bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconciling the conservation of the purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) and its damage in Mediterranean rice fields through sustainable non-lethal techniques
Authors: Moreno-Opo Rubén , Piqué Josep
Published: April 2018

Resolving human–wildlife conflicts requires the assessment and implementation of appropriate technical measures that minimize negative impacts on socio-economic uses, including agriculture, and ensure the adequate protection of biological diversity. Rice paddies are widely distributed in the western Mediterranean region. Because of their high productivity, they can be a good habitat for waterbirds, including the purple swamphenPorphyrio porphyrio, particularly in areas where natural wetlands have been removed or reduced. As a result of its population growth, there have been increasing levels of damage caused by this species in rice fields due to stem-cutting and opening of bald patches in rice fields. With the aim of reducing damage, we evaluated the effectiveness of passive and active measures that would limit access to rice fields and deter/scare away purple swamphens in affected areas of the Ebro Delta (NE Spain). We selected the techniques according to the growth phase of rice and the activity of birds in the rice fields (perimeter fences and clearing vegetation around the rice plots during sprouting and growing phases, and falconry at maturation). There were positive results during the sprouting and growing phases thanks to fences and clearing vegetation, reducing the affected area by 37.8% between treatment and control plots. This would mean an economic savings of 18,550 €/year in compensation payments by regional administrations including the investment in implementing and maintaining passive protection measures. Active deterrence through falconry did not reduce the level of damage. The analysis of purple swamphen home range, activity centers (centroids), and the proportion of locations in and outside of rice fields showed no differences before and after dissuasive practices. These results were influenced by multiple concurrent factors including weather, the structural configuration of the rice plots and their location. In summary, we recommend the establishment of protection measures (perimeter fences + clearing vegetation around the rice plots) to reduce the level of damage.
Effect of Thermal Cycling and Aging on Heated Fiber Metal Laminates and Glass‐Fiber Epoxy Composites
Authors: Hagenbeek Michiel , Müller Bernhard , Sinke Jos
Published: April 2018

By integrating heater elements in Fiber Metal Laminates, such as GLARE, the material has a promising potential as de‐ or anti‐icing system in aircraft structures. Application of this so called “heated GLARE” material will however result in increase and (up to ten fold) more frequent temperature loading compares to the regular flight conditions. To investigate the long‐term effects thermal cycling tests are performed up to 36 000 cycles in three different temperature ranges. Both heated GLARE and FM906 glass‐fiber epoxy samples have been thermal cycled using an in‐house developed thermal cycling setup. Heating is performed in two different ways, from the outside using Peltier elements and from the inside using integrated heater elements. In addition, continuous heating tests are performed to further examine the effect of aging and internal stress relaxation. FM906 glass‐fiber epoxy samples cycled by external heating show an increase in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) as a result of physical aging, whereas internal heating shows a decrease. Most GLARE samples cycled by internal heating shows an increase in ILSS. The continuous heating tests on heated GLARE confirm that aging and internal stress relief have counteracting effect on the ILSS. The temperature level determines, which effect is most dominant.
pH‐Responsive, Light‐Triggered on‐Demand Antibiotic Release from Functional Metal–Organic Framework for Bacterial Infection Combination Therapy
Authors: Song Zhiyong , Wu Yang , Cao Qi , Wang Huajuan , Wang Xiangru , Han Heyou
Published: April 2018

To satisfy the ever‐growing demand in bacterial infection therapy and other fields of science, great effort is being devoted to the development of methods to precisely control drug release and achieve targeted use of an active substance at the right time and place. Here, a new strategy for bacterial infection combination therapy based on the light‐responsive zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) is reported. A pH‐jump reagent is modified into the porous structure of ZIF nanoparticles as a gatekeeper, allowing the UV‐light (365 nm) responsive in situ production of acid, which subsequently induces pH‐dependent degradation of ZIF and promotes the release of the antibiotic loaded in the mesopores. The combination of the UV‐light, the pH‐triggered precise antibiotic release, and the zinc ions enables the light‐activated nanocomposite to significantly inhibit bacteria‐induced wound infection and accelerate wound healing, indicating a switchable and synergistic antibacterial effect. The light irradiated accumulation of acid ensures the controlled release of antibiotic and controlled degradation of ZIF, suggesting the therapeutic potential of the metal–organic frameworks‐based smart platform for controlling bacterial infection.
Paintable and Rapidly Bondable Conductive Hydrogels as Therapeutic Cardiac Patches
Authors: Liang Shuang , Zhang Yinyu , Wang Hongbo , Xu Ziyang , Chen Jingrui , Bao Rui , Tan Baoyu , Cui Yuanlu , Fan Guanwei , Wang Wenxin , Wang Wei , Liu Wenguang
Published: April 2018

In recent years, cardiac patches have been developed for the treatment of myocardial infarction. However, the fixation approaches onto the tissue through suture or phototriggered reaction inevitably cause new tissue damage. Herein, a paintable hydrogel is constructed based on Fe3+‐triggered simultaneous polymerization of covalently linked pyrrole and dopamine in the hyperbranched chains where the in situ formed conductive polypyrrole also uniquely serves to crosslink network. This conductive and adhesive hydrogel can be conveniently painted as a patch onto the heart surface without adverse liquid leakage. The functional patch whose conductivity is equivalent to that of normal myocardium is strongly bonded to the beating heart within 4 weeks, accordingly efficiently boosting the transmission of electrophysiological signals. Eventually, the reconstruction of cardiac function and revascularization of the infarct myocardium are remarkably improved. The translatable suture‐free strategy reported in this work is promising to address the human clinical challenges in cardiac tissue engineering.
Direct Synthesis of N‐Acyl Sulfonimidamides and N‐Sulfonimidoyl Amidines from Sulfonimidoyl Azides
Authors: Nandi Ganesh Chandra , Jesin Irfana
Published: April 2018

Herein, we describe the preparation of sulfonimidoyl azides, and demonstrate their utility in the construction of N‐acyl sulfonimidamides and N‐sulfonimidoyl amidines. N‐Acyl sulfonimidamides were synthesized in good to very good yields via “on water” copper‐catalyzed three‐component coupling between sulfonimidoyl azide, alkynes and water. The use of amines as nucleophiles yielded a wide range of N‐sulfonimidoyl amidines. Both reactions were completed in very short time at room temperature under mild conditions, thus establishing the potential of sulfonimidoyl azides, the aza‐analogues of sulfonyl azides, as an excellent precursor to derive functionalized sulfonimidamides in one step.

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Point‐of‐care Resource Use in the Emergency Department: A Developmental Model
Authors: Patocka Catherine , Lin Michelle , Voros Jeremy , Chan Teresa
Published: April 2018

Background

Technologic advances, free open‐access medical education (FOAM or #FOAMed), and social media have increased access to clinician‐oriented medical education resources and interactions at the point of care (POC); yet, how, when, and why medical providers use these resources remains unclear. To facilitate the development and design of intuitive POC resources, it is imperative that we expand our understanding of physician knowledge‐seeking behavior at the POC.

Methods

Individual semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using a qualitative, grounded theory approach. Twelve emergency medicine providers (three medical students, three residents, and six attending physicians) were interviewed in person or via video chat to explore how POC resources are used in the emergency department (ED). A coding system was developed by two investigators and merged by consensus. A third investigator audited the analysis.

Results

A conceptual framework emerged from the data describing the four main uses of POC resources (deep‐dive, advanced clinical decision making, teaching patients, and teaching learners) and how practitioners’ main use varied based on medical expertise. Junior learners prioritize their own broad learning. Experienced learners and physicians prefer to 1) seek answers to specific focused clinical questions and 2) disseminate POC information to teach patients and learners, allowing them to devote more of their time to other clinical and teaching tasks.

Conclusion

The conceptual framework describes how physician knowledge‐seeking behavior using POC resources in the ED evolves predictably throughout training and practice. Knowledge of this evolution can be used to enhance POC resource design and guide bedside teaching strategies.
Activation/Inactivation Role of Ionic Liquids on Formate Dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas sp. 101 and Its Mutated Thermostable Form
Authors: D'Oronzo Erica , Secundo Francesco , Minofar Babak , Kulik Natallia , Pometun Anastasia A. , Tishkov Vladimir I.
Published: April 2018

Ionic liquids (ILs) are used in numerous research areas including biocatalysis. The effect of ILs/water mixture on the activity of wild type and a more thermally and chemically stable mutant (SM4) of a specific formate dehydrogenases (PseFDH, EC 1.2.1.2) were studied experimentally and by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The ILs investigated were [Mmim][Me2PO4], [Bmim][Br], [Bmim][CH3SO3], [Bmim][BF4], [Bmim][AcO], and it was found that low concentrations (optimally 2.5 %) of some ILs increased (up to 42 %) the activity of the SM4 FDH but not of the WT FDH. Using intrinsic fluorescence to calculate Stern–Volmer constants and thermodynamic parameters, we have studied protein conformational changes caused by ILs for both enzymes. Kinetic analyses allowed us to shed light on the mechanism of activation by 2.5 % [Bmim][BF4] on the mutant enzyme. MD simulation provided evidences of a molecular basis of different enzyme activities in ILs that well correlated with the experimental data.
Bimetallic Alloyed PtCu Nanocubic Frames with Three‐Dimensional Molecular Accessible Surfaces for Boosting Oxygen Reduction and Glycerol Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Wang Ai‐Jun , Zhang Xiao‐Fang , Jiang Liu‐Ying , Zhang Lu , Feng Jiu‐Ju
Published: April 2018

Three‐dimensional (3D) hollow nanoframes with high surface‐to‐volume ratio and abundant accessible active sites are a type of promising catalysts, albeit with the challenging synthesis by a one‐step solvothermal method. In this research, uniform bimetallic PtCu alloyed hollow cubic nanoframes (HCNFs) were synthesized with high yield by a simple, template‐free, one‐step co‐reduction approach, where cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), Cl−/O2, ethanolamine, and oleylamine served as the structure director, oxidative etchant, reducing agent, and co‐reductant, respectively. The architectures were characterized by a series of characterization techniques. Combined with the 3D hollow structures, PtCu HCNFs exhibited enlarged specific/mass activities, boosted catalytic activity, and improved durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) compared with Pt nanocubes (Pt NCs), commercial Pt/C (20 wt %), and Pt black catalysts in alkaline solutions. This work provides guidelines for the rational design and synthesis of frame‐like nanocatalysts with superior catalytic activity and stability.
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Tolerability of Concomitant Administration of Verinurad and Febuxostat in Healthy Male Volunteers
Authors: Hall Jesse , Gillen Michael , Yang Xiaojuan , Shen Zancong
Published: April 2018

Verinurad (RDEA3170) is a selective uric acid reabsorption inhibitor in development for treatment of gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia. This phase 1, single‐blind, multiple‐dose, drug‐drug interaction study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, and safety/tolerability of verinurad in combination with febuxostat in healthy male volunteers. Twenty‐three subjects were randomized and received once‐daily doses of verinurad (or placebo) or febuxostat alone (days 1‐7 and days 15‐21), or verinurad + febuxostat on days 8‐14. For combinations, subjects received verinurad 10 mg + febuxostat 40 mg or verinurad 2.5 mg + febuxostat 80 mg. Plasma/serum and urine samples were analyzed for verinurad, febuxostat, and uric acid. Safety was assessed by adverse events and laboratory tests. Febuxostat 40 mg had no effect on plasma exposure of verinurad 10 mg, whereas febuxostat 80 mg increased the maximum observed plasma concentration and the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve of verinurad 2.5 mg by 25% and 33%, respectively. Verinurad had no effect on febuxostat PK. Maximal reduction in serum urate was 76% with verinurad 10 mg + febuxostat 40 mg versus verinurad 10 mg (56%) or febuxostat 40 mg (49%) alone and was 67% with verinurad 2.5 mg + febuxostat 80 mg versus verinurad 2.5 mg (38%) or febuxostat 80 mg (57%) alone. Verinurad increased, whereas febuxostat decreased, 24‐hour fractional excretion and renal clearance of uric acid. There was no clinically significant drug‐drug interaction between verinurad and febuxostat PK. The combination resulted in greater reductions of serum urate than either drug alone and was well tolerated at the studied doses.
How to Write a Research Manuscript
Authors: Frank Deborah J.
Published: April 2018

This article provides a step‐by‐step guide to help you turn your high‐quality data into a high‐quality manuscript for publication in a scientific journal. It covers all aspects of the writing process, including: choosing a journal to which to submit your paper, writing each section, formulating your “story,” making figures, soliciting constructive criticism, and navigating the review process. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A Unicellular Model Genetic Organism of Enduring Importance
Authors: Hanson Pamela K.
Published: April 2018

Though perhaps best known for its roles in baking and brewing, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is found in a wide range of habitats and has been adapted for use in the laboratory. S. cerevisiae’s reputation as a powerful genetic model system stems in part from its remarkably efficient homologous recombination, which allows researchers to readily modify yeast genes. This genetic tractability also contributed to yeast's selection as the system of choice for Nobel laureates who studied everything from the cell cycle to membrane trafficking. As the first eukaryote to have its genome fully sequenced, S. cerevisiae has long been at the leading edge of genomic‐scale research, including microarrays, systematic gene deletion, and more recently, construction of a fully synthetic eukaryotic genome. A dedicated, well‐curated database, and a wide range of commercially available collections make it easy for new researchers to adopt this system to answer fundamentally important questions in eukaryotic cell biology. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Anisotropic Microsegregation in the Growth of Doped III‐V‐Semiconductors from Solution
Authors: Danilewsky Andreas N. , Meinhardt Jens , Boschert Stefan , Bischopink Georg
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a consistent formulation of macro‐ and microsegregation is presented to describe dopant inhomogeneities and concentration variations in binary and multinary III‐V‐semiconductor crystals grown from metallic solution. The effective distribution and diffusion coefficients respectively are calculated by applying the classical segregation models for zone melting and are based on experimental data. From the macroscopic effective distribution coefficient keff the microscopic kinetic distribution coefficient kkin is derived, which varies along a curved growth face, in particular along a macrostep. As a consequence of this surface anisotropy, the fluxes of the dissolved species through the interface vary as well and cause local changes in the liquidus distribution of species. The liquidus concentration is calculated by means of 2‐dimesional numerical simulations. The extracted liquidus concentration along the interface combined with the locally changing kinetic distribution coefficient allows the calculation of the solidus concentration along the macrostep. The result is the consistent description of microsegregation as a result of an anisotropic interface on a µm‐scale and the macro‐segregation on a mm‐ or cm‐scale. This could be tested experimentally in a diffusion dominated growth regime under microgravity.
Patterns of diversity along a habitat size gradient in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Lawrence Alexandra , O'Connor Kerry , Haroutounian Vahe , Swei Andrea
Published: April 2018

Habitat destruction and loss are the gravest threats to wildlife worldwide. We examined the correlation between habitat patch size and species richness and abundance of mammals and reptiles in a biodiversity hotspot in California. Within nine forest fragments standardized for age, topography, climate, and vegetation cover, we tested the effects of patch size and isolation on biodiversity. To measure species richness and abundance, we used wildlife cameras for meso‐and‐large vertebrates, mark‐and‐recapture analyses for small mammals, mark‐and‐resight analysis for reptiles, and standard dragging techniques for tick collections because they are frequent ectoparasites on vertebrates in oak woodland habitats. Our results show that meso‐and‐large vertebrate richness and abundance increase with patch area as does tick density. Surprisingly, small mammal species richness and abundance peak in intermediate‐sized fragments. Resource limitation and competition at the smallest habitats and predation at the largest patches may be responsible for this pattern. Further, there is a significant decrease in invasive species richness with habitat patch size. We found that habitat destruction and fragmentation are acting upon species and communities in context‐dependent ways that is critical to conservation planning, land use design, and ecosystem function.
Phytotoxicity and microbial respiration of Ni-spiked soils after field aging for 12 yr
Authors: Tang Xiaoyan , McBride Murray B.
Published: April 2018

To assess the impact of Ni toxicity in soils after long-term field aging, a coarse-textured soil was spiked with Ni salt at 100, 200, and 400 mg kg−1 Ni concentrations. These soils were aged in the field along with an unspiked (control) soil under natural conditions for 12 yr, after which total soil Ni was measured and tests of Ni extractability by 0.01 M CaCl2 and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) were done. Soybean assays and soil respiration tests were performed to determine residual Ni toxicity of the aged contaminated soils. The greatest loss of Ni after 12 yr of aging occurred from the soil spiked with the highest Ni level, but substantial loss of Ni occurred from the lower Ni levels as well. Loss was attributable to leaching as the fraction of readily extractable (by 0.01 M CaCl2) Ni diminished with long-term aging. Readily extractable and DTPA-extractable Ni increased with increasing soil spiking levels, but only the latter was linearly proportional to total Ni. Phytotoxicity to soybeans (Glycine max L.) in the field was initially high at all levels of added Ni but diminished over the 12 yr of aging. A greenhouse soybean assay with the 12-yr aged soils confirmed toxicity to be statistically significant at all Ni addition levels and dose-dependent, with 0.01 M CaCl2-extractable Ni >5 mg kg−1 shown to be measurably phytotoxic to soybeans. Phytotoxicity may have been caused at least in part by the observed inhibition of Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn uptake by soil Ni. Soil respiration was increasingly inhibited as levels of added Ni increased from 100 to 400 mg kg−1. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1933–1939. © 2018 SETAC
Optimization of Ca2+ content in alginate hydrogel injected in myocardium
Authors: Barka Eleonora , Papayannis Demetrios K. , Kolettis Theofilos M. , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: April 2018

The spontaneous uptake of Ca2+‐ions is a unique property of alginate hydrogels, which, along with their high biocompatibility, disintegration (approximately within 2 weeks), and morphological similarity to heart tissue, makes them attractive as scaffolding materials in therapies in infarct myocardium. To shed light on the aforementioned ability, thorough theoretical calculations were carried out with the density functional theory (DFT) method. The influence of Ca‐content οn the molecular structure and the thermodynamic stability of the alginate hydrogel was determined; what is more, these results effectively interpreted the experimental findings, as well. This analysis suggests that in Ca‐free or Ca‐deficient alginates spontaneous Ca2+ cations uptake can occur from the biological environment and develop, via chelation reaction, a well‐formed and thermodynamically stable hydrogel in situ inside the tissue. The highest degree of cross linking results in viscosity peak. Nevertheless, further increase of Ca‐content in alginate structure beyond this peak results in products with poorer thermodynamic stability. Structural optimization DFT calculations revealed that the destabilization of the Ca‐rich alginate hydrogels is attributed to changes of the alginate chain molecule, which are relaxation, weakening, and eventually total collapse of the bond between the units of the alginate chain. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 223–231, 2019.
Synthesis, characterization, biological activity, and corrosion inhibition in acid medium of unsymmetrical tetradentate N2O2 Schiff base complexes
Authors: Alturiqi Amani S. , Alaghaz Abdel‐Nasser M.A. , Zayed Mohamed E. , Ammar Reda A.
Published: April 2018

Four divalent metal(II) complexes, namely [Co(II)L(H2O)Cl]·2H2O, [Ni(II)L(H2O)Cl]·4H2O, [Cu(II)L(H2O)Cl]·3H2O, and [Zn(II)L(H2O)Cl]·5H2O, {L = 2‐furan‐2‐ylmethyleneamino‐phenyl‐iminomethylphenol}, were synthesized and characterized by several techniques. The molar conductance measurement of all analyzed complexes in DMSO showed their non‐electrolytic nature. The new Schiff base ligand (HL) acts as tetradentate ligand, coordinated through deprotonated phenolic oxygen, furan ring oxygen, and two azomethine nitrogen atoms. The ligand field parameters were measured for the metal complexes, which were found to be in the range notified for an octahedral structure. The molecular structural parameters of the synthesized HL ligand and its related metal(II) complexes were calculated and correlated with the experimental parameters such as infrared (IR) data. The investigated ligand and metal complexes were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against different types of fungal and bacterial strains. The resulting data confirmed the examined compounds as a highly promising bactericides and fungicides. The antitumor activities of all inspected compounds were evaluated against colon carcinoma (HCT‐116) and mouse myelogenous leukemia carcinoma (M‐NFS‐60) cell lines. The inhibition effect of HL ligand and its isolated complexes on the corrosion carbon in the form of a rod of area 0.35 cm2 in HCl was investigated by measuring the weight loss at 25 °C.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the resolution of innate leukocyte inflammation
Authors: Rahtes Allison , Geng Shuo , Lee Christina , Li Liwu
Published: April 2018

Inflammation is a host response to infection or damage and is vital for clearing pathogens and host debris. When this resolution fails to occur, chronic inflammation ensues. Chronic inflammation is typically characterized as a low-grade, persistent inflammatory process that can last for months or even years. This differs from acute inflammation, which is typically a fast, robust response to a stimulus followed by resolution with return to homeostasis. Inflammation resolution occurs through a variety of cellular processes and signaling components that act as “brakes” to keep inflammation in check. In cases of chronic inflammation, these “brakes” are often dysfunctional. Due to its prevalent association with chronic diseases, there is growing interest in characterizing these negative regulators and their cellular effects in innate leukocytes. In this review, we aim to describe key cellular and molecular homeostatic regulators of innate leukocytes, with particular attention to the emerging regulatory processes of autophagy and lysosomal fusion during inflammation resolution.

Review on homeostatic processes of innate leukocytes, with particular attention to the emerging roles of autophagy and lysosomal fusion during inflammation resolution.
In Vitro and In Vivo Inhibition of Intestinal Glucose Transport by Guava (Psidium Guajava) Extracts
Authors: Müller Ulrike , Stübl Flora , Schwarzinger Bettina , Sandner Georg , Iken Marcus , Himmelsbach Markus , Schwarzinger Clemens , Ollinger Nicole , Stadlbauer Verena , Höglinger Otmar , Kühne Tobias , Lanzerstorfer Peter , Weghuber Julian
Published: April 2018

Scope

Known pharmacological activities of guava (Psidium guajava) include modulation of blood glucose levels. However, mechanistic details remain unclear in many cases.

Methods and results

This study investigated the effects of different guava leaf and fruit extracts on intestinal glucose transport in vitro and on postprandial glucose levels in vivo. Substantial dose‐ and time‐dependent glucose transport inhibition (up to 80%) was observed for both guava fruit and leaf extracts, at conceivable physiological concentrations in Caco‐2 cells. Using sodium‐containing (both glucose transporters, sodium‐dependent glucose transporter 1 [SGLT1] and glucose transporter 2 [GLUT2], are active) and sodium‐free (only GLUT2 is active) conditions, we show that inhibition of GLUT2 was greater than that of SGLT1. Inhibitory properties of guava extracts also remained stable after digestive juice treatment, indicating a good chemical stability of the active substances. Furthermore, we could unequivocally show that guava extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels (≈fourfold reduction) in a time‐dependent manner in vivo (C57BL/6N mice). Extracts were characterized with respect to their main putative bioactive compounds (polyphenols) using HPLC and LC‐MS.

Conclusion

The data demonstrated that guava leaf and fruit extracts can potentially contribute to the regulation of blood glucose levels.
Characteristics of high‐gain ESPAR antenna using collinear dipole array
Authors: Lee Young‐Jun , Choi Hak‐Keun
Published: April 2018

In this study, a high‐gain electrically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) antenna using a collinear dipole array as a feed element is proposed, and its radiation characteristic is discussed. The feed element of the proposed antenna has a higher gain than existing ESPAR antennas, and it makes impedance matching easier via a length of coaxial cable between the arrayed feed elements and the thickness of the dielectric, using a collinear dipole array of circular dipole antennas. The proposed antenna is structured with feed elements of two‐layer collinear circular dipole arrays surrounded by four parasitic elements with an array radius of λ/16. The variable directional radiation pattern and high‐gain characteristic can be achieved through changes in reactance between the parasitic elements. The gain of the proposed antenna is 7.2 dBi approximately at the center frequency, and the return loss is less than −15 dB at the used frequencies of 2.4–2.5 GHz.
Comparative Proteome Analysis Reveals that Cuticular Proteins Analogous to Peritrophin‐Motif Proteins are Involved in the Regeneration of Chitin Layer in the Silk Gland of Bombyx mori at the Molting Stage
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Chang Huaipu , Dong Zhaoming , Zhang Yan , Zhao Dongchao , Ye Lin , Xia Qingyou , Zhao Ping
Published: April 2018

The silk gland of silkworm produces silk proteins during larval development. Many studies have long focused on the silk gland of the fifth instar larvae, but few have investigated this gland at other larval stages. In the present study, the silk gland proteomes of the fourth instar and fourth molt are analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 2654 proteins are identified from the silk gland. A high abundance of ribosomal proteins and RR‐motif chitin‐binding proteins is identified during day 2 of the fourth instar (IV‐2) larval developmental stage, and the expression of cuticular proteins analogous to peritrophin (CPAP)‐motif chitin‐binding proteins is higher during the fourth molt (IV‐M). In all, nine enzymes are found to be involved in the chitin regeneration pathway in the silk gland. Among them, two chitinase and two chitin deacetylases are identified as CPAP‐motif proteins. Furthermore, the expression of CPAP3‐G, the most abundant CPAP‐motif cuticular protein in the silk gland during the IV‐M stage, is investigated using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses; CPAP3‐G shows a reverse changing trend with chitin in the silk gland. The findings of this study suggest that CPAP‐motif chitin‐binding proteins are involved in the degradation of the chitin layer in the silk gland. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD008677.
A Simple Discriminating p‐tert‐Butylcalix[4]arene Thiospirolactam Rhodamine B Based Colorimetric and Fluorescence Sensor for Mercury Ion and Live Cell Imaging Applications
Authors: Anandababu Ambigapathi , Anandan Sambandam , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: April 2018

The inherent amphiphilic property of modified p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene thiospirolactam rhodamine b based ligand for effective colorimetric Off‐On sensor for Hg2+ ion in neutral aqueous condition, has been investigated by electronic spectroscopic techniques. This ligand discriminates chronic poisonous Hg2+ ion over various alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions due to the presence of thiospirocyclic moiety. The ligand shows an association constant of 3.63 X 105 M‐1 and a detection limit 9.65 X 10‐9 M for Hg2+ ion. This ligand is also capable of penetrating into HeLa cell, which could be used to detect Hg2+ ions in biological system using a fluorescence imaging technique.
Oxygen Doping to Optimize Atomic Hydrogen Binding Energy on NiCoP for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Chunlei , Zhang Gong , Yu Li , Qu Jiuhui , Liu Huijuan
Published: April 2018

An outstanding hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst should have a free energy of adsorbed atomic hydrogen of approximately zero, which enables not only a fast proton/electron‐transfer step but also rapid hydrogen release. An economic and industrially viable alternative approach for the optimization of atomic hydrogen binding energy is urgently needed. Herein, guided by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is theoretically demonstrated that oxygen doping in NiCoP can indeed optimize the atomic hydrogen binding energy (e.g., |ΔGH*| = 0.08, 0.12 eV on Co, P sites). To confirm this, NiCoP electrodes with controllable oxygen doping are designed and fabricated via alteration of the reducing atmosphere. Accordingly, an optimal oxygen‐doped NiCoP (≈0.98% oxygen) nanowire array is found to exhibit the remarkably low hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) overpotential of 44 mV to drive 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 38.6 mV dec−1, and long‐term stability of 30 h in an alkaline medium. In neutral solution, only a 51 mV overpotential (@10 mA cm−2) is required, and the Tafel slope is 79.2 mV dec−1. Meanwhile, in situ Raman spectra confirm the low formation overpotential (−30 mV) of NiCo‐phosphate at the surface of ≈0.98% oxygen‐doped NiCoP, which enables the material to show better HER performance.
Effect of Acid Methanol Treatment and Heat Moisture Treatment on In Vitro Digestibility and Estimated Glycemic Index of Raw and Gelatinized Sago (Metroxylon Sagu) Starch
Authors: Ng Jia‐Qin , Siew Chee Kiong , Mamat Hasmadi , Matanjun Patricia , Lee Jau‐Shya
Published: April 2018

This study aims to elucidate the effect of dual modification of acid methanol treatment (AMT) and heat moisture treatment (HMT) on digestibility and glycemic index (eGI) of sago starch in the raw and gelatinized state. AMT is conducted (1 and 2 mL of hydrochloric acid) prior to HMT (15 and 20% moisture content). Thermal behavior, pasting properties, morphology, and relative crystallinity of raw starches are investigated. Dual modification is found to significantly increase the resistant starch (RS) content in sago starch. Part of the RS is also found to be heat stable and able to survive the gelatinization. Starch with a higher RS fraction in raw form displays lower eGI. However, such a trend is not observed after gelatinization. Starch fractions and eGI are correlated in raw starch but not in gelatinized starch. Dual modification increases gelatinization temperatures but severely reduces pasting viscosities and causes granular surface erosion.
Static behavior of RC deck slabs partially prestressed with hybrid fiber reinforced polymer tendons
Authors: Wang Xin , Ali Nageh M. , Ding Lining , Shi Jianzhe , Wu Zhishen
Published: April 2018

The design of traditional FRP‐RC deck slabs incurs a waste of FRP due to the minimum limit of reinforcement ratio recommended by the current design specifications. This paper investigates the static behaviors of full‐scale RC deck slabs transversely reinforced and prestressed with basalt/carbon fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) hybrid tendons, which are capable of enhancing the utilization efficiency of FRP reinforcement. Two nonprestressed control deck slabs and five prestressed FRP‐RC deck slabs were tested up to failure. The experimental variables included FRP‐reduction factor, prestress level and partial prestressing index. The results indicate that the amount of bottom transverse reinforcement of FRP‐RC deck slabs is reduced by 45% through introducing prestressing into FRP reinforcement. Those three variables have negligible effect on the failure mode of the prestressed FRP‐RC deck slabs. The FRP‐reduction factor primarily affects the ultimate load and cracking load, crack width, and strain in nonprestressing reinforcements and concrete. Prestressing level has significant effects on the cracking load, deflection, crack width and strain in nonprestressed reinforcements. By contrast, partial prestressing index has no effect on the static behaviors of the FRP‐RC deck slabs. Furthermore, the residual crack width and deflection of FRP‐RC deck slabs are controlled significantly by prestressing, which contributes to realizing a superior long‐term behavior of the deck slabs.
Responsive and Adaptive Micro Wrinkles on Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Materials
Authors: Takahashi Masahide
Published: April 2018

A buckling induced wrinkling is a general phenomenon in daily life, which is induced by mechanical instability at the interface of multi‐layered systems. Variety of applications have been proposed for wrinkles in nano to micrometer periodicity on the surface of soft materials. In recent decades, researchers are trying to use wrinkles for variety of sophisticated applications such as micro pattern fabrication, control of wettability, templating/directing substrate for elongated nano materials or virus, size‐selective adsorption/desorption of functional objects, cells or microorganisms, delamination induced material fabrication such as micro‐rolls, substrates for stretchable electronics, valves for microfluidic devices and soft actuators. Herein, recent advances on the fabrication and application of micro‐wrinkles are reviewed.
Hybridization: Understanding the microdynamics of a postacquisition integration process
Authors: Chu Rebeca Alves , Wood Thomaz
Published: April 2018

There is no shortage of theoretical or empirical research on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Knowledge on the subject has grown substantially in recent decades. However, the integration of firms involved in M&A remains a challenging and often unsuccessful process. In addition, there is a scarcity of research on temporal dynamics within integration projects. This article reports on the postacquisition integration of a business school into a university using the concept of organizational hybridization as a theoretical lens. The aim was to identify the microdynamics that occurred during integration. We conducted an inductive case study, interviewing professionals involved in the integration process, analyzing a wide range of documents, and conducting participant observation over 6 years. Field research revealed that different organizational components underwent distinct hybridization processes that were characterized by different degrees of conflict. This study contributes to the understanding of the microdynamics that occur in postmerger or postacquisition integration processes, focusing on the complex adjustments inherent in these developments.
The Role of Family Behaviors in Determining Income Distribution: The Case of South Korea
Authors: Ku Inhoe , Lee Wonjin , Lee Seoyun , Han Kyounghoon
Published: April 2018

In this article, we examined what has contributed to the worsening income inequality and poverty between 1996 and 2011 in South Korea. We used a rank-preserving exchange method and a conditional reweighting method to assess the roles of family behaviors—including female labor force participation and family structure—characteristics of household heads, and men’s earnings. The results showed that the change in men’s earnings was a dominant factor in accounting for the increasing income inequality and poverty. The change in age and education among household heads also contributed significantly to the worsening income distribution. The change in family structure mainly affected the income disparity among lower-income families and increased poverty. The rise in women’s labor force participation improved the income distribution but not considerably. The distributional roles of family have not worked to prevent or reverse the worsening income distribution in the past few decades in South Korea.
Responses to revolution: The experiences of the English Benedictine monks in the French Revolution, 1789–93
Authors: Begadon Cormac
Published: April 2018

Following the formal proscription of the formation of Catholic religious houses in England in the wake of the Protestant Reformation, English Benedictine communities were established on the Continent from 1606 onwards. At the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, there were three independent houses belonging to the English Benedictine Congregation in France. The Revolution presented the English monks with a very real and tangible threat to their existence and securities, introducing a series of decrees that impacted on monastic life greatly. The monks responded to these incursions not by assuming the role of passive victims, or religious refugees caught up in a foreign conflict, but rather showed themselves to be shrewd operators, adept at playing the game of revolutionary politics and by navigating legal niceties. This article will illustrate that the monks’ sophisticated networks of information gathering and sharing allowed them to coordinate more coherent response strategies to the Revolution amongst other British and Irish exiled communities, whilst also permitting themselves to employ a series of delaying tactics. The impact of the monks’ responses to the Revolution, however, extended beyond British and Irish exiles, and impacted directly on the local French populations, through their work in the ‘refractory Church’.
Australian Flight Crews’ Trust in Voluntary Reporting Systems	and Just Culture Policies
Authors: McMurtrie Kevin J. , Molesworth Brett R. C.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. The aim of the research was to investigate the reporting behavior of commercial pilots and explore whether flight crew trust organizational just culture as a functioning and integral part of an airline’s safety management system. In pursuit of this aim, 270 Australian-based pilots completed a series of behavioral questions focusing on past reporting behaviors. The results revealed that 54% of the participants lacked confidence in their organization’s just culture, and as a result failed to report safety information or selectively reported safety information. The main reason for this under-reporting was ‘fear of reprisal’ from their employer. The results suggest organizations need to work on improving trust in their just culture environment.
Does the association of prostate cancer with night-shift work differ according to rotating vs. fixed schedule? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mancio Jennifer , Leal Cátia , Ferreira Marta , Norton Pedro , Lunet Nuno
Published: April 2018

Background

Recent studies suggested that the relation between night-shift work and prostate cancer may differ between rotating and fixed schedules.

Objectives

We aimed to quantify the independent association between night-shift work and prostate cancer, for rotating and fixed schedules.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE for studies assessing the association of night-shift work, by rotating or fixed schedules, with prostate cancer. We computed summary relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using the inverse variance method and quantified heterogeneity using the I
2 statistic. Meta-regression analysis was used to compare the summary RR estimates for rotating and fixed schedules, while reducing heterogeneity.

Results

A total of nine studies assessed the effect of rotating and, in addition, four of them provided the effect of fixed night-shift work, in relation to daytime workers. Rotating night-shift work was associated with a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer (RR = 1.06, 95% CI of 1.01 to 1.12; I
2 = 50%), but not fixed night-shift work (RR of 1.01, 95% CI of 0.81 to 1.26; I
2 = 33%). In meta-regression model including study design, type of population, and control of confounding, the summary RR was 20% higher for rotating vs. fixed schedule, with heterogeneity fully explained by these variables.

Conclusions

This is the first meta-analysis suggesting that an increased risk of prostate cancer may be restricted to workers with rotating night shifts. However, the association was weak and additional studies are needed to further clarify this relation before it can be translated into measures for risk reduction in occupational settings.
The Rho GTPase Rnd1 inhibits epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma and is a favorable anti-metastasis target
Authors: Qin Cheng-Dong , Ma De-Ning , Zhang Shi-Zhe , Zhang Ning , Ren Zheng-Gang , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Jia Qing-An , Chai Zong-Tao , Wang Cheng-Hao , Sun Hui-Chuan , Tang Zhao-You
Published: April 2018

Rnd1, a member of Rho GTPases, was found to be downregulated in human malignancies and downregulation of Rnd1 promotes tumor invasion via various mechanisms. However, the role of Rnd1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains unclear. In this study, our results demonstrated that Rnd1 was downregulated in HCC cells and in human HCC tissues. Low expression of Rnd1 was associated with aggressive clinic-pathologic characteristics, such as vascular invasion, and poor prognosis in patients who underwent curative surgery for HCC. Overexpression of Rnd1-suppressed cell growth, migration, invasion, and EMT processes in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Rnd1 blocked HCC progression by restricting EMT process through inhibition of the Raf/MEK/ERK cascade, and this was correlated with a reduction in RhoA activity. Combination of Rnd1 overexpression with sorafenib, a Raf signaling pathway inhibitor, showed a more potent inhibition on HCC metastasis. Moreover, epigenetic inhibitors (5-Aza and SAHA) increased the expression of Rnd1, and potentiated sorafenib-induced toxicity in HCC cells. In a conclusion, Rnd1-suppressed EMT-mediated metastasis of HCC by reducing the activity of the RhoA/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, functioning as a favorable anti-metastasis target for HCC patients. Rnd1 overexpression in combination with sorafenib may result in enhanced anti-metastasis efficacy in HCC.
KIF4A facilitates cell proliferation via induction of p21-mediated cell cycle progression and promotes metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hou Ping-Fu , Jiang Tao , Chen Fang , Shi Pei-Cong , Li Hai-Qing , Bai Jin , Song Jun
Published: April 2018

Kinesin family member 4A (KIF4A) was found to be implicated in the regulation of chromosome condensation and segregation during mitotic cell division, which is essential for eukaryotic cell proliferation. However, little is known about the role of KIF4A in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). This study explored the biological function of KIF4A in CRC progression and investigated the potential molecular mechanisms involved. Here, we found that KIF4A was remarkably upregulated in primary CRC tissues and cell lines compared with paired non-cancerous tissues and normal colorectal epithelium. Elevated expression of KIF4A in CRC tissues was significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics in patients as well as with shorter overall and disease-free cumulative survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that KIF4A was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival in human CRC patients. Functional assays, including a CCK-8 cell proliferation assay, colony formation analysis, cancer xenografts in nude mice, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, indicated that KIF4A obviously enhanced cell proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis, Luciferase reporter assays, and ChIP assays revealed that KIF4A facilitates cell proliferation via regulating the p21 promoter, whereas KIF4A had no effect on cell apoptosis. In addition, Transwell analysis indicated that KIF4A promotes migration and invasion in CRC. Taken together, these findings not only demonstrate that KIF4A contributes to CRC proliferation via modulation of p21-mediated cell cycle progression but also suggest the potential value of KIF4A as a clinical prognostic marker and target for molecular treatments.
lncAKHE enhances cell growth and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma via activation of NOTCH2 signaling
Authors: Huang Guanqun , Jiang Hui , Lin Ye , Wu Yanpeng , Cai Weilong , Shi Boyun , Luo Yuanwei , Jian Zhixiang , Zhou Xinke
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer and gives rise to numerous deaths around the world every year. However, the molecular mechanism that controls hepatocarcinogenesis remains largely unknown. Here we found out an uncharacterized long noncoding RNA named lncAKHE. We found that lncAKHE was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. lncAKHE depletion remarkably impaired the abilities of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma while promgoogoting cell apoptosis. Moreover, higher expression level of lncAKHE in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues was associated with more clinical severity and lower survival rates. Mechanistically, lncAKHE cooperated with YEATS4 to enhance the activation of NOTCH2 signaling which is usually abnormally upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusions, our study showed that lncAKHE may promote tumor progression in HCC and serve as a novel target for HCC treatment.