bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of novel soy‐protein‐based superabsorbent matrixes through the addition of salts
Authors: Fernández‐Espada Lucía , Bengoechea Carlos , Sandía José Alberto , Cordobés Felipe , Guerrero Antonio
Published: August 2018

The addition of salts, like sodium bicarbonate (SB) or carbonate (SC), into the formulation of bioplastic materials may alter their hydrophilic character to a significant extent. Soy protein isolate (SPI) is a byproduct of the soybean oil industry, which, when properly blended with glycerol (GL), can be further processed through a lab‐scale injection molding device. A maximum in the water uptake around 2250 or 2500% is obtained for bioplastics obtained when either SB or SC content is around 1 wt %, respectively. Thus, they exceed the limit to be considered superabsorbent materials (SAMs). Regarding their mechanical properties, a higher presence of SB within the SPI/GL matrix provides materials with a higher extensibility and lower Young's modulus. A higher water uptake is observed after replacing SB for SC in the formulation, probably related to a higher alkalinization of the material as well as to the high hydrophilicity of the carbonate. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47012.
Mechanical responses of Ecoflex silicone rubber: Compressible and incompressible behaviors
Authors: Steck D. , Qu J. , Kordmahale S. B. , Tscharnuter D. , Muliana A. , Kameoka J.
Published: August 2018

Silicon rubbers are widely used in a variety of products ranging from cooking utensils and electronics to medical devices and implants. Recently, they have sparked an interest among soft robotics researchers as they can be easily formed into various shapes and actuated in a relatively fast and easy way. In this article, we examine the nonlinear elastic response of a silicon rubber, Ecoflex, under both compressible and incompressible constraints. An experimental test on a uniaxial tension indicates a slight compressibility, and the compressibility increases with stretching. Five different constitutive material models are considered to describe the nonlinear elastic responses of Ecoflex under both compressible and incompressible conditions. In addition, finite element (FE) analysis is presented to analyze multiaxial response of structures or devices made of Ecoflex under complex boundary conditions. This study highlights the variations in the multiaxial response of structures at large deformations from different constitutive models under different compressible and incompressible constraints. For a high precision control in soft robotics applications, there is a need to understand the multiaxial response of silicon rubbers, especially under large deformations. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47025.
Isolation and characterization of SSR and EST‐SSR loci in Chamaecyparis formosensis (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Huang Chiun‐Jr , Chu Fang‐Hua , Liu Shau‐Chian , Tseng Yu‐Hsin , Huang Yi‐Shiang , Ma Li‐Ting , Wang Chieh‐Ting , You Ya Ting , Hsu Shuo‐Yu , Hsieh Hsiang‐Chih , Chen Chi‐Tsong , Chao Chi‐Hsiang
Published: August 2018

Premise of the Study

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) and expressed sequence tag (EST)–SSR markers were developed as tools for marker‐assisted selection of Chamaecyparis formosensis and for the molecular differentiation of cypress species.

Methods and Results

Based on the SSR‐enriched genomic libraries and transcriptome data of C. formosensis, 300 primer pairs were selected for initial confirmation, of which 19 polymorphic SSR and eight polymorphic EST‐SSR loci were chosen after testing in 92 individuals. The number of alleles observed for these 27 loci ranged from one to 17. The levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and from 0.000 to 0.903, respectively. Most markers also amplified in C. obtusa var. formosana.

Conclusions

The developed SSR and EST‐SSR sequences are the first reported markers specific to C. formosensis. These markers will be useful for individual identification of C. formosensis and to distinguish cypress species such as C. obtusa var. formosana.
A refined method for digitally modeling small and complex plant structures in 3D: An example from the grasses (Poaceae)
Authors: Klahs Phillip C. , Gallaher Timothy J. , Clark Lynn G.
Published: August 2018

Premise of the Study

A refined procedure is described for modeling small, intricate plant structures using computer‐aided design software. The procedure facilitates the study of wind pollination in the family Poaceae and provides virtual biological illustrations for public outreach.

Methods and Results

Spikelets were fixed in gFAA, dehydrated using ethanol and xylene, embedded in paraffin wax, and then sectioned with a rotary microtome. Images of serial sections were used as a reference for modeling the shape of bracts with splines in a computer‐aided design program. Virtual models produced by this method have many potential uses; examples include geometric morphometric analyses and simulations of computational fluid dynamics.

Conclusions

This protocol is a synthesis of modern biological illustration and engineering technology. Virtual models facilitate quantitative experiments that may address questions about reproductive biology, conditions shaping the form of anatomical support, or the morphological evolution of structures of biomechanical interest.
Combined androgen blockade achieved better oncological outcome in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: Analysis of community‐based multi‐institutional database across Japan using propensity score matching
Authors: Onozawa Mizuki , Akaza Hideyuki , Hinotsu Shiro , Oya Mototsugu , Ogawa Osamu , Kitamura Tadaichi , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Naito Seiji , Namiki Mikio , Nishimura Kazuo , Hirao Yoshihiko , Tsukamoto Taiji
Published: August 2018

Background

This study investigated how differences in the method of the first‐line androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) affected the time to castration‐resistant prostate cancer.

Methods

The Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer compiled a nationwide community‐based database on prostate cancer patients who underwent ADT. That database included 13 774 patients who were started on ADT by surgical or medical castration alone (monotherapy group, 5395 cases) or ADT in combination with a nonsteroidal anti‐androgen (combined androgen blockade (CAB) group, 8379 cases). We used logistic regression analysis with background factors as independent factors to calculate propensity scores in regard to selection of CAB. Next, for 8826 cases of propensity score‐matched patients, we compared the survival rates in the two groups.

Results

The CAB group showed a significantly better progression‐free survival (PFS) rate (65.6% vs 59.6% at 5 years; median time to progression, 11.6 vs 7.1 years; hazard ratio in the CAB group: 0.78, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.72 to 0.84; P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis based on the background factors, the PFS rate was generally better in the CAB group in all risk subgroups except for those having significant risk factors.

Conclusion

Propensity score matching analysis revealed the prolongation of PFS by CAB in prostate cancer patients without significant risk factors. It would possible to decide the type of the first‐line ADT according to the prostate cancer risk.
Is preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase useful in predicting the outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma?
Authors: Tan Ping , Chen Jie , Xie Nan , Xu Hang , Ai Jianzhong , Xu Huan , Liu Liangren , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang
Published: August 2018

Background

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been proved to be associated with clinical outcomes in various carcinomas; however, limited evidence was available in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of LDH in UTUC.

Patients and methods

A cohort of 668 patients WERE retrospectively included between 2003 and 2016. Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association of LDH with overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), disease recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and metastasis‐free survival (MFS). The cutoff level of LDH was set at 220 U/L for the upper limit of normal.

Results

Kaplan‐Meier plots showed the group with elevated LDH had significant poor OS (P = 0.003), CSS (P = 0.005), and RFS (P = 0.005), but not MFS (P = 0.099). However, multivariate Cox analysis suggested that LDH was not an independent predictor for CSS (HR 1.50, 95%CI: 0.87‐2.59), OS (HR 1.56, 95%CI: 0.94‐2.58), RFS (HR 1.33, 95%CI: 0.83‐2.12), or MFS (HR 1.16, 95%CI: 0.79‐1.71). Albumin, globulin, and HBDH were also not related to survival outcomes of UTUC patients in multivariate analysis, while higher alkaline phosphatase was associated with worse CSS and OS, and higher white blood cells contributed to poor CSS and RFS. In subgroup analysis, results found higher LDH was associated with poor OS in patients with localized disease (pT ≤ 2) (HR 4.03, 95%CI: 1.37‐11.88).

Conclusion

The preoperative LDH was not an independent prognostic factor for patients with UTUC, while elevated LDH was proved to be correlated with worse OS in patients with localized disease.
Partial Oxidation of Methane to Synthesis Gas Using Supported Ga‐Containing Bimetallic Catalysts and a Ti‐Promoter
Authors: Kriz David A. , Nizami Quddus A. , He Junkai , Jafari Tahereh , Dang Yanliu , Kerns Peter , Meguerdichian Andrew G. , Suib Steven L. , Nandi Partha
Published: August 2018

A series of bimetallic Ga‐containing materials using TiO2 and TiO2‐promoted SiO2 supports have been prepared. Rhodium, palladium, and platinum have been used as additional metals in this system. The materials are characterized and used as catalysts for the partial oxidation of methane into synthesis gas (H2 and CO). The presence of a low quantity of titanium in the form of anatase TiO2 was shown to improve the overall activity of catalytic methane oxidation and to strongly increase the selectivity of partial oxidation products over the total oxidation of methane to carbon dioxide and water. Particular attention is paid to the formation of gallium‐metal alloys on the surface of the catalyst supports. Rh‐Ga‐Ti‐SiO2 was found to be the most active and selective catalyst, giving 89 % conversion of methane and 99 % selectivity to synthesis gas at 750 °C, as well as exhibiting catalytic activity and preferential conversion to partial oxidation products at temperatures as low as 350 °C.
Synthesis and Properties of High Nitrogen‐Oxygen Compounds Based on 5,5′‐Azotetrazolate by Using Microreactors
Authors: Deng Qiulin , Du Jinyan , Lei Qin , He Renxiong , Liang Jianhao , Li Changlin , Zhang Lixiong , Jiang Jinlong
Published: August 2018

A microflow system is easily assembled from a simple T‐micromixer, tube microreactor, and several pumps. Herein, the influence of reaction parameters on the microreactor are discussed. The structures of compounds based on 5,5′‐azotetrazolate were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The thermal stabilities of these compounds were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, and the heats of formation and densities were estimated by using the Gaussian 09 program for the Born‐Haber energy cycle and Monte‐Carlo method, respectively. The detonation pressures and detonation velocities of the anhydrous salts were estimated from the Kamlet‐Jacobs equation.
Air‐Jet Experimental Study and Modeling of Attrition Behavior for Fluid Catalytic Cracking Catalysts
Authors: Ghazvini Saba Foroutan , Ebrahimi Ali Afshar
Published: August 2018

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes employ microspheroidal catalyst particles, which play a significant role in the most important part of a refinery. These catalysts are subject to attrition because of the nature of FCC process circulation in the reactor regenerator. Attrition tests according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards were carried out for two FCC catalysts in both fresh and spent forms. Attrition characteristics and catalyst resistance were investigated by particle size distribution and scanning electron microscopy. Response surface methodology using a central composite design was applied to simulate the mass distribution of samples in the downstream. This method was used to investigate the effect of time on attrition behavior of fresh and spent forms of the catalysts.
Broad Scope Extra‐Annular [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of o‐Carboryne with Styrenes: Efficient Route to Carborane‐Fused Polycyclics
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xie Zuowei
Published: August 2018

o‐Carboryne (1,2‐dehydro‐o‐carborane) generated in situ from the precursor 1‐OTf‐2‐Li‐o‐1,2‐C2B10H10 undergoes an efficient extra‐annular [4 + 2] cycloaddition with styrenes at room temperature to give a series of carborane‐fused polycyclics in good to high isolated yields. This reaction is compatible with many functional groups and has a very broad substrate scope. Further transformations of the resultant products have been carried out, affording various multi‐functionalized o‐carboranes.
Wie wirken elektronische Substituenteneffekte? – Entwicklung eines konzeptbasierten Zugangs durch Inventing with Contrasting Cases am Modellbeispiel der alkalischen Esterhydrolyse
Authors: Trabert Andreas , Schween Michael
Published: August 2018

Elektronische Substituenteneffekte üben auf der Ebene der Struktur‐Reaktivitäts‐Beziehungen einen Einfluss auf den Verlauf von Reaktionen aus. Die Vorstellungen Studierender hierzu sind jedoch oftmals fehlerhaft, verkürzt und/oder auf einen bestimmten Kontext limitiert. Mit einer neuen Lerngelegenheit wird Studierenden des gymnasialen Lehramts (L3) ein innovativer Zugang zur Wirkungsweise elektronischer Substituenteneffekte am Modellbeispiel der alkalischen Hydrolyse substituierter Benzoesäureethylester eröffnet. Das Reaktionssystem auf der Grundlage des Inventing‐with‐Contrasting‐Cases‐Ansatzes (ICC) ermöglicht es, den Einfluss verschiedener Substituenten auf den Reaktionsverlauf schrittweise zu erklären und anhand von Leitfähigkeits‐ und pH‐Wert‐Änderungen experimentell zu verfolgen. In der hier vorgestellten ersten Entwicklungsstufe wird der Fokus auf die Betrachtung mesomerer Effekte anhand von para‐ständigen Nitro‐ und Methoxy‐Substituenten gerichtet. Zugleich wird damit die Voraussetzung für eine zukünftige Erweiterung zur systematischen Untersuchung zusätzlicher Substituenteneffekte geschaffen. Wir erwarten von dieser Lerngelegenheit einen positiven Einfluss auf das Erlernen übergeordneter Problemlösungs‐ und Erklärungsstrategien sowie den Erwerb transferfähigen Konzeptwissens zu elektronischen Substituenteneffekten als Beitrag zur fachlichen und fachdidaktischen Professionalisierung angehender Lehrkräfte.
Assessment of wall stresses and mechanical heart power in the left ventricle: Finite element modeling versus Laplace analysis
Authors: Gsell Matthias A. F. , Augustin Christoph M. , Prassl Anton J. , Karabelas Elias , Fernandes Joao F. , Kelm Marcus , Goubergrits Leonid , Kuehne Titus , Plank Gernot
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Stenotic aortic valve disease (AS) causes pressure overload of the left ventricle (LV) that may trigger adverse remodeling and precipitate progression towards heart failure (HF). As myocardial energetics can be impaired during AS, LV wall stresses and biomechanical power provide a complementary view of LV performance that may aide in better assessing the state of disease.

Objectives

Using a high‐resolution electro‐mechanical (EM) in silico model of the LV as a reference, we evaluated clinically feasible Laplace‐based methods for assessing global LV wall stresses and biomechanical power.

Methods

We used N = 4 in silico finite element (FE) EM models of LV and aorta of patients suffering from AS. All models were personalized with clinical data under pretreatment conditions. Left ventricle wall stresses and biomechanical power were computed accurately from FE kinematic data and compared with Laplace‐based estimation methods, which were applied to the same FE model data.

Results and Conclusion

Laplace estimates of LV wall stress are able to provide a rough approximation of global mean stress in the circumferential‐longitudinal plane of the LV. However, according to FE results, spatial heterogeneity of stresses in the LV wall is significant, leading to major discrepancies between local stresses and global mean stress. Assessment of mechanical power with Laplace methods is feasible, but these are inferior in accuracy compared with FE models. The accurate assessment of stress and power density distribution in the LV wall is only feasible based on patient‐specific FE modeling.
Efficient monitoring for intrusion detection in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Abdellatif Takoua , Mosbah Mohamed
Published: August 2018

In wireless sensor networks (WSN), Intrusion Detection through sensor monitoring enables the detection of intricate security attacks such as denial of service and routing attacks. However, the monitoring process, which observes sensor behaviour, can induce a large amount of energy and bandwidth overhead, thus reducing the system lifetime. Furthermore, monitors can be attacked and their observations corrupted, which breaks the system security. Therefore, our goal is the design of a reliable and energy‐efficient monitoring system that resists internal security attacks. We present DAMS (Distributed and Adaptable Monitoring System) that extends LEACH protocol with a trust‐based and energy‐efficient clustering protocols for both cluster heads and monitors election. Compared to other LEACH extensions, the obtained topology reduces monitoring energy overhead, improves the system lifetime, and increases the packet delivery ratio.
Assessment of an In Silico Mechanistic Model for Proarrhythmia Risk Prediction Under the CiPA Initiative
Authors: Li Zhihua , Ridder Bradley J. , Han Xiaomei , Wu Wendy W. , Sheng Jiansong , Tran Phu N. , Wu Min , Randolph Aaron , Johnstone Ross H. , Mirams Gary R. , Kuryshev Yuri , Kramer James , Wu Caiyun , Crumb William J. , Strauss David G.
Published: August 2018

The International Council on Harmonization (ICH) S7B and E14 regulatory guidelines are sensitive but not specific for predicting which drugs are pro‐arrhythmic. In response, the Comprehensive In Vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) was proposed that integrates multi‐ion channel pharmacology data in vitro into a human cardiomyocyte model in silico for proarrhythmia risk assessment. Previously, we reported the model optimization and proarrhythmia metric selection based on CiPA training drugs. In this study, we report the application of the prespecified model and metric to independent CiPA validation drugs. Over two validation datasets, the CiPA model performance meets all pre‐specified measures for ranking and classifying validation drugs, and outperforms alternatives, despite some in vitro data differences between the two datasets due to different experimental conditions and quality control procedures. This suggests that the current CiPA model/metric may be fit for regulatory use, and standardization of experimental protocols and quality control criteria could increase the model prediction accuracy even further.
Catalytic Hydrotreatment of Humins to Bio‐Oil in Methanol over Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Cheng Ziwei , Saha Basudeb , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: August 2018

Valorization of humins, the polymeric byproducts formed during the acid‐catalyzed production of HMF (5‐hydroxymethylfurfural) or furfural, is necessary to improve process economics and make biorefineries viable. We report the one‐step catalytic hydrotreatment of humins in methanol to humin oil containing fully or partially deoxygenated compounds. First, we compare four commercial noble‐metal catalysts (Ru/C, Rh/C, Pt/C, and Pd/C). Aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, and esters are the main products detected by GC. Rh/C achieves the best GC‐detectable oil yield and 75 % humins conversion in 3 h at 400 °C, 30 bar H2, and a catalyst‐to‐humins mass ratio of 1:10. High H2 pressures and intermediate temperatures, reaction times, and catalyst loadings enhance GC‐detectable oil yields. In contrast, high temperatures and long reaction times enhance gasification. Aromatics and phenols are found at high temperatures and long reaction times, whereas esters are the major species at short reaction times and high catalyst loading. 13C‐isotopic labeling studies confirm, for the first time, that methanol participates in the alkylation and esterification reactions to form aromatic, phenolic and ester products. The reactivity in isopropanol is also discussed.
FISH analysis of microbial communities in a full‐scale technology for biogas production
Authors: Dinova Nora , Peneva Kristina , Belouhova Mihaela , Rangelov Jelyaz , Schneider Irina , Topalova Yana
Published: August 2018

The anaerobic digestion is a biological process that consists of four stages. At the final step of the biodegradation of the organics the most sensitive to the ambient factors group of microorganisms – the methanogens, produces biogas with main component methane. Common problems of these technologies are low biogas yield, production of biogas with low quality or situations in which the plant gets out of exploitation. These problems are related to the lack of biological indicators of the process used in the practice and lack of understanding of the structure and functioning of the methanogenic consortium. Different fluorescent techniques have the potential to fulfill this gap and to contribute to the deep understanding of the structure of the microbial communities. In this study it was applied fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis for identifying and localization of microorganisms by the Archaea domain in digesters of wastewater treatment plant “Kubratovo”. High negative correlation between the quantity of Archaea and the biogas and methane production has been registered. This method has the potential to be used as a tool for analyzing the structure of the microbial communities in the digesters and thus to allow the adaptation of the consortium and the optimization of the whole process.
Postglacial to Holocene landscape evolution and process rates in steep alpine catchments
Authors: Kober Florian , Hippe Kristina , Salcher Bernhard , Grischott Reto , Zurfluh Raphael , Hajdas Irka , Wacker Lukas , Christl Marcus , Ivy‐Ochs Susan
Published: August 2018

Climate change and high magnitude mass wasting events pose adverse societal effects and hazards, especially in alpine regions. Quantification of such geomorphic processes and their rates is therefore critical but is often hampered by the lack of appropriate techniques and the various spatiotemporal scales involved in these studies. Here we exploit both in situ cosmogenic beryllium‐10 (10Be) and carbon‐14 (14C) nuclide concentrations for deducing exposure ages and tracing of sediment through small alpine debris flow catchments in central Switzerland. The sediment cascade and modern processes we track from the source areas, through debris flow torrents to their final export out into sink regions with cosmogenic nuclides over an unprecedented five‐year time series with seasonal resolution. Data from a seismic survey and a 90 m core revealed a glacially overdeepened basin, filled with glacial and paraglacial sediments. Surface exposure dating of fan boulders and radiocarbon ages constrain the valley fill from the last deglaciation until the Holocene and show that most of the fan existed in early Holocene times already. Current fan processes are controlled by episodic debris flow activity, snow (firn) and rock avalanches.

Field investigations, digital elevation models (DEMs) of difference and geomorphic analysis agree with sediment fingerprinting with cosmogenic nuclides, highlighting that the bulk of material exported today at the outlet of the subcatchments derives from the lower fans. Cosmogenic nuclide concentrations steadily decrease from headwater sources to distal fan channels due to the incorporation of material with lower nuclide concentrations. Further downstream the admixture of sediment from catchments with less frequent debris flow activity can dilute the cosmogenic nuclide signals from debris flow dominated catchments but may also reach thresholds where buffering is limited. Consequently, careful assessment of boundary conditions and driving forces is required when apparent denudation rates derived from cosmogenic nuclide analysis are upscaled to larger regions. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational habitual privacy
Authors: Han Xu , Liu Yanheng , Wang Jian , Tian Daxin
Published: August 2018

Privacy has gradually developed into a serious concern. Although some privacy protection mechanisms are available, it is still a prerequisite to develop an objective and universal evaluation criterion. In fact, we have to know how much the privacy quantity has been already exposed through a human‐understandable way. For this purpose, we proposed a series of brand‐new concepts about so‐called “habitual privacy” to quantitatively analyze privacy exposure behavior. It should be emphasized that habitual privacy is an inherent property of the user and is correlated with their habitual behaviors. Joint privacy quantity is a measurement of the exposed privacy of two habitual behaviors occurring simultaneously on the same occasion. Moreover, cumulative privacy is the accumulative quantity of privacy exposure within a considerable temporal and/or spatial interval. The presented computing framework has been applied to four different empirical data sets. These data sets consisted of massive sample sets obtained from moving trajectories, Bluetooth connections, velocity preferences, and call data records. The results disclosed the characteristics hidden in different conditions of the presented quantification framework and showed the effects of combinations of various related parameters. The proposed computational habitual privacy quantity is expected to establish a theoretical cornerstone for the design of more effective and efficient privacy protection mechanisms.
TCR repertoire intratumor heterogeneity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in centers and margins of localized lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Zhang Chaoting , Ding Huirong , Huang Hongying , Palashati Heyilimu , Miao Yu , Xiong Hongchao , Lu Zheming
Published: August 2018

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in different T‐cell subsets and locations in lung adenocarcinomas was unclear. Here, we investigated percentages and TCR repertoire of freshly isolated CD4+ and CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in tumor centers and margins by flow cytometry on 80 tumor samples from 20 patients and high‐throughput TCR sequencing on 27 and 25 samples of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs from seven patients. Our results demonstrated that amount and TCR repertoire diversity of CD4+ TILs were significantly higher than those of CD8+ TILs and moreover substantial ITH regarding amount and TCR repertoire of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs were observed. Additionally, ITH of CD4/CD8 T‐cell ratio and CD8+ TIL repertoire across center regions was lower than that across margin regions. The amount and TCR repertoire ITH of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs and mean clonality of CD8+ TILs in tumor centers were associated with relapse. Our study provides insights into amount and TCR repertoire ITH of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs in tumor centers and margins as well as corresponding association with prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients, suggesting potential clinical significance of TCR repertoire.
Episodic wind events induce persistent shifts in the thermal stratification of a reservoir (Rappbode Reservoir, Germany)
Authors: Mi Chenxi , Frassl Marieke A. , Boehrer Bertram , Rinke Karsten
Published: August 2018

Stratification dynamics in reservoirs have a great impact on ecosystem functioning and biogeochemical cycling, and can be strongly influenced by wind events. In this study, a well‐established one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model (GLM) was used to investigate the response of stratification dynamics in Rappbode Reservoir to different wind conditions, in particular to episodic strong wind events. In years with increased wind speed, stratification duration and intensity were reduced. Episodic wind forcing by strong wind events are important determinants of thermal structure and can induce persisting shifts in the thermal structure that remain over the season until the next overturn. The results showed that reductions in stratification intensity were particularly distinct when the strong wind occurred in early summer. Strong wind events outside of this sensitive time window did not exert an important impact on the thermal dynamics of the reservoir. Our research confirms the decisive impact of wind speed on stratification of lakes and reservoirs. It effectively illustrates the sensitive time window of thermal dynamics to episodic wind events.
MiR-27a targets DKK2 and SFRP1 to promote reosseointegration in the regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis
Authors: Wu Xiaolin , Gu Qinhua , Chen Xipeng , Mi Wenxiang , Wu Tingting , Huang Hui
Published: August 2018

In the inflamed microenvironment of peri-implantitis, limited osteogenesis on the implant surface impedes well-established reosseointegration using current clinical therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as potent molecular managers that may simultaneously regulate multiple endogenous processes such as inflammation and osteogenesis. The delivery of miRNAs may provide a way to effectively treat some diseases. In this study, we showed that miR-27a was differentially downregulated in samples from a canine peri-implantitis model. We found that overexpressing miR-27a positively regulated osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling by ameliorating the TNF-α inhibition of bone formation in vitro. Mechanistically, we identified Dickkopf2 (DKK2) and secreted frizzled related protein 1 (SFRP1) as two essential direct miR-27a targets that were osteogenic and angiogenic. Furthermore, we constructed a miR-27a-enhanced delivery system to repair the bone defect around implants in a canine peri-implantitis model. The results demonstrated that the miR-27a-treated group could optimize new bone formation and reosseointegration in vivo. Our assay provides evidence that this strategy exerts therapeutic effects on peri-implantitis, suggesting that it represents a feasible method to maintain the stability and masticatory function of dental implants. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Intensified variability of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation enhances its modulations on tree growths in southeastern China over the past 218 years
Authors: Wang Lei , Fang Keyan , Chen Dai , Dong Zhipeng , Zhou Feifei , Li Yingjun , Zhang Peng , Ou Tinghai , Guo Guoyang , Cao Xinguang , Yu Mingtong
Published: August 2018

Lack of long‐term tree‐ring records in the core regions of the Asian summer monsoon in southeastern China limits our ability of evaluating the current climate change in a historical context. In this study, we developed the first 218‐year tree‐ring chronology (1798–2015) of Pinus massoniana in Zhangping area, Fujian Province, humid subtropical China. This chronology is positively correlated with winter–spring (January–March) temperature (r = 0.359, p < .01) and summer (July–September) precipitation (r = 0.351, p < .01). Although the correlations between our tree rings with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are not very high, the correlation pattern is very close to the correlation pattern with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation variability (ENSO). These suggest that the ENSO could be the major large‐scale regulator on the growth of our tree rings. The strength of the correlations between our tree rings and the ENSO (r = 0.30, N = 66) matches closely with the ENSO variability during 1950–2015. The modulations of the ENSO on regional tree growth have been the most conspicuous since the 1950s, which corresponds to its enhanced inter‐annual variability. The extreme growth anomalies match quite well with the extreme years of the moisture‐sensitive chronologies. The dry epoch from 1935 to 1958 is the most severe long‐lasting drought in our tree rings, which is a widely distributed pattern in southeastern China and is likely modulated by the La Niña‐like modes in that period.
Analysis of orographic influence on hail parameters in NW Croatia
Authors: Počakal Damir , Večenaj Željko , Mikuš Jurković Petra , Grisogono Branko
Published: August 2018

Deep moist convection often yields hail, which is a subject of this work, as a significant precipitation form in many parts of the extra‐tropics. Located in the midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, Croatia is exposed to frequent occurrence of thunderstorms and hail, especially in its continental part. In the second half of 20th century, to reduce the risk of damage in agricultural production, a hail suppression system was established in the area. With the goal to obtain objective hailstone measurements for research studies there, hailpads were installed in 2001 on all hail suppression and main meteorological stations. In addition, in 2002, a dense network of hailpads (polygon) was built in the northwest of the continental part of Croatia. In this study, hail suppression station data (observers records: occurrence and duration of hailfall), hailpad polygon data and lightning data are used to test the hypothesis about the qualitative influence of orography on the spatio‐temporal distribution of hail. We use an objective approach for testing the hypothesis, namely, the Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the polygon data. No influence of cloud seeding on the EOF analysis is expected. The results of this analysis have confirmed the influence of orography on the distribution of hail. That may help in hailstorms nowcasting and an optimized agricultural planning.
Spatiotemporal distributions of cloud parameters and their response to meteorological factors over the Tibetan Plateau during 2003–2015 based on MODIS data
Authors: Bao Shanhu , Letu Husi , Zhao Jun , Shang Huazhe , Lei Yonghui , Duan Anmin , Chen Bing , Bao Yuhai , He Jie , Wang Tianxing , Ji Dabin , Tana Gegen , Shi Jiancheng
Published: August 2018

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) has important influences on regional and global climate change. Here, we perform an in‐depth study of the relationship between cloud parameters and meteorological factors over the TP. The spatiotemporal variations in cloud cover and cloud optical thickness over the TP during the daytime from 2003 to 2015 are analysed using the Aqua‐MODIS level 2 atmospheric product data MYD06. Results show that the annual average cloud cover over the TP decreases from the southeast to the northwest. The cloud cover of the western TP is highest in spring and lowest in autumn, while the cloud cover of the eastern TP is higher in spring and summer. The cloud covers in most areas of the TP exceed 30% in spring and summer, and the cloud optical thickness in the southeastern TP exceeds 10 in summer, with substantial cloud cover and cloud optical thickness changes. Compared to other seasons, the cooling effect of the near surface cloud net radiative forcing is greater during daytime in summer, which is likely associated with thick cloud optical thickness or large cloud cover. The results of the analysis of relationships among cloud cover, water vapour and air temperature show that positive correlations exist between cloud cover and water vapour, and that significantly negative correlations exist between cloud cover and air temperature over the TP. Combined with the analysis of variation features in the cloud parameters and meteorological factors, we find that water vapour variations during the daytime over the TP lead to cloud cover changes, which affect the air temperature variations over the TP by the cooling effects of clouds, especially in summer.
Management of Coagulation and Anticoagulation in Liver Transplantation Candidates
Authors: Northup Patrick , Reutemann Bethany
Published: August 2018

Hemostasis is a complex balance of clot formation and dissolution that is largely modulated by protein synthesis and degradation in the liver. In the state of end‐stage liver disease, there is a disruption of the hemostatic system due to hepatic protein synthetic dysfunction. Because historical clinical laboratory testing often only analyzes a portion of the hemostasis system, the clinician may be misled into believing that cirrhosis patients are imbalanced with a tendency toward bleeding. The modern understanding of hemostasis in cirrhosis involves a rebalance of hemostasis with a tenuous equilibrium between clotting and bleeding, but an equilibrium nonetheless. The clinician should be aware of this rebalance and not depend on limited and flawed laboratory testing in making judgments about the tendency for bleeding or clotting based on these values alone. Prophylactic protocol transfusions including large doses of fresh frozen plasma to “correct” the international normalized ratio are good examples of ineffective and potentially harmful interventions based on an outdated understanding of hemostasis in cirrhosis. Conversely, a thrombotic state is increasingly recognized in patients with cirrhosis, and conditions such as portal vein thrombosis are now becoming important therapeutic targets in many liver transplantation (LT) candidates and other patients with chronic liver disease. This article will introduce the reader to the modern understanding of hemostasis in cirrhosis, describe the common pitfalls and opportunities in treating hemostasis system abnormalities in the LT candidate particularly in regards to preprocedural prophylactic transfusions, and discuss therapeutic targets and interventions for thrombotic complications in the end‐stage liver disease population.
Class II Human Leukocyte Antigen Epitope Mismatch Predicts De Novo Donor‐Specific Antibody Formation After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kubal Chandrashekhar A. , Mangus Richard , Ekser Burcin , Mihaylov Plamen , Ceballos Brian , Higgins Nancy , Chalasani Naga , Ghabril Marwan , Nephew Lauren , Lobashevsky Andrew
Published: August 2018

Formation of de novo donor‐specific antibodies (dn‐DSAs) has been associated with longterm immunologic complications after liver transplantation (LT). We hypothesized that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) epitope/eplet mismatch (MM) is a marker of immunogenicity and a risk factor for dn‐DSA formation. Sera from 80 LT recipients were prospectively screened for dn‐DSA by a Luminex single‐antigen test (One Lambda, Inc., Canoga Park, CA) at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after LT. HLA typing of the recipients and donors was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–SSP and PCR‐SSOP Luminex low‐resolution methods (One Lambda, Inc.). The HLAMatchmaker computer algorithm was used for identification of MM eplets at HLA‐DRB1 and ‐DQA1/B1 loci. Luminex single‐antigen bead solid phase assay was used for antibody analysis. Standard immunosuppression included thymoglobulin‐rituximab induction and tacrolimus maintenance. There were 27 (34%) patients who developed dn‐DSA. There were no episodes of antibody‐mediated rejection, and 9 (11%) developed acute cellular rejection (ACR). A positive crossmatch status and a higher number of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐DR, and ‐ABDR MMs were not associated with dn‐DSA formation. Patients developing dn‐DSA had a significantly higher number of total (38 ± 2.7 versus 28 ± 2.3; P = 0.01) and antibody‐verified (AbVer; 14 ± 1.1 versus 10 ± 1; P = 0.015) class II MM eplets. By a multivariate regression analysis, the number of class II MM eplets was strongly associated with risk of class II dn‐DSA formation (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; P < 0.01). Patients with ACR had a significantly higher number of total (20.2 ± 1.3 versus 13.9 ± 0.9; P < 0.01) as well as AbVer (10.7 ± 1.1 versus 7.5 ± 0.6; P = 0.03) class I MM eplets. In conclusion, donor‐recipient HLA epitope MM is associated with a risk of dn‐DSA formation and rejection after LT. However, further studies are required to evaluate the clinical utility of epitope matching in LT.
Average distances between points in graph‐directed self‐similar fractals
Authors: Olsen L. , Richardson A.
Published: August 2018

We study several distinct notions of average distances between points belonging to graph‐directed self‐similar subsets of . In particular, we compute the average distance with respect to graph‐directed self‐similar measures, and with respect to the normalised Hausdorff measure. As an application of our main results, we compute the average distance between two points belonging to the Drobot–Turner set with respect to the normalised Hausdorff measure, i.e. we compute
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600354:mana201600354-math-0003where s denotes the Hausdorff dimension of and is the s‐dimensional Hausdorff measure; here the Drobot–Turner set (introduced by Drobot & Turner in 1989) is defined as follows, namely, for positive integers N and m and a positive real number c, the Drobot–Turner set is the set of those real numbers for which any m consecutive base N digits in the N‐ary expansion of x sum up to at least c. For example, if , and , then our results show that
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600354:mana201600354-math-0011where is the unique positive real number such that .
Lignin‐g‐poly(acrylamide)‐g‐poly(diallyldimethyl‐ ammonium chloride): Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
Authors: Price Jacquelyn Tara , Gao Weijue , Fatehi Pedram
Published: August 2018

The search for a renewable substitute to petroleum‐based products has fueled increasing research on lignin, an under‐utilized product from pulping processes. In this work, lignin was copolymerized with acrylamide (AM) and diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) under acidic conditions with Na2S2O8 as an initiator, generating a cationic water‐soluble lignin‐g‐P(AM)‐g‐P(DADMAC) copolymer. The optimal reaction conditions, using a 5×4 factorial design experiment, were determined to be an AM/DADMAC/lignin molar ratio of 5.5:2.4:1, 90 °C, 0.26 mol L−1 of lignin, and pH 2. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the resulting lignin‐g‐P(AM)‐g‐P(DADMAC) copolymer was 83 % soluble in an aqueous solution (at 10 g L−1) and at neutral pH. The copolymer had a charge density of 1.27 meq g−1, molecular weight of (1.33±0.08) ×106, an AM grafting ratio of 112 wt %, and a DADMAC grafting ratio of 20 wt %. In addition, the activation energy for producing this copolymer as well as the thermal and rheological properties of the copolymer were determined. The flocculation performance of lignin‐g‐P(AM)‐g‐P(DADMAC) copolymer was evaluated in a kaolin suspension, which showed that the lignin copolymer had a comparable flocculation efficiency with the synthetic analogue of P(AM)‐g‐P(DADMAC) at pH 6.
Thalassemia major phenotype caused by HB Zürich‐Albisrieden [α2 59(E8) Gly > Arg (HBA2:C.178G > C)] in a Brazilian child
Authors: Pedroso Gisele A. , Kimura Elza M. , Santos Magnun N.N. , Albuquerque Dulcinéia M. , Malimpensa Danaê , Jorge Susan E. , Verissimo Monica P.A. , Costa Fernando F. , Sonati Maria F.
Published: August 2018

Hemoglobin (Hb) Zürich‐Albisrieden (ZA) [α2 59(E8) Gly > Arg; HBA2:c.178G > C] is a rare and highly unstable α‐chain variant. A few simple and compound heterozygotes (αZAα/αα and –/αZAα, respectively) have been described so far in Switzerland and China. We describe here a case of homozygosity for the Hb ZA mutation (αZAα/αZAα) in a Brazilian child with severe congenital hemolytic anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis.
Two‐year‐old female with EBV‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and subsequent CNS involvement with neurolymphomatosis
Authors: Bjornard Kari L. , Leventaki Vasiliki , Nichols Kim E. , Sandlund John T. , Prockop Susan , Ehrhardt Matthew J.
Published: August 2018

We describe a case of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) positive, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in a 2‐year‐old female who went on to develop relapsed/refractory central nervous system (CNS) disease, manifesting as cranial nerve neurolymphomatosis. Although her atypical presentation was thought to be associated with an immune deficiency, extensive work‐up was negative. Despite subsequent treatment with third‐party EBV‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes, she died of progressive disease. This case report raises questions as to whether tailored treatment approaches should be considered for atypical presentations of pediatric lymphoma (e.g., CNS and virus‐associated).
What Do Apparent Series and Shunt Resistances in Solar Cell Estimated by I–V Slope Mean? Study with Exact Analytical Expressions
Authors: Tada Kazuya
Published: August 2018

The reciprocal slopes of a current–voltage curve at open‐circuit‐ and short‐circuit‐conditions are frequently mentioned as apparent series (Rs) and shunt (Rp) resistances in emerging solar cell materials research. The relationship between such values and those in the one‐diode equivalent‐circuit model is studied by using exact analytical expressions of the current–voltage slope. It is found that the apparent Rs and Rp significantly deviate from true Rs and Rp.
Synthesis, Characterization and Physical Properties of Tantalum Pentoxide Reinforced Ni‐Fe Alloy Matrix Nanocomposites
Authors: Chaudhari Alok Kumar , Singh Vijai Bahadur
Published: August 2018

Soft magnetic Ni−Fe/Ta2O5 nanocomposites were synthesized by electro‐codeposition on a copper substrate from an ethylene glycol bath. Formation of the composites, tantalum oxide particle content and structure evolution were investigated using X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray analyzer (EDAX). Maximum particle content of the deposits was up to 5.7 wt% and clusters of Ta2O5 particles were found on the coating surface. This appears beneficial for improving the corrosion resistance of the coatings. With increasing current density, relative texture coefficient of the coatings shifted from (111) to (200) and followed (220) crystallographic plane. Although crystallite size was recorded approximately 15 nm in the entire current density range studied, remarkable enhancement in the microhardness of the Ni−Fe/Ta2O5 nanocomposite coatings was noticed (up to 870 HV) owing to reinforcement of ceramic particles.
Vanadium Nitride as an Efficient and Stable Promotor for Pd‐Catalyzed Methanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Media
Authors: Meng Kai , Zheng Zhilin , Jia Zhijun , Ma Dan , Liu Lujing , Wang Yi , Qi Tao
Published: August 2018

Pd/C electrocatalysts containing VN with different morphology (particles (Pd‐VN(particles)/C) and plates (Pd‐VN(plates)/C)) were prepared by a simple reduction with sodium borohydride and their electrocatalytic performance for methanol oxidation was investigated. The Pd‐VN(particles)/C and Pd‐VN(plates)/C performed better activity, stronger resistance to CO poisoning and higher stability for methanol oxidation compared with Pd/C by the measurements of cyclic voltammograms (CVs), CO stripping voltammetry and chronoamperometry (CA), respectively. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectrums (EIS) tests were conducted for exploring the role of VN. It is found that the promotion effects of VN can be explained by a bifunctional mechanism and the increase in metallic Pd in electrocatalysts containing VN. Furthermore, the different promotive extents between the VN with different morphology are attributed to the differences of the crystallinity and contact situation of Pd and VN.