bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isoalantolactone inhibits IKKβ kinase activity to interrupt the NF‐κB/COX‐2‐mediated signaling cascade and induces apoptosis regulated by the mitochondrial translocation of cofilin in glioblastoma
Authors: Xing Jin‐Shan , Wang Xun , Lan Yu‐Long , Lou Jia‐Cheng , Ma Binbin , Zhu Tingzhun , Zhang Hongqiang , Wang Dongsheng , Yu Zhikuan , Yuan Zhongbo , Li Xin‐Yu , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2019

Isoalantolactone (IATL), a sesquiterpene lactone compound, possesses many pharmacological and biological activities, but its role in glioblastoma (GBM) treatment is still unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate the antiglioma effects of IATL and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. In the current study, the biological functions of IATL were examined by MTT, cell migration, colony formation, and cell apoptosis assays. Confocal immunofluorescence techniques, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and pull‐down assays were used to explore the precise underlying molecular mechanisms. To examine IATL activity and the molecular mechanisms by which it inhibits glioma growth in vivo, we used a xenograft tumor mouse model. Furthermore, Western blotting was used to confirm the changes in protein expression after IATL treatment. According to the results, IATL inhibited IKKβ phosphorylation, thus inhibiting both the binding of NF‐κB to the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) promoter and the recruitment of p300 and eventually inhibiting COX‐2 expression. In addition, IATL induced glioma cell apoptosis by promoting the conversion of F‐actin to G‐actin, which in turn activates the cytochrome c (Cyt c) and caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathways. In the animal experiments, IATL reduced the size and weight of glioma tumors in xenograft mice and inhibited the expression of COX‐2 and phosphorylated NF‐κB p65 in the transplanted tumors. In conclusion, the current study indicated that IATL inhibited the expression of COX‐2 through the NF‐κB signaling pathway and induced the apoptosis of glioma cells by increasing actin transformation. These results suggested that IATL could be greatly effective in GBM treatment.
Support, preparation key to successful leadership
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2019

To stretch a tight budget, Ingrid Wicker McCree, Ed.D., director of athletics at North Carolina Central University, continuously looks for creative and innovative strategies. It helps that she has surrounded herself with “really strong, really competent” staff members who know how to maximize resources, increase revenue, and manage the department's budget, she said.
Non‐acute promyelocytic leukemia variant, acute myeloid leukemia with translocation (11;17)
Authors: Altahan Rahaf , Altahan Shatha , Khalil Salem
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

t(11;17) is a rare but recognized finding usually found in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia with variant RARA translocation (APLv). We present a case of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with t(11;17) that has different break points than those occurring in APLv. The diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, not otherwise specified, acute monoblastic leukemia was reached after a thorough investigation. Reaching the correct diagnosis and distinguishing these two entities are essential as they have different management, prognosis, and overall survival.
Modeling of High‐Pressure Ethene Homo‐ and Copolymerization
Authors: Peikert Paul , Pflug Kristina M. , Busch Markus
Published: February 2019

While reaction engineering of low‐molecular weight compounds mainly focuses on equilibria and selectivities, polymer properties are tremendously influenced by molecular weight distribution as well as branching structure. In order to determine the branching structure of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) copolymers in dependence on chosen process conditions, a Monte‐Carlo approach was developed. By modeling the topology as well as the comonomer distribution in the polymer chains a deeper insight in the process‐microstructure‐properties relationship is gained.
Breast cancer deaths averted over 3 decades
Authors: Hendrick R. Edward , Baker Jay A. , Helvie Mark A.
Published: February 2019

Background

From 1975 to 1990, female breast cancer mortality rates in the United States increased by 0.4% per year. Since 1990, breast cancer mortality rates have fallen between 1.8% and 3.4% per year, a decrease that is attributed to increased mammography screening and improved treatment.

Methods

The authors used age‐adjusted female breast cancer mortality rate and population data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program to estimate the number of breast cancer deaths averted by screening mammography and improved treatment since 1989. Four different assumptions regarding background mortality rates (in the absence of screening mammography and improved treatment) were used to estimate deaths averted for women aged 40 to 84 years by taking the difference between SEER‐reported mortality rates and background mortality rates for each 5‐year age group, multiplied by the population for each 5‐year age group. SEER data were used to estimate annual and cumulative breast cancer deaths averted in 2012 and 2015 and extrapolated SEER data were used to estimate deaths averted in 2018.

Results

The number of single‐year breast cancer deaths averted ranged from 20,860 to 33,842 in 2012, from 23,703 to 39,415 in 2015, and from 27,083 to 45,726 in 2018. Breast cancer mortality reductions ranged from 38.6% to 50.5% in 2012, from 41.5% to 54.2% in 2015, and from 45.3% to 58.3% in 2018. Cumulative breast cancer deaths averted since 1989 ranged from 237,234 to 370,402 in 2012, from 305,934 to 483,435 in 2015, and from 384,046 to 614,484 in 2018.

Conclusions

Since 1989, between 384,000 and 614,500 breast cancer deaths have been averted through the use of mammography screening and improved treatment.
Water as an Effective Additive for High‐Energy‐Density Na Metal Batteries? Studies in a Superconcentrated Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Ferdousi Shammi A. , Hilder Matthias , Basile Andrew , Zhu Haijin , O'Dell Luke A. , Saurel Damien , Rojo Teofilo , Armand Michel , Forsyth Maria , Howlett Patrick C.
Published: February 2019

The effect of water on the properties of superconcentrated sodium salt solutions in ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated to design electrolytes for sodium battery applications with water as an additive. Water was added to a 50 mol % solution of NaFSI [FSI=bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide] in the ionic liquid N‐methyl‐N‐propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (C3mpyrFSI). Although the thermal properties (e.g., glass transition temperature) showed little dependence on the water content, the viscosity and, in particular, the ionic conductivity were strongly affected. The Na|Na symmetrical cell cycling performance was strongly dependent on the applied current density as well as on the water content. At higher current densities (1.0 mA cm−2) the polarization profiles showed a water dependence, suggesting that water was actively involved in the formation of an improved solid electrolyte interface layer (SEI) for high‐water‐content samples (1000–5000 ppm), resulting in improved long‐term cycling stability. The initial impedance of cells cycled at 1.0 mA cm−2 (measured after 20 cycles) was elevated after water addition, and large polarizations occured for the “wet” samples. However, with further cycling the wet cells began to exhibit lower polarization and improved stability compared to the “dry” sample. The Na|NaFePO4 cell cycling performance was also demonstrated with minimal effect on the cell capacity, further highlighting the negligible activity of water in these electrolyte systems. In fact, reduced cell polarization and a more clearly defined charge profile were evident after water addition. The work shown here suggests that water may be used as a convenient and inexpensive additive for superconcentrated sodium IL electrolytes for improved device performance.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as Multifunctional Media for the Valorization of Agricultural Wastes
Authors: Ma Yunjian , Li Peilin , Li Yongru , Willot Sébastien J.‐P. , Zhang Wuyuan , Ribitsch Doris , Choi Young Hae , Verpoorte Robert , Zhang Tianyu , Hollmann Frank , Wang Yonghua
Published: February 2019

The use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as multifunctional solvents for limonene bioprocessing was reported. NADES were used for the extraction of limonene from orange peel wastes, as solvent for the chemoenzymatic epoxidation of limonene, and as sacrificial electron donor for the in situ generation of H2O2 to promote the epoxidation reaction. The proof‐of‐concept for this multifunctional use was provided, and the scope and current limitations of the concept were outlined.
Innovations in biological assessments of chronic stress through hair and nail cortisol: Conceptual, developmental, and methodological issues
Authors: Liu Cindy H. , Doan Stacey N.
Published: February 2019

Much of the existing research on biological mechanisms underlying the stress experience has focused largely on moment‐to‐moment stress, rather than on chronic stress, an arguably more powerful predictor of long‐term outcomes. Recent methodological innovations have paved the way for new lines of research on chronic stress, with promising implications for developmental researchers and for those who study health and adversity. In particular, there are increasing studies that have focused on chronic stress assessments by relying on cortisol derived from hair and nails as a biomarker for chronic stress. In this paper, we provide an overview of their use, describe how hair and nail cortisol ought to be conceptualized differently across the lifespan, how developmental factors may impact its interpretation, and the circumstances under which its use may be more methodologically sensible. The purpose of this review is to provoke further discussion and encourage careful research designs that utilize hair and nail cortisol for understanding the effects of chronic stress exposure from the early developmental period, across adverse contexts, and in association with psychological and physical health outcomes.
Aggregation, segregation, and dispersal of homotypic germ plasm RNPs in the early zebrafish embryo
Authors: Eno Celeste , Hansen Christina L. , Pelegri Francisco
Published: February 2019

Background

In zebrafish and many other organisms, specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs) requires the transmission of maternally‐derived germ plasm. Zebrafish germ plasm ribonucleoparticles (RNPs) aggregate along the cleavage furrows during the first several cell cycles, segregate asymmetrically during the cleavage stages, and undergo cytoplasmic dispersal in the late blastula.

Results

For all tested germ plasm RNAs [carbonic anhydrase 15b (ca15b), deleted in azoospermia‐like (dazl), dead end (dnd), nanos 3 (nos3), regulator of G‐protein signaling14a (rgs14a), and vasa/DEAD box polypeptide 4 (vasa/ddx4)], RNPs are homotypic (containing a single RNA type), with RNPs packing tightly yet remaining distinct within germ plasm aggregates. Homotypic clustering of RNAs within RNPs is observed before aggregation in the cortex and is maintained through germ plasm recruitment, asymmetric segregation and RNP dispersal. We also identify a step of germ plasm fragmentation during the cleavage stages that precedes RNP dispersal.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that germ plasm aggregates act as subcellular compartments that temporarily collect and carry single RNA‐type RNPs from fertilization until their cytoplasmic dispersal in PGCs at the end of the blastula period, and describe a previously unknown fragmentation step that allows for an increase in the pool of germ plasm‐carrying cells, presumably PGCs. Developmental Dynamics 248:306–318, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term follow‐up study of low‐weight avoidant restrictive food intake disorder compared with childhood‐onset anorexia nervosa: Psychiatric and occupational outcome in 56 patients
Authors: Lange C.R. André , Ekedahl Fjertorp Hanna , Holmer Riitta , Wijk Elin , Wallin Ulf
Published: February 2019

Objective

To compare long term outcome between childhood‐onset Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and low‐weight Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) in regard to psychiatric diagnoses, social and occupational functioning.

Method

A consecutive series of 56 children originally treated for low‐weight restrictive eating disorder (ED) were followed up after a mean of 15.9 years. ARFID‐diagnoses were assigned retrospectively.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients originally had AN and 19 patients were diagnosed retrospectively with ARFID. At follow‐up, in the AN‐group 21.6% had a current ED, 24.3% had another psychiatric diagnosis, and 54.1% did not have any psychiatric diagnosis. In the ARFID‐group, 26.3% had a current ED, 26.3% had another psychiatric diagnosis, and 47.4% had no psychiatric diagnosis. In the ARFID‐group ED diagnoses at follow‐up were all ARFID, whereas the AN‐group showed heterogeneity. Morgan Russell Outcome Assessment Schedule indicated similar outcome in the AN‐ and ARFID‐group. Occupational functioning did not differ significantly between the AN‐ and ARFID‐group.

Discussion

The AN‐group showed high rate of ED at follow up. The ARFID‐group had a similar outcome to AN. In the ARFID‐group, all ED‐cases at follow up had ARFID, possibly indicating symptomatic stability. Low‐weight ARFID should be treated as seriously as childhood onset AN.
Phenotypic plasticity of four Chenopodiaceae species with contrasting saline–sodic tolerance in response to increased salinity–sodicity
Authors: Huang Yingxin , Fan Gaohua , Zhou Daowei , Pang Jiayin
Published: February 2019

It is unknown whether phenotypic plasticity in fitness‐related traits is associated with salinity–sodicity tolerance. This study compared growth and allocation phenotypic plasticity in two species with low salinity–sodicity tolerance (Chenopodium acuminatum and C. stenophyllum) and two species with high salinity–sodicity tolerance (Suaeda glauca and S. salsa) in a pot experiment in the Songnen grassland, China. While the species with low tolerance had higher growth and allocation plasticity than the highly tolerant species, the highly tolerant species only adjusted their growth traits and maintained higher fitness (e.g., plant height and total biomass) in response to increased soil salinity–sodicity, with low biomass allocation plasticity. Most plasticity is “apparent” plasticity (ontogenetic change), and only a few traits, for example, plant height:stem diameter ratio and root:shoot biomass ratio, represent “real” plasticity (real change in response to the environment). Our results show that phenotypic plasticity was negatively correlated with saline–sodic tolerance and could be used as an index of species sensitivity to soil salinity–sodicity.
Water salinity and inundation control soil carbon decomposition during salt marsh restoration: An incubation experiment
Authors: Wang Faming , Kroeger Kevin D. , Gonneea Meagan E. , Pohlman John W. , Tang Jianwu
Published: February 2019

Coastal wetlands are a significant carbon (C) sink since they store carbon in anoxic soils. This ecosystem service is impacted by hydrologic alteration and management of these coastal habitats. Efforts to restore tidal flow to former salt marshes have increased in recent decades and are generally associated with alteration of water inundation levels and salinity. This study examined the effect of water level and salinity changes on soil organic matter decomposition during a 60‐day incubation period. Intact soil cores from impounded fresh water marsh and salt marsh were incubated after addition of either sea water or fresh water under flooded and drained water levels. Elevating fresh water marsh salinity to 6 to 9 ppt enhanced CO2 emission by 50%−80% and most typically decreased CH4 emissions, whereas, decreasing the salinity from 26 ppt to 19 ppt in salt marsh soils had no effect on CO2 or CH4 fluxes. The effect from altering water levels was more pronounced with drained soil cores emitting ~10‐fold more CO2 than the flooded treatment in both marsh sediments. Draining soil cores also increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. Stable carbon isotope analysis of CO2 generated during the incubations of fresh water marsh cores in drained soils demonstrates that relict peat OC that accumulated when the marsh was saline was preferentially oxidized when sea water was introduced. This study suggests that restoration of tidal flow that raises the water level from drained conditions would decrease aerobic decomposition and enhance C sequestration. It is also possible that the restoration would increase soil C decomposition of deeper deposits by anaerobic oxidation, however this impact would be minimal compared to lower emissions expected due to the return of flooding conditions.
Different roles of elevational and local environmental factors on abundance‐based beta diversity of the soil Enchytraeidae on the Changbai Mountain
Authors: Jiang Xiaoming , Chen Jing , Xie Zhicai
Published: February 2019

The elevational alpha biodiversity gradient in mountain regions is one of the well‐known ecological patterns, but its beta diversity pattern remains poorly known. Examining the beta diversity and its components could enhance the understanding of community assembly mechanism. We studied the beta diversity pattern of the soil enchytraeids along a distinct elevational gradient (705–2,280 m) on the Changbai Mountain, the best‐preserved mountain in northeastern China. The overall abundance‐based community dissimilarity was relatively high (ca. 0.70), largely due to the balanced‐variation component (85%). The overall dissimilarity and its balanced‐variation (substitution) component were related to both local environmental heterogeneity and elevational distance, with the environmental relationships being stronger. In contrast, the abundance‐gradient (subsets) component was not related to the two gradients. The same important spatial and environmental variables were detected in structuring overall dissimilarity and substitution component, different from that in subsets component. Variation partitioning analysis showed that environmental control played a more important role than spatial (vertical and horizontal) factors in structuring the patterns of overall beta diversity and its two components. The predictive power of multivariate analysis was higher for the substitution component (nearly 50%) and overall dissimilarity (35%), but much lower for subsets components (<4%). These findings implied that abundance‐based beta diversity patterns of the soil enchytraeids were the results of different ecological processes (e.g., environmental sorting and dispersal limitation), operating in the two antithetic components. Our study showed the substitution and loss of individuals reflecting different ecological processes and highlights the importance of partitioning beta diversity in assessing biodiversity patterns and their causes.
Structure and genetic variability of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) populations from Brazilian reservoirs
Authors: Furlan‐Murari Pâmela Juliana , Ruas Claudete de Fatima , Ruas Eduardo Augusto , Benício Lucas Milanez , Urrea‐Rojas Angela Maria , Poveda‐Parra Angela Rocio , Murari Emerson , Lima Ed Christian Suzuki de , Souza Felipe Pinheiro de , Lopera‐Barrero Nelson Mauricio
Published: February 2019

The golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei a highly invasive species in Brazil, has generated productive, economical, and biological impacts. To evaluate genetic structure and variability of L. fortunei populations present in fish farms in the reservoirs of Canoas I (CANFF), Rosana (ROSFF), and Capivara (CAPFF) (Paranapanema River, Paraná, Brazil), eight microsatellite loci were amplified. Five of those eight loci resulted in 38 alleles. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) was lower than the expected heterozygosity (He) in all populations, with a deviation from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The average value for the inbreeding coefficient (Fis) was positive and significative for all populations. There was higher genetic variability within populations than among them. The fixation index (Fst) showed a small genetic variability among these populations. The occurrence of gene flow was identified in all populations, along with the lack of a recent bottleneck effect. The clustering analysis yielded K = 2, with genetic similarity between the three populations. The results demonstrate low genetic structure and suggest a founding population with greater genetic variability (ROSFF). Our data point to the possible dispersal of L. fortunei aided by anthropic factors in the upstream direction. It was concluded that the three populations presented a unique genetic pool for Paranapanema River, with occurrence of gene flow.
Population genomics of rapidly invading lionfish in the Caribbean reveals signals of range expansion in the absence of spatial population structure
Authors: Bors Eleanor K. , Herrera Santiago , Morris James A. , Shank Timothy M.
Published: February 2019

Range expansions driven by global change and species invasions may have significant genomic, evolutionary, and ecological implications. During range expansions, strong genetic drift characterized by repeated founder events can result in decreased genetic diversity with increased distance from the center of the historic range, or the point of invasion. The invasion of the Indo‐Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans, into waters off the US East Coast, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea provides a natural system to study rapid range expansion in an invasive marine fish with high dispersal capabilities. We report results from 12,759 single nucleotide polymorphism loci sequenced by restriction enzyme‐associated DNA sequencing for nine P. volitans sampling areas in the invaded range, including Florida and other sites throughout the Caribbean, as well as mitochondrial control region D‐loop data. Analyses revealed low to no spatially explicit metapopulation genetic structure, which is partly consistent with previous finding of little structure within ocean basins, but partly divergent from initial reports of between‐basin structure. Genetic diversity, however, was not homogeneous across all sampled sites. Patterns of genetic diversity correlate with invasion pathway. Observed heterozygosity, averaged across all loci within a population, decreases with distance from Florida while expected heterozygosity is mostly constant in sampled populations, indicating population genetic disequilibrium correlated with distance from the point of invasion. Using an FST outlier analysis and a Bayesian environmental correlation analysis, we identified 256 and 616 loci, respectively, that could be experiencing selection or genetic drift. Of these, 24 loci were shared between the two methods.
High‐performance V/f control of PMSM using state feedback control based on n–t coordinate system
Authors: Matsuki Yosuke , Doki Shinji
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a new V/f control method for permanent magnetic synchronous motors (PMSMs) without a position sensor. The proposed method uses state feedback control based on an n–t coordinate system, and controls rotational speed and the voltage amplitude. The t‐axis is a tangent line of a constant voltage ellipse, and the n‐axis is a normal line of the ellipse. The t‐axis current is utilized to place the poles of the transfer function at the desired position at low‐speed and high‐speed conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by simulation and experimental results.
Introduction of Heteroaromatic Bases onto Cycloalkanes with BPO
Authors: Zhou Luan , Togo Hideo
Published: February 2019

Heteroaromatic bases, such as lepidine, phenanthridine, isoquinoline, etc., were treated with cycloalkanes, such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, cyclooctane, etc., under warming conditions with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to form heteroaromatic bases bearing cycloalkyl groups in good yields. Here, the inert C(sp3)‐H bond of cycloalkanes could be functionalized to C(sp3)‐heteroaromatic bases via an oxidative radical reaction pathway under transition‐metal‐free conditions.
Thermally and Photochemically Induced Dethreading of Fumaramide‐Based Kinetically Stable Pseudo[2]rotaxanes
Authors: Martinez‐Cuezva Alberto , Morales Fatima , Marley Grace R. , Lopez‐Lopez Adrian , Martinez‐Costa Juan Carlos , Bautista Delia , Alajarin Mateo , Berna Jose
Published: February 2019

The thermally and photochemically induced dethreading of a series of pseudo[2]rotaxanes bearing tetraalkyl‐substituted fumaramide axles and polyamide macrocycles is reported herein. The length of the alkyl chains at the ends of the thread, the void size, and flexibility of the macrocycle and the intercomponent interactions are critical for a satisfactory dethreading process. 1H NMR kinetic experiments were carried out in order to calculate the rate constants of the thermal dethreading processes and stabilities of the rotaxanes, by comparing with the similar data for the deslipping of the succinamide surrogates. The deslipping reaction occurs faster with the fumaramide systems than succinamide ones. The incorporation of adamantane moieties into the polyamide macrocycle drastically slowed down the disconnecting process. Furthermore, interlocked systems with dipropylamino groups as stoppers experienced a rapid dethreading when irradiated under UV‐light, a process triggered by the fumaramide–maleamide isomerization. In this case, the n‐propyl groups are not bulky enough to keep together both components as the number of hydrogen bonds between thread and macrocycle is halved in the maleamide systems.
Gold‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Internal Alkynes into Benzils and its Application for One‐Pot Synthesis of Five‐, Six‐, and Seven‐Membered Azaheterocycles
Authors: Dubovtsev Alexey Yu. , Dar'in Dmitry V. , Krasavin Mikhail , Kukushkin Vadim Yu.
Published: February 2019

Internal alkynes have been shown to undergo oxidation to substituted benzils (1,2‐diarylethane‐1,2‐diones) by α‐picoline N‐oxide in the presence of Ph3PAuNТf2 (5 mol‐%). In addition to the unsubstituted benzil, the method allows preparing, under markedly mild conditions (50 °C in chlorobenzene), various non‐symmetrical products, including heteroaromatic versions thereof which are much more difficult to obtain otherwise. This gold(I)‐catalyzed transformation was integrated into one‐pot reaction sequence delivering a range of 5‐ to 7‐membered ring systems (imidazoles, quinoxalines, 1,2,4‐triazines, pyrazines, and 1,4‐diazepines), thus linking these important heterocyclic motifs to the internal alkyne reagent space.
Nanofiber Cellulose‐Incorporated Nanomesh Graphene–Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper and Ionic Liquid‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Choi Yeon Jun , Jung Dae Soo , Han Jae Hee , Lee Geon-Woo , Wang Sung Eun , Kim Young Hwan , Park Byung Hoon , Suh Dong Hack , Kim Tae-Ho , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: February 2019

Flexible all‐solid‐state supercapacitors are actively investigated for their potential applications in flexible and wearable electronic devices. The important challenge in this field is to achieve a long‐term cycling stability under repeated bending and high energy. Herein, the design and synthesis of the following are reported: 1) nanofiber cellulose (NFC)‐incorporated nanomesh graphene–carbon nanotube (CNT) hybrid buckypaper electrodes with an excellent flexibility and a high specific capacitance and 2) an ionic liquid‐based solid polymer electrolyte with an excellent mechanical flexibility to realize the aims. Herein, the NFC is used to increase the packing density of the buckypaper through the hydrophobic interaction with CNTs, thereby improving the mechanical flexibility. As for the solid polymer electrolyte, the crosslinked structure is induced to provide the pathways for ion conduction and mechanical integrity even at a high ionic liquid content by chemically attaching triethoxysilane end groups to poly(ethylene oxide)‐poly(propylene oxide)‐poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymer. The sandwich structure of 1) and 2) exhibits an excellent cycling stability over 5000 bending cycles and high areal energy density (247 μWh cm−2), which are superior to those previously reported in flexible supercapacitors.
Effect of plasmonic au nanoparticles on the photoactivity of polyaniline/indium tin oxide electrodes for water splitting
Authors: Rabia Mohamed , Shaban Mohamed , Adel Ahmed , Abdel‐Khaliek Ahmed A.
Published: February 2019

Three nanomaterials based on polyaniline (PANI) are prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) and applied as electrodes for H2 generation due to the water‐splitting process. PANI/ITO films are prepared using oxidation polymerization method at 25°C, then coated with Au nanoparticles with different thicknesses (sputter time from 1 to 2 min). The three prepared electrodes; PANI/ITO (Electrode (0), 1‐min‐Au/PANI/ITO (Electrode (I)), and 2‐min‐Au/PANI/ITO (Electrode (II)) are compared for H2 generation from H2O. Scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, UV‐Vis spectrophotometer, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analyses have been carried out, in which the average PANI crystal size was ~20 nm. Moreover, the bandgaps were determined, in which 2‐min‐Au/PANI/ITO has the optimum bandgap of 2.25 eV. The characteristic behavior of the H2 generation took place depending on the current density (Jph) value by using Jph–V and Jph–time study. Also, the incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) and the applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency (ABPE) were calculated for the Electrode (II) at 25°C. The optimum IPCE and ABPE efficiency were 18.7 and 0.99%, respectively, at 390 nm. By increasing the temperature to 70°C, the IPCE efficiency increases to about 37%. Finally, activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (ΔH*), and entropy (ΔS*) were determined, in which the values were 24.32 kJ mol−1, 10.90 kJ mol−1, and 74.99 J K−1 mol−1, respectively. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
A home‐based, primary‐care model for epilepsy care in India: Basis and design
Authors: Singh Gagandeep , Sharma Suman , Bansal Rajnder K. , Setia Raj K. , Sharma Sarit , Bansal Namita , Chowdhury Anuraag , Goraya Jatinder S. , Chatterjee Susmita , Kaur Sukhpreet , Kaur Manpreet , Kalra Shivani , Sander Josemir W.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

A cluster‐randomized trial of home‐based care using primary‐care resources for people with epilepsy has been set up to optimize epilepsy care in resource‐limited communities in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The primary aim is to determine whether treatment adherence to antiepileptic drugs is better with home‐based care or with routine clinic‐based care. The secondary aims are to compare the effects of the two care pathways on seizure control and quality of life.

Methods

The home‐based intervention comprises epilepsy medication provision, adherence reinforcement, and epilepsy self‐management and stigma management guidance provided by an auxiliary nurse‐midwife equivalent. The experimental group will be compared to a routine clinic‐based care group using a cluster‐randomized design in which the unit of analysis is a cluster of 10 people with epilepsy residing in an area cared for by a single accredited government grass‐roots health care worker. The primary outcome is treatment adherence as measured by monthly tablet counts supplemented by two self‐completed questionnaires. The secondary outcomes include monthly seizure frequency, time to first seizure (in days) after enrollment, proportion of patients experiencing seizure freedom for the duration of the study, and quality of life measured by the “Personal Impact of Epilepsy Scale,” all assessed by an independent study nurse.

Results

The screening phase and neurologic evaluations and randomizations have been recently completed and follow‐up is underway.

Significance

The results of the trial are likely to have substantial bearing on the development of governmental policies and strategies to provide coverage and care for patients with epilepsy in resource‐limited countries.
A smiling bear in the equity options market and the cross‐section of stock returns
Authors: Park Haehean , Kim Baeho , Shim Hyeongsop
Published: February 2019

We propose a measure for the convexity of an option‐implied volatility curve, IV convexity, as a forward‐looking measure of risk‐neutral tail‐risk contribution to the perceived variance of underlying equity returns. Using equity options data for individual US‐listed stocks during 2000–2013, we find that the average realized return differential between the lowest and highest IV convexity quintile portfolios exceeds 1% per month, which is both economically and statistically significant on a risk‐adjusted basis. Our empirical findings indicate the contribution of informed options trading to price discovery in terms of the realization of tail‐risk aversion in the stock market.
Beyond the planetary boundary layer: Bacterial and fungal vertical biogeography at Mount Sonnblick, Austria
Authors: Els Nora , Baumann‐Stanzer Kathrin , Larose Catherine , Vogel Timothy M. , Sattler Birgit
Published: February 2019

The atmosphere harbours a vast diversity of primary biological aerosols (PBAs) that are subjected to vertical and horizontal dispersal mechanisms that are not fully understood. In addition to size and weight constraints on PBAs to be lifted into the air column, local meteorological features dominate the fate of bioaerosols and their possible inclusion in long‐range transport. For organic particles to be included into long distant dispersal, they have to overcome surface vertical mixing of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) to reach levels of laminar air movement. Hence, the biogeography of PBAs along a vertical distribution through the PBL needed further study. To assess the microbial biodiversity along an altitudinal gradient, air samples were collected between 1,000 and 3,100 m above sea level at Mount Sonnblick in the Austrian Alps. 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer sequencing for bacteria and fungi, respectively, were used to define distinct microbial communities that were separated by the PBL. Up to the top of the PBL, plant‐associated bacteria and fungi were detected and were subjected to limited vertical dispersal due to size‐constraints. This indicates that those communities become aerosolised but were not lifted into higher altitudes. However, a variety of ubiquitous, thermophilic strains that are often identified with heavy dust events and high endurance towards extreme conditions were significantly increased (relative abundance) at higher elevations. The lack of information on vertical dispersal is due to reliance on ground‐based investigations that bias the interpretation of dispersal dynamics. Thus, to understand the mechanisms for near‐ground communities to become airborne and subsequently included in long‐range transport, we recommend investigating meteorological driving forces for an improved biogeographical assessment. Here, we show, for the first time, an assessment of the biogeography of bacterial and fungal assemblages along a vertical alpine air column transect.
Cross passages between TBM tunnels: The experience in Spanish high‐speed railway tunnels
Authors: Iasiello Cosimo , Torralbo Juan Carlos Guerra , Pérez Caldentey P.E. Alejandro
Published: February 2019

This paper describes, by means of two practical examples, the different approaches employed to design and build cross passages between segmental lined tunnels for high speed railway lines in Spain. The increment of principal stresses at the cross passages leads to the need of an additional support system for the tunnel lining. The chosen solution for this support system depends mainly on the ground conditions, the tunnel overburden and contractor's local experience. The first example is related to the Pajares Tunnels bored in the San Emiliano formation and the second one collects the experiences of the Guadarrama tunnels bored in very hard gneiss and granite rocks. The aim of this paper is to establish some key aspects to be considered when choosing the cross passage design and the corresponding excavation process.
Unterstützungskonstruktionen für Tübbinge beim Herstellen von Querschlägen in unterschiedlichen Baugrundverhältnissen
Authors: Frodl Stephan
Published: February 2019

Emergency exits must be available at certain intervals in tunnels for safety reasons. For this purpose, cross passages are excavated to a second tunnel tube, to shafts with staircases or separate exit tunnels. For the excavation of these emergency exits in TBM drives with segmental lining, openings have to be provided in the segmental lining. This article outlines different systems to make openings in segmental linings. The choice of a suitable system depends on various constraints, e.g. the geometric dimensions of the tunnel tube and the cross passages or the prevailing soil conditions. In addition, the loadbearing capacity and serviceability is also very important.
Gebirgsdruckabhängige Tübbing‐Öffnungsvarianten für Querschläge beim Koralmtunnel KAT3 – Entwicklung von Sicherungstypen zum Einfahren von Querschlagvortrieben in Tübbingröhre
Authors: Atzl Georg , Josmann Gerd , Fleissner Werner , Moritz Bernd , Handke Dieter , Zevnik Jaka , Schiesser Karl , Kiesling Andreas
Published: February 2019

The southern tube of the Koralm Tunnel, contract KAT3, is being conventionally excavated with two‐pass lining, while the northern tube is being driven by TBM with single‐pass segment lining. The tunnel tubes are located in quite different geotechnical conditions, with soft ground of high and low permeability, major fault zones and hard rock. Cross passages are provided about every 500 m of the 12 km long tunnel section. Different support types are required for the opening of the segment lining and connection to the excavation of the cross passage. In hard rock, the support consists of anchors, tail void grout and permanent bolts between the segments. In soft ground, a temporary pre‐stressed steel structure is provided, with longitudinal dowels at ring joints and special segments with increased reinforcement for the special case where cross passage excavation enters the segment‐lined tunnel.
Geochemistry and mineral chemical behavior of hydrothermal alteration of the Tuwu porphyry copper deposit, Eastern Tianshan, Northwest China
Authors: Yuan Hongqing , Shen Ping , Pan Hongdi , An Zhi‐Hai , Ma Ge , Li Wenguang
Published: February 2019

The Tuwu deposit is one of the largest porphyry copper deposits in the Eastern Tianshan, Northwest China. Ore bodies of the deposit are associated with the tonalite porphyry, which intruded the Early Carboniferous Qi´eshan Group. The hydrothermal ore‐forming processes include the porphyry mineralization episode with potassic, chlorite‐sericite/albite, phyllic, and propylitic alteration and the overprinting mineralization episode. These hydrothermal alteration episodes were studied on the basis of mass transfer and element mobility. The mass balance data and isocon diagrams reveal that Cu is highly associated with the chlorite‐sericite (albite) stage and followed by phyllic and potassic stages. On the basis of electron probe analysis, the SO3 contents of the igneous apatite from the tonalite porphyries range from 0.016 to 0.288 wt.%, which are higher than those from the diorite porphyries (SO3 = 0.088–0.179 wt.%). Similarly, the apatite saturation temperature (861–926°C) and magmatic S content (mean = 52.16 ppm) from the tonalite porphyries are also higher that from the diorite porphyries (T = 813–877°C; S = 28.25 ppm). These results suggest that the S content of the apatite is related to the temperature and S content of the melt. In the hydrothermal alteration zones, the F favours partitioning into apatite under lower temperature, the F contents of hydrothermal apatite increase from the potassic zones to the propylitic zones accompanying with the decrease of temperature. Cl element is much more sensitive to the pH, pressure, and fluid composition than F element. The Cl contents of the apatite increase from the potassic zones (0.18–0.46 wt.%) to the chorite‐sericite (albite) zones (0.28–0.58 wt.%), resulting from the decrease of fluid pH and pressure. The lower Cl contents of apatite (0.07–0.48 wt.%) in the phyllic zones were due to the lower Cl content of hydrothermal fluids. The highest Cl contents (0.09–0.69 wt.%) of apatite in the propylitic zones were caused by the decrease of pressure. The δ18Owater values of quartz in chlorite‐sericite (albite) zones and phyllic zones range from −0.8‰ to −0.4‰ and from −5.3‰ to 4.8‰, and the δD values vary from −57‰ to −47‰ and from −52‰ to −44‰, respectively. Gaseous compositions of the fluid inclusions in quartz are dominated by H2O with minor CO2, and the liquid compositions mainly consist of Na+ and Cl−. These data imply that the ore‐forming fluids belong to the H2O‐NaCl system and evolved from magmatic water to meteoric water in origin.
Relationship Between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Susceptibility Genes and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Brouwers Martijn C.G.J. , Simons Nynke , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Koek Ger H. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Isaacs Aaron
Published: February 2019

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the principal cause of death in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether NAFLD is causally involved in the pathogenesis of CAD. For this, previously reported NAFLD susceptibility genes were clustered and tested for an association with CAD in the Coronary Artery Disease Genome‐Wide Replication and Meta‐Analysis plus the Coronary Artery Disease Genetics (CARDIoGRAMplusC4D) Consortium data set. The role of plasma lipids as a potential mediator was explored by using data from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium. Statistical analyses revealed that the combination of 12 NAFLD genes was not associated with CAD in 60,801 CAD cases and 123,504 controls (odds ratio [OR] per NAFLD risk allele, 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99‐1.00). In a subsequent sensitivity analysis, a positive relationship was observed after exclusion of gene variants that are implicated in NAFLD through impaired very low‐density lipoprotein secretion (i.e., microsomal triglyceride transfer protein [MTTP], patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 [PNPLA3], phosphatidylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase [PEMT], and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 [TM6SF2]) (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.02). Clustering of the excluded genes showed a significant negative relationship with CAD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96‐0.99). A substantial proportion of the observed heterogeneity between the individual NAFLD genes in relation to CAD could be explained by plasma lipids, as reflected by a strong relationship between plasma lipids and CAD risk conferred by the NAFLD susceptibility genes (r = 0.76; P = 0.004 for low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol). Conclusion: NAFLD susceptibility genes do not cause CAD per se. The relationship between these genes and CAD appears to depend to a large extent on plasma lipids. These observations strongly suggest taking plasma lipids into account when designing a new drug to target NAFLD.
Addressing nutrition and social connection through community gardening: A South Australian study
Authors: Mehta Kaye , Lopresti Silvia , Thomas Jessica
Published: February 2019

Background

This research aimed to evaluate the benefits of the community gardening program called ‘‘Magic Harvest (MH)” with respect to its key elements: social interaction; gardening skills; and, healthier eating. The MH program supports community participants to grow food, share produce, prepare and preserve food.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted with participants in MH programs in the south of Adelaide, South Australia. The MH programs were located in lower socio‐economic areas. Focus group interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed thematically.

Results

Thirteen participants took part in the focus groups and reported gains in community connectedness and shared learning, skills for growing food and healthy eating and making more sustainable food choices.

Conclusion

This study highlights the social and nutritional benefits that can be derived from a community gardening program in low‐income communities. Health practitioners and policymakers should consider community gardening as an effective health promotion strategy that can address physical and social determinants of health and nutrition for low‐income communities.
The effects of topographic depressions on multiscale overland flow connectivity: A high‐resolution spatiotemporal pattern analysis approach based on connectivity statistics
Authors: Yu Feng , Harbor Jonathan M.
Published: February 2019

In watershed modelling, the traditional practice of arbitrarily filling topographic depressions in digital elevation models has raised concerns. Advanced high‐resolution remote sensing techniques, including airborne scanning laser altimetry, can identify naturally occurring depressions that impact overland flow. In this study, we used an ensemble physical and statistical modelling approach, including a 2D hydraulic model and two‐point connectivity statistics, to quantify the effects of depressions on high‐resolution overland flow patterns across spatial scales and their temporal variations in single storm events. Computations for both models were implemented using graphic processing unit‐accelerated computing. The changes in connectivity statistics for overland flow patterns between airborne scanning laser altimetry‐derived digital elevation models with (original) and without (filled) depressions were used to represent the shifts of overland flow response to depressions. The results show that depressions can either decrease or increase (to a lesser degree and shorter duration) the probability that any two points (grid locations) are hydraulically connected by overland flow pathways. We used macro‐connectivity states (Φ) as a watershed‐specific indicator to describe the spatiotemporal thresholds of connectivity variability caused by depressions. Four states of Φ are identified in a studied watershed, and each state represents different magnitudes of connectivity and connectivity changes (caused by depressions). The magnitude of connectivity variability corresponds to the states of Φ, which depend on the topological relationship between depressions, the rising/recession limb, and the total rainfall amount in a storm event. In addition, spatial distributions of connectivity variability correlate with the density of depression locations and their physical structures, which cause changes in streamflow discharge magnitude. Therefore, this study suggests that depressions are “nontrivial” in watershed modelling, and their impacts on overland flow should not be neglected. Connectivity statistics at different spatial scales and time points within a watershed provide new insights for characterizing the distributed and accumulated effects of depressions on overland flow.
Application of Cu(Hdmg)2 as a simple and cost‐effective catalyst for the convenient one‐pot reductive acetylation of aromatic nitro compounds
Authors: Zeynizadeh Behzad , Mousavi Hossein , Zarrin Saviz
Published: February 2019

In this article, we have developed a novel and simple one‐pot reductive acetylation of aromatic nitro compounds with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in ethyl acetate (EtOAc) under reflux conditions in the presence of the bis(dimethylglyoximato)copper(II) complex [Cu(Hdmg)2] as an efficient and cost‐effective copper‐containing catalyst. Notably, using the above‐mentioned one‐pot reaction, the corresponding acetamide derivatives were obtained in high to excellent yields.