bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Floating nurseries? Scyphozoan jellyfish, their food and their rich symbiotic fauna in a tropical estuary
Authors: Riascos José M , Aguirre Willington , Hopfe Charlotte , Morales Diego , Navarrete Ángela , Tavera José
Published: February 2018

The anthropogenic modification of basal trophic pathways is seemingly prompting the increase of jellyfish populations at the expense of planktivorous fishes. However, gross generalizations are often made because the most basic aspects of trophic ecology and the diverse interactions of jellyfish with fishes remain poorly described. Here we inquire on the dynamics of food consumption of the medusoid stage of the scyphozoan jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris and characterize the traits and diversity of its symbiotic community. S. meleagris and their associated fauna were sampled in surface waters between November 2015 and April 2017 in Málaga Bay, an estuarine system at the Colombian Pacific. Stomach contents of medusae were examined and changes in prey composition and abundance over time analysed using a multivariate approach. The associated fauna was identified and the relationship between the size of medusae and the size their symbionts tested using least-square fitting procedures. The presence of S. meleagris medusa in surface waters was seasonal. The gut contents analysis revealed that algae, copepods and fish early life stages were the more abundant items, and PERMANOVA analysis showed that the diet differed within the seasons (P(perm)=0.001) but not between seasons (P(perm)=0.134). The majority of the collected medusae (50.4 %) were associated to individuals of 11 symbiotic species, 95.3% of them fishes, 3.1% crustaceans and 1.6% molluscs. Thereby, this study reports 10 previously unknown associations. The bell diameter of S. meleagris was positively related to the body sizes of their symbionts. However, a stronger fit was observed when the size relationship between S. meleagris and the fish Hemicaranx zelotes was modelled. The ocurrence of S. meleagris was highly seasonal, and the observed patterns of mean body size through the seasons suggested the arrival of adult medusae to the estuary from adjacent waters. The diet of S. meleagris in the study area showed differences with previous reports, chiefly because of the consistent abundance of algae that are seemingly ingested but not digested. The low number of zooplanktonic items in gut contents suggest the contribution of alternative food sources not easily identifiable. The observed changes in the composition of food in the guts probably reflect seasonal changes in the availability of prey items. The regular pattern in the distribution of symbionts among medusae (a single symbiont per host) and the positive host-symbiont size relationship reflects antagonistic intraspecific and interspecific behaviour of the symbiont. This strongly suggest that medusa represent an “economically defendable resource” that potentially increases the survival and recruitment of the symbionts to the adult population. We argue that, if this outcome of the symbiotic association can be proven, scyphozoan jellyfish can be regarded as floating nurseries.
Factors affecting the fatty acid composition of mesopelagic fish of the continental slope in the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Fuqiang , Wu Ying , Cui Ying , Chen Zuozhi , Li Zhongyi , Zhang Jun , Zheng Shan
Published: February 2018

Study of the ecology of mesopelagic fish is central to assessing the active biological pump in the ocean, especially in the mesopelagic layer. As a consequence of the small size and pressure change, traditional stomach content analysis is not useful for analyzing the feeding behavior of mesopelagic fish. The use of δ13C and fatty acid analyses can help to resolve this problem. The mesopelagic fish examined in this study were collected from the continental slope in the north of the South China Sea (SCS), and are compared with nearshore SCS fish and fish collected from the Southern Ocean. The unusually high lipid content of the mesopelagic fish resulted in △δ13C values (i.e., the difference in δ13C between unextracted and extracted tissues) exceeding 1‰, which is more than the enrichment factor in the food web. Thus, extraction of lipids was conducted prior to δ13C isotope analysis for the study of trophic interactions of mesopelagic fish. Compared with other fish, mesopelagic fish had high C18:1n-9/C18:1n-7 and C20:1n-9/ C18:1n-7 ratios, which confirms that plankton is their main dietary source. Diatoms comprise a higher proportion of phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean and a lower proportion in the SCS, and this is reflected in the C20:5n-3/C22:6n-3 (EPA/DHA) ratio in mesopelagic fish in each region. The low EPA/DHA ratio in SCS fish indicates that diatoms are not the main component in the diet of mesopelagic fish. The SCS mesopelagic fish had higher C20:4n-6/C22:6n-3 (ARA/DHA) and C20:4n-6/C20:5n-3 (ARA/EPA) ratios than fish in the Southern Ocean. This result suggests that physical factors (e.g., temperature) also affect the fatty acid composition of these fish, particularly because certain fatty acids enable the fish to better adapt to extreme environmental conditions. Future studies of the synthesis of fatty acids in particular species should take account of both the dietary sources and physical factors in their environment.
OC kappa increases in the levels of glucose, trehalose, TOR-P and transcripts encoding proteins involved in photosynthesis, and basal and secondary metabolisms in Eucalyptus globulus
Authors: Saucedo Silvia , González Alberto , Gómez Melissa , Contreras Rodrigo A , Laporte Daniel , Sáez Claudio A , Zúñiga Gustavo , Moenne Alejandra
Published: February 2018

Oligo-carrageenan (OC) kappa increases net photosynthesis, and basal and secondary metabolism enzyme activities in Eucalyptus globulus trees. Here, trees were sprayed on leaves with water (control) or with OC kappa 1 mg ml-1, once a week, four times in total, and cultivated for 17 additional weeks (21 weeks in total). Height, level of glucose, trehalose, TOR phosphorylated in Ser2448 (TOR-P) and transcripts encoding TOR and S6 kinase (S6K) as well as the level of transcripts encoding proteins and enzymes involved in glucose accumulation, photosynthesis, C, N and S assimilation, and synthesis of phenylpropanoid compounds (PPCs) and terpenes were determined. Treated trees showed an increase in height of 105% compared to controls at week 21. Treated trees showed an increase in glucose and trehalose level having an oscillatory pattern with maximal levels for glucose at week 1, 9-11 and 17-19, and for trehalose at weeks 1-3, 5, 8-9, 12, 15-16 and 18-21. TOR-P showed increases from week 1 until the end of the experiment with peaks at weeks 2, 6, 12 and 16. The level of tor transcripts showed peaks at weeks 3, 6, 10-11 and 13 whereas the level of s6k transcripts remained unchanged. In addition, transcripts encoding proteins involved in photosynthesis, and enzymes involved in glucose accumulation, C, N and S assimilation, and synthesis of secondary metabolites showed an oscillatory pattern with increases mainly at weeks 3-4, 5-6, 10-11, and in some cases at weeks 13-14 and 16-18. Thus, the increases in trehalose levels better correlate with increases in TOR-P and transcript levels. Therefore, OC kappa induced an increase in the levels of glucose, trehalose, TOR-P and expression of genes involved in photosynthesis, and basal and secondary metabolism which may explain, at least in part, the increase in growth and defense responses in E. globulus trees.
Evolution of the scholarly mega-journal, 2006–2017
Authors: Björk Bo-Christer
Published: February 2018

Mega-journals are a new kind of scholarly journal made possible by electronic publishing. They are open access (OA) and funded by charges, which authors pay for the publishing services. What distinguishes mega-journals from other OA journals is, in particular, a peer review focusing only on scientific trustworthiness. The journals can easily publish thousands of articles per year and there is no need to filter articles due to restricted slots in the publishing schedule. This study updates some earlier longitudinal studies of the evolution of mega-journals and their publication volumes. After very rapid growth in 2010–2013, the increase in overall article volumes has slowed down. Mega-journals are also increasingly dependent for sustained growth on Chinese authors, who now contribute 25% of all articles in such journals. There has also been an internal shift in market shares. PLOS ONE, which totally dominated mega-journal publishing in the early years, currently publishes around one-third of all articles. Scientific Reports has grown rapidly since 2014 and is now the biggest journal.
Beam profile assessment in spectral CT scanners
Authors: Anjomrouz Marzieh , Shamshad Muhammad , Panta Raj K. , Broeke Lieza Vanden , Schleich Nanette , Atharifard Ali , Aamir Raja , Bheesette Srinidhi , Walsh Michael F. , Goulter Brian P. , Bell Stephen T. , Bateman Christopher J. , Butler Anthony P. H. , Butler Philip H.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we present a method that uses a combination of experimental and modeled data to assess properties of x‐ray beam measured using a small‐animal spectral scanner. The spatial properties of the beam profile are characterized by beam profile shape, the angular offset along the rotational axis, and the photon count difference between experimental and modeled data at the central beam axis. Temporal stability of the beam profile is assessed by measuring intra‐ and interscan count variations. The beam profile assessment method was evaluated on several spectral CT scanners equipped with Medipix3RX‐based detectors. On a well‐calibrated spectral CT scanner, we measured an integral count error of 0.5%, intrascan count variation of 0.1%, and an interscan count variation of less than 1%. The angular offset of the beam center ranged from 0.8° to 1.6° for the studied spectral CT scanners. We also demonstrate the capability of this method to identify poor performance of the system through analyzing the deviation of the experimental beam profile from the model. This technique can, therefore, aid in monitoring the system performance to obtain a robust spectral CT; providing the reliable quantitative images. Furthermore, the accurate offset parameters of a spectral scanner provided by this method allow us to incorporate a more realistic form of the photon distribution in the polychromatic‐based image reconstruction models. Both improvements of the reliability of the system and accuracy of the volume reconstruction result in a better discrimination and quantification of the imaged materials.
A Highly Stretchable Transparent Self‐Powered Triboelectric Tactile Sensor with Metallized Nanofibers for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Wang Xiandi , Zhang Yufei , Zhang Xiaojia , Huo Zhihao , Li Xiaoyi , Que Miaoling , Peng Zhengchun , Wang Hui , Pan Caofeng
Published: February 2018

Recently, the quest for new highly stretchable transparent tactile sensors with large‐scale integration and rapid response time continues to be a great impetus to research efforts to expand the promising applications in human–machine interactions, artificial electronic skins, and smart wearable equipment. Here, a self‐powered, highly stretchable, and transparent triboelectric tactile sensor with patterned Ag‐nanofiber electrodes for detecting and spatially mapping trajectory profiles is reported. The Ag‐nanofiber electrodes demonstrate high transparency (>70%), low sheet resistance (1.68–11.1 Ω □−1), excellent stretchability, and stability (>100% strain). Based on the electrode patterning and device design, an 8 × 8 triboelectric sensor matrix is fabricated, which works well under high strain owing to the effect of the electrostatic induction. Using cross‐locating technology, the device can execute more rapid tactile mapping, with a response time of 70 ms. In addition, the object being detected can be made from any commonly used materials or can even be human hands, indicating that this device has widespread potential in tactile sensing and touchpad technology applications.
Regulating Higher‐Order Organization through the Synergy of Two Self‐Sorted Assemblies
Authors: Ji Wei , Zhang Shijin , Yukawa Sachie , Onomura Shogo , Sasaki Toshio , Miyazawa Kun'ichi , Zhang Ye
Published: February 2018

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the natural fibrous scaffold that regulates cell behavior in a hierarchical manner. By mimicking the dynamic and reciprocal interactions between ECM and cells, higher‐order molecular self‐assembly (SA), mediated through the dynamic growth of scaffold‐like nanostructures assembled by different molecular components, was developed. Designed and synthesized were two self‐sorted coumarin‐based gelators, a peptide molecule and a benzoate molecule, which self‐assemble into nanofibers and nanobelts, respectively, with different dynamic profiles. Upon the dynamic growth of the fibrous scaffold assembled from peptide gelators, nanobelts assembled from benzoate gelators transform into a layer‐by‐layer nanosheet, reaching ninefold increase in height. By using light and an enzyme, the spatial–temporal growth of the scaffold can be modified, leading to in situ height regulation of the higher‐order architecture.
Time‐Dependent ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopic Studies on Fatty Acid Diffusion and the Formation of Metal Soaps in Oil Paint Model Systems
Authors: Baij Lambert , Hermans Joen J. , Keune Katrien , Iedema Piet
Published: February 2018

The formation of metal soaps (metal complexes of saturated fatty acids) is a serious problem affecting the appearance and structural integrity of many oil paintings. Tailored model systems for aged oil paint and time‐dependent attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy were used to study the diffusion of palmitic acid and subsequent metal soap crystallization. The simultaneous presence of free saturated fatty acids and polymer‐bound metal carboxylates leads to rapid metal soap crystallization, following a complex mechanism that involves both acid and metal diffusion. Solvent flow, water, and pigments all enhance metal soap crystallization in the model systems. These results contribute to the development of paint cleaning strategies, a better understanding of oil paint degradation, and highlight the potential of time‐dependent ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy for studying dynamic processes in polymer films.
Assessment of the ability of poly(l‐lysine)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL–PEG) hydrogels to support the growth of U87‐MG and F98 glioma tumor cells
Authors: Gontran Emilie , Juchaux Marjorie , Deroulers Christophe , Kruglik Sergei , Huang Nicolas , Badoual Mathilde , Seksek Olivier
Published: February 2018

Biomaterials that provide 3D‐like in vitro cell survival and proliferation are increasingly used to mimic the extracellular microenvironment in the context of a better understanding of tumorigenesis. In this study, a simple, affordable and fast technique to fabricate hydrogel matrices composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(l‐lysine) (PLL) (as cell‐adhesive factor) were used to provide in vitro glioma cell growth. After UV photopolymerization of a precursor solution containing PEG‐diacrylate and easily obtainable PLL‐acrylate derivatives, F98 and U87‐MG cells (rat and human glioblastoma cell lines, respectively) were grown on top of different substrates that consist of combinations of PEG/PLL hydrogels and spontaneously formed cell aggregates of homogeneous sizes. Depending on the cell type, PEG and PLL concentrations, the cell aggregates patterns were different. The optimal combination to obtain cell survival and proliferation for both cell lines was determined as 3% PEG (w/v) and 0.001% PLL (w/v). This technique was also used to assess the efficacy of temozolomide and should be adaptable to other cancer cell lines to follow pseudo‐tumor growth in vitro. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46287.
Effect of flake size on thermal properties of graphene oxide/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites prepared via in situ polymerization
Authors: Zhu Guangda , Ding Yong , Zhao Dan , Jiang Yu , Zheng Junping
Published: February 2018

The effect of graphene oxide (GO) flake size on thermal properties of GO/poly(methyl methacrylate) (GO/PMMA) composites prepared via in situ polymerization was investigated. Two styles of GO sheets were synthesized from different sizes of graphite powders by modified Hummers' method and GO/PMMA composites with GO of different sizes were prepared via in situ polymerization. Transmission electron microscopy verified that GO sheets produced from large graphite powders was obviously larger than that from small graphite powders. The similar number of layers and disorder degree of two types of GO sheets were proved by X‐ray diffraction and Raman, respectively. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy results of GO/composites proved the homogenous dispersion of both two types of GO sheets in polymer matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis results showed that large GO sheets exhibit better improvement than small GO sheets in thermal properties of the composites. Compared with neat PMMA, the glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature of the composites with large GO sheets (0.20 wt %) were increased by 15.9 and 25.9 °C, respectively. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46290.
Anatomical variations of the insular gyri: A morphological study and proposal of unified classification
Authors: Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Małkiewicz Adam , Rożniecki Jacek , Polguj Michał , Haładaj Robert , Żytkowski Andrzej , Topol Mirosław
Published: February 2018

The locations of gyral landmarks vary among individuals. This can be crucial during local landmark‐based mapping of the human cortex, so the aim of the present study was to establish criteria for classifying the morphological variability of the human insula. The study was conducted on 50 isolated, randomly‐selected adult cadaveric hemispheres, fixed in 10% formalin, and preserved in 70% ethanol (24 right and 26 left hemispheres). A thorough rating system, including bifid form (i.e., divided on top), branching or hypoplasia, was used to analyze the insular gyri. The number of all insular gyri ranged from four to six (mean = 5.16, SD = 0.65). Within the anterior lobule, the number of short gyri ranged from two to four (mean = 3.3, SD = 0.54). The middle short gyrus was the most variable. It was well‐developed in 25 of the 50 cases (50%). Within the posterior lobule there were one or two long insular gyri (mean = 1.88, SD = 0.32). In 48 cases (96%), the anterior long gyrus was well‐developed. A complete lack of the posterior long gyrus was noted in six of the 50 cases (12%). In conclusions, the accessory, the middle short, and the posterior long gyri of the insula were the most variable. The middle short gyrus was well‐developed in only half of the cases. The number of insular gyri found in horizontal sections of the brain does not necessarily indicate their true number. Clin. Anat. 31:347–356, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CCR5 RNA Pseudoknots: Residue and Site‐Specific Labeling correlate Internal Motions with microRNA Binding
Authors: Chen Bin , Longhini Andrew P. , Nußbaumer Felix , Kreutz Christoph , Dinman Jonathan D. , Dayie T. Kwaku
Published: February 2018

Conformational dynamics of RNA molecules play a critical role in governing their biological functions. Measurements of RNA dynamic behavior sheds important light on sites that interact with their binding partners or cellular stimulators. However, such measurements using solution‐state NMR are difficult for large RNA molecules (>70 nt; nt=nucleotides) owing to severe spectral overlap, homonuclear 13C scalar couplings, and line broadening. Herein, a strategic combination of solid‐phase synthesis, site‐specific isotopic labeled phosphoramidites, and enzymatic ligation is introduced. This approach allowed the position‐specific insertion of isotopic probes into a 96 nt CCR5 RNA fragment. Accurate measurements of functional dynamics using the Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) relaxation dispersion (RD) experiments enabled extraction of the exchange rates and populations of this RNA. NMR chemical shift perturbation analysis of the RNA/microRNA‐1224 complex indicated that A90‐C1′ of the pseudoknot exhibits similar changes in chemical shift observed in the excited state. This work demonstrates the general applicability of a NMR‐labeling strategy to probe functional RNA structural dynamics.
A Synthetic Approach for the Rapid Preparation of BODIPY Conjugates and their use in Imaging of Cellular Drug Uptake and Distribution
Authors: Krajcovicova Sona , Stankova Jarmila , Dzubak Petr , Hajduch Marian , Soural Miroslav , Urban Milan
Published: February 2018

A solid‐phase synthetic (SPS) method was developed for the preparation of BODIPY‐labeled bioactive compounds that allows for fast and simple synthesis of conjugates for use in fluorescent microscopy. The approach was used to visualize cellular uptake and distribution of cytotoxic triterpenes in cancer cells.
Dianionic Carbon‐Bridged Scandium–Copper/Silver Heterobimetallic Complexes: Synthesis, Bonding, and Reactivity
Authors: Wang Chen , Xiang Li , Yang Yan , Fang Jian , Maron Laurent , Leng Xuebing , Chen Yaofeng
Published: February 2018

Alkylidene‐bridged scandium–copper/silver heterobimetallic complexes were synthesized and structurally characterized. The complexes contain different Sc−C and M−C (M=CuI, AgI) bonds. The reactivity of the scandium–copper heterobimetallic complex was also studied, which reveals that the heterobimetallic complex is a reaction intermediate for the transmetalation of akylidene group from ScIII to CuI. The scandium–copper heterobimetallic complex also undergoes an addition reaction with CO, resulting in the formation of a new C=C double bond. DFT calculations were used to study the bonding and the subsequent reactivity with CO of the scandium–copper heterobimetallic complex. It clearly demonstrates a cooperative effect between the two metal centers through the formation of a direct Sc⋅⋅⋅Cu interaction that drives the reactivity with CO.
Three‐Coordinate Boron(III) and Diboron(II) Dications
Authors: Franz Daniel , Szilvási Tibor , Pöthig Alexander , Deiser Franziska , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: February 2018

The enhanced electron‐donor properties of the bulky bisimino ligand 1,2‐(LMesN)2‐C2H4 (1; LMes=1,3‐bis(mesityl)‐imidazolin‐2‐ylidene), mesityl=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) were exploited for the stabilization of elusive electron‐deficient and low‐coordinate boron dication species. The reaction of 1 with PhBBr2 or (B(Cl)NMe2)2 afforded a dicationic mononuclear boron(III) complex or a dicationic dinuclear boron(II) complex, respectively (42+, 62+). The bonding situations of 42+ and 62+ were examined by means of single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, as well as theoretical methods. Significant allocation of positive charge density into the ligand system was diagnosed for both dications. However, the metalloid‐centered Lewis acidity of the dications was confirmed via hydride transfer reactions.
Coarse grid simulation of the hydrodynamics of binary gas‐solid flow in CFB risers
Authors: Qin Zhiyuan , Wang Junwu
Published: February 2018

CFD simulation has become an effective way to study the mixing and segregation characteristics of gas‐solid flow in CFB risers, which is important for the proper operation and design of such reactors. In this study, the numerical solution of a recently developed EMMS drag model for binary gas‐solid flow which considers the effect of particle clustering structures on the interphase drag forces was first improved, it was then coupled with a multifluid model to perform extensive 3D simulations of the mixing and segregation pattern of binary gas‐solid flow in CFB risers. It was shown that the experimental data of axial solid concentration profiles and radial solid mass flux distributions can be captured reasonably by the combined EMMS‐multifluid model, indicating that the model is able to reproduce the hydrodynamics of complex gas‐solid flow with particle size distribution.
Exploring the Relationship between External Positive–Negative Pressures and the Carbon Management Behaviour of Industrial Firms
Authors: Liu Yong
Published: February 2018

Industrial firms’ carbon management has been challenged by a multitude of pressures requiring measures and assessments. The present study proposes differential relationships between positive and negative pressures and firms’ carbon management behaviour, as moderated by firm size. Employing a case study methodology with interviews in China, this research indicated that positive pressures, particularly from markets and communities, were positively linked with high scores in carbon management behaviour by fostering firm attentiveness and negatively linked with low scores. Negative pressures, such as government regulations, were positively linked with low scores in carbon management behaviour by fostering annoyance and firm burnout. Moreover, firm size moderated the relationship between positive pressures and carbon management behaviour; however, size did not moderate the relationship between negative pressures and carbon management behaviour. This finding suggests that policymakers might benefit from increasing positive pressures when they seek to strengthen firms’ carbon management abilities and remove hindrances. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Leaf N resorption efficiency and litter N mineralization rate have a genotypic tradeoff in a silver birch population
Authors: Mikola Juha , Silfver Tarja , Paaso Ulla , Possen Boy J. M. H. , Rousi Matti
Published: February 2018

Plants enhance N use efficiency by resorbing N from senescing leaves. This can affect litter N mineralization rate due to the C:N‐ratio requirements of microbial growth. We examined genotypic links between leaf N resorption and litter mineralization by collecting leaves and litter from 19 Betula pendula genotypes and following the N release of litter patches on forest ground. We found significant genotypic variation for N resorption efficiency, litter N concentration, cumulative three‐year patch N‐input and litter N release with high broad‐sense heritabilities (H2 = 0.28–0.65). The genotype means of N resorption efficiency varied from 46% to 65% and correlated negatively with the genotype means of litter N concentration, cumulative patch N‐input and litter N release. NH4+ yield under patches had a positive genotypic correlation with the cumulative patch N‐input. During the first year of litter decomposition, genotypes varied from N immobilization (max 2.71 mg/g dry litter) to N release (max 1.41 mg/g dry litter), creating a genotypic tradeoff between the N conserved by resorption and the N available for root uptake during the growing season. We speculate that this tradeoff is one likely reason for the remarkably wide genotypic range of N resorption efficiencies in our birch population.
Affordances for drinking alcohol: A non‐participant observation study in licensed premises
Authors: Hill Kimberley M. , Pilling Michael , Foxcroft David R.
Published: February 2018

Alcohol misuse is a pressing area of public health concern. This non‐participant observational study investigated the functional characteristics of on‐licensed premises where alcohol is consumed. Seven different licensed premises from South Central England were visited and observed for similar three hour periods on Saturday evenings. Observations within these ecological niches were grouped using a functional taxonomy of affordances and effectivities related to alcohol drinking. Affordances provide a theoretically grounded and useful concept for evaluating how individuals behave in drinking contexts, while identifying action opportunities for inhibiting and promoting consumption. Identified alcohol‐related affordances were related to: Alcohol access, regulations, furnishing, alternative opportunities for action, décor and lighting, drink and accessory availability, and action opportunities provided by others. This research has implications for understanding alcohol consumption in real‐time, social environments, with direct implications for preventing excessive consumption within community alcohol outlets.
Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of Cd(II) Using ZnSe‐Xanthan Gum Complex/CNT Modified Electrodes
Authors: Ding Yongling , Hao Xiaojuan , Yin Hong , Kyratzis Ilias Louis , Shen Shirley , Sun Kangning , Liu Futian , Musameh Mustafa M.
Published: February 2018

This work describes for the first time the employment of water soluble GSH‐ZnSe QDs stabilized by XG and MWCNT for electrode modification in the detection of Cd ions in a highly sensitive and selective manner resulting from the unique structure and surface chemistry of the used QDs. The surface of a glassy carbon (GC) electrode was modified through casting a thin layer of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) followed by a complex layer of ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) stabilized by xanthan gum (XG). Due to the electrocatalytic properties of MWCNT and electroanalytical performance of ZnSe‐XG complex, the new modified electrode significantly improves the sensitivity and selectivity of Cd(II) detection and exhibits enhanced performance in comparison to bare GC, ZnSe/GC and ZnSe/MWCNT/GC electrodes. Strong interactions between ZnSe QDs and XG resulting from hydrogen bonding and complexing association led to stabilization of ZnSe QDs and higher affinity towards Cd(II) ions adsorption compared to a ZnSe QDs film alone. The modified electrode showed linear response in a wide concentration range from 100 nM to 5 μM (R2=0.9967) along with a high sensitivity of 156.6 nA ⋅ mol−1 ⋅ L−1 and a low detection limit of 20 nM. The electrode shows high selectivity to Cd with negligible interference from other metal ions and salts.
Graphene oxide/silver nanohybrid: Optimization, antibacterial activity and its impregnation on bacterial cellulose as a potential wound dressing based on GO‐Ag nanocomposite‐coated BC
Authors: Mohammadnejad Javad , Yazdian Fatemeh , Omidi Meisam , Rostami Arash Darzian , Rasekh Behnam , Fathinia Atena
Published: February 2018

Recently, bacterial cellulose (BC) based wound dressing have raised significant interests in medical fields. However, to our best knowledge, it is apparent that the BC itself has no antibacterial activity. In this study, we optimized graphene oxide‐silver (GO‐Ag) nanohybrid synthesis using Response Surface Methodology and impregnate it to BC and carefully investigate their antibacterial activities against both the Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and the Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. We discover that, compared to silver nanoparticles, GO‐Ag nanohybrid with an optimal GO suspension's pH and ratio is much more effective and shows synergistically enhanced, strong antibacterial activities at rather low dose. The GO‐Ag nanohybrid is more toxic to E. coli than that to S. aureus. The antibacterial and mechanical properties of BC/GO‐Ag composite are further investigated.
Fire safety of thermoplastic polyurethane based on pyromellitic dianhydride
Authors: Jiao Chuanmei , Wang Hongzhi , Chen Xilei
Published: February 2018

In this paper, pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) was firstly used as fire safety agent for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). And, the fire safety improvement of PMDA in TPU was intensively investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), smoke density test (SDT), cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric/infrared spectroscopy, respectively. It has been found that PMDA could significantly improve the ignition level, and the LOI value increase to 28.5% when 8.0 wt% PMDA was incorporated into TPU; PMDA also could effectively suppress the smoke production and heat release during the combustion process. The peak heat release rate and total smoke release of the sample with 8.0 wt% PMDA were decreased by 68% and 22% compared with pure TPU in cone calorimeter test. The thermogravimetric/infrared spectroscopy results showed that PMDA could improve the thermal stability of TPU composites at high temperature and increased the release of CO2, H2O, and so on. All results confirmed that PMDA would have a good prospect in reducing the fire hazard of TPU.
Efficient Pt‐C MEA for PEMFC with Low Platinum Content Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ostroverkh A. , Dubau M. , Johánek V. , Václavů M. , Šmíd B. , Veltruská K. , Ostroverkh Y. , Fiala R. , Matolín V.
Published: February 2018

The presented research is focused on improvement of platinum utilization in Pt‐C composite catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications. A series of 25 nm thick nanostructured Pt‐C thin films were deposited on carbon paper gas diffusion layer substrates (GDL; Sigracet 29 BC) by a single‐step magnetron sputtering method.

Total Pt loading in the thin films varied in the range 6.7–9.7 µg cm−2 as determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These catalysts were examined for their activity in hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), continuously operating for periods exceeding 24 hours. The dependence of cell output power on Pt concentration and on the working pressure in the cell was examined.

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with both magnetron sputtered electrodes and a total (anode + cathode) Pt loading 16.7 µg cm−2 was also examined during an extended 250‐hour durability test. A stable power density 0.73 W cm−2 was achieved with cell pressure of 300 kPa. Apart from reasonably small power fluctuations no long‐term efficiency loss has been detected.
Integrating eQTL data with GWAS summary statistics in pathway‐based analysis with application to schizophrenia
Authors: Wu Chong , Pan Wei
Published: February 2018

Many genetic variants affect complex traits through gene expression, which can be exploited to boost statistical power and enhance interpretation in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) as demonstrated by the transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) approach. Furthermore, due to polygenic inheritance, a complex trait is often affected by multiple genes with similar functions as annotated in gene pathways. Here, we extend TWAS from gene‐based analysis to pathway‐based analysis: we integrate public pathway collections, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) data and GWAS summary association statistics (or GWAS individual‐level data) to identify gene pathways associated with complex traits. The basic idea is to weight the SNPs of the genes in a pathway based on their estimated cis‐effects on gene expression, then adaptively test for association of the pathway with a GWAS trait by effectively aggregating possibly weak association signals across the genes in the pathway. The P values can be calculated analytically and thus fast. We applied our proposed test with the KEGG and GO pathways to two schizophrenia (SCZ) GWAS summary association data sets, denoted by SCZ1 and SCZ2 with about 20,000 and 150,000 subjects, respectively. Most of the significant pathways identified by analyzing the SCZ1 data were reproduced by the SCZ2 data. Importantly, we identified 15 novel pathways associated with SCZ, such as GABA receptor complex (GO:1902710), which could not be uncovered by the standard single SNP‐based analysis or gene‐based TWAS. The newly identified pathways may help us gain insights into the biological mechanism underlying SCZ. Our results showcase the power of incorporating gene expression information and gene functional annotations into pathway‐based association testing for GWAS.
The effect of thermal stresses on the relation between rock failure and temperature and pressure of supercritical carbon dioxide jet
Authors: Li Mukun , Ni Hongjian , Wang Ruihe , Song Weiqiang
Published: February 2018

The supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) jet is a new‐type of rock‐breaking method that effectively combines pressure impact and thermal shock. Current studies show that a carbon dioxide jet produces a larger damaged area and requires a lower threshold pressure for rock breaking compared to a water jet; however, the rock‐breaking mechanism of the SC‐CO2 jet has not been clearly explained. This study developed a heat‐fluid‐solid coupling model using ANSYS. The simulation and experimental results show good agreement, clearly explaining the effect of thermal stress in the rock breaking of the SC‐CO2 jet. The study shows that the temperature field of the SC‐CO2 jet could result in an increase in the maximum stress and the high‐stress area. The thermal gradient between the rock surface and the internal parts decreases with jet time, further contributing to lower rock stress. When jet temperature and jet pressure differences at the entrance/exit increase, the jet temperature field contributes more to the increase in rock stress. For hard rocks with a higher elastic modulus, the thermal gradient can reduce the depth of high stress in the rock's interior and lead to greater stress on the rock surface. The study provides a basis for employing the SC‐CO2 technique in well drilling and in fracturing for shale gas exploitation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tanycytes and hypothalamic control of energy metabolism
Authors: Ebling Francis J. P. , Lewis Jo E.
Published: February 2018

Studies from a number of areas of neuroendocrinology indicate that hypothalamic tanycytes play a key role in control of energy metabolism. First, profound annual changes in gene expression have been identified in these unusual glial cells in seasonal mammals, for example in genes relating to the transport and metabolism of thyroid hormone into the hypothalamus. The consequent changes in local thyroid hormone availability in the hypothalamus have been shown experimentally to regulate annual cycles in energy intake, storage and expenditure in seasonal species. This is reflected in overt seasonal changes in appetite, body fat composition and torpor. Second, studies in laboratory rodents demonstrate that hypothalamic tanycytes possess transport mechanisms and receptors that indicate they have a cellular function as nutrient sensors. Ex vivo studies with organotypic tanycyte cultures confirm that acute changes in nutrient availability alter calcium and purinergic signalling within and between tanycytes. Finally, tanycytes are components of a stem cell niche in the hypothalamus whose activity can be regulated by the nutritional environment. Experimental depletion of cell division in the hypothalamus alters the homeostatic response to nutrient excess in mice raised in high fat diets. These convergent lines of evidence suggest that tanycytes are nutrient and metabolite sensors that impact upon plasticity and neuronal function in the surrounding hypothalamus, and consequently have an important role in energy intake and expenditure.
Evaluation of treatment outcomes in patients with supraglottic laryngeal cancer in Ontario, Canada: A population‐based study
Authors: Hall Stephen F. , Griffiths Rebecca J.
Published: February 2018

Background

Supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma has an entirely different etiology, clinical presentation, and prognosis compared to glottis cancer but the only evidence for the use of concurrent chemotherapy with radiotherapy (CRT) is the 5.4% 5‐year improvement in overall survival (OS) for the combined laryngeal site.

Method

We conducted a retrospective population‐based study using administrative data to compare OS, disease‐specific survival (DSS), laryngectomy‐free survival, and laryngoesophageal dysfunction‐free survival over time and by treatment for all patients with supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma diagnosed between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2014, in Ontario, Canada.

Results

There was no improvement over time in OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.006; P = .90), DSS (HR 1.031; P = .65), or laryngoesophageal dysfunction‐free survival (P = .39). The patients selected for CRT had similar OS (HR 1.04; P = .66), laryngectomy‐free survival (HR 0.95; P = .23), and laryngoesophageal dysfunction‐free survival (P = .79) compared with patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Conclusion

The addition of CRT by head and neck oncologists in Ontario, Canada, did not improve outcomes for the “real world” patients with supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma.
Prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression in women from single‐child families
Authors: Xiong Ribo , Deng Aiwen , Wan Bo , Liu Yan
Published: February 2018

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and its associated factors among women without siblings from south China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 468 mothers from single‐child families who were assessed at 6 weeks after childbirth at a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China, from June 2015 to July 2016. The Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a self‐designed questionnaire regarding risk factors were administered to all participants.

Results

The prevalence of PPD in women from single‐child families was 56.2%. A multivariate logistic regression model identified the following pregnancy‐related and psychological risk factors: unplanned pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73–3.32), being a first‐time mother (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.73–4.93), poor mother‐in‐law relationship (OR 3.15, 95% CI 2.93–3.36), and poor family support (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.84–2.45). Sociodemographic characteristics were not associated with the development of PPD.

Conclusion

The development of PPD in women from single‐child families is an important public health concern. Health practitioners should offer psychoeducation and culturally sensitive counseling during the postpartum period, and the screening of mood disorders from the prenatal to the postpartum period should be covered by maternity insurance.
Pressure tensor for electrostatic interaction calculated by fast multipole method with periodic boundary condition
Authors: Yoshii Noriyuki , Andoh Yoshimichi , Okazaki Susumu
Published: February 2018

A microscopic expression of the pressure tensor using the fast multipole method (FMM) with periodic boundary conditions has been derived. The pressure tensor calculated using this expression has been compared with that obtained using the Ewald method with high accuracy. The precision of the pressure tensor can be controlled as a function of expansion order p of FMM. Using the calculated pressure tensor, the constant pressure molecular dynamics calculation with fully fluctuating cell can be performed for anisotropic systems such as crystals, metals, liquid crystals, glasses, polymers, lipid bilayers, and interfacial regions between two phases. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of Morpholinium Ionic Liquid Cations by Hydrophilic Interaction Columns Coupled with Indirect UV Detection
Authors: Fan Zi‐Qiang , Guan Chao , Yu Hong
Published: February 2018

A method was developed for the separation and detection of morpholinium ionic liquid cations by hydrophilic interaction column combined with indirect ultraviolet detection using imidazolium ionic liquids as ultraviolet absorbents in high‐performance liquid chromatography. The effects of the ultraviolet absorbents, organic solvents, and the pH value of the aqueous solution in the mobile phase for the determination of morpholinium cations were investigated by using a hydrophilic column with carbamoyl group as the analytical column. The retention and detection behavior of morpholinium cations was discussed. The suitable chromatographic conditions were 0.8 mmol/L 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate aqueous solution (pH 3.5 adjusted with acetic acid)/acetonitrile (45/55, v/v) as the mobile phase and a detection wavelength of 210 nm. Under these conditions, the baseline separation of N‐methyl‐N‐ethyl‐morpholinium cation ([MEMo]+) and N‐methyl‐N‐propyl‐morpholinium cation ([MPMo]+) was successfully achieved in 15 min. The detection limits of [MEMo]+ and [MPMo]+ were 0.595 and 0.531 mg/L, respectively. Relative standard deviations were less than 0.2%. This method has been successfully applied to the analysis of morpholinium ionic liquid samples synthesized in chemical laboratories, which is simple, reliable, and practical.
Reflections on community psychology's past and future: What if a stitch in time only saves six?
Authors: Lorion Raymond P.
Published: February 2018

This paper expands comments made upon receipt of the Distinguished Contributions to Theory and Research in Community Psychology, August 2015. Examination of the discipline's originating intent is reviewed as a foundation for considering its potential for distinguishing it from other social and behavioral sciences.
Synthetic Approach to Some New Annulated 1,2,4‐Triazine Skeletons with Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , El‐Bana Ghada G. , Shaaban Saad , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of some triazolotriazine, tetrazolotriazine, triazinotetrazine, and triazinotetrazepino‐indole by the reaction of 4‐amino‐6‐benzyl‐3‐hydrazinyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(4H)‐one (2) with different reagents is described. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity using the minimum inhibition concentration method by serial dilution technique. Two of these compounds showed higher activity than that of standard drug, and they were further evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against human cancer cells (MCF‐7, HCT116, and HepG2), which indicate strong effect on these cancer cell lines.
Characterization of active and infiltrative tumorous subregions from normal tissue in brain gliomas using multiparametric MRI
Authors: Fathi Kazerooni Anahita , Nabil Mahnaz , Zeinali Zadeh Mehdi , Firouznia Kavous , Azmoudeh‐Ardalan Farid , Frangi Alejandro F. , Davatzikos Christos , Saligheh Rad Hamidreza
Published: February 2018

Background

Targeted localized biopsies and treatments for diffuse gliomas rely on accurate identification of tissue subregions, for which current MRI techniques lack specificity.

Purpose

To explore the complementary and competitive roles of a variety of conventional and quantitative MRI methods for distinguishing subregions of brain gliomas.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Fifty‐one tissue specimens were collected using image‐guided localized biopsy surgery from 10 patients with newly diagnosed gliomas.

Field Strength/Sequence

Conventional and quantitative MR images consisting of pre‐ and postcontrast T1w, T2w, T2‐FLAIR, T2‐relaxometry, DWI, DTI, IVIM, and DSC‐MRI were acquired preoperatively at 3T.

Assessment

Biopsy specimens were histopathologically attributed to glioma tissue subregion categories of active tumor (AT), infiltrative edema (IE), and normal tissue (NT) subregions. For each tissue sample, a feature vector comprising 15 MRI‐based parameters was derived from preoperative images and assessed by a machine learning algorithm to determine the best multiparametric feature combination for characterizing the tissue subregions.

Statistical Tests

For discrimination of AT, IE, and NT subregions, a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and for pairwise tissue subregion differentiation, Tukey honest significant difference, and Games‐Howell tests were applied (P < 0.05). Cross‐validated feature selection and classification methods were implemented for identification of accurate multiparametric MRI parameter combination.

Results

After exclusion of 17 tissue specimens, 34 samples (AT = 6, IE = 20, and NT = 8) were considered for analysis. Highest accuracies and statistically significant differences for discrimination of IE from NT and AT from NT were observed for diffusion‐based parameters (AUCs >90%), and the perfusion‐derived parameter as the most accurate feature in distinguishing IE from AT. A combination of “CBV, MD, T2_ISO, FLAIR” parameters showed high diagnostic performance for identification of the three subregions (AUC ∼90%).

Data Conclusion

Integration of a few quantitative along with conventional MRI parameters may provide a potential multiparametric imaging biomarker for predicting the histopathologically proven glioma tissue subregions.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:938–950.