bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific phenotypic variation in life history traits of Daphnia galeata populations in response to fish kairomones
Authors: Tams Verena , Lüneburg Jennifer , Seddar Laura , Detampel Jan-Philip , Cordellier Mathilde
Published: June 2018

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a genotype to produce different phenotypes depending on the environment. It has an influence on the adaptive potential to environmental change and the capability to adapt locally. Adaptation to environmental change happens at the population level, thereby contributing to genotypic and phenotypic variation within a species. Predation is an important ecological factor structuring communities and maintaining species diversity. Prey developed different strategies to reduce their vulnerability to predators by changing their behavior, their morphology or their life history. Predator-induced life history responses in Daphnia have been investigated for decades, but intra population variability was rarely addressed explicitly. We addressed this issue by conducting a common garden experiment with four European Daphnia galeata populations, each represented by six genotypes. We recorded life history traits in the absence and presence of fish kairomones. Additionally, we looked at the shape of experimental individuals by conducting a geometric morphometric analysis, thus assessing predator-induced morphometric changes. Our data revealed high intraspecific phenotypic variation within and between all four D. galeata populations, the potential to locally adapt to a vertebrate predator regime as well as an effect of the fish kairomones on morphology of D. galeata.
Changes in leaf chlorophyll content associated with flowering and its role in the diversity of phytophagous insects in a tree species from a semiarid Caatinga
Authors: Sousa-Souto Leandro , Bocchiglieri Adriana , Dias Douglas de M. , Ferreira Anthony S. , Filho José P. de L.
Published: June 2018

Phytophagous insects choose their feeding resources according to their own requirements, but their feeding preferences in the semiarid Caatinga have rarely been studied. Flowering trees leads to a greater diversity of flower visitors and their predators in the host plant, but little is known about why the diversity of phytophagous insects not associated with flowers is also increased. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diversity of sap-sucking, wood-boring and leaf-chewing insects associated with leaf chlorophyll content in flowering and non-flowering plants ofPoincianella pyramidalis, an endemic tree of Caatinga. We used a leaf chlorophyll index (LCI) as a surrogate for resource quality, and an entomological umbrella to collect phytophagous insects. We show that trees which bloomed demonstrated higher chlorophyll content, greater abundance and a significant difference in the composition of phytophagous insect species when compared to non-flowering trees (p < 0.05). The results suggest that not only the presence of flowers themselves, but also the higher nutritional quality of leaf tissue, can explain the differences in species diversity and abundance of phytophagous insects. Exceptional flowering trees in the Caatinga area studied may thus act as spots of high quality resources, favouring changes in the diversity of insects in this environment.
Perioperative management of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers: a survey of perioperative medicine practitioners
Authors: Walker Sophie L.M. , Abbott Tom E.F. , Brown Katherine , Pearse Rupert M. , Ackland Gareth L.
Published: June 2018

Background

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications in higher-risk surgical patients. However, there is no clinical consensus on their use in the perioperative period, in part, due to an inconsistent evidence-base. To help inform the design of a large multi-centre randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN17251494), we undertook a questionnaire-based survey exploring variability in ACEi/ARB prescribing in perioperative practice.

Methods

The online survey included perioperative scenarios to examine how consistent respondents were with their stated routine preoperative practice. Clinicians with an academic interest in perioperative medicine were primarily targeted between July and September 2017. STROBE guidelines for observational research and ANZCA Trials Group Survey Reporting recommendations were adhered to.

Results

194 responses were received, primarily from clinicians practicing in the UK. A similar minority of respondents continue ACEi (n = 57; 30%) and ARBs (n = 62; 32%) throughout the perioperative period. However, timing of preoperative cessation was highly variable, and rarely influenced by the pharmacokinetics of individual ACE-i/ARBs. Respondents’ stated routine practice was frequently misaligned with their management of common pre- and postoperative scenarios involving continuation or restarting ACE-i/ARBs.

Discussion

This survey highlights many inconsistencies amongst clinicians’ practice in perioperative ACE-i/ARB management. Studies designed to reveal an enhanced understanding of perioperative mechanisms at play, coupled with randomised controlled trials, are required to rationally inform the clinical management of ACE-i/ARBs in patients most at risk of postoperative morbidity.
­Morphological variations in the dorsal fin finlets of extant polypterids raise questions about their taxonomical validity
Authors: Coelho Marcos Vinícius , Cupello Camila , Brito Paulo M.
Published: June 2018

Fossil polypterids are mainly represented by disarticulated material, most of them pinnules. However, there is no study that proves the taxonomical validity of these structures. Here we describe the pinnules of four species of extant polypterids and report for the first time intraindividual variations in the pinnules according to their position in the dorsal fin. Nevertheless, when comparing two different specimens of one species there is little or no interindividual variation, suggesting that pinnule morphology may have taxonomical validity. As the fossil polypterid record is based mainly on the articular head of the pinnules, we suggest caution when describing new taxa, especially if different fragments corresponding to specific positions in the dorsal fin occur in the same locality.
Attentional demands associated with augmented visual feedback during quiet standing
Authors: Kręcisz Krzysztof , Kuczyński Michał
Published: June 2018

To investigate how additional visual feedback (VFB) affects postural stability we compared 20-sec center-of-pressure (COP) recordings in two conditions: without and with the VFB. Seven healthy adult subjects performed 10 trials lasting 20 seconds in each condition. Simultaneously, during all trials the simple auditory reaction time (RT) was measured. Based on the COP data, the following sway parameters were computed: standard deviation (SD), mean speed (MV), sample entropy (SE), and mean power frequency (MPF). The RT was higher in the VFB condition (p < 0.001) indicating that this condition was attention demanding. The VFB resulted in decreased SD and increased SE in both the medial-lateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) planes (p < .001). These results account for the efficacy of the VFB in stabilizing posture and in producing more irregular COP signals which may be interpreted as higher automaticity and/or larger level of noise in postural control. The MPF was higher during VFB in both planes as was the MV in the AP plane only (p < 0.001). The latter data demonstrate higher activity of postural control system that was caused by the availability of the set-point on the screen and the resulting control error which facilitated and sped up postural control.
Impact of extreme drought and incentive programs on flooded agriculture and wetlands in California’s Central Valley
Authors: Reiter Matthew E. , Elliott Nathan K. , Jongsomjit Dennis , Golet Gregory H. , Reynolds Mark D.
Published: June 2018

Background

Between 2013 and 2015, a large part of the western United States, including the Central Valley of California, sustained an extreme drought. The Central Valley is recognized as a region of hemispheric importance for waterbirds, which use flooded agriculture and wetlands as habitat. Thus, the impact of drought on the distribution of surface water needed to be assessed to understand the effects on waterbird habitat availability.

Methods

We used remote sensing data to quantify the impact of the recent extreme drought on the timing and extent of waterbird habitat during the non-breeding season (July–May) by examining open water in agriculture (rice, corn, and other crops) and managed wetlands across the Central Valley. We assessed the influence of habitat incentive programs, particularly The Nature Conservancy’s BirdReturns and The Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Waterbird Habitat Enhancement Program (WHEP), at offsetting habitat loss related to drought.

Results

Overall, we found statistically significant declines in open water in post-harvest agriculture (45–80% declines) and in managed wetlands (39–60% declines) during the 2013–2015 drought compared to non-drought years during the period of 2000–2011. Crops associated with the San Joaquin Basin, specifically corn, as well as wetlands in that part of the Central Valley exhibited larger reductions in open water than rice and wetlands in the Sacramento Valley. Semi-permanent wetlands on protected lands had significantly lower (39–49%) open water in the drought years than those on non-protected lands while seasonal wetlands on protected lands had higher amounts of open water. A large fraction of the daily open water in rice during certain times of the year, particularly in the fall for BirdReturns (61%) and the winter for WHEP (100%), may have been provided through incentive programs which underscores the contribution of these programs. However, further assessment is needed to know how much the incentive programs directly offset the impact of drought in post-harvest rice by influencing water management or simply supplemented funding for activities that might have been done regardless.

Discussion

Our landscape analysis documents the significant impacts of the recent extreme drought on freshwater wetland habitats in the Central Valley, the benefits of incentive programs, and the value of using satellite data to track surface water and waterbird habitats. More research is needed to understand subsequent impacts on the freshwater dependent species that rely on these systems and how incentive programs can most strategically support vulnerable species during future extreme drought.
Six new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from Northern Australia
Authors: Jobson Richard W , Baleeiro Paulo C , Barrett Matthew D
Published: June 2018

Six new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) are recognised from northern Australia. Descriptions of the new species Utricularia albertiana R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro, U. bidentata R.W.Jobson & Baleeiro, U. hamata R.W.Jobson & M.D.Barrett, U. magna R.W.Jobson & M.D.Barrett, U. papilliscapa R.W.Jobson & M.D.Barrett, and U. limmenensis R.W.Jobson (Lentibulariaceae) are provided. Diagnostic features for all six species are illustrated, and distribution, habitat, and conservation status are discussed.
Temporal variability of phytoplankton biomass and primary production off Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Cervantes-Duarte Rafael , Barón-Campis Sofía , Hernández-Becerril David Uriel , Gaxiola-Castro Gilberto , Lara-Lara J Rubén
Published: June 2018

Sixteen monthly cruises were carried out at a station 6.5 km to the NW of the mouth of Magdalena Bay (Mexico) to study the temporal variability of phytoplankton biomass and primary production rates, and the response of phytoplankton to the prevailing hydrographic characteristics. During each cruise, temperature and salinity were measured in the water column, and discrete samples were collected to measure inorganic nutrient concentrations (nitrate, phosphate, and silicate) and chlorophyll a content (as a proxy for phytoplankton biomass); in addition, in situ incubations were performed to estimate primary production (PP) rates using the 14C technique. During spring and early summer (March–July), the water column at the study site was cold (14.4 ºC at 80 m depth and 17.7 ºC at the surface) and well mixed, with high nutrient concentrations (nitrate = 6.39 μM, phosphate = 0.91 μM, and silicate = 11.87 μM) at the surface, typical of intense upwelling systems. On the contrary, from August to February the water column was stratified (23.5 ± 3.2 ºC above the thermocline and 17.0 ± 1.7 ºC at 80 m depth) and had low nutrient concentrations (nitrate = 3.90 μM, phosphate = 0.47 μM, and silicate = 10.30 μM) at the surface. Phytoplankton abundance, chlorophyll a concentration, and PP rates in the euphotic zone were higher during the upwelling season, with maximum cell density of 1.7 × 106 cells·L–1 (nanoplankton fraction), integrated chlorophyll a content of 231 mg·m–2, and integrated PP rates of 553 mg C·m–2·h–1). Abundance of cells <20 μm, as determined by flow cytometry, revealed the importance of the nanoplankton and picoplankton fractions in this region. This study showed the seasonal variability of phytoplankton communities (biomass and productivity) in waters off Magdalena Bay and the coupling of phytoplankton to environmental variability. Seasonal variability was similar to that observed for other typical coastal upwelling regions, that is, higher phytoplankton abundances and PP rates in spring and summer and lower values in autumn and winter.

Key words: biomass, primary productivity, hydrography, coastal zone, Magdalena Bay.
Chromatography and Archaeological Materials Analysis
Authors: Pecci Alessandra
Published: June 2018

Chromatography is an essential tool for the study of archaeological materials. Organic materials recovered in archaeological contexts are composed of a mixture of molecules. Chromatographic analysis makes it possible to separate and identify these molecules, especially if coupled to mass spectrometry. The method has proven to be a fundamental research technique in several areas of archaeology. Its application has improved our understanding regarding the origins of organic materials including resin, pitch, and copal. It has helped the investigation of ancient food practices; the use and function of ceramic vessels; and the consumption of alcoholic beverages and drugs. Chromatography has been used successfully to test the chemical residues preserved in archaeological floors, yielding insights about the use, function, and spatial organization of rooms and structures. In conservation studies, it has also been applied to understand the substances used in the making of artifacts and the degradation processes of ancient materials such as wood. It has helped to detect forgeries of amber or stone when organic substances are used.
Archaeology and Tourism
Authors: Oehmichen‐Bazán Cristina
Published: June 2018

Archaeological tourism has expanded rapidly across the world since the 1990s. It makes a major contribution to national economies and to local prosperity. The relationship between archaeologists and tourism can be conflicting, however, and this entry outlines some of the tensions and problems that can arise, whether from the erosive potential of mass tourism or from local versus global or indigenous versus western tensions.
Inpainting
Authors: Idelson Antonio Iaccarino , Severini Leonardo
Published: June 2018

Used in the field of paintings conservation, the term
inpainting
refers to the compensation of paint losses—aiming at the recomposition of the missing parts of an image in order to improve its perception by making damages less visible. This process is the final stage in the conservation treatment of a painting, and its crucial role in mediating with the observer often leads to the identification of the entire treatment with this conclusive part. The extents, limits, and methods of loss reintegration have been, over the centuries, the subject of debates and attempts to impose regulations. The crux of these continuing and fruitful discussions is the value of a comprehensive reintegration, which aims to present the painting as close to its pristine state as possible, versus the rationale of systems that attempt to give the autograph parts of a painting as complete a visibility as possible, with no later additions.
Quaternary Micro‐Mammal Zones
Authors: Cuenca‐Bescós Gloria
Published: June 2018

The use of fossils to determine the age of rocks is based on the fact that organisms change permanently in a progressive and irreversible evolutionary process. For this reason, geologic time can be divided into successive intervals, or zones, characterized by a different association of fossils in each zone. The best fossils used as tools in biozonation have to fulfil three conditions: being abundant, having good preservation of diagnostic characters in the fossil record, and having rapid evolution of species. The three conditions are achieved by the micromammals. Rodents are quickly evolving micromammals, are especially abundant during the Quaternary, and their teeth are diagnostic for the determination of their taxa, usually at the species level. The micromammalian zones are tools for relative dating and constructing time in archaeology. During the Quaternary, the biozones defined in Eurasia and in North America are mostly based on arvicoline rodents.
Highly Bendable Ionic Soft Actuator Based on Nitrogen‐Enriched 3D Hetero‐Nanostructure Electrode
Authors: Kotal Moumita , Kim Jaehwan , Tabassian Rassoul , Roy Sandipan , Nguyen Van Hiep , Koratkar Nikhil , Oh Il‐Kwon
Published: June 2018

Electrically responsive ionic soft actuators that can exhibit large bending strain under low electrical input power are promising candidates for future soft electronics and wearable devices. However, some drawbacks such as low blocking force, slow response time, and poor durability should be overcome for practical engineering applications. Herein, this study reports defect‐engineered 3D graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) and nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) hetero‐nanostructure that were developed by one‐pot hydrothermal method in order to design functionally antagonistic hybrid electrodes for superior ionic soft actuators. While NG facilitates rapid electron transfer in 3D networked nanoarchitectures, the enriched‐nitrogen content in GCN provides good wettability and mechanical resiliency with poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). The 3D hybrid nanostructures generate unimpeded ion channels and sufficient contact area with the electrolyte membrane to provide higher capacitance and mechanical integrity, which are critical prerequisites for high‐performance actuation. The developed soft actuator based on the nitrogen‐enriched 3D hetero‐nanostructure is found to exhibit large bending strain (0.52%), wide frequency response, 5 h durability (93% retention), 2.4 times higher bending displacement, and twofold higher electromechanical efficiency compared to PEDOT:PSS under ±0.5 V input voltage. Such 3D functionally antagonistic hybrid electrodes offer hitherto unavailable opportunities in developing ultralow voltage‐driven ionic actuators for the next‐generation soft electronics.
Manipulation of Band Structure and Interstitial Defects for Improving Thermoelectric SnTe
Authors: Tang Jing , Gao Bo , Lin Siqi , Li Juan , Chen Zhiwei , Xiong Fen , Li Wen , Chen Yue , Pei Yanzhong
Published: June 2018

Many efforts are recently devoted on improving thermoelectric SnTe as an environment—friendly alternative to conventional PbTe and successful approaches include valence band convergence, nanostructuring, and substantial/interstitial defects. Among these strategies, alloying SnTe with MnTe enables the most effective reduction in the valence band offset (between L and Σ) for a convergence due to its high solubility of ≈15%, yet there is no indication that the solubility of MnTe is high enough for fully optimizing the valence band structure and thus for maximizing the electronic performance. Here, a strategy is shown to increase the MnTe solubility up to ≈25% by alloying with 5% GeTe, which successfully locates the composition (20% MnTe) to optimize the valence band structure by converging a more degenerated Λ (as compared with band L) and Σ valence bands. Through a further alloying with Cu2Te, the resultant Cu‐interstitial defects enable a sufficient reduction in lattice thermal conductivity to its amorphous limit (0.4 W m−1 K−1). These electronic and thermal effects successfully realize a record‐high thermoelectric figure of merit, zT of 1.8, strongly competing with that of PbTe. This work demonstrates the validity of band manipulation and interstitial defects for realizing extraordinary thermoelectric performance in SnTe.
3D Printing Nanoscale Bioactive Glass Scaffolds Enhance Osteoblast Migration and Extramembranous Osteogenesis through Stimulating Immunomodulation
Authors: Zhao Fujian , Xie Weihan , Zhang Wen , Fu Xiaoling , Gao Wendong , Lei Bo , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: June 2018

Bioactive glass (BG) can repair bone defects, however, it is not clear whether BG has the ability for bone augmentation without making any bone defect. Unlike the intramembranous osteogenesis in bone defect repair, the extramembranous osteogenesis occurs outside the cortical bone and the osteoprogenitor cells show the reversed migration. Herein, nanoscale bioactive glass scaffolds (BGSs) are fabricated, and their role and immunomodulation‐related mechanism in the extramembranous osteogenesis are investigated. The in vitro migration and differentiation of calvaria preosteoblasts are studied by culturing with peripheral macrophage‐conditioned medium after stimulating with BGSs. The results indicate that the proinflammatory environment significantly promotes preosteoblast migration, but has limited effect on osteogenic differentiation. However, the anti‐inflammatory environment and BGSs significantly increase the osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts. The in vivo extramembranous osteogenesis evaluation shows that the active osteogenesis is observed near the skull. The osteoblasts derived from the reverse migration of cranial cells can be confirmed by comparing with the scaffolds implanted in back subcutaneous which is just colonized by fibrous tissue. This study may bring a fresh perspective for BG in bone regeneration and explore the osteogenic immunomodulation of peripheral macrophages in a nonosteogenic environment.
Monolithic Polymer Nanoridges with Programmable Wetting Transitions
Authors: Lee Won‐Kyu , Jung Woo‐Bin , Rhee Dongjoon , Hu Jingtian , Lee Young‐Ah Lucy , Jacobson Christian , Jung Hee‐Tae , Odom Teri W.
Published: June 2018

This paper describes polymeric nanostructures with dynamically tunable wetting properties. Centimeter‐scale areas of monolithic nanoridges can be generated by strain relief of thermoplastic polyolefin films with fluoropolymer skin layers. Changing the amount of strain results in polyolefin ridges with aspect ratios greater than four with controlled feature densities. Surface chemistry and topography are demonstrated to be able to be tailored by SF6‐plasma etching to access multiple wetting states: Wenzel, Cassie–Baxter, and Cassie‐impregnating states. Reversible transitions among the wetting states can be realized in a programmable manner by cyclic stretching and reshrinking the patterned substrates without delamination and cracking.
Continuous Fabrication of Meter‐Scale Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotube Films and their Use in Flexible and Transparent Integrated Circuits
Authors: Wang Bing‐Wei , Jiang Song , Zhu Qian‐Bing , Sun Yun , Luan Jian , Hou Peng‐Xiang , Qiu Song , Li Qing‐Wen , Liu Chang , Sun Dong‐Ming , Cheng Hui‐Ming
Published: June 2018

Single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), especially in the form of large‐area and high‐quality thin films, are a promising material for use in flexible and transparent electronics. Here, a continuous synthesis, deposition, and transfer technique is reported for the fabrication of meter‐scale SWCNT thin films, which have an excellent optoelectrical performance including a low sheet resistance of 65 Ω/◽ with a transmittance of 90% at a wavelength of 550 nm. Using these SWCNT thin films, high‐performance all‐CNT thin‐film transistors and integrated circuits are demonstrated, including 101‐stage ring oscillators. The results pave the way for the future development of large‐scale, flexible, and transparent electronics based on CNT thin films.
Recent Progress of Highly Efficient Red and Near‐Infrared Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Emitters
Authors: Kim Ji Han , Yun Ju Hui , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: June 2018

Organic emitters have been widely developed since the demonstration of high efficiency in pure organic emitters represented by thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters. Pure organic‐based TADF emitters are found to harvest all singlet and triplet excitons for radiative transition processes, like phosphorescent emitters that utilize all generated excitons for light emission by strong spin–orbit coupling. Red, green, and blue organic emitters are investigated, but major interest is focused on green and blue organic emitters. However, recent studies are being directed to red and even near‐infrared emitters because of their wide applications in bioimaging, sensors, telecommunications, and night vision. Although the external quantum efficiency of the red and near‐infrared TADF organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is low, the external quantum efficiency of red OLEDs has been advanced to close to 30% and that of near‐infrared OLEDs to the 10% level. Therefore, more attention is being paid to red and near‐infrared TADF emitters. In this work, recent progress of the red and near‐infrared TADF emitters is reviewed to understand the molecular design principle and the molecular structure–photophysical characteristics and molecular structure–device performance relationships. In addition, future prospect of the red and near‐infrared TADF emitters is proposed.
Geometric Metasurfaces for Ultrathin Optical Devices
Authors: Wen Dandan , Yue Fuyong , Liu Wenwei , Chen Shuqi , Chen Xianzhong
Published: June 2018

Metasurfaces, planar metamaterials consisting of a single layer or several layers of artificial structures, not only form the basis for fundamental physics research but also have considerable technological significance. Metasurfaces can locally modify the optical property within a subwavelength range, which can facilitate device miniaturization and system integration. Metasurfaces have shown extraordinary capabilities in the local manipulation of the light's amplitude, phase, and polarization, leading to a plethora of novel applications such as generalized Snell's law of refraction and photonic spin Hall effect. This progress report is focused on the recent advancements in the fundamental research of geometric metasurfaces and their applications in ultrathin optical devices, including planar metalenses, helicity multiplexed holograms, functionality switchable devices, polarization beam splitters, vector beam generation, arbitrary polarization control, and so on. The compactness, ease of fabrication, and unusual functionalities of these devices render geometric optical metasurface devices very attractive for new applications such as encryption, imaging, anti‐counterfeiting, optical communications, quantum science, and fundamental physics. This paper aims to bring readers some new insights, and to broaden the applications of geometric metasurfaces in more research fields of science and technology.
Nonimmunogenetic Viral Capsid Carrier with Cancer Targeting Activity
Authors: Lee Bo‐Ram , Jo Eunji , Yoon Hong Yeol , Yoon Chul Joo , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Kwon Koo Chul , Kim Tae Woo , Lee Jeewon
Published: June 2018

Although protein nanoparticles (PNPs) (e.g., viral capsids) capable of delivering a broad range of drug agents have shown distinctive advantages over synthetic nanomaterials, PNPs have an intrinsic drawback that hampers their clinical application, that is, potential immunogenicity. Here, a novel method for resolving the immunogenicity problem of PNPs, which is based on the genetic presentation of albumin‐binding peptides (ABPs) on the surface of PNP, is reported. ABPs are inserted into the surface of a viral capsid (hepatitis B virus capsid/HBVC) while preserving the native self‐assembly function of HBVC. The ABPs effectively gather human serum albumins around HBVC and significantly reduce both inflammatory response and immunoglobulin titer in live mice compared to ABP‐free HBVC. Furthermore, ABP‐conjugated HBVCs remain within tumors for a longer period than HBVCs conjugated to tumor cell receptor‐bindingpeptides, indicating that the ABPs are also capable of enhancing tumor‐targeting performance. Although applied to HBVC for proof of concept, this novel approach may provide a general platform for resolving immunogenicity and cancer‐targeting problems of PNPs, which enables the development of a variety of PNP‐based drug delivery carriers with high safety and efficacy.
Polyketide synthases as a platform for chemical product design
Authors: Zargar Amin , Barajas Jesus F. , Lal Ravi , Keasling Jay D.
Published: June 2018

To reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change, scientific efforts have sought to develop biofuels and bio‐based commodity chemicals as petrochemical replacements primarily for their environmental benefits. As the biological design space is far greater than chemical synthesis, there has been a drive to leverage this ability to create and replace fine and specialty chemicals. While polyketide synthases have traditionally been studied for their biosynthesis of pharmaceutical chemicals, the unique advantages of engineering polyketide synthases for the production of biofuels, commodity chemicals, and both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical fine and specialty chemicals are discussed. With our increased understanding of polyketide biosynthetic logic, new computational tools for prospective polyketide synthesis pathways for the creation of existing and novel biochemicals are also outlined. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 4201–4207, 2018
Effect of a vegetarian diet on the treatment efficacy of peginterferon plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liao Kuan‐Fu , Tsai Sung‐Mao , Ma Chia‐Liang , Kuo Yu‐Hung , Chen Wen‐Chi , Chuang Hsun‐Yang , Lai Shih‐Wei
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to compare the treatment efficacy of peginterferon plus ribavirin on vegetarian vs omnivorous (nonvegetarian) patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Two hundred and fifty‐four hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremic patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, who received peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy were included in this study. Sixty‐one patients (24.0%) were vegetarians and 193 patients (76.0%) were omnivores. We analyzed the sustained virological response (SVR) and compared the data between the two treatment groups using a logistic‐regression model. Other possible confounding factors such as age, gender, body mass index, HCV genotype, pretreatment ALT levels and HCV viral count, type of peginterferon used, and status of cirrhosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus were also included in the analysis. SVR was demonstrated in 77% of the vegetarian cohort (47 out of 61 patients) and 76.2% of the omnivorous cohort (147 out of 193 patients). In the multivariate logistic‐regression analysis, we found that a vegetarian diet was not associated with an increased protection against an SVR (odds ratio [OR] 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61‐2.99). HCV genotype 1b (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27‐0.98), ALT level (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00‐1.01), cirrhotic (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.08‐0.49), and diabetic (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.08‐0.64) at pretreatment baseline were significantly associated with a clinical SVR. A vegetarian diet exerts no influence on the treatment efficacy of peginterferon plus ribavirin cotherapy among patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.
Sigmoid colonic endometriosis mimicking colon cancer: A case report
Authors: Lin Tsung‐Jung , Chang Ting‐An , Ting Chin‐Tsung , Lin Chih‐Lin , Chen Kuan‐Yang
Published: June 2018

Endometriosis is common in women of reproductive age, which can involve the intestinal tract. However, large bowel obstruction is an extremely rare complication of colonic endometriosis. In this article, we present a case of intestinal endometriosis with the symptom of rectal bleeding in the menstrual period for 1 year. Colonoscopy showed a semicircular tumor with luminal narrowing at rectosigmoid junction. The pathology of biopsy specimen revealed endometrial glands by repeated check after reviewing the patient's history. Surgical resection was performed because of luminal stricture. Intestinal endometriosis should always be kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in reproductive‐aged female patients who have symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain in the menstrual period.
Using radiofrequency ablation for conventional endoscopic treatment refractory bleeding from radiation proctitis: A single center cohort
Authors: Chou Chu‐Kuang , Hsieh Ping‐Hsin , Chen Chi‐Yi , Chen Sheng‐Hsuan
Published: June 2018

The treatment of bleeding in patients with radiation proctitis is clinically challenging, with no effective management strategy currently available for controlling bleeding refractory to conventional medications and endoscopic hemostatic tools. Bleeding has been controlled in a small number of patients using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in western countries. However, there is limited experience with RFA treatment in Asia. Therefore, the aim of our study was to report on our treatment of refractory bleeding in three patients with radiation proctitis using RFA. All three patients in our case series were referred to Chia‐yi Christian Hospital for RFA treatment. Patients' medical records were reviewed to confirm persistent bleeding after treatment with medical and conventional endoscopy. A pre‐RFA colonoscopy was performed to confirm the severity of radiation proctitis and to exclude other causes of bleeding. RFA was performed using a Halo90 system, with an energy setting of 12 J/cm2, applied twice to every area of bleeding on the mucosa per treatment session. All patients received one RFA session, with follow‐up treatment as needed. Clinical symptoms, diarrhea, bleeding, tenesmus, and transfusion dependence were recorded. Our study included one patient with uterine cancer and two patients with prostate cancer, with all patients having severe symptoms of radiation proctitis, with more than six bloody stool passages per day and all were transfusion‐dependent. All patients had failed to respond to medication treatment and endoscopic argon plasma coagulation. Two patients had also undergone hyperbaric oxygen treatment prior to RFA, with no response. At the time of RFA treatment, bleeding had persisted for eight, six, and four months among the three patients. Overt and persistent bleeding from the telangiectasia was identified by colonoscopy in all three patients. Post‐RFA treatment, complete or near‐complete control of the bleeding was obtained during the follow‐up period, with no patients requiring further transfusion. No RFA‐associated complications were noted, including stricture or perforation. RFA can safely and effectively be used to control bleeding from radiation proctitis that has been refractory to conventional endoscopic hemostatic tools. Further accumulation of more evidence is warranted.
Repeat Module‐Based Rational Design of a Photoswitchable Protein for Light‐Driven Control of Biological Processes
Authors: Heu Woosung , Choi Jung Min , Kyeong Hyun‐Ho , Choi Yoonjoo , Kim Hee Yeon , Kim Hak‐Sung
Published: June 2018

Light‐driven control of biological processes using photoswitchable proteins allows high spatiotemporal interrogation or manipulation of such processes, assisting in understanding their functions. Despite considerable advances, however, the wide spread use of optical control has been hampered by a limited repertoire of photoswitchable proteins and a lack of generalized design strategy. Herein, we present a repeat module‐based rational design of a photoswitchable protein composed of LRR (Leucine‐rich repeat) modules using azobenzene as a photochromic ligand. Our design approach involves the rational selection of a Cβ pair between two nearby modules within a convex region and subsequent cross‐linking with a photochromic ligand. We demonstrate the general utility and potential of our strategy by showing the design of three target‐specific photoswitchable proteins and a light‐driven modulation of the cell signaling. With an abundance of LRR proteins in nature, our approach can expand the repertoire of photoswitchable proteins for light‐driven control of biological processes.
Extra‐Framework Aluminum‐Assisted Initial C−C Bond Formation in Methanol‐to‐Olefins Conversion on Zeolite H‐ZSM‐5
Authors: Wang Chao , Chu Yueying , Xu Jun , Wang Qiang , Qi Guodong , Gao Pan , Zhou Xue , Deng Feng
Published: June 2018

Surface methoxy species bound to an extra‐framework Al (SMS‐EFAL) was unambiguously identified by advanced 13C‐{27Al} double‐resonance solid‐state NMR technique in the methanol‐to‐olefins reaction on H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite. The high reactivity of the SMS‐EFAL leads to the formation of surface ethoxy species and ethanol as the key intermediates for ethene generation in the early reaction stage. A direct route for the initial C−C bond formation in ethene was proposed and corroborated by density functional theory calculations.
Carborane‐Induced Excimer Emission of Severely Twisted Bis‐o‐Carboranyl Chrysene
Authors: Marsh Adam V. , Cheetham Nathan J. , Little Mark , Dyson Matthew , White Andrew J. P. , Beavis Peter , Warriner Colin N. , Swain Anthony C. , Stavrinou Paul N. , Heeney Martin
Published: June 2018

The synthesis of a highly twisted chrysene derivative incorporating two electron deficient o‐carboranyl groups is reported. The molecule exhibits a complex, excitation‐dependent photoluminescence, including aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) with good quantum efficiency and an exceptionally long singlet excited state lifetime. Through a combination of detailed optical studies and theoretical calculations, the excited state species are identified, including an unusual excimer induced by the presence of o‐carborane. This is the first time that o‐carborane has been shown to induce excimer formation ab initio, as well as the first observation of excimer emission by a chrysene‐based small molecule in solution. Bis‐o‐carboranyl chrysene is thus an initial member of a new family of o‐carboranyl phenacenes exhibiting a novel architecture for highly‐efficient multi‐luminescent fluorophores.
Nickel Doping in Atomically Thin Tin Disulfide Nanosheets Enables Highly Efficient CO2 Reduction
Authors: Zhang An , He Rong , Li Huiping , Chen Yijun , Kong Taoyi , Li Kan , Ju Huanxin , Zhu Junfa , Zhu Wenguang , Zeng Jie
Published: June 2018

Engineering electronic properties by elemental doping is a direct strategy to design efficient catalysts towards CO2 electroreduction. Atomically thin SnS2 nanosheets were modified by Ni doping for efficient electroreduction of CO2. The introduction of Ni into SnS2 nanosheets significantly enhanced the current density and Faradaic efficiency for carbonaceous product relative to pristine SnS2 nanosheets. When the Ni content was 5 atm %, the Ni‐doped SnS2 nanosheets achieved a remarkable Faradaic efficiency of 93 % for carbonaceous product with a current density of 19.6 mA cm−2 at −0.9 V vs. RHE. A mechanistic study revealed that the Ni doping gave rise to a defect level and lowered the work function of SnS2 nanosheets, resulting in the promoted CO2 activation and thus improved performance in CO2 electroreduction.
Identification of pyrazolopyridine derivatives as novel spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Huang Yahui , Li Yu , Dong Guoqiang , Zhang Wannian , Liu Na , Sheng Chunquan
Published: June 2018

Inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is a promising strategy for the treatment of various allergic and autoimmune disorders such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergic rhinitis. Previously, a Syk inhibitor with novel indazole scaffold was discovered by structure‐based virtual screening. Herein, the structure–activity relationship of the indazole Syk inhibitors was investigated. Several new inhibitors demonstrated potent activity against Syk. In particular, compound 18c showed good Syk inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.2 µM), representing a good lead compound for further optimization.
Application of virtual laboratories and molecular simulations in teaching nanoengineering to undergraduate students
Authors: Kilani Mohamed , Torabi Korosh , Mao Guangzhao
Published: June 2018

We address the challenges in teaching nanoengineering to undergraduates by applying computational tools to aid student learning. Virtual labs have been developed for the nanoparticle synthesis and characterization while a second lab module has been developed to study ‐helical protein structures and their tensile mechanics based on online molecular simulations.
A mobile app for teaching formal languages and automata
Authors: Pereira Carlos H. , Terra Ricardo
Published: June 2018

Formal Languages and Automata (FLA) address mathematical models able to specify and recognize languages, their properties and characteristics. Although solid knowledge of FLA is extremely important for a B.Sc. degree in Computer Science and similar fields, the algorithms and techniques covered in the course are complex and difficult to assimilate. Therefore, this article presents FLApp, a mobile application—which we consider the new way to reach students—for teaching FLA. The application—developed for mobile phones and tablets running Android—provides students not only with answers to problems involving Regular, Context‐free, Context‐Sensitive, and Recursively Enumerable Languages, but also an Educational environment that describes and illustrates each step of the algorithms to support students in the learning process.
Applying social networks to engineering education
Authors: Doğan Buket , Demir Önder , Ülkü Eyüp E.
Published: June 2018

Social networking sites (SNSs) are a popular Internet‐based means for users to communicate and interact with each other. Although they have caught the attention of many researchers and are already being used as educational tools, very few studies have investigated the effects of using an SNS in engineering education. This study, therefore, aims to analyze the effects of using the Edmodo platform as a teaching and learning support tool on students’ academic and practical performance in the Introduction to Information Technology and Algorithms course, as well as in the Computer Programming course they took in the following semester. It also considers the students’ opinions about the Edmodo system. For this study, a total of 62 students studying in the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department during the 2016–2017 fall semester were divided into two equally sized groups. The control group underwent a traditional face‐to‐face education, whereas the experimental group augmented this using the Edmodo system. A mixed‐methods approach with a post‐test‐only control group design was used: quantitative data were obtained from student tests, together with qualitative data from follow‐up interviews. The students’ grades were analyzed using Student's t‐test and correlation analysis, showing that the experimental group performed better in their academic and laboratory assessments and that there was a moderately positive relationship between the post‐test results and performance in the subsequent Computer Programming course.
From computer edit geometric design education to virtual worlds: Advantages and pitfalls of Computer‐Based Education
Authors: Kolmanič Simon , Kohek Štefan , Žalik Borut
Published: June 2018

Nowadays, computers are an integral part of the education process in many fields and levels. Although numerous research has been done on Computer‐Based Education (CBE), there are still open questions that have to be answered. Authors have faced some of those important questions over the years while developing the teaching applications from various areas. In this paper, those questions are presented, while the authors' approaches and obtained results offer some answers to those questions. The paper identifies the areas where special attention is needed in order to preserve the effectiveness of the applications in the teaching process. Practical examples of their work are used to demonstrate how the integration level of computers in the teaching process and teaching goals, along with other factors, can affect the effectiveness of teaching applications. With the comparison of the findings with other authors, some crude guidelines are given on how to achieve the best teaching results.
PI‐based implementation for modeling and simulation of the continuous‐time LTI system and its Matlab‐Simulink‐based application
Authors: Yang Zong‐Chang
Published: June 2018

The continuous‐time “linear time‐invariant” (LTI) system supplies a wide variety of process solutions in science and engineering. It is one of the most fundamental concepts in scientific and engineering education. This article addresses the so‐called PI‐based implementation for modeling and simulation of the continuous‐time LTI system. The PI‐based implementation refers to using “proportional and integral” (PI) elements as well as other basic elements to build and simulate one circuit for the LTI system. In the classical teaching, its simulation implementation usually employs the signal‐flow‐graph approach which is somewhat complicated due to its complex mathematical derivations or other methods in the S‐transform domain. From the perspective of time‐domain analysis, this article introduces one principle of superposition in the time domain for equivalently describing the LTI system. Then by applying the principle, this article presents a straightforward implementation method in the time domain for the PI‐based modeling and simulation of the LTI system. Moreover, compared to its physical implementation, the computer‐based simulation (CBS) provides an extended flexible and graphical approach. Finally, the PI‐based straightforward implementation method in the time domain for modeling and simulation of the LTI system is applied in the Matlab‐Simulink environment. Simulation results and extended applications show workability and potentiality of the presented PI‐based implement method for teaching and study on analysis of the LTI system. The proposed methodology is integrated into a basic course of “signals and systems” for undergraduate students at Hunan University of Science and Technology, China. It may be useful for electronic and electrical engineering studies.