bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of dentin sialophosphoprotein and its cognate matrix metalloproteinase‐20 in human cancers
Authors: Aseervatham Jaya , Geetu Saxena , Anunobi Charles C. , Koli Komal , Ogbureke Kalu U. E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases‐20 (MMP20) expression is widely regarded as tooth specific, with expression limited to dental hard tissues. Recently, we reported MMP20 expression and interaction with dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), a member of the Small Integrin Binding Ligand N‐linked Glycoproteins (SIBLINGs), in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and dysplastic oral premalignant lesions (OPLs), suggesting a role for MMP20‐DSPP interaction in oral carcinogenesis.

Methods

This study aimed to survey the expression of MMP20 and its cognate DSPP partner in the breast, colon, prostate, thyroid, and cervical neoplasms. Using commercially available tissue microarrays (TMAs) and cell lines, we performed immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, proximity ligation assay, and western blot experiments to determine the expressions of MMP20 and DSPP in the breast, colon, prostate, thyroid, cervical neoplasms, and their normal counterparts.

Results

Significantly high expression levels of MMP20 and DSPP were observed in the malignant breast, colon, prostate, thyroid, and cervical neoplasms compared with their benign and normal counterparts. Furthermore, MMP20 levels increased with advanced stages of colon and thyroid cancers. DSPP expression increased significantly with tumor stage in all cancers examined.

Conclusions

The co‐localization and potential MMP20‐DSPP interaction previously reported in oral cancers are present in other cancers. These results suggest MMP20‐DSPP pairing as a potential marker of disease activity in some epithelial cancers with diagnostic and prognostic implications.
Partly Deepithelialized Free Gingival Graft for Treatment of Lingual Recession
Authors: Kinaia Bassam M. , Kazerani Shahrdad , Hsu Yung‐Ting , Neely Anthony L.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Gingival recession (GR) is an unhealthy root exposure that could result in sensitivity, abrasion, root caries and higher chance of plaque collection. The prevalence of GR is higher on the facial surfaces but could also affect the lingual tooth surfaces. Despite the etiology and location of GR, treatment is warranted to improve the long‐term periodontal stability around the affected teeth. This case report describes the use of partly deepithelialized free gingival graft (PE‐FGG) to augment lingual GR post orthodontic treatment.

Case Presentation

The current report evaluates the results of PG‐FGG to correct lingual recession in a 21‐year‐old female. The patient presented with 5 mm lingual recession on a previously orthodontically rotated tooth (#21). The recession was treated using a PE‐FGG to increase keratinized gingiva (KG) and reduce root exposure. Follow‐up at 24 months showed adequate root coverage and KG.

Conclusion

The use of PE‐FGG can be used to enhance KG for lingual recession with adequate root coverage.
Ectopic salivary gland fistula in the sternoclavicular joint region
Authors: Kato Agata , Tamada Ikkei , Aoki Marie , Kitabata Reina
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Although rare, ectopic salivary gland fistula should be considered in the differential diagnosis when treating a fistulous lesion on the neck because its natural history and the level of difficulty of surgery are different from those of the branchial fistula.
Molecular Insights into the Ligand‐Reactant Interactions of Pt Nanoparticles Functionalized with α‐Amino Acids as Asymmetric Catalysts for β‐Keto Esters
Authors: Šulce Anda , Mitschke Nico , Azov Vladimir , Kunz Sebastian
Published: April 2019

The asymmetric hydrogenation of ß‐keto esters over α‐amino acid‐functionalized Pt nanoparticles was explored in order to expand our understanding of ligand‐reactant interactions underlying the chiral induction. A comprehensive investigation aimed at the quantification of the nonlinear effects demonstrated that for most of the ligands and reactants enantiodifferentiation is determined by 1 : 1 ligand‐reactant interaction. However, attachment of phenyl substituents to the ligands or reactants likely involves the formation of more intricate intermediate complexes. We have shown that the asymmetric bias is sensitive to even small changes in the geometry of the ligand. Additionally, we have found that alkali metal cations, which balance the negative charge of the ligand's carboxyl group and originate from the metal hydroxide used for ligand functionalization, play a key role in the process of chiral induction. As the nature of the cation can be varied by simply changing the metal hydroxide used during functionalization, this finding opens an additional possibility to control the stereoselectivity by tuning the ligand‐reactant interaction.
Facile Synthesis of Pt Icosahedral Nanocrystals with Controllable Sizes for the Evaluation of Size‐Dependent Activity toward Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhao Ming , Holder Joseph , Chen Zitao , Xie Minghao , Cao Zhenming , Chi Miaofang , Xia Younan
Published: April 2019

Platinum icosahedral nanocrystals are intriguing catalytic materials owing to the presence of a large number of twin boundaries and well‐defined {111} facets on the surface. However, there are only two protocols available for their synthesis and the protocols required either the involvement of a metal carbonyl as the reductant or a very long reaction time up to one week. Here we report a facile route to the quick synthesis of Pt icosahedral nanocrystals with tunable sizes. The synthesis only involved Pt(acac)2, tetraethylene glycol, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and as the metal precursor, solvent/reductant, and colloidal stabilizer, respectively. Noticeably, the synthesis could be completed within 20 min. By simply varying the amount of the precursor, we were able to tune the size of the Pt icosahedral nanocrystals in the range of 10–25 nm. Additionally, when ascorbic acid was introduced as a co‐reductant to facilitate the reduction of the precursor, the size of the Pt icosahedral nanocrystals could be further reduced down to 7–12 nm. When used as a catalyst towards the oxygen reduction reaction, the Pt icosahedral nanocrystals with different sizes all exhibited a specific activity more than 2.4 times greater than that of commercial Pt/C. Moreover, their specific activity increased with the particle size. After 5,000 cycles of the accelerated durability test, the specific activities of the Pt icosahedral nanocrystals with three different sizes were still more than 2 times as high as that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst.
BaB2O3F2: A Barium Fluorooxoborate with a Unique [B2O3F]− Layer and Short Cutoff Edge
Authors: Huang Chunmei , Zhang Fangfang , Li Hao , Yang Zhihua , Yu Haohai , Pan Shilie
Published: April 2019

Substitution of oxygen by fluorine in the borate group offers a materials platform from which intriguing structure and functionality may arise. Herein, we report a new fluorooxoborate, BaB2O3F2, synthesized by introducing the F atoms into the BaO–B2O3 system. BaB2O3F2 exhibits a unique oxyfluoride layer
[B2O3F]− and a deep‐ultraviolet cutoff edge below 180 nm. The effect of the introduction of F atoms on the structure and optical property of the borate group has been investigated; this should be useful to further expand borate chemistry and materials.
An Unprecedented Interpenetrating Structure Built from Two Differently Bonded Frameworks: Synthesis, Characteristics, and Efficient Removal of Anionic Dyes from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Wang Chih‐Ling , Hsieh Jui , Lee Li‐Wei , Wu Jing‐Yun , Hsiao Pu‐Yen , Chu Jean‐Ho , Wang Chih‐Min
Published: April 2019

The first example of one single crystal (NTOU‐5) containing two different organic‐inorganic hybrid open‐framework structures was obtained using a hydro(solvo)thermal method and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Remarkably, under the same synthetic conditions, the zinc ions are respectively coordinated by oxalic acid (OX) and 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene (TIMB) linkers to form two significantly different frameworks: anionic [Zn2(OX)3]2− and cationic [Zn(TIMB)]2+ networks that interweave with each other to give an unprecedented interpenetrating structure with two differently‐bonded open‐frameworks. From the inorganic chemistry perspective, it is extremely difficult to control to which metal center the oxygen‐donor linkers or/and nitrogen‐donor ligands bind. A mixed Co/Zn analogue was also obtained by a similar method. The single‐crystal XRD and EDS analyses indicate that the octahedral Zn ions of the anionic framework are replaced by cobalt cations, whereas the Zn ions in the tetrahedral positions of the cationic networks remain intact. This leads to the formation of the interpenetrating analogue with a mixed metal composition. Furthermore, NTOU‐5 shows structural stability and efficiently removes organic dyes from aqueous solutions at concentrations of 10 ppm.
Application of a Technofunctional Caseinate Hydrolysate to Replace Surfactants in Ice Cream
Authors: Ewert Jacob , Schlierenkamp Felix , Fischer Lutz , Stressler Timo
Published: April 2019

There is a demand for a clean label of ice cream in the food industry. To meet this requirement, alternative surfactants and hydrocolloids without an additive number have to be found. Here, a caseinate hydrolysate with improved interfacial properties was investigated as such an additive. Replacing only the surfactant resulted in ice cream characteristics, comparable to using a commercial emulsifier (INS 472b). Thus, a clean labeling of the surfactant using this hydrolysate is possible. By contrast, replacing the hydrocolloid additionally led to an unfavorable ice cream texture and stability.
Metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer: Abiraterone, docetaxel, or…
Authors: Barata Pedro C. , Sartor A. Oliver
Published: April 2019

For decades, the management of patients with advanced prostate cancer has been hormonal therapy, known as androgen deprivation therapy, which is intended to lower testosterone levels. Further incremental progress in the treatment of men with metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) has come from the addition of docetaxel or abiraterone acetate to androgen deprivation therapy for more aggressive upfront treatment regimens. Other combinatorial regimens testing the addition of novel therapies currently are in the late stages of development and are expected to further improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. The emergence of new positron emission tomography tracers specifically for prostate cancer, particularly prostate‐specific membrane antigen and fluciclovine, has increased the ability to detect metastatic disease earlier in the course of the disease and has helped to describe a new group of patients with mHSPC and oligometastatic disease. For this group of patients with mHSPC, the authors discuss the existing data with metastasis‐directed therapy and primary tumor‐directed therapy.
Tailored management of primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Etherington Mark S. , DeMatteo Ronald P.
Published: April 2019

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common human sarcoma and can form along the entire gastrointestinal tract. Over the last 20 years, considerable advances have been made in our understanding of the biology of GISTs. The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has provided effective medical therapy for the first time. In fact, given that GIST typically is driven by either a KIT or PDGFRA gene mutation, it has become a paradigm of targeted molecular therapy. In addition, diagnostic and surgical techniques have been refined. Here, the critical aspects of primary GISTs and how they are now managed with an integrated approach are summarized. Treatment plans are developed based on specific pathologic and molecular features of the tumor. The authors outline the general principles of therapy and highlight some of the nuances. Particular focus is given to diagnosis, surgical considerations, and the use of preoperative and postoperative tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Rural–urban residence and cancer survival in high‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Afshar Nina , English Dallas R. , Milne Roger L.
Published: April 2019

There is some evidence that place of residence is associated with cancer survival, but the findings are inconsistent, and the underlying mechanisms by which residential location might affect survival are not well understood. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies investigating the association of rural versus urban residence with cancer survival in high‐income countries. We searched the Ovid Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) databases up to May 31, 2016. Forty‐five studies published between 1984 and 2016 were included. We extracted unadjusted and adjusted relative risk estimates with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Most studies reported worse survival for cancer patients living in rural areas than those in urban regions. The most consistent evidence, observed across several studies, was for colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer. Of the included studies, 18 did not account for socio‐economic position. Lower survival for more disadvantaged patients is well documented; therefore, it could be beneficial for future research to take socio‐economic factors into consideration when assessing rural/urban differences in cancer survival. Some studies cited differential stage at diagnosis and treatment modalities as major contributing factors to regional inequalities in cancer survival. Further research is needed to disentangle the mediating effects of these factors, which may help to establish effective interventions to improve survival for patients living outside major cities.
Comparison of cytocentrifugation supernatant fluid and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue for targeted next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Janaki Nafiseh , Harbhajanka Aparna , Michael Claire W. , Bomeisl Phillip , Wasman Jay , Atchley Maureen , Miskiewicz Kristina , Alouani David , Sadri Navid
Published: April 2019

Background

The emergence of less invasive procedures coupled with the growth of molecular testing have created a need for clinical laboratories to optimize workflows to enable tissue preservation and ancillary testing. In the preparation of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded cell blocks (FFPE CBs), there is a cytocentrifugation step for cell pellet extraction that results in postcentrifugation supernatant fluid (SN). This SN, which in most routine workflows is discarded, has been suggested to contain adequate cellular material for molecular testing. In the current study, the authors describe the use of DNA and RNA extracted from SN for the detection of clinically relevant biomarkers by next‐generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods

After cell pellet removal, cytocentrifugation SN from 30 endobronchial fine‐needle aspiration rinses that were positive for malignancy on FFPE CB were collected. DNA and RNA were extracted from the SN and tested using an in‐house NGS Solid Tumor Focus Assay. The NGS results were compared with findings from corresponding FFPE samples.

Results

Testing was successful in all 30 samples. There was 100% concordance between variants observed in the SN and corresponding FFPE specimens, which included 50 single‐nucleotide variants, 9 copy number amplifications, 3 structural variants, and 2 indels. Furthermore, there was excellent correlation (correlation coefficient, 0.93) between the variant allele frequency of mutations observed in SN compared with that noted in corresponding FFPE CBs.

Conclusions

Cytocentrifugation SN is a valuable source for NGS, is comparable to FFPE that preserves tissue for other ancillary testing, and can reduce the failure rate of testing that may result from insufficient material being available in the CB.
Reducing the impact of geometric errors in flow computations using velocity measurements
Authors: Nolte David , Bertoglio Cristóbal
Published: April 2019

Numerical blood flow simulations are typically set up from anatomical medical images and calibrated using velocity measurements. However, the accuracy of the computational geometry itself is limited by the resolution of the anatomical image. We first show that applying standard no‐slip boundary conditions on inaccurately extracted boundaries can cause large errors in the results, in particular the pressure gradient. In this work, we therefore propose to augment the flow model calibration by slip/transpiration boundary conditions, whose parameters are then estimated using velocity measurements. Numerical experiments show that this methodology can considerably improve the accuracy of the estimated pressure gradients and 3D velocity fields when the vessel geometry is uncertain.
Metal‐Free Photocatalysts for C−H Bond Oxygenation Reactions with Oxygen as the Oxidant
Authors: Zhang Yu , Schilling Waldemar , Das Shoubhik
Published: April 2019

Direct and selective oxygenation of C−H bonds to C−O bonds is regarded as an effective tool to generate high‐value products. However, these reactions are still subject to challenges such as harsh reaction conditions, use of expensive transition metal catalysts, and involvement of stoichiometric oxidants. To avoid these, molecular oxygen would be ideal as oxidant, as the byproduct is water or hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, achieving these reactions by using metal‐free catalysts would contribute to green and sustainable chemical synthesis. This Minireview summarizes recent reports on C−H oxygenation reactions with metal‐free catalysts and molecular oxygen under visible‐light conditions.
Lignin for Nano‐ and Microscaled Carrier Systems: Applications, Trends, and Challenges
Authors: Sipponen Mika Henrikki , Lange Heiko , Crestini Claudia , Henn Alexander , Österberg Monika
Published: April 2019

To liberate society from its dependence on fossil‐based fuels and materials it is pivotal to explore components of renewable plant biomass in applications that benefit from their intrinsic biodegradability, safety, and sustainability. Lignin, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, is a plausible material for carrying various types of cargo in small‐ and large‐scale applications. Herein, possibilities and constraints regarding the physical–chemical properties of the lignin source as well as modifications and processing required to render lignins suitable for the loading and release of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and biological macromolecules is reviewed. In addition, the technical challenges, regulatory and toxicological aspects, and future research needed to realize some of the promises that nano‐ and microscaled lignin materials hold for a sustainable future are critically discussed.
Tackling Capacity Fading in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries with Amphoteric Polybenzimidazole/Nafion Bilayer Membranes
Authors: Oldenburg Fabio J. , Nilsson Elisabeth , Schmidt Thomas J. , Gubler Lorenz
Published: April 2019

Vanadium flow batteries are among the most promising technologies for stationary energy storage applications if their cost of storage can be further decreased. Capacity fading resulting from imbalanced vanadium crossover is a key operating cost component. Herein, a new approach is reported to avoid this cost by balancing electrolyte transport with amphoteric bilayer Nafion/meta‐polybenzimidazole membranes. Within this system, the anion‐ and cation‐exchange capacity can be tuned in a straightforward manner by changing the thickness of the respective polymer layer to balance electrolyte transport for a given current density. At high current densities, a net migrative flux of vanadium directed towards the positive side is observed owing to the higher average charge of vanadium ions present at the negative side. The coulombic repulsion between the vanadium ions and the positive charges in the membrane counteracts this migrative transport and can reverse the direction of the net vanadium flux. For a technically relevant current density of 120 mA cm−2, a PBI thickness of 3–4 μm is required to balance the vanadium crossover and to minimize capacity fading.
Across the Board: Michael North on Carbon Dioxide Biorefinery
Authors: North Michael
Published: April 2019

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Prof. M. North, who introduces the concept of a carbon dioxide biorefinery as a way of making carbon dioxide utilisation both environmentally beneficial and financially attractive and discusses the state of the art for carbon dioxide utilisation for fuels and bulk chemicals.
Fluorination of MXene by Elemental F2 as Electrode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Thapaliya Bishnu P. , Jafta Charl J. , Lyu Hailong , Xia Jiexiang , Meyer Harry M. , Paranthaman M. Parans , Sun Xiao‐Guang , Bridges Craig A. , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2019

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Dr. Sheng Dai at the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Joint Institute for Advanced Materials. The image shows the transformation of 2D Mxene into novel 2D TiOF2 via low temperature direct fluorination. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201900003.
Modeling and simulation of temperature drift for ISFET‐based pH sensor and its compensation through machine learning techniques
Authors: Bhardwaj Rishabh , Sinha Soumendu , Sahu Nishad , Majumder Sagnik , Narang Pratik , Mukhiya Ravindra
Published: April 2019

The paper presents modeling and simulation of ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistor (ISFET)‐based pH sensor with temperature‐dependent behavioral macromodel and proposes to compensate the temperature drift in the sensor using intelligent machine learning (ML) models. The macromodel is built using SPICE by introducing electrochemical parameters in a metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) model to simulate ISFET characteristics. We account for the temperature dependence of electrochemical and semiconductor parameters in our macromodel to increase its robustness. The macromodel is then exported as a subcircuit element, which is used to design the readout interface circuit. A simple constant‐voltage, constant‐current (CVCC) topology is utilized to generate the data for temperature drift in ISFET pH sensor, which is used to train and test state‐of‐the‐art ML‐based regression models in order to compensate the drift behavior. The experimental results demonstrate that the random forest (RF) technique achieves the best performance with very high correlation and low error rate. Corresponding curves for output signal using the trained models show highly temperature‐independent characteristics when tested for pH 2, 4, 7, 10, and 12, and we obtained a root mean squared error (RMS) variation of ΔpH ≤ 0.024 over a temperature range of 15°C to 55°C in comparison with ΔpH ≤ 1.346 for uncompensated output signal. This work establishes the framework for integration of ML techniques for drift compensation of ISFET chemical sensor to improve its performance.
Evaluation of sulfate metabolites as markers of intramuscular testosterone administration in Caucasian and Asian populations
Authors: Esquivel Argitxu , Alechaga Élida , Monfort Nuria , Yang Sheng , Xing Yanyi , Moutian Wu , Ventura Rosa
Published: April 2019

The introduction of alternative markers to the steroid profile can be an effective approach to improving the screening capabilities for the detection of testosterone (T) misuse. In this work, endogenous steroid sulfates were evaluated as potential markers to detect intramuscular (IM) T administration. Fourteen sulfate metabolites were quantified using mixed‐mode solid‐phase extraction and analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Urine samples after a single IM injection (100 mg) of T cypionate to six Caucasian and six Asian healthy male volunteers were analyzed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to characterize the sample cohort and to obtain the most useful markers for discrimination between pre‐ and post‐administration samples. For Caucasian volunteers, a separation between pre‐ and post‐administration samples was observed in PCA, whereas for Asian volunteers no separation was obtained. Seventeen ratios between sulfate metabolites were selected and further considered. Detection times (DTs) of each marker were evaluated using individual thresholds for each volunteer. The best results were obtained using ratios involving T and epitestosterone (E) sulfates in the denominator. The best marker was the ratio androsterone sulfate/testosterone sulfate (A‐S/T‐S) which prolonged the DT 1.2–2.1 times in respect to those obtained using T/E ratio in all Caucasian volunteers and 1.3–1.5 times in two Asian volunteers. Other ratios between A‐S or etiocholanolone sulfate and E‐S, and sulfates of etiocholanolone, dehydroandrosterone or epiandrosterone, and T‐S were also found adequate. These ratios improve the DT after IM T administration and their incorporation to complement the current steroid profile is recommended.
Future temperature and salinity do not exert selection pressure on cyst germination of a toxic phytoplankton species
Authors: Jerney Jacqueline , Suikkanen Sanna , Lindehoff Elin , Kremp Anke
Published: April 2019

Environmental conditions regulate the germination of phytoplankton resting stages. While some factors lead to synchronous germination, others stimulate germination of only a small fraction of the resting stages. This suggests that habitat filters may act on the germination level and thus affect selection of blooming strains. Benthic “seed banks” of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium ostenfeldii from the Baltic Sea are genetically and phenotypically diverse, indicating a high potential for adaptation by selection on standing genetic variation. Here, we experimentally tested the role of climate‐related salinity and temperature as selection filters during germination and subsequent establishment of A. ostenfeldii strains. A representative resting cyst population was isolated from sediment samples, and germination and reciprocal transplantation experiments were carried out, including four treatments: Average present day germination conditions and three potential future conditions: high temperature, low salinity, and high temperature in combination with low salinity. We found that the final germination success of A. ostenfeldii resting cysts was unaffected by temperature and salinity in the range tested. A high germination success of more than 80% in all treatments indicates that strains are not selected by temperature and salinity during germination, but selection becomes more important shortly after germination, in the vegetative stage of the life cycle. Moreover, strains were not adapted to germination conditions. Instead, highly plastic responses occurred after transplantation and significantly higher growth rates were observed at higher temperature. High variability of strain‐specific responses has probably masked the overall effect of the treatments, highlighting the importance of testing the effect of environmental factors on many strains. It is likely that A. ostenfeldii populations can persist in the future, because suitable strains, which are able to germinate and grow well at potential future climate conditions, are part of the highly diverse cyst population.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.c8c83nr.
Latitudinal variation and coevolutionary diversification of sexually dimorphic traits in the false blister beetle Oedemera sexualis
Authors: Satomi Daisuke , Koshio Chiharu , Tatsuta Haruki , Kudo Shin‐ichi , Takami Yasuoki
Published: April 2019

Sexual traits are subject to evolutionary forces that maximize reproductive benefits and minimize survival costs, both of which can depend on environmental conditions. Latitude explains substantial variation in environmental conditions. However, little is known about the relationship between sexual trait variation and latitude, although body size often correlates with latitude. We examined latitudinal variation in male and female sexual traits in 22 populations of the false blister beetle Oedemera sexualis in the Japanese Archipelago. Males possess massive hind legs that function as a female‐grasping apparatus, while females possess slender hind legs that are used to dislodge mounting males. Morphometric analyses revealed that male and female body size (elytron length), length and width of the hind femur and tibia, and allometric slopes of these four hind leg dimensions differed significantly among populations. Of these, three traits showed latitudinal variation, namely, male hind femur was stouter; female hind tibia was slenderer, and female body was smaller at lower latitudes than at higher latitudes. Hind leg sizes and shapes, as measured by principal component analysis of these four hind leg dimensions in each sex, covaried significantly between sexes, suggesting coevolutionary diversification in sexual traits. Covariation between sexes was weaker when variation in these traits with latitude was removed. These results suggest that coevolutionary diversification between male and female sexual traits is mediated by environmental conditions that vary with latitude.
Impacts of invasive annuals on soil carbon and nitrogen storage in southern California depend on the identity of the invader
Authors: Caspi Tal , Hartz Lauren A. , Soto Villa Alondra E. , Loesberg Jenna A. , Robins Colin R. , Meyer Wallace M.
Published: April 2019

Non‐native plant invasions can alter nutrient cycling processes and contribute to global climate change. In southern California, California sage scrub (hereafter sage scrub), a native shrub‐dominated habitat type in lowland areas, has decreased to <10% of its original distribution. Postdisturbance type‐conversion to non‐native annual grassland, and increasingly to mustard‐dominated invasive forbland, is a key contributor to sage scrub loss. To better understand how type‐conversion by common invasive annuals impacts carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage in surface soils, we examined how the identity of the invader (non‐native grasses, Bromus spp.; and non‐native forbs, Brassica nigra), microbial concentrations, and soil properties interact to influence soil nutrient storage in adjacent native and invasive habitat types at nine sites along a coast to inland gradient. We found that the impact of type‐conversion on nutrient storage was contingent upon the invasive plant type. Sage scrub soils stored more C and N than non‐native grasslands, whereas non‐native forblands had nutrient storage similar to or higher than sage scrub. We calculate that >940 t C km−2 and >60 t N km−2 are lost when sage scrub converts to grass‐dominated habitat, demonstrating that grass invasions are significant regional contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. We found that sites with greater total C and N storage were associated with high cation exchange capacities and bacterial concentrations. Non‐native grassland habitat type was a predictor of lower total C, and soil pH, which was greatest in invasive habitats, was a predictor of lower total N. We demonstrate that modeling regional nutrient storage requires accurate classification of habitat type and fine‐scale quantification of cation exchange capacity, pH, and bacterial abundance. Our results provide evidence that efforts to restore and conserve sage scrub enhance nutrient storage, a key ecosystem service reducing atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Conservation genetics of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) with special focus on the populations in northwestern Germany and in Jutland, Denmark
Authors: Andersen Liselotte Wesley , Dirksen Ronja , Nikulina Elena A. , Baagøe Hans J. , Petersons Gunars , Estók Péter , Orlov Oleg L. , Orlova Maria V. , Gloza‐Rausch Florian , Göttsche Matthias , Fjederholt Esben Terp , Krüger Frauke , Elmeros Morten
Published: April 2019

Conservation genetics is important in the management of endangered species, helping to understand their connectivity and long‐term viability, thus identifying populations of importance for conservation. The pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) is a rare species classified as “Near Threatened” with a wide but patchy Palearctic distribution. A total of 277 samples representing populations in Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Hungary, and Russia were used in the genetic analyses; 224 samples representing Denmark, Germany, and Russia were analyzed at 10 microsatellite loci; 241 samples representing all areas were analyzed using mitochondrial D‐loop and cytochrome B sequences. A Bayesian clustering approach revealed two poorly resolved clusters, one representing the Danish and German groups and the other the Russian group. However, significantly different pairwise FST and DEST estimates were observed between the Danish and German groups and between the Danish and Russian groups suggesting a recent population structure. These conflicting results might be attributed to the effect of migration or low resolution due to the number of microsatellite markers used. After concatenating the two mitochondrial sequences, analysis detected significant genetic differentiation between all populations, probably due to genetic drift combined with a founder event. The phylogenetic tree suggested a closer relationship between the Russian and Northern European populations compared to the Hungarian population, implying that the latter belongs to an older ancestral population. This was supported by the observed haplotype network and higher nucleotide diversity in this population. The genetic structuring observed in the Danish/German pond bat stresses the need for a cross‐border management between the two countries. Further, the pronounced mtDNA structuring, together with the indicated migration between nearby populations suggest philopatric female behavior but male migration, emphasizes the importance of protecting suitable habitat mosaics to maintain a continuum of patches with dense pond bat populations across the species' distribution range.
Can marine reserves restore lost ecosystem functioning? A global synthesis
Authors: Cheng Brian S. , Altieri Andrew H. , Torchin Mark E. , Ruiz Gregory M.
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have grown exponentially, emerging as a widespread tool to conserve biodiversity and enhance fisheries production. Although numerous empirical studies and global syntheses have evaluated the effects of MPAs on community structure (e.g., biodiversity), no broad assessment concerning their capacity to influence ecological processes (e.g., species interactions) exists. Here, we present meta‐analyses that compare rates of predation and herbivory on a combined 32 species across 30 MPAs spanning 85° of latitude. Our analyses synthesize the fate of 15,225 field experiment assays, and demonstrate that MPAs greatly increased predation intensity on animals but not herbivory on macroalgae or seagrass. Predation risk, quantified as the odds of prey being eaten, was largely determined by predator abundance and biomass within reserves. At MPAs with the greatest predator accumulation, the odds of predation increased to nearly 49:1, as opposed to 1:1 at MPAs where predators actually declined. Surprisingly, we also found evidence that predation risk declined with increased sea‐surface temperature. Greater predation risk within MPAs was consistent with predator and prey population abundance estimates, where predators increased 4.4‐fold within MPAs, whereas prey decreased 2.2‐fold. For herbivory, the lack of change may have been driven by functional redundancy and the inability of reserves to increase herbivore abundance relative to fished zones in our sample. Overall, this work highlights the capacity of MPAs to restore a critical ecosystem function such as predation, which mediates energy flows and community assembly within natural systems. However, our review of the literature also uncovers relatively few studies that have quantified the effects of MPAs on ecosystem function, highlighting a key gap in our understanding of how protected areas may alter ecological processes and deliver ecosystem services. From a historical perspective, these findings suggest that modern levels of predation in the coastal oceans may currently only be a fraction of the baseline prior to human exploitation.
Resolving misaligned spatial data with integrated species distribution models
Authors: Pacifici Krishna , Reich Brian J. , Miller David A. W. , Pease Brent S.
Published: April 2019

Advances in species distribution modeling continue to be driven by a need to predict species responses to environmental change coupled with increasing data availability. Recent work has focused on development of methods that integrate multiple streams of data to model species distributions. Combining sources of information increases spatial coverage and can improve accuracy in estimates of species distributions. However, when fusing multiple streams of data, the temporal and spatial resolutions of data sources may be mismatched. This occurs when data sources have fluctuating geographic coverage, varying spatial scales and resolutions, and differing sources of bias and sparsity. It is well documented in the spatial statistics literature that ignoring the misalignment of different data sources will result in bias in both the point estimates and uncertainty. This will ultimately lead to inaccurate predictions of species distributions. Here, we examine the issue of misaligned data as it relates specifically to integrated species distribution models. We then provide a general solution that builds off work in the statistical literature for the change‐of‐support problem. Specifically, we leverage spatial correlation and repeat observations at multiple scales to make statistically valid predictions at the ecologically relevant scale of inference. An added feature of the approach is that addressing differences in spatial resolution between data sets can allow for the evaluation and calibration of lesser‐quality sources in many instances. Using both simulations and data examples, we highlight the utility of this modeling approach and the consequences of not reconciling misaligned spatial data. We conclude with a brief discussion of the upcoming challenges and obstacles for species distribution modeling via data fusion.
Invasive perennial forb effects on gross soil nitrogen cycling and nitrous oxide fluxes depend on phenology
Authors: Portier Evan , Silver Whendee L. , Yang Wendy H.
Published: April 2019

Invasive plants can increase soil nitrogen (N) pools and accelerate soil N cycling rates, but their effect on gross N cycling and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions has rarely been studied. We hypothesized that perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) invasion would increase rates of N cycling and gaseous N loss, thereby depleting ecosystem N and causing a negative feedback on invasion. We measured a suite of gross N cycling rates and net N2O fluxes in invaded and uninvaded areas of an annual grassland in the Sacramento‐San Joaquin River Delta region of northern California. During the growing season, pepperweed‐invaded soils had lower microbial biomass N, gross N mineralization, dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), and denitrification‐derived net N2O fluxes (P < 0.02 for all). During pepperweed dormancy, gross N mineralization, DNRA, and denitrification‐derived net N2O fluxes were stimulated in pepperweed‐invaded plots, presumably by N‐rich litter inputs and decreased competition between microbes and plants for N (P < 0.04 for all). Soil organic carbon and total N concentrations, which reflect pepperweed effects integrated over longer time scales, were lower in pepperweed‐invaded soils (P < 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). Overall, pepperweed invasion had a net negative effect on ecosystem N status, depleting soil total N to potentially cause a negative feedback to invasion in the long term.
Coordinated operation of a battery energy storage system and thermal generators for supply–demand balance maintenance and efficient use of photovoltaic energy
Authors: Kobayashi Daiki , Masuta Taisuke , Ohtake Hideaki
Published: April 2019

In future power systems with extremely large integration of photovoltaic (PV) generation, it is necessary to not only properly maintain supply–demand balance without power shortfall but also utilize as much PV energy as possible. The application of PV power forecast and energy storage devices to power system operation is necessary. In this study, we propose a method for determining and modifying the charging and discharging schedule of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and the unit commitment of thermal generators based on the PV power forecast. The proposed method is evaluated by numerical simulations for one year. The results show that both the energy shortfall and PV curtailment can be reduced by the proposed method.
Adsorption of a Chiral Amine on Alginate Gel Beads and Evaluation of its Efficiency as Heterogeneous Enantioselective Catalyst
Authors: Aguilera Daniel Antonio , Spinozzi Di Sante Lisa , Pettignano Asja , Riccioli Riccardo , Roeske Joël , Albergati Luce , Corti Vasco , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Bernardi Luca , Quignard Françoise , Tanchoux Nathalie
Published: April 2019

A representative Lewis base organic catalyst (9‐amino‐9‐deoxy epi‐quinine, QNA) can be adsorbed in high yields onto acidic alginate gels (AGs) using a very simple and straightforward protocol. The resulting solvogel beads (QNA@AGs) are active as heterogeneous catalysts in the addition of aldehydes to nitroalkenes, affording the corresponding adducts in good yields and moderate to excellent diastereo‐ and enantio‐selectivities. In these reactions, the carboxylic functions of the biopolymer act as both acidic co‐catalyst and non‐covalent anchoring site for the tertiary amine catalyst (as observed by IR spectroscopy). Use of heterocationic gels, derived from alkaline earth metal gels by proton exchange, provided materials with better mechanical properties and higher porosities, ultimately resulting in higher catalytic activities. This work represents the first utilization of alginates, abundant and renewable biopolymers, as gel supports/media for asymmetric organocatalytic processes.
When cities are the last chance for saving species
Authors: Soanes Kylie , Lentini Pia E
Published: April 2019

Urban environments are arguably among the most suitable targets for conservation science, as they represent opportunities to preserve both species and habitats under threat while at the same time allowing people to engage with nature. We highlight the need for conservation within urban environments using species whose recovery is entirely dependent on effective action within cities and towns. We identified 39 urban‐restricted species in Australia and reviewed the advice guiding their conservation to address the question, “What does conservation look like when cities are the last chance for saving species?” We argue that in such circumstances securing land for conservation purposes cannot be relied upon; instead, species must be protected on lands not originally intended for conservation and urban communities must be involved in recovery actions. Ultimately, to achieve such outcomes, decision makers need to recognize the importance of urban ecosystems in the recovery of imperiled species.
Age and connection to nature: when is engagement critical?
Authors: Hughes Joelene , Rogerson Mike , Barton Jo , Bragg Rachel
Published: April 2019

Conservation organizations are increasingly aware of the need to motivate pro‐environmental behavior by connecting people with nature. However, to maximize the effectiveness of the limited resources available, there needs to be a better understanding of the variability in people's connection to nature shown at different ages. We examined connection to nature among people aged 5–75 years, using two popular measures, in a cross‐sectional UK sample, based on the hypothesis that there would be clear, age‐related patterns in people's connection to nature, with specific “breakpoints” associated with differences in feelings of connection. Data were collected across a variety of locations. Analysis of generalized additive models revealed similar age‐related patterns for both measures, with connection declining from childhood to an overall low in the mid‐teens, followed by a rise to the early 20s and reaching a plateau that lasts to the end of the lifetime. Both measures also showed that females generally had higher connection scores than males. These findings have implications for conservation action.
The potential use of bromelain as a natural oral medicine having anticarcinogenic activities
Authors: Lee Jung‐Ha , Lee Jin‐Tae , Park Hae‐Ryoun , Kim Jin‐Bom
Published: April 2019

Bromelain (BR), a protease extracted from Ananas comosus, reportedly possesses pharmacological activities including the reduction of thrombogenesis, and antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of BR on oral cancer cells. The effect of BR on the viability of Ca9‐22 and SCC25 cells was determined using the MTT assay. These cells were also treated with different doses of BR, and Western blotting was conducted to monitor apoptosis. Finally, flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify sub‐G1 populations of oral cancer cells. After treatment, the viability of both Ca9‐22 and SCC25 cells was markedly reduced, in a dose‐dependent manner. BR induced poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and lamin A/C degradation, and generated cleavage products. Flow cytometry analysis showed that BR treatment significantly increased the sub‐G1 population. Our findings therefore indicate that BR has potential as a novel, natural anticarcinogenic medicine.
Mo‐doped CeO2 Synthesized by the Combustion Method for Carbon‐Air Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (CA‐SOFC) Applications
Authors: Díaz‐Aburto I. , Gracia F. , Colet‐Lagrille M.
Published: April 2019

Molybdenum(Mo)‐doped ceria (CMO) nanoparticles were synthesized by the combustion method with three different Mo compositions: 5 wt.%, 7 wt.%, and 10 wt.%. The catalytic activity of CMO for wet gasification of carbon was studied in a fluidized bed reactor, while the mechanical and electrical properties of this material were characterized using dense sintered CMO pellets.

The Young's modulus was found to increase with the Mo content; the higher value measured was 289.4 GPa for CMO with 10 wt.% Mo. Measurements of Vickers microhardness demonstrated that an increase in the Mo content produces a decrease in the microhardness of the material, suggesting that Mo confers semi‐metallic characteristics to CMO. The higher fracture toughness value, determined by the Niihara equation, was 4.39 MPa m0.5 for CMO with 10 wt.% Mo. In addition, an increase in the molybdenum content produced an increase in the electrical conductivity under air and H2 atmospheres. The maximum electrical conductivities under air and H2 were found for CMO with 10 wt.% Mo at 800 °C: 1.87 × 10−3 S cm−1 and 9.37 × 10−1 S cm−1, correspondingly. Finally, CMO with 10 wt.% Mo exhibited good catalytic activity for carbon gasification, which renders it a promising material for a combined fluidized bed‐SOFC system.