bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEM–PBM modeling of impact dominated ribbon milling
Authors: Loreti Simone , Wu Chuan‐Yu , Reynolds Gavin , Mirtič Andreja , Seville Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Ribbon milling is a critical step in dry granulation using roll compaction as it determines the properties of granules, and subsequently the properties of final products. During ribbon milling, fragmentation of ribbons or flakes (i.e., compressed agglomerates from dry powders) are induced by either impact or abrasion. Understanding these fragmentation mechanisms is critical in optimizing ribbon milling processes. In the current study, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to model fragmentation at the microscopic level, providing a detailed insight into the underlying breakage mechanism. In DEM modeling, virtual ribbons were created by introducing an appropriate interfacial energy using the cohesive particle model based on the JKR theory. A set of three‐dimensional parallelepiped ribbons with solid fraction
and surface energies ranging from
and
were created and then fractured during impacts with a plane at various impact velocities, to model impact dominated milling. The fragmentation rate, and the number and size of fragments (i.e., granules) resulting from the breakage of a ribbon during the impact were determined. The DEM simulations showed that the granules size distribution had a bimodal pattern and there was a strong correlation between the size of fines generated from fragmentation during impact and the size of the feed powder (i.e., the size of the primary particles in this study), which was consistent with the observation from physical experiments. Two quantities were calculated from the DEM simulations: the number of fragments p and the fraction of fines z for each breakage event which were then used as input parameters for population balance models (PBM) to develop a DEM–PBM modeling framework. Comparision with published experimental data shows that the developed DEM‐PBM model is a promising tool for analysing ribbon milling, but all breakage mechanisms involved need to to considered in order to achieve an accurate prediction. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3692–3705, 2017
Clinical characteristics and whole exome/transcriptome sequencing of coexisting chronic myeloid leukemia and myelofibrosis
Authors: Kandarpa Malathi , Wu Yi‐Mi , Robinson Dan , Burke Patrick William , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Talpaz Moshe
Published: March 2017

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) disorders that can be classified on the basis of genetic, clinical, phenotypic features. Genetic lesions such as JAK2 mutations and BCR‐ABL translocation are often mutually exclusive in MPN patients and lead to essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, or myelofibrosis or chronic myeloid leukemia, respectively. Nevertheless, coexistence of these genetic aberrations in the same patient has been reported. Whether these aberrations occur in the same stem cell or a different cell is unclear, but an unstable genome in the HSCs seems to be the common antecedent. In an effort to characterize the underlying genetic events that might contribute to the appearance of more than one MPN in a patient, we studied neoplastic cells from patients with dual MPNs by next‐generation sequencing. We observed that most patients with two MPNs harbored mutations in genes known to contribute to clonal hematopoiesis through altered epigenetic regulation such as TET2, ASXL1/2, SRSF2, and IDH2 at varying frequencies (1%–47%). In addition, we found that some patients also harbored oncogenic mutations in N/KRAS, TP53, BRAF, EZH2, and GNAS at low frequencies, which probably represent clonal evolution. These findings support the hypothesis that hematopoietic cells from MPN patients harbor multiple genetic aberrations, some of which can contribute to clonal dominance. Acquiring mutations in JAK2/CALR/MPL or the BCR‐ABL translocation probably drive the oncogenic phenotype towards a specific MPN. Further, we propose that the acquisition of BCR‐ABL in these patients is frequently a secondary event resulting from an unstable genome.
Large Magnetoelectric Coupling Near Room Temperature in Synthetic Melanostibite Mn2FeSbO6
Authors: Dos santos‐García Antonio J. , Solana‐Madruga Elena , Ritter Clemens , Andrada‐Chacón Adrián , Sánchez‐Benítez Javier , Mompean Federico J. , Garcia‐Hernandez Mar , Sáez‐Puche Regino , Schmidt Rainer
Published: March 2017

Multiferroic materials exhibit two or more ferroic orders and have potential applications as multifunctional materials in the electronics industry. A coupling of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism is hereby particularly promising. We show that the synthetic melanostibite mineral Mn2FeSbO6 (R
space group) with ilmenite‐type structure exhibits cation off‐centering that results in alternating modulated displacements, thus allowing antiferroelectricity to occur. Massive magnetoelectric coupling (MEC) and magnetocapacitance effect of up to 4000 % was detected at a record high temperature of 260 K. The multiferroic behavior is based on the imbalance of cationic displacements caused by a magnetostrictive mechanism, which sets up an unprecedented example to pave the way for the development of highly effective MEC devices operational at or near room temperature.
Mutant Exon1 Huntingtin Aggregation is Regulated by T3 Phosphorylation‐Induced Structural Changes and Crosstalk between T3 Phosphorylation and Acetylation at K6
Authors: Chiki Anass , DeGuire Sean M. , Ruggeri Francesco S. , Sanfelice Domenico , Ansaloni Annalisa , Wang Zhe‐Ming , Cendrowska Urszula , Burai Ritwik , Vieweg Sophie , Pastore Annalisa , Dietler Giovanni , Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: March 2017

Herein, we used protein semisynthesis to investigate, for the first time, the effect of lysine acetylation and phosphorylation, as well as the crosstalk between these modifications on the structure and aggregation of mutant huntingtin exon1 (Httex1). Our results demonstrate that phosphorylation at T3 stabilizes the α‐helical conformation of the N‐terminal 17 amino acids (Nt17) and significantly inhibits the aggregation of mutant Httex1. Acetylation of single lysine residues, K6, K9 or K15, had no effect on Httex1 aggregation. Interestingly, acetylation at K6, but not at K9 or K15, reversed the inhibitory effect of T3 phosphorylation. Together, our results provide novel insight into the role of Nt17 post‐translational modifications in regulating the structure and aggregation of Httex1 and suggest that its aggregation and possibly its function(s) are controlled by regulatory mechanisms involving crosstalk between different PTMs.
Detection of Carbapenemase‐Producing Organisms with a Carbapenem‐Based Fluorogenic Probe
Authors: Mao Wuyu , Xia Lingying , Xie Hexin
Published: March 2017

Antibiotic resistance has become a major challenge to public health worldwide. This crisis is further aggravated by the increasing emergence of bacterial resistance to carbapenems, typically considered as the antibiotics of last resort, which is mainly due to the production of carbapenem‐hydrolyzing carbapenemases in bacteria. Herein, the carbapenem‐based fluorogenic probe CB‐1 with an unprecedented enamine–BODIPY switch is developed for the detection of carbapenemase activity. This reagent is remarkably specific towards carbapenemases over other prevalent β‐lactamases. Furthermore, the efficient imaging of live clinically important carbapenemase‐producing organisms (CPOs) with CB‐1 demonstrates its potential for the rapid detection of antibiotic resistance and timely diagnosis of CPO infections.
Synthesis of Complex Phenols Enabled by a Rationally Designed Hydroxide Surrogate
Authors: Fier Patrick S. , Maloney Kevin M.
Published: March 2017

The conversion of aryl halides to phenols under mild reaction conditions is a longstanding and formidable challenge in organic chemistry. Herein, we report the rational design of a broadly applicable Pd‐catalyzed method to prepare phenols with benzaldehyde oxime as a hydroxide surrogate. These reactions occur under mildly basic conditions and enable the late‐stage hydroxylation of several functionally‐dense drug‐like aryl halides.
Synthesis of Poly(arylene vinylene)s with Different End Groups by Combining Acyclic Diene Metathesis Polymerization with Wittig‐type Couplings
Authors: Miyashita Tomonari , Kunisawa Mikiko , Sueki Shunsuke , Nomura Kotohiro
Published: March 2017

A series of end‐functionalized poly(9,9′‐di‐n‐octylfluorene vinylene)s (EF‐PFVs) with different end groups were obtained by 1) synthesizing EF‐PFV with vinyl end groups by acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization with a molybdenum catalyst and termination with an aldehyde and 2) subsequent olefin metathesis of the vinyl group with the molybdenum catalyst followed by Wittig‐type coupling with another aldehyde. The exclusive formation of EF‐PFVs containing a vinyl end group by the ADMET polymerization was confirmed by grafting PEG, and by the synthesis of amphiphilic triblock copolymers by combining atom transfer radical polymerization from the PFV chain end with PEG grafting through a click reaction. Various EF‐PFVs with different end groups, such as C6F5, pyridyl, ferrocenyl, and terthiophene, have thus been prepared. Their fluorescence spectra (e.g., intensities, emission wavelengths) were influenced by the end groups and the length of the conjugation.
Chiral Amino Alcohol Accelerated and Stereocontrolled Allylboration of Iminoisatins: Highly Efficient Construction of Adjacent Quaternary Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Tan Qiuyuan , Wang Xinqiao , Xiong Yang , Zhao Zimeng , Li Lu , Tang Pei , Zhang Min
Published: March 2017

We have developed a highly efficient asymmetric allylboration of ketimines with nonchiral γ,γ‐disubstituted allylboronic acids by using a chiral amino alcohol as the directing group, which is otherwise challenging. The amino alcohol not only serves as a cheap source of nitrogen and chirality, but also dramatically enhances the reactivity. The versatility of this method was demonstrated by its ability to access all four stereoisomers with adjacent quaternary carbon centers. A reaction model was proposed to explain the diastereoselectivity and the rate‐accelerating effect.
Synthesis and Properties of Aza‐ullazines
Authors: Boldt Sebastian , Parpart Silvio , Villinger Alexander , Ehlers Peter , Langer Peter
Published: March 2017

A range of aza‐ullazines, which represent a new heterocyclic core structure, were synthesized through a scalable four‐step reaction, including a Sonogashira reaction and metal‐free cyclization promoted by p‐toluenesulfonic acid. The optical and electrochemical properties of selected derivatives were investigated, they were found to have similar absorption and emission spectra but a higher oxidation potential than the parent ullazine core.
Different Structural Origins of the Enantioselectivity of Haloalkane Dehalogenases toward Linear β‐Haloalkanes: Open–Solvated versus Occluded–Desolvated Active Sites
Authors: Liskova Veronika , Stepankova Veronika , Bednar David , Brezovsky Jan , Prokop Zbynek , Chaloupkova Radka , Damborsky Jiri
Published: March 2017

The enzymatic enantiodiscrimination of linear β‐haloalkanes is difficult because the simple structures of the substrates prevent directional interactions. Herein we describe two distinct molecular mechanisms for the enantiodiscrimination of the β‐haloalkane 2‐bromopentane by haloalkane dehalogenases. Highly enantioselective DbjA has an open, solvent‐accessible active site, whereas the engineered enzyme DhaA31 has an occluded and less solvated cavity but shows similar enantioselectivity. The enantioselectivity of DhaA31 arises from steric hindrance imposed by two specific substitutions rather than hydration as in DbjA.
Oleanane‐type Saponins from Glochidion hirsutum and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Thang Nguyen Van , Thu Vu Kim , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Dung Duong Thi , Quang Tran Hong , Tai Bui Huu , Anh Hoang Le Tuan , Yen Pham Hai , Ngan Nguyen Thi Thanh , Hoang Nguyen Huy , Kiem Phan Van
Published: March 2017

Five new oleanane‐type saponins, hirsutosides A – E, were isolated from the leaves of Glochidion hirsutum (Roxb.) Voigt. Their structures were elucidated as 21β‐benzoyloxy‐3β,16β,23,28‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐ene 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (1), 21β‐benzoyloxy‐3β,16β,23,28‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐ene 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (2), 21β‐benzoyloxy‐3β,16β,23,28‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐ene 3‐O‐6‐acetyl‐[β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)]‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (3), 21β‐benzoyloxy‐3β,16β,23,28‐tetrahydroxyolean‐12‐ene 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐〈‐l‐arabinopyranoside (4), and 21β‐benzoyloxy‐3β,16β,23‐trihydroxyolean‐12‐ene‐28‐al 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐(1 → 3)‐α‐l‐arabinopyranoside (5). All isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activities on four human cancer cell lines, HepG‐2, A‐549, MCF‐7, and SW‐626 using the SRB assay. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 showed significant cytotoxic activities against all human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.4 to 10.2 μm. Compound 3 containing acetyl group at glc C(6″) exhibited weak cytotoxic activity with IC50 values ranging from 47.0 to 54.4 μm.
Health care bill would slash Medicaid and remove protections for mental health treatment
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2017

The first draft of the Republican bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would dramatically cut Medicaid, allowing the essential health benefits requirements to sunset from Medicaid expansion plans by 2020. Medicaid expansion was a major source of treatment for patients with behavioral health disorders. The bill went through the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees on March 8. According to the Congressional Budget Office, 24 million people would lose health insurance.
Screening for ‘presumptive eligibility’ for ASD services increased identification of infants and toddlers
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2017

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential to facilitating intervention, but there are often backlogs of infants and children waiting for a diagnostic evaluation. Researchers in South Carolina found that a combination of policy changes, training, and modification of state agency practices improved detection of those who needed early intensive behavioral interventions (EIBIs), avoiding the wait for a diagnosis and missed opportunities for improvement. They found that few of the infants ended up without a diagnosis.
Marijuana not safe for teens: AAP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2017

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued clear guidance to clinicians and their patients that marijuana is not safe for teens. In the March issue of Pediatrics, the AAP's Committee on Substance Use and Prevention published a report titled “Counseling Parents and Teens About Marijuana Use in the Era of Legalization of Marijuana,” which gives specific content to be shared with parents and teen patients.
Fluorescent Sensing of a Nerve Agent Simulant with Dual Emission over Wide pH Range in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kim Youngsam , Jang Yoon Jeong , Mulay Sandip V. , Nguyen Thuy‐Tien T. , Churchill David G.
Published: March 2017

A new 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based fluorescent probe for the detection of diethyl cyanophosphonate, a very common nerve agent simulant, is designed, synthesized, and characterized fully. The probe shows around 50‐fold enhancement of fluorescence intensity over other nerve agent simulants. Importantly, the probe is able to work under aqueous conditions in a wide pH range. Two reactive groups, the oxime and the phenol, allow a dual emission with different kinetic reactions. The reaction of diethyl cyanophosphonate with the oxime group occurs in advance; the resulting time response of the fluorescence enhancement is observed within approximately 30 s. After the oxime reaction, then phenol also undergoes a substitution reaction with diethyl cyanophosphonate, resulting in a blue emission. The real application of this new probe is demonstrated through the use of silica plate assays for the detection of diethyl cyanophosphonate in both gas and liquid phases through dual emission channels.
Direct Asymmetric Aza‐Vinylogous‐Type Michael Additions of Nitrones from Isatins to Nitroalkenes
Authors: Zhan Gu , Shi Ming‐Lin , Lin Wei‐Jia , Ouyang Qin , Du Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: March 2017

Nitrones commonly act as 1,3‐dipoles and electrophiles to furnish valuable isoxazolidine and N‐hydroxyl products, respectively. They also can be converted to nitrone ylide species and undergo [3+2] formal cycloadditions to access N‐hydroxyl pyrrolidines. Here, asymmetric direct aza‐vinylogous‐type additions of nitrones from isatins to nitroalkenes are presented, catalyzed by a bifunctional thiourea‐tertiary amine, affording highly functionalized nitrones with extended carbon skeletons in excellent stereoselectivity. Notably, the nitrone moiety can be easily removed, thus furnishing the formal asymmetric α‐functionalization of alkylamine‐type substances. Moreover, the remaining electrophilic nitrone motif enables the subsequent annulations to construct spirocyclic products in high molecular complexity and diversity, which might have potential applications for drug discovery.
Cardiac device implantations in obese patients: Success rates and complications
Authors: Attanasio Philipp , Lacour Philipp , Ernert Andrea , Pieske Burkert , Haverkamp Wilhelm , Blaschke Florian , Dalle Vedove Francesco , Huemer Martin
Published: March 2017

Background

Obesity is associated with increased complications and potentially worse outcomes for various cardiac interventions. This study analyzed the success rate and complication rates associated with implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in obese patients.

Hypothesis

Success rates are lower and complication rates higher in obese patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing CIED implantation between 2011 and 2015 in our hospital were included. Patients were categorized into obese and nonobese groups according to body mass index (BMI); cutoff was 30 kg/m2. Patient characteristics, complication rates, procedural duration, and fluoroscopy data were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 965 patients (mean age, 69.0 ± 12.9 years; 67% male) were included. Of these, 249 (25.8%) patients were classified obese and 716 (74.2%) nonobese. Mean BMI was 34.7 ± 4.7 kg/m2 vs 25.1 ± 3.0 kg/m2, respectively. There was no difference in procedural success rates between the 2 groups (97.2% vs 97.1%, respectively). Major complications were significantly lower in the obese group compared with the nonobese group (11 [4.4%] vs 62 [8.7%]; P < 0.05). Procedural duration and fluoroscopy duration were not different between the 2 groups, but the total dose‐area product was significantly higher in obese patients vs nonobese patients (4012 ± 5416 cGcm2
vs 2692 ± 5277 cGcm2
; P < 0.005).

Conclusions

CIED implantation can be safely and effectively achieved in patients with BMI >30 kg/m2. However, total radiation dose was significantly higher in the obese group, emphasizing that efforts should be made to reduce radiation exposure in these patients.
Opportunistic salpingectomy: What about the role of the ovary in ovarian cancer?
Authors: Samimi Goli , Minasian Lori M.
Published: March 2017

A report in this issue of Cancer reviews the concept of bilateral salpingectomy as a preventive approach for high‐grade serous carcinomas and describes the potential for risk reduction while limiting adverse effects of premature menopause that occur after salpingo‐oophorectomy. The findings indicate that salpingectomy for risk‐reduction in high‐risk women remains a source of debate and requires additional research, particularly with respect to the role of the ovary in ovarian cancer progression.

See also pages 1714‐20.
GABAergic innervation of the ciliary ganglion in macaque monkeys – A light and electron microscopic study
Authors: Barnerssoi Miriam , May Paul J. , Horn Anja K. E.
Published: March 2017

The vertebrate ciliary ganglion (CG) is a relay station in the parasympathetic pathway activating the iris sphincter and ciliary muscle to mediate pupillary constriction and lens accommodation, respectively. While the postganglionic motoneurons in the CG are cholinergic, as are their inputs, there is evidence from avian studies that GABA may also be involved. Here, we used light and electron microscopic methods to examine the GABAergic innervation of the CG in Macaca fascicularis monkeys. Immunohistochemistry for the gamma aminobutyric acid synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) revealed that all CG neurons are contacted by ChAT‐positive terminals. A subpopulation of 17.5% of CG neurons was associated with terminal boutons expressing GAD‐immunoreactivity in addition. Double‐labeling for GAD and synaptophysin confirmed that these were synaptic terminals. Electron microscopic analysis in conjunction with GABA‐immunogold staining showed that (1) GAD‐positive terminals mainly target dendrites and spines in the perisomatic neuropil of CG neurons; (2) GABA is restricted to a specific terminal type, which displays intermediate features lying between classically excitatory and inhibitory endings; and (3) if a CG neuron is contacted by GABA‐positive terminals, virtually all perisomatic terminals supplying it show GABA immunoreactivity. The source of this GABAergic input and whether GABA contributes to a specific CG function remains to be investigated. Nevertheless, our data indicate that the innervation of the ciliary ganglion is more complex than previously thought, and that GABA may play a neuromodulatory role in the control of lens or pupil function. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1–1, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using principal component analysis technique in the instrumental shade sorting of textile fabrics
Authors: Hasanlou Elham , Izadan Hossein , Khalili Haleh
Published: March 2017

In the present study, the CCC shade sorting method was employed with CMC(2:1) color difference formula on the colorimetric data (CIEL*a* b*) of 37 fabric color sets. The k‐means non‐hierarchical clustering technique was also combined with the CCC shade sorting method to increase its efficiency. The results of this combined method showed a slightly better performance, as compared with the CCC method. Also, a new proposed shade sorting method by the application of principal components analysis (PCA) technique was used to identify and remove the outliers in each of the color sets. The results of separating the outliers showed that although the diameter of group criterion was improved significantly, the number of groups, the number of singleton groups, and the number of groups with low samples were increased considerably. Finally, in a second new proposed shade sorting method, PCA was used as a data reduction tool on the colorimetric data of the 37 color sets. Then, the two first principal components in combination with a k‐means clustering technique were used for the clustering of the samples in each color set. The results of this second new proposed method were found to be similar to the CCC method considering number of group and fabric consumption criteria. The second new proposed method revealed a moderately worse result, with regard to the diameter of group criterion, than the CCC method.
A parallel k‐means clustering algorithm based on redundance elimination and extreme points optimization employing MapReduce
Authors: Tang Zhuo , Liu Kunkun , Xiao Jinbo , Yang Li , Xiao Zheng
Published: March 2017

When facing massive statistical data, the k‐means algorithm is very difficult to satisfy the need of data processing as it lacks an effective parallel mechanism. This paper proposes an improved k‐means algorithm (IMR‐KCA) to conduct clustering analysis based on medical data employing MapReduce computing framework. Through analyzing the defects of vast redundancy in the traditional k‐means algorithms, a selection model is firstly proposed to simplify the computations with multiple clustering centers. Based on several proposed theorems, we prove the correctness of this selection model. Second, this paper provides a method to calculate the distances from extreme points to central points, and the original Euclidean distance is replaced with Manhattan distance. For this simplification, a group of theorems are proposed to prove the correctness. Next, we provide a group of implementation algorithms to complete the parallelism of the clustering computation employing the MapReduce framework. Finally, the experimental results illustrate that IMR‐KCA is more reliable and efficient than the direct parallelization of the traditional clustering algorithms based on MapReduce. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supramolecular Isoguanosine Assemblies Form Hydrogels with Excellent Long‐Term Stability
Authors: Zhao Hang , Schäfer Andreas H. , Seela Frank
Published: March 2017

Invited for this month's cover is the collaboration between Prof. Dr. Frank Seela at Osnabrück University and Center for Nanotechnology in Münster, Germany, Dr. Hang Zhao, former postdoctoral fellow in Prof. Seela's group and now Associate Professor at Sichuan University, P. R. China, and Dr. Andreas Schäfer at Nanoanalytics GmbH, Münster, Germany. The cover picture shows an isoguanosine hydrogel formed by nucleoside self‐assembly that consists of interconnected helical fibers. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201600586.
Click here for mental health support: Extending mental health services to the isolated learner
Authors: Russo Joseph V. , Bruce Mary Alice , Scull Reed
Published: March 2017

Elaine Allen and Jeff Seaman, in a Babson Research Survey Group report published earlier this year, stated that distance education now is considered mainstream, with more than 25 percent of students in higher education taking at least one online course. Students enrolled exclusively online exceed 12.5 percent of the total number of students. Of the more than 2.8 million students exclusively online, public institutions serve almost half the enrollees. As a land grant institution, the University of Wyoming abides by the mission designated by the Morrill Act of 1862 to offer a practical education that prepares students for life responsibilities. This has long included attention to their emotional well‐being.
When you dare to mentor a millennial
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: March 2017

I have written about mentoring before, but it is time for an update. Some five years ago, a young 20‐something female librarian asked me if I would be her mentor. She said that a woman she talked to often at the college told her to choose someone at the college whom she admired and whose attributes she wanted to emulate and ask if that person would mentor her. She chose me!
Have a plan to address hate crimes, hate incidents
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2017

Hate crimes and hate incidents have risen in number across the country in recent months, including on college campuses. White supremacists recently put intimidating posters on the doors of minority faculty members at Indiana University at Bloomington and more than 30 other colleges. Graffiti including swastikas has been reported at a number of campuses. And right‐wing websites target faculty members for perceived liberal tendencies, leading to harassment and even death threats against these professors.
Keep your work ethic fresh by reflecting on core values
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: March 2017

Donna Heiland has seen a lot of change in her higher education career. Heiland, currently associate provost at the Pratt Institute, began her career in higher education as a professor of English at Vassar College, where she earned tenure.
Nematode distributions as spatial null models for macroinvertebrate species richness across environmental gradients: A case from mountain lakes
Authors: de Mendoza Guillermo , Traunspurger Walter , Palomo Alejandro , Catalan Jordi
Published: March 2017

Nematode species are widely tolerant of environmental conditions and disperse passively. Therefore, the species richness distribution in this group might largely depend on the topological distribution of the habitats and main aerial and aquatic dispersal pathways connecting them. If so, the nematode species richness distributions may serve as null models for evaluating that of other groups more affected by environmental gradients. We investigated this hypothesis in lakes across an altitudinal gradient in the Pyrenees. We compared the altitudinal distribution, environmental tolerance, and species richness, of nematodes with that of three other invertebrate groups collected during the same sampling: oligochaetes, chironomids, and nonchironomid insects. We tested the altitudinal bias in distributions witht‐tests and the significance of narrow‐ranging altitudinal distributions with randomizations. We compared results between groups with Fisher's exact tests. We then explored the influence of environmental factors on species assemblages in all groups with redundancy analysis (RDA), using 28 environmental variables. And, finally, we analyzed species richness patterns across altitude with simple linear and quadratic regressions. Nematode species were rarely biased from random distributions (5% of species) in contrast with other groups (35%, 47%, and 50%, respectively). The altitudinal bias most often shifted toward low altitudes (85% of biased species). Nematodes showed a lower portion of narrow‐ranging species than any other group, and differed significantly from nonchironomid insects (10% and 43%, respectively). Environmental variables barely explained nematode assemblages (RDA adjusted R2 = 0.02), in contrast with other groups (0.13, 0.19 and 0.24). Despite these substantial differences in the response to environmental factors, species richness across altitude was unimodal, peaking at mid elevations, in all groups. This similarity indicates that the spatial distribution of lakes across altitude is a primary driver of invertebrate richness. Provided that nematodes are ubiquitous, their distribution offers potential null models to investigate species richness across environmental gradients in other ecosystem types and biogeographic regions.
Is relative Si/Ca availability crucial to the performance of grassland ecosystems?
Authors: Schaller Jörg , Hodson Martin J. , Struyf Eric
Published: March 2017

Species composition of grasslands and pastures is an important control on biomass production and ecological functioning, with a significant role of grasses and legumes. A change in composition of legumes/grasses abundance and biomass ratio results in altered nutrient cycling and composition of higher trophic‐level communities (e.g., grazers). However, in addition to pasturing and fire effects, other parameters may also potentially affect grassland composition. Grasses are known as silicon (Si) accumulators and legumes as calcium (Ca) accumulators. We propose a new testable hypothesis, and a conceptual model, on the role of Si/Ca availability in controlling legume/grass dominance/competition in grassland systems. Based on available literature, we argue that Si/Ca availability is an important trigger for shifts in abundance of both plant families. The differential uptake of Si and Ca by legumes and grasses affects grassland biogeochemistry and microbial (fungal) biomass. In addition, altered litter stoichiometry, through impact of Ca and Si uptake on N, C, and P turnover, affects the decomposition processes.
An irreversible division of labor through a sexually dependent system in the clonal plant Iris laevigata (Iridaceae)
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Wang Hanxi , He Chunguang , Sheng Lianxi , Tang Zhanhui
Published: March 2017

Scientists were concerned with the division of labor research early, and much current research in clonal plant ecology has proved environmentally induced or a developmentally programmed division of labor. However, the sexually dependent division of labor in clonal plants has received little attention, and few experimental tests have been conducted to date. Here, using reproductive ramets and non‐reproductive ramets in the clonal plant Iris laevigata, we test this hypothesis on morphology and physiology through field and manipulative experiments, including an isotope (15N) labeling method. With regard to morphology, under natural conditions, non‐reproductive ramets of I. laevigata were more abundant, taller, and consisted exclusively of leaves, while the relatively rare, smaller reproductive ramets consisted of leaves, flowers, or seeds. However, the mean biomass of non‐reproductive ramets was nearly half that of reproductive ramets. With regard to physiology, non‐reproductive ramets had a significantly higher net photosynthetic rate over a 24‐h period than reproductive ramets. Furthermore, the reproductive ramets stopped leaf growth when flower buds appeared in late May and lost photosynthetic capacity before late June, while its growing fruits still required a constant supply of many nutrients. Manipulative experiments showed that the non‐reproductive ramets supplied the nutrient demands for reproduction of the reproductive ramets through clonal integration as high as δ15N of the value (196.1 ± 73.39) of the seed. Thereby providing the first clear evidence of sexually dependent division of labor in clonal plants: Certain individuals constitute a very small amount of reproductive castes (reproductive ramets), whereas a large amount of other individuals (non‐reproductive ramets) are “workers” as in social insect societies whose role is primarily as producers. The rapid withering of reproductive ramets that failed to be pollinated highlights their role as irreversibly focused on reproduction, and those unable to reproduce do not contribute to the colony. Additionally, “producer” ramets positively influenced reproductive castes growth, and the division of labor was assumed to underlie the resource allocation pattern among ramets.
Enantioselective Synthesis of trans‐2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐indoles Through C–H Insertion of α‐Diazocarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Santi Micol , Müller Simon T. R. , Folgueiras‐Amador Ana A. , Uttry Alexander , Hellier Paul , Wirth Thomas
Published: March 2017

A stereoselective synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indoles with a RhII‐catalyzed C–H insertion is reported. The α‐diazo carbonyl intermediates can be obtained by a diazo‐transfer reaction of 2‐aminophenylacetic acids. Optimization and kinetic studies were performed, which resulted to increased yields of the diazo transfer after mechanistic evaluation of the side‐product formation. trans‐2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐indoles were obtained in high diasteromeric excesses (up to 94 % de) and enantiomeric excesses (up to 94 % ee).
Engineering bi‐functional enzyme complex of formate dehydrogenase and leucine dehydrogenase by peptide linker mediated fusion for accelerating cofactor regeneration
Authors: Zhang Yonghui , Wang Yali , Wang Shizhen , Fang Baishan
Published: March 2017

This study reports the application of peptide linker in the construction of bi‐functional formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and leucine dehydrogenase (LeuDH) enzymatic complex for efficient cofactor regeneration and L‐tert leucine (L‐tle) biotransformation. Seven FDH‐LeuDH fusion enzymes with different peptide linker were successfully developed and displayed both parental enzyme activities. The incorporation order of FDH and LeuDH was investigated by predicting three‐dimensional structures of LeuDH‐FDH and FDH‐LeuDH models using the I‐TASSER server. The enzymatic characterization showed that insertion of rigid peptide linker obtained better activity and thermal stability in comparison with flexible peptide linker. The production rate of fusion enzymatic complex with suitable flexible peptide linker was increased by 1.2 times compared with free enzyme mixture. Moreover, structural analysis of FDH and LeuDH suggested the secondary structure of the N‐, C‐terminal domain and their relative positions to functional domains was also greatly relevant to the catalytic properties of the fusion enzymatic complex. The results show that rigid peptide linker could ensure the independent folding of moieties and stabilized enzyme structure, while the flexible peptide linker was likely to bring enzyme moieties in close proximity for superior cofactor channeling.
ZnCr2O4@ZnO/g‐C3N4: A Triple‐Junction Nanostructured Material for Effective Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution under Visible Light
Authors: Patnaik Sulagna , Sahoo Dipti P. , Mohapatra Lagnamayee , Martha Satyabadi , Parida Kulamani
Published: March 2017

A triple‐junction nanostructured material consisting of porous exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets, ZnO, and ZnCr2O4is prepared by a one‐pot synthesis method through the calcination of a mixture of urea, thiourea, and Zn–Cr layered double hydroxide (LDH) at 450 °C. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared nanocomposites are characterized by various physicochemical techniques. This synthesis process simultaneously makes the material porous, produces exfoliated sheets of g‐C3N4, and disperses mixed metal oxides on the surface of g‐C3N4owing to the slow evolution of significant amount of gases such as H2O, CO2, NH3, and H2S. The dispersion of ZnO and ZnCr2O4on the surface of the g‐C3N4exfoliated nanosheets results in a preferable resolution for visible‐light‐induced photocatalytic H2and O2evolution. An optimal g‐C3N4content (60 %) in the ZnCr2O4@ZnO/g‐C3N4nanostructured composite results in maximum H2(847 μmol in 2 h) and O2(455 μmol in 2 h) production in the presence of CH3OH and AgNO3, respectively, as sacrificial reagents. The apparent conversion efficiencies for H2and O2evolution are 28.01 and 15.0 %, respectively. The increased photocatalytic activity is attributed to the proper alignment of the band structure, synergistic effects owing to the good coordination between g‐C3N4(Lewis base) and ZnIIions (Lewis acid), and the suppression of electron–hole recombination owing to the formation of g‐C3N4nanosheets.
TC2015: Life cycle analysis of co‐formed coal fines and hydrochar produced in twin‐screw extruder (TSE)
Authors: Liu Xiaowei (Vivian) , Hoekman S. Kent , Farthing William , Felix Larry
Published: March 2017

Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a quantitative tool that evaluates the environmental performance of a process or system. The main objective of this LCA study is to assess the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and life cycle energy use associated with solid fuels produced by co‐forming coal fines and hydrochar. The hydrochar is derived from loblolly pine wood via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) conducted in a reactive twin‐screw extruder (TSE). The final product is a drop‐in replacement for coal. The life cycle impacts of the co‐formed end products are quantified from ‘cradle‐to‐grave’. Model input parameters are collected from life cycle databases, literature, experimental measurements and simulations by engineering software. Results show that electricity generated from the co‐formed products has significantly lower GHG intensity and slightly higher life cycle energy use than coal‐generated electricity. The most carbon‐intensive component in the overall hydrochar system is the HTC plant. However, this could be improved in the future by plant re‐design to recover and recycle thermal energy for more efficient operation. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 668–676, 2017
Investigations of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of fattening farms using artificial intelligence methods
Authors: Hosseinzadeh‐Bandbafha Homa , Nabavi‐Pelesaraei Ashkan , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to assess artificial intelligence methods (adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems and artificial neural network, ANN) for modeling and predicting energy output and greenhouse gas emissions from calf fattening farms in Abyek and Alborz cities of Iran. The modeling was done based on the amount of energy input. From the total energy input of 24,003 (MJ calf−1), feed and fossil fuels have the most significant share. The analysis of greenhouse gas emissions showed that 1174 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per head of calf was released for the fattening period of 6–12 months. The best model of ANN had 6‐16‐2 structure. The best adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems model was designed using four adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems sub‐networks, which were developed at two stages. Comparison between the models showed that, due to employing fuzzy rules, the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems models could model energy output and greenhouse gas emissions more accurately than the ANN model. Regression coefficient, root means square error, and mean absolute percentage error for the ANN model were 0.721, 0.055, and 0.9 for energy output, while 0.733, 0.048, and 2.49 for greenhouse gas emissions. These values for the best topology adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems were 0.999, 0.006, and 0.098 for energy output, while 0.996, 0.005, and 0.362 for greenhouse gas emissions. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1546–1559, 2017
Phosphotungstic acid encapsulated in MIL‐53(Fe) as efficient visible‐light photocatalyst for rhodamine B degradation
Authors: Li Xianghui , Guo Weilin , Gao Xiaomei , Yue Xinxin
Published: March 2017

Materials based on phosphotungstic acid (H3PW12O40, HPW) encapsulated in metal organic framework MIL‐53(Fe) were prepared by a simple solvothermal method. The as‐synthesized samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy method. The resulting materials were evaluated in the photodecomposition of cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. A Light‐emitting diodes lamp was used as visible light source. The results showed that the composites exhibited better photocatalytic activities than pure materials. A possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism has been investigated. The formation of active oxygen species such as •OH and •
, which are detected during the degradation of RhB, is proposed to be responsible for the degradation of RhB. In addition, the HPW@MIL‐53(Fe) photocatalyst exhibited good chemical stability after five consecutive degradation cycles. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1342–1350, 2017
Deltaic coastline of the Siwalik (Neogene) foreland basin: evidences from the Gish River section, Darjeeling Himalaya
Authors: Taral Suchana , Chakraborty Tapan
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the sedimentological analysis of about 1.3 km succession of Neogene Siwalik Group exposed in the Gish River section, Darjeeling foothills. Contrary to the existing alluvial fan‐braided stream depositional model, the facies analysis shows that the succession accumulated in a shallow marine deltaic setting. Nine facies identified represent deposition from various processes related to unidirectional and oscillatory current, suspension settlement in quiet water and also to processes related to soil formation. Abundant trace fossils of marine affinity occur throughout the succession and include Cylindrichnus, Rosselia, Teichichnus, Rhizocorallium, Chondrites and Zoophycos. The studied succession has been subdivided into seven facies associations that can be interpreted in terms of the different sub‐environments of a river‐dominated delta. The lower ~550 m of the succession comprises sand–mud alternation of delta front, delta mouth and delta plain deposits (FA3, 4, 5 and 6), organized in stacked, 10–30 m coarsening‐upward units, and is inferred to represent progradation of the delta lobes. The overlying 300 m mud‐dominated interval is dominated by prodelta to open marine bay‐fill succession (FA1 and 2); the pebbly sandstones and conglomerates of the uppermost ~500 m represent a braidplain delta environment. A kilometre‐scale coarsening‐upward trend of the Siwalik deposits of this section is attributable to southward propagation of the thrust front related to the activity of the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT). The sedimentological analysis shows that a marine embayment existed in the Eastern Himalaya during the Siwalik time and the deltaic succession reported here provides the link between the upland transverse drainages recorded from Western Himalaya and the deep marine Bengal Fan succession. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding transient landscape of the Ethiopian Plateau in relation to mantle dynamics
Authors: Gani Nahid D. , Neupane Prabhat C.
Published: March 2017

The Ethiopian Plateau, situated on the Western Escarpment of the East African Rift System, constitutes a part of a large igneous province that has experienced extensive flood basalt volcanism around 30 Ma related to the outpouring of the Afar mantle plume. This non‐orogenic plateau with long‐wavelength dynamic topography has been deeply incised by the Blue Nile River and its numerous tributaries. The plateau represents an excellent natural laboratory to study the interplay between bedrock river incision and uplift. Our analysis of a total of 202 convex upward and double‐concave tributary longitudinal profiles reveals 244 knickpoints, the majority of which are not associated with lithologic boundaries or faults. The normalized steepness indices (ksn) of these profiles vary in upstream versus downstream from knickpoints indicating variable uplift within the plateau. Our investigation of integrating mantle seismic P‐wave velocity anomaly with ksn and knickpoints suggests ongoing incision of the plateau surface in response to Afar plume related mantle dynamics. Tributary reaches with higher ksn generally lie above the areas with negative velocity anomaly, thus hotter (than normal) mantle that are likely undergoing more uplift. Therefore, this study suggests that the transient landscape incision of the Ethiopian Plateau is largely controlled by the ongoing uplift of the plateau, indicating that the plateau physiography is dynamic, not stable.
Down‐regulation of DAB2IP promotes colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis by translocating hnRNPK into nucleus to enhance the transcription of MMP2
Authors: Zhu X.H. , Wang J.M. , Yang S.S. , Wang F.F. , Hu J.L. , Xin S.N. , Men H. , Lu G.F. , Lan X.L. , Zhang D. , Wang X.Y. , Liao W.T. , Ding Y.Q. , Liang L.
Published: March 2017

DOC‐2/DAB2 interacting protein (DAB2IP) is a RasGAP protein that shows a suppressive effect on cancer progression. Our previous study showed the involvement of transcription regulation of DAB2IP in metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanisms of DAB2IP in regulating the progression of CRC need to be further explored. Here, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) as vital downstream targets of DAB2IP in CRC cells by two‐dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis and cDNA microassay, respectively. Mechanistically, down‐regulation of DAB2IP increased the level of hnRNPK through MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Subsequently, translocation of hnRNPK into nucleus enhanced the transcription activity of MMP2, and therefore promoted invasion and metastasis of CRC. Down‐regulation of DAB2IP correlated negatively with hnRNPK and MMP2 expressions in CRC tissues. In conclusion, our study elucidates a novel mechanism of the DAB2IP/hnRNPK/MMP2 axis in the regulation of CRC invasion and metastasis, which may be a potential therapeutic target.