bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morin‐dependent inhibition of low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW‐PTP) restores sensitivity to apoptosis during colon carcinogenesis: Studies in vitro and in vivo, in an Apc‐driven model of colon cancer
Authors: Lori Giulia , Paoli Paolo , Femia Angelo Pietro , Pranzini Erica , Caselli Anna , Tortora Katia , Romagnoli Andrea , Raugei Giovanni , Caderni Giovanna
Published: December 2018

LMW‐PTP has been associated with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and with the resistance to chemotherapy in cancer cells. To clarify its role in vivo, we studied LMW‐PTP expression in Pirc rats (F344/NTac‐Apc am1137), genetically prone to CRC and resistant to apoptosis. In the morphologically normal mucosa (NM) of Pirc rats, a dramatic over‐expression of LMW‐PTP was found compared to wt rats (about 60 times higher). Moreover, LMW‐PTP levels further increase in spontaneously developed Pirc colon tumors. To understand if and how LMW‐PTP affects resistance to apoptosis, we studied CRC cell lines, sensitive (HT29 and HCT‐116), or resistant (HT29R, HCT116R) to 5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU): resistant cells over‐express LMW‐PTP. When resistant cells were challenged with morin, a polyphenol inhibiting LMW‐PTP, a fast and dose‐related down‐regulation of LMW‐PTP was observed. 5‐FU and morin co‐treatment dramatically decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis, and significantly impaired self‐renewal ability of all the cancer cell lines we have studied. Similarly, we observed that, in Pirc rats, one‐week morin administration (50 mg/kg) down‐regulated LMW‐PTP and restored the apoptotic response to 5‐FU in the NM. Finally, administration of morin for a longer period led to a significant reduction in colon precancerous lesions, together with a down‐regulation of LMW‐PTP. Taken together, these results document the involvement of LMW‐PTP in the process of CRC in vitro and in vivo. Morin treatment may be envisaged as a system to increase the sensitivity to chemotherapy and to prevent carcinogenesis.
POLR1D promotes colorectal cancer progression and predicts poor prognosis of patients
Authors: Wang Mingqing , Niu Wenbo , Hu Rong , Wang Yanjing , Liu Yangyang , Liu Lingyu , Zhong Juan , Zhang Cha , You Haiyan , Zhang Jiaxing , Lu Lu , Wei Lianbo , Xiao Wei
Published: December 2018

RNA polymerase I subunit D (POLR1D), which is involved in synthesis of ribosomal RNA precursors and small RNAs, has been shown to be overexpressed in several human cancer types. Nevertheless, the role of POLR1D in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. The following study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of POLR1D in CRC progression. In this report, we found that POLR1D was significantly up‐regulated in CRC through data mining of oncomine database. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of a tissue microarray (TMA) of 75 human CRC patients showed that the expression level of POLR1D was positively correlated to tumor size and poor survival of CRC patients. Aberrant expression of POLR1D significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. Conversely, POLR1D knockdown displayed the opposite effects. The flow Cytometry assays showed that POLR1D fostered cell cycle progression at G1‐S transition and inhibited cell apoptosis. Finally, at the molecular level, we demonstrated that POLR1D‐induced the promotion of G1‐S cell cycle transition was mediated by activation of wnt‐β‐catenin signaling and inactivation of p53 signaling. Our results suggested that POLR1D may function as a risk factor for predicting the outcome of CRC patients, as well as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Frequency analyses of extreme precipitation events in Western Black Sea Basin (Turkey) based on climate change projections
Authors: Nuri Balov Mustafa , Altunkaynak Abdüsselam
Published: December 2018

The impacts of climate change on extreme precipitation events in the Western Black Sea Basin of Turkey were investigated by using the annual maxima (AM) and peaks over threshold (POT) methods. Daily precipitation data measured between 1971 and 2000 at nine meteorological stations and projected and dynamically downscaled precipitation data from the outputs of GFDL‐ESM2M, HadGEM2‐ES and MPI‐ESM‐MR global circulation models (GCMs) under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and RCP8.5 scenarios were used to generate maximum daily rainfall intensity for 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 year return periods. The outputs of the GCMs were corrected by a modified linear scaling bias correction method to offset the uncertainties of the GCMs before frequency analyses. The datasets were fitted to a generalized extreme value distribution and a generalized Pareto distribution for the AM and POT methods, respectively. Based on a statistical test a reliable goodness‐of‐fit was obtained. The results of frequency analyses of daily storms by using the GCM data, after bias correction, showed that by the end of the current century the magnitude of the storms will increase by 31.29% and 27.00% based on the AM and POT methods respectively under the RCP4.5 scenario and by 43.51% and 31.29% based on the AM and POT methods respectively under the RCP8.5 scenario. The magnitude of the 24 hr rainfall intensity calculated by the AM method was more than that of the POT method by 22% on average. For the whole basin (on average) the mean maximum daily rainfall intensity was found to be 33.45, 46.18, 57.24, 69.16, 87.68, 104.51 and 154.60 mm/day for the respective return periods.
Sulforaphane Improves Lipid Metabolism by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Lei Peng , Tian Sicong , Teng Chunying , Huang Lei , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Jiaojiao , Zhang Yao , Li Baolong , Shan Yujuan
Published: December 2018

Scope

Sulforaphane (SFN) is reported to reduce the accumulation of lipids. However, the underling mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the potential of SFN to improve lipid metabolism is investigated through altering mitochondrial function and biogenesis‐related mechanisms.

Methods and Results

The abnormal lipid metabolism model was established both in HHL‐5 cells and in rats by feeding a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. The current findings suggest that SFN alleviates the swelling of mitochondria and stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis. The reduced expression of NRF1 and TFAM, were reversed by SFN. SFN increases the levels of antioxidant compounds via nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor (Nrf2) activation. Furthermore, SFN improves multiple mitochondrial bioactivities, such as mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP, and the electron transfer chain based on PGC‐1α pathway. SFN also activates lipolysis by transcriptionally upregulating adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL).

Conclusions

SFN enhances utilization of lipids via both the PGC‐ 1α‐dependent promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and Nrf2 dependent improvement of mitochondrial function.
Technical Note: Radiation dose reduction from computed tomography localizer radiographs using a tin spectral shaping filter
Authors: Saltybaeva Natalia , Krauss Andreas , Alkadhi Hatem
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the possibility of lowering radiation dose from a localizer radiograph (LR) using a tin spectral shaping filter and to investigate the effect of this adaptation on the radiation dose and image quality of subsequent computed tomography (CT) examination.

Methods

The study utilized a set of semianthropomorphic abdomen phantoms, representing small, medium, and large patients. The LR scans were performed with and without a tin spectral shaping filter using various kVp/mA settings. The tube current values of spiral CT examinations following the LR were assessed to evaluate the effect of LR settings on automatic exposure control (AEC). The image quality of CT examinations with various LRs was evaluated by measuring image noise in several regions‐of‐interest. Organ dose values from LR scans were derived from Monte Carlo simulations performed on a set of virtual anthropomorphic phantoms and the effective dose (ED) values were calculated.

Results

The radiation dose from the LR can be strongly reduced by using a tin spectral shaping filter (P < 0.001). The optimal settings of the LR scan depend on the size of the scanned subject: for small and medium size subjects, the combination of a tin spectral shaping filter with 100 kVp and 20 mA resulted in the lowest possible radiation dose (ED = 0.007 mGy) without compromising the AEC and image quality of subsequent CT. In contrast, the LR settings of 100 kVp with a tin spectral shaping filter and the tube current values of 20 and 35 mA in large subject (47.4 cm in diameter) resulted in significant variation of the TCM values (11.1% and 8.4%, respectively) and the corresponding increase of noise by >5% in subsequent CT examination. For all investigated phantom sizes, the combination of 100 Sn kV with a tin spectral shaping filter and tube current values of 75 mA results in the lowest possible radiation dose, while still keeping the AEC function unchanged.

Conclusion

The study indicated that tin spectral shaping filtration can be applied to LRs for radiation dose reduction, but such adaptation needs to take patient size into account.
Development and commissioning of a full‐size prototype fixed‐beam radiotherapy system with horizontal patient rotation
Authors: Liu Paul Zhi Yuan , O'Brien Ricky , Heng Soo‐Min , Newall Matthew , Downes Simon , Shieh Chun‐Chen , Corde Stephanie , Jackson Michael , Keall Paul
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Compared to conventional linacs with rotating gantries, a fixed‐beam radiotherapy system could be smaller, more robust and more cost‐effective. In this work, we developed and commissioned a prototype x‐ray radiotherapy system utilizing a fixed vertical radiation beam and horizontal patient rotation.

Methods

The prototype system consists of an Elekta Synergy linac with gantry fixed at 0° and a custom‐built patient rotation system (PRS). The PRS was designed to immobilize patients and safely rotate them about the horizontal axis. The interlocks and emergency stops of the linac and PRS were connected. Custom software was developed to monitor the system status, control the motion of the PRS and modify treatment plans for the fixed‐beam configuration. Following installation, the prototype system was commissioned for three‐dimensional (3D) conformal therapy based on guidelines specified in AAPM TG‐45 and TG‐142, with modifications for the fixed‐beam geometry made where necessary.

Results

The system and control software was tested in a variety of machine states and executed motion, stop and beam gating commands as expected. Interlocks and emergency stops of the linac and PRS were found to correctly stop PRS motion and both kV and MV radiation beams when triggered. For 3D conformal treatments, the prototype system met all AAPM TG‐45 and TG‐142 specifications for geometric and dosimetric accuracy. Motion of the PRS was within 0.6 ± 0.3 mm and 0.10° ± 0.07° of input values for translation and rotation respectively. The axis of rotation of the PRS was coincident with the radiation beam axis to less than 1 mm. End‐to‐end treatment verification for 6 MV conformal treatments showed less than 2% difference between planned and delivered dose for all fields.

Conclusion

In this work, we have developed and commissioned a radiotherapy system that utilizes a fixed vertical radiation beam and horizontal patient rotation. This system is a proof‐of‐concept prototype for a fixed‐beam treatment system without a rotating gantry. Fixed‐beam systems that are smaller and more cost‐effective could help in improving global access to radiotherapy.
Movement and Diel Habitat Use of Juvenile Neosho Smallmouth Bass in an Ozark Stream
Authors: Miller Andrew D. , Mollenhauer Robert , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: December 2018

Documenting fish movement patterns and examining relationships with both fish and habitat characteristics are essential aspects of sound conservation and management. Stream fish movement and habitat use have been associated with a myriad of factors, and variability among individuals is common. Movement and habitat use patterns of juvenile Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu in streams are poorly understood, particularly for the Neosho subspecies M. dolomieu velox. Our study objective was to determine diel movement patterns and microhabitat use by juvenile Neosho Smallmouth Bass during late autumn. In 2016, we surgically implanted radio transmitters into 13 juvenile Smallmouth Bass in Honey Creek, Oklahoma. We tracked the fish by using radiotelemetry on 41 occasions over the 26-d tag life and located fish throughout the diel cycle to characterize movement and habitat use. Movement patterns varied among individual fish, with cumulative movements ranging from 33 to 1,302 m. Incremental displacement (the distance moved between two consecutive relocations) increased slightly with warmer water temperatures and increasing fish size. Although there was also considerable individual variation in habitat use patterns, deeper habitats were associated with larger juvenile Smallmouth Bass and daytime. Fish also tended to use higher-velocity habitats during the day, and this trend increased over the duration of the study. Our results suggest high individual variation in both movement and habitat use by juvenile Neosho Smallmouth Bass across the diel cycle. We show that juvenile Smallmouth Bass move among microhabitats and would benefit from management actions that maintain and promote instream habitat complexity. Future efforts focused on juvenile Smallmouth Bass movement over longer time periods would be beneficial for understanding movement and habitat use dynamics across a greater range of seasonal and environmental variability.
Fetal akinesia deformation sequence, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, and bilateral clubfeet: Is motor assessment of additional value for in utero diagnosis? A 10‐year cohort study
Authors: Tjon Jill K. , Tan‐Sindhunata Gita M. , Bugiani Marianna , Witbreuk Melinda M. , van der Sluijs Johannes A. , Weiss Marjan M. , van de Pol Laura A. , van Weissenbruch Mirjam M. , van der Knoop Bloeme J. , de Vries Johanna I.
Published: December 2018

Objective

The diagnosis of fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS) is a challenge. Motor assessment is of additional value to advanced ultrasound examinations (AUE) for in utero FADS diagnosis before 24 weeks of gestation.

Methods

All consecutive fetuses with greater than or equal to two contractures on the 20 week structural anomaly scan (2007–2016) were included. Findings at AUE, including motor assessment were analysed and related to outcome.

Results

Sixty‐six fetuses fulfilled the inclusion criteria. On the basis of the first AUE, FADS was suspected in 13 of 66, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) in 12 of 66, bilateral pes equinovares (BPEV) in 40 of 66, and Holt‐Oram syndrome in one of 66. On the basis of the first motor assessment, the suspected diagnosis changed in 19 of 66, in 13 of 66 worsening to FADS, six of 66 amelioration from FADS, and confirmed FADS in seven of 13. The result was 20 FADS, seven AMC, and 38 BPEV. Second AUE in 44 fetuses showed additional contractures in two of eight FADS, and one intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). The second motor assessment changed the diagnosis in three of 43, one worsening from BPEV into FADS, two ameliorations from FADS, and confirmed FADS in seven by deterioration of motility. The result was nine FADS, six AMC, and 29 BPEV.

Conclusion

The results suggest that motor assessment has additional value to distinguish between FADS, AMC, and BPEV.
Nanoscale toughening of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites through different surface treatments
Authors: Yuan Xiaomin , Zhu Bo , Cai Xun , Qiao Kun , Zhao Shengyao , Zhang Min
Published: December 2018

Interests in improving poor interfacial adhesion in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites has always been a hotspot. In this work, four physicochemical surface treatments for enhancing fiber/matrix adhesion are conducted on carbon fibers (CFs) including acid oxidation, sizing coating, silane coupling, and graphene oxide (GO) deposition. The surface characteristics of CFs are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, interfacial shear strength, and interlaminar shear strength. The results showed that GO deposition can remarkably promote fiber/matrix bonding due to improved surface reactivity and irregularity. In comparison, epoxy sizing and acid oxidation afford enhancement of IFSS owing to effective molecular chemical contact and interlocking forces between the fiber and the matrix. Besides, limited covalent bonds between silane coupling and epoxy matrix cannot make up for the negative effects of excessive smoothness of modified CFs, endowing them inferior mechanical properties. Based on these results, three micro‐strengthening mechanisms are proposed to broadly categorize the interphase micro‐configuration of CFRP composite, namely, “Etching” “Coating”, and “Grafting” modifications, demonstrating that proper treatments should be chosen for combining optimum interfacial properties in CFRP composites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:625–632, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
A review on direct assembly of through‐the‐thickness reinforced metal–polymer composite hybrid structures
Authors: Feistauer Eduardo E. , dos Santos Jorge F. , Amancio‐Filho Sergio T.
Published: December 2018

Constant efforts to reduce the structural weight of transportation systems as a solution to control emission levels are currently shaping the way modern cars and airplanes are designed and manufactured. Increased attention has been given to innovative metal–composites multi‐material concepts for the production of lightweight structures. However, the nature of these very dissimilar materials makes their joining a rather complicated task. Recently several technologies have been proposed to overcome process limitation and increase the load transfer between metal and composite in hybrid structures. One of the promising solutions is a new concept known as direct assembling with through‐the‐thickness reinforcements. In this concept, the composite material of a hybrid joint is directly assembled upon a surface‐structured metallic part. Features structured on the metallic part, by a manufacturing phase, act as a through‐the‐thickness reinforcement improving the out‐of‐plane strength and load transfer capabilities of such joints. The current status and state‐of‐art direct assembling technologies are reviewed in this article. Examples of reviewed metal structuring techniques include micromachining, stamping, Surfi‐Sculpt, additive manufacturing, cold metal transfer, and metal injection molding structuring. Direct assembling techniques addressed in this article are vacuum‐assisted resin infusion, resin transfer molding, prepreg/autoclave assembly, and ultrasonic joining. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:661–674, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Polymer Engineering & Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers.
Intact Glycopeptide Analysis of Influenza A/H1N1/09 Neuraminidase Revealing the Effects of Host and Glycosite Location on Site‐Specific Glycan Structures
Authors: Zhu Bojing , Shen Jiechen , Zhao Ting , Jiang Haihai , Ma Tianran , Zhang Jie , Dang Liuyi , Gao Ni , Hu Yingwei , Shi Yi , Sun Shisheng
Published: December 2018

Influenza H1N1 virus has posed a serious threat to human health. The glycosylation of neuraminidase (NA) could affect the infectivity and virulence of the influenza virus, but detailed site‐specific glycosylation information of NA is still missing. In this study, intact glycopeptide analysis is performed on an influenza NA (A/H1N1/California/2009) that is expressed in human 293T and insect Hi‐5 cells. The data indicate that three of four potential N‐linked glycosylation sites are glycosylated, including one partial glycosylation site from both cell lines. The NA expressed in human cells has more complex glycans than that of insect cells, suggesting the importance of selecting an appropriate expression system for the production of functional glycoproteins. Different types of glycans are identified from different glycosites of NA expressed in human cells, which implies the site‐dependence of glycosylation on NA. This study provides valuable information for the research of influenza virus as well as the functions of viral protein glycosylation.
MS‐Rescue: A Computational Pipeline to Increase the Quality and Yield of Immunopeptidomics Experiments
Authors: Andreatta Massimo , Nicastri Annalisa , Peng Xu , Hancock Gemma , Dorrell Lucy , Ternette Nicola , Nielsen Morten
Published: December 2018

LC–MS/MS has become the standard platform for the characterization of immunopeptidomes, the collection of peptides naturally presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules to the cell surface. The protocols and algorithms used for immunopeptidomics data analysis are based on tools developed for traditional bottom‐up proteomics that address the identification of peptides generated by tryptic digestion. Such algorithms are generally not tailored to the specific requirements of MHC ligand identification and, as a consequence, immunopeptidomics datasets suffer from dismissal of informative spectral information and high false discovery rates. Here, a new pipeline for the refinement of peptide‐spectrum matches (PSM) is proposed, based on the assumption that immunopeptidomes contain a limited number of recurring peptide motifs, corresponding to MHC specificities. Sequence motifs are learned directly from the individual peptidome by training a prediction model on high‐confidence PSMs. The model is then applied to PSM candidates with lower confidence, and sequences that score significantly higher than random peptides are rescued as likely true ligands. The pipeline is applied to MHC class I immunopeptidomes from three different species, and it is shown that it can increase the number of identified ligands by up to 20–30%, while effectively removing false positives and products of co‐precipitation. Spectral validation using synthetic peptides confirms the identity of a large proportion of rescued ligands in the experimental peptidome.
Direct synthesis of tetrazine functionalities on polymer backbones
Authors: Kara Sinem Sipahioglu , Ateş Mustafa Yasin , Deveci Gozde , Cetinkaya Ahmet , Kahveci Muhammet U.
Published: December 2018

Tetrazine mediated inverse Electron Demand Diels–Alder Reaction (IEDDA) is an important modification technique due to its high selectivity and super‐fast kinetics. Incorporation of tetrazine moieties on polymer chains requires multistep synthetic pathways and a post‐polymerization step leading to functional polymeric materials. Such approaches involve separate syntheses of polymer and the molecule which will be employed in modification. Herein, we introduce a straightforward synthetic approach for direct synthesis of tetrazine groups on polymers as side chains. As model systems, tetrazine functional poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐and poly(ethylene glycol)‐based polymers from corresponding precursor polymers with nitrile moieties as pendant groups are prepared and IEDDA Click Reaction is achieved with trans‐cyclooctene derivatives. The click reaction is monitored by both NMR and UV–vis spectroscopies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 673–680
Photopolymerization of maleimide perfluoropolyalkylethers without a photoinitiator
Authors: Bonneaud Céline , Burgess Julia M. , Bongiovanni Roberta , Joly‐Duhamel Christine , Friesen Chadron M.
Published: December 2018

Perfluoropolyalkylethers derived from hexafluoropropylene oxide were functionalized with maleimide groups. Irradiated by UV‐light, the new maleimide macromonomers demonstrated very fast polymerization kinetics with a curing time as fast as 8 s. The effect on photopolymerization of different features such as the molecular weight of the fluorinated chain and the chain length of the hydrogenated spacer were studied, as well as the influence of the type of photoinitiator and the presence of air. Thermal and surface properties of the UV‐cured polymers were examined and were typical to fluoropolymers in view of water–oil repellent coatings. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 699–707
Interaction of NKX3.1 and SELENOP genotype with prostate cancer recurrence
Authors: Donadio Janaina L. S. , Liu Li , Freeman Vincent L. , Ekoue Dede N. , Diamond Alan M. , Bermano Giovanna
Published: December 2018

Background: NKX3.1 is a tumor suppressor frequently lost in prostate cancer. Previous studies by others indicated that the risks associated with reduced NKX3.1 levels can be enhanced by anti‐oxidant supplementation. Selenium is an essential component of several proteins with anti‐oxidant functions and lower levels of selenium have been associated with greater risk of prostate cancer. In contrast, participants of the select prostate cancer prevention trial were at increased risk of prostate cancer when supplemented with selenium when their baseline selenium levels were high.

Methods: In order to investigate whether there was an interaction between a functional polymorphism in NKX3.1 that results in less protein and selenium status with prostate cancer grade or outcome, plasma selenium levels and the genotypes of NKX3.1 and the selenium carrier protein SELENOP were determined from a cohort of men who underwent radical protatectomy.

Results: NKX3.1 and SELENOP genotypes were associated with a more aggressive prostate tumor grade at the time of prostatectomy, but there were no significant interactions of NKX3.1 genotype with either selenium status or SELENOP genotype. There was also a significant association between NKX3.1 genotype and prostate cancer recurrence, however this association was modified by SELENOP genotype, but not with plasma selenium levels.

Conclusions: These data indicate that the impact of selenium status on prostate cancer may be influenced by factors other than the amount of selenium in circulation.
A superposition free method for protein conformational ensemble analyses and local clustering based on a differential geometry representation of backbone
Authors: da Silva Neto Antonio Marinho , Silva Samuel Reghim , Vendruscolo Michele , Camilloni Carlo , Montalvão Rinaldo Wander
Published: December 2018

Here a differential geometry (DG) representation of protein backbone is explored on the analyses of protein conformational ensembles. The protein backbone is described by curvature, κ, and torsion, τ, values per residue and we propose 1) a new dissimilarity and protein flexibility measurement and 2) a local conformational clustering method. The methods were applied to Ubiquitin and c‐Myb‐KIX protein conformational ensembles and results show that κ\τ metric space allows to properly judge protein flexibility by avoiding the superposition problem. The dmax measurement presents equally good or superior results when compared to RMSF, especially for the intrinsically unstructured protein. The clustering method is unique as it relates protein global to local dynamics by providing a global clustering solutions per residue. The methods proposed can be especially useful to the analyses of highly flexible proteins. The software written for the analyses presented here is available at https://github.com/AMarinhoSN/FleXgeo for academic usage only.
Law of Distribution and Variation of Electrostatic Potential in Oil Tanks during Filling Process
Authors: Wang Liangwang , Chen Guohua , Yan Dapeng , Wang Xinhua , Liang Jun
Published: December 2018

Electrostatic potential is a critical factor to evaluate the severity of electrostatic hazard during filling oil tanks. A novel model is proposed for calculating electrostatic potential in tanks during filling process. In the model, the nonuniform electrostatic charge distribution is solved by considering the diffusion, convection, conduction, and dissipation forces acting on the electrostatic charge. Additionally, an experiment was carried out for measuring electrostatic potential, and the maximum surface potential from the experiment coincided with that of calculation well. By applying the model, the distribution of electrostatic potential is explored, and the influences of relaxation time and some other factors on the electrostatic potential are analyzed. The results show that the peak value of the maximum surface potential calculated by the proposed model occurs much later in the filling than the existed model with the assumption of uniform electrostatic charge distribution. The relaxation time is a key factor to influence the electrostatic potential, and it also affects the filling fraction at which surface potential reaches the peak value. The maximum surface potential increases with the increase of the diffusion coefficient of the ion, the dynamic viscosity of the oil and the filling rate, respectively. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog: e12035 2019
Raspberry ketone accelerates sexual maturation and improves mating performance of sterile male Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt)
Authors: Khan Mohammed Abul Monjur , Shuttleworth Lucas A , Osborne Terry , Collins Damian , Gurr Geoff M , Reynolds Olivia L
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Tephritid fruit flies are recognized as the most economically important insect pest group, causing significant losses to horticultural crops globally. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is used to suppress or eradicate pest fruit flies in many countries. The provisioning of adult dietary or olfactory supplementation pre‐release is commonly used to improve the mating performance of sterile male flies in SIT. This study on a major pest species, Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), focused on improving mating performance by providing a semiochemical, raspberry ketone (RK), in the pre‐release adult diet.

RESULTS

Survival was numerically higher for RK‐supplemented males. Sexual maturity occurred 1 day earlier (from 7 to 6 days) in RK‐supplemented sterile males. The mating latency period decreased with maturation age and was lower for RK‐fed males. RK‐supplemented sterile males increasingly mated with fertile females as they aged (10–19 days). The mating competitiveness of both RK‐supplemented sterile males and RK‐denied sterile males was greater than that of wild males.

CONCLUSION

The early sexual maturity and increased mating performance of RK‐supplemented sterile males indicate that the effectiveness of SIT programmes can be increased through dietary supplementation with RK during the pre‐release period. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Zoophytophagous mites can trigger plant‐genotype specific defensive responses affecting potential prey beyond predation: the case of Euseius stipulatus and Tetranychus urticae in citrus
Authors: Cruz‐Miralles Joaquín , Cabedo‐López Marc , Pérez‐Hedo Meritxell , Flors Víctor , Jaques Josep A
Published: December 2018

Background

Zoophytophagous predators can trigger plant defenses affecting prey populations beyond predation. Euseius stipulatus is a presumed zoophytophagous phytoseiid common in citrus. The response of citrus to one of its potential prey, Tetranychus urticae, is genotype dependent, with Citrus reshni and C. aurantium exhibiting extreme susceptibility and resistance, respectively. Volatile blends produced upon infestation affected the behavior of these two mites. We wondered whether E. stipulatus could trigger similar responses.

Results

Euseius stipulatus triggered genotype‐dependent defense responses in citrus. Whereas C. aurantium upregulated the Jasmonic Acid, Salicylic Acid and flavonoids defensive pathways, C. reshni upregulated JA only. Likewise, different volatile blends were induced. These blends were exploited by E. stipulatus to select less‐defended plants (i.e., those in which higher pest densities are expected) and, interestingly, did not prevent T. urticae from choosing E. stipulatus‐infested plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that this type of response has been described for a zoophytophagous phytoseiid.

Conclusion

The observed responses could affect herbivore populations through plant‐mediated effects. Although further research is needed to fully characterize them and include other arthropods in the system, these results open opportunities for more sustainable and effective pest control methods (i.e., combining semiochemicals and biological control). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
West Antarctic surface melt event of January 2016 facilitated by föhn warming
Authors: Zou Xun , Bromwich David H. , Nicolas Julien P. , Montenegro Alvaro , Wang Sheng‐Hung
Published: December 2018

The Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) buttresses ice streams from the Antarctic continent and restrains the grounded ice sheet from flowing into the ocean, which is important for the stability of the ice sheet. In recent decades, West Antarctic ice shelves, including the RIS, have experienced more frequent surface melting during summer. We investigated the role of warm, descending föhn winds in a major melt event that occurred on the RIS in January 2016. Only a few summer melt events of this magnitude have been observed since 1979. Backward trajectories from the area of earliest melting were constructed using the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System to investigate the dominant mechanisms at the beginning of the melt event, mainly from 10 to 13 January. Analysis was conducted over two distinct areas. The föhn effect contributed around 2–4 °C to the surface temperature increase over the coastal mountains of Marie Byrd Land and around 1 °C over the much lower Edward VII Peninsula. Most of the föhn warming was caused by isentropic drawdown of air aloft. On 10 January, the second‐most important contributor for both mountain ranges was the thermodynamic mechanism. On 11 January, the second‐most important mechanism was the sensible and radiative heat flux. This study contributes to a better understanding of surface melt events over the RIS and benefits research associated with the stability of West Antarctic ice shelves.
Statistics of convective cloud turbulence from a comprehensive turbulence retrieval method for radar observations
Authors: Feist Matthew M. , Westbrook Chris D. , Clark Peter A. , Stein Thorwald H.M. , Lean Humphrey W. , Stirling Alison J.
Published: December 2018

Turbulent mixing processes are important in determining the evolution of convective clouds, and the production of convective precipitation. However, the exact nature of these impacts remains uncertain due to limited observations. Model simulations show that assumptions made in parametrizing turbulence can have a marked effect on the characteristics of simulated clouds. This leads to significant uncertainty in forecasts from convection‐permitting numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. This contribution presents a comprehensive method to retrieve turbulence using Doppler weather radar to investigate turbulence in observed clouds. This method involves isolating the turbulent component of the Doppler velocity spectrum width, expressing turbulence intensity as an eddy dissipation rate, ϵ. By applying this method throughout large datasets of observations collected over the southern United Kingdom using the (0.28° beam‐width) Chilbolton Advanced Meteorological Radar (CAMRa), statistics of convective cloud turbulence are presented. Two contrasting case days are examined: a shallow “shower” case, and a “deep convection” case, exhibiting stronger and deeper updraughts. In our observations, ϵ generally ranges from 10−3 to 10−1 m2/s3, with the largest values found within, around and above convective updraughts. Vertical profiles of ϵ suggest that turbulence is much stronger in deep convection; 95th percentile values increase with height from 0.03 to 0.1 m2/s3, compared to approximately constant values of 0.02–0.03 m2/s3 throughout the depth of shower cloud. In updraught regions on both days, the 95th percentile of ϵ has significant (p < 10−3) positive correlations with the updraught velocity, and the horizontal shear in the updraught velocity, with weaker positive correlations with updraught dimensions. The ϵ‐retrieval method presented considers a very broad range of conditions, providing a reliable framework for turbulence retrieval using high‐resolution Doppler weather radar. In applying this method across many observations, the derived turbulence statistics will form the basis for evaluating the parametrization of turbulence in NWP models.
Understanding the dissipation of continental fog by analysing the LWP budget using idealized LES and in situ observations
Authors: Wærsted Eivind G. , Haeffelin Martial , Steeneveld Gert‐Jan , Dupont Jean‐Charles
Published: December 2018

Physical processes relevant for the dissipation of thick, continental fog after sunrise are studied through observations from the SIRTA observatory and idealized sensitivity studies with the large‐eddy simulation model DALES. Observations of 250 fog events over 7 years show that more than half of the fog dissipations after sunrise are transitions to stratus lasting 2 hr or more. From the simulations, we quantify the contribution of each process to the liquid water path (LWP) budget of the fog. Radiative cooling is the main source of LWP, while surface turbulent heat fluxes are the most important process contributing to loss of LWP, followed by the absorption of solar radiation, the mixing with unsaturated air at the fog top and the deposition of cloud droplets. The loss of LWP by surface heat fluxes is very sensitive to the Bowen ratio, which is importantly affected by the availability of liquid water on the surface; in a run without liquid on the surface, fog dissipation occurred 85 min earlier than in the Baseline simulation. The variability of stratification and humidity above fog top is documented by 47 radiosondes and cloud radar. Using DALES, we find that the variability in stratification has an important impact on the entrainment velocity; a three times more rapid fog‐top entrainment enables the cloud base to lift from the ground 90 min earlier in weak stratification than in strong stratification in the model. With relatively dry overlying air, the fog evaporates faster than if the air is near saturation, leading to 70 min earlier dissipation in our simulations. Continuous observations of the temperature and humidity profiles of the layer overlying the fog could therefore be useful for understanding and anticipating fog dissipation.
On the molecular origin of the sensitivity to impact of cyclic nitramines
Authors: Oliveira Marco A. S. , Borges Itamar
Published: December 2018

Nitramine explosives can combine relative insensitivity to initiation and great energy content. In this work, based on a previous approach developed for nitroaromatic explosives, we propose four mathematical models to correlate impact sensitivity, given by the h50 value, to molecular charge properties. Fourteen cyclic nitramines were studied using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Six molecules of the set have measured h50 values, which were used to evaluate the sensitivity models. Converged DFT charge densities of the molecules were partitioned and analyzed according to the distributed multipole analysis (DMA) atom‐centered method. The sensitivity models were based on the DMA electric multipole values. The electron withdrawing role of the nitro group and the strong polarization of the charges of the nitrogen atom in the amine group were clearly identified. The influence of the electronic properties on the sensitivity of the explosives was characterized by including in the sensitivity models the charge values of the nitro or the nitramine groups and electron delocalization, the latter quantified by the DMA quadrupole values of the ring atoms. Inclusion of electron delocalization effects can improve the prediction of h50 values for two out of the five strained‐ring nitramines in the set. The charge values of the nitramine groups are the most important molecular property affecting the impact sensitivity. The h50 values of eight nitramine explosives of the set not available experimentally were computed.
On the shell‐confined atom problem
Authors: Pupyshev Vladimir I. , Montgomery Henry E.
Published: December 2018

The properties of spherically symmetric, one‐electron atomic systems are analyzed for the systems where the electron is placed in the region between two impenetrable concentric spheres of radii Rint and Rext. The changes in the structure of the energy levels of low‐lying electron states and the corresponding variations in radial wave functions are analyzed for different types of changes in Rint and Rext. Special attention is paid to the changes in electric dipole polarizability for problems with varied dimension, D, of the space. The form and the quality of some simple classical estimates for polarizability are also studied for various space dimensions.
Al‐Robotics team: A cooperative multi‐unmanned aerial vehicle approach for the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotic Challenge
Authors: Castaño Ángel R. , Real Fran , Ramón‐Soria Pablo , Capitán Jesús , Vega Víctor , Arrue Begoña C. , Torres‐González Arturo , Ollero Aníbal
Published: December 2018

The Al‐Robotics team was selected as one of the 25 finalist teams out of 143 applications received to participate in the first edition of the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotic Challenge (MBZIRC), held in 2017. In particular, one of the competition Challenges offered us the opportunity to develop a cooperative approach with multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) searching, picking up, and dropping static and moving objects. This paper presents the approach that our team Al‐Robotics followed to address that Challenge 3 of the MBZIRC. First, we overview the overall architecture of the system, with the different modules involved. Second, we describe the procedure that we followed to design the aerial platforms, as well as all their onboard components. Then, we explain the techniques that we used to develop the software functionalities of the system. Finally, we discuss our experimental results and the lessons that we learned before and during the competition. The cooperative approach was validated with fully autonomous missions in experiments previous to the actual competition. We also analyze the results that we obtained during the competition trials.
Preservice Teacher Knowledge, Print Exposure, and Planning for Instruction
Authors: Kozak Stephanie , Martin‐Chang Sandra
Published: December 2018

Teachers who are knowledgeable about the basic structure of the English language incorporate this knowledge into their instruction. In this study, the authors explored a similar relation between knowledge of print exposure and planning for a grade 5 classroom. The personal reading experience (print exposure) of 106 preservice teachers was measured for three genres: storybooks, children's and young adult literature, and adult fiction. Teacher knowledge was measured by two tasks: defining terms and evaluating instructional practices. Planning for instruction was measured by asking participants to plan for a week of grade 5 language arts instruction. Correlational analyses revealed that print exposure, teacher knowledge, and time allocated for student reading in a grade 5 classroom were positively related. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed that familiarity with authors of children's and young adult literature accounted for significant variance on both knowledge tasks even after controlling for other forms of print exposure (storybooks and adult fiction). The data suggest that knowledge about print exposure and personal reading experience, especially of children's and young adult literature, are both associated with planning for instruction in the upper elementary grades. The results are discussed in relation to teacher training.
Misaccounting for endogeneity: The peril of relying on the Heckman two‐step method without a valid instrument
Authors: Wolfolds Sarah E. , Siegel Jordan
Published: December 2018

Research Summary

Strategy research addresses endogeneity by incorporating econometric techniques, including Heckman's two‐step method. The economics literature theorizes regarding optimal usage of Heckman's method, emphasizing the valid exclusion condition necessary in the first stage. However, our meta‐analysis reveals that only 54 of 165 relevant papers published in the top strategy and organizational theory journals during 1995–2016 claim a valid exclusion restriction. Without this condition being met, our simulation shows that results using the Heckman method are often less reliable than OLS results. Even where Heckman is not possible, we recommend that other rigorous identification approaches be used. We illustrate our recommendation to use a triangulation of identification approaches by revisiting the classic global strategy question of the performance implications of cross‐border market entry through greenfield or acquisition.

Managerial Summary

Managers make strategic decisions by choosing the best option given the particular circumstances of their firm. However, researchers had previously not taken into consideration these circumstances when evaluating the outcome of that choice. The Heckman method importantly addresses this situation, but requires that the researcher have some variable that effects the best option for the firm, but not the outcome. We show that researchers frequently do not utilize such a variable, and demonstrate that the Heckman method can exacerbate estimation issues in this case. We then provide an approach that researchers can use to address the challenge of determining the outcome of a strategic decision, and illustrate it with an empirical examination of the performance implications of cross‐border market entry through greenfield or acquisition.
Modulatory effect of Turnera diffusa against testicular toxicity induced by fenitrothion and/or hexavalent chromium in rats
Authors: El‐Demerdash Fatma M. , Jebur Ali B. , Nasr Hoda M. , Hamid Hanin M.
Published: December 2018

Oxidative stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species have been implicated in pesticides and heavy metals toxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Turnera diffusa Willd (damiana) on counteracting fenitrothion (FNT) and/or potassium dichromate (CrVI)‐induced testicular toxicity and oxidative injury in rats. FNT and/or CrVI intoxicated animals revealed a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide levels. While, reduced glutathione and protein content, as well as antioxidant enzymes, phosphatases, and aminotransferases activities, were significantly decreased. In addition, significant changes in testosterone and follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were detected. Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical alterations were observed in rat testes and this supported the observed biochemical changes. On the other hand, rats treated with damiana alone decreased lipid peroxidation and increased most of the examined parameters. Moreover, damiana pretreatment to FNT and/or CrVI‐intoxicated rats showed significant improvement in lipid peroxidation, enzyme activities, and hormones as compared with their respective treated groups. Conclusively, rats treated with both FNT and/or CrVI showed pronounced hazardous effect especially in their combination group in addition, Turnera diffusa had a potential protective role against FNT and/or CrVI induced testicular toxicity.