bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allometry of the pyrophyticAristidain fire‐maintained longleaf pine–wiregrass ecosystems
Authors: Shearman Timothy M. , Varner J. Morgan , Robertson Kevin , Hiers J. Kevin
Published: January 2019

Premise of the Study

Aboveground biomass (AGB) of herbaceous vegetation is a primary source of fuel in frequent surface fires that maintain grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. Methods for nondestructively estimatingAGBare required to understand the mechanisms by which fuels affect fire behavior and the effects of time since the last burn. We developed allometric equations to estimateAGBin wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana/A. stricta), a dominant bunchgrass inPinus palustrisecosystems and a key species for ecological restoration.

Methods

We collected wiregrass from North Carolina to Florida, across a range of time‐since‐last burn and site types. We tested 32 mixed effect models to see which predictors were best at predicting live, dead, and totalAGB. We also examined how time since burn (TSB) affected the live‐to‐dead ratio (LDR) using regression.

Key Results

WiregrassAGBwas found to increase with increasing latitude (relative to tussock volume), possibly due to an increase in precipitation, and was greater on more fertile clay soils and flatwoods than on sandy soils. TheLDRdecreased as a power function withTSB, resulting in rapid accumulation of dead, highly flammable, biomass in the fire‐free period.

Conclusions

Greater biomass will support fires of higher intensity. Our models can be useful in the parameterization of future physics‐based models to predict fire behavior. Understanding the environmental variables that influence the allometry of wiregrass should help increase the precision ofAGBestimates and the subsequent effects on fire behavior and effects on neighboring vegetation.
A temporal shift in resource allocation facilitates flowering before leaf out and spring vessel maturation in precocious species
Authors: Savage Jessica A.
Published: January 2019

Premise of the Study

New growth in the spring requires resource mobilization in the vascular system at a time when xylem and phloem function are often reduced in seasonally cold climates. As a result, the timing of leaf out and/or flowering could depend on when the vascular system resumes normal function in the spring. This study investigated whether flowering time is influenced by vascular phenology in plants that flower precociously before they have leaves.

Methods

Flower, leaf, and vascular phenology were monitored in pairs of precocious and non‐precocious congeners. Differences in resource allocation were quantified by measuring bud dry mass and water content throughout the year, floral hydration was modelled, and a girdling treatment completed on branches in the field.

Key Results

Precocious flowering species invested more in floral buds the year before flowering than did their non‐precocious congeners, thus mobilizing less water in the spring, which allowed flowering before new vessel maturation.

Conclusions

A shift in the timing of resource allocation in precocious flowering plants allowed them to flower before the production of mature vessels and minimized the significance of seasonal changes in vascular function to their flowering phenology. The low investment required to complete floral development in the spring when the plant vascular system is often compromised could explain why flowers can emerge before leaf out.
Phylogenetic inference in section Archerythroxylum informs taxonomy, biogeography, and the domestication of coca (Erythroxylum species)
Authors: White Dawson M. , Islam Melissa B. , Mason‐Gamer Roberta J.
Published: January 2019

Premise of the Study

This investigation establishes the first DNA‐sequence‐based phylogenetic hypothesis of species relationships in the coca family (Erythroxylaceae) and presents its implications for the intrageneric taxonomy and neotropical biogeography of Erythroxylum. We also identify the closest wild relatives and evolutionary relationships of the cultivated coca taxa.

Methods

We focused our phylogenomic inference on the largest taxonomic section in the genus Erythroxylum (Archerythroxylum O.E.Schulz) using concatenation and gene tree reconciliation methods from hybridization‐based target capture of 427 genes.

Key Results

We show that neotropical Erythroxylum are monophyletic within the paleotropical lineages, yet Archerythroxylum and all of the other taxonomic sections from which we sampled multiple species lack monophyly. We mapped phytogeographic states onto the tree and found some concordance between these regions and clades. The wild species E. gracilipes and E. cataractarum are most closely related to the cultivated E. coca and E. novogranatense, but relationships within this “coca” clade remain equivocal.

Conclusions

Our results point to the difficulty of morphology‐based intrageneric classification in this clade and highlight the importance of integrative taxonomy in future systematic revisions. We can confidently identify E. gracilipes and E. cataractarum as the closest wild relatives of the coca taxa, but understanding the domestication history of this crop will require more thorough phylogeographic analysis.
Molecular analysis of an ancient Thule population at Nuvuk, Point Barrow, Alaska
Authors: Tackney Justin , Jensen Anne M. , Kisielinski Caroline , O'Rourke Dennis H.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The North American archaeological record supports a Holocene origin of Arctic Indigenous peoples. Although the Paleo‐Inuit were present for millennia, archaeological and genetic studies suggest that modern peoples descend from a second, more recent tradition known as the Neo‐Inuit. Origins of the Neo‐Inuit and their relations to the earlier and later Indigenous peoples are an area of active study. Here, we genetically analyze the maternal lineages present at Nuvuk, once the northernmost community in Alaska and located in a region identified as a possible origin point of the Neo‐Inuit Thule. The cemetery at Nuvuk contains human remains representing a nearly one thousand year uninterrupted occupation from early Thule to post‐contact Iñupiat.

Materials and methods

We selected 44 individuals from Nuvuk with calibrated dates between 981 AD and 1885 AD for molecular analysis. We amplified and sequenced the hypervariable segment I of the mitogenome. We compared the Nuvuk data with previously published sequences from 68 modern and ancient communities from across Asia and North America. Phylogeographic analyses suggest possible scenarios of Holocene Arctic and sub‐Arctic population movements.

Results

We successfully retrieved sequence data from 39 individuals. Haplogroup frequencies in Nuvuk were typed as 66.7% A2b1, 25.6% A2a, and 7.7% D4b1a2a1a. These results suggest that the population at Nuvuk was closest to the ancient Thule and modern Inuit of Canada, and to the Siberian Naukan people. We confirm that haplogroups A2a, A2b1, D2a, and D4b1a2a1a appear at high frequency in Arctic and sub‐Arctic populations of North America and Chukotka. Sister clades D2b and D4b1a2a1b are present in Asian and Eastern European populations.

Discussion

The ancient mitochondrial sequences from Nuvuk confirm the link between the North Slope and the Thule who later spread east, and the maternal discontinuity between the Neo‐Inuit and Paleo‐Inuit. We suggest haplogroups A2a, A2b, and D4b1a2a1a are linked to the ancestors of the Thule in eastern Beringia, whereas the D2 and D4b1a2a1 clades appear to have Asian Holocene origins. Further Siberian and Alaskan genomes are necessary to clarify these population migrations beyond a simple two‐wave scenario of Neo‐Inuit and Paleo‐Inuit.
Describing the children's body shape by means of Geometric Morphometric techniques
Authors: Medialdea Laura , Bazaco Cayetana , D'Angelo del Campo Manuel Domingo , Sierra‐Martínez Carlos , González‐José Rolando , Vargas Antonio , Marrodán María Dolores
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Large shape variations take place during the growth process of children, including quantitative mass and size increase plus qualitative changes in their body shape. The aim of the present study is to apply Geometric Morphometric techniques in order to visualize and quantify such body shape differences in healthy children aged 6–59 months with optimal nutritional status.

Materials and methods

Anthropometrical measurements of weight, height, and middle‐upper arm circumference were used to assess nutritional status on a sample of 258 Senegalese (n = 154) and Spanish (n = 104) children. A set of 36 anatomical and/or osteologically‐based landmarks were identified on the body of the children along with 108 semi‐landmarks used to capture curvature attributes on the frontal view of the body image. A specific method was developed to place and photograph children, as well as to locate landmarks, treat images and calculate semi‐landmarks. Shape differences among children were analyzed in terms of age, sex, and population origin, taking into consideration allometry effects.

Results

Our results indicate significant differences in shape and size for all the three factors under study before removing size effect (p < .0001), and in shape after the size correction (p < .01). Only the ontogenetic effect persisted in the size of studied individuals after size‐effects correction (p < .0001). Morphometric significant differences were described regarding age for PC1 and population origin in PC2 before removing size effect. Between‐population morphometric differences were sorted along PC1 after size correction.

Discussion

Geometric Morphometric techniques are useful to study morphometric changes in the anterior whole‐body view of children under 5 years old, allowing a precise description of shape changes observed when age and population origin are considered.
Comparing the effectiveness of training course formats for point‐of‐care ultrasound in the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Westerway Susan Campbell
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The availability of obstetric point‐of‐care ultrasound (PoCUS) services has been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes in regional and remote areas both in Australia and around the world. There is an increasing demand for efficient, cost‐effective PoCUS courses for monitoring the fetus in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Aim

To compare the effectiveness of targeted PoCUS courses provided for health professionals that assess the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Method

The skill‐teaching curriculum and competency outcomes of six obstetric PoCUS courses were compared. There were 55 learners with no prior ultrasound experience including 23 with English as a second language. Course duration ranged from 4 to 18 h, didactic lecture time up to 6 h and practical scanning sessions of 3–12 h. Learner/tutor ratio varied from 1:1 to 6:1. All courses included the teaching of knobology, image optimisation and probe manipulation. Practical sessions included supervised scanning of ultrasound phantoms and scanning women in the third trimester of pregnancy. The teaching outcomes that were assessed included image optimisation, determination of fetal lie, fetal heart rate, measuring the single deepest pocket of amniotic fluid, identifying the placental position and basic fetal biometry. The same pre‐ and post‐course multiple choice test and course evaluation forms were used for every programme.

Results

All participants achieved the limited course objectives, regardless of the differences in the course formats.

Conclusion

This study confirms that obstetric PoCUS courses can provide the initial basic knowledge and scanning skills required to perform limited scope third‐trimester scanning.
Clarithromycin for the treatment of adult chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Zhenxiao , Zhou Bing
Published: January 2019

Background

The aim of this systematic review (SR) was to assess the safety and efficacy of oral clarithromycin for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

This SR and meta‐analysis was conducted based on the recommendations outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for SR of Interventions. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO, an international prospective register of SRs. English and Chinese electronic databases were searched, and only randomized controlled trials were included.

Results

Seventeen studies with 1738 patients were included. Eleven studies evaluated whether adding oral clarithromycin to intranasal steroid spray with or without nasal saline irrigation was more effective than intranasal steroid spray alone. This combined treatment regimens statistically significantly improve clinical symptoms in the medium term (1 to 3 months), the endoscopic and computed tomography (CT) scores in both the short term (<1 month) and medium term, and clinical symptoms and the endoscopic score in the long term (>3 months). The incidence of adverse events did not increase with the use of this combination therapy. No significant difference was identified between treatment with oral clarithromycin and intranasal steroid spray alone groups in term of symptoms, endoscopic score, and CT score.

Conclusion

For the treatment of CRS, adding oral clarithromycin to intranasal steroid spray with or without nasal saline irrigation may achieve better results than using intranasal steroid spray with or without nasal saline irrigation. There is insufficient evidence to confirm that oral clarithromycin alone may have similar efficacy as nasal glucocorticoid spray alone. High‐quality evidence in this area is needed.
Morphologies, crystallization, and mechanical properties of PLA‐based nanocomposites: Synergistic effects of PEG/HNTs
Authors: Jia Shikui , Yu Demei , Wang Zhong , Zhang Xianyong , Chen Ligui , Fu Lei
Published: January 2019

In this study, the compounding modifier poly(ethylene glycol)/halloysite nanotubes (PEG/HNTs) was prepared by supersonic vibration and dynamic vacuuming. A series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/PEG and PLA/PEG/HNT composites were fabricated using a twin‐screw extruder. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the hybrid between PEG and HNTs had no evident chemical interaction via supersonic vibration and dynamic vacuuming. The dispersed morphology of the compounding modifier in the PLA matrix was tested by high‐resolution scanning electronic microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the low content of PEG/HNTs presented a good dispersion morphology. The binding energy of the PLA‐based composites was studied through contact angle measurements. The results showed that PEG and PEG/HNTs can decrease the water contact angle of PLA, and that the binding energy between PEG and HNTs is higher than that of PLA/HNTs, which leads to more location of HNTs in the PEG phase. The crystallization behavior of PLA‐based composites was examined by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results suggested that the addition of PEG and PEG/HNTs effectively enhanced the crystallization of PLA and that the diffraction peak intensity of the PLA‐based composites reached a maximum when the content of PEG/HNTs was 1.2 wt %. The spherulite morphology indicated that the addition of PEG resulted in perfect spherulites. The mechanical properties of PLA‐based composites were analyzed with a universal testing machine and impact tester, which confirmed that the tensile strength and impact strength of the PLA‐based composites increased slightly when the content of the PEG/HNT modifier was 1.2 wt %, while the tensile modulus of the PLA‐based composites increased distinctly. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47385.
Effect of different coupling agents on chemical structure and physical properties of vinyl acetate/wood polymer composites
Authors: Ghorbani Maryam , Aghmashadi Zahra Asghari , Amininasab Seyed Mojtaba , Abedini Raoufeh
Published: January 2019

This research investigated the effect of chemical modification with vinyl acetate in combination with different coupling agents (maleic anhydride, 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate) on chemical structure and physical properties of poplar wood. Samples were impregnated with chemicals using vacuum‐pressure method following by vinyl acetate. Fourier transform infrared analysis results confirmed cell wall chemical modification, that was more obvious for glycidyl methacrylate ones. Dimensional stability of resultant composite enhanced via crosslink formation between modified wood and polymer, which affected by cell wall modification rather than in situ polymerization. In comparison of coupling agents, glycidyl methacrylate mostly improved the physical properties of wood as well as combined modified composites. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47467.
Continuous post‐polycondensation of high‐viscosity poly(ethylene terephthalate) in the molten state
Authors: Wang YongJun , Chen ShiChang , Guang ShanShan , Wang Ying , Zhang XianMing , Chen WenXing
Published: January 2019

Time‐resolved rheometry and size exclusion chromatography system [advanced polymer chromatography (APC)‐multi‐angle laser light scattering (MALLS)‐refractive index detector (RID)] were employed to investigate post‐polycondensation process of nonstirred high‐viscosity poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) of molten film forming by high‐flow inert gas sweeping at atmospheric pressure. In view of chemical reaction kinetics together with mass transfer to adjust reactive parameters, including moisture content of the sample, temperature, concentration of the active groups, residence time, and mass transfer factor, this work aims to distinguish the different reactions in reprocessing of high‐viscosity PET. Results indicated that hydrolysis is observed initially before thermal degradation and polycondensation reactions on remelting process. Promotion of thermal degradation is stronger than polycondensation with the increase in temperature. Fiber‐grade PET exhibits polycondensation as the dominant reaction at 275 °C in a reasonable reaction time, which leads to the increase of average molecular weight and the phenomenon of double distribution proved by APC‐MALLS‐RID system. However, the average molecular weight of industrial yarn‐grade PET is very difficult to improve when the thermal degradation reaction is not effectively inhibited. Importantly, the experimental study of the interfacial mass‐transfer area and mass‐transfer intensification demonstrated that mass transfer is the rate‐determining factor for the overall post‐polycondensation of high‐viscosity melt. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47484.
Understanding the oxygen barrier property of highly transparent poly(lactic acid)/benzoxazine composite film by analyzing the UV‐shielding performance
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yu Qiu‐Yan , Yang Hai‐Tang , Wang Jia‐Jun , Li Xin‐Bao
Published: January 2019

This work reports a new composite film from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and benzoxazine (BOZ). Introduction of BOZ to PLA simultaneously improves the ultraviolet (UV)‐shielding and oxygen barrier properties, which show strong dependence on the content of BOZ. The PLA film demonstrates almost no UV‐shielding capacity, but the PLA/BOZ composite film can reach UV‐shielding capacity of 98.3% at 350 nm. The corresponding average oxygen permeability coefficient of the composite film is as low as 1.168 × 10−18 m3 m m−2 s−1 Pa−1, which is significantly lower than that of PLA (5.540 × 10−17 m3 m m−2 s−1 Pa−1). Meanwhile, the composite film retains visible transparency ≥90.0% at 550 nm. The relationship and its implication between the oxygen barrier performance and UV‐shielding capacity are discussed, which propose new guidelines for the development of high barrier PLA film. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47510.
Effect of nonsolvent additives on PES ultrafiltration membrane pore structure
Authors: Xiang Jun , Hua Xinxin , Dong Xingfeng , Cheng Penggao , Zhang Lei , Du Wei , Tang Na
Published: January 2019

Different nonsolvent additives, namely, diethylene glycol, n‐butyl alcohol (NBA), and ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, were added into the casting solution (polyethersulfone/dimethylformamide/lithium chloride) to prepare ultrafiltration (UF) membrane via phase inversion. The effects of different additives and their concentration on the pore structure of the prepared UF membrane were studied. The cross‐sectional morphology of the membrane was observed via scanning electron microscopy. The addition of nonsolvent additives improved the large‐cavity structure of the membrane. When the additive was low‐content NBA (1–3 wt %), the membrane pore structure transformed from large‐cavity structure to fully sponge‐like structure. When the content of additive NBA was 3 wt %, the flux of the prepared UF membrane was 130.45 L (m−2 h−1), the rejection of PEG20000 was 95.54% and the flux remained high at 4 bar in long‐term stability test. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47525.
Effect of conductive polyaniline in thermoplastic natural rubber blends on the mechanical, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity properties
Authors: Zailan Farrah Diyana , Chen Ruey Shan , Shahdan Dalila , Ahmad Sahrim
Published: January 2019

This research was conducted to fabricate thermoplastic natural rubber/polyaniline (TPNR/PANI) blends via melt blending method using an internal mixer and followed by compression molding. The effects of PANI contents between 1 and 5 wt % PANI in the TPNR blends on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, electrical conductivity (impedance), and morphology observation were investigated. The TPNR/3 wt % PANI sample exhibited the highest tensile strength (3.7 MPa), elongation at break (583%), flexural strength (1.8 MPa), flexural modulus (37.0 MPa), and impact strength (7.1 kJ m−2). From the aspect of thermal properties, it was found that with the addition of PANI, the thermal stability of the TPNR/PANI increased. Comparing to nonconductive TPNR sample, the incorporation of PANI promoted the electrical conductivity characteristic to PANI‐filled TPNR blends which showing a magnitude order of 10−9S cm−1. Scanning electron microscopy micrograph revealed the good distribution of PANI at the optimum content (3 wt % PANI) in the TPNR blends and the good interaction between TPNR and PANI. It can be concluded that the TPNR blends incorporated with a low loading of PANI could be a newly good conductive material. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47527.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission for Visualization in Materials Science
Authors: Li Kaitao , Lin Yanjun , Lu Chao
Published: January 2019

Fluorescent imaging techniques have attracted much attention as a powerful tool to realize the visualization of structural and morphological evolution of various materials. However, the traditional fluorescent dyes usually suffered from aggregation‐caused quenching, which severely limits the visualization results. In contrast, aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) molecules with high quantum yields in the condensed state showed great opportunities for imaging techniques. In this feature article, recent progresses in visualization with AIE molecules are discussed. Assembly processes including crystallization, gelation process, and dissipative assembly have been observed. To better study information obtained regarding the processes, visualization during reactions, phase transitions, and molecular motions are successfully presented. Based on these successes, AIE molecules were further applied for phase recognition, macro‐dispersion evaluation, and damage detection. Finally, we also present the outlook and perspectives, in our opinion, for the development of visualization by AIE molecules.
SHANK1 polymorphisms and SNP–SNP interactions among SHANK family: A possible cue for recognition to autism spectrum disorder in infant age
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Li Yan , Bai Ye , Shi Jikang , Cui Heran , Gu Yulu , Ren Yaxuan , Zhao Qian , Zhang Kaixin , Lu Meihan , Wang Yihan , Li Yong , Zhong Weijing , Zhu Xiaojuan , Liu Yunkai , Cheng Yi , Qiao Yichun , Liu Yawen
Published: January 2019

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. ASD is diagnosed for children at the age of two. ASD diagnosis, as early as possible, lays the foundation for treatment and much better prognosis. Notably, gene‐based test is an inherent method to recognize the potential infants with ASD before the age of two. To investigate whether SHANK family contributes to ASD prediction, on the basis of our previous studies of SHANK2 and SHANK3, we further investigated associations between SHANK1 polymorphisms and ASD risk as well as SNP–SNP interactions among SHANK family. We enrolled 470 subjects (229 cases and 241 healthy controls) who were northeast Chinese Han. Four tag SNPs (rs73042561, rs3745521, rs4801846, and rs12461427) of SHANK1 were selected and genotyped. We used the SNPStats online analysis program to assess the associations between the four SNPs and ASD risk. The SNP–SNP interactions among SHANK family were analyzed using multifactor dimensionality reduction method. We found that the four SHANK1 SNPs were not associated with ASD risk in northeast Chinese Han population. There existed a strong synergistic interaction between rs11236697 [SHANK2] and rs74336682 [SHANK2], and moderate synergistic interactions (rs74336682 [SHANK2]–rs73042561 [SHANK1], rs11236697 [SHANK2]–rs77716438 [SHANK2], and rs11236697 [SHANK2]–rs75357229 [SHANK2]). These SHANK1 variants may not affect the susceptibility to ASD in Chinese Han population. SNP–SNP interactions in SHANK family may confer ASD risk. Autism Res 2019, 12: 375–383 © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

ASD is a serious lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder with strong genetic components. We investigated associations between SHANK1 polymorphisms and ASD risk as well as SNP–SNP interactions among SHANK family. Our results indicated that there exists no association between SHANK1 SNPs and ASD, and SNP–SNP interactions in SHANK family may confer ASD risk in the Northeast Han Chinese population. Future studies are needed to test more SHANK family SNPs in a large sample to demonstrate the associations.
The social anatomy of ‘collusion’
Authors: Crook Charles , Nixon Elizabeth
Published: January 2019

This article offers a conceptual analysis of collusion, the often overlooked relative of plagiarism in debates on academic integrity. Considered as an inherently social phenomenon, we present the results of a systematic effort to understand the anatomy of collusion. The term's meanings and associated governance practices are compared for contexts outside higher education. These are considered alongside a thematic analysis of publicly available UK university academic integrity documentation that specifies for students what counts as collusion. We indicate how current guideline practice can (1) appear incomplete by concentrating on classroom peers, (2) create blurred boundaries around useful collaboration, peer review and dishonest practice and (3) be so unrealistic as to have unwelcome, unintended consequences for students and staff. Taking an ecological perspective on the conditions of collusion emphasises how these guidelines—by seeking to constrain social interactions around assignment work—may create an uncomfortable incoherence between their prescriptions and well‐established patterns of study.
Rapid detection of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) total antibodies by up‐converting phosphor technology‐based lateral‐flow assay
Authors: Huang Chao , Wei Qiaozhen , Hu Qiushi , Wen Tian , Xue Lei , Li Shuang , Zeng Xiaoyan , Shi Fengjuan , Jiao Yongjun , Zhou Lei
Published: January 2019

In this study, an up‐converting phosphor technology‐based lateral‐flow (UPT‐LF) assay was developed to detect severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) total antibodies rapidly and specifically. SFTSV recombinant N protein (SFTSV‐rNP) was coated on analytical membrane for sample capture, up‐converting phosphor (UCP) particles were used as the reporter, the luminescence emitted by UCP particles was converted to a measurable signal by a biosensor. The performance of UPT‐LF assay was evaluated by testing 302 field serum samples by ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay), Western blotting and UPT‐LF assay. UPT‐LF assay exhibited a lower detection limit than ELISA, and a satisfied level of agreement was exhibited by Kappa statistics (Kappa coefficient = 0.938). Considering Western blotting as the reference for comparison, the sensitivity and specificity of UPT‐LF assay could reach 98.31% and 100%. UPT‐LF assay showed no specific reaction with hantavirus total serum antibodies, which avoids the misdiagnosis of SFTSV from hantavirus that could cause similar clinical symptoms. UPT‐LF assay was able to achieve acceptable results within 15 min and needed only 10 μL sample for each test. As a whole, UPT‐LF assay is a candidate method for on‐site surveillance of SFTSV total antibodies owing to its excellent sensitivity, specificity, stability, easy operation and for being less time consuming.
A convenient tool for bivariate data analysis and bar graph plotting with R
Authors: Hofmann Andreas , Cross Megan , Karow Malte A. , Straub Jan H. , Clemen Christoph S. , Eichinger Ludwig
Published: January 2019

The Java software jBar consists of a graphical user interface that allows the user to customize and assemble an included script for R. The scripted R pipeline calculates means and standard errors/deviations for replicates of numerical bivariate data and generates presentations in the form of bar graphs. A two‐sided Student's t test is carried out against a user‐selected reference and p‐values are calculated. The user can enter the data conveniently through the built‐in spreadsheet and configure the R pipeline in the graphical user interface. The configured R script is written into a file and then executed. Bar graphs can be generated as static PNG, PDF, and SVG files or as interactive HTML widgets. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 207–210, 2019.
Consumers' processing of mindful commercial car sharing
Authors: Peterson Mark , Simkins Travis
Published: January 2019

Commercial car sharing offers a form of market‐mediated, access‐based consumption with a markedly lower impact on the natural environment than that of car ownership. Consumers adopting such alternative transportation modes are manifesting a marketplace behavior that can be said to be mindful because of the innovative and sustainable nature of car sharing. This study employs behavioral reasoning theory to examine how consumers' value orientations, as well as reasons for and against car sharing, might be used in consumers' processing of mindful commercial car‐sharing adoption. Findings suggest that subjective norms (thoughts of important others for consumers, such as co‐workers) serve an important mediating role for both consumers' value orientations and reasons for car sharing in their relationship with car‐sharing behavior. These results provide marketing researchers important knowledge about green consumption and suggest that practitioners would do well to emphasize the social dimension when marketing environmentally oriented services, such as car sharing.
Improving corporate biodiversity management through employee involvement
Authors: Boiral Olivier , Heras‐Saizarbitoria Iñaki , Brotherton Marie‐Christine
Published: January 2019

This paper presents an empirical examination of the role of employee involvement in the internalization of corporate biodiversity management. A qualitative study in natural resource companies was conducted, based on semi‐directive interviews with managers, consultants, and experts in this area. The findings show that employee involvement is essential to improve biodiversity practices in natural resource companies, which largely rely on organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment. The role of tacit knowledge, voluntary initiatives, and prevention of harmful behaviors in the workplace are highlighted. The main obstacles to the internalization of biodiversity issues include their complexity, the lack of corporate commitment, the externalization of initiatives, and the lack of training for employees. The contributions to the literature on corporate environmental management, internalization of new practices, and organizational citizenship behaviors for the environment are explained. Managerial implications and avenues for future research are also provided.
Pilot‐scale process for magnetic bead purification of antibodies directly from non‐clarified CHO cell culture
Authors: Brechmann Nils A. , Eriksson Per‐Olov , Eriksson Kristofer , Oscarsson Sven , Buijs Jos , Shokri Atefeh , Hjälm Göran , Chotteau Véronique
Published: January 2019

High capacity magnetic protein A agarose beads, LOABeads PrtA, were used in the development of a new process for affinity purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from non‐clarified CHO cell broth using a pilot‐scale magnetic separator. The LOABeads had a maximum binding capacity of 65 mg/mL and an adsorption capacity of 25–42 mg IgG/mL bead in suspension for an IgG concentration of 1 to 8 g/L. Pilot‐scale separation was initially tested in a mAb capture step from 26 L clarified harvest. Small‐scale experiments showed that similar mAb adsorptions were obtained in cell broth containing 40 × 106 cells/mL as in clarified supernatant. Two pilot‐scale purification runs were then performed on non‐clarified cell broth from fed‐batch runs of 16 L, where a rapid mAb adsorption ≥96.6% was observed after 1 h. This process using 1 L of magnetic beads had an overall mAb yield of 86% and 16 times concentration factor. After this single protein A capture step, the mAb purity was similar to the one obtained by column chromatography, while the host cell protein content was very low, <10 ppm. Our results showed that this magnetic bead mAb purification process, using a dedicated pilot‐scale separation device, was a highly efficient single step, which directly connected the culture to the downstream process without cell clarification. Purification of mAb directly from non‐clarified cell broth without cell separation can provide significant savings in terms of resources, operation time, and equipment, compared to legacy procedure of cell separation followed by column chromatography step. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2775, 2019.
Nivolumab provides improved effectiveness and safety compared with docetaxel as a second‐line treatment for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Zheng , Yi Fengming , Yu Dongliang , Xu Jianjun , Wei Yiping , Zhang Wenxiong
Published: January 2019

Background

As an inhibitor of programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) protein, nivolumab has been shown to be effective in various cancers. We thus conducted this meta‐analysis to compare the relative efficacy of nivolumab vs docetaxel‐based chemotherapy as a second‐line treatment for previously treated advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Relevant studies were identified through searches of databases and conference proceedings. Progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), drug responses, and adverse effects (AEs) were assessed as the primary endpoints.

Results

After screening, we included six studies (949 patients) in the final analysis. Nivolumab showed better efficacy in terms of the PFS (hazard ratios [HR]: 0.70, P = 0.03), OS (HR: 0.70, P < 0.00001), objective response rate (ORR) (risk ratios [RR]: 1.73, P = 0.0008), total AEs (RR: 0.77, P = 0.006), and grade 3‐5 AEs (RR: 0.18, P < 0.00001) than docetaxel. The anti‐tumor efficacy of nivolumab for NSCLC in terms of both PFS and OS was positively correlated with the level of PD‐L1 expression. In the nivolumab treatment arm, the 10 most‐reported AEs were fatigue (15.7%), nausea (10.8%), decreased appetite (10.3%), asthenia (9.8%), diarrhea (7.5%), rash (7.5%), arthralgia (5.4%), vomiting (4.4%), constipation (3.5%), and pyrexia (3.3%).

Conclusions

For advanced NSCLC, nivolumab is a better therapy in terms of both anti‐tumor efficacy and safety than docetaxel‐based chemotherapy. More high‐quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
See how your emergency response time measures up
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2019

Chicago and Los Angeles tied for major U.S. cities with the quickest police response time, according to research from a report released by Safe Smart Living. The data was compiled by reviewing publicly disclosed reports, but since data years differ based on when data was collected and compiled, not all major U.S. cities are included in the results. Police response time nationwide varied by type of crime reported, with more than 50 percent of police departments responding to violent crimes in 10 minutes or less.
Novel mutation in the MED23 gene for intellectual disability: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hashemi‐Gorji Feyzollah , Fardaei Majid , Tabei Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Miryounesi Mohammad
Published: January 2019

Key Clinical Message

MED23 deficiency causes the autosomal recessive Intellectual Disability (ID). Here we report an Iranian case with nonsyndromic ID presenting with developmental delay, microcephaly, hypotonia, severe ID, speech delay, and spasticity, who was homozygous for the novel MED23 c.670C>G variant. These results expand the clinical and mutation spectrum of MED23 deficiency.
Dermatologic complication following axillary cannulation for aortic dissection repair
Authors: Nguyen Raisa D. , Hierlmeier Bryan J. , Kurnutala Lakshmi N.
Published: January 2019

Key Clinical Message

It is important to be aware of complications associated with axillary artery cannulation, especially the more common ones that can compromise limb integrity. Pulse oximeter and arterial line placed on the right upper extremity can aid in perfusion of the right arm during right axillary artery cannulation.
Highly Active Sm2O3‐Ni Xerogel Catalysts for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Ilsemann Jan , Sonström Andrea , Gesing Thorsten M. , Anwander Reiner , Bäumer Marcus
Published: January 2019

We report on a new synthesis route for pure Sm2O3 and Sm2O3‐Ni xerogels by modifying the well‐known epoxide addition method. The resulting xerogels are used to prove the suitability of samaria as a highly effective catalyst support and to determine the optimal Ni loading. Therefore, a set of five catalysts with Ni loadings between 4 wt % and 89 wt % Ni was prepared and fully characterized by X‐ray diffraction, N2 physisorption, transmission electron microscopy and H2 temperature‐programmed reduction. Catalytic measurements reveal that the catalyst with 39 wt % Ni shows the best catalytic performance, outperforming even highly active literature known systems. Stability runs indicate that the catalyst deactivates independently of the Ni loading as well as conversion level over 600 min due to, most likely, carbonate formation. This deactivation, however, is reversible by a simple regeneration step. As shown by simultaneous CO2/CO methanation measurements, the Ni−Sm2O3 catalysts are also highly efficient for CO methanation. In this case, CO is preferentially converted to methane compared to CO2.
Experimental Investigation and Thermodynamic Modeling of Glycerin/Methanol/Organic Solvent Systems
Authors: Mousavi Hosnie-Sadat , Rahimi Masoud , Mohadesi Majid
Published: January 2019

Glycerin is an important by‐product in biodiesel production. To increase its quality to be suitable for use it in other operations, e.g., the pharmaceutical industry, it needs to be purified. Therefore, the purification of glycerin by liquid‐liquid extraction of methanol using different solvents was investigated. It was shown that, in terms of separation, petroleum ether was more effective than toluene and toluene was more effective than n‐butanol. In addition to the experimental investigations, the NRTL and UNIQUAC thermodynamic models were used to predict the compositions of ternary mixtures of glycerin + methanol + organic solvent in glycerin‐rich and organic solvent‐rich phases. The results showed the high accuracy of the presented models and their consistency with the measured data.
Coupling a Boron Doped Diamond Anode with a Solid Polymer Electrolyte to Avoid the Addition of Supporting Electrolyte in Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Clematis Davide , Abidi Jihen , Cerisola Giacomo , Panizza Marco
Published: January 2019

The application of electrochemical technologies to wastewater treatment is limited by solution conductivity. In this paper, a solid polymer electrolyte Nafion® membrane has been used sandwiched between a boron doped diamond (BDD) anode and Ti/RuO2 cathode meshes to treat Bismarck Brown Y (BBY) solutions with very low conductivity. BBY has been chosen as model compound to the system, and the influence of several process parameters has been investigated. During the experiments the evolution of chemical oxygen demand (COD), color removal and nitrogen compounds have been monitored. The performances were strongly related with applied current and stirring rate, changed in a range of 0.5–2 A and 200 and 850 rpm, respectively. Their increment leads to a decrease of oxidation time required to remove BBY completely. The effect of the presence of Na2SO4 (2 and 7 mM) as supporting electrolyte has been also evaluated. Results were compared with a removal treatment carried out with a conventional batch system, using a flow cell containing liquid supporting electrolyte (Na2SO4). This comparison highlighted that the new cell setup is performing better in removing organic compounds, and thus, can be considered as effective process for the treatment of solutions with a low conductivity.
Hierarchical, Vertically‐Oriented Carbon Nanowall Foam Supercapacitor using Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Mixture for AC Line Filtering with Ultrahigh Energy Density
Authors: Bo Zheng , Xu Chenxuan , Yang Huachao , Shi Hao , Yan Jianhua , Cen Kefa , Ostrikov Kostya
Published: January 2019

Supercapacitors have been considered as a promising alternative of aluminum electrolytic capacitors (AECs) for AC line filtering applications. However, realizing supercapacitors with fast frequency response and superior energy density still remains an open issue. Herein, we demonstrate a hierarchical, vertically‐oriented carbon nanowall foam (CWF) supercapacitor using mixed room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) for high‐performance AC line filtering. Hierarchical CWF exhibits macrospores as electrolyte reservoirs to shorten ion transport distance, vertically‐oriented, open channels to enable fast ion diffusion and consecutive scaffolds to promote electron transfer. CWF supercapacitor using RTIL mixture realizes a recorded‐high areal energy density of 1.23 μWh cm−2 at 120 Hz (almost ∼2.0 times/∼10.0 times larger than those of organic/aqueous electrolytes, respectively) and fast frequency response (RC time constant=∼1.3 ms). More importantly, CWF supercapacitor achieves a capacitance advantage over commercial AECs up to 1,000 V, substantially larger than those reported in state‐of‐the‐art literatures (maximum of ∼250 V).
Facile Fabrication of Co9S8 Embedded in a Boron and Nitrogen Co‐Doped Carbon Matrix as Sodium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Zhang Tianwei , Qu Hong , Sun Kuangzheng , Li Shaochun
Published: January 2019

A unique composite (Co9S8@BNC) consisting of cobalt sulfide (Co9S8) embedded in a boron and nitrogen co‐doped carbon matrix (BNC) is successfully synthesized as anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The BNC matrix was demonstrated to improve the electronic and ion diffusion speed, as well as help buffer the dramatic volumetric expansion during the repeated cycling processes. Benefited from the advantages of BNC matrix, Co9S8@BNC delivered a high initial reversible capacity of 494 mAh ⋅ g−1 at 100 mA ⋅ g−1 and could remain 388 mAh ⋅ g−1 after 100 cycles. Apart from that, it exhibited an excellent rate performance (258 mAh ⋅ g−1 at the current density of 2 A ⋅ g−1) and was demonstrated as pseudocapacitive charge storage. As a consequence, the as‐prepared Co9S8@BNC possesses an exceptional electrochemical performance and could be utilized as a potential anode material candidate for SIBs.
Light‐Switchable Antagonists for the Histamine H1 Receptor at the Isolated Guinea Pig Ileum
Authors: Rustler Karin , Pockes Steffen , König Burkhard
Published: January 2019

The histamine H1 G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) plays an important role in allergy and inflammation. Existing drugs that address the H1 receptor differ in their chemical structure, pharmacology, and side effects. Light‐controllable spatial and temporal activity regulation of photochromic H1 ligands may contribute to a better mechanistic understanding and the development of improved correlations between ligand structure and pharmacologic effects. We report photochromic H1 receptor ligands, which were investigated in an organ‐pharmacological assay. Initially, five photochromic azobenzene derivatives of reported dual H1–H4 receptor antagonists were designed, synthesized, photochemically characterized, and organ‐pharmacologically tested on the isolated guinea pig ileum. Among them, one compound [trans‐19: (Z)‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐N‐(4‐((E)‐phenyldiazenyl)phenyl)methanimine] retained the antagonistic activity of its non‐photochromic lead, and trans–cis isomerization by irradiation induced a fourfold difference in the pharmacological response. Further structural optimization resulted in two bathochromically shifted derivatives of 19 [NO2‐substituted 35 {(Z)‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)‐N‐(4‐((E)‐(4‐nitrophenyl)diazenyl)phenyl)methanimine} and SO3−‐substituted 41 {4‐((E)‐(4‐(((Z)‐(4‐chlorophenyl)(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)methylene)amino)phenyl)diazenyl)benzenesulfonate}], which do not require the use of UV light for photoisomerization and which also have improved solubility and show reduced tissue impairment. The trans isomers of both compounds showed a remarkable increase in antagonistic activity relative to their lead trans‐19; furthermore, a 46‐fold difference in activity on the isolated guinea pig ileum was observed between trans‐ and cis‐35.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Daclatasvir, Asunaprevir, and Beclabuvir Combination in HCV‐Infected Subjects
Authors: Osawa Mayu , Ueno Takayo , Shiozaki Tomomi , Ishikawa Hiroki , Li Hanbin , Garimella Tushar
Published: January 2019

A fixed‐dose combination of daclatasvir (pangenotypic NS5A inhibitor), asunaprevir (NS3/4A protease inhibitor), and beclabuvir (nonnucleoside NS5B inhibitor) was approved for hepatitis C virus treatment in Japan. The objectives of the analyses were to develop the daclatasvir, asunaprevir, and beclabuvir population pharmacokinetic models for the combination regimen. First, an original population pharmacokinetic model was developed using the data in non‐Japanese hepatitis C virus–infected subjects. The model was subsequently updated after a phase 3 study in Japanese hepatitis C virus–infected subjects was available. A total of 11,382, 11,300, and 10,728 pharmacokinetic records from 1,228 subjects were included for daclatasvir, asunaprevir, and beclabuvir in the updated model, respectively. Daclatasvir and beclabuvir pharmacokinetics (PK) were described by a 1‐compartment model with linear elimination and asunaprevir PK was described by 2‐compartment model with linear elimination. Cirrhosis, baseline, and time‐varying ALT were significant covariates on asunaprevir apparent oral clearance. Asian subjects had greater asunaprevir and beclabuvir exposures than white subjects. The effects of all covariates on daclatasvir PK were modest and not considered clinically significant. With the exception of race on asunaprevir and beclabuvir PK, no other parameters for daclatasvir, asunaprevir and beclabuvir population PK models were meaningfully impacted during the refinement with Japanese subjects.