bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of climate change for extreme precipitation indices: A case study from the central United States
Authors: Rahmani Vahid , Harrington John
Published: September 2018

Five extreme precipitation indicators were calculated on an annual basis for 1890 through 2013 and analysed to determine spatial patterns and temporal trends in the frequency and magnitude of observed extreme precipitation events in Kansas located in the central United States. Indicators were selected from the list of the World Meteorological Organization–Commission for Climatology (WMO–CCL) and the Research Programme on Climate Variability and Predictability (CLIVAR). The indicators included the number of days with precipitation greater than or equal to 10 mm/day (R10), maximum number of consecutive dry days (CDD; days with precipitation lower that 1 mm), maximum 5‐day precipitation total (R5D), and simple daily intensity index (SDII) which is the annual precipitation total divided by number of days with precipitation greater than or equal to 1 mm, and the fraction of annual total precipitation due to events exceeding the 95th percentile (R95T) based on the period 1961–1990. Positive trends in the results were found for a majority of stations for R10, R5D, SDII, and R95T. Consecutive dry days was the only index that had a negative trend at a majority of stations. Spatial pattern analysis indicates greater changes in frequencies and magnitudes for eastern Kansas. Results from this study highlight observed climate shifts in precipitation patterns with a tendency towards greater and more frequent extreme precipitation in eastern Kansas and a tendency towards drier conditions in western Kansas. These hydroclimatic adjustments can produce costly impacts in areas that include flood management, hydraulic structures, water availability throughout the year, agricultural production, ecosystems, and human health.
Optimization of Nutrition Therapy with the Use of Calorimetry to Determine and Control Energy Needs in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Patients: The ONCA Study, a Randomized, Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Gonzalez‐Granda Anita , Schollenberger Asja , Haap Michael , Riessen Reimer , Bischoff Stephan C.
Published: September 2018

Background

Adequate nutrition therapy in critically ill patients poses a challenge because of the variable energy and substrate needs. The objective was to investigate whether nutrition therapy involving indirect calorimetry (IC), instead of equations for assessment of energy needs, could improve the nutrition status of critically ill patients.

Methods

Forty mechanically ventilated patients were randomized into a group in which energy needs were controlled by calorimetry (IC group) and a group treated with a formula‐based approach reflecting standard care (SC group). The primary outcome was change in the phase angle (PhA), a bioelectrical impedance parameter related to nutrition status and prognosis.

Results

The mean IC‐based energy requirement was lower than the formula‐based estimate (21.1 ± 6.4 versus [vs] 25 kcal/kg/d, P < .01). The IC group reached 98% ± 8% of the energy goal, whereas the SC group reached only 79% ± 29% (P < 0.05), although mean intake was similar in both groups. The protein intake goal was better met in the IC group (91% ± 24%) than the SC group (73% ± 33%). The PhA of the IC group did not change during treatment, whereas that of the SC group tended to decrease by 0.36° ± 0.86° (P = .077). A shorter length of stay in intensive care was observed in the IC than in the SC group (13 ± 8 vs 24 ± 20 days, P < .05).

Conclusion

Intensified individual nutrition therapy involving IC appears to be useful for improving nutrition status in critically ill patients.
Dietary Fatty‐Acid Compositions Are more Strongly Reflected in Fatty than Lean Dorsal Fillets of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpioL.)
Authors: Schultz Sebastian , Koussoroplis Apostolos‐Manuel , Kainz Martin J.
Published: September 2018

In this fish‐feeding study, we tested similarity patterns between fatty acids (FA) in diets and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) of fish ponds used for semi‐intensive aquaculture, containing naturally occurring pond zooplankton and different feeds (marine or terrestrial feeds) until carp reached market size. We evaluated if and how total lipid contents in dorsal fillets can reflect dietary FA compositions in farm‐raised common carp and hypothesized that increasing total lipid contents in dorsal fillets significantly increase the similarity between dietary and dorsal fillets’ FA compositions. Results of this study showed that carps had higher total lipids when supplied with marine feeds and dietary FA compositions were indeed more strongly reflected in fatty (i.e. high total lipid contents) than in leaner dorsal fillets (low total lipid contents). Increasing total lipid contents in dorsal fillets significantly increased the similarity between the dietary and dorsal fillets’ FA compositions. In contrast, leaner dorsal fillets had FA patterns that were more distinct from dietary FA. Total lipid contents higher than ~60 mg/g dry weight in dorsal fillets had only limited effects on increasing the similarity between FA compositions of diets and dorsal fillets, and were independent of feed sources. It is thus suggested that higher total lipid contents in dorsal fillets can be used as a proxy to predict dietary FA profiles in common carps, or perhaps even in farm‐raised fish in general.
Properties and Biotechnological Applications of Acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol Acyltransferase and Phospholipid:diacylglycerol Acyltransferase from Terrestrial Plants and Microalgae
Authors: Xu Yang , Caldo Kristian Mark P. , Pal‐Nath Dipasmita , Ozga Jocelyn , Lemieux M. Joanne , Weselake Randall J. , Chen Guanqun
Published: September 2018

Triacylglycerol (TAG) is the major storage lipid in most terrestrial plants and microalgae, and has great nutritional and industrial value. Since the demand for vegetable oil is consistently increasing, numerous studies have been focused on improving the TAG content and modifying the fatty‐acid compositions of plant seed oils. In addition, there is a strong research interest in establishing plant vegetative tissues and microalgae as platforms for lipid production. In higher plants and microalgae, TAG biosynthesis occurs via acyl‐CoA‐dependent or acyl‐CoA‐independent pathways. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the last and committed step in the acyl‐CoA‐dependent biosynthesis of TAG, which appears to represent a bottleneck in oil accumulation in some oilseed species. Membrane‐bound and soluble forms of DGAT have been identified with very different amino‐acid sequences and biochemical properties. Alternatively, TAG can be formed through acyl‐CoA‐independent pathways via the catalytic action of membrane‐bound phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT). As the enzymes catalyzing the terminal steps of TAG formation, DGAT and PDAT play crucial roles in determining the flux of carbon into seed TAG and thus have been considered as the key targets for engineering oil production. Here, we summarize the most recent knowledge on DGAT and PDAT in higher plants and microalgae, with the emphasis on their physiological roles, structural features, and regulation. The development of various metabolic engineering strategies to enhance the TAG content and alter the fatty‐acid composition of TAG is also discussed.
Folic Acid Supplementation Attenuates Chronic Hepatic Inflammation in High‐Fat Diet Fed Mice
Authors: Sid Victoria , Shang Yue , Siow Yaw L. , Hewage Susara Madduma , House James D. , O Karmin
Published: September 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease worldwide. Hepatic inflammation is an important pathogenic mediator of NAFLD. There is currently no pharmacological agent approved for the treatment of NAFLD. Folic acid is a water‐soluble B vitamin that has been shown to have lipid‐lowering and antioxidant effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of folic acid supplementation on hepatic inflammation and to identify the underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a control diet (10% kcal fat), a high‐fat diet (HFD) (60% kcal fat), or a HFD supplemented with folic acid (26 mg/kg diet) for 8 weeks. HFD feeding led to increased body mass gain, lipid accumulation, activation of transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and elevation of inflammatory cytokine gene expression in the liver. Folic acid supplementation attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation and aggregation of inflammatory foci induced by HFD feeding. This was associated with a significant reduction of NF‐κB activation and inflammatory cytokine expression. These results suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of folic acid in NAFLD may be attributed, in part, to its anti‐inflammatory action.
Reversible Thermoresponsive Plasmonic Core‐Satellite Nanostructures That Exhibit Both Expansion and Contraction (UCST and LCST)
Authors: Han Fei , Soeriyadi Alexander H. , Gooding J. Justin
Published: September 2018

The assembly of sophisticated gold nanoparticle constructs where thermoresponsive core‐satellite nanostructures are created and the satellites are close enough to the core for strong surface plasmon resonance coupling to occur, has begun to be developed. The linker between the core and the satellites being a thermoresponsive polymer means that a dispersion of these nanostructures will show temperature‐dependent optical properties as the distance between the core and the satellites changes. Unlike previous related thermoresponsive core‐satellite systems that undergo a single thermoresponsive transition, herein a polymer system with dual thermoresponsive transitions (block copolymer with both lower critical solution temperature and upper critical solution temperature) is employed as a linker that modulates the gap distance between the “core” and “satellites” in response to the temperature. In this way, optical properties of dispersions can be dynamically tuned. The system permits wide and reversible control of the optical properties, which may render them excellent candidates for reversible nanosensors.
Impact of high resolution sea surface temperature on tropical cyclone characteristics over the Bay of Bengal using model simulations
Authors: Rai Deepika , Pattnaik Sandeep , Rajesh P. V. , Hazra Vivekanand
Published: September 2018

The Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF‐ARW) model is used to carry out three simulations to examine the response of varying resolution of the sea surface temperature (SST) on tropical cyclone characteristics up to 72 hr lead time. They are named CNTL (Control, with default SST), SST1 (with SST data at 0.5° × 0.5°) and SST2 (with SST data at 0.083° × 0.083°). It is found that a lower SST (~0.2–0.4 K) within the effective radius (i.e. 2.5 times the radius of the maximum wind) of the storm leads to a weaker storm (about 7 hPa) for SST2 than for CNTL. The storm size in SST2 is about 5 km larger than in CNTL during the 24–72 forecast hours. The reduced storm size and enhanced diabatic heating in the core region facilitate a stronger storm for CNTL compared with SST1 and SST2. As a result, the central pressure of the tropical cyclone deepens further with a stronger radial pressure gradient, leading to a more rapid intensification in the CNTL than the others. A daily update of SST improved the storm track and intensity by 37% and 41% for SST2 and 9% and 20% for SST1 respectively in comparison to CNTL. The study demonstrates that SST with a higher horizontal resolution (0.083° × 0.083°) serves as a useful input parameter for the model to improve the prediction of a cyclone’s track and intensity.
Optimal Piecewise Linear Regression Algorithm for QSAR Modelling
Authors: Cardoso‐Silva Jonathan , Papadatos George , Papageorgiou Lazaros G. , Tsoka Sophia
Published: September 2018

Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationship (QSAR) models have been successfully applied to lead optimisation, virtual screening and other areas of drug discovery over the years. Recent studies, however, have focused on the development of models that are predictive but often not interpretable. In this article, we propose the application of a piecewise linear regression algorithm, OPLRAreg, to develop both predictive and interpretable QSAR models. The algorithm determines a feature to best separate the data into regions and identifies linear equations to predict the outcome variable in each region. A regularisation term is introduced to prevent overfitting problems and implicitly selects the most informative features. As OPLRAreg is based on mathematical programming, a flexible and transparent representation for optimisation problems, the algorithm also permits customised constraints to be easily added to the model. The proposed algorithm is presented as a more interpretable alternative to other commonly used machine learning algorithms and has shown comparable predictive accuracy to Random Forest, Support Vector Machine and Random Generalised Linear Model on tests with five QSAR data sets compiled from the ChEMBL database.
Mathematical analysis of a model for ectoparasite‐borne diseases
Authors: Safi Mohammad A. , DarAssi Mahmoud H.
Published: September 2018

A new deterministic model for ectoparasite‐borne diseases (which comprises four nonlinear coupled differential equations) is designed and analyzed. A full stability analysis of this model is investigated. First, the basic reproduction numbers (
,
, and
) of the model are determined. The model has a locally and globally asymptotically stable disease‐free equilibrium point when
. A unique infestation‐only boundary equilibrium point is shown to be globally asymptotically stable whenever
by using a nonlinear Lyapunov function of Goh‐Volterra type, in conjunction with the LaSalle's invariance principle. On the other hand, the model has a unique globally asymptotically stable infected‐only boundary equilibrium point whenever
. Moreover, the model has a unique endemic equilibrium point that is globally asymptotically stable provided that
and
. Finally, it is shown that replacing the mass incidence function with the standard incidence function in the ectoparasite‐borne diseases model with mass action incidence does not alter the qualitative dynamics of the model.
Taurine is Involved in Energy Metabolism in Muscles, Adipose Tissue, and the Liver
Authors: Wen Chaoyue , Li Fengna , Zhang Lingyu , Duan Yehui , Guo Qiuping , Wang Wenlong , He Shanping , Li Jianzhong , Yin Yulong
Published: September 2018

Energy metabolism is a basic and general process, by which the body acquires and uses energy to maintain normal function, and taurine plays a vital role in energy metabolism. Taurine deficiency may cause a weak energy metabolism and energy metabolism dysfunction. Taurine biosynthetic ability is limited, and its supplementation in the diet can strengthen energy metabolism in muscle performance, cardiac function, liver activity, and adipose tissue. Combining taurine with other drugs may have a superior effect in energy metabolism. In many metabolic disorders, taurine, or the combination of taurine with other drugs, also functions as a repair treatment for damaged tissues, and acts as a promoter for the balance of energy metabolism. The present study discusses the potential roles of taurine in energy metabolism.
Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate/Lipid Ratios on Growth, Feed Utilization, Hematology Parameters, and Intestinal Digestive Enzyme Activities of Juvenile Hybrid Grouper (Brown-Marbled Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Giant Grouper E. lanceolatus ♂)
Authors: Gao Yujie , Luo Yuan , Li Xiaojun , Dong Yu , Liao Yan , Yao Wei , Jin Zibo , Wu Xiaoyi
Published: September 2018

An 8-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate (CHO)/lipid (L) ratios on growth, feed utilization, hematology parameters, and intestinal digestive enzyme activities of juvenile hybrid grouper (Brown-marbled Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Giant Grouper E. lanceolatus ♂). Seven isoproteic (53.5% dietary crude protein) and isoenergetic (3.6 kcal/g dry matter) experimental diets were formulated containing various CHO/L ratios: 0.03 (0.5% CHO/16% L); 0.36 (5% CHO/14% L); 0.79 (9.5% CHO/12% L); 1.4 (14% CHO/10% L); 2.31 (18.5% CHO/8% L); 3.83 (23% CHO/6% L); and 6.88 (27.5% CHO/4% L). Fifteen juvenile hybrid grouper (average initial body weight ± SE = 10.16 ± 0.16 g) were stocked in small floating cages. Triplicate groups of fish were fed each dietary treatment to apparent satiation twice daily (0800 and 1600 hours). Results showed that weight gain (WG; %), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly affected by different experimental diet treatments. Fish that were fed diets with CHO/L ratios of 3.83 and 6.88 had lower WG and PER but higher DFI and FCR than fish that received diets with other CHO/L ratios. Intraperitoneal fat ratio and whole-body lipid content significantly decreased with increasing dietary CHO/L ratios. Hepatic glycogen content increased with increases in dietary digestible CHO level. Fish that received lower CHO/L ratios had lower plasma glucose concentrations than fish that were fed diets with higher CHO/L ratios. As dietary CHO/L ratio increased, intestinal lipase activity decreased, but intestinal α-amylase activity increased. In conclusion, dietary energy from lipid could be partially replaced by that from digestible CHO without significant negative effects on growth performance of hybrid grouper. Furthermore, partial replacement of dietary lipid by CHO was beneficial for reducing fish adiposity through avoiding excessive lipid deposition in the abdominal cavity as well as in other tissues. We recommend 2.31 as a suitable dietary CHO/L ratio for hybrid grouper, since higher ratios (3.83 and 6.68) depressed fish growth performance.
Comparison of Lake and River Fishery Performance between Two Strains of Steelhead in Eastern Lake Michigan
Authors: Prichard Carson G. , Dexter James L. , Ledet Neil D. , O'Neal Richard , Wolgamood Martha , VanAmberg Jan P. , Jonas Jory L.
Published: September 2018

Management of fish species for which alternative genetic strains can be considered should be informed by indicators of strain-specific fishery performance. We compared how two strains of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss supported indices of angler satisfaction (catch rate and size) and motivation (effort) in the Lake Michigan basin. We assessed 10 years of recreational angling data collected for the Little Manistee River steelhead strain (LMR-STS) and Skamania steelhead strain (SKA-STS), which were tagged and stocked as paired groups in the St. Joseph and Manistee rivers. The LMR-STS were stocked to enhance fall/winter and spring river fisheries, and SKA-STS were stocked to create river/inshore summer fisheries; both were also intended to contribute to the recreational fishery of Lake Michigan. Summer angler effort exceeded spring effort on the St. Joseph River, whereas spring effort exceeded summer effort on the Manistee River. In spring river fisheries, catch rates of LMR-STS were higher than those of SKA-STS. In summer fisheries on the Manistee River, catch rates of SKA-STS exceeded those of LMR-STS. In summer on the St. Joseph River, catch rates of LMR-STS and SKA-STS were equivalent. In spring/summer, steelhead of either strain stocked in the St. Joseph River were caught equally among eight of nine ports surveyed. The CPUE of Manistee River-stocked SKA-STS was higher than that of LMR-STS in the Lake Michigan fishery. Catch statistics in both rivers and in Lake Michigan indicate that the two strains provide similar opportunities for trophy-sized steelhead. Our findings suggest that LMR-STS are favored for the St. Joseph River fishery and may represent a better total return on investment in the Lake Michigan basin.
Estimating Resting Energy Expenditure in Obesity
Authors: Foster Gary D. , McGuckin Brian G.
Published: September 2018

FOSTER, GARY D. AND BRIAN G. MCGUCKIN. Estimating resting energy expenditure in obesity. Obes Res. 2001;9:367S–372S.

In the treatment of obesity, assessment of resting energy expenditure (REE) can provide the basis for prescribing an individualized energy intake to attain a desired level of energy deficit. Indirect calorimetry is the most frequently used method to measure REE, but the great expense of equipment precludes its widespread use. As a result, REE is often estimated by predictive formulas based on weight, height, age, and gender. This paper examines the accuracy of these formulas in estimating REE among obese patients, discusses the assumptions underlying their use, and reviews the need for technological advances that will make the assessment of REE accurate, portable, and inexpensive.
In Situ Investigation of Non‐Isothermal Decomposition of Pt Acetylacetonate as One‐Step Size‐Controlled Synthesis of Pt Nanoparticles
Authors: Kulbakov Anton A. , Allix Mathieu , Rakhmatullin Aydar , Mikheykin Alexey S. , Popov Yuri V. , Smirnova Nina V. , Maslova Olga , Leontyev Igor N.
Published: September 2018

Interest in the development of state‐of‐the‐art methods for synthesis of Pt nanoparticles is dictated by both unique properties of platinum itself and the wide range of platinum nanoparticles applications. Platinum acetylacetonate and platinum nanoparticles produced by the thermal decomposition of Pt(acac)2 are studied via in situ X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, thermal gravimetry, scanning (SEM), and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). The experiments are made at heating rates of 1 and 5 K min−1. A comparative analysis of SEM, TEM, and XRD data highlights the formation of coarse Pt particles with sizes of ≈60–160 nm, which are composed of nanoparticles with dimensions of 1.9 and 4.1 nm for 1 K min−1‐ and 5 K min−1‐heating rates, respectively. The desirable average size of nanoparticles upon their synthesis can thus be achieved by a simple tuning of the heating rate of acetylacetate thermal decomposition. The present results open up the possibility to use a trivial non‐isothermal thermal decomposition method in the synthesis of both supported and unsupported nanoparticles of predetermined size for other chemical elements such as Pd, Ni, Co, etc. from their acetylacetonates.
Decursin inhibits the growth of HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells via Hippo/YAP signaling pathway
Authors: Li Jianchun , Wang Honglian , Wang Lu , Tan Ruizhi , Zhu Menglian , Zhong Xia , Zhang Yuwei , Chen Bo , Wang Li
Published: September 2018

Targeted therapy has a pivotal role for the treatment of liver cancer. The aim of this current study was to examine the effects of decursin on the growth of HepG2 cells and the underlying mechanisms. Our present study showed that treatment of HepG2 cells with decursin significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells by suppressing cell proliferation, cell cycle arresting, and promoting apoptosis in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Most significantly, administration of decursin dramatically impeded in vivo tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanically, it is noteworthy that decursin treatment provoked degradation of YAP by upregulating the expression of phosphorylated LATS1 and βTRCP. Moreover, apoptosis caused by decursin could be reversed by a selective MST1/2 inhibitor, XMU‐MP‐1, suggesting that decursin may function through Hippo/YAP signaling. This study has identified that decursin is a potential agent for HCC therapy, and further research should be undertaken to facilitate its therapeutic application.
Towards measuring growth rates of pathogens during infections by D2O‐labeling lipidomics
Authors: Neubauer Cajetan , Sessions Alex L. , Booth Ian R. , Bowen Benjamin P. , Kopf Sebastian H. , Newman Dianne K. , Dalleska Nathan F.
Published: September 2018

Rationale

Microbial growth rate is an important physiological parameter that is challenging to measure in situ, partly because microbes grow slowly in many environments. Recently, it has been demonstrated that generation times of S. aureus in cystic fibrosis (CF) infections can be determined by D2O‐labeling of actively synthesized fatty acids. To improve species specificity and allow growth rate monitoring for a greater range of pathogens during the treatment of infections, it is desirable to accurately quantify trace incorporation of deuterium into phospholipids.

Methods

Lipid extracts of D2O‐treated E. coli cultures were measured on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS) instruments equipped with time‐of‐flight (TOF) and orbitrap mass analyzers, and used for comparison with the analysis of fatty acids by isotope‐ratio gas chromatography (GC)/MS. We then developed an approach to enable tracking of lipid labeling, by following the transition from stationary into exponential growth in pure cultures. Lastly, we applied D2O‐labeling lipidomics to clinical samples from CF patients with chronic lung infections.

Results

Lipidomics facilitates deuterium quantification in lipids at levels that are useful for many labeling applications (>0.03 at% D). In the E. coli cultures, labeling dynamics of phospholipids depend largely on their acyl chains and between phospholipids we notice differences that are not obvious from absolute concentrations alone. For example, cyclopropyl‐containing lipids reflect the regulation of cyclopropane fatty acid synthase, which is predominantly expressed at the beginning of stationary phase. The deuterium incorporation into a lipid that is specific for S. aureus in CF sputum indicates an average generation time of the pathogen on the order of one cell doubling per day.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates how trace level measurement of stable isotopes in intact lipids can be used to quantify lipid metabolism in pure cultures and provides guidelines that enable growth rate measurements in microbiome samples after incubation with a low percentage of D2O.
Impact of nitrate contamination on the analysis of carbon and oxygen isotopes in carbonate and a low‐temperature phosphoric acid digestion approach for online sample preparation
Authors: Hu Bin , Gao Jianfei , Fan Changfu , Li Yanhe , Qin Yan , Zhao Yue , Tian Yourong
Published: September 2018

Rationale

High‐temperature phosphoric acid digestion combined with continuous‐flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry (CF‐IRMS) is one of the standard methods for the determination of carbon and oxygen isotopes in carbonate. However, the routine purification protocol has not been tested by samples with nitrate contamination. Here we show that the standard protocol is not capable of measuring such samples with satisfactory accuracy and precision.

Methods

We tested the low‐temperature (25°C) phosphoric acid digestion method combined with CF‐IRMS for the measurement of natural carbonate samples with ~1% nitrate concentration and nitrate‐doped carbonate standards. We also recorded the Raman spectra of the gases extracted from the nitrate‐doped carbonate standards to identify the gas species that affect the results.

Results

The accuracy and precision of δ18O values for nitrate‐doped carbonate standards digested at 72°C are much poorer than routine measurements. For the measurements of doped standards reacted at 25°C, the accuracy and precision of the δ13C and δ18O values are indistinguishable from normal results. Raman spectra demonstrate that NO2 generated from high‐temperature digestion is the possible interference species for oxygen isotope measurement.

Conclusions

Low‐temperature digestion is a reliable method for the measurement of carbon and oxygen isotopes in nitrate‐contaminated carbonate samples because the formation of NO2 can be largely reduced. This approach can be applied to some nitrate‐rich speleothems, evaporites and other samples with nitrate contamination.
Pulsed capillary introduction applied to a miniature mass spectrometer for efficient liquid analysis
Authors: Shi Wenyan , Lu Xinqiong , Zhang Jianchao , Yu Quan , Wang Xiaohao
Published: September 2018

Rationale

Capillary sampling of liquids for direct mass spectrometry (MS) analysis is introduced. The low transfer rate of the solution in the capillary will affect the analytical sensitivity and the response time; hence a pulsed capillary introduction (PCI) method was proposed and characterized.

Methods

The experiments were carried out using a miniature quadrupole mass spectrometer, and liquid can be spontaneously drawn into the vacuum chamber for subsequent ionization and detection. A simple up‐and‐down motor platform was used to control the brief contact of the capillary inlet with the liquid sample and implement pulsed injection. The pulsed sampling parameters were optimized based on the characterization and dynamic study of liquid transfer in capillaries.

Results

Compared with continuous capillary introduction (CCI), PCI can reduce the response time of MS analysis from more than half a minute to a few seconds. In addition, it provides better detection sensitivity as the ion signals of all solution components are enhanced and the acquired limit of detection (LOD) of toluene is about eight times lower than CCI analysis. For each analysis, the consumed sample volume is only a few nanoliters and the absolute consumption of the analyte can reach the femtogram level.

Conclusions

The proposed PCI method is proved to be successful in improving the sampling efficiency when performing direct liquid analysis without increasing the vacuum load. A miniature MS instrument with a proper capillary inlet can possess flexible operation modes to meet different application demands.
Biomarkers for Progenitor and Differentiated Epithelial Cells in the Human Meibomian Gland
Authors: Xie Hua-Tao , Sullivan David A. , Chen Di , Hatton Mark P. , Kam Wendy R. , Liu Yang
Published: September 2018

The meibomian gland (MG) is a sebaceous gland that secretes through a holocrine process. Because such secretion requires the destruction of MG acinar epithelial cells, they need constant renewal and differentiation. The processes that promote these regenerative events in the human MG are unknown, nor is it known how to distinguish MG progenitor and differentiated cells. We discovered that Lrig1 and DNase2 serve as biomarkers for human MG progenitor and differentiated cells, respectively. Lrig1 is expressed in MG basal epithelial cells in the acinar periphery, a location where progenitor cells originate in sebaceous glands. DNase2 is expressed in the differentiated epithelial cells of the MG central acinus. Furthermore, proliferation stimulates, and differentiation suppresses, Lrig1 expression in human MG epithelial cells. The opposite is true for DNase2 expression. Our biomarker identification may have significant value in clinical efforts to restore MG function and to regenerate MGs after disease-induced dropout.
Prospects for the Use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Animal Conservation and Environmental Protection
Authors: Stanton Morgan M. , Tzatzalos Evangeline , Donne Matthew , Kolundzic Nikola , Helgason Ingvar , Ilic Dusko
Published: September 2018

Stem cells are unique cell populations able to copy themselves exactly as well as specialize into new cell types. Stem cells isolated from early stages of embryo development are pluripotent, i.e., can be differentiated into multiple different cell types. In addition, scientists have found a way of reverting specialized cells from an adult into an embryonic-like state. These cells, that are as effective as cells isolated from early embryos, are termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The potency of iPSC technology is recently being employed by researchers aimed at helping wildlife and environmental conservation efforts. Ambitious attempts using iPSCs are being made to preserve endangered animals as well as reanimate extinct species, merging science fiction with reality. Other research to sustain natural resources and promote animal welfare are exploring iPSCs for laboratory grown animal products without harm to animals offering unorthodox options for creating meat, leather, and fur. There is great potential in iPSC technology and what can be achieved in consumerism, animal welfare, and environmental protection and conservation. Here, we discuss current research in the field of iPSCs and how these research groups are attempting to achieve their goals. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:7–13
Cell-Based Therapies: The Nonresponder
Authors: Caplan Arnold I.
Published: September 2018

Cell-based therapies have come of age and several phase III trials are now being conducted. Cell-based therapies, especially involving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have substantial nonresponder rates, as has been reported in some current clinical trials. This high rate is expected as the MSCs are neither tuned for each of the diseases that are being treated nor for the huge variance in the genetics and response characteristics of the individual patients being treated. Such nonresponders might be used as a control group, thus eliminating the need for placebo controls.
A Bayesian approach for correcting exposure misclassification in meta‐analysis
Authors: Lian Qinshu , Hodges James S. , MacLehose Richard , Chu Haitao
Published: September 2018

In observational studies, misclassification of exposure is ubiquitous and can substantially bias the estimated association between an outcome and an exposure. Although misclassification in a single observational study has been well studied, few papers have considered it in a meta‐analysis. Meta‐analyses of observational studies provide important evidence for health policy decisions, especially when large randomized controlled trials are unethical or unavailable. It is imperative to account properly for misclassification in a meta‐analysis to obtain valid point and interval estimates. In this paper, we propose a novel Bayesian approach to filling this methodological gap. We simultaneously synthesize two (or more) meta‐analyses, with one on the association between a misclassified exposure and an outcome (main studies), and the other on the association between the misclassified exposure and the true exposure (validation studies). We extend the current scope for using external validation data by relaxing the “transportability” assumption by means of random effects models. Our model accounts for heterogeneity between studies and can be extended to allow different studies to have different exposure measurements. The proposed model is evaluated through simulations and illustrated using real data from a meta‐analysis of the effect of cigarette smoking on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Diet Variability of Steelhead/Rainbow Trout in a Coastal Basin in Central California: Relative Importance of Seasonal, Spatial, and Ontogenetic Variation
Authors: Rundio David E. , Lindley Steven T.
Published: September 2018

Diets of stream‐dwelling salmonids vary at multiple spatial and temporal scales, but the relative importance of different sources of variation has rarely been evaluated for a population. In a small coastal basin in central California, we sampled diets of steelhead/Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss monthly for a year from two reaches that differed in the presence of streambed travertine (calcium carbonate) to determine the relative magnitude of spatial, seasonal, and ontogenetic variation in consumption and diet composition. Seasonal parameters (cosine function terms for months in periodic regression and multivariate models) and fish size (FL) were greater sources of variation than differences between the two study reaches, and seasonal and ontogenetic patterns were evident despite high interindividual variability. Seasonal parameters explained the most variation in diet composition, which varied in an orderly pattern over the year. Consumption was highest in spring and summer for both aquatic and terrestrial prey, and seasonal parameters accounted for more variation than fish size for consumption of aquatic prey but this was reversed for terrestrial prey and total consumption. The main ontogenetic trend was increased consumption of terrestrial invertebrates: from 15‐20% of the energy consumed by 60–100‐mm fish to 60% of the energy consumed by fish larger than 160 mm. In addition, diet breadth (taxonomic richness and prey size) and the degree of variation among individuals also increased with fish size. Diet differences between sites were relatively small and included higher consumption of aquatic invertebrates at the site without travertine in 4 months and modest differences in the relative abundances of common prey taxa. Although seasonal and ontogenetic patterns were evident, interindividual variation was the dominant scale of diet variation, and diets of individual fish ranged from specialized to generalized relative to the population. Based on these findings, O. mykiss appeared to be opportunistic feeders that took advantage of diverse aquatic and terrestrial prey available in these study reaches.
Can Polymer Solar Cells Open the Path to Sustainable and Efficient Photovoltaic Windows Fabrication?
Authors: Vohra Varun
Published: September 2018

Sunlight is among the most abundant energy sources available on our planet. Finding adequate solutions to properly and efficiently harvest it is of major importance to potentially solve the global energy crisis. Polymer solar cells have been introduced in the late 20th century as low‐cost and easily processed alternative to the state‐of‐the‐art silicon photovoltaics. Their power conversion efficiencies, which were initially rather low, are constantly improving and now reach values close to 15 %. As their optical properties can be easily tuned, designing active layer which absorb homogeneously throughout the visible spectrum is relatively simple. These peculiar characteristics enable the possibility to fabricate visibly transparent solar cells with high color rendering indices which can be employed as photovoltaic windows. After reviewing some of the most successful examples of polymer solar cell‐based transparent photovoltaic window fabrication, I will discuss the possibility to produce these devices in a sustainable and/or eco‐friendly manner while maintaining their performances.
X‐Ray Scattering and Imaging Studies of Electrode Structure and Dynamics
Authors: You Hoydoo
Published: September 2018

We will review structures and dynamics of electrode interfaces studied in situ using x‐ray scattering and imaging techniques. The examples cover single‐crystal and nanocrystal structures relevant to electrocatalytic activities, anodic oxidation and corrosion, aqueous dissolution reactions, surface reconstructions, and surface modifications by under potential deposition. The x‐ray techniques include the widely used traditional surface x‐ray scattering, such as crystal truncation rods and x‐ray reflectivity, as well as recently developed resonance surface scattering, coherent surface x‐ray photon correlation spectroscopy, coherent x‐ray Bragg diffraction imaging, and surface ptychography. Results relevant to various electrochemical phenomena will be highlighted.
Perspective to the Potential Use of Graphene in Li‐Ion Battery and Supercapacitor
Authors: Tian Jiarui , Yang Zhoufei , Yin Zefang , Ye Zhenzhen , Wang Jin , Cui Chaojie , Qian Weizhong
Published: September 2018

Graphene is a hot star in materials science with various potential application aspects, including in Li‐ion battery and supercapacitor. The burst of scientific papers in this area seems to validate the performance of graphene, but also arouses large dispute. Herein, we share our judgment of these trends to all, encouraging the discussion and enhancing the understanding of the structure‐performance relationship of graphene.
Birth weight and cardiac function assessed by echocardiography in adolescence: Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
Authors: Timpka S. , Hughes A. D. , Chaturvedi N. , Franks P. W. , Lawlor D. A. , Rich‐Edwards J. W. , Fraser A.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Maternal hemodynamics in pregnancy is associated with fetal growth and birth weight, which in turn are associated with offspring cardiovascular disease later in life. The aim of this study was to quantify the extent to which birth weight is associated with cardiac structure and function in adolescence.

Methods

A subset of offspring (n = 1964; 55% female) of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were examined with echocardiography at a mean age of 17.7 (SD, 0.3) years. The associations of birth‐weight Z‐score for sex and gestational age with cardiac structure (assessed by relative wall thickness, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left atrial diameter index), systolic function (assessed by ejection fraction and left ventricular wall velocity) and diastolic function (assessed by early/late mitral inflow velocity (E/A) and early mitral inflow velocity/mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e′)) were evaluated. Linear regression models were adjusted for several potential confounders, including maternal prepregnancy body mass index, age, level of education and smoking during pregnancy.

Results

Higher birth‐weight Z‐score was associated with lower E/A (mean difference, −0.024; 95% CI, −0.043 to −0.005) and E/e′ (mean difference, −0.05; 95% CI, −0.10 to −0.001) and higher LVMI (mean difference, 0.38 g/m2.7; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.67). There was no or inconsistent evidence of associations of birth‐weight Z‐score with relative wall thickness, left atrial diameter and measurements of systolic function. Further analyses suggested that the association between birth‐weight Z‐score and LVMI was driven mainly by an association observed in participants born small‐for‐gestational age and it did not persist when risk factors in adolescence were accounted for.

Conclusions

Higher birth weight adjusted for sex and gestational age was associated with differences in measures of diastolic function in adolescence, but the observed associations were small. It remains to be determined the extent to which these associations translate into increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease later in life. © 2018 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Properties of Ni(NCS)2‐4‐methoxypyridine Coordination Compounds
Authors: Jochim Aleksej , Ceglarska Magdalena , Rams Michał , Näther Christian
Published: September 2018

Two polymorphs of Ni(NCS)2(4‐methoxypyridine)4 (1‐I, 1‐II) as well as compounds with the compositions Ni(NCS)2(4‐methoxypyridine)4(MeCN)1.33 (1‐MeCN), Ni(NCS)2(4‐methoxypyridine)2(MeCN)2 (2) and [Ni(NCS)2(4‐methoxypyridine)2]n (3) are reported. For 1‐II no single crystals were obtained, but this compound is isotypic to the Fe analog 1‐II‐Fe. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 show discrete octahedral NiII complexes, whereas in 3 the cations are connected by pairs of thiocyanate anions into chains. Solvent mediated conversion experiments reveal that 1‐I is thermodynamically stable at room temperature and differential scanning calorimetry shows no indication for a polymorphic transition. The thermal behavior of 1‐I, 1‐II, and 2 was investigated by simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry, which shows that they decompose in two discrete steps. In the first step compound 3 is formed as an intermediate, which decomposes on further heating into Ni(NCS)2. Time dependent XRPD investigations prove, that 2 transforms already at room temperature into 3. Upon heating 1‐MeCN transforms into 1‐I in the first TG step, which decomposes on further heating into 3. Investigation of the magnetic behavior of 3 shows dominating ferromagnetic exchange interactions along the chains with J = 5.9(1) K. Susceptibility measurements indicate antiferromagnetic ordering, which was confirmed by specific heat measurements, revealing that magnetic ordering occurs at 1.91(5) K.
Aristotle and Alexander of Aphrodisias on Colour
Authors: Ierodiakonou Katerina
Published: September 2018

The aim of this paper is to unravel Aristotle’s reasoning with regard to the ontological status of colours; also, to get a better understanding of his views on the production of the whole spectrum of colours; and finally, to evaluate the explanatory power of his theory of colours. The texts I mainly draw my evidence from is Aristotle’s De sensu 3 and the relevant passages from the De anima as well as from other Aristotelian treatises; in addition, I use for my interpretation remarks made by Alexander of Aphrodisias in his commentary on the De sensu, in his Quaestiones and in the dubious treatise Mantissa.
Quantum black hole entropy, localization and the stringy exclusion principle
Authors: Gomes João
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Supersymmetric localization has led to remarkable progress in computing quantum corrections to BPS black hole entropy. The program has been successful especially for computing perturbative corrections to the Bekenstein-Hawking area formula. In this work, we consider non-perturbative corrections related to polar states in the Rademacher expansion, which describes the entropy in the microcanonical ensemble. We propose that these non-perturbative effects can be identified with a new family of saddles in the localization of the quantum entropy path integral. We argue that these saddles, which are euclidean AdS
2 × S
1 × S
2 geometries, arise after turning on singular fluxes in M-theory on a Calabi-Yau. They cease to exist after a certain amount of flux, resulting in a finite number of geometries; the bound on that number is in precise agreement with the stringy exclusion principle. Localization of supergravity on these backgrounds gives rise to a finite tail of Bessel functions in agreement with the Rademacher expansion. As a check of our proposal, we test our results against well known microscopic formulas for one-eighth and one-quarter BPS black holes in

$$ \mathcal{N}=8 $$

N
=
8

and

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

string theory respectively, finding agreement. Our method breaks down precisely when mock-modular effects are expected in the entropy of one-quarter BPS dyons and we comment upon this. Furthermore, we mention possible applications of these results, including an exact formula for the entropy of four dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

black holes.
Fragranced consumer products: effects on autistic adults in the United States, Australia, and United Kingdom
Authors: Steinemann Anne
Published: September 2018

Fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, can have adverse effects on both air quality and health. This study investigates the effects of fragranced products on autistic individuals ages 18–65 in the United States, Australia, and United Kingdom. Nationally representative population surveys (n = 1137; 1098; 1100) found that, across the three countries, 4.3% of adults (n = 142) report medically diagnosed autism (2.3%), an autism spectrum disorder (2.4%), or both. Of these autistic adults, 83.7% report adverse health effects from fragranced products, including migraine headaches (42.9%), neurological problems (34.3%), respiratory problems (44.7%), and asthma attacks (35.9%). In particular, 62.9% of autistic adults report health problems from air fresheners or deodorizers, 57.5% from the scent of laundry products coming from a dryer vent, 65.9% from being in a room cleaned with scented products, and 60.5% from being near someone wearing a fragranced product. Health problems can be severe, with 74.1% of these effects considered potentially disabling under legislation in each country. Further, 59.4% of autistic adults have lost workdays or lost a job, in the past year, due to fragranced product exposure in the workplace. More than twice as many autistic as well as non-autistic individuals would prefer that workplaces, health care facilities, and health care professionals were fragrance-free rather than fragranced. Results show that vulnerable individuals, such as those with autism or autism spectrum disorders, can be profoundly, adversely, and disproportionately affected by exposure to fragranced consumer products.