bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rhizosphere: Measuring the Zone of Interaction
Authors: Lettice Eoin P.
Published: February 2019

The term ‘rhizosphere’ has historically been vaguely defined. In particular, the extent of the rhizosphere: the zone of interaction between root and soil has been difficult to measure or has been measured differently by workers depending on their discipline. This is to be expected given the range of possible interactions that occur at the root–soil interface and the varying effects of rhizodeposits on soil flora and fauna. This article outlines challenges to defining the spatial extent of the rhizosphere and demonstrates that it may not be possible to generalise about the extent of the rhizosphere across a range of different plants and measured based on a range of interactions. The case is made that the rhizosphere is typically more extensive than the few millimetres often described in the literature. In the case of a plant–nematode relationship presented here as a case study, the effect of root exudates (i.e. the rhizosphere effect) can be measured, at least, in centimetres rather than millimetres from the plant. Given the interest in utilising the rhizosphere and the rhizobiome for sustainable crop production, this article will clarify the terminology used and propose basic principles on how the spatial extent of the rhizosphere should be considered.
A multi‐institutional evaluation of machine performance check system on treatment beam output and symmetry using statistical process control
Authors: Binny Diana , Aland Trent , Archibald‐Heeren Ben R. , Trapp Jamie V. , Kairn Tanya , Crowe Scott B.
Published: February 2019

Background

The automated and integrated machine performance check (MPC) tool was verified against independent detectors to evaluate its beam uniformity and output detection abilities to consider it suitable for daily quality assurance (QA).

Methods

Measurements were carried out on six linear accelerators (each located at six individual sites) using clinically available photon and electron energies for a period up to 12 months (n = 350). Daily constancy checks on beam symmetry and output were compared against independent devices such as the SNC Daily QA 3, PTW Farmer ionization chamber, and SNC field size QA phantom. MPC uniformity detection of beam symmetry adjustments was also assessed. Sensitivity of symmetry and output measurements were assessed using statistical process control (SPC) methods to derive tolerances for daily machine QA and baseline resets to account for drifts in output readings. I‐charts were used to evaluate systematic and nonsystematic trends to improve error detection capabilities based on calculated upper and lower control levels (UCL/LCL) derived using standard deviations from the mean dataset.

Results

This study investigated the vendor's method of uniformity detection. Calculated mean uniformity variations were within ± 0.5% of Daily QA 3 vertical symmetry measurements. Mean MPC output variations were within ± 1.5% of Daily QA 3 and ±0.5% of Farmer ionization chamber detected variations. SPC calculated UCL values were a measure of change observed in the output detected for both MPC and Daily QA 3.

Conclusions

Machine performance check was verified as a daily quality assurance tool to check machine output and symmetry while assessing against an independent detector on a weekly basis. MPC output detection can be improved by regular SPC‐based trend analysis to measure drifts in the inherent device and control systematic and random variations thereby increasing confidence in its capabilities as a QA device. A 3‐monthly MPC calibration assessment was recommended based on SPC capability and acceptability calculations.
Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Papillae with Tunable Adhesive Force and Ultralarge Liquid Capacity for Microdroplet Manipulation
Authors: Tan Yinlong , Hu Biru , Chu Zengyong , Wu Wenjian
Published: February 2019

Template‐free, highly efficient, and large‐area construction of complex multiscale architectures is still a great challenge for microfabrications. Inspired by the hierarchical micropapillae on the superhydrophobic surface of natural rose petals, here, a facile 3D shrinking method is reported to build a graphene oxide (GO) papillae array. Circular GO speckles with a gradient of thickness are deposited on an inflated latex balloon through the water‐evaporation‐driven assembly of GO nanosheets, which then shrink into hierarchical papillae under compressive stresses upon deflation. The fluoroalkylsilane modified GO papillae array exhibits a combined performance of strong superhydrophobicity (CA > 170°), tunable adhesive force (39.2–129.4 µN), and ultralarge liquid capacity (25 µL). The wetting states (Wenzel, Cassie‐I, and Cassie‐Baxter), the adhesive forces, and the liquid capacities all can be tuned by varying the buckling topography (microwrinkle or microfold), the papillae number (3, 4, 6, or 7), and the array arrangement (triangle, square, or hexagon). For one single papillae, the highest adhesive force and the highest liquid capacity incresed to a record breaking value of 26.5 µN and 4.2 µL, respectively, which are promising for programmable manipulations of microdroplets and relevant for multistep microreactions.
Role of Charge Density Wave in Monatomic Assembly in Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Feng Haifeng , Xu Zhongfei , Zhuang Jincheng , Wang Li , Liu Yani , Xu Xun , Song Li , Hao Weichang , Du Yi
Published: February 2019

The charge density wave (CDW) in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has drawn tremendous interest due to its potential for tailoring their surface electronic and chemical properties. Due to technical challenges, however, how the CDW could modulate the chemical behavior of TMDs is still not clear. Here, this work presents a study of applying the CDW of NbTe2, with a high transition temperature above room temperature, to generate the assembling adsorption of Sn adatoms on the surface. It is shown that highly ordered monatomic Sn adatoms with a quasi‐1D structure can be obtained under regulation by the single‐axis CDW of the substrate. In addition, the CDW modulated superlattices could in turn change the surface electronic properties from semimetallic to metallic. These results demonstrate an effective approach for tuning the surface chemical properties of TMDs by their CDWs, which could be applied in exploring them for various practical applications, such as heterogeneous catalysis, epitaxial growth of low‐dimensional materials, and future nanoelectronics.
Multistimuli Response and Polymorphism of a Novel Tetraphenylethylene Derivative
Authors: Huang Guangxi , Jiang Yuqing , Yang Sifen , Li Bing Shi , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2019

Multi‐stimuli‐responsive fluorescent molecule tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative 1 is synthesized, which contains a TPE skeleton and peripheries of two methoxyl groups and one carboxyl group. It shows a typical aggregation‐induced emission behavior and also exhibits fluorescence responses to pH change and amine vapors, and multicolored mechanochromic properties. The emission of 1 can be reversibly switched among blue (1p‐f, 462 nm, Φf = 7.4%), bright cyan (1p‐h, 482 nm, Φf = 82.3%), and yellow (1p‐g, 496 nm, Φf = 10.5%) with high contrast through solvent fuming, heating, or grinding. Molecule 1 occurs in four crystalline states (1c‐a, 1c‐b, 1c‐c, and 1c‐d) after crystallization from different solvents. The multicolored mechanochromic property is related to the different interactions and packing modes of molecules in the crystals. The crystals with weak fluorescent emission have characteristic porous structures and corresponding intensive XRD diffraction peaks, which are absent in the crystal with intensive fluorescent emission. The porous structures are critical for the fluorescence intensity of the molecules. Upon heating, the porous structures of crystals are damaged and fluorescence is significantly enhanced.
New Organic Electrode Materials for Ultrafast Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Zhao‐Karger Zhirong , Gao Ping , Ebert Thomas , Klyatskaya Svetlana , Chen Zhi , Ruben Mario , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: February 2019

Organic materials are both environmentally and economically attractive as potential electrode candidates. This Research News reports on a new class of stable and electrically conductive organic electrodes based on metal porphyrins with functional groups that are capable of electrochemical polymerization, rendering the materials promising for electrochemical applications. Their structural flexibility and the unique highly conjugated macrocyclic structure allows the produced organic electrodes to act as both cathode and anode materials giving access to fast charging as well as high cycling stability. The extreme thermal and chemical stability of the porphyrin‐based organic electrodes and their chemical versatility suggest an important role for these molecular systems in the further development of novel electrochemical energy storage applications.
One‐Step Construction of Hydrophobic MOFs@COFs Core–Shell Composites for Heterogeneous Selective Catalysis
Authors: Cai Mengke , Li Yinle , Liu Qinglin , Xue Ziqian , Wang Haiping , Fan Yanan , Zhu Kelong , Ke Zhuofeng , Su Cheng‐Yong , Li Guangqin
Published: February 2019

The exploration of novel porous core–shell materials is of great significance because of their prospectively improved performance and extensive applications in separation, energy conversion, and catalysis. Here, mesoporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe) as a core generate a shell with mesoporous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) NUT‐COF‐1(NTU) by a covalent linking process, the composite NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe)@NTU keeping retentive crystallinity with hierarchical porosity well. Importantly, the NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe)@NTU composite shows significantly enhanced catalytic conversion and selectivity during styrene oxidation. It is mainly due to the hydrophilic MOF nanocrystals readily gathering the hydrophobic reactants styrene and boosting the radical mechanism path after combining the hydrophobic COFs shell. The synthetic strategy in this systematic study develops a new rational design for the synthesis of other core–shell MOF/COF‐based hybrid materials, which can expand the promising applications.
Rapid and reproducible characterization of sickling during automated deoxygenation in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Rab Minke A.E. , van Oirschot Brigitte A. , Bos Jennifer , Merkx Tesy H. , van Wesel Annet C.W. , Abdulmalik Osheiza , Safo Martin K. , Versluijs Birgitta A. , Houwing Maite E. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Riedl Jurgen , Schutgens Roger E.G. , Pasterkamp Gerard , Bartels Marije , van Beers Eduard J. , van Wijk Richard
Published: February 2019

In sickle cell disease (SCD), sickle hemoglobin (HbS) polymerizes upon deoxygenation, resulting in sickling of red blood cells (RBCs). These sickled RBCs have strongly reduced deformability, leading to vaso‐occlusive crises and chronic hemolytic anemia. To date, there are no reliable laboratory parameters or assays capable of predicting disease severity or monitoring treatment effects. We here report on the oxygenscan, a newly developed method to measure RBC deformability (expressed as Elongation Index ‐ EI) as a function of pO2. Upon a standardized, 22 minute, automated cycle of deoxygenation (pO2 median 16 mmHg ± 0.17) and reoxygenation, a number of clinically relevant parameters are produced in a highly reproducible manner (coefficients of variation <5%). In particular, physiological modulators of oxygen affinity, such as, pH and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate showed a significant correlation (respectively R = ‑0.993 and R = 0.980) with Point of Sickling (PoS5%), which is defined as the pO2 where a 5% decrease in EI is observed during deoxygenation. Furthermore, in vitro treatment with antisickling agents, including GBT440, which alter the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin, caused a reproducible left‐shift of the PoS, indicating improved deformability at lower oxygen tensions. When RBCs from 21 SCD patients were analyzed, we observed a significantly higher PoS in untreated homozygous SCD patients compared to treated patients and other genotypes. We conclude that the oxygenscan is a state‐of‐the‐art technique that allows for rapid analysis of sickling behavior in SCD patients. The method is promising for personalized treatment, development of new treatment strategies and could have potential in prediction of complications.
Short survival and frequent transformation in extranodal marginal zone lymphoma with multiple mucosal sites presentation
Authors: Alderuccio Juan Pablo , Zhao Wei , Desai Amrita , Ramdial Jeremy , Gallastegui Nicolas , Kimble Erik , de la Fuente Macarena I. , Husnain Muhammad , Rosenblatt Joseph D. , Alencar Alvaro J. , Schatz Jonathan H. , Moskowitz Craig H. , Chapman Jennifer R. , Vega Francisco , Reis Isildinha M. , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: February 2019

Between 11 and 37% of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) patients present with disease involvement in multiple mucosal sites (MMS). We analyzed 405 EMZL patients seen between 1995 and 2017: 265 (65.4%) patients presented with stage I disease, 49 of 309 (15.8%) patients with bone marrow involvement, and 35 of 328 (10.7%) patients with monoclonal gammopathy (MG). Forty‐three (10.6%) patients had MMS presentation, which was more frequently seen in patients aged >60 years (55.8%). Five (17.9%) of 28 MMS patients had MG. MMS patients commonly exhibited the International Prognostic Index (IPI) >2 (79.1%), Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) >2 (39.5%), and Mucosa‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MALT‐IPI) 2‐3 (60.5%). Both MMS presentation and MG were associated with shorter survival univariately. In multivariable Cox regression models, shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were observed in patients with MMS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.08 and 2.92, respectively), age ≥60 years (HR = 1.52 and 2.45, respectively), and in patients who failed to attain a complete remission following initial therapy (HR = 3.27 and 2.13, respectively). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase was associated with shorter PFS (HR = 1.92), while anemia (HR = 2.46) was associated with shortened OS. MALT‐IPI ≥2 (HR = 2.47 and 4.75), FLIPI >2 (HR = 1.65 and 2.09), and IPI >2 (HR = 2.09 and 1.73) were associated with shorter PFS and OS, respectively. Higher grade transformation (HGT) occurred in 11 (25.6%) MMS patients with a 5‐year cumulative incidence of 13.2% (95% CI 4.7‐26.1%). EMZL patients with MMS presentation represent a novel clinical subset associated with shorter PFS, OS, and higher incidence of HGT that needs novel therapeutic approaches.
A Concise Stereoselective Synthesis of Naturally Occurring d‐Xylo‐C18‐Guggultetrol and its C2‐Epimer
Authors: Chandra Naveen , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: February 2019

d‐Gluconic acid δ‐lactone has served as an economical and commercially available key chiral template for a concise 7‐step stereoselective synthesis of d‐xylo‐ and d‐lyxo‐configured guggultetrols. The key steps involved are a one‐pot conversion of d‐gluconic acid δ‐lactone to γ‐vinyl‐β‐hydroxy‐γ‐lactone, a chain extension through a Grignard reaction and a diastereoselective Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation.
Second‐Sphere Biomimetic Multipoint Hydrogen‐Bonding Patterns to Boost CO2 Reduction of Iron Porphyrins
Authors: Gotico Philipp , Boitrel Bernard , Guillot Régis , Sircoglou Marie , Quaranta Annamaria , Halime Zakaria , Leibl Winfried , Aukauloo Ally
Published: February 2019

Inspired by nature's orchestra of chemical subtleties to activate and reduce CO2, we have developed a family of iron porphyrin derivatives in to which we have introduced urea groups functioning as multipoint hydrogen‐bonding pillars on the periphery of the porphyrinic ring. This structure closely resembles the hydrogen‐bond stabilization scheme of the carbon dioxide (CO2) adduct in the carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH). We found that such changes to the second coordination sphere significantly lowered the overpotential for CO2 reduction in this family of molecular catalysts and importantly increased the CO2 binding rate while maintaining high turnover frequency (TOF) and selectivity. Entrapped water molecules within the molecular clefts were found to be the source of protons for the CO2 reduction.
Achieving High Affinity and Selectivity for Asymmetric Dimethylarginine by Putting a Lid on a Box
Authors: Mullins Alexandria G. , Pinkin Nicholas K. , Hardin Joshua A. , Waters Marcey L.
Published: February 2019

The methylation states of Lys and Arg represent a particularly challenging set of targets to distinguish selectively in water using synthetic receptors. To date, trimethyllysine (Kme3) is the only post translational modification (PTM) of the eight possible methylation states of Lys and Arg that can be recognized selectively. Here, we report the first synthetic receptor capable of selectively recognizing asymmetric dimethylarginine (Rme2a). This was achieved by using a biased dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) library to generate a receptor mimicking the 5‐sided box‐like shape of Rme2 reader proteins, a feature that has been hypothesized to impart selectivity. Additionally, we synthesized a thioether‐linked analogue of the resulting receptor to provide a novel scaffold with maintained selectivity but greater stability. This work introduces strategies that can be applied towards achieving selectivity based on subtle differences in hydrophilic guests in aqueous solutions.
pH‐Responsive Pillar[6]arene‐based Water‐Soluble Supramolecular Hexagonal Boxes
Authors: Kaizerman‐Kane Dana , Hadar Maya , Tal Noam , Dobrovetsky Roman , Zafrani Yossi , Cohen Yoram
Published: February 2019

We describe the preparation of the first water‐soluble pH‐responsive supramolecular hexagonal boxes (SHBs) based on multiple charge‐assisted hydrogen bonds between peramino‐pillar[6]arenes 2 with the molecular “lid” mellitic acid (1 a). The interaction between 2 and 1 a, as well as the other “lids” pyromellitic and trimesic acids (1 b and 1 c, respecively) were studied by a combination of experimental and computational methods. Interestingly, the addition of 1 a to the complexes of the protonated form of pillar[6]arene 2, that is, 3, with bis‐sulfonate 4 a or 4 b, immediately led to guest escape along with the formation of closed 1 a22 supramolecular boxes. Moreover, the process of the openning and closing of the supramolecular boxes along with threading and escaping of the guests, respectively, was found to be reversible and pH‐responsive. This study paves the way for the easy and modular preparation of different SHBs that may have myriad applications.
Resonance‐Mediated Below‐Threshold Delayed Photoemission and Non‐Franck–Condon Photodissociation of Cold Oxyallyl Anions
Authors: Albeck Yishai , Lunny Katharine G. , Benitez Yanice , Shin Ashley J. , Strasser Daniel , Continetti Robert E.
Published: February 2019

The photoexcitation of cold oxyallyl anions was studied below the adiabatic detachment threshold at a photon energy of 1.60 eV. Photodetachment was observed through two product channels, delayed electron emission from a long‐lived anionic state and dissociative photodetachment via absorption of a second photon. The former produced stable neutral C3H4O, while the latter resulted in the concerted elimination of CO+C2H4 products. The neutral oxyallyl singlet state has a barrier‐free route to cyclopropanone as well as zwitterionic character with a large charge separation and dipole moment. The role of long‐lived dipole‐bound resonances built on the singlet state below the detachment threshold is discussed. These results provide one of the first observations of delayed photoemission in a small cold molecular radical anion, a consequence of the complex electronic structure of the neutral diradical, and provide an example of resonance‐mediated control of the photodissociation processes.
Wolff Rearrangement of Oxidatively Generated α‐Oxo Gold Carbenes: An Effective Approach to Silylketenes
Authors: Zheng Yang , Zhang Junqi , Cheng Xinpeng , Xu Xinfang , Zhang Liming
Published: February 2019

Gold‐catalyzed oxidations of alkynes by N‐oxides offer direct access to reactive α‐oxo gold carbene intermediates from benign and readily available alkynes instead of hazardous diazo carbonyl compounds. Despite various versatile synthetic methods developed based on this strategy, one of the hallmarks of α‐oxo carbene/carbenoid chemistry, that is, the Wolff rearrangement, has not been realized in this context. This study discloses the first examples that show the Wolff rearrangement can be readily realized by α‐oxo gold carbenes oxidatively generated from TBS‐terminated alkynes (TBS=tert‐butyldimethylsilyl). The thus‐generated silylketenes can be either isolated pure or subsequently trapped by various internal or external nucleophiles in one pot to afford α‐silylated carboxylic acids, their derivatives, or TBS‐substituted allenes.
Reliability assessment for load‐sharing systems with exponential components using statistical expansion as a correction
Authors: Xu Jianyu , Xie Min , Hu Qingpei
Published: February 2019

Among recent system models, one specific type of system is generally used to model the dependence among components. Components are connected parallel in such systems as they fail one by one and are supposed to share the system work load. The model is thus referred to as the load‐sharing system model. Despite the availability of extensive reliability assessment methods for different systems, load‐sharing systems have not received enough attention from the scholars who have studied reliability assessment so far. Load‐sharing systems are generally designed for high levels of reliability. Therefore, tests for such systems can be expensive and time consuming. Limitation on resources always leads to small test sample sizes. This increases the difficulties associated with obtaining an accurate and robust system reliability assessment result. This paper proposes a novel assessment method for a certain type of load‐sharing system with components following exponential lifetime distributions. Based on the parameter estimation of the system reliability model, we introduce the Winterbottom‐Cornish‐Fisher asymptotic expansion method for implementing a correction of normal approximation. We demonstrate the accuracy of our method through a series of examples and simulation studies.
Bauwerksuntersuchungen und Belastungsversuche an der Fuldatalbrücke Bergshausen
Authors: Höhl Patrick , Schüßler Svenja , Rudolf Martin , Lauterbach Andre
Published: February 2019

Parallel zu der Nachrechnung in den Stufen 1–3 wurden im Jahr 2016 an der Fuldatalbrücke Bergshausen umfangreiche Bauwerksuntersuchungen durchgeführt.

Bei der Fuldatalbrücke Bergshausen handelt es sich um eine siebenfeldrige Talbrücke im Zuge der BAB 44, die südlich der Stadt Kassel das Fuldatal überspannt. Die ca. 700 m lange Stahlbrücke besteht aus zwei Teilbauwerken, die in den Jahren 1962 und 1971 fertiggestellt wurden.

Es wurden zahlreiche Materialproben am Grundwerkstoff, an den Nieten und an den Pfeilern entnommen, um im Labor die mechanisch‐technologischen Kennwerte zu ermitteln. Nach statistischer Auswertung konnten angepasste Materialkennwerte für die statischen Berechnungen angesetzt werden.

In zwei nächtlichen Vollsperrungen wurden an beiden Überbauten Belastungsversuche unter definierter Verkehrsbelastung durchgeführt. Dabei wurden Dehnungen und Beschleunigungen gemessen und anschließend mit den rechnerischen Ergebnissen abgeglichen. Die Auswertung der Messergebnisse diente insbesondere zur Kalibrierung des Berechnungsmodells.

Der Bestand wurde bereichsweise sehr detailliert vermessen, unter anderem mittels 3‐D‐Laserscan.

Der Gesamtplanungsauftrag hat die Anhebung der Tragfähigkeit für die verbleibenden zwölf Jahre Restlebensdauer zum Ziel. Die im Bericht erläuterten Untersuchungsergebnisse flossen in den Planungsprozess dieser Ertüchtigung ein.
Bayesian personalized treatment selection strategies that integrate predictive with prognostic determinants
Authors: Ma Junsheng , Stingo Francesco C. , Hobbs Brian P.
Published: February 2019

The evolution of “informatics” technologies has the potential to generate massive databases, but the extent to which personalized medicine may be effectuated depends on the extent to which these rich databases may be utilized to advance understanding of the disease molecular profiles and ultimately integrated for treatment selection, necessitating robust methodology for dimension reduction. Yet, statistical methods proposed to address challenges arising with the high‐dimensionality of omics‐type data predominately rely on linear models and emphasize associations deriving from prognostic biomarkers. Existing methods are often limited for discovering predictive biomarkers that interact with treatment and fail to elucidate the predictive power of their resultant selection rules. In this article, we present a Bayesian predictive method for personalized treatment selection that is devised to integrate both the treatment predictive and disease prognostic characteristics of a particular patient's disease. The method appropriately characterizes the structural constraints inherent to prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and hence properly utilizes these complementary sources of information for treatment selection. The methodology is illustrated through a case study of lower grade glioma. Theoretical considerations are explored to demonstrate the manner in which treatment selection is impacted by prognostic features. Additionally, simulations based on an actual leukemia study are provided to ascertain the method's performance with respect to selection rules derived from competing methods.
Entrepreneurial orientation and engagement of Pakistani small and medium enterprises in sustainable development practices: Mediating role of knowledge management
Authors: Iqbal Zeeshan , Malik Maimoona
Published: February 2019

This research aims to shed light on the association between entrepreneurial behavior of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their engagement in sustainable development (SD) practices with the mediation of knowledge management (KM). In order to examine the engagement of SMEs in SD, researchers used resource‐based view of the firm as theoretical lens and specifically, analyzed the effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and KM. The self‐administrated research questionnaires were distributed among the senior management of SMEs, located in major cities of Pakistan, by using convenient sampling technique. The Partial least squares‐structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) approach was applied, by using SmartPLS software, to test the formulated hypotheses. The study results revealed that EO is positively associated with the KM. Furthermore, KM is positively and significantly associated with the engagement of SMEs in SD practices, particularly regarding the environment, human resource management, and community and local development. Finally, the KM powerfully mediates the associations between EO and engagement of SMEs in SD practices. The overall findings concluded that entrepreneurial‐oriented firms are more likely to engage in the mechanism of KM and SD. The research implications, limitations, and directions for future research were also discussed.
Facial fold and crease development: A new morphological approach and classification
Authors: Sandulescu Tudor , Franzmann Marie , Jast Julia , Blaurock‐Sandulescu Tania , Spilker Leoni , Klein Caroline , Naumova Ella A. , Arnold Wolfgang H.
Published: February 2019

Facial folds and creases are established descriptive anatomical terms for structures of which the morphological characteristics and origins are not clearly defined. The aim of this study was to perform a morphological investigation of the nasolabial fold (NLF), mandibular fold (MF), deep transverse forehead (DTFC), infraorbital fold (IOF) and upper eyelid fold (UEF), correlating their phenotypes to differences in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), noting morphological differences and similarities. Full‐graft tissue blocks of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mimic muscles collected postmortem were studied histologically. Serial histological sections were stained with Azan. Location‐ and composition‐specific morphological differences were determined. Histological serial section digitalization and three‐dimensional reconstruction of the tissue blocks were performed. Three different types of SMAS architecture were identified. Type I SMAS consisted of parallel‐aligned fibrous septa connecting the mimic muscles to the skin that covered the cheek, infraorbital and supraorbital, and forehead areas. Type II SMAS morphology appeared as a condensed Type I SMAS architecture with stronger fibrous septa and smaller fatty tissue compartments covering the lower and upper lip areas. Type III SMAS consisted of loose connective tissue covering the lower and upper eyelid regions. NLF, MF, IOF, and UEF are habitual primary folds induced by morphological changes in the underlying SMAS architecture. The secondary, accidental creases (DTFC) are cutaneous depressions derived from interacting dermal‐skeletal‐muscular changes without SMAS structure changes. The upper and lower eyelid wrinkles were tertiary, age‐related undulating skin redundancy formations. Clin. Anat. 32:573–584, 2019. © 2019 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.
Quantified or nonquantified: How quantification affects consumers' motivation in goal pursuit
Authors: Zhang Yu‐dong , Li Dong‐jin , Zhang Chu‐bing , Zhang Hui‐long
Published: February 2019

Being exposed to more data and devices with tracking functions than ever, quantification is concerned by an increasing number of consumers. The self‐reflection from data may raise consumers' awareness of their own goals to better modify their behaviors. This paper describes consumers' reaction to quantification and confirms its motivational effect in goal pursuit. First, we investigate the motivational effect of quantification and reveal its internal mechanism from the individual–community perspective. Results show that quantification can promote consumers' goal pursuit motivation. A quantified (vs. nonquantified) way to track progress in pursuit of a goal can strengthen consumers' self‐empowerment (individual level) and difference‐insight (community level), thus enhancing the goal pursuit motivation. Second, we explore the moderating effect of some factors on the motivational effect of quantification. Results confirm that self‐empowerment can be enhanced with high data–color consistency, and difference‐insight can be increased with low outcome–process consistency. Third, we identify the validity of various data presentation modes. Using the interactive progress framing (to date with to go) together with the several subunits mode to deliver data in different progress stages is found to be an effective way to promote consumers' goal pursuit motivation.
Fast and safe mapping of ventricular tachycardia in patient with left ventricular assist device
Authors: Trevisi Nicola , Frontera Antonio , Calore Federico , Okubo Kenji , Della Bella Paolo
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

The characterization of the pathological substrate and/or mapping of the clinical ventricular tachycardia in patients with left ventricular assist device may represent a challenge, due to the risk of entrapment of the intracardiac catheter into the inflow cannula. Hereby, we present the technique of a fast and safe mapping using a 20‐poles catheter which allowed the identification of the critical isthmus during ventricular tachycardia.
Verrucous carcinoma arising in a long standing Buschke‐Löwenstein tumor
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed G. , Sola‐Rufai Saidat T. , Griswold Doreen , Pacioles Toni
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Giant condyloma acuminatum is a rare variant of genital warts also known as Buschke‐Löwenstein tumor. It is characterized by a slow progression of exophytic, ulcerative, and cauliflower‐shaped tumor with benign histological features. Verrucous carcinoma however is a rare variant of well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with limited metastatic potential.
Severe aortic regurgitation in a quadricuspid aortic valve: A false rheumatic disease
Authors: Belleyo‐Belkasem Carima , de La Rosa‐Hernández Alejandro , Izquierdo‐Gómez María Manuela , García‐Niebla Javier , Lacalzada‐Almeida Juan
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

The quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a malformation that leads to severe valve failure later in life. Malformation and displacement of coronary ostia are found in 10% of patients. In this context, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) are the essential imaging tests for the preoperative assessment for cardiac surgery.
Exercise‐related sudden cardiac death of an American football player with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy AND sarcoidosis
Authors: Müssigbrodt Andreas , Knopp Helge , Czimbalmos Csilla , Jahnke Cosima , Richter Sergio , Husser Daniela , Gradistanac Tanja , Hindricks Gerhard
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

This case emphasizes the value of cardiac MRI and genetic testing in the early phase of ARVD/C. It also emphasizes the increased risk of SCD for patients with ARVD/C participating in competitive sports, even with immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Seaweed‐like 2D‐2D Architecture of MoS2/rGO Composites for Enhanced Selective Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Amines
Authors: Wang Mingming , Wu Haihong , Shen Chaoren , Luo Shuping , Wang Dan , He Lin , Xia Chungu , Zhu Gangli
Published: February 2019

To provide a solution for pursuing high redox reactivity beyond the compromise between the numbers of sulfur vacancies and electron transfer ability, 2D‐2D architecture of MoS2/rGO composite was fabricated with 2D graphene‐like transition metal dichalcogenides and graphene. By employing this material as heterogeneous catalyst, imines, also known as Schiff base, was synthesized by direct aerobic oxidative coupling of amines. Taking advantage of few‐layered MoS2 nanosheets and graphene, catalytic performance was significantly enhanced, exhibiting both excellent conversion and remarkable selectivity. Due to the good oil‐absorbing capability of this open porous 2D‐2D architecture, the hydrolysis of NH‐imines by water was inhibited and thus aldehydes byproducts were diminished. A second order kinetic behavior was observed in the imines formation, indicating the bimolecular condensation might be the rate determining step in such coupling reaction.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Non‐Innocence in the Catalytic Hydrophosphination of Alkynes
Authors: Blackaby William J. M. , Neale Samuel E. , Isaac Connie J. , Sabater Sara , Macgregor Stuart A. , Whittlesey Michael K.
Published: February 2019

Studies on alkyne hydrophosphination employing nickel‐NHC catalysts (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) revealed that the free N‐alkyl substituted NHCs themselves were catalytically active. DFT calculations showed the mechanism involves the NHC acting as a Brønsted base to form an imidazolium phosphide species which then undergoes rate‐limiting nucleophilic attack at the terminal alkyne carbon. This mechanism explains the preference seen experimentally for reactions with aryl substituted phosphines and alkynes, while the rearrangements of the alkenyl anion formed upon P−C bond formation account for the observation of both Z‐ and E‐regioisomers of the products.
Metabolism Mimicry: An Electrosynthetic Method for the Selective Deethylation of Tertiary Benzamides
Authors: Bal Mandeep K. , Banks Craig E. , Jones Alan M.
Published: February 2019

The electrosynthetic deethylation of tertiary amides, commonly encountered moieties in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, is an analogue of the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes, a major oxidant metabolic pathway for xenobiotics. The ability to tractably synthesise, in a late‐stage manner, drug metabolites from the parent drug is currently unsolved. We report the first study, mechanistic rationale, and synthetic scope of an undivided controlled current electrosynthetic method that selectively mono deethylates tertiary amides without over‐reaction. An optimisation survey found that changing the electron input from controlled voltage to controlled current conditions led to deethylation rather than the expected dehydrogenative coupling. The scope and limitations of the method were interrogated with 14 examples with the parent benzamide reaction optimised (86 % yield) and the scalable production of the major human metabolite of the insect repellent DEET was achieved from the parent molecule in one step.
Development and validation of an immune prognostic signature for ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Khadirnaikar Seema , Kumar Pranjal , Shukla Sudhanshu Kumar
Published: February 2019

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) causes a significant proportion of cancer‐related deaths in women. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a substantial player in cancer treatment. Lymphocyte infiltration, an important indicator of immune activity and disease aggressiveness, can be identified by gene expression profiling of immune‐related genes of tumours which may prove useful in prognosis of patients.

Aims

The aim of this study is to identify and validate a novel immune gene‐based prognostic signature for OC.

Methods and results

Here, we extracted the expression of immune‐related genes and performed the Cox regression analysis and identified five genes with significant correlation with survival in training cohort of patients (n = 286). We utilised regression coefficient and expression level of five genes to calculate immune prognostic signature (IPS) score for OC patients. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis with other clinicopathological factors, we showed that IPS is an independent predictor of survival (P value <0.01). More importantly, we utilised 404 patients from TCGA dataset as the validation cohort and validated the survival capability of IPS in the univariate and multivariate analysis (P value <0.001). Interestingly, KM analysis showed a significant difference in survival of patients with high and low IPS score in both datasets (training dataset P value <0.01, validation dataset P value <0.01). Further, we showed that all the five genes are differentially expressed and involved in immune modulation among other pathways. Interestingly, GSEA analysis showed that high IPS patients had low immune activity and activated EMT and other oncogenic pathways.

Conclusion

In summary, we have developed and validated robust immune‐related gene‐based prognostic signature to identify the OC patients with high immune activity who can be taken for immunotherapy.
Chromatin‐Associated RNA Sequencing (ChAR‐seq)
Authors: Jukam David , Limouse Charles , Smith Owen K. , Risca Viviana I. , Bell Jason C. , Straight Aaron F.
Published: February 2019

RNA is a fundamental component of chromatin. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can associate with chromatin to influence gene expression and chromatin state; many also act at long distances from their transcriptional origin. Yet we know almost nothing about the functions or sites of action for most ncRNAs. Current methods to identify sites of RNA interaction with the genome are limited to the study of a single RNA at a time. Here we describe a protocol for ChAR‐seq, a strategy to identify all chromatin‐associated RNAs and map their DNA contacts genome‐wide. In ChAR‐seq, proximity ligation of RNA and DNA to a linker molecule is used to construct a chimeric RNA‐DNA molecule that is converted to DNA for sequencing. In a single assay, ChAR‐seq can discover de novo chromatin interactions of distinct RNAs, including nascent transcripts, splicing RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Resulting “maps” of genome‐bound RNAs should provide new insights into RNA biology. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of pH conditioners on tooth bleaching
Authors: Ito Yuki , Otsuki Masayuki , Tagami Junji
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pH conditioners on tooth bleaching using hematoporphirin‐stained paper and artificially discolored bovine tooth model. Experimental bleaching gels containing 23% hydrogen peroxide, adjusting pH 7.0 by different pH conditioners (NaOH, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, KOH, KHCO3, and K2CO3), were prepared. Each bleaching gel was applied on a hematoporphirin‐stained paper, and the light was exposed for 5 min. Before and after bleaching, color was measured and color difference was calculated. Artificially discolored bovine tooth samples were prepared and bleached by four experimental bleaching gels containing NaOH, NaHCO3, Na2CO3, or KHCO3. The bleaching time was 10 min with light exposure, and bleaching was repeated 10 times. The color of bleached surface was measured at each bleaching period, and color difference was calculated. In the experiment using hematoporphirin‐stained paper, degrees of color difference were KHCO3 > NaHCO3 > KOH > NaOH > Na2CO3 ≥ K2CO3. In the experiment using bovine teeth, degrees of color difference were KHCO3 > NaHCO3 > NaOH > Na2CO3. It was concluded that the bleaching materials with same pH and different pH conditioners showed different bleaching effects and that both cation and anion in the pH conditioners affected bleaching effect.
Energy efficient virtual network embedding for federated software‐defined networks
Authors: Dahir Mohamed Haji , Alizadeh Hadi , Gözüpek Didem
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we focus on energy efficient virtual network embedding in federated (multidomain) software‐defined networks (SDNs). We first formulate an optimization problem as an integer linear program (ILP) that minimizes the energy consumption of the network links, while at the same time adhering to the bandwidth and CPU requirements of the virtual network requests. We then propose a polynomial‐time heuristic algorithm, which consists of three stages. In the first stage, the top SDN controller decides on whether to partition the virtual network request into smaller subrequests and give subrequests to multiple domains or give the enitre virtual network request to a single domain, while in the second stage, each SDN controller implements virtual network embedding in its own domain. Finally, in the third stage, the algorithm performs interdomain routing if partitioning decision had been made in the first stage. Our simulation results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm yields close performance to the solutions obtained by using the optimization software CPLEX that implements our ILP.
The effects of different cold‐temperature regimes on development, growth, and susceptibility to an abiotic and biotic stressor
Authors: Wersebe Matthew , Blackwood Paradyse , Guo Ying Tong , Jaeger Jared , May Dyllan , Meindl George , Ryan Sean N. , Wong Vivian , Hua Jessica
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Global climate change is expected to both increase average temperatures as well as temperature variability.

Increased average temperatures have led to earlier breeding in many spring‐breeding organisms. However, individuals breeding earlier will also face increased temperature fluctuations, including exposure to potentially harmful cold‐temperature regimes during early developmental stages.

Using a model spring‐breeding amphibian, we investigated how embryonic exposure to different cold‐temperature regimes (control, cold‐pulse, and cold‐press) affected (a) compensatory larval development and growth, (b) larval susceptibility to a common contaminant, and (c) larval susceptibility to parasites.

We found: (a) no evidence of compensatory development or growth, (b) larvae exposed to the cold‐press treatment were more susceptible to NaCl at 4‐days post‐hatching but recovered by 17‐days post‐hatching, and (c) larvae exposed to both cold treatments were less susceptible to parasites.

These results demonstrate that variation in cold‐temperature regimes can lead to unique direct and indirect effects on larval growth, development, and response to stressors. This underscores the importance of considering cold‐temperature variability and not just increased average temperatures when examining the impacts of climate disruption.
Evidence of capacity for water dispersal in Acer saccharum
Authors: Tessier Jack T.
Published: February 2019

Dispersal is a critical stage in the life cycle of plants, allowing for movement to new areas and the finding of suitable habitat. Propagules can disperse via wind, water, animals, and botanical mechanisms. Acer saccharum is not known as a water‐dispersed species, but an observation of a floating fruit led to the question of whether its seeds can survive inundation. To assess this possibility, fruits were soaked in stream water for 0–28 d and stratified for germination. Flow rate data were collected from waterways in the vicinity of the observed floating fruit. Seeds successfully germinated if soaked in stream water for 0–7 d, and over 40% of inundated seeds floated. Based on flow rates, seeds of A. saccharum can potentially disperse for at least 250 km via flowing water. With north‐flowing rivers at the current northern range limit for A. saccharum, water dispersal represents an important opportunity for range shift in the face of climate change. South‐flowing rivers offer the opportunity for gene flow and seeking available habitat. New questions relate to identifying other species with undocumented capacity for water dispersal, and how such water dispersal will affect community reassembly linked to range shifts resulting from climate change.
A multi‐scale study of Australian fairy circles using soil excavations and drone‐based image analysis
Authors: Getzin Stephan , Yizhaq Hezi , Muñoz‐Rojas Miriam , Wiegand Kerstin , Erickson Todd E.
Published: February 2019

Fairy circles (FCs) are extremely ordered round patches of bare soil within arid grasslands of southwestern Africa and northwestern Australia. Their origin is disputed because biotic factors such as insects or abiotic factors such as edaphic and eco‐hydrological feedback mechanisms have been suggested to be causal. In this research, we used a multi‐scale approach to shed light on the origin of AustralianFCs. At a local scale, we investigated the potential cause ofFCs using analyses of soil compaction and texture withinFCs, the surrounding matrix vegetation, and in nearby large bare‐soil areas. We found that soil hardness and clay content were similarly higher inside theFCs and in the large bare‐soil areas. When compared to the matrix soils with protective grass cover, the 2.6–2.8 times higher clay content inFCs and large bare‐soil areas is likely sourced via multiple abiotic weathering processes. Intense rainfall events, particle dispersion, surface heat, evaporation, and mechanical crust building inhibit plant growth in both areas. At the landscape scale, a systematic survey of 154 soil excavations withinFCs was undertaken to evaluate the presence of pavement termitaria that could inhibit plant growth. We show that in up to 100% and most of the excavations per plot, no hard pavement termitaria were present in theFCs. This fact is substantiated by the observation that small, newly formingFCs are initiated on soft sand without evidence of termite activity. At the regional scale, we investigated the spatial properties ofFCs and common termite‐created gaps in Western Australia, using spatially explicit statistics. We mapped three 25‐haFCplots with a drone and compared them with three aerial images of typical vegetation gaps created by harvester and spinifex termites. We demonstrate that the small diameters, the lower ordering, and the heterogeneous patterns of these common termite gaps strongly differ from the unique spatial signature ofFCs. Our multi‐scale approach emphasizes that FCs are not trivial termite gaps and that partial correlation with termites at some sites does not imply causation. Instead, we highlight the need to study the edaphic and eco‐hydrological drivers of vegetation‐pattern formation in water‐limited environments.