bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Artemia spp. (Crustacea, Anostraca) populations by predators in the Crimean hypersaline lakes: A review of the evidence
Authors: Shadrin Nickolai , Yakovenko Vladimir , Anufriieva Elena
Published: January 2019

Artemia spp. play a key role in hypersaline ecosystems. Artemia can live in a salinity range from 10 to 300–340 g/L, but in water bodies where salinity is between 10 and 100 g/L, it may be absent. Is the absence of Artemia in some Crimean lakes determined by the presence of predators or by salinity? To answer this question field long‐term and experimental data collected in the Crimean lakes were used. With the least probability, the populations of Artemia existed in the lakes with a salinity of up to 50 g/L or above 300 g/L. Self‐reproducing Artemia populations (all age stages) were most likely (≥80% of occurrence) noted in the salinity range of 150–200 g/L. Long‐term monitoring in two lakes showed that in different years, a significant negative correlation of Artemia abundance with the numbers of amphipod Gammarus aequicauda and ostracod Eucypris mareotica was found in both lakes. This correlation can be explained by ostracod and amphipod predation on Artemia. In years without predator populations, the number of Artemia was higher by several times. Experiments showed that these amphipods and ostracods consume brine shrimps of different developmental stages. There are at least 12 crustacean species, 5 insect species, and 2 fish species, all listed in this paper, which inhabit Crimean hypersaline waters and can eat Artemia. Their predation on Artemia often is a main cause of its absence in the salinity range from 10 to 150 g/L.
A “best fit” approach for synergistic surface parameters to guide the design of candidate implant surfaces
Authors: Ay Birol , Mendes Vanessa C. , Zhang Li , Davies John E.
Published: January 2019

Human bone resorption surfaces can provide a template for endosseous implant surface design. We characterized the topography of such sites using four synergistic parameters (fractal dimension, lacunarity, porosity, and surface roughness) and compared the generated values with those obtained from two groups of candidate titanium implant surfaces. For the first group (n = 5/group): grit‐blasted acid etched (BAE), BAE with either discrete calcium phosphate crystal deposition or nanotube formation, machined titanium with nanotubes, or a nanofiber surface; each measured synergistic parameter was statistically compared with that of the resorbed bone surface and scored for inclusion in a “best fit” analysis. The analysis informed changes that could be made to a candidate implant surface to render it a closer “best fit” to that of the resorbed bone surface. In a second group of either titanium or titanium alloy implants their micro‐topography, created by dual acid etching, was the same for each material substrate; but their nanotopographic complexity was changed by varying the degree of calcium phosphate crystalline deposits. These implants were also used in vivo where bone anchorage was tested using a tensile disruption test; and the “best fit” of synergistic parameters coincided with the best biological outcome for both titanium and titanium alloy implants. In conclusion, the four chosen synergistic parameters can be used to guide the sub‐micron surface design of candidate implants, and our “best fit” approach is capable of identifying the surfaces with the best biological outcomes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2165–2177, 2019.
Direct Amination and Synthesis of Fused N‐Substituted Isothiochromene Derivatives
Authors: Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Zaki Magdi E. A.
Published: January 2019

Isothiochromene[3,4‐d] pyrimidine derivatives 2, 3, and 4a,b were synthesized from the reaction of 3‐amino‐1‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐ylmethylene)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐1H‐isothiochromene‐4‐carbonitrile 1 with acetic anhydride, formamide, urea, or thiourea in appropriate experimental conditions. Combination of 1 with carbon acid derivatives afforded isothiochromene [3,4‐b]pyridine 6–8 in good yield. A simple approach for N‐substituted fused isothiochromene derivatives has been explored. A POCl3‐mediated direct amination of isothiochromene amide 2 with NH2‐heterocycles, secondary amines, and carbohydrazides is described and compared with classical method, yielding 10–14. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated on the basis of elemental analysis, and spectral data.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Tetraethylene Glycol‐Tethered Isatin–1,2,3‐Triazole–Coumarin Hybrids as Novel Anticancer Agents
Authors: Xu Zhi , Zhao Shi‐Jia , Lv Zao‐Sheng , Gao Feng , Wang Yin‐Ling , Zhang Feng , Bai Liu‐Yang , Deng Jia‐Lun , Wang Qin , Fan Yi‐Lei
Published: January 2019

We report herein the design and synthesis of a series of novel tetraethylene glycol‐tethered isatin–1,2,3‐triazole–coumarin hybrids and evaluate their in vitro antitumor activities against seven common human cancer cell lines including drug‐resistant cell line. Results revealed that all the synthesized hybrids showed weak to moderate activities against the tested seven cancer cell lines. The structure–activity relationship was also discussed, and the enriched structure–activity relationship may pave the way for further rationale design of this kind of hybrids.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Evaluation of Novel N‐pyridylpyrazole Derivatives Containing Diacylhydrazine/1,3,4‐Oxadiazole Moieties
Authors: Wang Wei , Zheng Xiao‐Rui , Huang Xiao‐Ying , Mao Ming‐Zhen , Liu Kang‐Yun , Xue Chao , Wang Lie‐Ping , Ning Bin‐Ke
Published: January 2019

Two series of novel N‐pyridylpyrazole derivatives containing diacylhydrazine/1,3,4‐oxadiazole moieties were designed and synthesized based on the structure of chlorantraniliprole and characterized via 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, IR, MS, and elemental analysis. The preliminary bioassay indicated that some of the title compounds I and II exhibited larvicidal activities against Mythimna separata with 90–100% death rates at 500 mg/L. The further test showed that these compounds had weak insecticidal activity against Mythimna separata and Plutella xylostella at 200 mg/L and might be not suitable as insecticide lead compound for further optimization.
Fetal brain development at 25–39 weeks gestational age: A preliminary study using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Yuan Xiao , Yue Cui , Yu Mei , Chen Ping , Du Pang , Shao Chang‐Hua , Cheng Si‐Chao , Bian Ren‐Jie , Wang Shao‐Yu , Wang Wen , Cui Guang‐Bin
Published: January 2019

Background

The fetal brain developmental changes of water diffusivity and perfusion has not been extensively explored.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To evaluate the fetal brain developmental changes of water diffusivity and perfusion using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Seventy‐nine normal singleton fetuses were scanned without sedation of healthy pregnant women.

Field Strength/Sequence

5 T MRI/T1/2‐weighted image and IVIM‐DWI.

Assessment

Pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) values were calculated in the frontal (FWM), temporal (TWM), parietal (PWM), and occipital white matter (OWM) as well as cerebellar hemisphere (CH), basal ganglia region (BGR), thalamus (TH), and pons using an IVIM model.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variable (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post‐hoc multiple comparison was employed to reveal the difference of IVIM parameters among the investigated brain regions. The linear and the nonlinear polynomial regression analyses were utilized to reveal the correlation between gestational age (GA) and IVIM parameters.

Results

There were significant differences in both D (F(7,623) = 96.64, P = 0.000) and f values (F(7,623) = 2.361, P = 0.0219), but not D* values among the varied brain regions. D values from TWM (r2 = 0.1402, P = 0.0002), PWM (r2 = 0.2245, P = 0.0002), OWM (r2 = 0.2519, P = 0.0002), CH (r2 = 0.2245, P = 0.0002), BGR (r2 = 0.3393, P = 0.0001), TH (r2 = 0.1259, P = 0.0001), and D* value from pons (r2 = 0.2206, P = 0.0002) were significantly correlated with GA using linear regression analysis. Quadratic regression analysis led to results similar to those using the linear regression model.

Data Conclusion

IVIM‐DWI parameters may indicate fetal brain developmental alterations but the conclusion is far from reached due to the not as high‐powered correlation between IVIM parameters and GA.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:899–909.
Effect of auxins on the native proteolytic activity of forest soils
Authors: Holik Ladislav , Vranová Valerie , Rejšek Klement
Published: January 2019

The soil proteolytic complex plays an important role within mineral nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Both auxins and proteases are produced by soil microbiota, and reciprocally, their activities affect the metabolic role of biota in soil. The objective of this study was to find out whether auxins (indole‐3‐acetic acid, indole‐3‐butyric acid, 1‐naphthaleneacetic acid and 2‐naphthoxyacetic acid) have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the activity of native proteases in soil. The results presented here demonstrate the positive effect of auxins on the native proteolytic forest soil activity. For example, in organic Oe horizons synthetically produced auxins stimulated native proteolytic activity in the European beech stands, where NOA led to the highest increase in L‐tyrosine production (from 564.02 µg at 0 µg auxin to 645.19 µg at the auxin dose of 100 µg). Comparing organic and organomineral horizons, auxins promote a higher stimulation of protease activity in the organic horizons. Comparing the different forest stands, auxins promote a high stimulation of protease activity in European beech stands. In the organomineral soil horizons, auxins promote a high stimulation of protease activity in Leptosols in European beech stands and Cambisols in pedunculate oak stands. The results confirmed the interrelationships between auxins and the native proteolytic forest soil activity from the viewpoint of dead organic matter decomposition. Furthermore, the general importance of substances produced in the rhizosphere for nitrogen cycling was verified.
A study on differences in human perception between a real and an AR scene viewed in an OST‐HMD
Authors: Gao Yuan , Liu Yue , Normand Jean‐Marie , Moreau Guillaume , Gao Xue , Wang Yongtian
Published: January 2019

With the recent growth in the development of augmented reality (AR) technologies, it is becoming important to study human perception of AR scenes. In order to detect whether users will suffer more from visual and operator fatigue when watching virtual objects through optical see‐through head‐mounted displays (OST‐HMDs), compared with watching real objects in the real world, we propose a comparative experiment including a virtual magic cube task and a real magic cube task. The scores of the subjective questionnaires (SQ) and the values of the critical flicker frequency (CFF) were obtained from 18 participants. In our study, we use several electrooculogram (EOG) and heart rate variability (HRV) measures as objective indicators of visual and operator fatigue. Statistical analyses were performed to deal with the subjective and objective indicators in the two tasks. Our results suggest that participants were very likely to suffer more from visual and operator fatigue when watching virtual objects presented by the OST‐HMD. In addition, the present study provides hints that HRV and EOG measures could be used to explore how visual and operator fatigue are induced by AR content. Finally, three novel HRV measures are proposed to be used as potential indicators of operator fatigue.
Tetra‐proline‐modified calix[4]arene‐bonded silica stationary phase for simultaneous reversed‐phase/hydrophilic interaction mixed‐mode chromatography
Authors: Zhang Wenfen , Zhang Yongming , Zhang Guangrui , Ba Xin , Xia Shaige , Zhao Wuduo , Yin Dan , Zhang Shusheng
Published: January 2019

A new water‐soluble tetra‐proline‐modified calix[4]arene‐bonded silica stationary phase was prepared straightforwardly by an indirect method and characterized by elemental analysis, energy dispersive Spectrometry, solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Due to the simultaneous introduction of polar tetra‐proline and nonpolar calix[4]arene, the developed column possessing a double retention mode of reverse‐phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. A series of hydrophobic and hydrophilic test samples, including nucleosides and nucleotides, amines, monosubstituted benzenes, chiral compounds, and phenols, were used to evaluate the developed stationary phase. A rapid separation capability, high separation efficiency, and selectivity were achieved based on the multiple interactions between solutes and tetra‐proline‐modified calix[4]arene‐bonded silica stationary phase. Moreover, the developed stationary phase was further used to detect and separate hexamethylenetetramine in rice flour. All the results indicated the potential merits of the developed stationary phase for simultaneous separation of complex hydrophobic and hydrophilic samples with high selectivity.
Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) Induced Crystallization of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Super Performing Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Ben Shalom Tal , Nevo Yuval , Leibler David , Shtein Zvi , Azerraf Clarite , Lapidot Shaul , Shoseyov Oded
Published: January 2019

This study is aimed to explore the properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films with and without 1,2,3,4‐butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), a nontoxic crosslinker. CNC and CNC‐PVA nanocomposite films are prepared using solution‐casting technique. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses show that crosslinking increased the glass transition temperature but reduced the melting temperature and crystallinity. Furthermore, high CNC concentrations in the PVA matrix interfere with PVA crystallinity, whereas in specific ratio between CNC and PVA, two different crystalline structures are observed within the PVA matrix. Film surfaces and fracture topographies characterized using scanning electron microscope indicate that at certain CNC‐PVA ratios, micron‐sized needle‐like crystals have formed. These crystalline structures correlate with the remarkable improvement in mechanical properties of the CNC‐PVA nanocomposite films, that is, enhanced tensile strain and toughness to 570% and 202 MJ m−3, respectively, as compared to pristine PVA. BTCA enhances the tensile strain, ultimate tensile stress, toughness, and modulus of CNC films compared to pristine CNC films. Water absorption of crosslinked CNC and CNC‐PVA nanocomposite films is significantly reduced, while film transparency is significantly improved as a function of PVA and crosslinker content. The presented results indicate that CNC‐PVA nanocomposite films may find applications in packaging, and though materials applications.
Grafting from Starch Nanoparticles with Synthetic Polymers via Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization
Authors: Cazotti Jaime C. , Fritz Alexander T. , Garcia‐Valdez Omar , Smeets Niels M. B. , Dubé Marc A. , Cunningham Michael F.
Published: January 2019

Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) is employed to graft synthetic polymers from polysaccharides. This work demonstrates the first successful polymer grafting from starch nanoparticles (SNPs) via NMP. To graft synthetic polymers from the SNPs' surface, the SNPs are first functionalized with 4‐vinylbenzyl chloride prior to reaction with BlocBuilder MA yielding a macroinitiator. Methyl methacrylate with styrene, acrylic acid, or methyl acrylate are then grafted from the SNPs. The polymerizations exhibited linear reaction kinetics, indicating that they are well controlled. Thermal gravimetric analysis and spectroscopic techniques confirmed the synthesis of the precursors materials and the success of the grafting from polymerizations. The incorporation of hydrophobic synthetic polymers on hydrophilic SNPs yields new hybrid materials that could find use in several industrial applications including paper coatings, adhesives, and paints.
De novo and inherited pathogenic variants in collagen‐related osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Zhytnik Lidiia , Maasalu Katre , Duy Binh Ho , Pashenko Andrey , Khmyzov Sergey , Reimann Ene , Prans Ele , Kõks Sulev , Märtson Aare
Published: January 2019

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic bone fragility disorder. In the current study, differences between the genotypes and phenotypes of de novo and inherited collagen‐related OI were investigated.

Methods

A comparative analysis was performed of the genotypes and phenotypes of 146 unrelated inherited and de novo collagen I OI cases from Estonia, Ukraine, and Vietnam. Mutational analysis of the subjects and all available parents were performed with Sanger sequencing.

Results

Results showed that 56.16% of the OI cases were caused by de novo pathogenic variants. The proportion of OI types OI1, OI4, and OI3 among subjects with inherited OI was 45.31%, 46.88%, and 7.81%, respectively. Among subjects with de novo OI, the proportions of OI types (OI1, OI4, and OI3) were almost equal. Both inherited and de novo OI pathogenic variants occurred more often in the COL1A1 gene than in the COL1A2. The majority of de novo cases were missense pathogenic variants, whereas inherited OI was mostly caused by loss of function pathogenic variants.

Conclusion

In summary, there were significant differences between the phenotypes and genotypes of subjects with de novo and inherited OI. These findings may promote the further understanding of OI etiology, and assist with diagnostics procedures, as well as with family planning.
Multiplicity and stability of standing waves for the nonlinear Schrödinger‐Poisson equation with a harmonic potential
Authors: Luo Xiao , Ye Hongyu
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we study the multiplicity, stability, and quantitative properties of normalized standing waves for the nonlinear Schrödinger‐Poisson equation with a harmonic potential.
A compact ultra‐wide band planar antenna with corrugated ladder ground plane for multiple applications
Authors: Baudha Sudeep , Yadav Manish Varun
Published: January 2019

In this article, a compact UWB planar antenna with corrugated ladder ground plane is presented. The antenna has a compact size of 15 × 20 × 1.5 mm3. The proposed antenna is fabricated on low cost, easily available FR‐4 substrate with relative permittivity εr = 4.3, permeability μ = 1, and loss tangent of 0.025. The thickness of the FR‐4 substrate is 1.5 mm. The impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna (magnitude of S11 <−10 dB) is 130.4% (2.4‐11.4 GHz). The peak gain of the proposed antenna is 3.5 dB and the peak radiation efficiency of the proposed antenna is 76%. Stable omnidirectional radiation patterns (H‐plane) and bidirectional radiation patterns (E‐plane) are observed in the entire operating frequency range. One side of the antenna with corrugated ladder ground plane results in the reduction of operating frequency of the proposed antenna and it reaches till 2.4 GHz whereas the other side of the antenna consist of the circular patch with a circular slot which results to resonant the proposed antenna in the higher operating band. With these properties, the proposed planar antenna is suitable for 2.4 (Wi‐Fi), 2.5/3.5/5.5 GHz (WiMAX) bands, 2.5/5.2/5.8 GHz (WLAN) bands, and other UWB wireless communication applications.
In vivo comprehensive multiphase NMR
Authors: Liaghati Mobarhan Yalda , Soong Ronald , Lane Daniel , Simpson Andre J.
Published: January 2019

Traditionally, due to different hardware requirements, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has developed as two separate fields: one dealing with solids, and one with solutions. Comprehensive multiphase (CMP) NMR combines all electronics and hardware (magic angle spinning [MAS], gradients, high power Radio Frequency (RF) handling, lock, susceptibility matching) into a universal probe that permits a comprehensive study of all phases (i.e., liquid, gel‐like, semisolid, and solid), in intact samples. When applied in vivo, it provides unique insight into the wide array of bonds in a living system from the most mobile liquids (blood, fluids) through gels (muscle, tissues) to the most rigid (exoskeleton, shell). In this tutorial, the practical aspects of in vivo CMP NMR are discussed including: handling the organisms, rotor preparation, sample spinning, water suppression, editing experiments, and finishes with a brief look at the potential of other heteronuclei (2H, 15N, 19F, 31P) for in vivo research. The tutorial is aimed as a general resource for researchers interested in developing and applying MAS‐based approaches to living organisms. Although the focus here is CMP NMR, many of the approaches can be adapted (or directly applied) using conventional high‐resolution magic angle spinning, and in some cases, even standard solid‐state NMR probes.
The effect of stress boundary conditions on fluid‐driven fracture propagation in porous media using a phase‐field modeling approach
Authors: Shiozawa Sogo , Lee Sanghyun , Wheeler Mary F.
Published: January 2019

A phase‐field approach for fluid‐driven fracture propagation in porous media with varying constant compatible stress boundary conditions is discussed and implemented. Since crack opening displacement, fracture path, and stress values near the fracture are highly dependent on the given boundary conditions, it is crucial to take into account the impact of in situ stresses on fracturing propagation for realistic applications. We illustrate several numerical examples that include the effects of different boundary conditions on the fracture propagation. In addition, an example using realistic boundary conditions from a reservoir simulator is included to show the capabilities of our computational framework.
Pulse sequence considerations for quantification of pyruvate‐to‐lactate conversion kPL in hyperpolarized 13C imaging
Authors: Chen Hsin‐Yu , Gordon Jeremy W. , Bok Robert A. , Cao Peng , von Morze Cornelius , van Criekinge Mark , Milshteyn Eugene , Carvajal Lucas , Hurd Ralph E. , Kurhanewicz John , Vigneron Daniel B. , Larson Peder E.Z.
Published: January 2019

Hyperpolarized 13C MRI takes advantage of the unprecedented 50 000‐fold signal‐to‐noise ratio enhancement to interrogate cancer metabolism in patients and animals. It can measure the pyruvate‐to‐lactate conversion rate, kPL, a metabolic biomarker of cancer aggressiveness and progression. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate kPL reliably. In this study, three sequence components and parameters that modulate kPL estimation were identified and investigated in model simulations and through in vivo animal studies using several specifically designed pulse sequences. These factors included a magnetization spoiling effect due to RF pulses, a crusher gradient‐induced flow suppression, and intrinsic image weightings due to relaxation. Simulation showed that the RF‐induced magnetization spoiling can be substantially improved using an inputless kPL fitting. In vivo studies found a significantly higher apparent kPL with an additional gradient that leads to flow suppression (kPL,FID‐Delay,Crush/kPL,FID‐Delay = 1.37 ± 0.33, P < 0.01, N = 6), which agrees with simulation outcomes (12.5% kPL error with Δv = 40 cm/s), indicating that the gradients predominantly suppressed flowing pyruvate spins. Significantly lower kPL was found using a delayed free induction decay (FID) acquisition versus a minimum‐TE version (kPL,FID‐Delay/kPL,FID = 0.67 ± 0.09, P < 0.01, N = 5), and the lactate peak had broader linewidth than pyruvate (Δωlactate/Δωpyruvate = 1.32 ± 0.07, P < 0.000 01, N = 13). This illustrated that lactate's T2*, shorter than that of pyruvate, can affect calculated kPL values. We also found that an FID sequence yielded significantly lower kPL versus a double spin‐echo sequence that includes spin‐echo spoiling, flow suppression from crusher gradients, and more T2 weighting (kPL,DSE/kPL,FID = 2.40 ± 0.98, P < 0.0001, N = 7). In summary, the pulse sequence, as well as its interaction with pharmacokinetics and the tissue microenvironment, can impact and be optimized for the measurement of kPL. The data acquisition and analysis pipelines can work synergistically to provide more robust and reproducible kPL measures for future preclinical and clinical studies.
Blockchain and smart contracts for higher education registry in Brazil
Authors: Palma Lucas M. , Vigil Martín A. G. , Pereira Fernando L. , Martina Jean E.
Published: January 2019

The validation of academic credits and issuance of academic degree certificates in the Brazilian education system currently occurs in a semi or completely noncomputerized way. The actual digitization of this system could make it more secure and decrease bureaucracy in terms of document validation, saving in storage and labor. Due to the recent increase in forgeries and loss of records, it is paramount that this process becomes more transparent and reliable for all involved parties. This article presents a proposal and an implementation for the digitization of degree certificates and academic credits for higher education in the Brazilian education system. A transparent model based on blockchain is proposed, in which higher education institutions register students and their academic credits in a chain of records using the Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure for identity management. This information, associated with smart contracts, enables the reliable and decentralized issuance of degree certificates through the validation of a historical database and the triggering of transactions using smart contracts. The focus of this article is the demonstration of an experiment that validates this proposal.
Direct and iterative methods for interval parametric algebraic systems producing parametric solutions
Authors: Skalna Iwona , Hladík Milan
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with interval parametric linear systems with general dependencies. Motivated by the so‐called parameterized solution introduced by Kolev, we consider the enclosures of the solution set in a revised affine form. This form is advantageous to a classical interval solution because it enables us to obtain both outer and inner bounds for the parametric solution set and, thus, intervals containing the endpoints of the hull solution, among others. We propose two solution methods, a direct method called the generalized expansion method and an iterative method based on interval‐affine Krawczyk iterations. For the iterative method, we discuss its convergence and show the respective sufficient criterion. For both methods, we perform theoretical and numerical comparisons with some other approaches. The numerical experiments, including also interval parametric linear systems arising in practical problems of structural and electrical engineering, indicate the great usefulness of the proposed methodology and its superiority over most of the existing approaches to solving interval parametric linear systems.
Eigenvector sensitivity under general and structured perturbations of tridiagonal Toeplitz‐type matrices
Authors: Noschese Silvia , Reichel Lothar
Published: January 2019

The sensitivity of eigenvalues of structured matrices under general or structured perturbations of the matrix entries has been thoroughly studied in the literature. Error bounds are available, and the pseudospectrum can be computed to gain insight. Few investigations have focused on analyzing the sensitivity of eigenvectors under general or structured perturbations. This paper discusses this sensitivity for tridiagonal Toeplitz and Toeplitz‐type matrices.
A prehistoric case of developmental defects of the spine in a young adult female from the Atacama Desert
Authors: Arriaza Bernardo , Standen Vivien , Soto Leonardo , Aravena Natalia
Published: January 2019

We report the case of a female individual from an archaeological site from the Late Intermediate Period (ca. 1000–1400 AD) of the Azapa Valley in the far north of Chile. The spine presents several pathologies, including a triple hemivertebrae involving T7, T8, and T10 and the fusion of axis‐C3. We consider that these bone anomalies could be related to Klippel–Feil syndrome.
Efficient and Recyclable RuCl3 ⋅ 3H2O Catalyst Modified with Ionic Diphosphine for the Alkoxycarbonylation of Aryl Halides
Authors: Zhou Qing , Liu Lei , Guo Wen‐Di , Liang Wen‐Yu , Lu Yong , Liu Ye
Published: January 2019

A series of ionic (mono‐/di‐)phosphines (L2, L4, and L6) with structural similarity and their corresponding neutral counterparts (L1, L3, and L5) were applied to modulate the catalytic performance of RuCl3 ⋅ 3H2O. With the involvement of the ionic diphosphine (L4), in which the two phosphino‐fragments were linked by butylene group, RuCl3 ⋅ 3H2O with advantages of low cost, robustness, and good availability was found to be an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the alkoxycarbonylation of aryl halides. The L4‐based RuCl3 ⋅ 3H2O system corresponded to the best conversion of PhI (96 %) along with 99 % selectivity to the target product of methyl benzoate as well as the good generality to alkoxycarbonylation of different aryl halides (ArX, X=I and Br) with alcohols MeOH, EtOH, i‐PrOH and n‐BuOH. The electronic and steric effects of the applied phosphines, which were analyzed by the 31P NMR for 1J31P‐77Se1J measurement and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, were carefully co‐related to the performance RuCl3 ⋅ 3H2O catalyst. In addition, the L4‐based RuCl3 ⋅ 3H2O system could be recycled successfully for at least eight runs in the ionic liquid [Bmim]PF6.
Identification and functional analysis of three new anthocyanin R2R3‐MYB genes in Petunia
Authors: Zhang Hechen , Koes Ronald , Shang Hongquan , Fu Zhenzhu , Wang Limin , Dong Xiaoyu , Zhang Jing , Passeri Valentina , Li Yanbang , Jiang Hui , Gao Jie , Li Yanmin , Wang Huijuan , Quattrocchio Francesca M.
Published: January 2019

We identified three novel members of the R2R3‐MYB clade of anthocyanin regulators in the genome of the purple flowering Petunia inflata S6 wild accession, and we called them ANTHOCYANIN SYNTHESIS REGULATOR (ASR). Two of these genes, ASR1 and ASR2, are inactivated by two different single base mutations in their coding sequence. All three of these genes are absent in the white flowering species P. axillaris N and P. parodii, in the red flowering P. exserta, and in several Petunia hybrida lines, including R27 and W115. P. violacea and other P. hybrida lines (M1, V30, and W59) instead harbor functional copies of the ASR genes. Comparative, functional and phylogenic analysis of anthocyanin R2R3‐MYB genes strongly suggest that the ASR genes cluster is a duplication of the genomic fragment containing the other three R2R3‐MYB genes with roles in pigmentation that were previously defined, the ANTHOCYANIN4‐DEEP PURPLE‐PURPLE HAZE (AN4‐DPL‐PHZ) cluster. An investigation of the genomic fragments containing anthocyanin MYBs in different Petunia accessions reveals that massive rearrangements have taken place, resulting in large differences in the regions surrounding these genes, even in closely related species. Yeast two‐hybrid assays showed that the ASR proteins can participate in the WMBW (WRKY, MYB, B‐HLH, and WDR) anthocyanin regulatory complex by interacting with the transcription factors AN1 and AN11. All three ASRs can induce anthocyanin synthesis when ectopically expressed in P. hybrida lines, but ASR1 appeared to be the most effective. The expression patterns of ASR1 and ASR2 cover several different petunia tissues with higher expression at early stages of bud development. In contrast, ASR3 is only weakly expressed in the stigma, ovary, and anther filaments. The characterization of these novel ASR MYB genes completes the picture of the MYB members of the petunia anthocyanin regulatory MBW complex and suggests possible mechanisms of the diversification of pigmentation patterns during plant evolution.
Determining thermo‐mechanical properties of polydimethylsiloxanes from their strain‐induced spectral fingerprints
Authors: Anwer Ahmed Abdul Wadood , Naguib Hani E.
Published: January 2019

Adaptive properties and complex shapes of modern day soft matter components create a challenge for materials applications where mechanical properties of intricate fabricated components cannot be determined from conventional invasive and destructive mechanical tests. In particular, challenges arising from variable mechanical properties of polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSs) constantly attract wide‐scale attention in the fields of material sciences, biological systems, and microfluidics. Herein, a noninvasive and nondestructive strain‐induced infrared spectroscopic method (S‐FTIR) is developed. S‐FTIR is a method that maps thermo‐mechanical response of PDMS to its strain‐induced spectral fingerprint. From the results of this study, strong correlations of up to 95% between spectral fingerprint of PDMS and its corresponding nonlinear thermo‐mechanical response is seen. Given the nature of these results, it is expected that S‐FTIR will provide an interesting new analytical approach to understand soft materials and allow for the characterization of micro and nanoscale devices composed of these polymeric materials as well. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 359–367
A practical method for efficient and optimal production of Seleno‐methionine‐labeled recombinant protein complexes in the insect cells
Authors: Wenzel Sabine , Imasaki Tsuyoshi , Takagi Yuichiro
Published: January 2019

The use of Seleno‐methionine (SeMet) incorporated protein crystals for single or multi‐wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD or MAD) to facilitate phasing has become almost synonymous with modern X‐ray crystallography. The anomalous signals from SeMets can be used for phasing as well as sequence markers for subsequent model building. The production of large quantities of SeMet incorporated recombinant proteins is relatively straightforward when expressed in Escherichia coli. In contrast, production of SeMet substituted recombinant proteins expressed in the insect cells is not as robust due to the toxicity of SeMet in eukaryotic systems. Previous protocols for SeMet‐incorporation in the insect cells are laborious, and more suited for secreted proteins. In addition, these protocols have generally not addressed the SeMet toxicity issue, and typically result in low recovery of the labeled proteins. Here we report that SeMet toxicity can be circumvented by fully infecting insect cells with baculovirus. Quantitatively controlling infection levels using our Titer Estimation of Quality Control (TEQC) method allow for the incorporation of substantial amounts of SeMet, resulting in an efficient and optimal production of labeled recombinant protein complexes. With the method described here, we were able to consistently reach incorporation levels of about 75% and protein yield of 60–90% compared with native protein expression.
Characterizing molecular flexibility by combining least root mean square deviation measures
Authors: Cazals Frédéric , Tetley Romain
Published: January 2019

The root mean square deviation (RMSD) and the least RMSD are two widely used similarity measures in structural bioinformatics. Yet, they stem from global comparisons, possibly obliterating locally conserved motifs. We correct these limitations with the so‐called combined RMSD, which mixes independent lRMSD measures, each computed with its own rigid motion. The combined RMSD is relevant in two main scenarios, namely to compare (quaternary) structures based on motifs defined from the sequence (domains and SSE) and to compare structures based on structural motifs yielded by local structural alignment methods. We illustrate the benefits of combined RMSD over the usual RMSD on three problems, namely (a) the assignment of quaternary structures for hemoglobin (scenario #1), (b) the calculation of structural phylogenies (case study: class II fusion proteins; scenario #1), and (c) the analysis of conformational changes based on combined RMSD of rigid structural motifs (case study: one class II fusion protein; scenario #2). Based on these illustrations, we argue that the combined RMSD is a tool of choice to perform positive and negative discrimination of degree of freedom, with applications to the design of move sets and collective coordinates. Executables to compute combined RMSD are available within the Structural Bioinformatics Library (http://sbl.inria.fr).
Peramivir for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: January 2019

Peramivir (Alpivab) is an intravenous antiviral medicine licensed for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza in adults and children from the age of two years. This article examines its efficacy and adverse effects.
Temperature Dependence of Faraday Rotation of Glass Optical Fibers Doped with Quantum Dots of CdSe and CdMnTe
Authors: Ju Seongmin , Lee Yuseung , Ryu Yong‐Tak , Kang Seong Gu , Kim Jihoon , Watekar Pramod R. , Kim Bok Hyeon , Lee Youjin , An Yong Ho , Kim Cheol Jin , Han Won‐Taek
Published: January 2019

Specialty optical fibers incorporated with CdSe and CdMnTe quantum dots are fabricated using the modified chemical vapor deposition and high temperature fiber drawing process. Temperature dependence of Faraday rotation angle (FRA) is investigated under magnetic field of 0.126 Tesla (T) upon temperature change from 25 to 120 °C. The FRAs of the CdSe and CdMnTe doped fibers are found to increase linearly with magnetic field and no appreciable change in the FRA of the CdSe doped fiber with the increase of temperature is found regardless of the magnetic field as compared to the CdMnTe doped fiber. Average temperature dependence of the FRA are 16.40 × 10−4 and −104.90 × 10−4 degree °C−1 at 0.126 T for the CdSe and CdMnTe doped fibers and the resultant Verdet constants are estimated to be 3.75 ± 0.04 and 3.50 ± 0.12 rad T−1 m−1, respectively.
Effect of the Annealing Temperature of the Seed Layer on the Following Main Layer in Atomic‐Layer‐Deposited SrTiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Kim Sang Hyeon , Lee Woongkyu , An Cheol Hyun , Kim Dong‐Gun , Kwon Dae Seon , Cho Seong Tak , Cha Soon Hyung , Lim Jun Il , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: January 2019

SrTiO3 (STO) films are grown via atomic layer deposition at 370 °C with a two‐step growth method. A 5‐nm‐thick seed layer is first deposited and annealed via rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at temperatures ranging from 450 to 650 °C, and the main layer is subsequently grown on the annealed seed layer for in situ crystallization. When the RTA temperature is 500 °C or lower, the seed layer remains amorphous, and the main layer is also grown in the amorphous phase. At the 550 °C seed annealing temperature, the STO film is partially crystallized, and at the higher annealing temperature, the STO main layer is fully crystallized. The oxygen diffuses through the vertically aligned grain‐boundaries during the crystallized film growth, which induces the oxidation–reduction reaction of the underlying Ru substrate. This reaction causes a higher growth rate in the crystalline phase. The large growth rate difference between the amorphous and crystalline regions induces a severe roughening of the main layer. When RTA is done at 600 °C, the film is mostly crystallized, and the main layer becomes smooth again. Consequently, a 0.52 nm equivalent oxide thickness is achieved with the low leakage current of 2.5 × 10−8 A cm−2 at the 0.8 V applied bias.
Valeriana jatamansi: An herbaceous plant with multiple medicinal uses
Authors: Jugran Arun K. , Rawat Sandeep , Bhatt Indra D. , Rawal Ranbeer S.
Published: January 2019

Valeriana jatamansi Jones (Family: Caprifoliaceae), a high value medicinal plant, was distributed in many countries of Asia. The species possesses important valepotriates and is a good source of flavones or flavone glycosides, lignans, sesquiterpenoids or sesquiterpenoid glycoside, bakkenolide type sesquiterpenoids, phenolic compounds, terpinoids, etc. The use of the species in traditional and modern medicines is well known. For instance, V. jatamansi is very important for its insect repelling and antihelmethic properties. Similarly, sedative, neurotoxic, cytotoxic, antidepressant, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the species in various ailments in the indigenous system of medicine, particularly in Asia, are reported. This review focuses on the detailed phytochemical composition, medicinal uses, and pharmacological properties of V. jatamansi along with analysis of botanical errors in published literature and reproducibility of the biomedical researches on this multipurpose herbaceous species.
Global output feedback control for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown homogenous growth condition
Authors: Zhai Junyong , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates the problem of global control for a class of nonlinear systems via output feedback. The system nonlinearities satisfy the homogenous growth condition with unknown growth rate. First, a homogenous observer is constructed for estimating the system state. Then, two novel dynamic gains are presented to deal with the unknown growth rate. Subsequently, by adding a power integrator technique, a dynamic output feedback controller is designed to guarantee that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded and the system states globally converge to origin. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed control scheme.
Exploration and assessment of the motivators of social sustainability in healthcare supply chains: Multistake holder's perspective
Authors: Hussain Matloub , Khan Mehmood , Ajmal Mian
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for the identification, categorization, and prioritization of social sustainability motivators across four main stakeholders of healthcare supply chains. A survey tool is initially used for the identification of motivators of social sustainability that are relevant to the healthcare supply chain. The exploration phase identified 34 motivators that were grouped to introduce a hierarchal framework. Finally, an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is utilized to prioritize the criteria and subcriteria of motivators of social sustainability.

The results of this study identified five main categories (Organizational Practice, Media and Reputation, Excellence and Awards, Technology and Innovation, and Attitude) and 34 subcategories. The AHP results assigned the highest priority to Media and Reputation and Organizational Practice. The framework developed in this study provides healthcare professionals with a structured approach that will be helpful in the acceptance of social sustainability across the chain. The proposed approach can be adapted to the healthcare industry in different contexts, and the study findings can provide insights and guidelines for the effective adoption of sustainability, in general, and social sustainability across different supply chains, in particular.

Most of the previous research did not explore the various motivators across healthcare supply chains in terms of relevance and priority. There is also a lack of conceptual and structured approaches for identifying and prioritizing the motivators of social sustainability.
Accounting for a decaying correlation structure in cluster randomized trials with continuous recruitment
Authors: Grantham Kelsey L. , Kasza Jessica , Heritier Stephane , Hemming Karla , Forbes Andrew B.
Published: January 2019

A requirement for calculating sample sizes for cluster randomized trials (CRTs) conducted over multiple periods of time is the specification of a form for the correlation between outcomes of subjects within the same cluster, encoded via the within‐cluster correlation structure. Previously proposed within‐cluster correlation structures have made strong assumptions; for example, the usual assumption is that correlations between the outcomes of all pairs of subjects are identical (“uniform correlation”). More recently, structures that allow for a decay in correlation between pairs of outcomes measured in different periods have been suggested. However, these structures are overly simple in settings with continuous recruitment and measurement. We propose a more realistic “continuous‐time correlation decay” structure whereby correlations between subjects' outcomes decay as the time between these subjects' measurement times increases. We investigate the use of this structure on trial planning in the context of a primary care diabetes trial, where there is evidence of decaying correlation between pairs of patients' outcomes over time. In particular, for a range of different trial designs, we derive the variance of the treatment effect estimator under continuous‐time correlation decay and compare this to the variance obtained under uniform correlation. For stepped wedge and cluster randomized crossover designs, incorrectly assuming uniform correlation will underestimate the required sample size under most trial configurations likely to occur in practice. Planning of CRTs requires consideration of the most appropriate within‐cluster correlation structure to obtain a suitable sample size.
The Microwave‐Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of CoV2O6 and Co3V2O8 with Morphology Tuning by pH Adjustments for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Teng Yifei , Li Yingdi , Yu Deyang , Meng Ya'nan , Wu Yunpeng , Zhao Xudong , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: January 2019

Vanadium‐based metal oxides have attracted widespread attention as a promising candidate for electrode materials owing to the novel morphologies and the wide range of practical applications. In this work, the microwave‐assisted hydrothermal synthesis method was used for the first time to synthesize CoV2O6 micron blocks and Co3V2O8 nanoparticles. Briefly, heating the solution to 100 °C and adjusting the pH can result in desired micro blocks and nanoparticles within 10 min. After systematic characterization of material structures and morphologies, the resulted two materials were further fabricated to electrodes, and thoroughly characterized their electrochemical performances. The test results showed that both the two cobalt vanadates had a great potential as supercapacitor electrode materials. Moreover, by adjusting the pH of the solution, the type and morphology of the synthesized product could be precisely controlled, which could largely affect the electrochemical properties of the materials.
High‐Efficient Visible‐Light Response and Photoelectrochemical Performance of Nanotube‐Sheet Composite Fabricated by Ultrathin Porphyrin Nanosheet and TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Zhao Fenfen , Ke Weiquan , Peng Zhiqin , Wan Junmin , Hu Zhiwen
Published: January 2019

Here we report a high‐efficiency visible‐light responsive tube‐sheet nanocomposite (Zn‐TCPP NS/TNTs) fabricated by an improved hydrothermal method. The characterization results give deep insights into the structures and interaction between the TNTs and Zn‐TCPP NS. The composites consisting of 5% Zn‐TCPP NS show a marvelous photocatalytic performance for the initial high concentration MB solution (30 mg/l) under visible light, which was about 2 times more than that of the pure TNTs. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the 5% Zn‐TCPP NS/TNTs composites are obviously lower than that of the 1% Zn‐TCPP NS/TNTs composites and pure TNTs, and the photocurrent of the 5% Zn‐TCPP NS/TNTs composites is 3.8 times than the pure TNTs. The reason is that,on one hand, the TNTs can be activated by sun light, and generate photoexcited electron‐hole pairs, which can react with H2O and O2 to produce ⋅OH and ⋅O2− radicals, resulting in degradation of waste water. On the other hand, the reaction scheme has a little changed when the TNTs modified by Zn‐TCPP NS.
Mn(OAc)3‐Mediated Regioselective C‐H Phosphonylation of Indolizines with H‐Phosphonates
Authors: Yu Yue , Yue Zhongbao , Ding Liu‐gang , Zhou Yong , Cao Hua
Published: January 2019

A range of indolizines and H‐phosphonates smoothly underwent Mn(OAc)3‐mediated C‐H phosphonylation procedure to afford the phosphorylated indolizines in good to excellent yields with high regioselectivities. Mechanistic studies have been conducted to clarify the radical pathway.