bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional effect of three microalgae and one cyanobacteria on the culture of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis Müller: 1786
Authors: Ruedas-Jasso RA
Published: October 2017

Three microalgae and one dehydrated cyanobacteria were tested to determine the best concen­tration and the best food for the culture of a local strain of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis type L. The observations were: density of rotifers, fecundity and biochemical analyses (carbohydrates, proteins and total lipids). Of the food tested, Nannochloris sp., with a density of 25 × 106 cells.ml–1, produced the best yields and fecundities in the rotifer culture, followed by Nannochloropsis sp. at 25 x 106 cells.ml–1, Chlorella sp. at 35 × 106 cells. ml–1 and, finally, dried Spirulina sp. with densities of 0.67 and 0.9 g per 1.5-l volume (fecundity and density, respectively). According to the biochemical analyses, the best food was Chiarella sp., followed by Nannochloropsis sp., Nannochloris sp. and dried Spirulina sp. It is concluded that Nannochloropsis sp. and Nannochloris sp., at a concentration of 25 × 106 cells. ml–1, are suitable feeds for the culture of B. plicatilis.
Systematic list of the fishes from Cerralvo Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Galván-Magaña F , Abitia-Cárdenas LA , Rodríguez-Romero J , Pérez-España H , Chávez-Ramos H
Published: October 2017

The first check-list of fishes from Cerralvo Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico, is reported here. A total of 174 species, belonging to 132 genera and 70 families were registered. This list includes species collected and observed in the area between 1990 and 1993, as well as species previously reported in the literature between 1944 and 1993. Cerralvo Island has 77 species from the Panamic Province, 52 with a wide distribution in the eastern Pacific, 14 from the Mexican Province, 12 from the California Province, 5 species endemic of the Gulf of California and 14 species with Indo-Paciflc aftinity, including Gymnomuraena zebra, Heteropriacanthus cruentatus, Thalasoma grammaticum, Acanthurus triostegus, Scarus ghobban, Scarus rubroviolaceus, Zanclus cornutus, Arothron meleagris, Lutjanus viridis, Ostracion meleagris and Chaetodon falcifer.
Temporal and spatial variations in the structure of the rocky reef fish community of the southwest Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Pérez-España H , Galván-Magaña F , Abitia-Cárdenas LA
Published: October 2017

Many rocky reefs exist in the Gulf of California; however, there are few studies on the fish communities that inhabit them. In the present work, these communities are evaluated through visual censuses at four sites of the southwestem coast of the gulf. The specifíc richness, frequency, evenness and diversity were analyzed at each site. Seasonal changes and differences among the sites studied were also analyzed. A total of 76 species was registered. Five species were the most abundant in most of the zones and during the greater part of the study: Stegastes spp., Thalassoma lucasanum, Abudefduf troschelii, Chromis atrilobata and Haemulon maculicauda. Only the first three species were present in all censuses made. Differences were found in the structure of the communities between different seasons and between study sites; however, the diversity values had no significant differences. The zone with the greatest number of species was Cueva de León. A positive relationship was found between specific richness and temperature.
A Case of Corrosive Esophagitis in Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Endo Shunji , Hirayama Ryoko , Van Nang Tran , Umeno Yasuyo , Otani Aiko , Komori Hiroe , Kawaguchi Yoshiko , Iwasaki Ayako , Akkharath Kittiphanh , Akita Mamoru , Ishida Kentaro , Yoshioka Hideto
Published: October 2017

Introduction:

Corrosive esophagitis is often caused by the intake of alkaline or acidic substances. Esophageal stenosis is the most important late complication of corrosive esophagitis. In Laos, where Western medical care is available in few locations, treatment for esophageal stenosis is challenging. We report on a patient who was treated in Laos.

Case Presentation:

In Laos, an 18-year-old woman attempted to commit suicide by drinking an acidic detergent. Sixteen months later, she consulted a district hospital in Laos, which is supported by a Japanese nonprofit organization, with a chief complaint of dysphagia. An upper gastrointestinal series demonstrated severe stenosis of her thoracic esophagus. She underwent open laparotomy for gastrostomy with a urinary catheter to improve her nutritionally poor condition; the operation was performed by a Japanese surgeon with Lao medical staff. Through the gastrostomy, she injected liquid food by herself. Gradually she became unable even to drink water. Because we could not obtain any devices for esophageal dilatation in Laos, balloon dilatation catheters were donated from Japan. Twenty-three months after the injury, the endoscopic balloon dilatation for esophageal stenosis was performed by a Japanese physician, who also taught local physicians how to use the device. The patient's esophagus was as narrow as a pinhole at 20 cm from the incisors. Repeated balloon dilatation by local physicians enabled her to consume solid food orally.

Conclusion:

Corrosive esophagitis combined with stenosis is often difficult to treat. The Lao patient was successfully treated by a combination of local and foreign medical staff.
Kinetoplastid membrane protein‐11 adopts a four‐helix bundle fold in DPC micelle
Authors: Lim Liang Zhong , Ee Shermaine , Fu Jing , Tan Yanming , He Cynthia Y. , Song Jianxing
Published: October 2017

Kinetoplastid membrane protein‐11 (KMP11) is a membrane‐associated surface protein of kinetoplastids, which has a strong antigenicity but no mammalian homolog, thus representing a promising vaccine candidate. Here, by CD and NMR, we revealed that in buffer, KMP11 assumes a highly helical conformation without stable tertiary packing. Remarkably, upon interacting with dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelle, despite minor changes in secondary structures, KMP11 undergoes rearrangements to form a defined structure. We found that its three‐dimensional structure unexpectedly adopts the classic four‐helix bundle fold. The surface constituted by the N‐/C‐termini and conserved loop was characterized to dynamically interact with the polar phase of DPC micelle. Our results provide a structural basis for understanding KMP11 functions and further offer a promising avenue for engineering better vaccines.

Database

The structure coordinate of KMP11 in DPC micelle has been deposited in PDB with ID of 5Y70 and the associated NMR data were deposited in BMRB with ID of 36112
Transport of Riverine Material From Multiple Rivers in the Chesapeake Bay: Important Control of Estuarine Circulation on the Material Distribution
Authors: Du Jiabi , Shen Jian
Published: October 2017

Driven by estuarine circulation, material released from lower Chesapeake Bay tributaries has the potential to be transported to the upper Bay. How far and what fraction of the material from tributaries can be carried to the upper estuary have not been quantitatively investigated. For an estuary system with multiple tributaries, the relative contribution from each tributary can provide valuable information for source assessment and fate prediction for riverine materials and passive moving organisms. We conducted long‐term numerical simulations using multiple passive tracers that are independently released in the headwater of five main rivers (i.e., Susquehanna, Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James Rivers) and calculated the relative contribution of each river to the total material in the mainstem. The results show that discharge from Susquehanna River exerts the dominant control on the riverine material throughout the entire mainstem. Despite the smaller contribution from the lower‐middle Bay tributaries to the total materials in the mainstem, materials released from these rivers have a high potential to be transported to the middle‐upper Bay through the bottom inflow by the persistent estuarine circulation. The fraction of the tributary material transported to the upper Bay depends on the location of the tributary. Materials released near the mouth are subject to a rapid flushing process, small retention time, and strong shelf current. Our results reveal three distinct spatial patterns for materials released from the main river, tributary, and coastal oceans. This study highlights the important control of estuarine circulation over horizontal and vertical distributions of materials in the mainstem.
Structure and Dissipation Characteristics of an Electron Diffusion Region Observed by MMS During a Rapid, Normal‐Incidence Magnetopause Crossing
Authors: Torbert R. B. , Burch J. L. , Argall M. R. , Alm L. , Farrugia C. J. , Forbes T. G. , Giles B. L. , Rager A. , Dorelli J. , Strangeway R. J. , Ergun R. E. , Wilder F. D. , Ahmadi N. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Khotyaintsev Y.
Published: October 2017

On 22 October 2016, the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft encountered the electron diffusion region (EDR) when the magnetosheath field was southward, and there were signatures of fast reconnection, including flow jets, Hall fields, and large power dissipation. One rapid, normal‐incidence crossing, during which the EDR structure was almost stationary in the boundary frame, provided an opportunity to observe the spatial structure for the zero guide field case of magnetic reconnection. The reconnection electric field was determined unambiguously to be 2–3 mV/m. There were clear signals of fluctuating parallel electric fields, up to 6 mV/m on the magnetosphere side of the diffusion region, associated with a Hall‐like parallel current feature on the electron scale. The width of the main EDR structure was determined to be ~2 km (1.8 de). Although the MMS spacecraft were in their closest tetrahedral separation of ~8 km, the divergences and curls for these thin current structures could therefore not be computed in the usual manner. A method is developed to determine these quantities on a much smaller scale and applied to compute the normal component of terms in the generalized Ohm's law for the positions of each individual spacecraft (not a barocentric average). Although the gradient pressure term has a qualitative dependence that follows the observed variation of E + Ve × B, the quantitative magnitude of these terms differs by more than a factor of 2, which is shown to be greater than the respective errors. Thus, future research is required to find the manner in which Ohm's law is balanced.
The Storm Time Evolution of the Ionospheric Disturbance Plasma Drifts
Authors: Zhang Ruilong , Liu Libo , Le Huijun , Chen Yiding , Kuai Jiawei
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we use the C/NOFS and ROCSAT‐1 satellites observations to analyze the storm time evolution of the disturbance plasma drifts in a 24 h local time scale during three magnetic storms driven by long‐lasting southward IMF Bz. The disturbance plasma drifts during the three storms present some common features in the periods dominated by the disturbance dynamo. The newly formed disturbance plasma drifts are upward and westward at night, and downward and eastward during daytime. Further, the disturbance plasma drifts are gradually evolved to present significant local time shifts. The westward disturbance plasma drifts gradually migrate from nightside to dayside. Meanwhile, the dayside downward disturbance plasma drifts become enhanced and shift to later local time. The local time shifts in disturbance plasma drifts are suggested to be mainly attributed to the evolution of the disturbance winds. The strong disturbance winds arisen around midnight can constantly corotate to later local time. At dayside the westward and equatorward disturbance winds can drive the F region dynamo to produce the poleward and westward polarization electric fields (or the westward and downward disturbance drifts). The present results indicate that the disturbance winds corotated to later local time can affect the local time features of the disturbance dynamo electric field.
An Experimental Investigation of Kinetic Fractionation of Open‐Water Evaporation Over a Large Lake
Authors: Xiao Wei , Lee Xuhui , Hu Yongbo , Liu Shoudong , Wang Wei , Wen Xuefa , Werner Martin , Xie Chengyu
Published: October 2017

The oxygen isotopes of water (H218O and H216O) are tracers widely used for the investigation of Earth science problems. The tracer applications are based on the premise that the 18O/16O ratio of open‐water evaporation (δ18OE) can be calculated from environmental conditions. A long‐standing issue concerns the role of kinetic fractionation, or diffusion transport, in the evaporation process. Here we deployed an optical instrument at a large lake (area 2,400 km2) to make in situ measurement of δ18O and δD of atmospheric vapor, then determined δ18O and δD of open‐water evaporation using the gradient‐diffusion method. Our results show a much weaker kinetic effect than suggested by the kinetic factor εk adopted in some previous studies of lake hydrology (14.2‰). By incorporating into the H218O isotopic mass balance of the lake a lower εk value (about 6.2‰) used for ocean evaporation in global climate models, we obtain an annual lake evaporation rate that agrees with an independent eddy‐covariance observation, but the rate is 72% higher than if the commonly used lake εk value of 14.2‰ is applied. The applicability of this results to small lakes is uncertain and in need of field‐based assessment.
Decreased Soil Cation Exchange Capacity Across Northern China's Grasslands Over the Last Three Decades
Authors: Fang Kai , Kou Dan , Wang Guanqin , Chen Leiyi , Ding Jinzhi , Li Fei , Yang Guibiao , Qin Shuqi , Liu Li , Zhang Qiwen , Yang Yuanhe
Published: October 2017

Cation exchange capacity (CEC) helps soils hold nutrients and buffer pH, making it vital for maintaining basic function of terrestrial ecosystems. However, little is known about the temporal dynamics of CEC over broad geographical scales. In this study, we used random forest method to compare historical CEC data from the 1980s with new data from the 2010s across northern China's grasslands. We found that topsoil CEC in the 2010s was significantly lower than in the 1980s, with an overall decline of about 14%. Topsoil CEC decreased significantly in alpine meadow, alpine steppe, meadow steppe, and typical steppe by 11%, 20%, 27%, and 9%, respectively. Desert steppe was the only ecosystem type that experienced no significant change. CEC was positively related to soil carbon content, silt content, and mean annual precipitation, suggesting that the decline was potentially associated with soil organic carbon loss, soil degradation, soil acidification, and extreme precipitation across northern China's grasslands since the 1980s. Overall, our results demonstrate topsoil CEC loss due to environmental changes, which may alter the vegetation community composition and its productivity and thus trigger grassland dynamics under a changing environment.
Temporal Dynamics in the Concentration, Flux, and Optical Properties of Tree‐Derived Dissolved Organic Matter in an Epiphyte‐Laden Oak‐Cedar Forest
Authors: Van Stan John T. , Wagner Sasha , Guillemette François , Whitetree Ansley , Lewis Julius , Silva Leticia , Stubbins Aron
Published: October 2017

Studies on the fate and transport of dissolved organic matter (DOM) along the rainfall‐to‐discharge flow pathway typically begin in streams or soils, neglecting the initial enrichment of rainfall with DOM during contact with plant canopies. However, rain water can gather significant amounts of tree‐derived DOM (tree‐DOM) when it drains from the canopy, as throughfall, and down the stem, as stemflow. We examined the temporal variability of event‐scale tree‐DOM concentrations, yield, and optical (light absorbance and fluorescence) characteristics from an epiphyte‐laden Quercus virginiana‐Juniperus virginiana forest on Skidaway Island, Savannah, Georgia (USA). All tree‐DOM fluxes were highly enriched in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) compared to rainfall, and epiphytes further increased concentrations. Stemflow DOC concentrations were greater than throughfall across study species, yet larger throughfall water yields produced greater DOC yields versus stemflow. Tree‐DOM optical characteristics indicate it is aromatic‐rich with fluorescent DOM dominated by humic‐like fluorescence, containing 10–20% protein‐like (tryptophan‐like) fluorescence. Storm size was the only storm condition that strongly correlated with tree‐DOM concentration and flux; however, throughfall and stemflow optical characteristics varied little across a wide range of storm conditions (from low magnitude events to intense tropical storms). Annual tree‐DOM yields from the study forest (0.8–46 g C m−2 yr−1) were similar to other yields from discrete down‐gradient fluxes (litter leachates, soil leachates, and stream discharge) along the rainfall‐to‐discharge flow path.
A Comparison of Peak Electric Fields and GICs in the Pacific Northwest Using 1‐D and 3‐D Conductivity
Authors: Gannon J. L. , Birchfield A. B. , Shetye K. S. , Overbye T. J.
Published: October 2017

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) are a result of the changing magnetic fields during a geomagnetic disturbance interacting with the deep conductivity structures of the Earth. When assessing GIC hazard, it is a common practice to use layer‐cake or one‐dimensional conductivity models to approximate deep Earth conductivity. In this paper, we calculate the electric field and estimate GICs induced in the long lines of a realistic system model of the Pacific Northwest, using the traditional 1‐D models, as well as 3‐D models represented by Earthscope's Electromagnetic transfer functions. The results show that the peak electric field during a given event has considerable variation across the analysis region in the Pacific Northwest, but the 1‐D physiographic approximations may accurately represent the average response of an area, although corrections are needed. Rotations caused by real deep Earth conductivity structures greatly affect the direction of the induced electric field. This effect may be just as, or more, important than peak intensity when estimating GICs induced in long bulk power system lines.
Scaling Dissolved Nutrient Removal in River Networks: A Comparative Modeling Investigation
Authors: Ye Sheng , Reisinger Alexander J. , Tank Jennifer L. , Baker Michelle A. , Hall Robert O. , Rosi Emma J. , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: October 2017

Along the river network, water, sediment, and nutrients are transported, cycled, and altered by coupled hydrological and biogeochemical processes. Our current understanding of the rates and processes controlling the cycling and removal of dissolved inorganic nutrients in river networks is limited due to a lack of empirical measurements in large, (nonwadeable), rivers. The goal of this paper was to develop a coupled hydrological and biogeochemical process model to simulate nutrient uptake at the network scale during summer base flow conditions. The model was parameterized with literature values from headwater streams, and empirical measurements made in 15 rivers with varying hydrological, biological, and topographic characteristics, to simulate nutrient uptake at the network scale. We applied the coupled model to 15 catchments describing patterns in uptake for three different solutes to determine the role of rivers in network‐scale nutrient cycling. Model simulation results, constrained by empirical data, suggested that rivers contributed proportionally more to nutrient removal than headwater streams given the fraction of their length represented in a network. In addition, variability of nutrient removal patterns among catchments was varied among solutes, and as expected, was influenced by nutrient concentration and discharge. Net ammonium uptake was not significantly correlated with any environmental descriptor. In contrast, net daily nitrate removal was linked to suspended chlorophyll a (an indicator of primary producers) and land use characteristics. Finally, suspended sediment characteristics and agricultural land use were correlated with net daily removal of soluble reactive phosphorus, likely reflecting abiotic sorption dynamics. Rivers are understudied relative to streams, and our model suggests that rivers can contribute more to network‐scale nutrient removal than would be expected based upon their representative fraction of network channel length.
Fractional Models Simulating Non‐Fickian Behavior in Four‐Stage Single‐Well Push‐Pull Tests
Authors: Chen Kewei , Zhan Hongbin , Yang Qiang
Published: October 2017

Four‐stage single‐well push‐pull (SWPP) tracer tests, including injection, chasing, resting, and pumping, were conducted in a fractured aquifer at Newark basin. An anomalous transport phenomenon observed in the SWPP tests is the linear decline of breakthrough curves (BTCs) at late time with slope of −1.8 in log‐log plots. A time‐dependent fractional model is developed to interpret the anomalous transport behavior. This model considers a time‐dependent power law memory function and a time‐dependent fractional advection‐dispersion operator. The fractional advection‐dispersion equations (fADE) are solved in a radial coordinate system using the implicit Euler method. A semi‐analytical solution of the first‐order rate‐limited mobile‐immobile model (FORMIM) is derived for comparison. It is found that both the nonlocal transport in time and space can produce the long‐tailed BTC. A smaller time‐fractional or space‐fractional index leads to a lower peak concentration and a larger late‐time slope. The mass distribution of the fractional‐in‐space (FS) model exhibits power law decline at the leading plume edge. Early breakthrough during pumping is not observed because the mobile mass at the start of pumping is nonzero and more concentrated near the wellbore. The capacity ratio is an important factor that affects the peak concentration. A larger capacity ratio leads to greater peak concentration. A smaller time‐fractional index in the injection, chasing, or resting stage will move the BTC downward and the slope of the late time BTC is determined by the space‐fractional index over all stages and the time‐fractional index in the pumping stage. The capability of the existing models to recover the BTC of the SWPP test is discussed and some guidelines for how to choose the appropriate model to interpret the SWPP test data are proposed.
Verification of junction dose between VMAT arcs of total body irradiation using a Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK phantom
Authors: Morrison Colm T. , Symons Kirsty L. , Woodings Simon J. , House Michael J.
Published: October 2017

A volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) approach to total body irradiation (TBI) has recently been introduced at our institution. The planning target volume (PTV) is divided into separate sub‐volumes, each being treated with 2 arcs with their own isocentre. Pre‐treatment quality assurance of beams is performed on a Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK diode array. Measurement of junction regions between VMAT arcs with separate isocentres has previously been performed with point dose ionization chamber measurements, or with films. Translations of the ArcCHECK with respect to a known distance between the adjacent isocentres of two arcs, which are repeated with the ArcCHECK in an inverted position, allows the recording of a junction dose map. A 3%/3 mm global gamma analysis (10% threshold) pass rate for arc junctions were comparable to their component arcs. Dose maps of junction regions between adjacent arcs with different isocentres can be readily measured on a Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK diode array.
Time‐resolved diode dosimetry calibration through Monte Carlo modeling for in vivo passive scattered proton therapy range verification
Authors: Toltz Allison , Hoesl Michaela , Schuemann Jan , Seuntjens Jan , Lu Hsiao‐Ming , Paganetti Harald
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Our group previously introduced an in vivo proton range verification methodology in which a silicon diode array system is used to correlate the dose rate profile per range modulation wheel cycle of the detector signal to the water‐equivalent path length (WEPL) for passively scattered proton beam delivery. The implementation of this system requires a set of calibration data to establish a beam‐specific response to WEPL fit for the selected ‘scout’ beam (a 1 cm overshoot of the predicted detector depth with a dose of 4 cGy) in water‐equivalent plastic. This necessitates a separate set of measurements for every ‘scout’ beam that may be appropriate to the clinical case. The current study demonstrates the use of Monte Carlo simulations for calibration of the time‐resolved diode dosimetry technique.

Methods

Measurements for three ‘scout’ beams were compared against simulated detector response with Monte Carlo methods using the Tool for Particle Simulation (TOPAS). The ‘scout’ beams were then applied in the simulation environment to simulated water‐equivalent plastic, a CT of water‐equivalent plastic, and a patient CT data set to assess uncertainty.

Results

Simulated detector response in water‐equivalent plastic was validated against measurements for ‘scout’ spread out Bragg peaks of range 10 cm, 15 cm, and 21 cm (168 MeV, 177 MeV, and 210 MeV) to within 3.4 mm for all beams, and to within 1 mm in the region where the detector is expected to lie.

Conclusion

Feasibility has been shown for performing the calibration of the detector response for three ‘scout’ beams through simulation for the time‐resolved diode dosimetry technique in passive scattered proton delivery.
Efficacy and safety of anti‐amyloid‐β immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Mo Jia‐Jie , Li Jin‐yu , Yang Zheng , Liu Zhou , Feng Jin‐Shan
Published: October 2017

To review the optimality and safety of different anti‐Amyloid‐β(Aβ) immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Published randomized controlled trials were comprehensively reviewed from electronic databases (Cochrane library, Embase, Pubmed, and Google scholar). Pooled outcomes as mean difference or odds ratio values with 95% confidence interval were reported. The network estimates with confidence and predictive intervals for all pairwise relative effects was evaluated. Optimal intervention was ranked by benefit‐risk ratio based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Eleven eligible RCTs from 9 literatures, including 5141 patients and 5 interventions were included. The quality of evidence was rated low in comparisons. For efficacy, in terms of Mini‐Mental State Examination, aducanumab and solanezumab are significantly effective than placebo. For safety, in terms of Amyloid‐Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA), bapineuzumab and aducanumab are significantly worse than placebo. There were no significant differences in outcomes of Alzheimer's disease Assessment Scale‐Cognitive subscale, Disability Assessment for Dementia, Adverse Events, and mortality. Given the clinical therapeutic effects of anti‐Aβ immunotherapies for AD, aducanumab and solanezumab improve the cognitive function, while aducanumab and bapineuzumab may increase the risks of ARIA.
Preparation of High‐Performance Ionogels with Excellent Transparency, Good Mechanical Strength, and High Conductivity
Authors: Ding Yi , Zhang Jiajing , Chang Li , Zhang Xiqi , Liu Hongliang , Jiang Lei
Published: October 2017

Ionogels offer great potential for diverse electric applications. However, it remains challenging to fabricate high‐performance ionogels with both good mechanical strength and high conductivity. Here, a new kind of transparent ionogel with both good mechanical strength and high conductivity is designed via locking a kind of free ionic liquid (IL), i.e., 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([EMIm][DCA]), into charged poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS)‐based double networks. On the one hand, the charged PAMPS double network provides good mechanical strength and excellent recovery property. On the other hand, the free [EMIm][DCA] locked in the charged double network through electrostatic interaction offers ionic conductivity as high as ≈1.7–2.4 S m−1 at 25 °C. It is demonstrated that the designed ionogel can be successfully used for a flexible skin sensor even under harsh conditions. Considering the rationally designed chemical structures of ILs and the diversity of charged polymer networks, it is envisioned that this strategy can be extended to a broad range of polymer systems. Moreover, functional components such as conducting polymers, 0D nanoparticles, 1D nanowires, and 2D nanosheets can be introduced into the polymer systems to fabricate diverse novel ionogels with unique functions. It is believed that this design principle will provide a new opportunity to construct next‐generation multifunctional ionogels.
Gold‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Cycloisomerization of 1,4‐Enyne Esters to 3,5‐Disubstituted Phenol Derivatives
Authors: Chen Cuili , Chen Xianxiao , Zhang Xiaoxiang , Wang Shifa , Rao Weidong , Chan Philip Wai Hong
Published: October 2017

A method to prepare synthetically important 3,5‐disubstituted phenol derivatives that relies on the sequential gold(I)‐catalyzed dehydrogenative cycloisomerization of 1,4‐enyne esters in the presence of 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) or N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) is described. The synthetic versatility of the methodology was exemplified by a gram‐scale reaction of one example, the ease to realize subsequent functional transformations of an adduct, and the application of the method to the synthesis of the bioactive molecule LUF5771.

magnified image
Surface State Mediated Interlayer Excitons in a 2D Nonlayered–Layered Semiconductor Heterojunction
Authors: Zhao Liyun , Wang Xuewen , Zhang Zhepeng , Yang Pengfei , Chen Jie , Chen Yanqi , Wang Hao , Shang Qiuyu , Zhang Yuyang , Zhang Yanfeng , Liu Xinfeng , Leng Jiancai , Liu Zheng , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2017

Van der Waals heterojunctions of 2D layered semiconductors and nonlayered technological important II–V semiconductors provide unprecedented opportunities to engineer exciton and carrier dynamics in 2D optoelectronic devices. However, fabrication of such artificial heterojunctions with type‐II band alignment structure and realization of interlayer excitons is challenging. Here, CdS–MoS2 type‐II heterojunctions vertically stacked with few layered MoS2 and ultrathin CdS film are reported. Steady‐state spectroscopy and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy are used to study exciton and carrier dynamics in these heterojunctions. The surface states of the ultrathin CdS film caused by dangling bonds mediate interlayer exciton emission located at 753 nm in a CdS–bilayer MoS2 heterojunction via charge transition between the MoS2 indirect band and the CdS valence band. As a contrast, the surface states of CdS impede the recombination of interlayer excitons in a CdS‐monolayer MoS2 heterojunction. These results are helpful for development of high‐performance ultrathin optoelectronic and energy devices including light emission diodes, solar cells, and photodetectors.
Separating the Bruce and Trivers‐Willard effects in theory and in human data
Authors: Catalano Ralph , Gemmill Alison , Casey Joan , Karasek Deborah , Stewart Holly , Saxton Katherine
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Theories of reproductive suppression predict that natural selection would conserve mechanisms that abort the gestation of offspring otherwise unlikely to thrive in prevailing environments. Research reports evidence among humans of at least two such mechanisms—the Trivers‐Willard and Bruce Effects. No literature, however, compares the mechanisms nor estimates their relative contribution to observed characteristics of human birth cohorts. We describe similarities and differences between the Trivers‐Willard and Bruce Effects and explore high quality historical data from Sweden to determine which mechanism better describes temporal variation in the ratio of males to females in birth cohorts.

Methods

We measure Trivers‐Willard exposures with the death rate among women of reproductive age. We measure Bruce exposures with the death rate among children. We use time‐series regression methods to estimate the relative contribution of the Trivers‐Willard and Bruce Effects to temporal variation in historical Swedish secondary sex ratio data.

Results

We find that the Bruce Effect appears to be a better predictor of the secondary sex ratio than does the Trivers‐Willard Effect.

Conclusions

Attempts to identify mechanisms by which reproductive suppression affects fetal loss and characteristics of human birth cohorts should consider the Bruce Effect as an alternative to the Trivers‐Willard Effect.
Synthesis of 2‐Cyclohexenone‐2‐carboxylate and 4‐Chloro‐2‐cyclohexenone‐2‐carboxylate Derivatives by Cyclization of Alkyne‐Tethered 1,3‐Ketoesters
Authors: Kaewsri Wilailak , Norseeda Krissada , Ruengsangtongkul Sureeporn , Chaisan Nattawadee , Thongsornkleeb Charnsak , Tummatorn Jumreang , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: October 2017

A method for the TfOH‐promoted (Tf=trifluoromethanesulfonyl) cyclization of alkyne‐tethered 1,3‐ketoesters to afford 2‐cyclohexenone‐2‐carboxylate derivatives has been developed. The procedure requires no transition‐metal reagent or catalyst and is practical to conduct under mild conditions. 2‐Cyclohexenone‐2‐carboxylate derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields without any evidence of decarboxylation. In addition, the approach can be easily adapted as a one‐pot sequential cyclization/chlorination protocol that selectively provides access to 4‐chloro‐2‐cyclohexenone‐2‐carboxylate derivatives in moderate to good yields.
Efficacy of nasal irrigation with 200 μg/mL amphotericin B after functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Jiang Rong‐San , Twu Chih‐Wen , Liang Kai‐Li
Published: October 2017

Background

Previous studies have shown controversial results of topical amphotericin B (AMB) nasal irrigation for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 200 μg/mL AMB nasal irrigation as an adjuvant therapy after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Methods

Patients with CRS who had received FESS for treatment were recruited and assigned to 1 of 2 groups at random at 1 month postsurgery. In the AMB group patients received nasal irrigation with 200 μg/mL of AMB for 2 months on a daily basis. In the control group normal saline irrigation was given instead. Before FESS and before and after nasal irrigation, patients’ sinonasal symptoms were assessed through a questionnaire that was a Taiwanese version of the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (TWSNOT‐22). In addition, patients received endoscopic examination, acoustic rhinometry, smell test, saccharine transit test, and bacterial cultures obtained from their middle meati.

Results

A total of 73 patients completed the study between December 2014 and January 2017. Among them, 37 received nasal irrigation with AMB solution, and 36 with saline. In the AMB group, scores of TWSNOT‐22 dropped significantly after irrigation compared with before (p = 0.005). In the control group, TWSNOT‐22 scores did not changed after irrigation (p = 0.451). However, there were no significant differences in TWSNOT‐22, endoscopic score, smell test, saccharine transit test, and bacterial culture rate after irrigation between 2 groups.

Conclusion

Our study showed that in post‐FESS care, nasal irrigation with 200 μg/mL of AMB did not provide additional benefit compared with saline irrigation.
A clinical predictive score for postoperative myasthenic crisis
Authors: Kanai Tetsuya , Uzawa Akiyuki , Sato Yasunori , Suzuki Shigeaki , Kawaguchi Naoki , Himuro Keiichi , Oda Fumiko , Ozawa Yukiko , Nakahara Jin , Suzuki Norihiro , Takahashi Yuko K. , Ishibashi Satoru , Yokota Takanori , Ogawa Takashi , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Hattori Nobutaka , Izaki Shoko , Oji Satoru , Nomura Kyoichi , Kaneko Juntaro , Nishiyama Kazutoshi , Yoshino Ichiro , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: October 2017

Objective

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mostly caused by autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor associated with thymus abnormalities. Thymectomy has been proven to be an efficacious treatment for patients with MG, but postoperative myasthenic crisis often occurs and is a major complication. We aimed to develop and validate a simple scoring system based on clinical characteristics in the preoperative status to predict the risk of postoperative myasthenic crisis.

Methods

We studied 393 patients with MG who underwent thymectomy at 6 tertiary centers in Japan (275 patients for derivation and 118 for validation). Clinical characteristics, such as gender, age at onset and operation, body mass index, disease duration, MG subtype, severity, symptoms, preoperative therapy, operative data, and laboratory data, were reviewed retrospectively. A multivariate logistic regression with LASSO penalties was used to determine the factors associated with postoperative myasthenic crisis, and a score was assigned. Finally, the predictive score was evaluated using bootstrapping technique in the derivation and validation groups.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression identified 3 clinical factors for predicting postoperative myasthenic crisis risk: (1) vital capacity < 80%, (2) disease duration < 3 months, and (3) bulbar symptoms immediately before thymectomy. The postoperative myasthenic crisis predictive score, ranging from 0 to 6 points, had areas under the curve of 0.84 (0.66–0.96) in the derivation group and 0.80 (0.62–0.95) in the validation group.

Interpretation

A simple scoring system based on 3 preoperative clinical characteristics can predict the possibility of postoperative myasthenic crisis. Ann Neurol 2017;82:841–849
Isolierung und Charakterisierung eines nicht‐starren Hexamethylbenzol‐SO2+‐Komplexes
Authors: Malischewski Moritz , Seppelt Konrad
Published: October 2017

Während unserer Arbeiten zur Synthese des pentagonal‐pyramidalen Hexamethylbenzol‐Dikations C6(CH3)62+ isolierten wir die bislang unbekannte Verbindung C6(CH3)6SO2+ (AsF6−)2 ausgehend von der Reaktion von Hexamethylbenzol mit einer Mischung von wasserfreiem HF, AsF5 und flüssigem SO2. Diese Verbindung kann als Komplex von bisher unbekanntem SO2+ mit Hexamethylbenzol aufgefasst werden. Hier berichten wir über die Synthese, Kristallstruktur und spektroskopische Charakterisierung.
Weiche elektrochemische Sonden zum Abbilden der Verteilung von Biomarkern und injizierten Nanomaterialien in tierischem und menschlichem Gewebe
Authors: Lin Tzu‐En , Lu Yu‐Jen , Sun Chia‐Liang , Pick Horst , Chen Jyh‐Ping , Lesch Andreas , Girault Hubert H.
Published: October 2017

Die Untersuchung von Biomarkern und injizierten theranostischen Nanomaterialien in Geweben und Organen spielt eine zentrale Rolle bei zahlreichen medizinischen Verfahren von der Krebsdiagnose bis hin zur Arzneimittelverabreichung. Zu diesem Zweck kann die elektrochemische Rastersondenmikroskopie hochaufgelöste Abbildungen der räumlichen Verteilung von wichtigen Biomolekülen ohne optische Interferenzen liefern. Wir haben weiche Mikroelektroden zum Abtasten großflächiger und dicker Gewebeschnitte und Organe, die in eine Elektrolytlösung eingetaucht sind, verwendet. Die Messung amperometrischer Ströme wurde durch den lokalen Fluss redoxaktiver Spezies ermöglicht, welche lokal und spezifisch durch Biomarker und Nanomaterialien in den Proben erzeugt wurden. Die biologischen Verteilungen von Graphenoxidnanostreifen in Mäuseleber, von prognostischen Proteinbiomarkern in menschlichem Hautkrebsgewebe und von redoxaktiven Proteinen in Mäuseherzen wurden separat abgebildet.
Controlling the Host–Guest Interaction Mode through a Redox Stimulus
Authors: Szalóki György , Croué Vincent , Carré Vincent , Aubriet Frédéric , Alévêque Olivier , Levillain Eric , Allain Magali , Aragó Juan , Ortí Enrique , Goeb Sébastien , Sallé Marc
Published: October 2017

A proof‐of‐concept related to the redox‐control of the binding/releasing process in a host–guest system is achieved by designing a neutral and robust Pt‐based redox‐active metallacage involving two extended‐tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) ligands. When neutral, the cage is able to bind a planar polyaromatic guest (coronene). Remarkably, the chemical or electrochemical oxidation of the host–guest complex leads to the reversible expulsion of the guest outside the cavity, which is assigned to a drastic change of the host–guest interaction mode, illustrating the key role of counteranions along the exchange process. The reversible process is supported by various experimental data (1H NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐FTICR, and spectroelectrochemistry) as well as by in‐depth theoretical calculations performed at the density functional theory (DFT) level.
Crossover between Tilt Families and Zero Area Thermal Expansion in Hybrid Prussian Blue Analogues
Authors: Phillips Anthony E. , Fortes A. Dominic
Published: October 2017

Materials in the family of Prussian blue analogues (C3H5N2)2K[M(CN)6], where C3H5N2 is the imidazolium ion and M=Fe, Co, undergo two phase transitions with temperature; at low temperatures the imidazolium cations have an ordered configuration (C2/c), while in the intermediate‐ and high‐temperature phases (both previously reported as
) they are dynamically disordered. We show from high‐resolution powder neutron diffraction data that the high‐temperature phase has zero area thermal expansion in the ab‐plane. Supported by Landau theory and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data, we re‐evaluate the space group symmetry of the intermediate‐temperature phase to
. This reveals that the low‐to‐intermediate temperature transition is due to competition between two different tilt patterns of the [M(CN)6]3− ions. Controlling the relative stabilities of these tilt patterns offers a potential means to tune the exploitable electric behaviour that arises from motion of the imidazolium guest.
Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of aminothiazole‐derived Schiff base ligands: Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and cytotoxicity evaluation, bovine serum albumin binding and density functional theory studies
Authors: Prakash A. , Malhotra R.
Published: October 2017

Transition metal complexes of type M(L)2(H2O)x were synthesized, where L is deprotonated Schiff base 2,4‐dihalo‐6‐(substituted thiazol‐2‐ylimino)methylphenol derived from the condensation of aminothiazole or its derivatives with 2‐hydroxy‐3‐halobenzaldehyde and M = Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ (x = 0 for Cu2+ and Zn2+; x = 2 for Co2+ and Ni2+). The synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were thoroughly characterized using infrared, 1H NMR, electronic and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, elemental analysis, molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that the bidentate ligands form complexes having octahedral geometry around Co2+ and Ni2+ metal ions while the geometry around Cu2+ and Zn2+ metal ions is four‐coordinated. The geometries of newly synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were fully optimized in Gaussian 09 using 6–31 + g(d,p) basis set. Fluorescence quenching data reveal that Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes bind more strongly to bovine serum albumin in comparison to Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The ligands and their complexes were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (Gram positive) and cytotoxicity against lever hepatocellular cell line HepG2.
MNPs@SiO2‐Pr‐AP: A new catalyst for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐aryl thiazole derivatives
Authors: Ghorbani‐Vaghei Ramin , Alavinia Sedigheh , Merati Zohreh , Izadkhah Vida
Published: October 2017

A simple and efficient synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐aryl thiazole derivatives was carried out through the reaction of substituted acetophenones and thiourea using three different types of catalytic systems including N,N,N′,N′‐tetrabromobenzene‐1,3‐disulfonamide [TBBDA], poly(N,N′‐dibromo‐N‐ethylbenzene‐1,3‐disulfonamide) [PBBS] and a combination of TBBDA and nano‐magnetic catalyst supported with functionalized 4‐amino‐pyridine silica (MNPs@SiO2‐Pr‐AP). The results showed that the use of TBBDA along with the MNPs@SiO2‐Pr‐AP gains the highest yields of the products in the shortest reaction time.
Commercial lignosulfonates from different sulfite processes as partial phenol replacement in PF resole resins
Authors: Ghorbani Masoumeh , Konnerth Johannes , van Herwijnen Hendrikus W. G. , Zinovyev Grigory , Budjav Enkhjargal , Requejo Silva Ana , Liebner Falk
Published: October 2017

Four commercial spruce lignosulfonates representing the most common acidic, neutral, and alkaline sulfite pulping processes and varying significantly in molecular weight characteristics were tested as partial (40 wt %) phenol substitute materials for the manufacture of lignosulfonate‐phenol‐formaldehyde (LPF) resole resins. Similar as recently reported for technical lignins from nonsulfite pulping processes (kraft, soda, organosolv), all lignosulfonates of this study effectuated a faster viscosity gain during resole cooking compared to the lignin‐free reference resin (1000 mPa s after 120 min vs. 250 min to reach 1000 mPa s). Sodium lignosulfonate featuring the lowest weight average molecular weight (Mw 5780 g mol−1) and dispersity (Ð 6.1) turned out to be superior to the other lignosulfonates with regard to curing rate (B‐time; 3:37 min vs. 6:41–9:08 min) and tensile shear strength development under hot pressing (120 °C; TS,max = 5.64 N mm−2 after 8 min) for beech veneer strips glued together with the respective LPF resins. Calcium and magnesium lignosulfonates are less suited with regard to phenol replacement due to the poor performance of the respective LPF adhesives in terms of tensile shear strength (TS,max = 3.29–3.49 N mm−2 after 12 min) most likely caused by considerable amounts of side products formed in the course of formose‐type reactions. Phenolation of the two promising lignosulfonates, that is, sodium and ammonium lignosulfonate, did neither considerably increase the rate of PF network formation during resin cooking and curing nor improve tensile strength development during hot pressing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45893.
Combined effect of a plasticizer and carvacrol and thymol on the mechanical, thermal, morphological properties of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Celebi Hande , Gunes Elif
Published: October 2017

In this study, the effects of the monotherpenic phenol concentration on the properties of biocomposites containing plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) were investigated. The monotherpenic phenols carvacrol (C) and thymol (T) were added to PLA by a melt‐blending method. The prepared samples were characterized by means of tensile testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and antibacterial activity tests. The addition of ATBC to PLA resulted in hydrogen bonding between ATBC and PLA. We observed that ATBC, C, and T reduced the glass‐transition temperature of PLA. The presence of C and T decreased the maximum degradation temperature slightly. Because of the plasticization effect of the additives, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of PLA decreased, whereas the extent of elongation they experienced before failure increased. This effect was also observed with SEM analysis in terms of plastic deformation at break. The antibacterial activity tests showed that samples containing high concentrations of C demonstrated an improved antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. We observed that C exhibited a higher inhibition against bacterial strains than T. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45895.