bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disorder of a derived mechanism of nervous system functions, capable to have evolved, provides a testable explanation for age-related neurodegeneration
Authors: Vadakkan Kunjumon I
Published: June 2019

By viewing memories as first-person internal sensations, it was possible to derive a potential mechanism of nervous system functions. Accordingly, a spectrum inter-postsynaptic functional LINKs (IPLs) are the key structural changes responsible for encoding learning-changes in physiological time-scales of milliseconds that can be retained for variable lengths of time. The inter-spine interaction that lead to the formation of IPLs was examined for its feasibility to have evolved through the simple steps of variation and selection. A stage of significant spine and neuronal loss during the early stages of development indicates that a corresponding stage of IPL fusion that led to neuronal loss during evolution. In the surviving cells is expected that a mechanism for stabilizing IPLs for the rest of life was triggered. This sequence of events can be achieved if the initial stage of transient inter-neuronal inter-spine fusion can trigger the lifelong expression of specific proteins that can stabilize the intermediate stage of inter-spine hemifusion. This is supported by the presence of proteins within the spines that arrest fusion between the spines. Since IPL mechanisms are expected to be utilized during every event of learning, any defect in the continued expression of proteins that stabilizes IPLs at the stage of hemifusion can lead to age-related neurodegeneration.
Genome-wide analysis of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene family in five Rosaceae plants and expression analysis and functional identification of Chinese white pear
Authors: Li Hui Guo , Wang Han , Cheng Xi , Su Qiang Xue , Zhao Yu , Jiang Shan Tao , Jin Qin , Lin Yi , Cai Ping Yong
Published: June 2019

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) plays an important role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites regulating plant growth response. To date, the evolutionary history of the PAL family in Rosaceae plants remains unclear. In this study, we identified 16 PAL homologous genes in five Rosaceae plants (Pyrus bretschneideri, Fragaria vesca, Prunus mume, Prunus persica, and Malus × domestica). We classified these PAL genes into three categories based on phylogenetic analysis，and all PAL genes were distributed on 13 chromosomes. Subsequently, we track gene replication events and perform sliding window analysis. These results revealed the evolution of PAL genes in five Rosaceae plants. We predicted the promoter of the PbPAL genes by PLANTR CARE online software, and found that the 5'regulatory region of both PbPAL1 and PbPAL3 has at least one AC element motif. The results of qRT-PCR analysis found that PbPAL1 and PbPAL2 were highly expressed in the stem and root , while expression level of PbPAL3 was relatively low in different tissues. The expression of PbPAL1 and PbPAL2 genes increased firstly and then decreased at different developmental periods of pear fruit. Among them, the expression of PbPAL1 reached the highest level 55 days after flower. Three PbPAL genes were induced by abiotic stress to varying degrees. We transfected PbPAL1 and PbPAL2 genes into Arabidopsis thaliana, resulting in lignin content increased significantly and thick cell wall of intervascular fibers and xylem cells. In summary, This study laid a foundation for better understanding the molecular evolution of PAL genes in five Rosaceae plants. Furthermore, the present study revealed the role of PbPAL genes in lignin synthesis, and provided basic data for regulating lignin synthesis and stone cell development of pear.
An integrated population model sheds light on the complex population dynamics of a unique colonial breeder
Authors: Jansen Dorine Y. M. , Pradel Roger , Mares Rafael , Doutrelant Claire , Spottiswoode Claire N. , Covas Rita , Altwegg Res
Published: June 2019

Climate models forecast increasing climatic variation and more extreme events, which could increase the variability in animal demographic rates. More variable demographic rates generally lead to lower population growth and can be detrimental to wild populations, especially if the particular demographic rates affected are those to which population growth is most sensitive. We investigated the population dynamics of a metapopulation of 25 colonies of a semi‐arid bird species, the sociable weaver Philetairus socius, and how it was influenced by seasonal weather during 1993–2014. We constructed an integrated population model which estimated population sizes similar to observed population counts, and allowed us to estimate annual fecundity and recruitment. Variance in fecundity contributed most to variance in population growth, which showed no trend over time. No weather variables explained overall demographic variation at the population level. However, a separate analysis of the largest colony showed a clear decline with a high extinction probability (0.05 to 0.33) within 5 years after the study period. In this colony, juvenile survival was lower when summers were hot, and adult survival was lower when winters were cold. Rainfall was also negatively correlated with adult survival. These weather effects could be due to increased physiological demands of thermoregulation and rainfall‐induced breeding activity. Our results suggest that the dynamics of the population on the whole are buffered against current weather variation, as individual colonies apparently react in different ways. However, if more and increasingly extreme weather events synchronize colony dynamics, they are likely to have negative effects.
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in brain development and mental disorders: keeping TCF7L2 in mind
Authors: Bem Joanna , Brożko Nikola , Chakraborty Chaitali , Lipiec Marcin A. , Koziński Kamil , Nagalski Andrzej , Szewczyk Łukasz M. , Wiśniewska Marta B.
Published: June 2019

Canonical Wnt signaling, which is transduced by β‐catenin and lymphoid enhancer factor 1/T cell‐specific transcription factors (LEF1/TCFs), regulates many aspects of metazoan development and tissue renewal. Although much evidence has associated canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling with mood disorders, the mechanistic links are still unknown. Many components of the canonical Wnt pathway are involved in cellular processes that are unrelated to classical canonical Wnt signaling, thus further blurring the picture. The present review critically evaluates the involvement of classical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in developmental processes that putatively underlie the pathology of mental illnesses. Particular attention is given to the roles of LEF1/TCFs, which have been discussed surprisingly rarely in this context. Highlighting recent discoveries, we propose that alterations in the activity of LEF1/TCFs, and particularly of transcription factor 7‐like 2 (TCF7L2), result in defects previously associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, including imbalances in neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis, the functional disruption of thalamocortical circuitry and dysfunction of the habenula.
Copper‐Catalyzed C‐4 Carboxylation of 1‐Naphthylamide Derivatives with CBr4/MeOH
Authors: Sahoo Tapan , Sen Chiranjit , Singh Harshvardhan , Suresh E. , Ghosh Subhash Chandra
Published: June 2019

A simple and practical copper catalyzed C‐4 carboxylation reaction of 1‐naphthylamide derivatives using carbon tetra bromide and methanol is reported here. Picolinamide and its derivatives are used as a bidentate directing group for the distal C4‐H functionalization. Various substituted naphthylamide derivatives, and anilides are employed for the carboxylation and proceeds in good yields under mild condition. From the outcome of experimental results, it is proposed that C4‐H carboxylation reaction of 1‐naphthylamides might proceed through a single electron transfer (SET) pathway.

magnified image
Safety Assessment of Nanomaterials to Eyes: An Important but Neglected Issue
Authors: Zhu Shuang , Gong Linji , Li Yijian , Xu Haiwei , Gu Zhanjun , Zhao Yuliang
Published: June 2019

The production and application of nanomaterials have grown tremendously during last few decades. The widespread exposure of nanoparticles to the public is provoking great concerns regarding their toxicity to the human body. However, in comparison with the extensive studies carried out to examine nanoparticle toxicity to the human body/organs, one especially vulnerable organ, the eye, is always neglected. Although it is a small part of the body, 90% of outside information is obtained via the ocular system. In addition, eyes usually directly interact with the surrounding environment, which may get severer damage from toxic nanoparticles compared to inner organs. Therefore, the study of assessing the potential nanoparticle toxicity to the eyes is of great importance. Here, the recent advance of some representative manufactured nanomaterials on ocular toxicity is summarized. First, a brief introduction of ocular anatomy and disorders related to particulate matter exposure is presented. Following, the factors that may influence toxicity of nanoparticles to the eye are emphasized. Next, the studies of representative manufactured nanoparticles on eye toxicity are summarized and classified. Finally, the limitations that are associated with current nanoparticle‐eye toxicity research are proposed.
Diversity and temporal dynamics of primate milk microbiomes
Authors: Muletz‐Wolz Carly R. , Kurata Naoko P. , Himschoot Elizabeth A. , Wenker Elizabeth S. , Quinn Elizabeth A. , Hinde Katie , Power Michael L. , Fleischer Robert C.
Published: June 2019

Milk is inhabited by a community of bacteria and is one of the first postnatal sources of microbial exposure for mammalian young. Bacteria in breast milk may enhance immune development, improve intestinal health, and stimulate the gut‐brain axis for infants. Variation in milk microbiome structure (e.g., operational taxonomic unit [OTU] diversity, community composition) may lead to different infant developmental outcomes. Milk microbiome structure may depend on evolutionary processes acting at the host species level and ecological processes occurring over lactation time, among others. We quantified milk microbiomes using 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing for nine primate species and for six primate mothers sampled over lactation. Our data set included humans (Homo sapiens, Philippines and USA) and eight nonhuman primate species living in captivity (bonobo [Pan paniscus], chimpanzee [Pan troglodytes], western lowland gorilla [Gorilla gorilla gorilla], Bornean orangutan [Pongo pygmaeus], Sumatran orangutan [Pongo abelii], rhesus macaque [Macaca mulatta], owl monkey [Aotus nancymaae]) and in the wild (mantled howler monkey [Alouatta palliata]). For a subset of the data, we paired microbiome data with nutrient and hormone assay results to quantify the effect of milk chemistry on milk microbiomes. We detected a core primate milk microbiome of seven bacterial OTUs indicating a robust relationship between these bacteria and primate species. Milk microbiomes differed among primate species with rhesus macaques, humans and mantled howler monkeys having notably distinct milk microbiomes. Gross energy in milk from protein and fat explained some of the variations in microbiome composition among species. Microbiome composition changed in a predictable manner for three primate mothers over lactation time, suggesting that different bacterial communities may be selected for as the infant ages. Our results contribute to understanding ecological and evolutionary relationships between bacteria and primate hosts, which can have applied benefits for humans and endangered primates in our care.
Role of inferior turbinate reduction in the quality of life of patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Soudry Ethan , Mace Jess , Smith Timothy L. , Hwang Peter H.
Published: June 2019

Background

The impact on quality of life (QoL) of bilateral inferior turbinate reduction (BITR) performed in the setting of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been a point of controversy. The aim of this study was to determine whether addition of BITR to ESS is associated with improved QoL when compared with ESS alone.

Methods

This study presented findings a multi‐institutional, retrospective analysis of a prospective open cohort of patients electing ESS for failed medical management of CRS. QoL parameters were compared between patients who underwent ESS alone vs those who underwent ESS with BITR.

Results

A total of 571 patients with CRS who elected to undergo ESS were identified. Sixty‐one of these patients also underwent concurrent BITR, whereas 510 patients underwent ESS without BITR. Mean length of follow‐up was 15.1 months. Comparison between baseline and last postoperative QoL, olfaction, and endoscopic scores revealed significant improvement in both groups. Overall, BITR surgery was not significantly associated with clinically significant incremental improvement in QoL in either the polyp or non‐polyp group. Nevertheless, statistically significant improvement was noted for the nasal congestion/blockage symptom in polyp patients (p = 0.006) and in primary surgery patients (p = 0.027) who underwent BITR.

Conclusion

BITR in the setting of ESS for CRS is not associated with significant incremental improvement in overall QoL vs ESS alone. However, BITR in polyp and primary surgery patients undergoing ESS appears to offer a significant incremental improvement in nasal congestion/blockage symptoms compared with ESS alone. Future studies are warranted to better corroborate these findings.
Sub‐Micromolar Pulse Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy Reveals Increasing CuII‐labelling of Double‐Histidine Motifs with Lower Temperature
Authors: Wort Joshua L. , Ackermann Katrin , Giannoulis Angeliki , Stewart Alan J. , Norman David G. , Bode Bela E.
Published: June 2019

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) distance measurements are making increasingly important contributions to the studies of biomolecules by providing highly accurate geometric constraints. Combining double‐histidine motifs with CuII spin labels can further increase the precision of distance measurements. It is also useful for proteins containing essential cysteines that can interfere with thiol‐specific labelling. However, the non‐covalent CuII coordination approach is vulnerable to low binding‐affinity. Herein, dissociation constants (KD) are investigated directly from the modulation depths of relaxation‐induced dipolar modulation enhancement (RIDME) EPR experiments. This reveals low‐ to sub‐μm CuII KDs under EPR distance measurement conditions at cryogenic temperatures. We show the feasibility of exploiting the double‐histidine motif for EPR applications even at sub‐μm protein concentrations in orthogonally labelled CuII–nitroxide systems using a commercial Q‐band EPR instrument.
Active Template Synthesis of Protein Heterocatenanes
Authors: Da Xiao‐Di , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: June 2019

Covalent‐bond‐forming protein domains can be versatile tools for creating unconventional protein topologies. In this study, through rewiring the SpyTag–SpyCatcher complex to induce rationally designed chain entanglement, we developed a biologically enabled active template for the concise, modular, and programmable synthesis of protein heterocatenanes both in vitro and in vivo. It is a general and good‐yielding reaction for forming heterocatenanes with precisely controlled ring sizes and broad structural diversity. More importantly, such heterocatenation not only provides an efficient means of bioconjugation for integrating multiple native functions, but also enhances the stability of the component proteins against proteolytic digestion, thermal unfolding, and freeze/thaw‐induced mechanical denaturation, thus opening up a versatile path in the nascent field of protein‐topology engineering.
Mechanotropic Elastomers
Authors: Donovan Brian R. , Fowler Hayden E. , Matavulj Valentina M. , White Timothy J.
Published: June 2019

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are anisotropic polymeric materials. When subjected to an applied stress, liquid crystalline (LC) mesogens within the elastomeric polymer network (re)orient to the loading direction. The (re)orientation during deformation results in nonlinear stress‐strain dependence (referred to as soft elasticity). Here, we uniquely explore mechanotropic phase transitions in elastomers with appreciable mesogenic content and compare these responses to LCEs in the polydomain orientation. The isotropic (amorphous) elastomers undergo significant directional orientation upon loading, evident in strong birefringence and x‐ray diffraction. Functionally, the mechanotropic displacement of the elastomers to load is also nonlinear. However, unlike the analogous polydomain LCE compositions examined here, the isotropic elastomers rapidly recover after deformation. The mechanotropic orientation of the mesogens in these materials increase the toughness of these thiol‐ene photopolymers by nearly 1300 % relative to a chemically similar elastomer prepared from wholly isotropic precursors.
Highly Diastereoselective Synthesis of Syn‐1,3‐Dihydroxyketone Motifs from Propargylic Alcohols via Spiroepoxide Intermediates
Authors: Ding Xiao‐Bo , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: June 2019

Syn dihydroxyketone motifs are embedded in a wide range of biologically active natural products, however the development of stereoselective synthetic methods to assemble these structures has proven a challenging task. We report a highly diastereoselective method for the synthesis of syn dihydroxyketones from propargylic alcohols, with wide scope for application in natural product synthesis. The reaction sequence involves regioselective cyclisation of propargylic alcohols with incorporation of a triketone to give enol dioxolanes that are then diastereoselectively epoxidised to form unusual spiroepoxide intermediates. Hydrolysis affords syn dihydroxyketones as essentially single diastereisomers. The reaction sequence is operationally simple, of wide substrate scope, and remarkably can be efficiently carried out as a one‐pot process with no loss of overall yield or diastereoselectivity.
Degradation of carbon tetrachloride using ultrasound‐assisted nanoscaled zero‐valent iron particles@sulfur/nitrogen dual‐doped reduced graphene oxide composite: Kinetics, activation energy, effects of reaction conditions and degradation mechanism
Authors: Meng Fansheng , Ma Yiyang , Wang Yeyao
Published: June 2019

We report a study of the synthesis of nanoscale zero‐valent iron particles stabilized by sulfur/nitrogen dual‐doped reduced graphene oxide (i.e. nZVI@SN‐rGO) and their applications as major reactants for the dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride (CT) by combining sonolysis with consideration of several operation parameters such as pH, temperature, catalyst dosage, as well as in the presence of common inorganic anions. The experimental results showed that the modified technology could remain effective for up to 180 min of reaction time under optimal conditions. Especially, there was no significant reduction in the removal efficiency toward CT even after five cycles, which was indicative of good stability. A study of the effects of common inorganic anions revealed that the presence of Clˉ and HCO3ˉ exhibited different positive effects in the following order: Clˉ > HCO3ˉ; NO3ˉ and SO42ˉ showed inhibition effects on CT removal. The structure and properties of nZVI@SN‐rGO were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, surface area analysis, Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Additionally, the corresponding activation energy was approximately 31.04 kJ mol−1, suggesting that the surface chemical reaction rather than diffusion was the rate‐limiting step in the CT decomposition process. More importantly, the possible reaction mechanism and dechlorination pathway of CT using the ultrasound‐assisted nZVI@SN‐rGO system were also investigated.
Promising photoluminescence optical approach for triiodothyronine hormone determination based on smart copper metal–organic framework nanoparticles
Authors: Sheta Sheta M. , El‐Sheikh Said M. , Abd‐Elzaher Mohkles M.
Published: June 2019

A copper metal–organic framework nanoparticles (Cu‐MOF‐NPs) synthesized via simple technique. The prepared Cu‐MOF‐NPs nanoparticles were further characterized using 1H‐NMR, FE‐SEM/EDX and thermal study (DSC/TGA). The FE‐SEM/EDX, thermal analysis, and NMR spectrum data with the other analysis support the nano‐Cu‐MOF structure and the monomeric unit (n[Cu (AIP)2(APY)(H2O)2].4H2O) of Cu‐MOF‐NPs. The photoluminescence (PL) studies of triiodothyronine hormone (T3) based on the prepared Cu‐MOF‐NPs investigated. The results revealed that the Cu‐MOF‐NPs might be used as a biosensor in the determination of triiodothyronine hormone (T3) in biological fluids through a significant quenching of the photoluminescence intensity of Cu‐MOF‐NPs at excitation wavelength 492 nm. The calibration plot achieved over the concentration range 0.0–200.0 ng/dL T3 hormone with a correlation coefficient 0.996 and limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) 0.198 and 0.60 ng/dL, respectively. The PL spectra are indicating that Cu‐MOF‐NPs has highly selective sensing properties for T3 hormone without interfering with other human many hormones types. This approach considered a promising analytical tool for early diagnosis of the cases of thyroid disease. The mechanism of quenching between the Cu‐MOF‐NPs, and T3 hormone studied. The mechanism was a dynamic type and obtained due to the energy transfer mechanism.
Determination of modified polyamide 6's foaming windows by bubble growth simulations based on rheological measurements
Authors: Xu Menglong , Chen Yichong , Liu Tao , Zhao Ling , Park Chul B.
Published: June 2019

Reactive extrusion was used to modify virgin polyamides 6 (v‐PA6) and to prepare chain extended PA6 (CE‐PA6) and long‐chain branched PA6 (LCB‐PA6) for the melt foaming process. This was done using a twin‐screw extruder and the following modifiers: a chain extender ADR‐4368 and a branching agent maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene. A reaction mechanism was proposed to explain the chain extension and long‐chain branching reactions and was verified by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data. The analysis of the gel permeation chromatography data showed that LCB‐PA6 presented a strong increase in the molecular weight and in the dispersity index. Moreover, the rheological properties of the v‐PA6 and modified PA6 resins were characterized by a dynamic shear test. The LCB‐PA6 compared with CE‐PA6 showed much higher shear viscosity and longer characteristic relaxation times, indicating the presence of an LCB structure. A uniaxial elongation test showed that the LCB‐PA6 had the highest melt viscosity and melt strength as well as most obvious strain‐hardening behavior. A high‐pressure differential scanning calorimeter under compressed CO2 was used to investigate the PA6's crystallization properties so as to analyze its minimum temperature of foaming windows. The melt foamability of the CE‐PA6 and the LCB‐PA6 was verified by batch melt foaming experiments with CO2 as the blowing agent and maximum temperature of foaming windows was also quantitatively determined by numerical simulation of bubble growth based on the rheological measurements. The results showed that the LCB‐PA6 foams had a smaller cell diameter, a larger cell density, a greater expansion ratio, and wider foaming temperature window than the CE‐PA6. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48138.
Immunoelectron Microscopy of Viral Antigens
Authors: Gulati Neetu M. , Torian Udana , Gallagher John R. , Harris Audray K.
Published: June 2019

Immunoelectron microscopy is a powerful technique for identifying viral antigens and determining their structural localization and organization within vaccines and viruses. While traditional negative staining transmission electron microscopy provides structural information, identity of components within a sample may be confounding. Immunoelectron microscopy allows for identification and visualization of antigens and their relative positions within a particulate sample. This allows for simple qualitative analysis of samples including whole virus, viral components, and viral‐like particles. This article describes methods for immunogold labeling of viral antigens in a liquid suspension, with examples of immunogold‐labeled influenza virus glycoproteins, and also discusses the important considerations for sample preparation and determination of morphologies. Together, these methods allow for understanding the antigenic makeup of viral particulate samples, which have important implications for molecular virology and vaccine development. © 2019 The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Corporate social responsibility and pro‐environmental behavior at workplace: The role of moral reflectiveness, coworker advocacy, and environmental commitment
Authors: Afsar Bilal , Umrani Waheed Ali
Published: June 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is gaining significance in the business world. However, scholars have not sufficiently examined the factors that influence the small, everyday sustainability behaviors that individual employees might choose to perform. It is evident that organizations are continuously contributing toward environmental dilapidation. This may be reduced by focusing employees' involvement in pro‐environmental behaviors. Therefore, this study examined the effect of perceived CSR on employee's pro‐environmental behaviors. In addition, responding to the call for more empirical research regarding the underlying mechanisms that transmit the effect of perceived CSR on microlevel outcomes, this study tested the mediating effects of moral reflectiveness, coworker pro‐environmental advocacy, and environmental commitment on CSR‐pro‐environmental behavior link. The hypothesized relationships of the research model were tested using the structural equation modeling technique. Data were collected from 560 employees through a survey. Results showed that perceived CSR directly impacted moral reflectiveness, coworker pro‐environmental advocacy, and environmental commitment. Moral reflectiveness and coworker pro‐environmental advocacy significantly and positively influenced environmental commitment. Moral reflectiveness, coworker pro‐environmental advocacy, and environmental commitment partially mediated the relationship between perceived CSR and employee pro‐environmental behavior. This study aims to fill the gap of the underlying mechanism that how perceived CSR affects employee pro‐environmental behavior.
Plant community responses to environmentally friendly piste management in northeast Iran
Authors: Erfanian Mohammad Bagher , Ejtehadi Hamid , Vaezi Jamil , Moazzeni Hamid , Memariani Farshid , Firouz‐Jahantigh Mohammad
Published: June 2019

It is well‐known that pistes have adverse effects on alpine ecosystems. Previous studies urged that pistes should be installed and managed in the ways to minimize negative impacts on natural habitats. However, the impacts of this type of management on the plant communities are not widely studied. The aim of this study was to examine species composition and biodiversity changes in an environmentally friendly managed piste in northeast Iran. This piste has been established in a previously degraded alpine landscape. For the vegetation survey, we sampled 44 within and 28 off‐piste plots. Except for the piste management, other environmental factors were similar between the piste and off‐piste plots. Dominant species were determined, and variation in community composition of the two areas was visualized. Also, native species, phylogenetic, and functional Hill diversity of the two areas were compared. The results showed that there was a moderate differentiation in the species composition of the piste and off‐piste. Two palatable species (i.e., Bupleurum falcatum and Melica persica) were dominant in the piste and were not recorded in the off‐piste. The diversity calculations results showed that the species diversity of the piste was higher than that of the off‐piste. Phylogenetic diversity at the level of frequent and dominant plants showed a similar result. The piste had a higher functional diversity in terms of functional richness, and functional diversity of frequent and dominant plants. Our findings imply, after 10 years, species, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of the piste is significantly improved. Environmentally friendly piste management (EFPM) induced species composition change that led to emerging species that were absent in the off‐piste. We can conclude that EFPM led to restoration of a degraded landscape. Long‐term impacts of EFPM are still unknown, therefore, caution should be undertaken regarding the installation of new environmentally friendly pistes in other areas.
Comparative evaluation on IMES and the other positioning systems for navigation performance in a ship
Authors: Namie Hiromune , Kubo Nobuaki , Suzuki Osamu , Kojima Chie , Aiko Yasuhiko
Published: June 2019

In this study, an indoor messaging system (IMES) was used to determine walking positions in an indoor environment at rates of 50 and 250 bps in a ship, transmitting powers of −65 and −85 dBm. Furthermore, Bluetooth low energy beacon and wireless LAN (Wi‐Fi) access point were also used. The results confirm that the best tracking of pedestrians in an indoor environment is achieved using IMES with a transmitter in a ship. The results of these experiments will be useful for new IMES/Global Navigation Satellite System chip set designs.
Analyzing airborne environmental DNA: A comparison of extraction methods, primer type, and trap type on the ability to detect airborne eDNA from terrestrial plant communities
Authors: Johnson Mark D. , Cox Robert D. , Barnes Matthew A.
Published: June 2019

Airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) research has typically focused on the detection of pollen from anemophilous terrestrial plant species; however, recent findings have expanded the definition of airborne eDNA to include a variety of eDNA sources, such as leaf and flower fragments. While methods for capturing pollen are well studied, there is less known about how to best analyze and capture more broadly defined bulk airborne eDNA samples. Therefore, this study aimed to identify efficient techniques for the extraction and amplification of airborne eDNA and how best to capture these samples. First, we collected samples using Big Spring Number Eight dust traps and quantified the influence of three different extraction methods (cetrimonium bromide‐chloroform, DNeasy Plant Maxi Kit, and DNeasy PowerPlant Pro DNA Isolation Kit) and two global plant primer sets (targeting the trnL and ITS2 genes) on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)‐based terrestrial plant detection. Additionally, we examined how best to capture airborne eDNA by comparing the performance of three difference passive dust collectors (Big Spring Number Eight, Modified Wilson and Cooke, and Marble dust collectors). We found that the detection of airborne eDNA was significantly influenced by both the extraction methods employed and choice of qPCR primer. Additionally, we found that all three traps preformed similarly but the Big Spring Number Eight dust traps trended as consistently one of the most effective, shedding light on the nonhomogeneous nature of airborne eDNA. This study represents the first methodology paper focusing on airborne eDNA as a bulk environmental sample containing more than just pollen. In the future, additional research should examine more about the ecology of airborne eDNA (origin, state, transport, fate), explore active dust collectors compared to the passive traps used here, and develop the application of metabarcoding for airborne eDNA analysis.
The detection of aquatic macroorganisms using environmental DNA analysis—A review of methods for collection, extraction, and detection
Authors: Tsuji Satsuki , Takahara Teruhiko , Doi Hideyuki , Shibata Naoki , Yamanaka Hiroki
Published: June 2019

The field of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has rapidly developed over the past decade and the technique has become widely used for detecting aquatic macroorganisms in a variety of habitats. However, a variety of measurement protocols have been individually developed for different eDNA studies and this may lead to confusion for others who wish to incorporate eDNA analysis in their research. It is important therefore to synthesize the current status of—and future challenges to—the methodology of eDNA analysis. We here synthesized the protocols from total 438 published eDNA studies detecting aquatic macroorganisms were used to calculate the frequency of using each method in eDNA analysis steps. We found that the frequency of methods used converged to one or two methods for any analysis step. Furthermore, although the procedure with highest frequency is not always the best, it was shown that the eDNA collection by filtration and subsequent extraction/purification using a DNeasy Blood and Tissue DNA extraction kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) or PowerWater DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen) is the most common procedure. An understanding of the characteristics of commonly used methods can help those newly engaged in eDNA studies to understand the basic outline of eDNA analysis. Our review will be useful for the future improvement and development of analytical eDNA techniques of eDNA by sharing the recognition of methodological characteristic including advantages and disadvantages in major analytical techniques.
Medical therapy doses at hospital discharge in patients with existing and de novo heart failure
Authors: Diamant Michael J. , Virani Sean A. , MacKenzie Winston J. , Ignaszewski Andrew , Toma Mustafa , Hawkins Nathaniel M.
Published: June 2019

Aims

Uptitrating angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE‐I/ARBs), beta‐blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) to optimal doses in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with improved outcomes and recommended in guidelines. Studies of ambulatory patients found that a minority are prescribed optimal doses. However, dose at hospital discharge has rarely been reported. This information may guide quality improvement initiatives during and following discharge.

Methods and results

We assessed 370 consecutive patients with HFrEF hospitalized at two centres in Vancouver, Canada. Of those without contraindications, 86.4%, 93.4%, and 44.7% were prescribed an ACE‐I/ARB/sacubitril–valsartan, beta‐blocker, or MRA, respectively. The proportion of eligible patients prescribed target dose was respectively 28.6%, 31.7%, and 4.1%. Forty‐two of 248 eligible patients (16.9%) were prescribed ≥50% of target dose, and only three patients received target dosing of all three medication classes. In multivariate regression models, cardiologist involvement in care was independently associated with increased dose and prescription of ≥50% of target dose for all medications, whereas a history of HF was only predictive for beta‐blockers.

Conclusions

In a single‐region experience of hospitalized HFrEF patients, a high proportion of eligible patients were discharged on ACE‐I/ARB or beta‐blocker. Less than half were prescribed MRAs, and few were prescribed ≥50% or target dosing of all medications. Further exploration into barriers to medication uptitration, and improvement in processes of care, is needed.
Highly Water‐Soluble Amphiphilic Cyclodextrins Bearing Branched and Cyclic Oleic Grafts
Authors: Cocq Aurélien , Rousseau Cyril , Bricout Hervé , Oliva Estefanía , Bonnet Véronique , Djedaïni‐Pilard Florence , Monflier Eric , Tilloy Sébastien
Published: June 2019

Amphiphilic β‐cyclodextrins bearing various amounts of branched and cyclic oleic grafts are synthetized. The first step of this synthesis is the alkenylation of maleic anhydride by oleic acid derivatives, in the presence of a rhodium catalyst, to produce oleic succinic anhydrides with different ratios of cyclic to branched groups. The second step is the grafting of the oleic succinic anhydrides mixtures on β‐cyclodextrin. The obtained cyclodextrins are highly water‐soluble and surface active.
Quinoxalinophenanthrophenazines (QPPs) and Hexabenzoovalenes (HBOs) – Proving the Solubility Enhancement by Triptycene End‐Capping
Authors: Kohl Bernd , Baumgärtner Kevin , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: June 2019

Unsubstituted larger fused polyaromatic compounds are of very low solubility because of strong intermolecular stacking forces of adjacent π‐planes. To overcome this problem, long and sometimes branched alkyl‐ or alkoxychains are widely used as peripheral moieties to increase the solubility. The larger the dimensions of the π‐planes are, the longer the attached alkyl chains need to be to sufficiently increase solubility. Unfortunately, such compounds usually tend to form liquid crystals rather than single crystals that could, for example, provide detailed structural information. Recently we introduced the derivatization of larger aromatic compounds with triptycenylene end‐caps, which showed an increased solubility but also a good tendency to form large single crystals. However, the factor explaining the enhanced solubility has never been determined. Herein, we compare two series of extended π‐systems, namely the quinoxalinophenanthrophenazines (QPPs) and hexabenzoovalenes (HBO) to experimentally evaluate the impact of triptycene units on solubility.
Dielectrophoretic deformation of breast cancer cells for lab on a chip applications
Authors: Chan Jun Yuan , Ahmad Kayani Aminuddin Bin , Md Ali Mohd Anuar , Kok Chee Kuang , Ramdzan Buyong Muhamad , Hoe Susan Ling Ling , Marzuki Marini , Soo‐Beng Khoo Alan , Sriram Sharath , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the development and experimental analysis of a curved microelectrode platform for the DEP deformation of breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231). The platform is composed of arrays of curved DEP microelectrodes which are patterned onto a glass slide and samples containing MDA‐MB‐231 cells are pipetted onto the platform's surface. Finite element method is utilised to characterise the electric field gradient and DEP field. The performance of the system is assessed with MDA‐MB‐231 cells in a low conductivity 1% DMEM suspending medium. We applied sinusoidal wave AC potential at peak to peak voltages of 2, 5, and 10 Vpp at both 10 kHz and 50 MHz. We observed cell blebbing and cell shrinkage and analyzed the percentage of shrinkage of the cells. The experiments demonstrated higher percentage of cell shrinkage when cells are exposed to higher frequency and peak to peak voltage electric field.
Modelling rocking response via equivalent viscous damping
Authors: Tomassetti Umberto , Graziotti Francesco , Sorrentino Luigi , Penna Andrea
Published: June 2019

The assessment of the out‐of‐plane response of masonry structures has been largely investigated in literature assuming that walls respond as rigid or semi‐rigid bodies, and relevant equations of motion of single‐degree‐of‐freedom and multi‐degree of freedom systems have been proposed. Therein, energy dissipation has been usually modelled resorting to the classical hypotheses of impulsive dynamics, delivering a velocity‐reduction coefficient of restitution applied at impact. In fewer works, a velocity‐proportional damping force has been introduced, by means of a viscous coefficient being constant or variable. A review of such models is presented, a criterion for equivalence of dissipated energy is proposed, equations predicting equivalent viscous damping ratios are derived and compared with experimental responses. Finally, predictive equations are examined in terms of incremental dynamic analyses for large sets of natural ground motions.
Ultrasonic‐pretreated lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of medium–long–medium lipids using different fatty acids as sn‐2 acyl‐site donors
Authors: Wang Qiang , Xie Yuejie , Johnson David R. , Li Yuanyuan , He Zhifei , Li Hongjun
Published: June 2019

The current work aimed to evaluate the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the enzymatic transesterification of medium–long–medium (MLM) lipids using 2‐monoacylglycerol, bearing distinct fatty acids at the sn‐2 position with palmitic acid, octadecanoic acid, oleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acids as sn‐2 acyl donors. The effects of ultrasonic treatment conditions, including substrate concentration, reaction temperature and time, and enzyme loading, on the insertion of fatty acids into the sn‐2 acyl position of MLM lipids were investigated. The data showed that low‐frequency ultrasonic treatment could remarkably improve the insertion rate of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) into the sn‐2 position of MLM lipids, compared with the conventional treatment method. By increasing the ultrasonic frequency from 20 to 30 KHz, while maintaining power at 150 W, the rate of synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acid and PUFA increased from 23.7% and 26.8% to 26.6% and 32.4% (p < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, ultrasonic treatment reduced the optimum reaction temperature from 45 to 35°C. However, the activity of Lipozyme RM‐IM treated with ultrasound considerably declined from 31.10% to 26.90% (p < 0.05) after its fourth cycle, which was lower than that without ultrasonic treatment. This work provokes new routes for the utilization of ultrasonic technology in the synthesis of MLM lipids using different fatty acids as sn‐2 acyl donors.
Implication of evaporative loss estimation methods in discharge and water temperature modelling in cool temperate climates
Authors: Ouellet‐Proulx Sébastien , St‐Hilaire André , Boucher Marie‐Amélie
Published: June 2019

Evaporative flux is a key component of hydrological budgets. Water loss through evapotranspiration reduces volumes available for run‐off. The transition from liquid to water vapour on open water surfaces requires heat. Consequently, evaporation act as a cooling mechanism during summer. Both river discharge and water temperature simulations are thus influenced by the methods used to model evaporation. In this paper, the impact of evapotranspiration estimation methods on simulated discharge is assessed using a semidistributed model on two Canadian watersheds. The impact of evaporation estimation methods on water temperature simulations is also evaluated. Finally, the validity of using the same formulation to simulate both of these processes is verified. Five well‐known evapotranspiration models and five evaporation models with different wind functions were tested. Results show a large disparity (18–22% of mean annual total evapotranspiration) among the evapotranspiration methods, leading to important differences in simulated discharge (3–25% of observed discharge). Larger differences result from evaporation estimation methods with mean annual divergences of 34–48%. This translates into a difference in mean summer water temperature of 1–15%. Results also show that the choice of model parameter has less influence than the choice of evapotranspiration method in discharge simulations. However, the parameter values influence thermal simulations in the same order of magnitude as the choice of evaporation estimation method. Overall, the results of this study suggest that evapotranspiration and open water evaporation should be represented separately in a hydrological modelling framework, especially when water temperature simulations are required.
Magnetic resonance imaging versus transvaginal ultrasound for complete survey of the pelvic compartments among patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Hernández Gutiérrez Alicia , Spagnolo Emanuela , Hidalgo Paula , López Ana , Zapardiel Ignacio , Rodriguez Roberto
Published: June 2019

Objective

To compare the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) in detecting deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), using Enzian classification. Secondarily, to evaluate the influence of nodule size on the accuracy of MRI and TVU.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out at “La Paz” University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, between April 2012 and December 2014. Inclusion criteria were suspicion of DIE at gynecologic examination, indication to undergo TVU, MRI and surgery. Exclusion criteria were previous hysterectomy, bowel resection, or urinary tract surgery. The diagnosis of DIE using MRI or TVU was considered positive when it correlated with histology. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and mean size of the nodule were calculated.

Results

In the present study involving 48 women, TVU demonstrated greater accuracy than MRI for recto‐vaginal (77% vs 69%) and vaginal (94% vs 89%) endometriosis. MRI showed greater accuracy (96%) than TVU (92%) for bladder endometriosis. The size of the nodule did not have a significantly different effect on the accuracy of TVU compared with MRI.

Conclusion

In the present study, TVU provided a more accurate localization of vaginal and recto‐vaginal endometriosis as compared with MRI; however, MRI should be recommended if a suspicion of bladder endometriosis exists. The nodule size did not seem to influence the accuracy of the two techniques.
AN INVESTIGATION AND CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF THE EXISTING WATER CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE IN SELECTED SMALLHOLDER IRRIGATION SCHEMES: CASE OF TUGELA FERRY IRRIGATION SCHEME AND MOOI RIVER IRRIGATION SCHEME, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Dirwai T.L. , Senzanje A. , Mudhara M.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated and evaluated the condition of the existing water conveyance, storage and control infrastructure in the Mooi River Irrigation Scheme (MRIS) and the Tugela Ferry Irrigation Scheme (TFIS), in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. An infrastructure condition assessment (ICA) was undertaken based on inspections and condition scoring or grading. In addition, technical experts were consulted to determine the weights of the structural evaluation criteria using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Furthermore, the fishbone ‘Ishikawa’ diagram and the relative causal index (RCI) method were used to carry out the root cause analysis (RCA). For RCI, questionnaires were administered to stakeholders to capture their perception of the causal factors. According to the study, the fishbone ‘Ishikawa’ diagram characterized and identified 23 probable causal factors that led to infrastructure dilapidation. The RCI quantified the causal factors and revealed the converging points between technical experts (te) and the extension workers (ex) regarding causal factors. The converging causal factors were related to maintenance (RCIte = 0.8, RCIex = 0.7), people (RCIte = 0.7, RCIex = 0.7), institutions (RCIte = 0.7, RCIex = 0.6) and the environment (RCIte = 0.8, RCIex = 0.7). The study further revealed that the stakeholders involved had points of divergence on causes of infrastructure decay. Follow‐up questionnaires were again administered to discover the reasons for diverging thoughts. The study recommends participatory engagement in process and procedure design for enhanced infrastructure conditions. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.