bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifting through the forest: home range, movement patterns, and diet of the eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Moore Jennifer F. , Mulindahabi Felix , Gatorano Gratien , Niyigaba Protais , Ndikubwimana Innocent , Cipolletta Chloé , Masozera Michel K.
Published: July 2018

Populations of the endangered eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) are declining throughout their range. Although Nyungwe National Park (NNP) harbors the largest remaining eastern chimpanzee population in Rwanda, we know little about their space use and dietary patterns. We studied home range, movement, and diet of two communities of chimpanzees in NNP using daily tracking data (6:00 am to 6:00 pm) collected from 2000 to 2015. One community, Mayebe, resided in the forest center, and the other community, Cyamudongo, inhabited a forest fragment located about 10 km from the main forest. Home range estimated with the 95% kernel density estimation (KDE) method was 21 km2 for the Mayebe community and 4 km2 for the Cyamudongo community. Chimpanzee home range sizes were smaller during the dry versus wet season and varied monthly throughout the year. The Mayebe community had an average hourly step length of 75 ± SE 5 m with a daily movement range of 987 ± SE 71 m, while the Cyamudongo community had a shorter hourly step length of 52 ± SE 3 m with a daily movement range of 651 ± SE 71 m. Both chimpanzee communities fed primarily on Ficus spp. Other important dietary items included fruits of Symphonia globulifera, Syzygium guineense, and Chrysophyllum gorungosanum for the Mayebe community and Trilepisium madagascariense for the Cyamudongo community. Food choice varied monthly and seasonally for each chimpanzee community. Our study provides the first estimates of home range size and movement parameters for chimpanzees in Rwanda and documents their food habits and seasonal variations therein. We also identified the 50% core home range for each chimpanzee community and suggest this area as the focus of management actions. These results could help park management reduce threats to chimpanzees and other sympatric species by improving the efficiency of ranger patrols.
The Chaotropic Effect as an Assembly Motif in Chemistry
Authors: Assaf Khaleel I. , Nau Werner M.
Published: July 2018

Following up on scattered reports on interactions of conventional chaotropic ions (for example, I−, SCN−, ClO4−) with macrocyclic host molecules, biomolecules, and hydrophobic neutral surfaces in aqueous solution, the chaotropic effect has recently emerged as a generic driving force for supramolecular assembly, orthogonal to the hydrophobic effect. The chaotropic effect becomes most effective for very large ions that extend beyond the classical Hofmeister scale and that can be referred to as superchaotropic ions (for example, borate clusters and polyoxometalates). In this Minireview, we present a continuous scale of water–solute interactions that includes the solvation of kosmotropic, chaotropic, and hydrophobic solutes, as well as the creation of void space (cavitation). Recent examples for the association of chaotropic anions to hydrophobic synthetic and biological binding sites, lipid bilayers, and surfaces are discussed.
Synergetic catalytic effect of rGO, Pd, Fe3O4 and PPy as a magnetically separable and recyclable nanocomposite for coupling reactions in green media
Authors: Emami Atefeh , Ghafuri Hossein
Published: July 2018

In this paper, rGO/Pd–Fe3O4@PPy as an efficient stable nanocomposite was synthesized. To understand the synergetic effects of rGO, Pd, Fe3O4 and PolyPyrrole, the performance of rGO/Pd–Fe3O4@PPy as a heterogeneous recyclable nanocatalyst in the green synthesis of C‐C and C‐O coupling products, as well as different conditions are studied. Synthesized rGO/Pd–Fe3O4@PPy was characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, FE‐SEM, EDS, TGA and AFM analysis. Best results are obtained under sonication in H2O for C‐C coupling and by ball‐milling for C‐O coupling. The benefits of this method include: green solvents and conditions, absence of external base, low reaction times with high yield and easy work‐up method.
Isolation of Fucoxanthin from Brown Algae and Its Antioxidant Activity: In Vitro and 5% Fish Oil‐In‐Water Emulsion
Authors: Koduvayur Habeebullah Sabeena Farvin , Surendraraj Alagarsamy , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: July 2018

Fucoxanthin, a nonprovitamin A carotenoid, is a yellowish‐brown pigment found abundantly in brown algae. Along with chlorophyll a, it is bound to proteins and acts as a light‐harvesting and a light‐transferring pigment. The occurrence of carotenoids and chlorophylls in photosynthetic tissues complicates the isolation of pure fucoxanthin. The present study deals with a method for the isolation of fucoxanthin by low‐temperature crystallization and testing its antioxidant activity both in in vitro assays and in 5% oil‐in‐water emulsion. The yield of fucoxanthin obtained with this method ranged from 0.1% to 0.5% of dried algae depending on the species. Fucoxanthin showed good α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging and iron‐chelating properties. However, it showed low reducing power and was poor in the inhibition of lipid oxidation in a liposome model system. When tested in 5% fish oil‐in‐water emulsion with iron as an oxidation inducer, fucoxanthin showed antioxidant activity by resulting in low levels of volatile oxidation products and low tocopherol loss compared to control and butylated hydroxytoluene.
Pharmacokinetics of Sijunzi decoction in rat plasma after oral administration using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole–time of flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Qu Gonglin , Qi Xuesong , Shao Shuai , Li Chen , Wang Chunyan , Wang Chengfang , Gou Qiao
Published: July 2018

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is one of the most well‐known traditional Chinese herbal formulations. This study elucidates the pharmacokinetics of SJZD in rat plasma after the administration of a single oral dose of 3 mL/kg using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole–time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF/MS) with bergapten as an internal standard. The separation was performed on an Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) by elution with acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Electrospray ionization in positive and negative ion modes was used to quantify six compounds, with monitored ion m/z values of 249.1397 [M + H]+ and 529.3857 [M + H]+ for atractylenolide III (ATL‐III) and pachymic acid (PA), respectively, and m/z of 1107.6638 [M − H]−, 991.5746 [M – H + HCOO]−, 821.3714 [M − H]−, 469.3315 [M − H]− for ginsenoside Rb1, Re, glycyrrhizic acid (GL), and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), respectively. The calibration curves for ginsenoside Rb1, Re, ATL‐III, PA, GL and GA were 0.0015–0.75, 0.001–0.5, 0.0004–0.2, 0.003–0.9, 0.0015–0.3 and 0.001–1.5 μg/mL, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were <14.3%. The rapid, sensitive and specific UHPLC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF/MS method developed and validated in this study was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of the six components of SJZD using rat plasma for pharmacokinetic studies after oral administration.
Identifying consumers' engagement with renewable energy
Authors: Venugopal Aparna , Shukla Dhirendra
Published: July 2018

A moral engagement with sustainability enhances consumers' willingness to pay an increased rate for renewable energy when utility firms offer a variety of financial incentives to buy, rent and lease energy solutions to promote the uptake of energy‐efficient technologies. Using structural equation modelling, with data collected from 140 residential energy consumers in Canada, this paper tests and finds evidence that consumers' moral disengagement with environmental concerns negatively influences their willingness to pay more for renewable energy. Furthermore, it is observed that a consumer's perceived sense of control when evaluating energy solutions further accentuates the effects of moral disengagement on willingness to pay. These findings also illuminate the socio‐economic factors that encourage moral engagement concerning renewables. These findings underscore and build upon the claims of the theory of moral self‐regulation. The results and implications guide energy suppliers in potential niche business models to promote the uptake of energy efficient technologies. Similarly, the findings can guide policy‐makers on the cognitive and psychological factors that shape consumers' moral engagement with environmental concerns.
Entrepreneurial orientation, environmental sustainability and new venture performance: Does stakeholder integration matter?
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph , Danso Albert , Adomako Samuel
Published: July 2018

Previous research has theorised that the link between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and performance is mediated by environmental sustainability orientation (ESO). However, firm‐level factors that may moderate this relationship are lacking. This paper attempts to fill this gap by examining how and when EO enhances new venture performance by considering ESO as mediator and stakeholder integration as an important contingent factor. Using primary data obtained from 242 chief executive officers/entrepreneurs, it was found that the indirect relationship between EO and new venture performance is strengthened at high levels of stakeholder integration. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
HOXA11 antisense long noncoding RNA (HOXA11‐AS): A promising lncRNA in human cancers
Authors: Lu Cheng‐Wei , Zhou Dan‐Dan , Xie Tian , Hao Ji‐Long , Pant Om Prakash , Lu Cheng‐Bo , Liu Xiu‐Fen
Published: July 2018

The cancers are the leading cause of disease‐related deaths worldwide with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in a wide range of biological processes, including tumorigenesis. HOXA11‐AS (NCRNA00076), the antisense strands of HOXA11 gene, was initially revealed in a mouse embryonic cDNA library in 2009 and it was a fairly novel lncRNA. This review summarized the advanced research progression concerning the expression and role of HOXA11‐AS in different human malignancies. The expression of HOXA11‐AS is aberrantly altered in many cancers, either as a tumor suppressor or as a tumor accelerator. The different underlying mechanism of HOXA11‐AS in different cancers (including, nonsmall cell lung cancers, osteosarcoma, uveal melanoma, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and glioblastoma) was also detailed. These findings lead us to conclude that HOXA11‐AS participate in the complex network of cancers and plays an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression. Functional HOXA11‐AS could be a promising biomarker for early detection as well as prognosis evaluation in cancer patients. Future HOXA11‐AS‐targeted intervention may become a valuable novel therapeutic tool, improving the clinical management of cancers.
Emerging findings into molecular mechanism of brain metastasis
Authors: Ni Wenting , Chen Wenxing , Lu Yin
Published: July 2018

Brain metastasis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Hence, the need to develop improved therapies to prevent and treat metastasis to the brain is becoming urgent. Recent studies in this area are bringing about some advanced progress on brain metastasis. It was concluded that the occurrence and poor prognosis of brain metastasis have been mostly attributed to the exclusion of anticancer drugs from the brain by the blood‐brain barrier. And several highly potent new generation targeted drugs with enhanced CNS distribution have been developed constantly. However, the noted “seed and soil” hypothesis also suggests that the outcome of metastasis depends on the relationship between unique tumor cells and the specific organ microenvironment. Moreover, increasing studies in multiple tumor types demonstrated that brain metastasis has great molecular differences between primary tumors and extracranial metastasis to a large extent. Here, the authors summarized the most common malignancies that could lead to brain metastasis—lung cancer, breast cancer and melanoma and their related mutated factors. Only by comprehending a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms, more effective brain‐specific therapies will be developed for brain metastasis.
Sugar daddies and blessers: A contextual study of transactional sexual interactions among young girls and older men
Authors: Hoss Juliane , Blokland Linda M. Eskell
Published: July 2018

This mixed method study aimed to gather a contextual understanding of the perspectives of young girls in South Africa with regard to transactional sexual interactions between older men and young girls. Two major narratives of the “sugar daddy” phenomenon have dominated the public discourse on the topic. One emphasises the girls' vulnerability and experience of victimisation, whereas the other highlights their role as social agents with control in such interactions. In this study, the participants acknowledged the heterogeneity among partners in such interactions, which suggests that the phenomenon of “sugar daddies” cannot be explained by a simple narrative. The girls' experiences form a continuum based on the degree of their individual control and the extent of their vulnerability in such an interaction. Contextual factors and social norms influence decisions and experiences in these interactions. The study concludes that these relationships form part of the girls' daily experiences of structural violence as well as gender inequality and can be regarded as a symptom of broader societal structures and norms. Quantitative data investigate the mental health status of the participants, whereas an essentialist/realist thematic analysis of qualitative data explores experiences and perceptions of the girls.
Selective Epoxidation of Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Methyl Esters by Fungal Peroxygenases
Authors: Aranda Carmen , Olmedo Andrés , Kiebist Jan , Scheibner Katrin , del Río José C. , Martínez Angel T. , Gutiérrez Ana
Published: July 2018

Recently discovered fungal unspecific peroxygenases from Marasmius rotula and Chaetomium globosum catalyze the epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) and FA methyl esters (FAME), unlike the well‐known peroxygenases from Agrocybe aegerita and Coprinopsis cinerea. Reactions of a series of unsaturated FA and FAME with cis‐configuration revealed high (up to 100 %) substrate conversion and selectivity towards epoxidation, although some significant differences were observed between enzymes and substrates with the best results being obtained with the C. globosum enzyme. This and the M. rotula peroxygenase appear as promising biocatalysts for the environmentally‐friendly production of reactive FA epoxides given their self‐sufficient monooxygenase activity and the high conversion rate and epoxidation selectivity.
Correlating Charge‐Carrier Dynamics with Efficiency in Quantum‐Dot Solar Cells: Can Excitonics Lead to Highly Efficient Devices?
Authors: Maiti Sourav , Dana Jayanta , Ghosh Hirendra N.
Published: July 2018

The photovoltaic performance of quantum‐dot solar cells strongly depends on the charge‐carrier relaxation and recombination processes, which need to be modulated in a favorable way to obtain maximum efficiency. Recently, significant efforts have been devoted to investigate the carrier dynamics of nanocrystal sensitizers, both in solution and deposited on TiO2 photoanodes, with the aim to correlate the excitonics with solar‐energy conversion efficiency. This Minireview summarizes some proof of the concepts that efficiency can be directly correlated to the exciton dynamics of quantum‐dot solar cells. The presented findings are based on CdSeS alloy, CdSe/CdS core/shell, Au/CdSe nanohybrids, and Mn‐doped CdZnSSe nanocrystals, where the favourable excitonic processes are optimized to enhance the efficiency. Future prospects and limitations are addressed as well.
On the Viability of Catalytic Turnover via Al−O/B−H Metathesis: The Reactivity of β‐Diketiminate Aluminium Hydrides towards CO2 and Boranes
Authors: Caise Alexa , Jones Dafydd , Kolychev Eugene L. , Hicks Jamie , Goicoechea Jose M. , Aldridge Simon
Published: July 2018

A series of β‐diketiminate stabilized aluminium hydrides of the type (Nacnac)Al(R)H has been synthesized offering variation in the auxiliary R substituent and in the Nacnac backbone. These show significant variation in the nature of the Al−H bond: electron‐donating R groups give rise to weaker (and presumably more hydridic) Al−H bonds, leading to enhanced rates of reactivity towards CO2. The resulting κ1‐formate complexes (Nacnac)Al(R){OC(O)H} have been isolated and their reactivity towards B−H‐containing reductants probed. In the case of HBpin no reaction is observed (even under forcing conditions), while the more reactive boranes HBcat and {H(9‐BBN)}2 ultimately yield boryloxy complexes of the type (Nacnac)Al(R)(OBX2) (X2=cat, 9‐BBN). However, no hint of Al−O/B−H metathesis is observed even under forcing conditions. With BH3⋅SMe2 the major product is a related boryloxy system, although (uniquely) in this case a minor product is observed which contains an Al−H bond. We hypothesize that (Nacnac)Al(R)(κ2‐BH4) is formed (despite the unfavourable thermodynamics of Al−O/B−H metathesis) due to the additional driving force provided by coordination of the strongly Lewis acidic BH3 unit to the Al−H bond. That said, we find that (unlike the analogous gallium systems) no catalytic turnover can be achieved in the reduction of CO2 by boranes mediated by these aluminium hydrides.
Quantitative assessment of changes in diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics along the courses of the cortico‐ponto‐cerebellar tracts secondary to supratentorial human brain glial tumors
Authors: Mirbagheri Saeedeh , Kamali Arash , Cai Chunyan , Kasaie Parastu , Pillai Jay Jan , Gujar Sachin Krishnakant , Khorsandi Azita , Sair Haris Iqbal
Published: July 2018

Background

The cortico‐ponto‐cerebellar tract (CPCT) is the largest projection pathway, which synapses at the pons. Remote effects of supratentorial brain tumors have not been evaluated along the infratentorial course of the CPCT.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible lateralization of the diffusion tensor metrics of the affected CPCT in patients with supratentorial brain tumor.

Methods and Results

We included 39 patients with 29 left‐sided tumors (LST) and 10 right‐sided tumors, retrospectively. We measured the magnitude of changes of the fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the CPCT prior to the brain surgery at the level of crus cerebri and middle cerebellar peduncle. Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on the lateral side of crus cerebri, and ROI‐1 (anterior 1/3), ROI‐2 (middle 1/3), ROI‐3 (posterior 1/3), and ROI‐4 were placed at the level of middle cerebellar peduncle. We hypothesized that there would be decreased FA and increased ADC values of the ipsilesional CPCT compared with contralesional CPCT.

Ipsilesional FA values were decreased with simultaneous increased ADC value along the CPCT compared with contralesional CPCT in following ROIs, ROI‐1 (LST FA: P = .005, ADC: P = .037) and ROI‐3 (LST FA: P = .049, ADC: P = .049), respectively. Affected ROI‐4 in LST cases also showed lower FA values, although not statistically significant.

Conclusion

We observed a statistically significant FA value decrease and ADC increase along the left ROI‐1 and ROI‐3 as well as the nonstatistically significant FA decrease of the left ROI‐4 at the second neuron level when there was a related supratentorial tumor. These findings are suggestive of presynaptic and postsynaptic microstructural changes of these tracts following the presynaptic involvement by a primary supratentorial brain tumor.
Effects of Electric Fields on Multiple Exciton Generation
Authors: Gordi Mahdi , Moravvej‐Farshi Mohammad Kazem , Ramezani Hamidreza
Published: July 2018

Unique properties of lead chalcogenides have enabled multiple exciton generation (MEG) in their nanocrystals that can be beneficial in enhancing the efficiency of third‐generation solar cells. Although the intrinsic electric field plays an imperative role in a solar cell, its effect on the multiple exciton generation (MEG) has been overlooked, so far. Using EOM‐CCSD as a many‐body approach, we show that any electric field can affect the absorptivity spectra of the lead chalcogenide nanocrystals (Pb4Te4, Pb4Se4, and Pb4S4). The same electric field, however, has insignificant effects on the MEG quantum probabilities and the thresholds in these nanocrystals. Furthermore, simulations show that Pb4Te4, among the aforementioned nanocrystals, has the lowest MEG threshold and the strongest absorptivity peak that is located in the multi‐excitation window, irrespective of the field strength, making it the most suitable candidate for MEG applications. Simulations also demonstrate that an electric field affects the MEG characteristics in the Pb4Te4 nanocrystal, in general, less than it perturbs MEG characteristics in Pb4Se4 and Pb4S4 nanocrystals. Our results can have a great impact in designing optoelectronic devices whose performance can be significantly influenced by MEG.
Commitment to sustainable development: Exploring the factors affecting employee attitudes towards corporate social responsibility‐oriented management
Authors: Wang Yingyan
Published: July 2018

Employee contributions are indispensable to the success of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices; however, surprisingly little research has focused on how positive attitudes toward CSR‐oriented management can be facilitated among employees. Applying a relational demography approach and related theories, this study examines employees' emotional identification and behavioral engagement with CSR‐oriented mission activities. Data from a Fortune Global 500 company in Japan show the direct effect of position and the asymmetric effects of position dissimilarity. Lower‐positioned employees tend to report enhanced positive attitudes toward CSR‐oriented mission activities when working with a greater number of higher‐positioned colleagues. Furthermore, perceived mission‐based support mediates the effect of the interaction between position dissimilarity and position on employees' attitudes toward CSR‐oriented activities. On the basis of these findings, it is argued that companies should recognize the importance of managerial members as role models and provide employees with sufficient support to facilitate positive attitudes toward CSR practices.
A Direct Ammonia Microfluidic Fuel Cell using NiCu Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotubes as an Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Hui Min , Wang Yi Fei , Kwok Yu Ho , Wu Zu Cheng , Xia De Hua , Leung Dennis Y. C.
Published: July 2018

This work demonstrates the use of a NiCu electrocatalyst prepared by hydrothermal method with different Ni/Cu mass ratios (70:30, 50:50 and 30:70) supported on carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which was studied with regards to its electrochemical behavior in the ammonia oxidation reaction and direct ammonia microfluidic fuel cell (DAMFC) performance. XRD and SEM‐EDX showed the formation of NiCu alloy while TEM showed the particles size to be 15–20 nm. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry showed that NiCu had higher catalytic activity than pure Ni and pure Cu, and that the active species was a NiCu oxyhydroxide. In DAMFC tests, 50 wt % Ni50Cu50/CNTs was found to be the most suitable one since it showed a 43 % higher peak power density and 65 % higher maximum current density than Ni electrode. The improved performance was attributed to the NiCu oxyhydroxides formation, which improved the anodic catalytic activity by increasing amounts of active sites and the combined electronic effect of the Ni‐Cu bimetallic catalysts.
In vitro glucuronidation of designer benzodiazepines by human UDP‐glucuronyltransferases
Authors: Pettersson Bergstrand Madeleine , Richter Lilian H. J. , Maurer Hans H. , Wagmann Lea , Meyer Markus R.
Published: July 2018

Multiple new psychoactive substances (NPS) are released into the recreational drug market each year. One NPS drug class that has become more common in recent years is that of the benzodiazepines (designer benzodiazepines, DBZ). Several metabolism studies have been performed to improve their bioanalytical detection via the best target. These studies have shown the presence of parent glucuronides and, as polymorphisms have been noted for the catalyzing enzymes (UDP‐glucuronyltransferases) responsible for glucuronide conjugation reactions, it is important to keep this in mind when interpreting DBZ cases in clinical and/or forensic toxicology. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the UDP‐glucuronyltransferases (UGTs) responsible for parent compound conjugation of nine DBZ to facilitate interpretation of related cases. Clonazolam, deschloroetizolam, etizolam, flubromazolam, flunitrazolam, metizolam, nifoxipam, nitrazolam, and pyrazolam were incubated with pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) or 13 different human UGTs. The samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS/MS). Glucuronide conjugates of flunitrazolam and nifoxipam were only detected in pHLM, suggesting that these reactions are performed by dimer complexes of several UGTs or complexes between UGTs and other metabolizing enzymes contained in pHLM. Nitrazolam or pyrazolam glucuronides were not detected. Glucuronidation of clonazolam, deschloroetizolam, etizolam, flubromazolam, and metizolam was catalyzed exclusively by UGT1A4. The conjugation of the majority of the DBZ was performed by the UGT isoform 1A4 for which polymorphisms have been described. This underlines the importance of taking glucuronidation polymorphism into consideration when interpreting intoxication cases.
Combining aggregated and dispersed tree retention harvesting for conservation of vascular plant communities
Authors: Franklin Caroline M. A. , Macdonald S. Ellen , Nielsen Scott E.
Published: July 2018

Retention harvesting (also called tree retention or structural retention), in which live mature trees are selectively retained within harvested stands at different retention levels and in different patterns (aggregated to dispersed), is increasingly being used to mitigate the negative impacts of forest harvesting on biodiversity. However, the effectiveness of combining different patterns of retention harvesting for conservation and recovery of understory vascular plants in the long term is largely unknown. To address this gap, we compared understory vascular plant diversity, abundance, and composition between aggregated retention and five levels of surrounding dispersed retention (0% [clearcut], 10%, 20%, 50%, 75%) 15 yr postharvest. We also investigated the influence of dispersed retention on the ability of embedded retention patches to support plant communities characteristic of unharvested forests, and whether it varies by patch size of aggregated retention (0.20 ha or 0.46 ha) and position within patches (edge or interior). Species richness, diversity, and cover were higher in the dispersed retention than in the patch retention as the harvested areas favored early‐seral plant species. Graminoid cover was greater at the edges than in the interior of large patches. Retention patches as small as 0.2 ha more effectively supported shade‐tolerant (forest interior) plant communities when they were surrounded by higher levels of dispersed retention (as compared to patches retained within clearcuts). Overall, the combined use of both aggregated and dispersed retention within a given cutblock benefits both late‐ and early‐seral plant species and thus could effectively conserve understory plant assemblages in harvested landscapes. Sustainable forest management should therefore consider using a range of retention patch sizes combined with varying levels of surrounding dispersed retention in harvest designs to achieve objectives for plant conservation.
Nonclonal coloniality: Genetically chimeric colonies through fusion of sexually produced polyps in the hydrozoanEctopleura larynx
Authors: Chang E. Sally , Orive Maria E. , Cartwright Paulyn
Published: July 2018

Hydrozoans typically develop colonies through asexual budding of polyps. Although colonies of Ectopleura are similar to other hydrozoans in that they consist of multiple polyps physically connected through continuous epithelia and shared gastrovascular cavity, Ectopleura larynx does not asexually bud polyps indeterminately. Instead, after an initial phase of limited budding in a young colony, E. larynx achieves its large colony size through the aggregation and fusion of sexually (nonclonally) produced polyps. The apparent chimerism within a physiologically integrated colony presents a potential source of conflict between distinct genetic lineages, which may vary in their ability to access the germline. To determine the extent to which the potential for genetic conflict exists, we characterized the types of genetic relationships between polyps within colonies, using a RAD-Seq approach. Our results indicate that E. larynx colonies are indeed comprised of polyps that are clones and sexually reproduced siblings and offspring, consistent with their life history. In addition, we found that colonies also contain polyps that are genetically unrelated, and that estimates of genome-wide relatedness suggests a potential for conflict within a colony. Taken together, our data suggest that there are distinct categories of relationships in colonies of E. larynx, likely achieved through a range of processes including budding, regeneration, and fusion of progeny and unrelated polyps, with the possibility for a genetic conflict resolution mechanism. Together these processes contribute to the reevolution of the ecologically important trait of coloniality in E. larynx.
Postharvest quality of two orange‐fleshed sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam] cultivars as influenced by organic soil amendment treatments
Authors: Atuna Richard A. , Aduguba Wilberforce O. , Alhassan Abdul‐Razak , Abukari Issah A. , Muzhingi Tawanda , Mbongo Daniel , Amagloh Francis K.
Published: July 2018

Two orange‐fleshed sweet potato cultivars: Apomuden and “Nane” were grown on cow dung‐, chicken manure‐, compost‐amended soils, and untreated soil. Apomuden is a variety, while “Nane” is being evaluated to be released in Ghana. The storage roots (SRs) were harvested at 3 months, cured by heaping the SRs and covering with the sweet potato foliage for 7 days in the field. The cured SRs were kept in an evaporative cool chamber to study the effect of soil amendment treatments on weight loss, rot, some nutrient composition, and sensory attributes. Boiled SRs were assessed by 70 untrained panelists after 7 weeks of storage based on the following: general appearance, sweetness, finger‐feel firmness, and overall acceptability using a 5‐point hedonic scale (1 = dislike extremely to 5 = like extremely). Percent rot for “Nane” showed a linear trend, while that of Apomuden was nonlinear. Both cultivars showed similar trends in terms of cumulative weight loss with “Nane” recording lower weight loss compared with Apomuden. A significant (p < 0.001; r = 0.71) strong positive correlation was observed between weight loss and rots. “Nane” had higher dry matter (37.15% vs. 30.19%; p < 0.001, respectively) and starch content (59.16% vs. 51.86%; p < 0.001, respectively) than Apomuden. Stored SRs grown on chicken manure‐amended soil recorded the highest protein (6.41%; p < 0.001) and β‐carotene (16.64 mg/100 g; p < 0.001) content than the other treatments. There was a 35% decline in β‐carotene for Apomuden, while “Nane” increased by 24% at the end of the 7‐week storage. “Nane,” the cultivar with high dry matter content had good storage properties than Apomuden. Stored SRs cultivated on soils amended with chicken manure had higher β‐carotene and protein content. All sensory attributes ranged from 3.35 to 3.68 indicating a good consumer preference for both cultivars irrespective of the soil amendment treatment applied.
Case‐based decision support for fault diagnosis: Do salient ratings discourage situation analysis?
Authors: Müller Romy , Ullrich Laura , Dessel Ann‐Kathrin , Bengsch Amelie , Heinze Sebastian , Müller Tobias , Oehm Lukas
Published: July 2018

In the processing industry, frequent faults call for assistance in diagnosis, and case‐based reasoning (CBR) can provide solutions applied by other operators in the past. This study investigated whether salient case ratings promote an uncritical acceptance of solutions. In 2 experiments, subjects diagnosed faults with a simulated CBR system, and ratings were presented in graphical or verbal format. In most trials, the case with the highest rating provided the correct solution, while in catch‐trials, it did not. Graphical ratings were hypothesized to speed up solutions but discourage cross‐checking and lead to errors in catch‐trials. These hypotheses were not confirmed, even though Experiment 2 maximized the incentive of relying on case ratings. While graphical ratings led subjects to start with the most highly rated case, they did not impair situation analysis and accuracy. The results suggest that during fault diagnosis people are not easily misled into overtrusting a CBR system.
Handheld multi‐modal imaging for point‐of‐care skin diagnosis based on akinetic integrated optics optical coherence tomography
Authors: Sancho‐Durá Juan , Zinoviev Kirill , Lloret‐Soler Juan , Rubio‐Guviernau Jose Luis , Margallo‐Balbás Eduardo , Drexler Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

A handheld skin imaging system with joint optical coherence tomography (OCT) at 1300 nm and digital epiluminescence microscopy (EM) is presented. The 2 modalities are physically co‐registered in a common‐path configuration. The instrument is enabled by a dedicated planar lightwave circuit with a footprint of only 1.1 × 19.5 mm2 that provides akinetic axial OCT scanning at speeds up to 24 kHz. Lateral scanning is implemented through a low‐voltage Micro Electro‐Mechanical System (MEMS) mirror packaged with the axial scanner in a hermetic butterfly module. The OCT system, with a volume of only 80 × 27 × 14 mm3, achieves an isotropic resolution of ~11 μm in tissue, −93 dB sensitivity, 12 mm lateral field of view, and an axial scanning range of 2.8 mm in air. The complete battery‐powered device has a weight of 3 kg in a tablet format, enabling point‐of‐care use cases. This work shows that integration of complementary imaging modalities through miniaturization technology results in clinically valuable instruments supporting a patient‐centered diagnostic imaging workflow.
Adverse effects on macrophage lipid transport and survival by high density lipoprotein from patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Sini S. , Deepa D. , Harikrishnan S. , Jayakumari N.
Published: July 2018

High density lipoprotein (HDL)–macrophage interactions have the potential to modulate macrophage function in a beneficial way to prevent the development of lipid‐loaded foam cell formation in atherosclerosis. Although HDL is atheroprotective, it can become dysfunctional in chronic inflammatory conditions and increase cardiovascular risk. Here, we examined the effect of dysfunctional‐HDL from patients with coronary artery disease, on macrophage function in comparison to functional‐HDL from controls. Exposure of macrophages to dysfunctional‐HDL for 24 h resulted significant increase in cellular oxidative stress, cholesterol, and cytotoxicity. It also stimulated mitochondrial membrane depolarization, DNA damage, apoptosis, and cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase, which are characteristics of proapoptotic pathways. In contrast, functional‐HDL treatment maintained cholesterol homeostasis, essential membrane potential, DNA integrity, and cell survival. These results demonstrate that HDL from coronary artery disease (CAD) patient promotes proatherogenic effects that in turn trigger macrophage apoptosis, an important feature in atherogenesis and thereby providing new insight in our understanding of the atherogenic mechanisms.
Impaired ankle‐brachial index in antiphospholipid syndrome: Beyond the traditional risk factors
Authors: Caraiola Simona , Jurcut Ciprian , Dima Alina , Jurcut Ruxandra , Baicus Cristian , Baicus Anda
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) associate an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Objective

To determine the predictors of an abnormal ankle‐brachial index (ABI), surrogate measure of atherosclerosis, in patients with APS.

Methods

The ABI was measured according to standard recommendations in 106 patients. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in all cases. A large spectrum of APS antibodies was determined in 73 patients.

Results

A total of 106 patients diagnosed with APS were included. 28.3% patients included were found to have low ABI. Anti‐beta 2‐glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) IgG antibodies [4.00 (1.00‐79.00) vs 3.00 (0.00‐29.00) U/mL, P = 0.02] and antiprothrombin (aPT) IgM antibodies [4.50 (0.00‐82.00) vs 3.00 (0.00‐14.00) U/mL, P = 0.05] titers were found to be higher in patients with abnormal ABI. However, after multivariate regression analysis, only the aβ2GPI IgG titer remained predictor of low ABI (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

aβ2GPI IgG associated with impaired ABI in patients with APS. This relation might reflect their involvement in the atherosclerosis occurrence.
Differentiated adipose‐derived stem cell cocultures for bone regeneration in RADA16‐I in vitro
Authors: Yang Huifang , Hong Nanrui , Liu Hsiaowei , Wang Jieda , Li Yan , Wu Shuyi
Published: July 2018

Craniofacial defects can cause morbidness. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have shown great promise for osteogeneration and vascularization; therefore cocultures of differentiated ADSCs are explored to increase bone and vessel formation. In this study, ADSCs were induced into osteogenic ADSCs (os‐ADSCs) and endothelial ADSCs (endo‐ADSCs) cells, which were then cocultured in variable proportions (os‐ADSCs/endo‐ADSCs = 2:1, 1:1, 1:2). The os‐ADSCs in a ratio of 1:1 expressed more ALP, RUNX2 and COL‐I, whereas VEGF, vWF and CD31 were upregulated in the endo‐ADSCs of this group. Next generation RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of cocultured ADSCs. The os‐ADSCs and endo‐ADSCs interacted with each other during osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation, especially at the ratio of 1:1, and were regulated by vascular‐related genes, cell‐mediated genes, bone‐related genes and the transforming growth factor β signaling pathway (TGF‐β), mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway (MAPK) and wnt signaling pathway (Wnt). Angptl4, apoe, mmp3, bmp6, mmp13 and fgf18 were detected to be up‐regulated, and cxcl12 and wnt5a were down‐regulated. The results showed that the gene expression levels were consistent with that in RNA‐seq. The cells were then seeded into self‐assembling peptide RADA16‐I scaffolds as cocultures (1:1) and monocultures (ADSCs, os‐ADSCs, endo‐ADSCs). The results showed that the cells of all groups grew and proliferated well on the scaffolds, and the cocultured group exhibited better osteogeneration and vascularization. In conclusion, cocultured os‐ADSCs and endo‐ADSCs at the ratio of 1:1 showed strong osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation. There is a great potential for osteogenesis and vascularization by 3D culturing cells in a 1:1 ratio in self‐assembling peptide RADA16‐I scaffolds, which requires evaluation for bone regeneration in vivo.
Synthesis of 7‐Oxo‐1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b‐octahydroindolo[2,3‐a]quinolizine
Authors: Tompkins David C. , Nelson Randall B. , Dolby Lloyd J. , Gribble Gordon W.
Published: July 2018

A short synthesis of 7‐oxo‐1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b‐octahydroindolo[2,3‐a]quinolizine from 2‐acetylpyridine and phenylhydrazine is described. Ring C is forged using 2‐chloro‐N,N‐dimethylacetamide. This derivative of the natural alkaloid 1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b‐octahydroindolo[2,3‐a]quinolizine is an inhibitor of the ZipA–FtsZ protein–protein complex, which is a novel antibacterial target.
Fragmentation of the main triterpene acids of apple by LC‐APCI‐MSn
Authors: Sut Stefania , Poloniato Gabriele , Malagoli Mario , Dall'Acqua Stefano
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we investigated the fragmentation of the main triterpene acids of apple using an liquid chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (LC‐APCI‐MSn) approach and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS) (Q‐TOF). Triterpenes were isolated using semipreparative high‐performance liquid chromatography, and chemical structures were elucidated by HR‐MS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Finally, compounds were used to study MSn behavior in ion trap. Isolated triterpenes present similar structures, bearing carboxyl group linked to C‐17 and different substitutions. We observed significant changes in MS2 spectra, which were useful for further compound identification. The observed fragments allowed the discrimination of different derivatives, namely, pomaceic, annurcoic, euscaphic, pomolic, corosolic, maslinic, betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids. The proposed method allows a rapid identification of triterpene acids, and it could be useful for the analysis of these compounds in apple fruits and in other natural sources.
Clinical value of hepatitis C virus core antigen levels in monitoring acute hepatitis C spontaneous clearance or treatment‐induced clearance
Authors: Zhao Ning , Zheng Wei , Wu Dan , Wang Xuelian , Yang Wei , Yuan Lin , Niu Zhiqiang , Jiang Xiaodi , Huang Fen , Li Zhiwei
Published: July 2018

Background and aim

To observe the clinical value of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCcAg) levels in monitoring acute HCV infection in patients with spontaneous clearance (SC) or clearance induced by antiviral therapy.

Methods

Patients with iatrogenic HCV infection (n = 104) were enrolled at the Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, between 5 February 2013 and 3 April 2013. All cases were diagnosed with acute HCV infection, enrolled within 90 days of infection, and followed for 12 to 16 weeks. Blood was collected every month. HCV RNA and HCcAg levels were detected. From week 16, patients without SC were treated with pegylated‐interferon and the HCV RNA and HCcAg levels were observed monthly. Follow‐up was 7.5 (5.0 to 10.4) months. The Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between HCV RNA and HCcAg. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of baseline HCV RNA and HCcAg levels with SC.

Results

Ten patients (9.62%) showed SC, with a negative conversion time of 57 (14 to 143) days. During follow‐up, HCV RNA and HCcAg expression levels were positively correlated for each patient (except on the sixth month), but the levels of HCV RNA and HCcAg were not associated with HCV infection SC.

Conclusions

HCcAg levels could be of value for monitoring the course early HCV infection, but could not predict SC of HCV infection.
Association of IFNλ4 rs12979860 polymorphism with the acquisition of HCV and HIV infections among people who inject drugs
Authors: Jõgeda Ene‐Ly , Avi Radko , Pauskar Merit , Kallas Eveli , Karki Tõnis , Des Jarlais Don , Uusküla Anneli , Toompere Karolin , Lutsar Irja , Huik Kristi
Published: July 2018

We investigated the presence of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism designated rs12979860 in the interferon λ4 (IFNλ4) gene among 345 people who inject drugs (PWID) and 495 blood donors to evaluate associations between the rs12979860 genotypes and human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus (HIV/HCV). The rs12979860 TT genotype was over‐represented among HIV+ PWID than HIV− PWID and blood donors (16% vs 8% and 10%, P = 0.03, respectively). PWID with TT genotype had approximately twice the probability of being HIV+ (odds ratio [OR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 4.33) than PWID without TT. Every additional year of intravenous drug use (IVDU) decreased the OR 1.16 times (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.98). This suggests that rs12979860 TT increases susceptibility to HIV and this impact decreases with increasing duration of IVDU.
Distribution of norovirus and sapovirus genotypes with emergence of NoV GII.P16/GII.2 recombinant strains in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Supadej Kanittapon , Khamrin Pattara , Kumthip Kattareeya , Malasao Rungnapa , Chaimongkol Natthawan , Saito Mayuko , Oshitani Hitoshi , Ushijima Hiroshi , Maneekarn Niwat
Published: July 2018

Norovirus (NoV) and sapovirus (SaV) are recognized as the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis, and NoV is one of the leading pathogens reported worldwide. This study reports on the distribution of NoV and SaV genotypes in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January 2015 to February 2017. From a total of 843 stool samples, 170 (20.2%) and 16 (1.9%) were identified as having NoV and SaV infections, respectively. Two samples (0.2%) were positive for both NoV and SaV. Of these, NoV GII.4 (57.2%) was the dominant genotype, followed by GII.2, GII.3, GII.17, GII.6, GII.7, GII.13, GII.14, GII.15, GII.21, GI.6, and GI.5. Among the NoV GII.4 variants, Sydney 2012 was the dominant variant during the period 2015‐2016, while the other variants detected in this study were Asia 2003 and New Orleans 2009. Interestingly, an increase of NoV GII.2 was observed in 2016 and 2017. Characterization of partial RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase and VP1 nucleotide sequences of GII.2 strains revealed that more than half of the GII.2 strains circulating in 2016 and 2017 were recombinant strains of GII.P16/GII.2. For SaV, the majority of strains belonged to GI.1 (55.6%) and GI.2 (33.3%), while GII.5 accounted for 11.1%. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the diversity of NoV and SaV, and the emergence of NoV GII.P16/GII.2 recombinant strains in 2016 and 2017 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In‐situ high‐temperature Raman spectroscopic studies of the vibrational characteristics and microstructure evolution of sodium tungstate dihydrate crystal during heating and melting
Authors: Wang Jian , You Jinglin , Wang Min , Lu Liming , Sobol Alexander A. , Wan Songming
Published: July 2018

In‐situ studies of the vibrational characteristics and microstructure evolution of the Na2WO4·2H2O (sodium tungstate dihydrate) crystal during the temperature‐induced solid‐state phase transformation and melting process were carried out using high‐temperature Raman spectroscopic technique. Results showed that the thermal decomposition process of the Na2WO4·2H2O crystal takes place mainly within the temperature range of 348–383 K, along with the structure transforming from the orthorhombic to cubic symmetry. As the sample temperature increased further, another solid‐state phase transformation from the cubic to orthorhombic structure was observed approximately at 893 K before melting occurred at 1023 K. Although the isolated [WO4]2− tetrahedron was preserved within the entire temperature range from room temperature to 1023 K, subtle changes were observed with the mean bond length of W–O bonds in the tetrahedron unit. Furthermore, Raman active vibrational modes of Na2WO4·2H2O, two Na2WO4 crystal phases, and corresponding melt were assigned based on the density functional theory simulation and compared with the literature data. Finally, four‐molecule cluster arranged as Td symmetry is considered to be the most likely configuration in the molten state according to density functional theory simulation based on the different multimolecular clusters proposed.