bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure Evolution of a Co/MnO Catalyst for Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis Revealed by In Situ XAFS Studies
Authors: Sun Fanfei , Sun Xueping , Jin Yixing , Yang Ruoou , Zhang Hao , Liu Yang , Song Fei , Li Xiaopeng , Wu Dongshuang , Zhao Tiejun , Jiang Zheng
Published: April 2019

Co−Mn catalysts have long been considered as a promising catalyst for Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS). However, the promotional role of Mn and its interaction with Co remain unclear and controversial. In situ characterization of the structural change of FTS catalysts is a powerful way to reveal the reaction mechanisms. Nevertheless, there are significant difficulties because of the harsh reaction conditions. Here, the microstructure evolution of Co/MnO catalysts during FTS is monitored by in situ X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy under real FTS atmosphere up to 6 bar for the first time. Combined with in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ex situ high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF‐STEM) and H2 chemisorption characterizations, we reveal that the metallic Co liberated from Mn1−xCoxO during FTS leads to activity enhancement. The presence of Mn improves the Co dispersion. However, an initial association of Mn with the Co phase hampers the cobalt reducibility. We also find that increasing the reaction pressure enhances the oxygen dissociation on the Mn surface, which leads to an increased number of exposed Co sites and consequent FTS activity improvement.
Phosphate Doped Ultrathin FeP Nanosheets as Efficient Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acid Media
Authors: Zhang Xu , Ji Jing , Yang Qifeng , Zhao Liang , Yuan Quan , Hao Yajuan , Jin Peng , Feng Lai
Published: April 2019

Ultrathin nanosheets of non‐layered materials have attracted intensive interests due to their abundantly accessible active sites. Herein, we demonstrate that the ultrathin FeP nanosheets (FeP‐I NS) with abundant mesoporosity and phosphate dopants can be facilely synthesized using ultrathin γ‐Fe2O3 NS as precursors. The as‐prepared catalyst displays good HER catalytic activity with an low overpotential (η) of 95/160 mV at the current densities of 10/100 mA cm−2 and small Tafel slope of 41 mV dec−1 as well as good stability during a period of 24 h in acid media. Additional experimental results reveal that the unique structural features of FeP‐I NS (i. e., ultrathin morphology, abundant mesoporosity, local structural distortion and amorphous domains) are key factors for achieving good HER activity. The computational studies demonstrate that the phosphate dopants (i. e., Fe2P2O7) contribute to the superior catalytic performance of FeP by reducing the Gibbs free energy of intermediate H* adsorption (ΔGH*) to the catalyst surface as well as by tailoring the electronic properties of the catalyst.
Boosting Stability and Activity of Oxygen Evolution Catalyst in Acidic Medium: Bimetallic Ir−Fe Oxides on Reduced Graphene Oxide Prepared through Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Lee Jihoon , Kim Ingyeom , Park Sehkyu
Published: April 2019

Electrolysis of water in acidic media generally requires noble metals (oxides) to enhance the catalyst activity and durability in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Bimetallic Ir−Fe supported on reduced graphene oxide (IFG) is prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, followed by acid and/or heat treatment. Physical and electrochemical methods are used to elucidate the effect of the physical and chemical properties of the IFG catalysts modified by spray pyrolysis and post treatment on the OER activity and stability under harshly oxidizing conditions in 0.1 M HClO4. The IFG‐AHT catalyst synthesized via ultrasonic pyrolysis followed by acid and heat treatment exhibits superior OER activity among the IFG catalysts. The mass activity was two‐fold higher and the stability is superior to that of the commercially available Ir catalyst, indicating that the metal (oxide) dissolution rate and the interaction between Ir and the hybrid support affect the cost and lifetime of OER catalysts.
Direct Glycerol Fuel Cells: Comparison with Direct Methanol and Ethanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Zakaria Khalid , McKay Matthew , Thimmappa Ravikumar , Hasan Maksudul , Mamlouk Mohamed , Scott Keith
Published: April 2019

The direct oxidation reaction of glycerol (GOR) was studied and compared to that of methanol (MOR) and ethanol (EOR) in both acid and alkaline media using commercial Pt/C, PtRu/C, Pd/C and PdNi/C electrocatalysts. The results show that GOR and MOR in alkaline media is better than that in acid media, in contrast to ethanol. Among the studied catalysts, PtRu/C showed the lowest onset potential and the highest catalytic activity for GOR and MOR in alkaline media, providing the lowest onset potential and a Tafel slope (TS) of 63 mV dec−1, which could be attributed to the high surface poisoning tolerance. In fuel cells, the open circuit voltage of alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) was higher than that of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). In the kinetic region (up to 20 mA cm−2), the power density and cell performance were higher for AEMFCs than those of PEMFCs. However, the power density peaks were higher for PEMFCs than those for AEMFCs. Both the cell performance and the power density increased with increasing temperature. Regardless of the temperature and the media, glycerol crossover is comparable to that of ethanol but much less than that of methanol.
Porous Carbon Nitride Frameworks Derived from Covalent Triazine Framework Anchored Ag Nanoparticles for Catalytic CO2 Conversion
Authors: Lan Xingwang , Li Yiming , Du Cheng , She Tiantian , Li Qing , Bai Guoyi
Published: April 2019

Porous carbon nitride frameworks (PCNFs) with uniform and rich nitrogen dopants and abundant porosity were successfully fabricated through the direct carbonization of the covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) at different pyrolysis temperatures and used as supports to anchor and stabilize Ag nanoparticles (NPs) for catalytic CO2 conversion. Importantly, the pyrolysis temperature plays a crucial role in the properties of porous carbon nitride frameworks. The material carbonized at 700 °C showed the highest surface area and micro‐ and mesoporous structure with a certain interlayer distance. Taking advantage of their unique surface characteristics, PCNF‐supported Ag NP catalysts (Ag/PCNF‐T, T=pyrolysis temperature) were prepared by a simple chemical method. A series of characterizations revealed that Ag NPs are embedded in the porous carbon nitride frameworks and confined to a relatively small size with high dispersion owing to the assistance of the abundant surface groups and porous structures. The as‐obtained Ag/PCNF‐T catalysts, especially Ag/PCNF‐700, showed excellent catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability for the carboxylation of CO2 with terminal alkynes under mild conditions. This can be due to the existence of abundant nitrogen atoms and diverse porosity, which resulted in highly efficient catalytic activity and stability.
Wo ist oben?
Authors: Filianina Mariia
Published: April 2019

Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie sitzen in einem Flugzeug 10 000 Meter über der Erde. Schließen Sie nun ihre Augen, so wissen Sie dennoch genau, in welche Richtung sich das Flugzeug gerade bewegt und ob es begonnen hat, den Kurs zu ändern. Diese Fähigkeit wird durch den Vestibularapparat, das Gleichgewichtsorgan, bereitgestellt. Doch es gibt Situationen, in denen dieser an seine Grenzen kommt.
Daratumumab in multiple myeloma
Authors: Nooka Ajay K. , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Hofmeister Craig C. , Joseph Nisha S. , Heffner Thomas L. , Gupta Vikas A. , Sullivan Harold C. , Neish Andrew S. , Dhodapkar Madhav V. , Lonial Sagar
Published: April 2019

The development of effective monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of myeloma has been a long journey of clinical and drug development. Identification of the right target antigen was a critical part of the process. CD38 as a target has been considered for some time, but clinically, daratumumab, a CD38 monoclonal antibody, was the first to be tested, and it has delivered the best clinical responses as a single agent to date. Its proven safety and efficacy in combination with other antimyeloma agents have led to several US Food and Drug Administration approvals for treating myeloma. Furthermore, the results of early trials in the induction therapy setting have demonstrated a beneficial role when it is added to the existing induction regimens. This review summarizes the importance of CD38 as a target and examines the clinical development of the CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab and its clinical significance in combination regimens in both patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma and patients with newly diagnosed myeloma.
A genetic variation in the CpG island of pseudogene GBAP1 promoter is associated with gastric cancer susceptibility
Authors: Ma Gaoxiang , Liu Hanting , Du Mulong , Zhang Gang , Lin Yadi , Ge Yuqiu , Wang Meilin , Jin Guangfu , Zhao Qinghong , Chu Haiyan , Gong Weida , Zhang Zhengdong
Published: April 2019

Background

Previous genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have identified that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are implicated in gastric cancer (GC) risk. However, the multiple statistical comparisons of GWASs may reject some true biological positives with subthreshold P values.

Methods

This study annotated the genomic locations of all CpG islands in the genome using the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE). The SNPs in the regions were then genotyped using the Illumina 660W Quad chip. The effects of the prominent variations on GC risk were further confirmed in the other independent cohorts.

Results

SNP rs2990245, which is located in the promoter of pseudogene GBAP1, was associated with GC risk using GWASs data. An additional cohort of 1275 GC patients and 1424 controls validated that individuals with the CC genotype had a 62% decreased risk of GC compared with those who carried the TT genotype (P = 2.01E‐04) in the codominant model. The significant association was observed in the additive, dominant, and recessive models. A meta‐analysis combining the results from the GWASs and replication studies revealed that rs2990245 was significantly associated with decreased GC risk (P = 5.59E‐12). Importantly, rs2990245 can regulate the expression of GBAP1 by influencing the methylation status of the GBAP1 promoter. GBAP1 can act as a competing endogenous RNA by binding competitively with micro‐RNA‐212‐3p and then promoting GBA expression.

Conclusion

rs2990245 is significantly associated with a decreased risk of GC. Pseudogene GBAP1 contributes to the development and progression of GC by sequestering the miR‐212‐3p from binding to GBA.
Our 2018 Cancer Cytopathology Young Investigator
Authors: Faquin William C.
Published: April 2019

Background

The Paris System for Urine Cytopathology (the Paris System) has succeeded in making the analysis of liquid‐based urine preparations more reproducible. Any algorithm seeking to automate this system must accurately estimate the nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio and produce a qualitative “atypia score.” The authors propose a hybrid deep‐learning and morphometric model that reliably automates the Paris System.

Methods

Whole‐slide images (WSI) of liquid‐based urine cytology specimens were extracted from 51 negative, 60 atypical, 52 suspicious, and 54 positive cases. Morphometric algorithms were applied to decompose images to their component parts; and statistics, including the NC ratio, were tabulated using segmentation algorithms to create organized data structures, dubbed rich information matrices (RIMs). These RIM objects were enhanced using deep‐learning algorithms to include qualitative measures. The augmented RIM objects were then used to reconstruct WSIs with filtering criteria and to generate pancellular statistical information.

Results

The described system was used to calculate the N:C ratio for all cells, generate object classifications (atypical urothelial cell, squamous cell, crystal, etc), filter the original WSI to remove unwanted objects, rearrange the WSI to an efficient, condensed‐grid format, and generate pancellular statistics containing quantitative/qualitative data for every cell in a WSI. In addition to developing novel techniques for managing WSIs, a system capable of automatically tabulating the Paris System criteria also was generated.

Conclusions

A hybrid deep‐learning and morphometric algorithm was developed for the analysis of urine cytology specimens that could reliably automate the Paris System and provide many avenues for increasing the efficiency of digital screening for urine WSIs and other cytology preparations.
Afferent neuropeptide Y projections to the ventral tegmental area in normal‐weight male Wistar rats
Authors: Gumbs Myrtille C. R. , Vuuregge Anna H. , Eggels Leslie , Unmehopa Unga A. , Lamuadni Khalid , Mul Joram D. , la Fleur Susanne E.
Published: April 2019

The hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) circuitry is a key regulator of feeding behavior. NPY also acts in the mesolimbic dopaminergic circuitry, where it can increase motivational aspects of feeding behavior through effects on dopamine output in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and on neurotransmission in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Endogenous NPY in the NAc originates from local interneurons and afferent projections from the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc). However, the origin of endogenous NPY in the VTA is unknown. We determined, in normal‐weight male Wistar rats, if the source of VTA NPY is local, and/or whether it is derived from VTA‐projecting neurons. Immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization and RT‐qPCR were utilized, when appropriate in combination with colchicine treatment or 24 hr fasting, to assess NPY/Npy expression locally in the VTA. Retrograde tracing using cholera toxin beta (CTB) in the VTA, fluorescent immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to determine NPY‐immunoreactive afferents to the VTA. NPY in the VTA was observed in fibers, but not following colchicine pretreatment. No NPY‐ or Npy‐expressing cell bodies were observed in the VTA. Fasting for 24 hr, which increased Npy expression in the Arc, failed to induce Npy expression in the VTA. Double‐labeling with CTB and NPY was observed in the Arc and in the ventrolateral medulla. Thus, VTA NPY originates from the hypothalamic Arc and the ventrolateral medulla of the brainstem in normal‐weight male Wistar rats. These afferent connections link hypothalamic and brainstem processing of physiologic state to VTA‐driven motivational behavior.
Domain‐specific distribution of gap junctions defines cellular coupling to establish a vascular relay in the retina
Authors: Ivanova Elena , Kovacs‐Oller Tamas , Sagdullaev Botir T.
Published: April 2019

In the retina, diverse functions of neuronal gap junctions (GJs) have been established. However, the distribution and function of vascular GJs are less clear. Here in the mouse retina whole mounts, we combined structural immunohistochemical analysis and a functional assessment of cellular coupling with a GJ‐permeable tracer Neurobiotin to determine distribution patterns of three major vascular connexins. We found that Cx43 was expressed in punctate fashion on astroglia, surrounding all types of blood vessels and in continuous string‐like structures along endothelial cell contacts in specialized regions of the vascular tree. Specifically, these Cx43‐positive strings originated at the finest capillaries and extended toward the feeding artery. As this structural arrangement promoted strong and exclusive coupling of pericytes and endothelial cells along the corresponding branch, we termed this region a “vascular relay.” Cx40 expression was found predominantly along the endothelial cell contacts of the primary arteries and did not overlap with Cx43‐positive strings. At their occupied territories, Cx43 and Cx40 clustered with tight junctions and, to a lesser extent, with adhesion contacts, both key elements of the blood–retina barrier. Finally, Cx37 puncta were associated with the entire surface of both mural and endothelial cells across all regions of the vascular tree. This combinatorial analysis of vascular connexins and identification of the vascular relay region will serve as a structural foundation for future studies of neurovascular signaling in health and disease.
Organosilica Nanoparticles for Gemcitabine Monophosphate Delivery in Cancer Cells
Authors: Daurat Morgane , Rahmani Saher , Bouchal Roza , Akrout Alia , Budimir Jelena , Nguyen Christophe , Charnay Clarence , Guari Yannick , Richeter Sébastien , Raehm Laurence , Bettache Nadir , Gary‐Bobo Magali , Durand Jean‐Olivier , Hesemann Peter
Published: April 2019

Organosilica nanoparticles hold great promise for nanomedicine applications. These nanoparticles are synthesized from polytrialkoxysilylated precursors without any silica source. In this work we present two kinds of organosilica nanoparticles with either amine or ammonium walls constituting their structure. Both types of nanoparticles are very efficient for gemcitabine monophosphate delivery, a small hydrophilic anticancer drug whose encapsulation is still a challenge. The nanoparticles are endocytosed by MCF‐7 breast cancer cells as monitored by confocal microscopy. They are efficient and lead to 60% cancer cell death.
Reliable access to massive restricted texts: Experience‐based evaluation
Authors: Peng Zong , Plale Beth
Published: April 2019

Libraries are seeing growing numbers of digitized textual corpora that frequently come with restrictions on their content. Computational analysis corpora that are large, while of interest to scholars, can be cumbersome because of the combination of size, granularity of access, and access restrictions. Efficient management of such a collection for general access especially under failures depends on the primary storage system. In this paper, we identify the requirements of managing for computational analysis a massive text corpus and use it as basis to evaluate candidate storage solutions. The study based on the 5.9 billion page collection of the HathiTrust digital library. Our findings led to the choice of Cassandra 3.x for the primary back end store, which is currently in deployment in the HathiTrust Research Center.
Text detection in natural images with hybrid stroke feature transform and high performance deep Convnet computing
Authors: Vidhyalakshmi M. , Sudha S.
Published: April 2019

Detecting Text in Images is an important step in Scene Text Recognition. It still remains a very difficult task because of the variation in size, fonts, orientation, illumination conditions, and complex backgrounds in image. In this paper, a new method to detect text in natural images with a hybrid technique using MSER and stroke feature transform and feature classification with Deep convolution neural network is proposed. The Candidate character region from the image is extracted with MSER and stroke feature transform. Next, a Deep convolution neural network is used to extract deep high level features and they are fused with fully connected layers to classify features. The proposed method achieves F‐measures of 0.73, 0.886, 0.889, and 0.885 on four benchmark Datasets SVT, ICDAR 2011, ICDAR 2013, and ICDAR 2015, respectively.
A trust‐based hypervisor framework for preventing DDoS attacks in cloud
Authors: Vetha S. , Vimala Devi K.
Published: April 2019

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is one of the major attacks that incur large financial loss in the cloud system. This motivated the research community to develop various detection techniques for controlling the effects of the DDoS attack. However, the existing techniques are not mature to satisfy the requirements of a cloud‐based attack detection system, as they manage the devious strategies that exploit the elastic and multi‐tenant properties of the cloud and ignore the resource constraints of the cloud system. This paper proposes a new solution that allows the hypervisor to establish trust‐based relationships towards the guest Virtual Machines (VMs). The Bayesian inference is applied to aggregate the objective and subjective trust sources. A trust‐based maximin game between DDoS attackers is designed. A hypervisor tries to maximize the attack minimization under a limited amount of resources. The game solution guides the hypervisor to determine the distribution of optimal detection load among VMs to improve the real‐time detection rate of DDoS attack. The Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LS‐SVM) classification is applied to classify the normal VMs and malicious VMs. The file is allocated to the VM based on the storage capacity of the VM. The experimental result shows that the proposed approach achieves high DDoS attack detection rate with minimum false positive and negative rate, when compared to the existing attack detection models.
Multilevel Petri net‐based ticket assignment and IT management for improved IT organization support
Authors: Mukunthan M.A. , Selvakumar S.
Published: April 2019

The problem of incident management has been well studied and the ticketing has been handled by various approaches. Still, the methods suffer to produce higher growth in IT service management towards the development of IT organizations. To solve this issue, a multilevel Petri net‐based ticket assignment scheme has been proposed. The method maintains different services in different levels. According to the ticket identified, the ticket has been assigned through number of services in different levels. At each level, the status of service and ticket has been collected and maintained. Similarly, the number of ticket and service states has been generated. For each level and for each service, the method computes the popularity based on their previous ticket management support measure and the error rate. Finally, a single set of services has been selected for the assignment of ticket. At the selected composite service, the six sigma has been applied and validated for the quality of output. Based on the error rate identified, the process has been iterated until an optimal service has been identified. The proposed algorithm identifies an efficient set of services to be assigned for the ticket and improves the performance of ticket management. In addition, the proposed algorithm improves performance of organizational support greatly.
Polyamine Colloids Cross‐Linked with Phosphate Ions: Towards Understanding the Solution Phase Behavior
Authors: Herrera Santiago E. , Agazzi Maximiliano L. , Cortez M. Lorena , Marmisollé Waldemar A. , Tagliazucchi Mario , Azzaroni Omar
Published: April 2019

Ionically crosslinked poly(allylamine)/phosphate (PAH/Pi) colloids consist of self‐assembled nanostructures stabilized by supramolecular interactions. Under physiological conditions, these interactions should be present at high ionic strength and only in a narrow pH window to be effective as drug delivery agents. In this work we study the effect of the pH and ionic strength in the chemical behaviour of inorganic phosphate (Pi), poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and their mixture in aqueous solution (PAH−Pi). By combination of experimental measurements and a theoretical model, we demonstrate that the driving force that leads to the formation of colloids is the electrostatic pairing between the positively charged amino groups in PAH and negatively charged HPO42− ions. Increasing the ionic strength of the system by addition of KCl weakens the PAH−Pi interactions and narrows the pH stability window from 4 to 1.8 pH units. In addition, a fully reversible system was obtained in which the colloids assemble and disassemble by changing the pH between 6.8 and 7.1 at high ionic strength, making them suitable for use as pH‐responsive nanocarriers.
Laser Spectroscopy and Lifetime Measurements of the S1 State of Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) in a Cold Gas‐Phase Free‐Jet
Authors: Chaki Nobumasa , Muramatsu Satoru , Iida Yuji , Kenjo Seiya , Inokuchi Yoshiya , Iimori Toshifumi , Ebata Takayuki
Published: April 2019

The front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Prof. Takayuki Ebata, Prof. Yoshiya Inokuchi at Hiroshima University, and Prof. Toshifumi Iimori at Muroran Institute of Technology. The image shows the first laser spectroscopic study of jet‐cooled TCNQ in the gas‐phase, which is compared with the absorption and emission in solution. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cphc.201900214.
Low‐Input MNase Accessibility of Chromatin (Low‐Input MACC)
Authors: Lion Mattia , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Oettinger Marjorie A.
Published: April 2019

An understanding of the dynamic structural properties of chromatin requires techniques that allow the profiling of regions of both open and closed chromatin as well as the assessment of nucleosome occupancy. The recently developed MNase accessibility (MACC) technique allows for the simultaneous measurement of chromatin opening and compaction, as well as nucleosome occupancy, on a genome‐wide scale in a single assay. This article presents a low‐input MACC procedure that considerably extends the utility of the original MACC assay. Low‐input MACC generates high‐quality data using very low cell numbers (as few as 50 cells per titration point), making it ideal for samples obtained after fluorescence‐activated cell sorting or dissection, or in clinical settings. Moreover, low‐input MACC has significantly improved several steps of the initial method, offering a more rapid and robust methodology. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Chemoenzymatic Preparation of 4′‐Thioribose NAD+
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Nan , Dai Zhefu , Cheng Qinqin , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2019

This chemoenzymatic procedure describes a strategy for the preparation of 4′‐thioribose nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (S‐NAD+), including chemical synthesis of nicotinamide 4′‐riboside (S‐NR), recombinant expression and purification of two NAD+ biosynthesis enzymes nicotinamide riboside kinase (NRK) and nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT), and enzymatic synthesis of S‐NAD+. The first basic protocol describes the procedures for introduction of nicotinamide onto 4′‐thioribose and subsequent deprotection to generate S‐NR as the key intermediate for enzymatically synthesizing S‐NAD+. In the second basic protocol, experimental methods are detailed for the production of recombinant human NRK1 and NMNAT1 to catalyze conversion of S‐NR to S‐NAD+. The third basic protocol presents the enzymatic approach for the generation of S‐NAD+ from S‐NR precursor. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mitochondrial Electron Transfer Cascade Enzyme Activity Assessment in Cultured Neurons and Select Brain Regions
Authors: Agbas Abdulbaki , Krishnamurthy Partha , Michaelis Mary L. , Michaelis Elias K.
Published: April 2019

Measurement of the electron transfer cascade (ETC) enzyme activities and their kinetic profiles is important in assessing mitochondrial function in the nervous system in health and disease or following exposure to toxic agents. The optimization of enzymatic assays for brain tissues and neurons is critical to the development of high‐throughput assay formats. This article describes a step‐by‐step protocol for reliable and reproducible assessment of ETC enzyme kinetics (Complex I‐IV) for mitochondria from small quantities of tissue from different brain regions, such as the hippocampus, cerebellum, and frontal cortex, or from neurons in culture. Methods for differential and density gradient centrifugation are detailed for isolating cell body and synaptic mitochondria from brain, as well as measurement of ETC activities in microwell plate or single‐cuvette format using spectrophotometric methods. Easy‐to follow assay layouts and useful tips are presented, allowing the user to perform these assays in under 3 hr. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dehydration of Alginic Acid Cryogel by TiCl4 vapor: Direct Access to Mesoporous TiO2@C Nanocomposites and Their Performance in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Sanghoon , De Bruyn Mario , Alauzun Johan G. , Louvain Nicolas , Brun Nicolas , Macquarrie Duncan J. , Stievano Lorenzo , Mutin P. Hubert , Monconduit Laure , Boury Bruno
Published: April 2019

A new strategy for the synthesis of mesoporous TiO2@C nanocomposites through the direct mineralization of seaweed‐derived alginic acid cryogel by TiCl4 through a solid/vapor reaction pathway is presented. In this synthesis, alginic acid cryogel can have multiple roles; i) mesoporous template, ii) carbon source, and iii) oxygen source for the TiO2 precursor, TiCl4. The resulting TiO2@alginic acid composite was transformed either into pure mesoporous TiO2 by calcination or into mesoporous TiO2@C nanocomposites by pyrolysis. By comparing with a nonporous TiO2@C composite, the importance of the mesopores on the performance of electrodes for lithium‐ion batteries based on mesoporous TiO2@C composite was clearly evidenced. In addition, the carbon matrix in the mesoporous TiO2@C nanocomposite also showed electrochemical activity versus lithium ions, providing twice the capacity of pure mesoporous TiO2 or alginic acid‐derived mesoporous carbon (A600). Given the simplicity and environmental friendliness of the process, the mesoporous TiO2@C nanocomposite could satisfy the main prerequisites of green and sustainable chemistry while showing improved electrochemical performance as a negative electrode for lithium‐ion batteries.
A distributed, multi‐hop, adaptive, tree‐based energy‐balanced routing approach
Authors: Arora Vishal Kumar , Sharma Vishal , Sachdeva Monika
Published: April 2019

To accomplish the primary objective of data sensing and collection of wireless sensor networks (WSN), the design of an energy efficient routing algorithm is very important. However, the energy constrained sensing nodes along with the intrinsic properties of the (WSN) environment makes the routing a challenging task. To overcome this routing dilemma, an improved distributed, multi‐hop, adaptive, tree‐based energy‐balanced (DMATEB) routing scheme is proposed in this paper. In this scheme, a relay node is selected in view of minimum distance and high energy from a current sensing node. Further, the parent node is chosen among the selected relay nodes on the basis of high residual energy and less power consumption with due consideration of its associated child nodes. As each sensing node itself selects its parent among the available alternatives, the proposed scheme offers a distributive and adaptive approach. Moreover, the proposed system does not overload any selected parent of a particular branch as it starts acting as a child whenever its energy lowers among the other available relay nodes. This leads to uniform energy utilization of nodes that offers a better energy balance mechanism and improves the network lifespan by 20% to 30% as compared with its predecessors.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of an adenoid cystic carcinoma of trachea: Common tumor in uncommon location
Authors: Kaur Gurwinder , Mitra Suvradeep , Dey Pranab
Published: April 2019

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is most often primary in the major and minor salivary glands but can also arise from the submucosal seromucinous glands of the larynx and trachea. We report a case of ACC of the larynx that presented as a recurrent cough for 4 months and vomiting 3 to 4 times within 1 month. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology was consistent with an ACC. Subsequent cell block and immunocytochemistry confirmed the diagnosis. This case highlights the need to be aware of unusual lesions that may arise in the region of trachea.
Emotion regulation moderates the association between parent and child hair cortisol concentrations
Authors: Kao Katie , Tuladhar Charu T. , Meyer Jerrold S. , Tarullo Amanda R.
Published: April 2019

Successful emotion regulation facilitates children's coping with everyday stress. It develops rapidly in the early preschool period. However, no work has been done to investigate the potential buffering role of emotion regulation from cumulative physiological effects of stress. In this study, we examined hair cortisol concentration (HCC), an early marker of chronic physiological stress, socioeconomic status (SES), parental sensitivity, and emotion regulation and reactivity in a sample of 3.5‐year‐old children (N = 86). Emotion regulation and emotional reactivity were independent of child HCC. However, emotion regulation moderated the relationship between parent and child HCC. For children with better emotion regulation, there was no association between parent and child HCC, suggesting that emotion regulation skills buffered the transgenerational effects of chronic physiological stress. Emotional reactivity moderated the relationship between SES and child HCC, and attenuated the association between parental sensitivity and child HCC. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that children who were less emotionally reactive were less susceptible to their environments. Results provide support that child emotion regulation and emotional reactivity can reduce or strengthen the relationship between established risk factors and levels of chronic physiological stress in early childhood.
Traumatic stress and the autonomic brain‐gut connection in development: Polyvagal Theory as an integrative framework for psychosocial and gastrointestinal pathology
Authors: Kolacz Jacek , Kovacic Katja K. , Porges Stephen W.
Published: April 2019

A range of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder frequently co‐occur with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Risk of these pathologies is particularly high in those with a history of trauma, abuse, and chronic stress. These scientific findings and rising awareness within the healthcare profession give rise to a need for an integrative framework to understand the developmental mechanisms that give rise to these observations. In this paper, we introduce a plausible explanatory framework, based on the Polyvagal Theory (Porges, Psychophysiology, 32, 301–318, 1995; Porges, International Journal of Psychophysiology, 42, 123–146, 2001; Porges, Biological Psychology, 74, 116–143, 2007), which describes how evolution impacted the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The Polyvagal Theory provides organizing principles for understanding the development of adaptive diversity in homeostatic, threat‐response, and psychosocial functions that contribute to pathology. Using these principles, we outline possible mechanisms that promote and maintain socioemotional and GI dysfunction and review their implications for therapeutic targets.
Meta‐analysis of risk factors for amputation in diabetic foot infections
Authors: Sen Pinar , Demirdal Tuna , Emir Busra
Published: April 2019

Background

Knowledge of risk factors is crucial to develop management and treatment protocols for the prevention of lower extremity amputation for patients with diabetic foot infections (DFIs).

Methods

We searched the research literature for studies reporting risk factors for lower extremity amputation in patients with DFI. The main outcome variables included both minor and major amputations. This study was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018118543).

Results

A total of 2471 potential articles from the database search met the inclusion criteria. After reviewing the titles, abstracts, and full texts, remaining 25 articles were included in the final analysis. We identified 6132 patients with DFI in the 25 included articles. Of these, 1873 patients who underwent amputation were investigated.

Male gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.31), smoking (OR: 1.38), history of amputation (OR: 1.47), history of osteomyelitis (OR: 1.94), peripheral arterial disease (OR: 2.35), retinopathy (OR: 1.32), International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) grades 3 and 4 (OR: 1.7 and 2.5), Wagner grades 4 and 5 (OR: 4.3 and 6.4), gangrene/necrosis (OR: 9.9), osteomyelitis (OR: 4.5), neuroischaemic DFI (OR: 3.06), severe infection (OR: 3.12), length of hospitalization (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.7), leukocytosis (OR: 1.76), mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (SMD: 0.5), mean C‐reactive protein (CRP) (SMD: 0.8), tissue culture positivity (OR: 1.61), and isolation of Gram‐negative bacteria from tissue culture (OR: 1.5) were found as predictors of amputation in DFI.

Conclusions

The present study highlighted some differences in diabetic foot ulcers and DFIs in terms of risk factors for lower extremity amputation. These data provide detailed information about risk factors for amputations among patients with DFI, thus contributing to the creation of new classification systems for assessment of high‐risk patients.
Alterations in phospholipid profiles of erythrocytes deep‐frozen without cryoprotectants
Authors: Cho Yoeseph , Woo Ji‐Hye , Kwon Oh‐Seung , Yoon Sang Sun , Son Junghyun
Published: April 2019

The erythrocyte membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which is known to undergo physicochemical changes during storage at low temperatures. This study was conducted to identify marker phospholipids that indicate alteration during deep‐frozen storage and to determine the amount of marker phospholipids. Our research suggested a method to detect phospholipids by profiling analysis of thermally injured red blood cells (RBCs) without protecting agents. Human blood was stored at −80°C for 72 days. The RBC membrane phospholipids were extracted through a modified Bligh and Dyer method. Six selected phospholipids were analyzed and quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and an in vitro model system was developed. The intracellular level of N‐nervonoyl‐D‐erythro‐sphingosylphosphorylcholine significantly increased in the thermally injured RBCs, and multiple biomarker candidates were evaluated by profiling analysis and mass spectrometry technology for targeted metabolomics.
Outcomes of in vitro fertilization with frozen‐thawed sperm: An analysis of post‐thaw recovery of sperm, embryogenesis, offspring morphology, and skeletogenesis for a cyprinid fish
Authors: Zadmajid Vahid , Falahipour Elham , Ghaderi Edris , Sørensen Sune Riis , Butts Ian Anthony Ernest
Published: April 2019

Background

Gamete cryopreservation causes cellular damage and death. This study develops cryopreservation techniques for Levantine scraper, and deciphers how early offspring development is affected when eggs are sired with fresh and frozen‐thawed sperm.

Results

Cryopreserved sperm did not affect embryogenesis at two‐ and four‐cell stages, but impaired embryonic development at eight‐cell stage. Embryonic viability decreased at organogenesis, where only 34‐49% of embryos showed viability with frozen‐thawed sperm. Hatching success and percentage of normal hatched embryos declined when fertilized with frozen‐thawed sperm. Considering only frozen‐thawed cells the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)‐5%, methanol (METH)‐5%, and METH‐10% treatments yielded highest hatch, while METH‐5% and propylene glycol‐5% yielded the most normal hatched embryos. Larval spinal torsion was higher for fresh than frozen‐thawed sperm, where larvae with spinal torsion showed vertebral fusion and shape alterations during exogenous feeding. Both fresh and cryopreserved treatments showed abnormalities in caudal skeleton, while rates of defective yolk‐sacs were higher for cryopreserved sperm, where larvae with defective yolks showed oversized yolk extension. Percentage of larvae with defective heads/eyes were also higher for cryopreserved sperm.

Conclusions

Results show how frozen‐thawed sperm impairs embryonic/larvae development and identifies frequency and position of abnormalities. Future studies should investigate how sperm DNA damage may have caused these alterations.
Tolerance and overcompensation to infection by Phytophthora infestans in the wild perennial climber Solanum dulcamara
Authors: Masini Laura , Grenville‐Briggs Laura J. , Andreasson Erik , Råberg Lars , Lankinen Åsa
Published: April 2019

Studies of infection by Phytophthora infestans—the causal agent of potato late blight—in wild species can provide novel insights into plant defense responses, and indicate how wild plants might be influenced by recurrent epidemics in agricultural fields. In the present study, our aim was to investigate if different clones of Solanum dulcamara (a relative of potato) collected in the wild differ in resistance and tolerance to infection by a common European isolate of P. infestans. We performed infection experiments with six S. dulcamara genotypes (clones) both in the laboratory and in the field and measured the degree of infection and plant performance traits. In the laboratory, the six evaluated genotypes varied from resistant to susceptible, as measured by degree of infection 20 days post infection. Two of the four genotypes susceptible to infection showed a quadratic (concave downward) relationship between the degree of infection and shoot length, with maximum shoot length at intermediate values of infection. This result suggests overcompensation, that is, an increase in growth in infected individuals. The number of leaves decreased with increasing degree of infection, but at different rates in the four susceptible genotypes, indicating genetic variation for tolerance. In the field, the inoculated genotypes did not show any disease symptoms, but plant biomass at the end of the growing season was higher for inoculated plants than for controls, in‐line with the overcompensation detected in the laboratory. We conclude that in S. dulcamara there are indications of genetic variation for both resistance and tolerance to P. infestans infection. Moreover, some genotypes displayed overcompensation. Learning about plant tolerance and overcompensation to infection by pathogens can help broaden our understanding of plant defense in natural populations and help develop more sustainable plant protection strategies for economically important crop diseases.
The harmful algae, Cochlodinium polykrikoides and Aureococcus anophagefferens, elicit stronger transcriptomic and mortality response in larval bivalves (Argopecten irradians) than climate change stressors
Authors: Griffith Andrew W. , Harke Matthew J. , DePasquale Elizabeth , Berry Dianna L. , Gobler Christopher J.
Published: April 2019

Global ocean change threatens marine life, yet a mechanistic understanding of how organisms are affected by specific stressors is poorly understood. Here, we identify and compare the unique and common transcriptomic responses of an organism experiencing widespread fisheries declines, Argopecten irradians (bay scallop) exposed to multiple stressors including high pCO2, elevated temperature, and two species of harmful algae, Cochlodinium (aka Margalefidinium) polykrikoides and Aureococcus anophagefferens using high‐throughput sequencing (RNA‐seq). After 48 hr of exposure, scallop transcriptomes revealed distinct expression profiles with larvae exposed to harmful algae (C. polykrikoides and A. anophagefferens) displaying broader responses in terms of significantly and differentially expressed (DE) transcripts (44,922 and 4,973; respectively) than larvae exposed to low pH or elevated temperature (559 and 467; respectively). Patterns of expression between larvae exposed to each harmful algal treatment were, however, strikingly different with larvae exposed to A. anophagefferens displaying large, significant declines in the expression of transcripts (n = 3,615; 87% of DE transcripts) whereas exposure to C. polykrikoides increased the abundance of transcripts, more than all other treatments combined (n = 43,668; 97% of DE transcripts). Larvae exposed to each stressor up‐regulated a common set of 21 genes associated with protein synthesis, cellular metabolism, shell growth, and membrane transport. Larvae exposed to C. polykrikoides displayed large increases in antioxidant‐associated transcripts, whereas acidification‐exposed larvae increased abundance of transcripts associated with shell formation. After 10 days of exposure, each harmful algae caused declines in survival that were significantly greater than all other treatments. Collectively, this study reveals the common and unique transcriptional responses of bivalve larvae to stressors that promote population declines within coastal zones, providing insight into the means by which they promote mortality as well as traits possessed by bay scallops that enable potential resistance.
Landscape heterogeneity in landform and land use provides functional resistance to gene flow in continuous Asian black bear populations
Authors: Ohnishi Naoki , Osawa Takeshi , Yamamoto Toshiaki , Uno Reina
Published: April 2019

Context

Genetic diversity is one of the most important facets of biological diversity, and changes in the spatial pattern of habitats, often modified by human activity, are believed to have affected the genetic diversity of resident natural populations.

Objectives

We undertook a landscape genetic analysis in order to determine which landscape features influence gene flow within Asian black bear populations and to identify the underlying processes.

Methods

In our evaluation of gene flow, we estimated four parameters of resistance with regard to landscape elevation: the mean, the difference between the highest and lowest, the standard deviation, and the coefficient of variation of elevation among individuals. We then examined the resistance effect of different land use types.

Results

With the exception of mean elevation, we found that all parameters showed a significant relationship with genetic distance, indicating that unevenness in elevation provides functional resistance to gene flow. Although we found no evidence of landscape barriers (isolation‐by‐barrier), there was an indication of landscape resistance (isolation‐by‐resistance). Urban area and farmland are suggested to be the strong factors contributing to the resistance to gene flow, even though isolation‐by‐distance was also detected. When we examined gene flow for pairs of males and pairs of females, both isolation‐by‐distance and isolation‐by‐resistance were stronger in order of female pairs, male pairs, all individual pairs.

Conclusions

We conclude that landscape resistance was detectable with a high contrast in landscape heterogeneity and they are more influential on females than males.

OPEN PRACTICES

This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.gn0qf16.
The usefulness of ecological concepts: patterns among practitioners
Authors: Reiners Derek S. , Reiners William A. , Lockwood Jeffrey A. , Prager Steven D.
Published: April 2019

A survey was distributed to members of the Ecological Society of America in 2014, which asked respondents to rate the usefulness of 131 of the most common, current ecological concepts. As part of the survey, key demographic and professional information was requested from respondents, including age, gender, education level, sector of employment, and primary area (i.e., domain) of interest in ecology. This paper reports how those factors interacted and affected concept ratings. Comprehensive analysis revealed many significant patterns. Among these, we discovered that concept ratings almost invariably increased with age, often dramatically. Also, there was a very strong tendency for males to rate concepts, in general, higher than did females, but the magnitudes of these differences were small. Furthermore, there was a significant gulf between the academic and government employment categories, characterized by academic respondents having rated most concepts higher. This research is important to the ecological community as a quantitative description of the kinds of variation existing among its constituents in terms of types and degrees of concept utility. Self‐knowledge is critical for understanding the discipline and for advancing its educational, research, and environmental initiatives.