bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Copy Transgene Integration in a Transcriptionally Active Site for Recombinant Protein Synthesis
Authors: O'Brien Sofie A. , Lee Kyoungho , Fu Hsu‐Yuan , Lee Zion , Le Tung S. , Stach Christopher S. , McCann Meghan G. , Zhang Alicia Q. , Smanski Michael J. , Somia Nikunj V. , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: July 2018

For the biomanufacturing of protein biologics, establishing stable cell lines with high transgene transcription is critical for high productivity. Modern genome engineering tools can direct transgene insertion to a specified genomic locus and can potentially become a valuable tool for cell line generation. In this study, the authors survey transgene integration sites and their transcriptional activity to identify characteristics of desirable regions. A lentivirus containing destabilized Green Fluorescent Protein (dGFP) is used to infect Chinese hamster ovary cells at a low multiplicity of infection, and cells with high or low GFP fluorescence are isolated. RNA sequencing and Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin using sequencing data shows integration sites with high GFP expression are in larger regions of high transcriptional activity and accessibility, but not necessarily within highly transcribed genes. This method is used to obtain high Immunoglobulin G (IgG) expressing cell lines with a single copy of the transgene integrated into transcriptionally active and accessible genomic regions. Dual recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange is then employed to swap the IgG transgene for erythropoietin or tumor necrosis factor receptor‐Fc. This work thus highlights a strategy to identify desirable sites for transgene integration and to streamline the development of new product producing cell lines.
Brain responses during strategic online gaming of varying proficiencies: Implications for better gaming
Authors: Wang Min , Dong Guangheng , Wang Lingxiao , Zheng Hui , Potenza Marc N.
Published: July 2018

Background

Online gaming is a complex and competitive activity. However, little attention has been paid to brain activities relating to gaming proficiency.

Methods

In the current study, fMRI data were obtained from 70 subjects while they were playing online games. Based on their playing, we selected 24 clips from each subject for three levels of gaming proficiency (good, poor, and average), with each clip lasting for 8 seconds.

Results

When comparing the brain responses during the three conditions, good‐play trials, relative to poor‐ or average‐play trials, were associated with greater activation of the declive, postcentral gyrus, and striatum. In post‐hoc analyses taking the identified clusters as regions of interest to calculate their functional connectivity, activation of the declive during good‐play conditions was associated with that in the precentral gyrus and thalamus, and activation in the striatum was associated with that in the inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal cortex.

Conclusions

Taken together, findings suggest specific regional brain activations and functional connectivity patterns involving brain regions and circuits involved in sensory, motor, automatic and executive functioning and their coordination are associated with better gaming. Specifically, for basic functions, such as simple reaction, motor control, and motor coordination, people need to perform them automatically; for highly cognitive functions, such as plan and strategic playing, people need to engage more executive functions in finishing these works. The automatically processed basic functions spare cognitive resources for the highly cognitive functions, which facilitates their gaming behaviors.
Understand autism spectrum disorder to keep students with ASD safe
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2018

Individuals on the autism spectrum are statistically more likely to have contact with law enforcement than others. In fact, by some estimates, they are seven times as likely to have contact with law enforcement officers, compared with their neurotypical peers. These contacts can occur because individuals with autism spectrum disorder might behave in ways that arouse suspicion, or they might behave inappropriately because they don't understand social expectations. And people with ASD are at high risk of becoming victims. In fact, they are more likely to be victims than criminals, said Dennis Debbaudt, who provides training to police departments on working with individuals on the spectrum.
Understanding green purchase behavior through death anxiety and individual social responsibility: Mastery as a moderator
Authors: Rahimah Anni , Khalil Shadab , Cheng Julian Ming‐Sung , Tran Mai Dong , Panwar Vinod
Published: July 2018

This research proposes a framework to explore green consumption behavior from the perspective of the anxiety of death and individual social responsibility. Research data are collected from a sample of 280 consumers in Taipei, Taiwan. The findings reveal that consumers' anxiety of death affects consumers' green purchase attitude and then ultimately green purchase intention through the mediating variables of environmental concern and pro‐environmental behavior. On a similar line, individual social responsibility is found to act as a precursor in increasing consumer's concern for the environment and, eventually, green purchase attitude and intention. Mastery is found to invigorate the effect of death anxiety on green concern and pro‐environmental behavior, while it enervates the relationship between individual social responsibility and environmental concern.
Biology‐Oriented Drug Synthesis (BIODS) Approach towards Synthesis of Ciprofloxacin‐Dithiocarbamate Hybrids and Their Antibacterial Potential both in Vitro and in Silico
Authors: Esfahani Ensieh Nasli , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Maryam , Rezaei Zahra , Valizadeh Yosef , Rajabnia Ramazan , Bagheri Meghdad , Bandarian Fatemeh , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Samadi Nasrin , Amini Mohammad Reza , Mahdavi Mohammad , Larijani Bagher
Published: July 2018

A novel series of ciprofloxacin‐dithiocarbamate hybrids 7a – 7l were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. A significant part of the title compounds showed considerable antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive species. The most potent compound against Gram‐positive bacteria was 2‐chloro derivative 7h and the most potent derivative against Gram‐negative bacteria was 3‐chloro compound 7i. In vitro antibacterial evaluation of compound 7h against clinically isolated bacteria methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) showed that this compound acted better than ciprofloxacin against the latter bacteria. Docking study of compound 7h in the active site of S. aureus DNA gyrase revealed that this ciprofloxacin‐dithiocarbamate derivative interacted with the main components of the active site of the enzyme.
Glycine receptors are involved in hippocampal neuronal damage caused by oxygen‐glucose deficiency
Authors: Lushnikova Iryna , Maleeva Galyna , Skibo Galyna
Published: July 2018

Glycine receptors (GlyRs) belong to the family of ligand‐gated cys‐loop receptors and effectuate fast inhibitory neurotransmission in central nervous system (CNS). They are involved in numerous physiological processes, such as movement, respiration, and processing of sensory information, as well as in regulation of neuronal excitability in different brain regions. GlyRs play important role in the maintenance of excitatory/inhibitory balance in the hippocampus and participate in the development of various brain pathologies. In the present study, we have examined a surface expression of GlyRs by pyramidal neurons and astrocytes in control and after 30 min of oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) in the organotypic culture of hippocampal slices. Our investigation has demonstrated a decrease in GlyR‐positive staining associated with pyramidal neurons and relative stability of GlyRs expression at the surface of astrocytes 4 hs after OGD. These data indicate that GlyRs dysfunction may represent a significant additional factor leading to enhanced neuronal damage induced by OGD. Pharmacological modulation of GlyRs is a promising venue of research for the correction of negative consequences of oxygen‐glucose deficiency.
Transcatheter valve‐in‐valve versus redo surgical aortic valve replacement for the treatment of degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valve: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tam Derrick Y. , Vo Thin X. , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Dvir Danny , Friedrich Jan O. , Fremes Stephen E.
Published: July 2018

Objective

To determine the safety and efficacy of valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV) versus redo surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for the treatment of previously failed aortic bioprostheses.

Background

Valve‐in‐valve has emerged as a treatment option for patients with a failed aortic bioprosthesis. Evidence for safety and efficacy remains limited to small studies.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched to 2017 for studies that directly compared ViV to redo SAVR. A random effects meta‐analysis was performed.

Results

Four unadjusted (n = 298) and two propensity‐matched (n = 200) observational studies were included. Valve‐in‐valve patients were 2.85‐years older (P = 0.03) and were 23% higher in predicted mortality risk (ratio of means: 1.23, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.02–1.48). There was no difference in peri‐operative mortality (4.4% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.83;I2 = 0%) or late mortality, reported at median one year follow‐up (incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.93, 95%CI: 0.74–1.16, P = 0.51, I2 = 0%) between ViV and redo SAVR. The incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation (8.3% vs 14.6%; P = 0.05;I2 = 0%) and dialysis (3.2% vs. 10.3%; P = 0.03; I2 = 0%) were lower in ViV. There was a reduction in the incidence of severe patient‐prosthesis mismatch (3.3% vs 13.5%; P = 0.03; I2 = 0%) and mild or greater paravalvular leak (5.5% vs 21.1%; P = 0.03; I2 = 37%) in the redo SAVR group compared to ViV.

Conclusions

Despite higher predicted surgical risk of ViV patients, there was no difference in mortality but less permanent pacemaker implantation and dialysis compared to redo SAVR. Choice of treatment must be individualized for both anatomical and patient risk factors; in high risk patients with favorable previous prosthesis size, valve‐in‐valve may be preferred.
Transradial versus tibiopedal access approach for endovascular intervention of superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion
Authors: Patel Apurva , Parikh Roosha , Htun WahWah , Bellavics Robert , Coppola John T. , Maw Myo , Bertrand Olivier F. , Puma Joseph A. , Ruzsa Zoltán , Kwan Tak W.
Published: July 2018

Background

Improved equipment and techniques have resulted in transition from surgical bypass to endovascular intervention to treat superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusions (CTO). A change in access site to radial (TRA) or tibiopedal (TPA) artery for the treatment of these SFA CTO has been reported. The feasibility, efficacy and safety of these two access sites for treatment of SFA CTO have not been reported.

Methods

We performed an as treated analysis of 184 SFA CTO interventions in 161 patients from 01/2014 to 09/2016 using either primary TRA or TPA (operator discretion) at two institutions. Primary end point was 30 day major adverse event (MAE) ‐ death, amputation or target vessel revascularization, secondary endpoint was success of procedure.

Results

Primary TRA was used in 46 patients with 47 CTO lesions .Primary TPA was used in 115 patients with 137 CTO lesions. Primary crossing success rate was higher with TRA compared to TPA (74% vs 54%, P = 0.01). Dual TRA‐TPA was required in 72 prior uncrossed lesions resulting in a crossing and procedural success of 99% and 96% respectively. The overall crossing and procedural success rate using either of these approaches was 99% and 98% respectively. The 30 day MAE was 5% in TRA arm, 0% in TPA arm and 2% in dual TRA‐TPA arm, P = 0.08. All access sites were patent, confirmed by ultrasound.

Conclusion

The treatment of SFA CTO is feasible and safe using both TRA or TPA approach providing high success rates and no access site complications.
Long‐term outcomes and predictors of morbi‐mortality according to age in stemi patients with multivessel disease: Impact of an incomplete revascularization
Authors: Rumiz Eva , Berenguer Alberto , Vilar Juan Vicente , Valero Ernesto , Facila Lorenzo , Cubillos Andres , Sanmiguel Dario , Almela Pablo , Morell Salvador
Published: July 2018

Background

Optimal management strategy for patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) still remains unclear, especially in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to assess long‐term outcomes and predictors of morbi‐mortality according to age in patients with a STEMI and MVD.

Methods

We prospectively included 381 consecutive patients with a STEMI who underwent primary angioplasty and showed MVD in the angiogram. 111 (29.1%) patients were older than 75 (≥75) years and 270 (70.9%) were younger than 75 (<75) years. The co‐primary outcomes were the incidence of all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during follow‐up.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 22 months, patients ≥75 years showed a higher incidence of all‐cause mortality and MACE, as compared to younger patients. On multivariate analysis, incomplete revascularization (IR) was only an independent predictor of MACE (HR = 3.1, CI 95%:1.9‐4.7; P = .02) in younger patients; whereas in the elderly group severely depressed ejection fraction was the unique independent predictor of MACE (HR = 2.7, CI 95%:1.5‐4.8; P = .001). IR was not associated with the risk of all‐cause mortality in any group.

Conclusion

This study confirms the relevant prevalence of MVD in STEMI patients, as well as the difference in outcomes of an IR strategy between both age‐groups, being only independently associated with MACE in younger patients. This finding supports that a routine complete revascularization (CR) strategy seems to be the best therapeutic option in younguer patients, whereas in the elderly population may not confer a clear clinical benefit during a long‐term follow‐up.
A case of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis complicated with severe acute pancreatitis induced by decreased lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase activity levels in a young Japanese woman
Authors: Minohara Sawa , Bae Sung Kwan , Sugiyama Saori , Shibata Noriko , Gushima Toshifumi , Motoshita Junichi , Shimoda Shinji , Takagi Atsuko , Ikeda Yasuyuki , Takahashi Kazuhiro
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

We report a case of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis complicated with acute pancreatitis induced by hypertriglyceridemia in a young Japanese woman. A precise examination of the lipid profile showed decreased lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase activity levels, while the LPL mass was at the minimum level of the normal range.
Self‐Assembled Ionic Composites of Negatively Charged Zn(salen) Complexes and Triphenylmethane Derived Polycations as Recyclable Catalysts for the Addition of Carbon Dioxide to Epoxides
Authors: Kuznetsova Svetlana A. , Rulev Yuri A. , Larionov Vladimir A. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Maleev Victor I. , Li Han , North Michael , Saghyan Ashot S. , Belokon Yuri N.
Published: July 2018

The design and synthesis of a novel type of self‐assembled ionic composite composed of negatively charged Zn(salen) complexes and triphenylmethane derived polycations is reported. These composites were applied as easily recyclable catalysts for carbon dioxide addition to epoxides. The composites functioned as bifunctional catalysts which could be easily separated and recycled by precipitation from the reaction mixture upon addition of tetrachloromethane. The same batch of the catalyst could be employed for, at least, five runs with its catalytic properties improving as it was reused. A fully heterogeneous system was also prepared by cross‐linking leuco dye with para‐dibromoxylene and adding to it calculated amounts of Zn(salen) complex. The heterogeneous system was catalytically competent in the reaction between styrene oxide and carbon dioxide and its activity also increased on its reuse.
Highly Dispersed Cu−NX Moieties Embedded in Graphene: A Promising Electrocatalyst towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lu Xiangyu , Du Lei , Wang Dan , Yang Peixia , Liu Lilai , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong , Levin Oleg , Wang Jinpeng , Ge Liping
Published: July 2018

Transition metal–carbon–nitrogen catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are promising and challenging. Cu is a potential transition metal to form efficient ORR catalysts for fuel cells. Herein, a facile method is developed to synthesize a highly dispersed Cu−NX and N‐doped graphene (Cu−N−G) catalyst. The Cu−N−G catalyst shows a half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.859 V, which is comparable to the commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.856 V), and is among the best compared with the previously reported Cu‐based materials. In addition, such a catalyst shows good stability and methanol tolerance in alkaline media. A synergy of doped N (pyridinic and graphitic N) and Cu−NX moieties as well as the pore structure are revealed to account for the enhanced ORR activity.
Magnesiothermic Reduction‐Enabled Synthesis of Si−Ge Alloy Nanoparticles with a Canyon‐Like Surface Structure for Li−Ion Battery
Authors: Ahn Jihoon , Kim Bokyung , Jang Gyumin , Moon Jooho
Published: July 2018

A new strategy is proposed to synthesize a Si−Ge alloy nanomaterial for a Li‐ion battery anode. Magnesiothermic reduction of the SiO2−GeO2 composite parent material could provide a nanostructured Si−Ge alloy material with unique canyon‐like surface porosity. The nanostructure of Si−Ge alloys could be intentionally controlled and the resulting canyon‐like porous Si−Ge nanoparticle could be successfully utilized as an anode material, achieving satisfactory cell performance. The proposed synthetic approach can potentially scale‐up the production of Si−Ge alloy nanomaterial.
Handling of Multi‐Functionality in Life Cycle Assessments for Steel Mill Gas Based Chemical Production
Authors: Thonemann Nils , Maga Daniel , Petermann Cornelia
Published: July 2018

Life cycle assessment is needed for quantifying potential greenhouse gas savings through material utilization of steel mill gases. However, methodological guidance for this purpose is lacking. Therefore, the article presents different approaches to handle multi‐functionality. The investigation of steel mill gas based‐methanol shows varying impacts on climate change due to handling multi‐functionality differently. System expansion is recommended for assessing cross‐sectoral cooperation and substitution as well as economic allocation for product‐specific analyses.
Using normal probability plots to determine parameters for higher‐level factorial experiments with orthogonal and orthonormal bases
Authors: Donnelly Thomas , Shardt Yuri A. W.
Published: July 2018

In chemical engineering applications such as optimizing plant operations and product quality, factorial experiments are often conducted to obtain empirical models for systems. While the mathematical underpinning for two‐level factorial designs is well understood, a methodology for analyzing higher‐level experiments is not readily available. Often an orthogonal or orthonormal basis is selected for a factorial design matrix. In factorial design, an orthonormal basis is defined as an orthogonal matrix where the Euclidean two‐norms of the column vectors are equal. This investigation examines, for full factorial design, the selection of parameters using normal probability plots and the effect that the design basis has on parameter determination. When using normal probability plots to determine parameter significance, the traditional orthogonal basis for higher‐level experiments may result in erroneous conclusions. A Monte‐Carlo experiment was developed to simulate 3‐level and mixed‐level factorial experiments with different types of measurement error. The basis chosen is shown to affect the shape of probability plots, and measurement errors from a given normal distribution are shown to result in a constant standard deviation for all parameter estimates only when using an orthonormal basis.
CFD analysis of bed textural characteristics on TBR behaviour: Kinetics, scaling‐up, multiscale analysis, and wall effects
Authors: Uribe Sebastián , Cordero Mario E. , Zárate Luis G. , Valencia López José Javier , Natividad Reyna
Published: July 2018

A simulation of a trickle bed reactor aided by computational fluid dynamics was implemented. With a Eulerian approach, geometrical characteristics were explicitly considered and two simultaneous heterogeneous reactions were included, hydrodesulphurization (HDS) and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN). This was performed in order to achieve the following: (1) attain further insight into a proper scaling‐up procedure to be able to obtain the same hydrodynamics and kinetics behaviour in two reactors of different length and diameter scales; (2) develop a multiscale analysis regarding the communication of information between scales through the construction of a porous microstructure model from which the geometrical information of the microscale is captured by the effective transport coefficients (which affect the overall reactor behaviour); (3) investigate the effect of operation condition variations on hydrodynamics and kinetics; and (4) assess the deviations and further differences observed from average to punctual conversion values and the assumptions from kinetic literature models through a preliminary multiscale analysis.

The CFD results were validated against experimental pressure drop data as well as HDS and HDN conversion theoretical data. An excellent agreement was found. The model produces a significant improvement in hydrodynamic parameter prediction, achieving 5 times better accuracy in predicting pressure drops and 50 % improvement in holdup prediction. The fully coupled model predicts HDS conversion with 96 % accuracy and HDN conversion with 94 % accuracy. Results suggest that the best way to obtain similar kinetic and hydrodynamic behaviour in TBRs with different lengths and diameter length scales is by equaling the liquid holdup or the mass velocities (L‐G).
CO2 Electroreduction in Ionic Liquids: A Review
Authors: Feng Jianpeng , Zeng Shaojuan , Feng Jiaqi , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Xiangping
Published: July 2018

The increasing emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by the unrestrained consumption of fossil fuels in recent hundreds of years, has caused global environmental and social problems. Meanwhile, CO2 is a cheap, abundant and renewable C1‐feedstock, which can be converted into alcohols, ethers, acids and other value‐added chemicals. Compared with the thermal reactions, electrochemical reduction of CO2 is more attractive because of its advantages by using the seasonal, geographical and intermittent energy (tide, wind and solar) under mild conditions. In recent years, taking ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes in the CO2 electrochemical reduction reaction has been paid much more attention due to the advantages of lowering the overpotential of CO2 electroreduction and improving the Faradaic efficiency. In this paper, we summarized the recent progresses of electrochemical reduction of CO2 in ILs electrolytes, and analyzed the reaction mechanism of CO2 reaction in the electrode‐electrolyte interface region by experimental and simulation methods. Finally, the research which needs to be highlighted in this area was proposed.
Interatrial block as a predictor of atrial fibrillation in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Çinier Göksel , Tekkeşin Ahmet İlker , Genç Duygu , Yıldız Ufuk , Parsova Emrecan , Pay Levent , Alexander Bryce , Bozbeyoğlu Emrah , Türkkan Ceyhan , Alper Ahmet Taha , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Interatrial block (IAB) is strongly associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in different clinical scenarios. Atrial fibrosis is considered the responsible mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of IAB. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IAB predicted AF at 12 months follow‐up in a population of patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Hypothesis

We aimed to investigate whether IAB predicted AF at 12 months follow up in a population of patients with STEMI.

Methods

Prospective, single center, observational study of patients presenting with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and referred to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P‐PCI). Surface electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded on admission and at 6th hour post P‐PCI. Patients were screened for the occurrence of AF at a 12‐months visit.

Results

A total of 198 patients were included between September 2015 and September 2016. IAB (partial and advanced) was detected in 102 (51.5%) patients on admission. Remodeling of the P‐wave and subsequent normalization reduced the prevalence of IAB to 47 (23.7%) patients at 6th hour. AF was detected in 17.7% of study patients at 12 months. Partial IAB (p‐IAB) on admission (OR 5.10; 95% CI, 1.46‐17.8; P = 0.011) and on 6th hour (OR 4.15; 95% CI, 1.29‐13.4; P = 0.017), presence of a lesion in more than one coronary artery (OR 3.29; 95% CI, 1.32‐8.16; P = 0.010) found to be independent predictors of AF at 12 months.

Conclusion

IAB is common in patients with STEMI and along with the presence of diffuse coronary artery disease is associated with new onset of AF.
An accelerated nonlocal Poisson‐Boltzmann equation solver for electrostatics of biomolecule
Authors: Ying Jinyong , Xie Dexuan
Published: July 2018

The nonlocal modified Poisson‐Boltzmann equation (NMPBE) is one important variant of a commonly used dielectric continuum model, the Poisson‐Boltzmann equation (PBE), for computing electrostatics of biomolecules. In this paper, an accelerated NMPBE solver is constructed by finite element and finite difference hybrid techniques. It is then programmed as a software package for computing electrostatic solvation and binding free energies for a protein in a symmetric 1:1 ionic solvent. Numerical results validate the new solver and its numerical stability. They also demonstrate that the new solver has much better performance than the corresponding finite element solver in terms of computer CPU time. Furthermore, they show that the binding free energies produced by NMPBE can match chemical experiment data better than those by PBE.
Screening of Detergents for Stabilization of Functional Membrane Proteins
Authors: Lenoir Guillaume , Dieudonné Thibaud , Lamy Anaïs , Lejeune Maylis , Vazquez‐Ibar José‐Luis , Montigny Cédric
Published: July 2018

Membrane protein studies usually require use of detergents to extract and isolate proteins from membranes and manipulate them in a soluble context for their functional or structural characterization. However, solubilization with detergent may interfere with MP stability and may directly affect MP function or structure. Moreover, detergent properties can be affected such as critical micellar concentration (CMC) can be affected by the experimental conditions. Consequently, the experimenter must pay attention to both the protein and the behavior of the detergent. This article provides a convenient protocol for estimating the CMC of detergents in given experimental conditions. Then, it presents two protocols aimed at monitoring the function of a membrane protein in the presence of detergent. Such experiments may help to test various detergents for their inactivating or stabilizing effects on long incubation times, ranging from few hours to some days. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Insights into Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction in Ionic Liquids: Carbon Dioxide Activation and Selectivity Tailored by Ionic Microhabitat
Authors: Feng Jianpeng , Zeng Shaojuan , Liu Huizhen , Feng Jiaqi , Gao Hongshuai , Bai Lu , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Suojiang , Zhang Xiangping
Published: July 2018

Electroreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into high value‐added products is a potential solution to a reduction in CO2 levels and its utilization. One major challenge is the lack of an efficient system that can highly selectively reduce CO2 into desirable products with low energy consumption. Ionic liquids (ILs) have been used as electrolytes for the electroreduction of CO2, and it has been proven that the CO2–cation complex results in a low‐energy pathway. In this work, an ionic microhabitat (IMH) has been built for CO2 electroreduction, and a novel anion‐functionalized IL, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium 1,2,4triazolide ([Bmim][124Triz]), has been designed as the reaction medium. The results showed that the IMH played a key role in enhancing the performance of CO2 electroreduction, especially in dominating the product selectivity, which is recognized to be a great challenge in an electroreduction process. New insights into the role of the IMH in higher CO2 solubility, bending linear CO2 by forming the [124Triz]–CO2− adduct, and transferring activated CO2 into the cathode surface easily were revealed. The Faradaic efficiency for formic acid is as high as 95.2 %, with a current density reaching 24.5 mA cm−2. This work provides a promising way for the design of robust and highly efficient ILs for CO2 electroreduction.
In Situ Growth of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐67‐derived Nanoporous Carbon@K0.5Mn2O4 for High‐Performance 2.4 V Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Xijun , Peng Huarong , Li Yanhong , Yang Yibin , Xiao Shenghuan , Peng Li , Zhang Yunhuai , Xiao Peng
Published: July 2018

Aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) with a wide voltage window can effectively improve energy storage capacity of energy storage devices. Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) was used as a precursor to prepare nanoporous carbon (NC), and K0.5Mn2O4 nanosheets were subsequently grown on the NC surface through a facile in situ redox process (denoted as NCMO). The electrode potential window of NCMO was extended to 1.2 V in a three‐electrode system and the value of the potential window was higher than that of most reported manganese oxides. To assemble the asymmetric supercapacitor with a high voltage range, the as‐prepared NCMO and NC (with a potential window of −1.2–0 V) were used as the positive and negative electrode, respectively. A 2.4 V NCMO//NC aqueous ASC was constructed and displayed a large energy density of 60 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1200 W kg−1 and excellent rate performance (41 Wh kg−1 even at a specific power density of 12.3 kW kg−1) as well as good cycling stability (92.6 % capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1). This work provides new opportunities for the development of high voltage ASCs with a high energy density for further practical application.
Eph Receptor Effector Ephexin Mediates Olfactory Dendrite Targeting in Drosophila
Authors: Sardana Juhi , Organisti Cristina , Grunwald Kadow Ilona C.
Published: July 2018

Deciphering the mechanisms of sensory neural map formation is a central aim in neurosciences. Failure to form a correct map frequently leads to defects in sensory processing and perception. The olfactory map develops in subsequent steps initially forming a rough and later a precise map of glomeruli in the antennal lobe (AL), mainly consisting of olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) axons and projection neuron (PN) dendrites. The mechanisms underpinning the later stage of class‐specific glomerulus formation are not understood. Recent studies have shown that the important guidance molecule Eph and its ligand ephrin play a role in class‐specific PN targeting. Here, we reveal aspects of the mechanism downstream of Eph signaling during olfactory map formation. We show that the Eph‐specific RhoGEF Ephexin (Exn) is required to fine tune PN dendrite patterning within specific glomeruli. We provide the first report showing an in vivo neurite guidance defect in an exn mutant. Interestingly, the quality of the phenotypes is different between eph and exn mutants; while loss of Eph leads to strong misprojections of DM3/Or47a neurons along the medial–lateral axis of the antennal lobe (AL), loss of Exn induces ventral ectopic innervation of a neighboring glomerulus. Genetic interaction experiments suggest that differential signaling of the small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42 mediated by Exn‐dependent and ‐independent Eph signaling fine tunes spatial targeting of PN dendrites within the olfactory map. We propose that their distinct activities on the actin cytoskeleton are required for precise navigation of PN dendrites within the olfactory map. Taken together, our results suggest that the precise connectivity of an individual neuron can depend on different modes of signaling downstream of a single guidance receptor. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 00: 000–000, 2018
Latitudinal variation in biophysical characteristics of avian eggshells to cope with differential effects of solar radiation
Authors: Gómez Jesús , Ramo Cristina , Stevens Martin , Liñán‐Cembrano Gustavo , Rendón Miguel A. , Troscianko Jolyon T. , Amat Juan A.
Published: July 2018

Solar radiation is an important driver of animal coloration, not only because of the effects of coloration on body temperature but also because coloration may protect from the deleterious effects of UV radiation. Indeed, dark coloration may protect from UV, but may increase the risk of overheating. In addition, the effect of coloration on thermoregulation should change with egg size, as smaller eggs have higher surface‐volume ratios and greater convective coefficients than larger eggs, so that small eggs can dissipate heat quickly. We tested whether the reflectance of eggshells, egg spottiness, and egg size of the ground‐nesting Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus is affected by maximum ambient temperature and solar radiation at breeding sites. We measured reflectance, both in the UV and human visible spectrum, spottiness, and egg size in photographs from a museum collection of plover eggshells. Eggshells of lower reflectance (darker) were found at higher latitudes. However, in southern localities where solar radiation is very high, eggshells are also of dark coloration. Eggshell coloration had no significant relationship with ambient temperature. Spotiness was site‐specific. Small eggs tended to be light‐colored. Thermal constraints may drive the observed spatial variation in eggshell coloration, which may be lighter in lower latitudes to diminish the risk of overheating as a result of higher levels of solar radiation. However, in southern localities with very high levels of UV radiation, eggshells are of dark coloration likely to protect embryos from more intense UV radiation. Egg size exhibited variation in relation to coloration, likely through the effect of surface area‐to‐volume ratios on overheating and cooling rates of eggs. Therefore, differential effects of solar radiation on functions of coloration and size of eggshells may shape latitudinal variations in egg appearance in the Kentish plover.
Measurement of species associations in mixed‐species bird flocks across environmental and human disturbance gradients
Authors: Mammides Christos , Chen Jin , Goodale Uromi M. , Kotagama Sarath W. , Goodale Eben
Published: July 2018

In a changing world, it is important to understand how species interactions, such as those among species in mixed‐species animal groups, are impacted by human activity. New techniques for measuring associations, in particular social networks and null simulations, have been applied to mixed‐species group analyses. Unanswered questions include: (1) How do these methods compare to each other and to the traditional frequency table approach? (2) How similar are associations for the same pair of species in different habitats, such those with different disturbance histories or at different altitudes? (3) What traits of species influence these association strengths? Using data from an intensive study of mixed‐species bird flocks in Sri Lanka, we used Mantel tests to compare associations calculated through three methods: the phi coefficient, social networks, and null simulations. Results from the three methods varied (0.53 < r < 0.75), but converged when out‐of‐flock data were added to the phi coefficient and social network methods (0.75 < r < 0.94). Correlations between the associations in different habitats were uniformly low (all <0.50) across all methods. These results, when combined with the fact that only a small percentage of the associations were statistically significant (9–14%, depending on the method used), suggest that on average, birds may not have strong preferences for other species in flocks. The trait analysis, conducted using the Multiple Regression Quadratic Assignment Procedure found that species that are more similar to each other in their body mass and diet had higher association strengths. This result was similar to what has been found before in global meta‐analyses; however, contrary to earlier reports, in this study association strength increased with increasing phylogenetic distance. The strength of these results decreased when non‐statistically significant species associations were included in these analyses or out‐of‐flock data were excluded, again emphasizing that the method of calculating species associations can influence conclusions. Nevertheless, it is clear that species associations in avian mixed‐species groups are not greatly consistent across natural or anthropogenic gradients, although they are influenced to a certain extent by similarities in species traits, especially for species that show statistically significant associations.
Ask top 10 questions to solve retention challenges
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2018

ORLANDO — Data can provide a wealth of information about how to retain students. But to get the best answers, you have to ask good questions. Brian Galloway, director of student retention services at Villanova University; and Daniel McDevitt, director of student success and first year experience at Saint Joseph's University, explained the top 10 questions you should ask when you review your data at a session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers annual conference.
Spring undergrad enrollment down compared to the previous year
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2018

Postsecondary enrollments for the spring 2018 term were at 17.8 million, a decline of 1.3 percent compared with spring 2017. Although enrollments in graduate and professional programs increased, they were outweighed by a decline in undergraduate enrollments. That's according to Current Term Enrollment Estimates Spring 2018, a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Balance student needs with institutional policy to bridge registration challenges
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2018

After Rayanne Williams stepped into the registrar role at San Diego State University, where she had previously been the registrar of extended studies, she earned her master's degree in student affairs from SDSU. What she learned helped her with a delicate balancing act: trying to make students happy while also sticking to institutional policies and duties. “It's hard to balance registrar duties with student affairs duties,” Williams said.
A study of indoor VLC system based on TLS receiver
Authors: Niaz Muhammad Tabish , Imdad Fatima , Mehmood Kashif , Kim Hyung Seok
Published: July 2018

In this paper, the effect of different types of filters on the performance of a total least square–based receiver for a visible light communication system is studied. In the literature, the most common type of filter that is used is a matched filter. This is considered to be an optimal filter and it is commonly available. In the computationally limited environment, where there are not enough resources to match the needs of an optimal filter such as matched filter, this paper investigates the use of other potential filters such as Butterworth, elliptical, and Chebyshev filters. This paper also investigates the effect of choosing a suitable transmission band to countermeasure the effects of noise from artificial light sources and sun. The proposed system is analyzed on the parameter of bit error rate.
Big data‐driven machine learning‐enabled traffic flow prediction
Authors: Kong Fanhui , Li Jian , Jiang Bin , Zhang Tianyuan , Song Houbing
Published: July 2018

Real‐time effective traffic flow big data prediction network has important application significance. Over the past few years, traffic flow data have been exploding and we have entered the big data era. The key challenge of traffic flow prediction network is how to construct an adaptive model relying on historical data. Existing big data‐driven traffic flow prediction networking approaches mainly use shallow learning, and there are unsatisfying for many realistic applications, which inspire us to rethink the traffic flow big data prediction problem with deep learning. In this paper, we propose a novel prediction approach based on machine learning. In addition to the minimum prediction error as the goal, we present the long short‐term memory model, which is a typical machine learning algorithm with deep learning network. This method is applied into the real‐world traffic big data from performance measurement system. Experimental results show that the proposed machine learning algorithm has more applicability and higher performance, compared with shallow machine learning prediction network.
Electrochemical Characterization of Pre‐conditioning Process of Electrospun Nanofiber Electrodes in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Si D. , Zhang S. , Huang J. , Wang C. , Liu Y. , Zhang J.
Published: July 2018

Structure innovation and optimization of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) catalyst layers is instrumental in improving catalyst utilization and effectiveness. Electrospinning technique has been recently used to fabricate nanofiber electrodes for PEFCs with improved performance compared to electrosprayed electrodes. However, the origins for the performance improvement are yet poorly understood. This study examined the evolution of the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) during the pre‐conditioning process, and compared the performance of electrospun nanofiber electrodes with electrosprayed electrodes within a wide range of operating conditions. ECSA increases, and both mass transfer resistance and charge transfer resistance decrease monotonically during the pre‐conditioning process of electrospun nanofiber electrodes. Such effects are attributed to the dissolution of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and the ensuing change of the interface between Pt and the ionomer. After pre‐conditioning, the electrospun nanofiber electrodes outperformed the electrosprayed electrodes with the same Pt‐loadings at 80 °C, whereas the electrosprayed electrodes have higher cell voltages at high current densities at 60 °C and 70 °C in high relative humidity (RH) range. The change in the relative performance of the two types of electrodes is attributed to the competing effects of electrode thickness and pore sizes on cathode gas transport.
Wind induced impacts on hypolimnetic temperature and thermal structure of Candlewood Lake (Connecticut, U.S.A.) from 1985–2015
Authors: Siver Peter A. , Marsicano Laurence J. , Lott Anne‐Marie , Wagener Stephen , Morris Nate
Published: July 2018

Climate change has affected freshwater lakes in many ways, including shifts in thermal structure, stability, ice cover, annual mixing regimes and length of the growing season, all of which impact ecosystem structure and function. We examine the impacts climate variables, especially wind speed, had on water temperature and thermal stratification at three sites in Candlewood Lake (Connecticut, U.S.A.) between 1985 and 2015. Despite the lack of regional time‐related trends in air temperature or precipitation over the 31 year period, there was a significant decline in wind speed during spring and summer months, with a mean decline of 31% over the study period. Even though a wide range in mean July epilimnetic temperature (22.8–28.2°C) was observed, there was no trend over time. In contrast, a significant cooling trend was recorded for the hypolimnion that was highly correlated with the declining wind speed. Decreasing wind speed was also correlated with an increase in the strength of the thermocline estimated from maximum RTRM values. Despite the lack of a warming trend in surface waters over the entire study period, the strength of summer thermal stability estimated using total RTRM scores was highly correlated with epilimnetic temperature. The potential consequences of declining wind speed, a cooling hypolimnion, and a stronger thermocline are discussed.
Quality and cost? The evolution of Walmart's business strategy and human resource policies and practices in China and their impact (1996–2017)
Authors: Xie Yuhua , Cooke Fang Lee
Published: July 2018

This study responds to calls for more in‐depth and qualitative studies, the return to a focus on external factors, and the inclusion of business strategy and industrial relations in human resource management (HRM) research, as well as more research in the retail sector in the Chinese context. We examine the coevolution of the business strategy and HR strategy of Walmart (China) in the last two decades and identify tensions in the context of intensifying competition in the Chinese retail market. We highlight the interactive effect of business and HR strategies through a historical lens. Our study reveals a shift from the original employee‐oriented win–win strategy through rent sharing between the firm and the employees to a win–lose strategy through the introduction of more cost conscious HR policies and practices. Findings of our study challenge the conventional wisdom that firms adopt either the cost or quality strategy and, along with it, the suggestion of matching the quality strategy with employee‐oriented HR policies and practices, and cost leadership with a transactional approach to HRM. We argue a cost and quality business strategy may be adopted, which requires the support of employee‐oriented, rather than cost‐oriented, HR policies and practices.
Hospice use and end‐of‐life care among older patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Tramontano Angela C. , Nipp Ryan , Kong Chung Yin , Yerramilli Divya , Gainor Justin F. , Hur Chin
Published: July 2018

Background

Hospice and end‐of‐life health care utilization among patients with esophageal cancer are understudied. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare linked database to analyze hospice use and end‐of‐life treatment patterns.

Methods

We included patients diagnosed with esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma between 2000 and 2011 and who had died by December 31, 2013. We evaluated patterns of hospice enrollment, chemotherapy receipt, radiation receipt, acute care hospitalizations, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions at end of life. We used multivariate logistic regression to evaluate possible associations with hospice use, late ICU admission, and late chemotherapy receipt.

Results

Our study included 6449 patients; 3597 (55.8%) enrolled in hospice. Among hospice enrolled patients, 31.4% enrolled in the last 7 days of life. Hospice enrollment increased over time, from 43.2% in 2000 to 59.6% in 2013. Patients who were older, female, with stage IV disease, or those with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to enroll in hospice. Among all patients, 19.1% had an ICU admission within the last 30 days and 4.6% received chemotherapy within the last 14 days of life. Those who were Black or Asian (compared to White), married, or had a comorbidity score >1 were more likely to have a late ICU admission. Males and younger patients were more likely to receive chemotherapy at end of life.

Conclusion

Hospice enrollment rates among patients with esophageal cancer have increased over time; however, a significant percentage of patients enrolls near the end of life. Further research is needed to improve understanding of how end‐of‐life care decisions for these patients are made.