bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymeric Films for the Encapsulation, Storage, and Tunable Release of Therapeutic Microbes
Authors: Qiu Kunyu , Young Isabella , Woodburn Blaide M. , Huang Yirui , Anselmo Aaron C.
Published: February 2020

Microbe‐based therapeutics (MBTs) are an emerging therapeutic modality for treating gastrointestinal infections and inflammatory bowel diseases. Current formulations for oral delivery of MBTs use capsules to achieve safe gastric transit, but oral formulations that control the spatiotemporal concentration of MBTs are yet to be developed, despite well‐established connections between all therapeutics and their location, concentration, and distribution at sites of action. The development of a multi‐functional polymer‐based encapsulation system to formulate MBTs for enhanced storage and delivery through formulation of a model MBT, Lactobacillus casei ATCC393, is reported here. This approach enables the additive inclusion of excipients and polymers to grant specific functions, toward the development of a modular MBT platform. Through addition of established excipients, the formulation provides long‐term storage of the encapsulated MBT. By adding higher molecular weight polymers, the release kinetics of the encapsulated MBTs can be modified. The inclusion of a mucoadhesive polymer significantly increases the adhesion force between the formulation and the intestinal tissue. Together, mucoadhesive and sustained release properties can be used to modulate the spatiotemporal concentration of MBTs. The formulation is compatible with standard oral capsules, thus maintaining existing clinical advantages of oral capsules while providing new functions from film encapsulation.
Spin‐Controlled Nonlinear Harmonic Generations from Plasmonic Metasurfaces Coupled to Intersubband Transitions
Authors: Kim Daeik , Chung Hyeongju , Yu Jaeyeon , Hwang Inyong , Park Seongjin , Demmerle Frederic , Boehm Gerhard , Amann Markus‐Christian , Belkin Mikhail A. , Jung Joo‐Yun , Lee Jongwon
Published: February 2020

Metasurfaces that generate nonlinear optical responses provide new degrees of freedom for applications such as nonlinear holography, wave mixing, and new frequencies generation. To extend the utility of flat nonlinear optics, metasurfaces providing both giant nonlinear response for efficient frequency mixing in subwavelength films and a single‐beam output with a local wavefront control need to be developed. Metasurfaces with giant nonlinear response have recently been realized using the concept of intersubband polaritons. Separately, nonlinear metasurfaces providing a single‐beam nonlinear output with a local wavefront control have been studied. However, a metasurface platform that possesses both of these properties has yet to be demonstrated. Herein, the first such platform is presented and its operation for three‐ and four‐wave mixing processes is demonstrated. This approach is based on using Pancharatnam–Berry phase control of local nonlinear response and on employing meta‐atoms with specific symmetries to enable generation of only a single nonlinear beam. Experimentally, 400 nm‐thick metasurfaces with a wavefront‐controlled single‐beam output are demonstrated for second‐ and third‐harmonic generation at pump wavelength of approximately 10 µm. Power conversion efficiencies of 7.6 × 10−4% and 3.6 × 10−4% are obtained for the two nonlinear processes, respectively, at peak pumping intensity of only 80 kW cm−2.
Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of a Synergistic Delivery System through Dual Controlled Release of Camptothecin–Doxorubicin
Authors: Zhao Yongmei , Fletcher Nicholas L. , Gemmell Anna , Houston Zachary H. , Howard Christopher B. , Blakey Idriss , Liu Tianqing , Thurecht Kristofer J.
Published: February 2020

An ideal nanotherapeutic should enhance therapeutic efficacy of the drug while reducing side effects. This work reports development of a nanotherapeutic utilizing hyperbranched polymers as a platform for conjugating doxorubicin (DOX) and camptothecin (CPT) as potential synergistic therapies. The carrier also includes cyanine‐5 (Cy5) as an imaging tracer to monitor distribution and efficacy of the therapeutic, and a bispecific antibody (BsAb) as a cell targeting agent to increase accumulation and specificity for tumor tissue. The synergism of this drug combination is investigated by utilizing both redox‐ and hydrolytic release mechanisms of CPT and DOX, respectively. Drug release and cellular uptake studies confirm the proposed delivery mechanisms and subsequent intracellular trafficking of the drugs. In this particular case, a superadditive effect is observed in vitro for the two drugs when delivered by nanocarrier. This is enhanced when the carrier is targeted to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that is upregulated in the tumors. Moreover, tumor regression studies show that the synergistic therapeutic effect of combination nanocarriers has greater inhibition of xenograft tumor growth compared to treatments that deliver DOX or CPT alone, suggesting that codelivery of dual therapeutics using modular hyperbranched polymer carriers offers unique potential to regulate tumor growth.
Developing Enzyme‐Responsive Nanomedicine for Inhibition of hTERT Mitochondrial Translocation
Authors: Qin Hongshuang , Yan Zhengqing , Du Zhi , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: February 2020

Although considerable efforts have been made to increase the sensitivity of anticancer agents, few strategies have been found to show general effects. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is overexpressed in the majority of cancer cells. hTERT has been demonstrated to translocate to mitochondria and promote cell survival under cell stress, leading to significant resistance to chemotherapeutics in various cancer cells. Thus, inhibition of hTERT translocation from nuclei to mitochondria may be developed as an effective and general way to improve drug sensitivity. Herein, leptomycin B (LMB, a nuclear export inhibitor of hTERT) and doxorubicin are delivered into cancer cells by a mesoporous silica nanocarrier. This straightforward design can inhibit hTERT translocation and improve drug chemosensitivity in different types of cancer cells. Mechanism studies reveal that hTERT movement inhibition perturbs the protection of hTERT to mitochondria, exacerbating mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear DNA damage. This work provides an effective method for increasing drug sensitivity based on telomerase location in cancer cells.
CACCT: An Automated Tool of Detecting Complicated Cardiac Malformations in Mouse Models
Authors: Chu Qing , Jiang Haobin , Zhang Libo , Zhu Dekun , Yin Qianqian , Zhang Hao , Zhou Bin , Zhou Wenzhang , Yue Zhang , Lian Hong , Liu Lihui , Nie Yu , Hu Shengshou
Published: February 2020

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the major cause of morbidity/mortality in infancy and childhood. Using a mouse model to uncover the mechanism of CHD is essential to understand its pathogenesis. However, conventional 2D phenotyping methods cannot comprehensively exhibit and accurately distinguish various 3D cardiac malformations for the complicated structure of heart cavity. Here, a new automated tool based on microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) image data sets known as computer‐assisted cardiac cavity tracking (CACCT) is presented, which can detect the connections between cardiac cavities and identify complicated cardiac malformations in mouse hearts automatically. With CACCT, researchers, even those without expert training or diagnostic experience of CHD, can identify complicated cardiac malformations in mice conveniently and precisely, including transposition of the great arteries, double‐outlet right ventricle and atypical ventricular septal defect, whose accuracy is equivalent to senior fetal cardiologists. CACCT provides an effective approach to accurately identify heterogeneous cardiac malformations, which will facilitate the mechanistic studies into CHD and heart development.
Structural and Electronic Impact of an Asymmetric Organic Ligand in Diammonium Lead Iodide Perovskites
Authors: Silver Scott , Xun Sangni , Li Hong , Brédas Jean‐Luc , Kahn Antoine
Published: February 2020

Reduced dimensionality forms of perovskites with alternating layers of organic ligands are a promising class of materials for achieving stable perovskite solar cells. Most work until now has focused on phases utilizing two ammonium terminated ligands per formula unit. However, phases utilizing a single diammonium ligand per formula unit are advantageous in that they can potentially have a thinner insulating organic layer between Pb‐halide layers, yet the structural effects on their optoelectronic properties are not yet well understood. In this study two organic ligands, butane 1,4‐diammonium (BDA) and N,N‐dimethylpropane diammonium (DMPD), are investigated as spacers in n = 1, 2D perovskites. Using ultraviolet and inverse photoelectron spectroscopies, BDAPbI4 is shown to have a larger transport gap by 350 meV and a larger exciton binding energy by 140 meV than DMPDPbI4. Through density functional theory calculations, the cause of this difference is traced to the out‐of‐plane tilting of the Pb‐halide octahedra provoked by the asymmetric ligand in DMPDPbI4. Parallel channels of nearly straight PbIPb bonds are formed in one direction, leading to enhanced electronic coupling and higher band dispersion in that direction. In BDAPbI4, no such channels exist, resulting in greater electronic confinement and a larger bandgap and exciton binding energy.
Physical growth and body adiposity patterns in children and adolescents at high altitudes in Peru: Proposed percentiles for assessment
Authors: Cossio‐Bolaños Marco A. , Sanchez‐Macedo Lucila , Lee Andruske Cynthia , Fuentes‐López Jose , Limachi‐Flores Mary , Apaza‐Cruz Jorge , Mamani‐Velásquez Donny , Mamani‐Luque Ofelia , Sulla‐Torres Jose , Gomez‐Campos Rossana
Published: February 2020

Objectives

This study's purpose was to compare physical growth (PG) patterns of children and adolescents living at high elevations with those of other geographic regions, relate body adiposity indicators, and develop percentile reference tables for assessing physical growth and body adiposity.

Methods

The sample included 1536 children and adolescents ages 5.0 to 17.9 years from Puno (Peru) located between 3821 and 4349 m above sea level. Weight, height, arm and waist circumferences (WC), and three skinfolds measurements were recorded. Body mass index (BMI) and waist‐height Index (WHI) were calculated.

Results

PG patterns for children living at a high altitude reflected similar values for weight, height, and arm circumference (AC) to those of their counterparts living in Puno (Peru) and La Paz (Bolivia). When compared with children living at moderate altitudes in Peru, they showed slightly lower PG values. BMI explained between 41% and 64% of the variance in sum of the skinfolds, while WC explained between 47% and 66%. HWI was not a strong predictor of variation in sum of skinfolds. Percentiles were generated for WC and the sum of skinfolds.

Conclusion

Weight, height, and, arm and waist circumference patterns for children and adolescents living at high altitudes were similar to those of La Paz (Bolivia). WC and the sum of the skinfolds were better indicators for analyzing abdominal obesity compared to BMI and WHI. The percentiles proposed may be a useful tool for identifying high risk of developing overweight disorders in pediatric populations living at high altitudes.
Occurrence of lemurs in landscapes and their species‐specific scale responses to habitat loss
Authors: Steffens Travis S. , Mercado Malabet Fernando , Lehman Shawn M.
Published: February 2020

Studies on the impact of habitat loss on species occurrence consistently find that the amount of habitat (measured as patch area) is a major determinant of species occurrence at a patch‐level. However, patch‐level research may fail to detect important patterns and processes only observable at a landscape‐level. A landscape‐level approach that incorporates species‐specific scale responses is needed to better understand what drives species occurrence. Our aim was to determine the landscape‐level scale of effect of habitat amount on the occurrence of three species of nocturnal lemurs (Cheirogaleus medius, Microcebus murinus, and M. ravelobensis). We surveyed line transects to determine the occurrence of three lemur species within a fragmented landscape of deciduous dry forest and anthropogenic grassland in northwestern Madagascar. To determine the scale of effect of habitat loss on lemur occurrence, we compared logistic regression models of occurrence against habitat amount among eight different landscape scales using Akaike's Information Criterion values. We found differing scale responses among the lemurs in our study. Occurrence of C. medius responded to habitat amount at scales between 0.5–4 ha, M. murinus at scales between 1 and 4 ha and M. ravelobensis at scales between 0.125 and 4 ha. We suggest that the scale of effect for C. medius is mediated by their ability to hibernate. A relatively lower scale‐response for Microcebus spp. likely reflect their omnivorous diet, small habitat requirements, and limited dispersal ability. Differences in scale responses between M. murinus and M. ravelobensis are likely a result of differing dispersal ability and responses to edge effects between these species. Our study is among the first on lemurs to show the value of a landscape‐level approach when assessing the effects of habitat loss on species occurrence.
Shaping Microcrystals of Metal–Organic Frameworks by Reaction–Diffusion
Authors: Park Jun Heuk , Paczesny Jan , Kim Namhun , Grzybowski Bartosz A.
Published: February 2020

When components of a metal–organic framework (MOF) and a crystal growth modulator diffuse through a gel medium, they can form arrays of regularly‐spaced precipitation bands containing MOF crystals of different morphologies. With time, slow variations in the local concentrations of the growth modulator cause the crystals to change their shapes, ultimately resulting in unusual concave microcrystallites not available via solution‐based methods. The reaction–diffusion and periodic precipitation phenomena 1) extend to various types of MOFs and also MOPs (metal–organic polyhedra), and 2) can be multiplexed to realize within one gel multiple growth conditions, in effect leading to various crystalline phases or polycrystalline formations.
Preparation of molecularly imprinted fluorescence sensor based on carbon quantum dots via precipitation polymerization for fluorescence detection of tetracycline
Authors: Wei Xiao , Lv Liang , Zhang Zhendong , Guan Weisheng
Published: February 2020

A facile and effective method was proposed to prepare the molecularly imprinted fluorescence sensor with carbon quantum dots, which were modified vinyl groups by acrylic acid on the surface. The obtained fluorescence composite material was investigated by transmission electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectra. After the experimental conditions were optimized, a linear range of 1.0–60 μmol L−1 was obtained and the detection limit was 0.17 μmol L−1. The novel fluorescence sensor can be successfully used to detect tetracycline in real samples. This study provides a convenient strategy for selective recognition and rapid detection of tetracycline in the complex environment.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis, Surface Modifications and Applications of Core‐Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres
Authors: Zuo Bin , Li Wanfang , Wu Xiaoqiang , Wang Shige , Deng Qinyue , Huang Mingxian
Published: February 2020

The hierarchically structured core‐shell magnetic mesoporous silica nanospheres (Mag‐MSNs) have attracted extensive attention, particularly in studies involving reliable preparations and diverse applications of the multifunctional nanomaterials in multi‐disciplinary fields. Intriguingly, Mag‐MSNs have been prepared with well‐designed synthesis strategies and used as adsorbent materials, biomedicines, and in proteomics and catalysis due to their excellent magnetic responsiveness, enormous specific surface area and readiness for surface modifications. Through a carefully designed surface modification of Mag‐MSNs, the performance and application prospects of the material are greatly improved. Typically, the introduction of various molecular matrices into the shell of Mag‐MSNs facilitates the combination of surface modifications and magnetic separation technology. So far, as sustainable chemistry is concerned, it is important to recover the functionalized core‐shell Mag‐MSNs after the reaction and reuse them without losing activity. In this review, the design conceptions and the construction of core‐shell Mag‐MSNs are discussed. Furthermore, various surface modification approaches of core‐shell Mag‐MSNs are summarized, and recent applications of these functionalized nanomaterials in the fields of biomedicine, catalysis, proteomics and wastewater treatment are exemplified.
Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Guerini Franca Rosa , Bolognesi Elisabetta , Chiappedi Matteo , Mensi Maria Martina , Fumagalli Oscar , Rogantini Chiara , Zanzottera Milena , Ghezzo Alessandro , Zanette Michela , Agliardi Cristina , Costa Andrea Saul , Sotgiu Stefano , Carta Alessandra , Al Daghri Nasser , Clerici Mario
Published: February 2020

Vitamin D is endowed with a number of biological properties, including down‐regulation of inflammation, and might contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Vitamin D binds to the vitamin D Receptor (VDR); the biological activity of the ensuing complex depends on VDR FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI gene polymorphisms. We evaluated such Single Nucletoide Polymorphismsm (SNPs) in a cohort of 100 Italian families with ASD children. FokI genotype distribution was skewed in ASD children compared with their healthy sibs (Pc = 0.03 2 df) and to a group of 170 Italian healthy women (HC) (Pc = 0.04 2 df). FokI genotype and allelic distribution skewing were also observed in mothers of ASD children compared to HC (Pc = 0.04 2 df). Both Transmission Disequilibrium Test for single loci and haplotype analysis distribution revealed a major FokI (C) allele‐mediated protective effect, which was more frequently transmitted (73%) than not transmitted to healthy sibs (P = 0.02). A protective FokI‐, BsmI‐, ApaI‐, and TaqI (CCAG) haplotype was more frequently carried by healthy sibs than by ASD children (P = 1 × 10−4; OR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.03–0.4) too. Finally, a strong gene‐dose association of FokI (T) allele with both higher Childhood Autism Rating Scale score (Pc = 0.01) and, particularly, with hyperactivity behavior (Pc = 0.006) emerged in ASD children. Because the protein produced by the FokI (T) allele is transcriptionally less active than that produced by the FokI (C) allele, the reduced biological activity of the vitamin D/VDR complex prevalent in ASD could favor ASD‐ and maternal immune activation‐ associated inflammation. Vitamin D supplementation might be useful in preventative and rehabilitation protocols for ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 680–690. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Vitamin D deficiency and Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with structural and functional brain abnormalities and behavioral disorders. We analyzed the association of VDR gene polymorphisms in a cohort of 100 Italian families with ASD children. A strong correlation between one of the VDR polymorphisms and hyperactivity behavior was evidenced in ASD children. In healthy mothers, the same VDR polymorphism was also correlated with an increased risk of giving birth to children with ASD.
Personality pathology severity, cluster type and specific therapeutic interventions in outpatient psychotherapy
Authors: H. Cersosimo Bianca , J. Hilsenroth Mark
Published: February 2020

We explored the relationship between severity of personality pathology, cluster type and therapeutic interventions (psychodynamic–interpersonal [PI] and cognitive–behavioural [CB]) in 76 outpatients across two early sessions (3rd and 9th) of psychodynamic psychotherapy, while accounting for patients' baseline global symptom severity. Pretreatment personality pathology severity was assessed using the Personality Disorder Index (PDI), where DSM‐IV Axis II PD was assigned a value of 2, subclinical traits and features were assigned a 1 and absence of Axis II psychopathology was assigned a 0. Interrater reliability of personality pathology severity was excellent (ICC [1, 1]: 0.85). Interrater agreement for Cluster A (κ = 0.75), Cluster B (κ = 0.92) and Cluster C (κ = 0.70) was high. Interventions were coded with Comparative Psychotherapy Process Scale (CPPS) from videotapes, and reliability was excellent (CPPS‐PI = 0.86; CPPS‐CB = 0.78). Stepwise linear regressions indicated that therapists' focus on mood shift/topic avoidance (B = 0.29, p = .009) and future events (B = −0.26, p = .020) predicted Axis II severity. Overall use of PI techniques and Cluster A personality disorder (CLA) were positively correlated (r = .312, p = .006). Stepwise binomial logistic regressions indicated that therapists' focus on uncomfortable feelings (B = 1.915, p = .008) and explaining rationale behind approach (B = 1.276, p =. 038) predicted CLA. All results remained significant when controlling for patients' baseline general symptomatology (Brief Symptom Inventory‐Global Severity Index [BSI‐GSI]), except for the relation between explaining rationale and CLA. Discussion highlights how using psychodynamic treatment model, therapists' focus on patient's in‐session affect expression and explaining rationale behind approach are highly relevant when working with CLA patients.
Verification and Validation of Spatially Averaged Models for Fluidized Gas‐Particle Suspensions
Authors: Schneiderbauer Simon
Published: February 2020

Two different methods for closure modeling of the unresolved terms appearing in the filtered two‐fluid model are discussed and compared. The spatially averaged two‐fluid model is based on generalizing the concepts of large eddy simulation to gas‐particle flows. In the approximate deconvolution method‐two‐fluid model approach, the unresolved terms are modeled by an approximate deconvolution method, where an approximation of the unfiltered solution is obtained by repeated filtering. Finally, these models are applied to a lab‐scale and a pilot‐scale fluidized bed. Both approaches yield fairly good agreement with a highly resolved reference simulation as well as with experimental data. Additionally, both methods deliver reasonable grid‐independent solutions up to a grid resolution of 2 cm in the case of Geldart type A particles.
Ice Crystal Growth in Sucrose Solutions Containing Kappa‐ and Iota‐Carrageenans
Authors: Kiran‐Yildirim Bercem , Gaukel Volker
Published: February 2020

Measurements of ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) and thermal hysteresis (TH) activities of kappa (κ)‐ and iota (ι)‐carrageenans were carried out to examine whether they can be novel cryoprotectants or not. IRI measurements indicate that both carrageenans reduce recrystallization in sucrose solution, but that the IRI activity of κ‐carregeenan is higher than that of ι‐carrageenan. TH measurements indicate that κ‐ and ι‐carrageenans do not exhibit TH activity. TH activity measurements of antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) in the presence of κ‐carregeenan demonstrate that this carregeenan neither influences the TH activity of AFGP nor the shape of the ice crystals. The round ice crystal shape transformed into an angular and elongated shape in the presence of both carregeenans.
Das Wiley‐Projekt DEAL‐Abkommen – Publish and Read
Authors: Böck Barbara
Published: February 2020

No abstract.
Bloß keinen Schnaps zum Lebkuchen
Authors: Emden Markus , Murer Livia , Hild Pitt
Published: February 2020

Anliegen der in loser Folge erscheinenden Versuche ist es, Impulse für chemische Experimente zu geben, die sich gefahrlos zu Hause mit haushaltsüblichen Gegenständen durchführen lassen. Sie können damit als Quelle dienen für das gemeinsame Ausprobieren mit Kindern zuhause, in Kindergärten oder an Schulen sowie zur Verwendung bei Tagen der offenen Tür. Ein Stückweit sind sie als Antwort auf den oft gehörten Satz zu verstehen: „Ach, Du bist Chemiker/in? Dann mach doch mal ein Experiment.“
Prediction of medical expenses for gastric cancer based on process mining
Authors: Cao Yongzhong , Guo Yalu , She Qiang , Zhu Junwu , Li Bin
Published: February 2020

At present, disputes caused by medical expenses are widespread. How to use information means to provide accurate prediction of medical expenses for serious illnesses has become a research hotspot. Gastric cancer is a common cancer. The key of its medical expenses prediction lies in the mining of repeated structures and the statistics of repeated execution times. In the existing process mining methods, repeated nodes are regarded as the same nodes, and only counted once. This paper changes the original dynamic‐service‐flow‐net into a dynamic‐medical‐path‐net by taking the repetition times of nodes into account. Then αtj algorithm and TNC algorithm are proposed to build the dynamic‐medical‐path‐net system to predict the medical expenses. A medical evaluation model is proposed to evaluate each alternative schemes comprehensively in order to get the best medical scheme, and then the predictive medical expense would be obtained. The proposed method has about 25% improved to the conventional methods.
A green cluster‐based routing scheme for large‐scale wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chanak Prasenjit , Banerjee Indrajit , Sherratt R. Simon
Published: February 2020

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), clustering has been shown to be an efficient technique to improve scalability and network lifetime. In clustered networks, clustering creates unequal load distribution among cluster heads (CHs) and cluster member (CM) nodes. As a result, the entire network is subject to premature death because of the deficient active nodes within the network. In this paper, we present clustering‐based routing algorithms that can balance out the trade‐off between load distribution and network lifetime “green cluster‐based routing scheme.” This paper proposes a new energy‐aware green cluster‐based routing algorithm to preventing premature death of large‐scale dense WSNs. To deal with the uncertainty present in network information, a fuzzy rule‐based node classification model is proposed for clustering. Its primary benefits are flexibility in selecting effective CHs, reliability in distributing CHs overload among the other nodes, and reducing communication overhead and cluster formation time in highly dense areas. In addition, we propose a routing scheme that balances the load among sensors. The proposed scheme is evaluated through simulations to compare our scheme with the existing algorithms available in the literature. The numerical results show the relevance and improved efficiency of our scheme.
From topography to hydrology—The modifiable area unit problem impacts freshwater species distribution models
Authors: Friedrichs‐Manthey Martin , Langhans Simone D. , Hein Thomas , Borgwardt Florian , Kling Harald , Jähnig Sonja C. , Domisch Sami
Published: February 2020

Species distribution models (SDMs) are statistical tools to identify potentially suitable habitats for species. For SDMs in river ecosystems, species occurrences and predictor data are often aggregated across subcatchments that serve as modeling units. The level of aggregation (i.e., model resolution) influences the statistical relationships between species occurrences and environmental predictors—a phenomenon known as the modifiable area unit problem (MAUP), making model outputs directly contingent on the model resolution. Here, we test how model performance, predictor importance, and the spatial congruence of species predictions depend on the model resolution (i.e., average subcatchment size) of SDMs. We modeled the potential habitat suitability of 50 native fish species in the upper Danube catchment at 10 different model resolutions. Model resolutions were derived using a 90‐m digital‐elevation model by using the GRASS‐GIS module r.watershed. Here, we decreased the average subcatchment size gradually from 632 to 2 km2. We then ran ensemble SDMs based on five algorithms using topographical, climatic, hydrological, and land‐use predictors for each species and resolution. Model evaluation scores were consistently high, as sensitivity and True Skill Statistic values ranged from 86.1–93.2 and 0.61–0.73, respectively. The most contributing predictor changed from topography at coarse, to hydrology at fine resolutions. Climate predictors played an intermediate role for all resolutions, while land use was of little importance. Regarding the predicted habitat suitability, we identified a spatial filtering from coarse to intermediate resolutions. The predicted habitat suitability within a coarse resolution was not ported to all smaller, nested subcatchments, but only to a fraction that held the suitable environmental conditions. Across finer resolutions, the mapped predictions were spatially congruent without such filter effect. We show that freshwater SDM predictions can have consistently high evaluation scores while mapped predictions differ significantly and are highly contingent on the underlying subcatchment size. We encourage building freshwater SDMs across multiple catchment sizes, to assess model variability and uncertainties in model outcomes emerging from the MAUP.
Legacy effects of experimental environmental change on soil micro‐arthropod communities
Authors: Roos Ruben Erik , Birkemoe Tone , Asplund Johan , Ľuptáčik Peter , Raschmanová Natália , Alatalo Juha M. , Olsen Siri Lie , Klanderud Kari
Published: February 2020

Global change experiments such as experimental warming and nutrient addition strongly affect the structure and functioning of high latitude and altitude ecosystems. However, it is often unknown to what extend such effects are permanent or whether changes persist after environmental conditions return to pre‐treatment levels. In this study, we assess the legacy effects of temperature manipulation and nutrient addition experiments on alpine soil micro‐arthropod (i.e., Collembola and Oribatida) communities nine years after the treatments were discontinued. Treatment effects on the vegetation were still detectable six years after cessation, although grazing increased the recovery rate. Because micro‐arthropods are often closely associated with vegetation, we expected to find that treatment effects on Collembola and Oribatida abundance and species composition persisted to date, reflecting plant community dynamics. Also, we expected large‐bodied, drought‐resistant Collembola species that live on top of the soil to show less strong legacy effects. We did not find legacy effects of environmental treatments on Collembola and Mesostigmata in terms of abundance. However, we found persistent changes in community composition of Collembola and Oribatida, suggesting treatment effects persist to date. The generalistFolsomia quadrioculatawas the most responsive Collembola species to initial treatments, most likely due to its variable life‐history strategy. Although its abundance recovered,F. quadrioculataremained dominant in Collembola communities after cessation of the treatments. Grazing affected community composition of both Collembola and Oribatida, but we did not find grazing to reduce legacy effects on micro‐arthropod as it did for vegetation. We therefore conclude that the environmental treatments had only temporary effects on micro‐arthropods in terms of overall abundance, but that effects on individual species and therefore species composition may be long‐lasting and less predictable.
Partial migration alters population ecology and food chain length: evidence from a salmonid fish
Authors: Kelson Suzanne J. , Power Mary E. , Finlay Jacques C. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: February 2020

Many migratory species, from monarch butterflies to wildebeest, express partial migration, where only a subset of a population migrates. This intraspecific variation is likely to have large ecological consequences. We studied the ecological consequences of partial migration in a salmonid fish, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in coastal streams in California, USA. One ecotype, steelhead trout, migrates to the ocean, whereas the other, rainbow trout, completes its lifecycle in freshwater. Migration has a strong genetic basis in O. mykiss. In one stream, we found differences in the frequency of migration‐linked genotypes below and above a waterfall barrier (migratory allele frequency of 60% below vs. 31% above). Below the waterfall, in the migratory‐dominated region, the density of young fish (<1 yr old) was approximately twice that in the resident‐dominated region above the waterfall (0.46 vs. 0.26 individuals/m2, respectively), presumably reflecting the higher fecundity of migratory females. Additionally, there were half as many older fish (>1 yr old) in pools downstream of the waterfall (0.05 vs. 0.13 individuals/m2). In a second stream, between‐year variation in the dominance of migratory vs. resident fish allowed us to explore differences in fish density and size structure through time, and we found a consistent pattern. In brief, when migratory genotypes dominated, we found higher densities of young fish and lower densities of older fish, resulting in a simpler size structure, compared to when resident genotypes dominated. Moreover, large resident trout had a slightly higher trophic position than young fish (3.92 vs. 3.42 in one creek and 3.77 vs. 3.17 in the other), quantified with stable isotope data. The difference in fish size structure did not generate trophic cascades. Partial migration is widespread among migratory populations, as is phenotypic divergence between resident and migratory forms, suggesting the potential for widespread ecological effects arising from this common form of intraspecific variation.
Spots and manes: the curious case of foster care between two competing felids
Authors: Mittal Dheeraj , Chakrabarti Stotra , Khambda Shailesh B. , Bump Joseph K.
Published: February 2020

Adoption of unrelated young can have detrimental consequences to the caregivers’ fitness in the form of costs emanating from maladaptive altruism. Owing to such costs, complete adoptions and allo‐nursing are relatively rare in the animal world, more so between species that compete with one another. Lions and leopards compete through both exploitative and interference mechanisms, resulting in profound aggression and suppression at mutual encounters. Through intensive monitoring, we provide a detailed and prolonged account of a complete adoption of a leopard cub by a free‐ranging Asiatic lioness. We briefly review existing literature on foster care in the animal world and suggest that maternal instincts and inexperience, coupled with behavioral and physical resemblance between lion and leopard cubs, could have acted as proximate cues in initiating such an unprecedented association. Furthermore, the unique sociobiology of Asiatic lions wherein the sexes live separately in small groups likely favored the duration of this interaction (~45 d). We also discuss and speculate about broader perspectives of offspring recognition in the animal world and ask whether the study of such important yet rare associations has implications for our understanding of parental care.
Omitted variable bias in studies of plant interactions
Authors: Rinella Matthew J. , Strong Dustin J. , Vermeire Lance T.
Published: February 2020

Models of plant–plant interactions underpin our understanding of species coexistence, invasive plant impacts, and plant community responses to climate change. In recent studies, models of competitive interactions failed predictive tests, thereby casting doubt on results of many past studies. We believe these model failures owe at least partly to heterogeneity in unmodeled factors (e.g., nutrients, soil pathogens) that affect both target plants and neighboring competitors. Such heterogeneity is ubiquitous, and models that do not account for it will suffer omitted variable bias. We used instrumental variables analysis to test for and correct omitted variable bias in studies that followed common protocols for measuring plant competition. In an observational study, omitted variables caused competition to seem like mutualism. In a quasi‐experiment that partially controlled competitor abundances with seeding, omitted variables caused competition to seem about 35% weaker than it really was, even though the experiment occurred in an abandoned agricultural field where environmental heterogeneity was expected to be relatively low. Despite decades of research, consistently accurate estimates of competitive interactions remain elusive. The most foolproof way around this problem is true experiments that avoid omitted variable bias by completely controlling competitor abundances, but such experiments are rare.
Sedimentary eDNA provides different information on timescale and fish species composition compared with aqueous eDNA
Authors: Sakata Masayuki K. , Yamamoto Satoshi , Gotoh Ryo O. , Miya Masaki , Yamanaka Hiroki , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: February 2020

Aqueous environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has been applied to the monitoring of various ecosystems and taxa, and the characteristics of aqueous eDNA have been previously studied. In contrast, although sedimentary eDNA has been used to restore past information, the characteristics of sedimentary eDNA are not well understood. In this study, we compared the properties of sedimentary and aqueous eDNA of macro‐organisms. First, to clarify the preservation ability of sediments, we compared the difference in decay rates between aqueous and sedimentary eDNA using samples collected from a biotope (an artificial pond prepared with concrete). Next, to clarify the biological information retained in sedimentary eDNA both qualitatively and quantitatively, we compared eDNA concentrations between sediment and water samples collected simultaneously from a lake, and the fish species detected by eDNA metabarcoding were also compared. The results demonstrated the following: (a) the decay rate (decreased eDNA copy number divided by the initial eDNA copy number per unit time) of sedimentary eDNA (0.00033 ± 0.000049 [mean ± SE]/hr) was lower than that of aqueous eDNA (0.01863 ± 0.0011/hr); (b) sedimentary eDNA concentration of the mitochondrial marker of three fish species was higher than aqueous eDNA concentration for the same sample weight (12.5–1,456.9 times); and (c) the species composition obtained by metabarcoding was not significantly different between sediment and water; however, considering the lower decay rate of sedimentary eDNA, using both sample types may provide more comprehensive information of species distribution. Thus, sedimentary eDNA analysis will expand future biomonitoring and ecological studies by providing a difference in timescale.
Four‐Component One‐Pot Process Involving Passerini Reaction Followed by Aldol Addition and Transesterification
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Zaman Manzoor , Peshkov Anatoly A. , Amire Niyaz , Les Adil , Nechaev Anton A. , Wang Yuqing , Kashtanov Stepan , Van der Eycken Erik V. , Pereshivko Olga P. , Peshkov Vsevolod A.
Published: February 2020

A four‐component one‐pot transformation involving the Passerini reaction, an aldol addition, and a transesterification has been elaborated, providing an access to a library of densely functionalized tartaric acid derivatives. Two modifications of the process have been explored. In the first modification, carboxylic acids and isocyanides were treated with an excess of ethyl glyoxalate leading to the incorporation of two ethyl glyoxalate residues in the resulting post‐Passerini products. The second modification involved the initial reaction of a carboxylic acid, an aryl glyoxal and an isocyanide to form the Passerini adduct. This was followed by the in situ addition of ethyl glyoxalate to produce the second type of post‐Passerini products through aldol addition and transesterification.
Graphene Oxide as a Platform for Copper Pentacyanonitrosylferrate Nanoparticles and their Behavior in the Electro‐oxidation of N‐Acetylcysteine
Authors: Maraldi Vitor Alexandre , Colmenares Yormary Nathaly , Pereira Barbosa Priscila Fernanda , Mastelaro Valmor , Ribeiro do Carmo Devaney
Published: February 2020

This work describes the preparation of graphene oxide by the Modified Hummers Method and the chemical modification of its surface with nanoparticles of copper pentacyanonitrosylferrate(III) (GOCuNP). The materials obtained were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The GOCuNP was characterized by cyclic voltammetry using a graphite paste electrode that presented electrocatalytic response for N‐acetylcysteine with detection limit of 2.97×10−5 mol L−1 at concentration range of 3.00×10−5 to 6.00×10−3 mol L−1 of N‐acetylcysteine. By this way, the bimetallic complex formed is included in the list of materials obtained as potential candidates for the construction of electrochemical sensors for N‐acetylcysteine detection.
The effect of trauma and dissociation on the outcome of cognitive behavioural therapy for binge eating disorder: A 6‐month prospective study
Authors: Serra Riccardo , Kiekens Glenn , Tarsitani Lorenzo , Vrieze Elske , Bruffaerts Ronny , Loriedo Camillo , An Adriaens , Vanderlinden Johan
Published: February 2020

Background

Binge eating disorder (BED) is commonly associated with a history of trauma. Yet, there is little insight into the potential effect that trauma, dissociation, and depressive symptoms may have on the outcome of treatment interventions.

Methods

A total of 142 treatment‐seeking patients admitted with a diagnosis of DSM‐5 BED (88% female; mean age = 38.7; SD = 10.8) took part in a 6‐month, protocolized, group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Self‐report questionnaires were administered to assess lifetime traumatic experiences, dissociation, and depression. Body mass index and the number of binges per week (BPW) were measured throughout treatment. The main outcomes were the percentage reduction in BPW and remission (i.e., less than one BPW; cf. DSM‐5).

Results

Most BED patients (91.5%) reported a history of trauma, with two in three patients reporting three or more traumatic experiences. Whereas the number of traumatic experiences was not significantly associated with a reduction in BPW or remission, a higher traumatic impact score significantly decreased the likelihood of obtaining remission at the end of treatment (OR = 0.96; 95% CI [0.92, 0.99]). Higher levels of dissociative symptoms partially mediated this prospective association.

Conclusions

The impact of traumatic experiences, as opposed to the number of traumatic experiences experienced, negatively predicts remission after 6 months of CBT. These findings highlight the importance of addressing trauma and dissociative features in the CBT treatment of BED.
Microbial control measures for soft ice cream in franchise brands: A comparative analysis of microbial analysis and manufacturing practices
Authors: Park Jong Myong , Kim Jong Mun , Hong Ji Won , You Young‐Hyun
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to establish a complementary direction of the franchise food hygiene guideline to control microbial risks. We evaluated current measures of preventing microbial spoilage and ensuring microbiological safety of food in the food franchise industry. Manufacturing practices were assessed using microbiological analyses, third‐party food safety audits, and existing hygiene guidelines. Microbial load indicators of food, manufacturing processes, work environment, and workers were also analyzed to track microbial proliferation. We audited manufacturing practices and processes and analyzed the cleaning and sanitation clauses. We found high contamination of heterotrophic bacteria and detected coliforms in some products. There was no direct contamination by food handlers, and the sterility of raw materials was satisfactory. The main issues were structural complexities of equipment, which hindered cleaning and disinfection, and disinfection practices of franchise brands. Store‐level microbial control may be compromised due to the industrial nature of small stores operating collectively. We thus issued complementary guidelines. Improved collective microbiological safety may be ensured through implementation of the revised cleaning and sterilization regulations.
China's Complex Urban Air Pollution: An Improved Understanding with Ground Operational Measurements
Authors: Han Lijian , Zhou Weiqi , Li Weifeng , Qian Yuguo
Published: February 2020

Complex urban air quality has long been assessed by a single (or major) contaminant, for example, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), but scant attention has been given to multicontaminant air pollution, especially in countries with severe air pollution, for example, China. We thus proposed an improved method for quantifying both single- and multicontaminant air pollution. Our approach uses China's major cities as an example because they have an operational national urban air quality monitoring network. We found that our proposed method could remove the duplicated consideration under both single- and multicontaminant conditions, thus proving to be an improved and more accurate way to understand complex urban air pollution conditions. Our method involved monitoring 3 contaminants (PM2.5, PM10, and SO2) in cities in Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, and Hebei Provinces and 2 contaminants (PM2.5 and PM10) in the cities between the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, and these pollutants were the major contributors to multicontaminant air pollution. We argue that both the research community and the government should pay increased attention to multicontaminant air pollution beyond the current single major pollutant–based air pollution method when building a sustainable city. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:306–313. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

We propose an improved method for multicontaminant air pollution quantification. The major 3-contaminant air pollution in China was PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. The major 2-contaminant air pollution in China was PM2.5 and PM10. More attention should be given to multicontaminant air pollution.
Merging Macromolecular and Supramolecular Chemistry into Bioinspired Synthesis of Complex Systems
Authors: Percec Virgil
Published: February 2020

A brief and personalized historical review that describes the merger of macromolecular and supramolecular chemistry to generate the new field of bioinspired synthesis of complex systems is presented. Historical scientific events that took place during the days of Hermann Staudinger and after and influenced these developments as well as the experience of the author during his stays at the Hermann Staudinger House that hosts the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry from the University of Freiburg are also part of this review.