bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of Energy Strategies in Turkey: Forecasts by Time Series
Authors: Top Soner , Vapur Hüseyin
Published: March 2019

As a developing country with over 70% external dependence on energy, there is an increasing demand for electricity in Turkey. In this study, energy resources strategies in Turkey have been investigated and the historical development of its energy usage was summarised. Turkey's energy demand has increased as a result of industrial development and the various energy sources have been selected in different periods to meet this need. In all periods, fossil fuels have taken the lead in energy production. Although investments in renewable and nuclear energy sources have increased, fossil energy sources will not be replaced in the near future. The future fossil fuel production, the electricity production and the greenhouse emissions have been calculated and interpreted by time series (ARIMA), statistically. The forecasts mainly show that natural gas based electricity generation will decrease to 9.3% and renewable energy based electricity generation will increase to 25.6% in the next decade. It is obvious that the fossil fuels based greenhouse emissions will be 375.61 million tons CO2 equivalent in 2026 and the largest share of this emission will be derived from the natural gas by 66.3 billion m3.
Effect of Furnace Temperature on the Distribution of Tar during Gasification of Miscanthus
Authors: Kombe Emmanuel Yeri
Published: March 2019

Biomass has been extensively recognised as a clean and sustainable energy source with the highest probability to substitute fossil fuel in the energy market. Its utilisation for energy generation is of particular interest to the world at large because of its potential to reduce global carbon dioxide emission. Concerning these considerations, gasification technology comes to the forefront of biomass conversion to various forms of energy for some reasons. Primarily, gasification offers a high flexibility in utilising different kinds of biomass feedstock to produce a combustible gas, making it more active process than pyrolysis and direct combustion. However, the major challenge associated with thermal gasification of biomass is tars and particulates formation. These compounds compromise the state of syngas, potentially harming end use systems especially those delicate to the quality of gas. In this research, tar sampling and analysis was performed based on a modified standard tar protocol followed by gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) so as to quantify tar concentration in syngas produced from gasification of Miscanthus. Experiments was carried out at various furnace temperature in the range 350-650 , with temperature enhancement, the abundance of phenolic compounds increases.
“Study of Phenology of Woody Flora of Gulmarg and Its Neighbourhood” for Landscape Use
Authors: Nanda Azfar Bashir , . Nelofar , Lone Raiz Ahmed
Published: March 2019

The present investigation entitled “Study of phenology of ornamental flora of Gulmarg and its neighbourhood for landscape use” conducted during the years 2008-2010 in Gulmarg area of Kashmir valley. For this purpose four representative zones including zone A. ferozpur (1880 m.asl) and Tangmarg (2153 m.asl), zone B. Drang. (2218 m.asl) zone C. Doobi ghat (2218 m.asl), Gulmarg (2688 m.asl) and Baba reshi (2703 m.asl) and zone D. khelanmarg (3041 m.asl) were selected and recorded observations on flower emergence by making exploratory trips to these sites. Phonological spectrum of the flora of deciduous trees and shrubs, broad leaf evergreen trees and shrubs, deciduous woody vines, ground covers and evergreen ground cover shrubs revealed maximum availability of flowers during spring followed by summer and autumn.
Transferring Electronic Devices with Hydrogenated Graphene
Authors: Lee Woo‐Kyung , Whitener Keith E. , Robinson Jeremy T. , O'Shaughnessy Thomas J. , Sheehan Paul E.
Published: March 2019

From healthcare to environmental sensors, small operational devices are being developed to monitor and report in a host of new environments. These varied environments require widely varying material properties to meet operational challenges. Unfortunately, the tools used for device fabrication are not fully compatible with the breadth of substrates being utilized. The ability to transfer operational devices from a fabrication‐friendly substrate to any arbitrary substrate is essential to meet needs. Single layer hydrogenated graphene (HG) is an excellent candidate to support the transfer of operational devices. Hydrogenation of graphene weakens the film's van der Waals interaction with its substrate, allowing it to delaminate in water. The free‐floating HG layer can then be placed onto a new substrate. In this work, this property is exploited to transfer working field‐effect transistors (FETs) and gas‐sensing polymer films onto representative hard and flexible substrates. The transferred devices are operational in place and are spaced only one atomic layer away from their final substrate surface. The versatility of HG‐assisted device transfer is also demonstrated by transferring devices onto curved, irregular, and fragile surfaces that are otherwise not fabrication‐friendly, including an nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy tube, plastic water bottle, waxy plant leaf, and a culture of live neurons.
Amorphous Ni‐Rich Li(Ni1−x−yMnxCoy)O2–Li2SO4 Positive Electrode Materials for Bulk‐Type All‐Oxide Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Nagao Kenji , Sakuda Atsushi , Hayashi Akitoshi , Tsukasaki Hirofumi , Mori Shigeo , Tatsumisago Masahiro
Published: March 2019

All‐solid‐state batteries attract significant attention owing to their potential to realize an energy storage system with high safety and energy density. In this paper, a mechanochemical synthesis of novel amorphous positive electrode materials of the Ni‐rich LiNi1−x−yMnxCoyO2 (NMC)–Li2SO4 system suitable for oxide‐type all‐solid‐state batteries is reported. Through the mechanochemical treatment with Li2SO4, excellent formabilities of the electrode materials as those of ductile solid electrolytes are obtained. Owing to the deformability of the active material, a good electrode/electrolyte interface is provided simply by pressing at room temperature. In all‐oxide solid‐state cells using 80NMCs·20Li2SO4 (mol%) positive electrode materials, the cell capacity increases with the Ni content in the NMC. The all‐solid‐state cell using the 80NMC811·20Li2SO4 positive electrode active material exhibits a high capacity larger than 250 mAh g−1 in a voltage range of 1.6–4.8 V versus Li at 100 °C. Furthermore, bulk‐type all‐oxide solid‐state batteries (Li4Ti5O12/80NMC532·20Li2SO4 (mol%)) successfully function as secondary batteries with excellent cycle performances.
Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a new tri‐nuclear iron (II, III) complex, a precursor for the preparation of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles applicable in the removal of Cd2+
Authors: Razmara Zohreh , Saheli Sania , Eigner Vaclav , Dusek Michal
Published: March 2019

This study reports the structural and spectroscopic characterization of a novel metal organic compound formulated as [Fe (bpy)3] [Fe (dipic)2]2.7H2O (1) (dipic = pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate and bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine). 1 was investigated by elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), which revealed a triclinic structure of expected composition. Thermal degradation of 1 was also investigated. Complex 1 was used as a precursor to prepare superparamagnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4 by thermal analysis. The obtained Fe3O4 was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used as a nano‐adsorbent to remove Cd2+ from water at room temperature. The results showed that this nano‐adsorbent is effective in removing Cd2+ from contaminated water sources, and that the maximal effectivity of adsorption occurs at pH = 6. Magnetic measurements of complex 1 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles at room temperature revealed paramagnetic and superparamagnetic behavior, respectively.
Characterization of the Chemical Composition of Chinese Moringa oleifera Seed Oil
Authors: Zhao Beibei , Li Hua , Lan Tao , Wu Di , Chen Zhicheng
Published: March 2019

This work focused on physicochemical property assaying, fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles, and unsaponifiable matter composition of the Chinese Moringa oleifera seed oil. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in approximate nutritional components between M. oleifera seeds from China and India, while variations in the mineral element contents are significant. Both the Soxhlet extraction method and the aqueous enzymatic extraction method were adopted to extract oil from Chinese M. oleifera seeds. Oil yield obtained using the Soxhlet extraction method was higher than that obtained using the aqueous enzymatic extraction method. While both the iodine value and unsaponifiable matter content of the aqueous enzymatic extracted oil were a little higher than that of the Soxhlet extracted oil. Both oils possess a very low acid value and peroxide value, suggesting their good quality as edible oil. Fatty acid composition results indicated that this oil was especially high in oleic acid. Characterization of the TAG composition was achieved by a two‐dimensional high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupling of nonaqueous reverse‐phase and silver ion HPLC with the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry method. A total of 22 TAG including 16 regioisomers were determined. Composition results of unsaponifiable matters revealed that this oil possesses a number of phytosterols, in which β‐sitosterol and stigmasterol are most predominant.
Age, dimensions and classification – a multi‐causal absence of three‐aisled longhouses from aerial photographs of western Jutland, Denmark
Authors: Christiansen Broch Mathias
Published: March 2019

This article focuses on a significant parameter associated with the interpretation of cropmarks of three‐aisled longhouses on aerial photographs of western Jutland, Denmark. Between 2008 and 2013, during the first part of the project ‘An aerial view of the past – aerial archaeology in Denmark’, 672 three‐aisled longhouses were discovered. These longhouses have been dated typologically, identifying only four houses from the Early Bronze Age (ca 1700–1100 bc) and showing no recorded examples from the Late Bronze Age (1100–500 bc). The remaining longhouses fall primarily within the period from the Early Iron Age to the Viking Age (ca 500 bc–ad 1050). The absence of longhouses from the Bronze Age is presently explained as a consequence of age and dimensions. Two factors that revolve around the possibilities of cropmark occurrence. In this article, it is suggested that the method of classification used to interpret longhouses on aerial photographs is of crucial significance with respect to the virtual absence of Bronze Age examples. The typological problems associated with visual classification are outlined, after which the possible latent presence of Bronze Age longhouses in the aerial photograph database is investigated. The problems are addressed via a series of principal component analyses (PCAs), employed as a classification tool. The PCA classification of the longhouses is based exclusively on the arrangement of the internal roof‐bearing posts. The analysis uses data from 203 excavated longhouses, which are compared with 120 longhouses recorded on aerial photographs. The analysis identified 14 longhouses that could potentially be from the Late Bronze Age, both with respect to internal roof‐bearing construction and visual appearance on aerial photographs. This leads on to a discussion of the typological problems associated with identifying longhouses from the Late Bronze Age and Early Pre‐Roman Iron Age, together with a weighting of the factors: age, dimensions and classification.
A comprehensive review on staphylococcal protein A (SpA): Its production and applications
Authors: Rigi Garshasb , Ghaedmohammadi Samira , Ahmadian Gholamreza
Published: March 2019

The Staphylococcus aureus protein A (SpA) can be obtained through the culture of wild‐type S. aureus and also as a recombinant protein in safe bacterial hosts. Several methods have been used to purify SpA among which ion‐exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, gel filtration, and per aqueous liquid chromatography (PALC) are common. SpA has a wide range of biochemical, biotechnological, and medical applications and is most commonly used in test methods such as immunoprecipitation, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blotting. SpA has also been widely utilized in pharmaceutical applications to bind to immune complexes and serum immunoglobulins. SpA also directly binds to the B‐cells preventing initiation of infectious diseases as well as having a role in the development of various autoimmune diseases. This review considers different applications of SpA in biotechnology and its novel clinical application for effective treatment of autoimmune diseases. It also discusses various strategies for expression and purification of the SpA including types of column chromatography that are commonly used in protein purification and developing SpA surface display technologies. Finally, this review highlights the potential and novel applications of SpA immobilization, SpA typing, protein engineering for further development of immunological and biochemical research, and also application of SpA as a diagnostic biosensor.
Defective regression models for cure rate modeling with interval‐censored data
Authors: Calsavara Vinicius F. , Rodrigues Agatha S. , Rocha Ricardo , Tomazella Vera , Louzada Francisco
Published: March 2019

Regression models in survival analysis are most commonly applied for right‐censored survival data. In some situations, the time to the event is not exactly observed, although it is known that the event occurred between two observed times. In practice, the moment of observation is frequently taken as the event occurrence time, and the interval‐censored mechanism is ignored. We present a cure rate defective model for interval‐censored event‐time data. The defective distribution is characterized by a density function whose integration assumes a value less than one when the parameter domain differs from the usual domain. We use the Gompertz and inverse Gaussian defective distributions to model data containing cured elements and estimate parameters using the maximum likelihood estimation procedure. We evaluate the performance of the proposed models using Monte Carlo simulation studies. Practical relevance of the models is illustrated by applying datasets on ovarian cancer recurrence and oral lesions in children after liver transplantation, both of which were derived from studies performed at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo, Brazil.
Material and space saving carbon concrete elements
Authors: Müller Egbert , Scheerer Silke , Curbach Manfred
Published: March 2019

The goal of the common research project autartec, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), is the development of a modular system for largely self‐sufficient buildings. Specifically, known technologies, for example, for solar power and heat generation or decentralized storage should be developed so that they can be integrated space saving into the building envelope or the building structure of energetically and climatically functional buildings. Within the frame of Joint project I “Functionally integrated components made of textile concrete,” lightweight elements for stairs and walls were developed. For these applications, carbon reinforced concrete provides new possibilities in the design of high performance space saving construction components. The innovative wall elements will be introduced in this article.
Composition‐Controlled Synthesis of Hybrid Perovskite Nanoparticles by Ionic Metathesis: Bandgap Engineering Studies from Experiments and Theoretical Calculations
Authors: Roy Mrinmoy , Vikram  , Banerjee Sucheta , Mitra Arijit , Alam Aftab , Aslam M.
Published: March 2019

Herein a newly discovered non‐polar solvent based synthesis of MAPbX3 hybrid perovskite nanoparticles (NPs) is presented, where MA=Methylammonium and X=I, Br and Cl, as well as their mixed halide counterparts. The methodology proposed is simple and uses low‐cost commercial precursors. The conventional method of hybrid perovskite preparation requires methylammonium halide precursors and highly polar solvents. Mandatory use of polar solvents and a particular perovskite precursor makes an intermediate compound which then requires a non‐polar solvent to recover the NPs. In contrast here, a whole range of mixed halide perovskite NPs is fabricated without using a methylammonium halide precursor and a polar solvent. In this method, a non‐polar solvent is used, which provides a better platform for the particle recovery. Organic cations on the nanoparticle surface prevent degradation from water, due to their hydrophobic nature, and hence offer a stable colloidal suspension in toluene for more than three months. Ab‐initio calculations within density functional theory (DFT) predict lower formation energies compared to previously reported values, confirming better chemical stability for this synthesis pathway. Through the halide compositional tuning, these NPs exhibit a variety of emission and absorption starting from ultraviolet to near infrared (IR). The absorption spectra of various halide perovskite show a sharp band edge over the visible wavelength with high absorption coefficient. High oscillator strengths due to high excitonic binding energies combined with the simulated finite dipole transition probabilities point towards the observed high absorption. The emission spectra of mixed halide perovskites vary from 400 to 750 nm, which covers the whole range of visible spectra with sharp full‐width at half maxima. Different halide perovskite exhibit average recombination lifetime from 5 to 227 ns. Ambient synthesis, chemical robustness and tunability of emission with varying halide compositions make MAPbX3 (X=I, Br and Cl) NPs appealing for the optoelectronic applications.
Bone fracture healing under Ilizarov fixator: Influence of fixator configuration, fracture geometry, and loading
Authors: Ganadhiepan Ganesharajah , Miramini Saeed , Patel Minoo , Mendis Priyan , Zhang Lihai
Published: March 2019

This study aims to enhance the understanding of the relationship between Ilizarov fixator configuration and its effects on bone fracture healing. Using Taylor spatial frame (TSF) as an example, the roles of critical parameters (ie, TSF ring diameter, wire pre‐tension, fracture gap size, and axial load) that govern fracture healing during the early stages were investigated by using computational modelling in conjunction with mechanical testing involving an advanced 3D optical measurement system. The computational model was first validated using the mechanical test results and then used to simulate mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiations within different regions of the fracture site under various combinations of TSF ring diameter, wire pre‐tension, fracture gap size, and axial load values. Predicted spatially dependent MSC differentiation patterns and the influence of each parameter on differentiations were compared with in vivo results, and good agreement was seen between the two. Gap size was identified as the most influential parameter in MSC differentiation, and the influence of axial loading and TSF configuration (ie, ring diameter and wire pre‐tension) on cell differentiation was seen to be gap size dependent. Most changes in cell differentiation were predicted in the external callus (periosteal), which is the crucial region of the callus in the early stages. However, for small gap sizes (eg, 1 mm), significant changes were predicted in the endosteal callus as well. The study exhibits the potential of computational models in assessing the performance of Ilizarov fixators as well as assisting surgeons in patient‐specific clinical treatment planning.
The determination of pH of peri‐implant crevicular fluid around one‐piece and two‐piece dental implants: A pilot study
Authors: Karpavicius Dainius , Stasikelyte Morta , Baseviciene Nomeda , Sakalauskaite Urte , Ratkute Saule , Razukevicius Dainius
Published: March 2019

There are two main groups of screw‐type dental implant designs: one‐piece and two‐piece implants. Although success rates of both of these types of implants are high, none of them avoid complications, of which the most common are peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis. Current clinical diagnostic parameters are relatively noninvasive and cost‐efficient; however, they are often not sensitive enough and fail to determine the activity of inflammation. The purpose of this study is to determine pH of peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) around one‐piece and two‐piece implants and pH of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) around healthy teeth and to find out if our suggested method could function accurately for determination of pH of PICF and GCF. Thermo Fisher Scientific™ Orion™ 9863BN glass microelectrode was used to determine pH of PICF around 29 one‐piece (ROOTT, TRATE AG) and 29 two‐piece implants (multiple manufacturers) and pH of GCF around 29 healthy teeth. pH of PICF around two‐piece implants was more acidic (P < 0.001). Average pH around one‐piece implants was 6.46 and around two‐piece implants was 6.15. Mean pH of GCF was 6.64. pH of PICF in women around two‐piece implants was more alkaline (P < 0.05); no difference was found in control and one‐piece implant groups. There was no statistically significant correlation found between age and pH of PICF and GFC. Design of dental implants has an impact on pH of PICF. Glass microelectrode is an appropriate tool for accurate determination of pH in PICF.
Wavelet variances for heavy‐tailed time series
Authors: Fonseca R. V. , Mondal D. , Zhang L.
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on wavelet analysis of variability for heavy‐tailed time series. Under the assumption that time‐series values have finite second but infinite fourth moments, stable asymptotics are derived for wavelet variances across different time scales. These stable asymptotics have a slower rate of convergence than the square root of the sample size and are markedly different from conventional normal asymptotics. Furthermore, the asymptotic results apply even when the time series exhibits long‐range dependence. Wavelet variances and stable asymptotics are then used to analyze three streamflows: one in Arizona, one in Connecticut, and one in Illinois. These analyses provide a deeper understanding of streamflow variability at different time scales (e.g., extreme variation at short time scales that are characteristic of heavy rainfall, presence of seasonal variations, and, in one case, some quasi‐biennial fluctuations). Furthermore, this paper includes evaluations of local characteristic time scales, a discussion of tail heaviness, computation of Hurst exponents, and some future directions of research.
Does free schooling affect pathways from adverse childhood experiences via mental health distress to HIV risk among adolescent girls in South Africa: a longitudinal moderated pathway model
Authors: Meinck Franziska , Orkin FM , Cluver Lucie
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Adolescent girls are at high risk of HIV infection in sub‐Saharan Africa. Mental health distress, driven by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, poverty and family HIV, may be an important driver of HIV risk behaviour among adolescent girls, while education may mitigate these risks. This study aimed to develop an empirically based theoretical model between ACEs, mental health distress and HIV risk behaviour among adolescent girls in South Africa and to investigate the potential moderating effects of free schooling provision.

Methods

Self‐report questionnaires using validated scales were completed by adolescent girls aged 12 to 17 at baseline in two provinces in South Africa in 2011, with a 99% one‐year follow‐up in 2012 (n = 1498). Sampling included every household in randomly selected census enumeration areas of four deprived health districts. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to identify measurement models and a structural equation model was developed to test pathways of risk and protection.

Results

Internalizing and externalizing mental health distress fully mediated the positive relationship between ACEs at baseline and HIV risk behaviour at follow‐up among adolescent girls. Internalizing mental health distress was associated with increased sexual risk at follow‐up via higher externalizing problems. Free schooling provision at baseline and follow‐up eliminated the pathway from internalizing to externalizing mental health distress by moderating the pathway between ACEs and internalizing mental health distress. It also weakened the pathway from externalizing mental health distress to HIV risk behaviour at follow‐up through a direct negative effect on externalizing mental health distress.

Conclusions

Reducing ACEs and adolescent mental health distress is essential for reducing HIV risk behaviour among girls in South Africa. Free schooling provision may be an important tool for reducing these problems and mitigating negative pathways to HIV risk among vulnerable adolescent girls.
Production of interferon‐gamma, interleukin‐6, and interleukin‐1β by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with novel lys‐gingipain synthetic peptides
Authors: Santos‐Lima Ellen Karla N. , Oliveira Yuri A. , Santos Rebeca P. B. , Sampaio Geraldo P. , Pimentel Ana Carla M. , Carvalho‐Filho Paulo C. , Moura‐Costa Lília F. , Olczak Teresa , Gomes‐Filho Isaac S. , Meyer Roberto J. , Xavier Márcia T. , Trindade Soraya C.
Published: March 2019

Background

Periodontitis is a progressive inflammatory process, and its pathogenesis is related to the presence of a dysbiotic subgingival biofilm that elicits the immune response. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone pathogen, and its Lys‐gingipain (Kgp) virulence factor is involved in the pathogen‐host interaction through the production of cytokines by host cells, but the specific mechanisms of this interaction have not been elucidated. The present study evaluated the in vitro production of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐1β cytokines in response to antigenic stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with novel Kgp synthetic peptides.

Methods

Our previous in silico study predicted 16 immunogenic peptides from Kgp protein. Nine peptides derived from different regions of the protein were chemically synthesized. The synthetic peptides Kgp12, 17, and 18 were selected based on the immunoglobulin G immunoreactivity in the serum of patients with periodontitis (P) and individuals without periodontitis (WP), and they were used in in vitro stimulation of PBMC derived from groups P and WP. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and microsphere‐based flow cytometric assay were used to verify the levels of the cytokines produced in PBMC cultures after 48 hours.

Results

Kgp12, 17, and 18 peptides induced lower production of IFN‐γ. Kgp12 induced higher levels of IFN‐γ in WP than in P individuals. Kgp12 induced higher production of IL‐6 and IL‐1β compared with the other stimuli.

Conclusion

The novel Kgp synthetic peptides tested herein are immunogenic peptides (epitopes) since they induced the production of cytokines by PBMC and therefore may be useful tools in evaluating the pathogen‐host interaction.
Exact solution for drained spherical cavity expansion in saturated soils of finite radial extent
Authors: Cheng Yan , Yang Hong‐Wei
Published: March 2019

This study presents an exact solution for drained spherical cavity expansion subjected to constant stress and zero displacement boundary conditions in finite medium. The solution is exact as no simplification is involved in the solution procedure in the plastic region and can be solved as an initial value problem. The effect of finite radial extent on the results of cavity expanding to a certain radius is accounted for through the initial values at the elastic‐plastic boundary. A critical state constitutive model with a nonassociated flow rule is adopted. The model parameters from literature are then used in generating the results for cavity expansion in infinite and finite radial extent to highlight the difference. Also, the results are presented in a way that can be used to account for the boundary effect for the interpretation of cone penetration tests conducted in calibration chambers.
Prediction of current and future potential distributions of theEucalyptuspestLeptocybe invasa(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in China using the CLIMEX model
Authors: Huang Mengyi , Ge Xuezhen , Shi Hongliang , Tong Yougui , Shi Juan
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The waspLeptocybe invasaFisher & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), aEucalyptus(Myrtaceae) pest native to Australia, has caused economic and ecologic losses in China. It is a serious pest in southern provinces. Because climate is a limiting factor in insect distribution, we used the model CLIMEX to predict the effect of climate change on potential current and future distributions ofL. invasain China. Data were collected on the current locations of this wasp, along with the damage incurred toEucalyptus. These data were used to create a forecast model to predict potential current and future distribution maps ofL. invasain China.

RESULTS

The verification results showed that 99.5% of the distribution samples formulated by the model are highly reliable and accurate. The result predicted that the potential current distribution ofL. invasawill concentrate south of the Yellow River basin. The future distribution maps predicted a small‐scale potential expansion north–northwest of Guangxi and more areas within China will provide increasingly suitable habitats for colonization byL. invasa.

CONCLUSION

These distribution predications will be useful in determining where preventive and control measures should be implemented against this pest wasp inEucalyptusthroughout China. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Sulfur‐Doped Phosphorene as a Promising Anode for Na and K‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hao Junhua , Wang Zhengjia , Wang Yufang
Published: March 2019

In the present work, a novel anode candidate – sulfur‐doped phosphorene – for the Na‐ion batteries and K‐ion batteries has been proposed. The doped geometry, Na/K adsorption energy, average open‐circuit voltage, specific capacity, Na/K diffusion barriers, and charge transfer on sulfur‐doped phosphorene sheets are investigated through the way of adopting ab initio periodic quantum chemical method. The results demonstrate that, toward the directions of armchair and zigzag, the energy barriers of Na/K diffusion on the doped monolayer are 0.81/0.68 and 0.14/0.08 eV, respectively. In addition, the theoretical specific storage capacity of sulfur‐doped phosphorene in Na‐ion batteries is 431 mAh g−1, which is larger than for other commercial anode materials. Besides, the Na/K insertion/diffusion in sulfur‐doped phosphorene well preserves its structural integrity. Owing to its good stability, high capacity, excellent electrical conductivity and high Na/K mobility, sulfur‐doped phosphorene will have immense application prospects as anode material for Na‐ion batteries, K‐ion batteries and other novel electronic devices.
Fano Resonance in Transport Through Double Quantum Dot in Parallel
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Eto Mikio
Published: March 2019

The transport properties of double quantum dot (DQD) in parallel are theoretically examined. This system simulates a mesoscopic ring with an embedded quantum dot, so‐called Aharonov–Bohm (AB) interferometer, by enlarging the line width in one of the quantum dots. We find that: 1) the Coulomb peak shows an asymmetric shape of Fano resonance when the DQD is coupled to external leads with single conduction channel; 2) the peak becomes more symmetric for the leads with multiple channels; and 3) the resonant shape is characterized by a single parameter which is determined by the structure of the leads. Our theory may explain the experimental results on the transport through the AB interferometer; an asymmetric Fano resonance was observed by one group while a symmetric Breit–Wigner resonance was observed by the other groups.
Dietary zerumbone, a sesquiterpene, ameliorates hepatotoxin‐mediated acute and chronic liver injury in mice
Authors: Kim Jong‐Won , Yang Daram , Jeong Hyeneui , Park Il Song , Lee Min‐Ho , Lim Chae Woong , Kim Bumseok
Published: March 2019

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a life‐threatening clinical syndrome. Long‐lasting liver injury can lead to chronic hepatic inflammation and fibrogenic responses. Zerumbone (ZER), the main constituent of rhizomes ofZingiber zerumbetSmith, has a variety of functions including anticancer activity. We investigated the role of ZER on the progression of hepatotoxin‐induced liver injury. Single or repeated injection of CCl4was used to induce acute or chronic liver injury, respectively. Mice were orally administered with ZER (10, 50 mg/kg) during the experimental period. Histopathologic analysis and serum biochemical levels revealed that ZER had hepatoprotective activities against ALI. Similar effects of ZER on injured livers were confirmed by analyses of inflammation and apoptosis‐related genes. Western blot analysis showed that protein levels of apoptotic molecules were decreased, whereas antiapoptotic protein levels were conversely increased in injured livers treated with ZER. Furthermore, chronic liver injury and its associated fibrogenesis in mice were reduced by ZER treatment. These findings from our in vivo experiments further indicate that ZER could alleviate hepatocellular toxicity and inhibit activation of primary hepatic stellate cells. Our results suggest that ZER might have potential as a safe and prophylactic alternative to prevent acute and chronic liver injury.
Nonsiliceous Mesoporous Materials: Design and Applications in Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Wang Yongfei , Guo Hong , Luo Xudong , Liu Xin , Hu Zhizhi , Han Lu , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: March 2019

In this work, the progress in the design of nonsiliceous mesoporous materials (nonSiMPMs) over the last five years from the perspectives of the chemical composition, morphology, loading, and surface modification is summarized. Carbon, metal, and metal oxide are in focus, which are the most promising compositions. Then, representative applications of nonSiMPMs are demonstrated in energy conversion and storage, including recent technical advances in dye‐sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, fuel cells, storage batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage systems. Finally, the requirements and challenges of the design and application of nonSiMPMs are outlined.
Autism‐associated Shank3 mutations alter mGluR expression and mGluR‐dependent but not NMDA receptor‐dependent long‐term depression
Authors: Lee Kevin , Vyas Yukti , Garner Craig C. , Montgomery Johanna M.
Published: March 2019

SHANK3 is a postsynaptic structural protein localized at excitatory glutamatergic synapses in which deletions and mutations have been implicated in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The expression of Shank3 ASD mutations causes impairments in ionotropic glutamate receptor‐mediated synaptic responses in neurons, which is thought to underlie ASD‐related behaviors, thereby indicating glutamatergic synaptopathy as one of the major pathogenic mechanisms. However, little is known about the functional consequences of ASD‐associated mutations in Shank3 on another important set of glutamate receptors, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Here, we further assessed how Shank3 mutations identified in patients with ASD (one de novo InsG mutation and two inherited point mutations, R87C and R375C) disrupt group I mGluR (mGluR1 and mGluR5) expression and function. To identify potential isoform‐specific deficits induced by ASD‐associated Shank3 mutations on group I mGluRs, we surface immunolabeled mGluR1 and mGluR5 independently. We also induced mGluR‐dependent synaptic plasticity (R,S‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenylglycine [DHPG]‐induced long‐term depression [LTD]) as well as N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR)‐dependent LTD. ASD‐associated mutations in Shank3 differentially interfered with the ability of cultured hippocampal neurons to express mGluR5 and mGluR1 at synapses. Intriguingly, all ASD Shank3 mutations impaired mGluR‐dependent LTD without altering NMDAR‐dependent LTD. Our data show that the specific perturbation in mGluR‐dependent synaptic plasticity occurs in neurons expressing ASD‐associated Shank3 mutations, which may underpin synaptic dysfunction and subsequent behavioral deficits in ASD.
How do the parasympathetic nervous system and EEG respond to emotional memory recall?
Authors: Mizuno‐Matsumoto Yuko , Inoguchi Yuji , Kobayashi Shohei , Carpels Steven M. A. , Muramatsu Ayumi
Published: March 2019

An emotional event can provoke somatic symptoms as a consequence of brain responses accompanying reactions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). ANS consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, and their anatomical and physiological mechanisms are different. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time lag between the responses of electroencephalography (EEG) and the parasympathetic nervous system (from electrocardiography; ECG) during emotional recall. EEG and ECG of healthy young adults were simultaneously recorded during the recall of emotionally pleasant and unpleasant audiovisual stimuli, with three repetitions. A time series (TS) of relative power spectra from EEG and a TS of power spectral values in high frequency (HF) of RR intervals in ECG were obtained using fast Fourier transform. The time lag between the TS of EEG and HF was calculated using wavelet cross‐correlation analysis. The results indicated that the cerebral cortex responded earlier than the parasympathetic nervous system to the pleasant stimuli. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system responded earlier than the cerebral cortex to the unpleasant stimuli. These events constantly appeared in both unfamiliar and familiar situations. This study quantitatively shows that the parasympathetic nervous system quickly and constantly reacts to emotionally unpleasant stimuli. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Guiding the prioritization of the most endangered and evolutionary distinct birds for new zoo conservation programs
Authors: Biega Alannah M. , Lamont Myles , Mooers Arne , Bowkett Andrew E. , Martin Thomas E.
Published: March 2019

Zoos have played a pivotal role in the successful reinforcement and reintroduction of species threatened with extinction, but prioritization is required in the face of increasing need and limited capacity. One means of prioritizing between species of equal threat status when establishing new breeding programs is the consideration of evolutionary distinctness (ED). More distinct species have fewer close relatives such that their extinction would result in a greater overall loss to the Tree of Life. Considering global ex situ holdings of birds (a group with a complete and well‐detailed evolutionary tree), we investigate the representation of at‐risk and highly evolutionarily distinct species in global zoo holdings. We identified a total of 2,236 bird species indicated by the Zoological Information Management System as being held in zoological institutions worldwide. As previously reported, imperiled species (defined as those possessing endangered or critically endangered threat status) in this database are less likely to be held in zoos than non‐imperiled species. However, we find that species possessing ED scores within the top 10% of all bird species are more likely to be held in zoos than other species, possibly because they possess unique characteristics that have historically made them popular exhibits. To assist with the selection of high priority ED species for future zoo conservation programs, we provide a list of imperiled species currently not held in zoos, ranked by ED. This list highlights species representing particular priorities for ex situ conservation planners, and represents a practical tool for improving the conservation value of zoological collections.
d-dimensional SYK, AdS loops, and 6j symbols
Authors: Liu Junyu , Perlmutter Eric , Rosenhaus Vladimir , Simmons-Duffin David
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We study the 6j symbol for the conformal group, and its appearance in three seemingly unrelated contexts: the SYK model, conformal representation theory, and perturbative amplitudes in AdS. The contribution of the planar Feynman diagrams to the three-point function of the bilinear singlets in SYK is shown to be a 6j symbol. We generalize the computation of these and other Feynman diagrams to d dimensions. The 6j symbol can be viewed as the crossing kernel for conformal partial waves, which may be computed using the Lorentzian inversion formula. We provide closed-form expressions for 6j symbols in d = 1, 2, 4. In AdS, we show that the 6j symbol is the Lorentzian inversion of a crossing-symmetric tree-level exchange amplitude, thus efficiently packaging the doubletrace OPE data. Finally, we consider one-loop diagrams in AdS with internal scalars and external spinning operators, and show that the triangle diagram is a 6j symbol, while one-loop n-gon diagrams are built out of 6j symbols.
Selling Printed Cottons in Mid-Nineteenth-Century India: John Matheson of Glasgow and Scottish Turkey Red
Authors: NENADIC STANA
Published: March 2019

This article on cotton sales in India considers the market information that was gathered mid-nineteenth century by commission agents in Bombay and by personal observations of Glasgow Turkey red entrepreneur John Matheson. The article includes an account of the rise and demise of Turkey red cotton printing in Scotland; and explores the variety of piece sizes, patterns, colors, and packaging that was necessary for sales in India. It also reveals seasonal changes in demand and an appetite for novelty patterns. What did Matheson, his contemporaries, and his agents understand about their Indian markets and consider their limited ability to shape consumer taste? The article concludes that despite the existence of much relevant information conveyed from India, there was a blindness to the realities of India’s complex textile industry and dress cultures, which had implications for product development in Britain.
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit and special care nursery at a tertiary-care hospital in Australia—A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Andersson Patiyan , Beckingham Wendy , Gorrie Claire Louise , Kennedy Karina , Daveson Kathryn , Ballard Susan Alicia , Chen Ming , Roper Katrina , Coatsworth Nicholas
Published: March 2019

Objective:

We investigated the risk factors and origins of the first known occurrence of VRE colonization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Canberra Hospital.

Design:

A retrospective case-control study.

Setting:

A 21-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a 15-bed special care nursey (SCN) in a tertiary-care adult and pediatric hospital in Australia.

Patients:

All patients admitted to the NICU and SCN over the outbreak period: January–May 2017. Of these, 14 were colonized with vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus(VRE) and 77 were noncolonized.

Methods:

Demographic and clinical variables of cases and controls were compared to evaluate potential risk factors for VRE colonization. Whole-genome sequencing of the VRE isolates was used to determine the origin of the outbreak strain.

Results:

Swift implementation of wide-ranging infection control measures brought the outbreak under control. Multivariate logistic regression revealed a strong association between early gestational age and VRE colonization (odds ratio [OR], 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94–7.00). Whole-genome sequencing showed the isolates to be highly clonalEnterococcus faeciumST1421 harboring avanAgene and to be closely related to other ST1421 previously sequenced from the Canberra Hospital and the Australian Capital Territory.

Conclusion:

The colonization of NICU patients was with a highly successful clone endemic to the Canberra Hospital likely introduced into the NICU environment from other wards, with subsequent cross-contamination spreading among the neonate patients. Use of routine surveillance screening may have identified colonization at an earlier stage and have now been implemented on a 6-monthly schedule.
Family Naticidae (Gastropoda) from the Upper Jurassic of Kutch, India and a critical reappraisal of taxonomy and time of origination of the family
Authors: Das Shiladri S. , Mondal Subhronil , Saha Sandip , Bardhan Subhendu , Saha Ranita
Published: March 2019

Naticid taxonomy is in a state of flux owing to non-descript shell morphology and frequent convergence. Inadequate preservation of naticid body fossils has further complicated the matter in determining the true affinity and the exact time of origin of the clade. As a result, a plethora of classificatory schemes of naticid phylogeny and times of origin has been proposed. In many previous studies, true naticid affinities of fossils have been sought based on single or a few morphological characters, which are susceptible to poor preservation. In the present paper, we have attempted a holistic reappraisal of naticid taxonomy based on an extensive database of shell morphological characters and identified many distinct family- and subfamily-specific characters that survived fossilization. This approach has enabled us to identify three new naticid species from the Late Jurassic horizons of Kutch, India, thus extending back the time of origin of the family Naticidae by 30 Ma.

Analysis of character matrix data reveals that the present species—Gyrodes mahalanobisinew species,Euspira jhuraensisnew species, andEuspira lakhaparensisnew species—belong to two subfamilies, Gyrodinae and Polinicinae. The occurrence of typical naticid drill holes on various coeval gastropod and bivalve taxa along with these body fossils provides strong supporting evidence for the naticid affinity of these forms.

UUIDhttp://zoobank.org/94188d64-075b-4bd0-8303-1ce9a0d86eb0
THE ZIEGLER SPECTRUM OF THE RING OF ENTIRE COMPLEX VALUED FUNCTIONS
Authors: L’INNOCENTE SONIA , POINT FRANÇOISE , PUNINSKI GENA , TOFFALORI CARLO
Published: March 2019

We will describe the Ziegler spectrum over the ring of entire complex valued functions.
Participatory Social Policies: Diverging Patterns in Brazil and Bolivia
Authors: Niedzwiecki Sara , Anria Santiago
Published: March 2019

Bolivia and Brazil have universalized their pension and healthcare systems, respectively. Civil society organizations participated actively in social policy expansion, yet they have done so in starkly different ways, reflecting general patterns in each country. Whereas in Brazil, popular participation in social policies takes place through “inside” formal channels, such as conferences and councils, in Bolivia, bottom-up influence occurs mostly via “outside” channels, by coordinating collective action in the streets. Understanding forms of popular participation matters because policies that allow for popular input are potentially more representative, universal, and nondiscretionary. This article argues that differences in the forms of popular participation in social policy expansion can be explained by the characteristics of the institutional context and differences in the types of movements engaged in the policymaking process. By focusing on patterns of participation, these findings add nuance to the literature on Latin America’s welfare states.