predator‐derived chemical cues. We compared growth rates, body P content, metabolic rates, life‐history shifts, and survival of differentially P‐nourishedDaphniain the presence and absence of chemical cues derived from fish predators. We found effects of predator cues and/or stoichiometric food quality on all measured traits ofDaphnia. Exposure to fish cues led to reduced growth and increased metabolic rates but had little effect on the body %P content ofDaphnia. Elevated algal C : P ratios reduced growth and body %P and increased mass‐specific respiration rates. While most of the effects of predator cues and algal C : P ratios ofDaphniawere non‐interactive, reduced survival and relatedly reduced population growth rates that resulted from P‐poor food were amplified in the presence of predator‐derived cues. Our results demonstrate that stoichiometric food quality interacts with antipredator responses ofDaphnia, but these effects are largely trait dependent and appear connected to animal life‐history evolution. Given the ubiquity of predators and P‐poor food in lake ecosystems, our results highlight the importance of the interactive responses of animals to predator cues and poor nutrition.
Vascular‐targeted low dose photodynamic therapy stabilizes tumor vessels by modulating pericyte contractility
Authors: Cavin Sabrina , Riedel Tina , Rosskopfova Petra , Gonzalez Michel , Baldini Greg , Zellweger Matthieu , Wagnières Georges , Dyson Paul J. , Ris Hans‐Beat , Krueger Thorsten , Perentes Jean Y.
Published: February 2019

Vascular‐targeted low‐dose photodynamic therapy (L‐PDT) was shown to improve chemotherapy distribution in malignant pleural tumors such as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). However, the mechanisms triggered by L‐PDT on the tumor vasculature are still debated. In pericyte and endothelial cell co‐cultures, we show that pericytes exhibit enhanced sensitivity towards L‐PDT compared to endothelial cells, displaying actin stress fibers and cellular contraction via Rho/ROCK kinase signaling myosin light chain and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation (MLC‐P, FAK‐P). We then confirm, in two separate MPM models, in mice the phosphorylation of the MLC in pericytes specifically following L‐PDT. Furthermore, while L‐PDT does not affect tumor vascular density or diameter, we show that it enhances tumor vascular pericyte coverage, leads to a drop in tumor interstitial fluid pressure and enhances the transport of FITC‐dextran throughout tumors. In conclusion, L‐PDT has the potential to stabilize the tumor vascular bed which improves vascular transport. The mechanism described in the present study may help translate and optimize this approach in patients. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:550–561, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Field sees some progress in defining effective treatments for minority youth
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2019

Four psychosocial interventions for minority youths now have a well‐established evidence base, but overall progress remains slow in elevating and implementing the most potentially effective treatments for minority youth populations, states the co‐author of a newly published update on the subject.
MH screening to address physician suicide, burnout examined
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2019

Although physicians obtain annual routine screenings for tuberculosis, have their vaccine status reviewed and get the influenza vaccination, new research is also asking if physicians should be screened for mental health conditions such as depression or burnout. The findings are published in JAMA.
Center announces suicide prevention as new site's mission
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2019

As they looked for a new Los Angeles location for an expanded Suicide Prevention Center, leaders at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services vowed they would not enter a new area quietly.
Mental Health First Aid campaign to support first responders
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2019

Although a number of police officers around the country have been trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), the public education program that can help individuals across the community understand mental illnesses and support timely intervention, it has yet to fully expand and embrace the firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) community, according to organizers of a new effort to support this population.
The use of chimeric musculocutaneous posterior interosseous artery flaps for treatment of osteomyelitis and soft tissue defect in hand
Authors: Franchi Alberto , Häfeli Mathias , Scaglioni Mario F. , Elliot David , Giesen Thomas
Published: February 2019

Introduction

There is growing evidence of the superior ability of muscular tissue to clear bacterial bone infection. Unfortunately, in the hand, there are almost no small local muscular flaps, and muscular transfers to the hand are mainly microsurgical free transfers. In this report, we present the results of the use of a chimeric posterior interosseous flap including part(s) of the forearm muscles to treat osteomyelitis and soft tissue defect of hand from a series of patients.

Patients and Methods

Four male patients with an average age of 32 years (range 20–46 years), were affected by acute osteomyelitis in hand. Previous fracture fixation with percutaneous K‐wires was the cause of bone infection in three case. In one case, the osteomyelitis was a consequence of an open fracture. The bones affected were four metacarpals and one proximal phalanx, all with a minimal cortical defect (from the K‐wire) obscuring a larger medullary infection, which required extensive bone and overlying soft tissue debridement, leaving a soft tissue defect to be reconstructed of size ranging from 2 x 4 cm to 5 x 7 cm. The soft tissue defects were due to concomitant superficial infection and consequent debridement. All patients were treated with bone debridement and a chimeric posterior interosseous flap, which included part of the extensor digiti minimi and/or extensor carpi ulnaris to fill the intramedullary canal of the bones. No fixation of bone was necessary.

Results

The skin paddle of the flaps ranged from 2 x 5 cm to 5 x 6 cm, replicating the defect area, plus a teardrop tail of skin circa 1.5 cm wide and as long as the pedicle of the flap. The muscular components of the flaps used to fill the intramedullary canals ranged from 1 x 1 x 1.5 cm to 1.5 x 1.5 x 4 cm. All flaps survived and osteomyelitis resolved in all cases without major complications. At the final follow‐up at 16 months (range 12–26 months), assessment of the hands using TAM, Power Grip and Key Pinch Strength measurements and, where appropriate, Kapandji scores, demonstrated satisfactory hand function.

Conclusion

The chimeric posterior interosseous flap including part of the muscles of the forearm may be a robust solution for augmenting the flap bulk and may be used in cases of severe osteomyelitis of the hand.
Getting to Know the Neighbours with GTM: The Case of Antiviral Compounds
Authors: Orlov Alexey A. , Khvatov Evgeny V. , Koruchekov Alexander A. , Nikitina Anastasia A. , Zolotareva Anastasia D. , Eletskaya Anastasia A. , Kozlovskaya Liubov I. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Horvath Dragos , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Varnek Alexandre
Published: February 2019

Recent outbreaks of dangerous viral infections, such as Ebola virus disease, Zika fever, etc., are forcing the search for new antiviral compounds. Preferably, such compounds should possess broad‐spectrum antiviral activity, as the development of drugs for the treatment of dozens of viral infections lacking specific treatment would require significant resources. Antiviral activity data present in public resources are very sparse and further investigation of structure‐activity relationships is necessary. One of the strategies could be the investigation of chemical space around known active compounds and assessment of activity against closely related viruses in order to fill in the antiviral activity matrix. Here we present an investigation of antiviral activity using universal maps built with generative topographic mapping (GTM) algorithm. The GTM‐based maps were used to find commercially available compounds in close proximity to already known compounds with anti‐flaviviral and anti‐enteroviral activities. Selected compounds were then assessed in cell‐based assays against tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and a panel of enteroviruses. This approach allowed us to identify 23 new compounds showing anti‐TBEV activity with EC50 values in micromolar and submicromolar range.
1H and 13C NMR data, occurrence, biosynthesis, and biological activity of Piper amides
Authors: Gómez‐Calvario Víctor , Rios María Yolanda
Published: February 2019

Alkamides are the major and characteristic chemical compounds of the plants belonging to the Piper genus. These compounds are responsible for the flavor of pepper spices and for its broad use in cuisine across many regions of the world. Humans are in contact every day with these substances, which additionally show a broad variety of pharmacological activities, making them an important research target. A large amount of NMR data for these natural products is dispersed throughout literature. Its organization will help those research groups interested in their identification and structural elucidation. This review summarizes the 1H and 13C NMR data of 268 Piper amides in a systematic and orderly way, with a discussion on their biological activities, biosynthetic aspects, and NMR analysis of typical and relevant aspects of this information.
Feeding Ecology and Distribution of an Invasive Apex Predator: Flathead Catfish in Subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Authors: Schmitt Joseph D. , Emmel Jason A. , Bunch Aaron J. , Hilling Corbin D. , Orth Donald J.
Published: February 2019

Native to the central United States, Flathead Catfish Pylodictus olivaris have invaded Atlantic coast rivers from Florida to Pennsylvania. They are now invasive in several subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, yet contemporary accounts of their distribution do not exist. Due to their piscivorous nature, Flathead Catfish could have deleterious impacts on native ichthyofauna, yet their feeding ecology has not been well described in these systems. We used a large-scale, stratified random sampling effort to describe the current distribution and feeding ecology of Flathead Catfish in Virginia tidal rivers. Low-frequency electrofishing was conducted at more than 1,500 sites in the James, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Rappahannock rivers in eastern Virginia, resulting in 766 Flathead Catfish being captured in the James, Pamunkey, and Mattaponi rivers. Flathead Catfish are abundant in the tidal James River from Richmond, Virginia, to the confluence of the Chickahominy River. A relatively new but established population was also observed in the Pamunkey River, where the highest observed densities of Flathead Catfish occurred near Williams Landing (37°36′21.49″N, 77°5′33.42″W) in New Kent County, Virginia. Stomachs collected from 731 Flathead Catfish revealed that they are piscivores that feed heavily on Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, White Perch Morone americana, and various Alosa species. Analysis of trophic level, diet breadth, and feeding strategy demonstrated that Flathead Catfish are piscine specialists that occupy trophic positions indicative of an apex predator. Our results show that Flathead Catfish could have substantial per capita impacts on at-risk native species including American Shad Alosa sapidissima, Blueback Herring A. aestivalis, and Alewife A. pseudoharengus as they make seasonal migrations in and out of these river systems. Moreover, future range expansion of Flathead Catfish into the Rappahannock River is plausible, as established populations now exist in adjacent tributaries.
Comparison of Smartphone‐Based Behavioral Obesity Treatment With Gold Standard Group Treatment and Control: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Thomas J. Graham , Bond Dale S. , Raynor Hollie A. , Papandonatos George D. , Wing Rena R.
Published: February 2019

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether weight losses from a primarily smartphone‐based behavioral obesity treatment (SMART) differed from those of a more intensive group‐based behavioral obesity treatment (GROUP) and a control condition (CONTROL).

Methods

A total of 276 adults with overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to 18 months of GROUP‐based treatment with meetings weekly for 6 months, meetings biweekly for 6 months, and meetings monthly for 6 months and self‐monitoring via paper diaries with written feedback; SMART‐based treatment with online lessons, self‐monitoring, and feedback plus monthly weigh‐ins; or a CONTROL condition with self‐monitoring via paper diaries with written feedback and monthly weigh‐ins.

Results

Among the 276 participants (17% men; 7.2% minority; mean [SD] age: 55.1 [9.9] years; weight: 95.9 [17.0] kg; BMI: 35.2 [5.0] kg/m2), 18‐month retention was significantly higher in both GROUP (83%) and SMART (81%) compared with CONTROL (66%). Estimated mean (95% CI) weight change over 18 months did not differ across the three conditions: 5.9 kg (95% CI: 4.5‐7.4) in GROUP, 5.5 kg (95% CI: 3.9‐7.1) in SMART, and 6.4 kg (95% CI: 3.7‐9.2) in CONTROL.

Conclusions

Mobile online delivery of behavioral obesity treatment can achieve weight loss outcomes that are at least as good as those obtained via the more intensive gold standard group‐based approach.
Comprehensive dynamic modeling, simulation, and validation for an industrial boiler incident investigation
Authors: Taimoor Aqeel Ahmad , Alghamdi Mohammad Moghram , Farooqi Muhammad Omer , Siddiqui Muhammad Ehtisham , Zain‐ul‐Abdein Muhammad , Saleem Waqas , Ijaz Hassan , Ali Arshid M.
Published: February 2019

Industrial boilers simulation can serve number of purposes like training, optimization, HAZOP studies, and incident investigation. Simulation including trip logics, interlockings, safety devices, start‐up and shutdown procedure is presented in this work. Simulation is directly accomplished in dynamic mode to benefit from the holdup approach to avoid anomalies because of recycling. The industrial DCS/PLC diagrams are replicated to imitate the boiler‐integrated behavior. Trip logics, start‐up and shutdown procedures are programmed using event scheduler. The inbuilt pressure relief module validates the simulated PSVs and rupture disc capacities. The model is then verified at three stages including ‘steady state’ achievement in dynamic mode, controller validation by start‐up and shut down procedures and finally by direct industrial data under deviant conditions. Where an unfortunate event is a concern, it also provides an opportunity to ponder and to evolve at various levels. Operational simulation of any such incident may help in getting a deep insight and thus to take accurate countermeasures. One such attempt is done in this work. A boiler accident has been reported. The complete response of the controllers and interlockings/trip system is imitated. The obtained results were compared with the chain of events that took place. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog: e12040 2019
Assessing the impact of climate change on the worldwide distribution of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong) using MaxEnt
Authors: Santana Paulo A , Kumar Lalit , Da Silva Ricardo S , Pereira Jardel L , Picanço Marcelo C
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

For the first time, a model was applied at the global scale to investigate the effects of climate change on Dalbulus maidis. D. maidis is the main vector of three plant pathogens of maize crops and has been reported as one of the most important maize pests in Latin America. We modelled the effects of climate change on this pest using three Global Climate Models under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) using MaxEnt software.

RESULTS

Overall, climate change will lead to a decrease in suitable areas for D. maidis. In South America, climate change will decrease the areas suitable for the pest, especially in Brazil. However, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela will have small areas that are highly suitable for the corn leafhopper. Outside the pest's range, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and South Africa also should be concerned about the risk of corn leafhopper invasions in the future because they are projected to have conditions that are highly suitable for this insect in some areas.

CONCLUSION

This study allows the relevant countries to increase their quarantine measures and guide researchers to develop new Zea mays varieties that are resistant or tolerant to D. maidis. In addition, the maize‐stunting pathogens for the areas are highlighted in this modelling. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Trapped mountain waves with a critical level just below the surface
Authors: Soufflet Clément , Lott François , Damiens Florentin
Published: February 2019

The trapped mountain waves produced when the incident wind near the surface is small compared with its value aloft are analyzed with a theory adapted from Long (1953) and compared with fully nonlinear simulations performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF). Although small near‐surface incident winds occur naturally in fronts via a combination of the thermal wind balance and the boundary layer, they pose at least two problems in mountain meteorology: zero surface incident winds produce no wave in the fully linear case; they also correspond to places where mountain waves have a critical level.

Despite these problems, theory and WRF show that, for small mountains, trapped lee waves (a) can occur and (b) are favored when the surface Richardson number J = N
2/(∂u/∂z)2 is small. This last result is related to the theoretical fact that the surface absorption of stationary gravity waves increases when J increases. The relation with flow stability is corroborated further by the fact that the trapped lee waves resemble the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) modes of instability that exist when J < 0.25.

For medium mountains, some aspects of the theory still hold but need to be adapted, the more intense winds and foehn that occur along the lee side of the mountain having a tendency to increase the surface flow stability. For “initially” small J, this can limit the onset of trapped lee waves, again consistent with the fact that mountain‐wave surface absorption increases with surface flow stability. For large J, the dynamics produces wave breaking on the lee side, destabilizing the flow in the wake of the mountain. In the region where the Richardson number is small, trapped waves develop despite the fact that the surface Richardson number can be quite large, suggesting that the trapped lee waves now result from an absolute instability of the wake.
A new dual CUSUM mean chart
Authors: Haq Abdul , Bibi Lubna
Published: February 2019

The conventional cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart is usually designed based on a known shift size. In usual practice, shift size is often unknown and can be assumed to vary within an interval. With such a range of shift size, the dual CUSUM (DCUSUM) chart provides more sensitivity than the CUSUM chart. In this paper, we propose dual Crosier CUSUM (DCCUSUM) charts with and without fast initial response features to efficiently monitor the infrequent changes in the mean of a normally distributed process. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compute the run length characteristics of one‐sided and two‐sided DCCUSUM charts. These run length characteristics are compared with those of the CUSUM, Crosier CUSUM, Shewhart‐CUSUM, and DCUSUM charts in terms of the integral relative average run length. It turns out that the proposed chart shows better performance when detecting a range of mean shift sizes. A real dataset is considered to illustrate the implementation of existing and proposed charts.
Codesign of controller, routing and scheduling in WirelessHART networked control systems
Authors: Di Girolamo Giovanni Domenico , D'Innocenzo Alessandro
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we provide a novel methodology to co‐design controller, scheduling and routing in a wireless control network compliant with the WirelessHART protocol. We both provide a modeling framework and derive a novel suboptimal solution to the linear‐quadratic regulator problem for a class of systems that extends Markov jump linear system considering both continuous and discrete inputs. To allow that, our results can be directly implemented in a real WirelessHART network, we setup a receding horizon optimization problem that takes into account the constraint for compliance with WirelessHART and validate our solution on a batch reactor control loop.
Nonnegative tensor decomposition with custom clustering for microphase separation of block copolymers
Authors: Alexandrov Boian S. , Stanev Valentin G. , Vesselinov Velimir V. , Rasmussen Kim Ø.
Published: February 2019

High‐dimensional datasets are becoming ubiquitous in many applications and therefore unsupervised tensor methods to interrogate them are needed. Here, we report a new unsupervised machine learning (ML) approach (NTFk) based on nonnegative tensor factorization integrated with a custom k‐means clustering. We demonstrate the ability of NTFk to extracting temporal and spatial features of phase separation of copolymers as they are modeled by self‐consistent field theory. Microphase separation of block copolymers has been extensively studied both experimentally and theoretically. However, the interpretation of computer simulations and/or experimental data, representing temporal and spatial changes of molecular species concentration is still a challenging task. Thus, extracting the phase diagram from simulations or experimental data as well as the interpretation of data requires discernment of the model/experimental parameters (such as, temperature, concentrations, the number of molecular species and the interaction between species) impact on the microphase separation process. An attractive and unique aspect of the introduced ML method is that it ensures the nonnegativity of the extracted latent features. Nonnegativity is an essential constraint needed to obtain interpretable and sparse latent features that are parts‐based representation of the data. The custom clustering in NTFk serves to estimate the number of latent features in the data.
Care for your campus community after death of a student
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2019

College students aren't supposed to die. But, unfortunately, sometimes they do, and living in denial of that tragic fact can interfere with your campus community's preparation, prevention, and healing processes and procedures.
Advance racial equity by uncovering unconscious bias
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. — “Unconscious bias lives in all of us,” said Mee Moua, principal at Interdependent Group LLC and consultant at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, at a session on advancing racial equity presented at the annual conference of the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
Phylogenetic relationships within Silene (Caryophyllaceae) section Physolychnis
Authors: Petri Anna , Oxelman Bengt
Published: February 2019

Phylogenetic relationships within Silene sect. Physolychnis are investigated using DNA sequences from two low‐copy nuclear regions and three plastid regions. We expand the circumscription of Physolychnis to include also Siberian and Eurasian taxa, with S. zawadzkii and S. uralensis as delimiters of the section. Two main clades are identified within Physolychnis, the Siberian S. ajanensis group and an Asian/American clade. Several taxa, previously classified to sect. Odontopetalae, sect. Occidentales, and sect. Morrisonmontanae, are shown to belong to the Asian/American clade, which otherwise corresponds to Bocquet's (1969) circumscription of sect. Physolychnis. Silene sect. Physolychnis also includes several additional, mainly Asian taxa (e.g., S. davidii, S. seoulensis, S. keiskei, S. viscosa, S. quadriloba, and homoeologues from S. songarica, S. firma, and S. tolmatchevii). Several putative allopolyploids are identified, in several cases stemming from crosses between the two main clades. The two allotetraploids S. involucrata and S. sachalinensis, although morphologically and geographically distinct, have indistinguishable ancestries.
Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Lamium L. (Lamiaceae): Disentangling origins of presumed allotetraploids
Authors: Bendiksby Mika , Brysting Anne K. , Thorbek Lisbeth , Gussarova Galina , Ryding Olof
Published: February 2019

This is the first comprehensive molecular investigation of the genus Lamium L. We have addressed phylogenetic relationships and presumed allopolyploid speciation by use of nuclear (NRPA2, 5S‐NTS) and chloroplast (matK, psbA‐trnH, rps16, trnL, trnL‐F, trnS‐G) DNA sequence data. Nuclear and chloroplast data were incongruent, and nuclear data showed better correlation with morphology. Bayesian and parsimony phylogenetic results show that (1) Lamium galeobdolon is sister to all remaining Lamium species; (2) Wiedemannia is nested within Lamium; (3) L. amplexicaule is polyphyletic; (4) most tetraploids are of hybrid origin; (5) L. amplexicaule var. orientale is allotetraploid; and (6) Mennema's (1989) infrageneric classification is not corroborated by molecular data. Based on the molecular results, and taking morphology into account, we suggest resurrection of two species: L. aleppicum and L. paczoskianum.
Revisiting monophyly in Haworthia Duval (Asphodelaceae): Incongruence, hybridization and contemporary speciation
Authors: Ramdhani Syd , Barker Nigel P. , Cowling Richard M.
Published: February 2019

Molecular phylogenetic reconstructions have indicated that Haworthia is not monophyletic. Here we show, using considerably expanded datasets of both chloroplast (trnL‐trnF and psbA‐trnH intergenic spacers) and nuclear (ITS1) markers that the issue of a polyphyletic Haworthia is more complicated than previously reported. Both parsimony and bayesian analyses of cpDNA and ITS1 produced poorly resolved phylogenies, with little or no support for deeper nodes. Species of Haworthia are placed in three of the four main lineages in the cpDNA phylogeny, while in the ITS1 phylogeny Haworthia species were placed in two of the four main lineages retrieved. The cpDNA phylogeny was incongruent with that obtained from the ITS1 data, and the topology of the combined dataset reflected that obtained from the ITS1 dataset. As species of H. subg. Hexangulares and subg. Robustipedunculares have been reportedly involved in intergeneric hybridizations with other Alooideae, it is postulated that a history of ancient hybridization may account for a polyphyletic Haworthia. Hybridization is also ongoing between species within H. subg. Haworthia, and may be responsible for results indicating that some species in this subgenus are not monophyletic. This hybridization may be facilitated by the lack of effective reproductive barriers. We hypothesize that Haworthia is undergoing a contemporary and explosive radiation in southern Africa, driven in part by local adaptation to relatively fine‐grained ecological heterogeneity of soils and microclimate.
The monotypic Andean genus Fulcaldea (Compositae, Barnadesioideae) gains a new species from northeastern Brazil
Authors: Funk Vicki A. , Roque Nádia
Published: February 2019

The family Compositae has ca. 25,000 species and is estimated to have diverged approximately 45 Ma. Within the family, the small subfamily Barnadesioideae (91 spp.) is the sister group of the rest of Compositae. Four of its nine genera have only one species; one of these, Fulcaldea, is restricted to northern Peru and Ecuador as is its sister group, Arnaldoa (3 spp.). A new species, Fulcaldea stuessyi, is described from the Chapada Diamantina of Bahia, Brazil, a remarkable 4000 km disjunction. The new species is clearly a member of Fulcaldea sharing a number of important characters with the type, F. laurifolia, including a single‐flowered capitulum, "plumose" pappus, shrubby habit, and style with a unique swelling. It is distinguished from that species by its red corolla and pappus, greater number of series of phyllaries, and much greater length of the corolla, style, and pappus. The location of the new taxon may be the result of vicariance or long‐distance dispersal; it is named in honor of Professor Tod Stuessy.
Establishing dates of valid publication for Luigi Buscalioni's names in Saurauia (Actinidiaceae)
Authors: Kelly Lawrence M.
Published: February 2019

Luigi Buscalioni published 119 names of species and infraspecific taxa of Saurauia in many installments over a 16‐year period from 1912 and 1927. Buscalioni's work had formal taxonomic sections, which he likely intended as place of valid publication for his names. Nevertheless, most of his names were published with diagnostic or descriptive information in many parts of his works, often earlier than his formal descriptions. The citations of names in Buscalioni's work are summarized, and dates and citations for validation of names are provided.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Bryophyta: 11
Authors: Klazenga Niels
Published: February 2019

The following two names of bryophytes are proposed for conservation: Cheilolejeunea against Omphalanthus and Distichophyllum with a conserved type.