bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(C6H13NH3)2(NH2CHNH2)Pb2I7: A Two‐dimensional Bilayer Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Perovskite Showing Photodetecting Behavior
Authors: Wang Yuyin , Liu Xitao , Li Lina , Ji Chengmin , Sun Zhihua , Han Shiguo , Tao Kewen , Luo Junhua
Published: March 2019

Inorganic–organic hybrid perovskites, especially two‐dimensional (2D) layered halide perovskites, have attracted significant attention due to their unique structures and attractive optoelectronic properties, which open up a great opportunity for next‐generation photosensitive devices. Herein, we report a new 2D bilayered inorganic–organic hybrid perovskite, (C6H13NH3)2(NH2CHNH2)Pb2I7 (HFA, where C6H13NH3+ is hexylaminium and NH2CHNH2+ is formamidinium), which exhibits a remarkable photoresponse under broadband light illumination. Structural characterizations demonstrate that the 2D perovskite structure of HFA is constructed by alternant stacking of inorganic lead iodide bilayered sheets and organic hexylaminium layers. Optical absorbance measurements combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that HFA is a direct band gap semiconductor with a narrow band gap (Eg) of ≈2.02 eV. Based on these findings, photodetectors based on HFA crystal wafer are fabricated, which exhibit fascinating optoelectronic properties including large on/off current ratios (over 103), fast response speeds (τrise=310 μs and τdecay=520 μs) and high responsivity (≈0.95 mA W−1). This work will contribute to the design and development of new two‐dimensional bilayer inorganic–organic hybrid perovskites for high‐performance photosensitive devices.
Querkrafttragfähigkeit von Stahlbetonplatten ohne Querkraftbewehrung unter konzentrierten Einzellasten
Authors: Henze Lukas , Harter Maike , Rombach Günter Axel
Published: March 2019

Die Querkrafttragfähigkeit von Stahlbetonplatten ohne Schubbewehrung ist trotz der intensiven nationalen und internationalen Forschungsaktivität bislang nicht zufriedenstellend geklärt. Probleme bereiten insbesondere ältere Fahrbahnplatten von Betonbrücken, welche oftmals rechnerische Tragdefizite in Querrichtung aufweisen. Eine Ertüchtigung ist kaum möglich. In diesem Beitrag wird auf der Grundlage von Versuchen und statistischen Untersuchungen ein praxisnahes Bemessungsmodell vorgestellt, welches ca. 50 % größere Tragfähigkeiten liefert als die Modelle der derzeitigen Regelungen.
Unconstrained peptoid tetramer exhibits a predominant conformation in aqueous solution
Authors: Roe Leah T. , Pelton Jeffrey G. , Edison John R. , Butterfoss Glenn L. , Tresca Blakely W. , LaFaye Bridgette A. , Whitelam Stephen , Wemmer David E. , Zuckermann Ronald N.
Published: March 2019

Conformational control in peptoids, N‐substituted glycines, is crucial for the design and synthesis of biologically‐active compounds and atomically‐defined nanomaterials. While there are a growing number of structural studies in solution, most have been performed with conformationally‐constrained short sequences (e.g., sterically‐hindered sidechains or macrocyclization). Thus, the inherent degree of heterogeneity of unconstrained peptoids in solution remains largely unstudied. Here, we explored the folding landscape of a series of simple peptoid tetramers in aqueous solution by NMR spectroscopy. By incorporating specific 13C‐probes into the backbone using bromoacetic acid‐2‐13C as a submonomer, we developed a new technique for sequential backbone assignment of peptoids based on the 1,n‐Adequate pulse sequence. Unexpectedly, two of the tetramers, containing an N‐(2‐aminoethyl)glycine residue (Nae), had preferred conformations. NMR and molecular dynamics studies on one of the tetramers showed that the preferred conformer (52%) had a trans‐cis‐trans configuration about the three amide bonds. Moreover, >80% of the ensemble contained a cis amide bond at the central amide. The backbone dihedral angles observed fall directly within the expected minima in the peptoid Ramachandran plot. Analysis of this compound against similar peptoid analogs suggests that the commonly used Nae monomer plays a key role in the stabilization of peptoid structure via a side‐chain‐to‐main‐chain interaction. This discovery may offer a simple, synthetically high‐yielding approach to control peptoid structure, and suggests that peptoids have strong intrinsic conformational preferences in solution. These findings should facilitate the predictive design of folded peptoid structures, and accelerate application in areas ranging from drug discovery to biomimetic nanoscience.
Stability of mycophenolate mofetil in polypropylene 5% dextrose infusion bags and chemical compatibility associated with the use of the Equashield® closed‐system transfer device
Authors: Ezquer‐Garin Carlos , Ferriols‐Lisart Rafael , Alós‐Almiñana Manuel
Published: March 2019

Stability studies are necessary in healthcare settings as they facilitate fast, cost‐effective and efficient work related to batch manufacturing and availability of supplies. We studied the stability of 1–10 mg/mL mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in polypropylene 5% dextrose infusion bags prepared from Cellcept® and with a generic brand name (Micofenolato de Mofetilo Accord) at different storage temperatures. To ensure chemical compatibility during preparation, we also tested MMF sorption to the Equashield® closed‐system drug transfer device used in this step. For this, a validated stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the quantification and identification of MMF in the infusion bags. The analytical selectivity of the assay was determined by subjecting an MMF sample to extreme values of pH, oxidative stress and heat conditions to force degradation. Protected from light, 1–10 mg/mL MMF in infusion polypropylene bags prepared from reconstituted Cellcept® 500 mg or Accord 500 mg in 5% dextrose was stable for at least 35 days when stored at 2–8°C or between −15 and −25°C, and for 14 days when stored at 25°C. MMF loss owing to chemical sorption to the Equashield® closed‐system drug transfer device set was negligible.
Novel shunt modification with an adjustable stent‐embedded “fenestrated” septal occluder in a patient with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yadlapati Ajay , Wax David , Rich Stuart , Ricciardi Mark J.
Published: March 2019

A 60‐year‐old woman with progressive dyspnea and cyanosis, O2‐dependent pulmonary hypertension despite optimal medical therapy and remote atrial septostomy presented with worsening cyanosis and right‐to‐left shunting. The creation of a “fenestrated” ASD closure device with the insertion of a peripheral stent through an AMPLATZER™ ASD closure device was deployed to minimize right to left shunting and allow for enlargement of the shunt if needed. This case demonstrates the benefit of diminishing a right to left shunt with a self‐fabricated fenestrated AMPLATZER device to improve symptoms in pulmonary hypertension patients with a pre‐existing ASD.
Solvent retention capacity application to assess soft wheat flour quality for making white‐salted noodles
Authors: Jeon Soojeong , Baik Byung‐Kee , Kweon Meera
Published: March 2019

Background and objectives

Gluten development of wheat flour under a limited amount of water is essential for dough sheeting and cutting in preparation of noodle, and for cooking and textural properties of noodles. Soft wheat flour of relatively high gluten strength, low damaged starch content, and low water absorption could be suitable for the requirement. The study was aimed at exploring the potential uses of solvent retention capacity (SRC) test for evaluation of soft wheat flour quality for making white‐salted noodles.

Findings

Ten soft wheat varieties exhibited large differences in SRC values. Lactic acid SRC and gluten performance index (GPI) showed significant correlations with weight gain and firmness of the cooked noodles. Among the flour characteristics, GPI appeared to be the best predictor of cooked noodle firmness, with the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.96, p < 0.010).

Conclusions

Flour SDS sedimentation volume, lactic acid SRC, and GPI were significantly correlated with weight gain and texture of cooked noodle. Soft wheat flours with GPI >0.60 were found to be suitable for making white‐salted noodles.

Significance and novelty

Solvent retention capacity analysis could be successfully applied for selecting soft wheat cultivars suitable for white‐salted noodles. For this sample set, among the flour quality parameters, GPI was the most reliable predictor for firmness of cooked noodles and could be effectively used for identification of noodle wheat varieties and grains by wheat breeding programs and noodle manufacturers.
Prolonged sinus arrest on electrocardiogram recording during apheresis donation in young female donor with convulsive syncope
Authors: Nakai Kenji , Itoh Manabu , Fusazaki Tetsuya , Morino Yoshihiro
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

An 18‐year‐old young female with a convulsive syncope during apheresis donation demonstrated a prolonged sudden sinus arrest continued for approximately 30‐second on monitor ECG. This prolonged sinus arrest may relate accidental serious complications in ordinal apheresis donation. Continuous electrocardiogram monitor and correspondence are indispensable.
Spontaneous chorioamniotic membrane separation discovered by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
Authors: Govaerts Jolien , Cryns Patricia , Jacquemyn Yves
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

Chorioamniotic membrane separation (CMS) is a rare finding in ultrasound examination during pregnancy. It is mostly seen as a complication after invasive prenatal procedures but also can present spontaneously. Extensive CMS is found to be associated with adverse perinatal fetal outcomes.
Synthesis of a Cu2O/Carbon Film/NiCoB‐Grpahene Oxide Heterostructure as Photocathode for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Yu Chunlin , Zhang Xingwang
Published: March 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture are Chunlin Yu and Xingwang Zhang from Zhejiang University (China). The cover picture shows a creative Cu2O/carbon film/NiCoB–graphene oxide heterostructure photocathode for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/celc.201801701.
[Ge2S5(S2)]4−, A NLO‐Active Unit Leading to an Asymmetric Structure Discovered in Li2Cs4Ge2S5(S2)Cl2: An Experimental and Theoretical study
Authors: Li Guangmao , Wu Kui , Huang Yi , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: March 2019

Metal‐centered MS4 tetrahedra are fundamentally important building blocks for the structural construction of infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) mateirals, because they have a large effect on properties like second‐harmonic generation, birefringence, band gap, etc. Therefore, rational design and selection of these tetrahedra could effectively help synthesize new materials and give satisfactory properties. In this work, we reported a new NLO‐active [Ge2S5(S2)]4− unit composed of two corner‐shared GeS4 tetrahedra with a nonpolar covalent S−S bond, discovered in a new compound of Li2Cs4Ge2S5(S2)Cl2. To the best of our knowledge, this [Ge2S5(S2)]4− unit has never been discovered. [Ge2S5(S2)]4− units have intrinsic asymmetric features and lead to the whole structure being noncentrosymmetric (NCS). Further, real‐space atom‐cutting methods reveal that they make almost all the contribution to the second‐harmonic generation response (SHG) for Li2Cs4Ge2S5(S2)Cl2. All of the above indicate that the [Ge2S5(S2)]4− unit is a new functional unit and a good choice for designing new IR NLO materials.
Vom wohl‐ oder übelriechenden Spargelurin
Authors: Roth Klaus , Streller Sabine
Published: March 2019

mit Daniel Appel, Johannes Ascherl, Anja Baum, Sebastian Bestgen, René‐Chris Brachvogel, Julia Buchsbaum, Carolin Dee, Thomas Jeremias Feuerstein, Emanuel A. Glitscher, Anna‐Barbara Grebhahn, Jannick Guschlbauer, Stefan Hecht, Anna Heib, Chris Heintz, Gabriele Hierlmeier, Ronja Jordan, Tobias Klein, Ulrich Koch, Annika Kottmann, Ruth Maria Kramer, Matthias M. Krejca, Goswinus H.M. de Kruijff, Hannes Kühnle, Ralph Otmar Kusche, Anna Lechner, Klaus Locke, Peter Luger, Anne Märker, Julia Märker, Sophia Märker, Marita Meißner, Angela Metz, Julian Moegling, Gregor Nagel, Christian Neis, Sascha Ossinger, Lorenz Pietsch, Julia Pöppinghaus, Gabriele Pöppinghaus, Annelie Roth, Ulrike Schmitz, Franz Peter Schmitz, Markus Julian Schöwe, Lara Schulz, Eric Siemes, Sebastian Sobottka, Manuel Stapf, Daniel James Tindall, Ulrich Vollgraf, Christoph Wulf, Diana Zeller
Building the financial case for treating childhood cancer in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Bhakta Nickhill
Published: March 2019

For children diagnosed with cancer, the cost of delivering treatment services has, until recently, been largely assumed as too expensive and not cost‐effective, with little to no evidence from low‐ and middle‐income countries to support these assumptions. In this issue of Cancer, Denburg et al have demonstrated that the treatment costs associated with pediatric Burkitt lymphoma care in Uganda are surprisingly modest and very cost‐effective.
Optimization schemes for endovascular repair with parallel technique based on hemodynamic analyses
Authors: Xu Huanming , Mei Yuqian , Han Xiaofeng , Wei Jianyong , Watton Paul N. , Jia Wan , Li Anqiang , Chen Duanduan , Xiong Jiang
Published: March 2019

Endovascular repair with parallel stent‐grafts (SG) is a challenging technique that reconstructs the luminal flow pathways by implanting parallel‐placed SGs into the vessel. After treatment, occlusion and shifting of the parallel SGs are sometimes reported, which could be fatal and difficult to be re‐operated. These issues are highly related to the local hemodynamic conditions in the stented region. In this study, a patient case treated by the octopus endograft technique (a head‐SG with three limb‐SGs) and experienced limb‐SG occlusion is studied. 3‐D models are established based on computed tomography (CT) angiography datasets pretreatment and posttreatment as well as during follow‐ups. Hemodynamic quantities such as pressure drop, wall shear stress‐related parameters, and flow division in limb‐SGs and visceral arteries are quantitatively investigated. Optimizations on the length of the head‐SG and diameter of the limb‐SGs are analyzed based on various scenarios. The results indicate that when reconstructing the flow pathways via octopus stenting, it is important to ensure the flow distribution as physiologically required with this new morphology. Position (or length) of the head‐SG and diameter of the limb‐SGs play an important role in controlling flow division, and high time average wall shear stress (TAWSS) around the head‐SG acts as a main factor for graft immigration. This study, by proposing optimization suggestions with hemodynamic analyses for a specific case, implicates that pretreatment SG scenarios may assist in wise selection and placement of the device and thus may improve long‐term effectiveness of this kind of challenging endovascular repair techniques.
Suitability of lattice Boltzmann inlet and outlet boundary conditions for simulating flow in image‐derived vasculature
Authors: Feiger Bradley , Vardhan Madhurima , Gounley John , Mortensen Matthew , Nair Priya , Chaudhury Rafeed , Frakes David , Randles Amanda
Published: March 2019

The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is a popular alternative to solving the Navier‐Stokes equations for modeling blood flow. When simulating flow using the LBM, several choices for inlet and outlet boundary conditions exist. While boundary conditions in the LBM have been evaluated in idealized geometries, there have been no extensive comparisons in image‐derived vasculature, where the geometries are highly complex. In this study, the Zou‐He (ZH) and finite difference (FD) boundary conditions were evaluated in image‐derived vascular geometries by comparing their stability, accuracy, and run times. The boundary conditions were compared in four arteries: a coarctation of the aorta, dissected aorta, femoral artery, and left coronary artery. The FD boundary condition was more stable than ZH in all four geometries. In general, simulations using the ZH and FD method showed similar convergence rates within each geometry. However, the ZH method proved to be slightly more accurate compared with experimental flow using three‐dimensional printed vasculature. The total run times necessary for simulations using the ZH boundary condition were significantly higher as the ZH method required a larger relaxation time, grid resolution, and number of time steps for a simulation representing the same physiological time. Finally, a new inlet velocity profile algorithm is presented for complex inlet geometries. Overall, results indicated that the FD method should generally be used for large‐scale blood flow simulations in image‐derived vasculature geometries. This study can serve as a guide to researchers interested in using the LBM to simulate blood flow.
PPEM: Privacy‐preserving EM learning for mixture models
Authors: Lee Sharon X. , Leemaqz Kaleb L. , McLachlan Geoffrey J.
Published: March 2019

Privacy is becoming increasingly important in collaborative data analysis, especially those involving personal or sensitive information commonly arising from health and commercial settings. The aim of privacy preserving statistical algorithms is to allow inference to be drawn on the joint data without disclosing private data held by each party. This paper presents a privacy‐preserving expectation–maximization (PPEM) algorithm for carrying out maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of mixture models. We address the scenario of horizontally partitioned data distributed among three or more parties. The PPEM algorithm is a two‐cycle iterative distributed algorithm for fitting mixture models under privacy‐preserving requirements. A distinct advantage of PPEM is that it does not require a trusted third party for cooperative learning, unlike most existing schemes that implement a master/slave hierarchy. By adopting a ring topology and adding random noises to messages before encryption, PPEM helps prevent information leakage in the case of corrupted parties. Furthermore, in contrast to existing works, which typically assume a Honest‐but‐Curious adversary, we consider the much stronger case of a Malicious adversary. For illustration, PPEM is applied to two of the most popular mixture models, namely, the normal mixture model (NMM) andt‐mixture model (tMM), and their effectiveness is analyzed through a security analysis. A real data example is also presented to evaluate the computational complexity and accuracy of PPEM relative to its non‐privacy‐preserving version.
Wireless Coupling of Conducting Polymer Actuators with Light Emission
Authors: Gupta Bhavana , Afonso Mariana C. , Zhang Lin , Ayela Cedric , Garrigue Patrick , Goudeau Bertrand , Kuhn Alexander
Published: March 2019

Combining the actuation of conducting polymers with additional functionalities is an interesting fundamental scientific challenge and increases their application potential. Herein we demonstrate the possibility of direct integration of a miniaturized light emitting diode (LED) in a polypyrrole (PPy) matrix in order to achieve simultaneous wireless actuation and light emission. A light emitting diode is used as a part of an electroactive surface on which electrochemical polymerization allows direct incorporation of the electronic device into the polymer. The resulting free‐standing polymer/LED hybrid can be addressed by bipolar electrochemistry to trigger simultaneously oxidation and reduction reactions at its opposite extremities, leading to a controlled deformation and an electron flow through the integrated LED. Such a dual response in the form of actuation and light emission opens up interesting perspectives in the field of microrobotics.
Institutional bricolage as an antecedent of social value creation in a developing country's tourism and hospitality industry
Authors: Mzembe Andrew Ngawenja , Novakovic Yvonne , Melissen Frans , Kamanga Grace
Published: March 2019

Whereas social entrepreneurs in developed economies operate in the predictable and supportive institutional environment, their counterparts in the developing world often face hostile institutional conditions. This paper sheds some light on how social ventures that operate within the Malawian tourism and hospitality industry use institutional bricolage in order to address institutional constraints they face in pursuit of social value. Using qualitative‐based case study approach involving four social founders/ventures, our study highlights the three specific institutional bricolage processes that serve as antecedents of social value creation in a developing country context. It further illuminates the significance of engendering a multilevel analysis of institutional voids. The paper finally provides implications for practice and research.
Snubberless boost full‐bridge converters: Analysis of soft switching performance and limitations
Authors: Blinov Andrei , Kosenko Roman , Chub Andrii , Vinnikov Dmitri
Published: March 2019

This paper analyses current‐fed (current source) isolated dc‐dc converters that are proposed for various renewable energy and dc microgrid applications, such as photovoltaic, fuel cell, or energy storage systems. The analysis addresses current‐fed (boost) full‐bridge converters that achieve clamping and soft switching without dedicated external auxiliary circuits, such as snubbers or clamps. Such converters have certain limitations that can lead to degraded performance and feasibility due to high circulating energy or low silicone utilization at some operating points. The current study reveals these limitations, highlighting advantages and drawbacks of selected snubberless converters at different operating conditions. The relation between the rms input current and the isolation transformer primary current as well as the cumulative rms current of primary semiconductors is used as figure of merit for converter characterization. This approach can be extended and applied to other topology types and used as a universal tool for performance assessment of snubberless converters without auxiliary circuits for particular operating conditions in various systems.
Beta2‐adrenergic ligand racemic formoterol exhibits enantioselective disposition in blood and skeletal muscle of humans, and elicits myocellular PKA signaling at therapeutic inhaled doses
Authors: Hostrup Morten , Narkowicz Christian K. , Habib Sajad , Nichols David S. , Jacobson Glenn A.
Published: March 2019

While studies have demonstrated substantial differences in beta2‐adrenergic agonist enantiomer pharmacology, enantioselective disposition of long‐acting beta2‐adrenergic ligand racemic (rac)‐formoterol in blood is inadequately explored after inhaled therapy given analytical challenges. Furthermore, information on enantioselective disposition and partitioning of beta2‐adrenergic agonist in skeletal muscle is absent despite its promising data on muscle anabolism in humans. Using a sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (UPLC−MS/MS) assay, we determined disposition of (R,R)‐formoterol and (S,S)‐formoterol in plasma and skeletal muscle samples from 11 non‐asthmatic men who had inhaled rac‐formoterol at therapeutic doses (2 × 27 μg). Mean (SD) concentrations of (R,R)‐ and (S,S)‐formoterol in plasma and in muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis 1 hour after inhalation of formoterol were 31 (15) and 45 (18) pg × mL−1 for (R,R)‐formoterol and (S,S)‐formoterol, respectively, in plasma, and 0.56 (0.32) and 0.51 (0.29) pg × mgwet wt−1, respectively, in muscle. Formoterol exhibited different enantioselective disposition in plasma and muscle (p < 0.0001). In plasma, mean log (R,R):(S,S)‐formoterol ratio was lower than 0 [−0.17(0.07), p < 0.0001], whereas in muscle, mean log (R,R):(S,S)‐formoterol ratio was slightly higher than 0 [0.04(0.07), p < 0.05]. Log (R,R):(S,S)‐formoterol ratio in muscle was related to muscle fiber‐type composition. Furthermore, formoterol induced an approximately two‐fold increase in muscle p‐PKASer/thr phosphorylation (p < 0.01), indicating a substantial beta2‐adrenergic response. Collectively, these findings suggest that formoterol exhibits modest enantioselective disposition in plasma after inhaled therapy in humans, which appear related to a greater (R,R)‐enantiomer disposition in skeletal muscle that may be dependent on fiber‐type composition.
The transcriptome of the veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus): A resource for studying the evolution and development of vertebrates
Authors: Pinto Brendan J. , Card Daren C. , Castoe Todd A. , Diaz Raul E. , Nielsen Stuart V. , Trainor Paul A. , Gamble Tony
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is an emerging model system for studying functional morphology and evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo). Chameleons possess body plans that are highly adapted to an arboreal life style, featuring laterally compressed bodies, split hands/ft for grasping, a projectile tongue, turreted independently moving eyes, and a prehensile tail. Despite being one of the most phenotypically divergent clades of tetrapods, genomic resources for chameleons are severely lacking.

Methods

To address this lack of resources, we used RNAseq to generate 288 million raw Illumina sequence reads from four adult tissues (male and female eyes and gonads) and whole embryos at three distinct developmental stages. We used these data to assemble a largely complete de novo transcriptome consisting of only 82 952 transcripts. In addition, a majority of assembled transcripts (67%) were successfully annotated.

Results

We then demonstrated the utility of these data in the context of studying visual system evolution by examining the content of veiled chameleon opsin genes to show that chameleons possess all five ancestral tetrapod opsins.

Conclusion

We present this de novo, annotated, multi‐tissue transcriptome assembly for the Veiled Chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus, as a resource to address a range of evolutionary and developmental questions. The associated raw reads and final annotated transcriptome assembly are freely available for use on NCBI and Figshare, respectively.
A beginning exploration of text generation abilities in university students with a history of reading difficulties
Authors: MacKay Elizabeth J. , Larcohe Annie , Parrila Rauno , Deacon S. Hélène
Published: March 2019

There is a fundamental lack of understanding of how university students with a history of reading difficulties perform on various demanding literacy tasks. We compared the text generation skills, measured with timed summary writing and proofreading tasks, of university students with a history of reading difficulties to those of students with no such history. We further examined whether between‐group differences in text generation skills remained after controlling for transcription skills (spelling and handwriting fluency), word reading, and reading comprehension. Forty‐six university students with a history of reading difficulties were matched on age, gender, and non‐verbal intelligence to 46 students without this history. We found that the students with a history of reading difficulties performed poorer on both measures of text generation than students without this history. When differences in transcription skills, word reading, and reading comprehension were controlled, we found that only differences in timed summary writing remained significant. These results suggest that students with a history of reading difficulties experience challenges with specific aspects of text generation that are beyond what one would expect from their difficulties with transcription and word reading. We suggest that, if not addressed, text generation deficits are likely to create obstacles for academic success.
The past and future roles of competition and habitat in the range‐wide occupancy dynamics of Northern Spotted Owls
Authors: Yackulic Charles B. , Bailey Larissa L. , Dugger Katie M. , Davis Raymond J. , Franklin Alan B. , Forsman Eric D. , Ackers Steven H. , Andrews Lawrence S. , Diller Lowell V. , Gremel Scott A. , Hamm Keith A. , Herter Dale R. , Higley J. Mark , Horn Rob B. , McCafferty Christopher , Reid Janice A. , Rockweit Jeremy T. , Sovern Stan G.
Published: March 2019

Slow ecological processes challenge conservation. Short‐term variability can obscure the importance of slower processes that may ultimately determine the state of a system. Furthermore, management actions with slow responses can be hard to justify. One response to slow processes is to explicitly concentrate analysis on state dynamics. Here, we focus on identifying drivers of Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) territorial occupancy dynamics across 11 study areas spanning their geographic range and forecasting response to potential management actions. Competition with Barred Owls (Strix varia) has increased Spotted Owl territory extinction probabilities across all study areas and driven recent declines in Spotted Owl populations. Without management intervention, the Northern Spotted Owl subspecies will be extirpated from parts of its current range within decades. In the short term, Barred Owl removal can be effective. Over longer time spans, however, maintaining or improving habitat conditions can help promote the persistence of northern spotted owl populations. In most study areas, habitat effects on expected Northern Spotted Owl territorial occupancy are actually greater than the effects of competition from Barred Owls. This study suggests how intensive management actions (removal of a competitor) with rapid results can complement a slower management action (i.e., promoting forest succession).
Occupancy dynamics of semi‐aquatic herbivores in riparian systems in Illinois, USA
Authors: Holland Angela M. , Schauber Eric M. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Hellgren Eric C.
Published: March 2019

Streams and local riparian habitats are a product of the landscapes they drain. Consequently, aspects of the landscape, as well as local stream morphology, are likely to affect riparian and stream communities, including occupancy of semi‐aquatic mammals. To gain a better understanding of how changing landscapes may affect the occupancy of semi‐aquatic mammals, we sought to identify aspects of the riparian system and stream structure at multiple scales that relate to the presence of beaver (Castor canadensis) and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), including their interactions with mink (Neovison vison) and river otter (Lontra canadensis). We estimated multi‐season occupancy using 103 sites sampled over six seasons (2012–2014) in southern Illinois, USA. We hypothesized beaver and muskrat occupancy was related to multiple aspects of landscape and local habitat including land‐cover, water availability, human disturbance, stream characteristics, and the presence of other semi‐aquatic mammals. Beaver occupancy varied over time and was predicted by stream size, stream density, and land‐cover at the landscape scale. Muskrat occupancy also varied over time and was related to local aspects of habitat including percentage of forest in the riparian area, channel incision, land‐cover, and aspects of sediment chemistry. Our results indicate the importance of spatial and temporal variation, scale, and food and water availability for these semi‐aquatic species. Beaver and muskrat are most likely to be affected by changes to water regimes including availability of permanent water sources due to changing landscapes.
Spatial simulation of redistribution of fishing effort in Nigerian coastal waters using Ecospace
Authors: Adebola Tunde , de Mutsert Kim
Published: March 2019

In the late 1990s, depletion of the target species Penaeus notialis (Pink Shrimp) in deeper waters (50 m) of the Nigerian coast resulted in a change of target species from P. notialis (Pink Shrimp) to shallower water species such as Penaeus monodon (Brown Shrimp). This study investigates the hypothesis that ecosystem impacts increased as industrial fleets increased fishing in shallower areas of the Nigerian coast by comparing the state of the ecosystem before and 20 yr after commercial shrimping commenced in Nigerian coastal waters (NCW). Two fishing scenarios were developed in Ecospace, the spatial modeling module of Ecopath with Ecosim software (Ecopath with Ecosim is a mass balanced trophic model that accounts for fishing impacts on food webs), with one having trawlers fishing everywhere beginning at the turn of the century (year 2000) and the other with no trawling in the first 5 nautical miles off the Nigerian coast through the entire period of model simulation (1985–2004). Modeling results showed increases in catch for some fisheries during the study period. In addition, estimated biomass for some functional groups increased especially for Small Pelagic fishes along with Rays, Reef fishes, Large Pelagics, and shallow water shrimps. All other exploited species in our modeling scenarios were estimated to have declining biomasses. Our expectation that redistribution of fishing effort in NCW will increase negative impacts of fishing the nearshore ecosystem was not supported by model results. This counterintuitive result may be because fishing effort on average was mostly distributed in the deeper areas of the inshore waters. Although specie such as Reef fishes appear to benefit from closure of the first 5 NM to fishing, the benefits appear to be negligible. We present the first ecosystem model developed for NCW, and our research contributes to fisheries ecology by furthering understanding of tropical coastal food webs and ecological response to fishing, especially in highly perturbed ecosystems like NCW.
A Direct Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Azidation of Benzhydrols and Carbohydrates
Authors: Regier Jeffery , Maillet Robert , Bolshan Yuri
Published: March 2019

Benzhydryl alcohols were converted into their corresponding diarylazidomethane analogues using azidotrimethylsilane (TMSN3) in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Brønsted acid HBF4·OEt2. The azidation reactions proceeded in high yields and demonstrated excellent functional group tolerance to electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents. In addition, a range of unprotected functional groups including amine, amide, aldehyde and alcohol were well‐tolerated. Furthermore, this methodology was successfully applied to carbohydrates for the preparation of the corresponding azide derivatives.
Comparison of GC–MS and MEKC methods for caffeine determination in preworkout supplements
Authors: Waraksa Emilia , Pokrywka Andrzej , Konop Marek , Namieśnik Jacek , Kłodzińska Ewa
Published: March 2019

In this study, GC–MS‐ and MEKC‐based methods for determination of caffeine (CAF) in preworkout supplements were developed and validated. The proposed protocols utilized minimal sample preparation (simple dilution and syringe filtration). The developed methods achieved satisfactory validation parameters, i.e. good linearity (R2 > 0.9988 and R2 > 0.9985 for GC–MS‐ and MEKC‐based method, respectively), satisfactory intra‐ and interaccuracy (within 92.6–100.7% for method utilizing GC–MS and 92.1–110.3% for protocol based on MEKC) and precision (CV < 15.9% and CV < 6.3% for GC–MS‐ and MEKC‐based method, respectively) and recovery (within 100.1–100.8% for method utilizing GC–MS and 101.5–106.2% for protocol based on MEKC). The LOD was 0.03 and 3 μg/mL for method utilizing GC–MS and MEKC, respectively. The CAF concentrations determined by GC–MS‐ and MEKC‐based methods were found to be in the range of 8.53–11.23 and 8.20–11.61 μg/mL, respectively. Taking into consideration information on the labels, the investigated supplements were found to contain from 110.0 to 167.3% of the declared CAF content, which confirmed the literature reports on incompatibility of the declared product compositions with real ones. Nevertheless, the consumption of examined supplements as recommended by producers did not lead to exceeding the CAF safe limit of 400 mg per day. Additionally, the MEKC‐based method allowed for detection and identification of vitamin B3 and B6 in all of the investigated supplement samples, which demonstrated that MEKC‐based protocols may be an appropriate assays for simultaneous determination of CAF and vitamins.
An improved packing equivalent circuit modeling method with the cell‐to‐cell consistency state evaluation of the internal connected lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Wang Shun‐Li , Shi Jian‐You , Fernandez Carlos , Zou Chuan‐Yun , Bai De‐Kui , Li Jian‐Chao
Published: March 2019

The existing equivalent modeling methods reported in literature focuses mainly on the battery cells and do not take the packing consistency state into consideration, which exists on the internal connected cells of the lithium‐ion battery pack. An improved equivalent circuit model is constructed and reported in this manuscript for the first time, which can be used to characterize the working characteristics of the packing lithium‐ion batteries. A new equilibrium concept named as state of balance is proposed as well as the calculation process, which is realized by considering the real‐time detected internal battery cell voltages. In addition, this new equilibrium concept aims to obtain more information on the real‐time consistency characterization of the battery pack. The improved adaptive equivalent circuit model is investigated by using the improved splice modeling method, in which the statistical noise properties are corrected and the additional parallel resistance‐capacitance circuit is introduced. The parameter correction treatment is carried out by comparing the estimated and experimental detected closed circuit voltages. Furthermore, the tracking error is found to be 0.005 V and accounts for 0.119% of the nominal battery voltage. By taking the packing consistency state and temperature correction into consideration, the accurate working characteristic expression is realized in the improved equivalent circuit modeling process. Finally, the model proposed in this manuscript presents a great number of advantages compared to other methods reported so far, like has the high accuracy, and the ability to protect the security of the lithium‐ion battery pack in the power supply application.
Evaluation and research needs for seismically isolating nuclear power plants
Authors: Zhou Zhiguang , Hu Xiaorong , Wong Jenna , Xue Songtao
Published: March 2019

The main focus of this paper was to examine some of the principal advantages and disadvantages cited for the application of seismic isolation to nuclear power facilities. This discussion is followed by an examination of the potential relative impacts on cost and schedule of a conventional fixed‐base design approach vs one based on seismic isolation. This examination considers issues associated with planning, design, operation, and decommission. Some of the challenges related to design and maintenance (during normal operations and following a significant earthquake) are then discussed, and specific research and development topics are identified that are necessary to allow seismic isolation to be pursued with confidence. Finally, overall conclusions and recommendations are offered.
The development of low‐calorie sugar and functional jujube food using biological transformation and fermentation coupling technology
Authors: Men Yan , Zhu Ping , Zhu Yueming , Zeng Yan , Yang Jiangang , Sun Yuanxia
Published: March 2019

Jujube juice has been used as ingredient in a range of foods and dietary supplements. In this study, an enzyme transformation and fermentation coupling technology was applied to increase the nutritional value of concentrated/extracted Jinsi jujube juice. Two enzymes, D‐glucose isomerase (GI) and D‐allulose 3‐epimerase (DAE), were employed to convert the glucose and fructose to a low‐calorie sweeter D‐allulose with a concentration of 110 g/L in jujube juice. Furthermore, the mixed cultures of Pediococcus pentosaceus PC‐5 and Lactobacillus plantarum M were employed to increase the content of nutrition components related to bioactivities and flavor volatiles in jujube juice. Accordingly, this fermentation accumulated 100 mg/L gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has neurotransmission, hypotension, diuretic, and tranquilizer effects, and increased the content of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) and many free amino acids (Asp, Glu, Gly, and Ala) at different level. The fermentation not only maintained the concentration of native functional components such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and minerals, but also increased the content of iron (Fe2+) and zinc (Zn2+), which have blood and eyesight tonic function. The value‐added jujube juice might serve as a low‐calorie and probiotic functional beverage and show high application potential in food industry.
Preoperative serum VEGF‐C but not VEGF‐A level is correlated with lateral neck metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Jang Jeon Yeob , Kim Deok‐Soo , Park Hee‐Young , Shin Sung‐Chan , Cha Wonjae , Lee Jin‐Choon , Wang Soo‐Geun , Lee Byung‐Joo
Published: March 2019

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A or VEGF‐C levels and lymph node metastasis (LNM) status in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

The study enrolled 150 patients with pathologically proven PTC who underwent surgery: PTC without LNM, PTC with central neck metastasis, and PTC with lateral neck metastasis.

Results

Preoperative serum VEGF‐A levels were 300.12 ± 80.80 pg/mL overall and were not correlated with the presence of LNM. Preoperative serum VEGF‐C levels were 132.41 ± 48.48 pg/mL overall and were significantly correlated with the presence of LNM. Serum VEGF‐C levels were further increased in patients with lateral neck metastasis and positively correlated with the number of metastatic LNs (rho = 0.252, P = 0.002). Serum VEGF‐C, but not VEGF‐A, was identified as a significant predictor of lateral neck metastasis.

Conclusion

Serum VEGF‐C might be a clinically relevant biomarker of lateral neck metastasis in patients with PTC.
A gene signature associated with prognosis and immune processes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bai Shuang , Zhang Ping , Zhang Jian‐Cheng , Shen Jun , Xiang Xu , Yan Ying‐Bin , Xu Zhen‐Qi , Zhang Jun , Long Li , Wang Chao , Shi Ping , Yang Li , Chen Wei , Liu Hao
Published: March 2019

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a poor prognosis that has not significantly improved in the past several decades. A prognostic‐related signature was needed.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas and GSE41613 databases were downloaded as a training and validation set, respectively. We identified 12 genes that demonstrated progression and prognostic value, and then, a gene signature was constructed.

Results

This classification could reflect distinct characteristics, phenotypically and molecularly, among HNSCC tumors. It could stratify patients with significantly different survival rates (median survival: 2083 days vs 927 days; P = 3.85E‐08) in the training cohort and validation cohort (P = 0.007) and was significantly involved in immune/inflammatory response and tumor progression processes.

Conclusions

This bioinformatics‐based signature suggested the presence of two distinct populations of patients with HNSCC with distinguishable phenotypic characteristics and clinical outcomes and might provide insight for new types of immune therapy.
The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology—Proposed modifications to improve clinical utility
Authors: Mazzola Francesco , Gupta Ruta , Luk Peter P. , Palme Carsten , Clark Jonathan R. , Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert)
Published: March 2019

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration of a salivary gland lesion is a well‐established diagnostic procedure that aids management decisions. Recently, the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) classification has been proposed in order to improve the reproducibility and communication in the management of salivary gland lesions.

Methods

A total of 375 patient's cytological reports collected between January 2010 and December 2017 were reviewed and reclassified according to MSRSGC and a risk of malignancy was calculated for each of the category.

Results

The rate of malignancy in MSRSGC classification was 19.0%, 11.8%, 25.0%, 5.5%, 50.0%, 71.4%, and 94.6% for each of the category (I, II, III, IVa, IVb, V, and VI), respectively.

Conclusion

The MSRSGC classification is a valuable tool in everyday practice. The modified version of MSRSGC aims to improve the surgical relevance and facilitate uniform management.
Incidence trends for upper aerodigestive tract cancers in rural United States counties
Authors: Pagedar Nitin A. , Kahl Amanda R. , Tasche Kendall K. , Seaman Aaron T. , Christensen Alan J. , Howren M. Bryant , Charlton Mary E.
Published: March 2019

Background

Recent declines in cancer incidence and mortality have not been distributed equally across the United States. Factors such as tobacco cessation and human papillomavirus presence might differentially affect urban and rural portions of the country.

Methods

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to assess cancer incidence rates and trends from 1973 to 2015. We compared incidence rates for oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx cancer in urban and rural counties and identified trends using Joinpoint software.

Results

Incidence of larynx and oral cavity cancer are decreasing faster in urban areas than in rural areas, while incidence of oropharynx cancer is increasing faster in rural areas than urban areas.

Conclusions

Relative trends in incidence of larynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx cancer over the past 40 years are unfavorable for rural United States counties compared with urban areas. Cancer control programs should take this into account.
Aberrant expression of serum circANRIL and hsa_circ_0123996 in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Wu Junhua , Zhou Qianqin , Niu Yadan , Chen Jiayi , Zhu Yingchao , Ye Shazhou , Xi Yang , Wang Fuyan , Qiu Haiyan , Bu Shizhong
Published: March 2019

Background

Kawasaki disease is a childhood systemic vasculitis that causes coronary artery abnormalities. The etiology remains unknown and there are no specific diagnostic tests. Circular non‐coding RNAs are a special class of endogenous RNAs that display some characteristics of an ideal biomarker. However, few studies have examined the expression of circRNAs in the serum of Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. The aim of this study was to identify circRNAs in the serum that can serve as potential biomarkers for KD diagnosis.

Methods

The cases were children diagnosed with KD (n = 56). The controls comprised healthy children (n = 56). Blood was collected from the patients before and after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and from the healthy controls. Levels of circANRIL and hsa_circ_0123996 in the serum were measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Then, the potential relationship between serum circRNA levels and patients’ biochemical parameter levels was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for evaluating the diagnostic value of these circRNAs.

Results

The serum levels of circANRIL were lower in patients with KD before therapy than in the controls, but became higher in the patients after therapy than before therapy. The serum levels of hsa_circ_0123996 were higher in patients with KD before therapy than in healthy controls.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that the circANRIL and hsa_circ_0123996 levels in the serum of patients with KD were significantly different from those in healthy individuals. circANRIL and hsa_circ_0123996 may become potential biomarkers for early KD diagnosis.