bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature control of real‐time identified fixed bed reactor by adaptive sliding mode control equipped with Arduino in Matlab
Authors: Pundir Avdesh Singh , Singh Kailash
Published: February 2019

Several control methodologies have been proposed in academia, but only a few of them have been implemented in industries due to their difficult implementation. This study is motivated by not only using low‐cost data acquisition system such as Arduino in Matlab with little programming but also easy implementation of complex chemical process systems such as fixed bed reactor. An online identification and parameter estimation of a fixed bed reactor with Matlab package was developed. Designing a controller by using a nonlinear complicated model is a difficult task. A first‐order discrete transfer function with unit delay has been identified for a fixed bed reactor for which a recursive least squares method with forgetting factor has been chosen. The Matlab program developed includes adaptive sliding mode control, determination of model order, and model verification. This work describes a Simulink‐based model using Arduino, a data acquisition card used for interfacing with fixed bed reactor. A temperature trajectory tracking study was used in order to analyze the performance of the proposed strategy for control of the reactor. The controller implemented was developed using adaptive sliding mode control to control temperature of the fixed bed reactor. For safety concern, a constraint was applied to the control signal that is bounded between 0°C and 130°C. Temperature trajectory tracking using this algorithm is found to be good. The value of integral absolute error is found to be 387.6 for the experimental run up to 300 s.
Functional chemical modification of a porcine acellular dermal matrix with a modified naturally derived polysaccharide crosslinker
Authors: Chen Yining , Dan Nianhua , Huang Yanping , Bai Zhongxiang , Yang Changkai , Dan Weihua , Cong Liangliang
Published: February 2019

Antibacterial and physicochemical properties are generally considered important features of the porcine acellular dermal matrix (pADM). Oxidized 2‐hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (OHTCC) was applied to crosslink with pADM at dosages of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16%. The properties of the crosslinked pADM (OHTCC‐pADM) were evaluated. DSC and TG analysis suggested that crosslinking could promote the thermal stability, the highest Td, and Tmax of OHTCC‐pADM (8%) was 80 °C and 325 °C, which has been improved by 15 °C and 13 °C, respectively. While FTIR and AFM tests indicated that the structure integrity of collagen could still be maintained. SEM tests demonstrated the sustained three‐dimensional architecture of OHTCC‐pADM with appropriate porosity. Moreover, OHTCC‐pADM exhibited improved ability to resist collagenase degradation, the degradation rate of 4%‐, 8%‐OHTCC‐pADM was <50%. The tensile strength of OHTCC‐pADM proved to be superior compared to pADM. Furthermore, 8%‐OHTCC‐pADM exhibited nearly 90% antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the results of the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide study showed that the cytocompatibility of OHTCC‐pADM decreased with the increasing the amount of OHTCC, but all relative proliferation rates were above 80%. In conclusion, our study revealed that OHTCC stabilized and functionalized pADM while preserving good cytocompatibility. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47633.
Establishment of a Large Animal Model for Eustachian Tube Functional Study in Miniature Pigs
Authors: An Feng‐Wei , Yuan Hu , Guo Weiwei , Hou Zhao‐Hui , Cai Jian‐Ming , Luo Chun‐Cai , Yu Ning , Jiang Qing‐Qing , Cheng Wei , Liu Wei , Yang Shi‐Ming
Published: February 2019

This study was performed to investigate whether miniature pigs are a suitable animal model for studies of the Eustachian tube (ET). Sixteen Chinese experimental miniature pigs were used in this investigation. Ten animals were used for anatomical and morphometric analyses to obtain qualitative and quantitative information regarding the ET. Three animals were used for histological analysis to determine the fine structure of ET cross‐sections. Three animals were used to investigate the feasibility of balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET). The anatomical study indicated that the pharyngeal orifice and tympanic orifice of the miniature pig ET are located at the posterior end of the nasal lateral wall and anterior wall of the middle ear cavity, respectively. The cartilaginous tube was seen to pass through the whole length of the ET, the length of the cartilaginous part of the ET and the diameter of the isthmus were similar between humans and miniature pigs. The inclination of the ET in miniature pigs was larger than that in humans. The gross histology seemed to be slightly different between miniature pig and human, but the fine structures were essentially the same in both species. BDET experiments verified that the miniature pig model is suitable as a model for clinical operations. The miniature pig ET corresponds very well to that of humans. In addition, the miniature pig ET is suitable as a model for clinical operations. Therefore, the miniature pig is a valid animal model for ET study. Anat Rec, 302:1024–1038, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Time‐dependent mediators in survival analysis: Modeling direct and indirect effects with the additive hazards model
Authors: Aalen Odd O. , Stensrud Mats J. , Didelez Vanessa , Daniel Rhian , Røysland Kjetil , Strohmaier Susanne
Published: February 2019

We discuss causal mediation analyses for survival data and propose a new approach based on the additive hazards model. The emphasis is on a dynamic point of view, that is, understanding how the direct and indirect effects develop over time. Hence, importantly, we allow for a time varying mediator. To define direct and indirect effects in such a longitudinal survival setting we take an interventional approach (Didelez, 2018) where treatment is separated into one aspect affecting the mediator and a different aspect affecting survival. In general, this leads to a version of the nonparametric g‐formula (Robins, 1986). In the present paper, we demonstrate that combining the g‐formula with the additive hazards model and a sequential linear model for the mediator process results in simple and interpretable expressions for direct and indirect effects in terms of relative survival as well as cumulative hazards. Our results generalize and formalize the method of dynamic path analysis (Fosen, Ferkingstad, Borgan, & Aalen, 2006; Strohmaier et al., 2015). An application to data from a clinical trial on blood pressure medication is given.
Comparison of blocking strategies informed by precursor assessment to decrease pica
Authors: Rettig Lisa A. , Fritz Jennifer N. , Campbell Kelsey E. , Williams Sarah D. , Smith Leah D. , Dawson Kyle W.
Published: February 2019

Pica is dangerous behavior and often maintained by automatic reinforcement. We conducted a latency functional analysis (FA) using safe consumption items to verify that pica was maintained in part by automatic reinforcement and exclude participants for whom pica was likely maintained solely by attention. Next, we identified precursors to pica through a probability analysis and conducted a brief blocking assessment for participants' whose pica occurred in the alone and attention conditions of the FA. Finally, we compared blocking precursors with pica, touching an inedible item and the pica itself. Results showed that five of the six participants' pica was likely maintained by automatic reinforcement, and pica decreased during the brief blocking assessment for three of four participants. Results of the blocking comparison showed that blocking behaviors earlier in the response hierarchy was as effective as only blocking pica attempts for two participants and more effective for one participant.
Reversing the typical pH stability profile of the Trp‐cage
Authors: Graham Katherine A. , Byrne Aimee , Son Ruth , Andersen Niels H.
Published: February 2019

The Trp‐cage, an 18‐20 residue miniprotein, has emerged as a primary test system for evaluating computational fold prediction and folding rate determination efforts. As it turns out, a number of stabilizing interactions in the Trp‐cage folded state have a strong pH dependence; all prior Trp‐cage mutants have been destabilized under carboxylate‐protonating conditions. Notable among the pH dependent stabilizing interactions within the Trp‐cage are: (1) an Asp as the helix N‐cap, (2) an H‐bonded Asp9/Arg16 salt bridge, (3) an interaction between the chain termini which are in close spatial proximity, and (4) additional side chain interactions with Asp9. In the present study, we have prepared Trp‐cage species that are significantly more stable at pH 2.5 (rather than 7) and quantitated the contribution of each interaction listed above. The Trp‐cage structure remains constant with the pH change. The study has also provided measures of the stabilizing contribution of indole ring shielding from surface exposure and the destabilizing effects of an ionized Asp at the C‐terminus of an α‐helix.
Real‐Time Dilation Observation of Si‐Alloy Electrode Using Thermally Treated Poly (Amide‐Imide) as a Binder for Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Park Hyeong‐Il , Lee Dong Geun , Chung Dong Jae , Sohn Myungbeom , Park Cheolho , Kim Hansu
Published: February 2019

Real time dilation behaviors of a Si‐Ti‐Fe‐Al alloy electrode adopting a poly (amide‐imide) binder were investigated to understand the effects of thermal treatment temperature for PAI binder on the electrochemical performance of the Si‐alloy electrode using an in‐situ electrochemical dilatometer. In situ measurement of the electrode thickness showed that the changes in the volume of the Si electrode was suppressed by heat treatment greater than 300 °C, which well agreed with the improved cycle performance of the Si‐alloy electrode thermally treated at the same temperature. Differential dilation plots of the Si‐alloy electrodes were found to reveal more detailed changes in the volume of the Si‐alloy electrode, thus showing that the enhanced mechanical strength of thermally treated PAI effectively could control the expansion and contraction of the Si‐alloy electrode and ensuring a more stable cycle performance of the Si‐alloy electrode.
Optimized qualitative and quantitative methods for barley viability testing using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining
Authors: Ma Zengxin , Liu Jia , Dong Jianjun , Yu Junhong , Huang Shuxia , Lin Hong , Hu Shumin , Wang Jianfeng
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives

Barley viability is an important agronomic trait and has a direct influence on subsequent beer production. Traditional triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test evaluating seed viability still has some drawbacks, for example, excessive instability and time consumption. In the present study, we optimized both the qualitative and quantitative TTC seed viability test methods, and established more accurate and convenient assays to evaluate barley seed viability.

Findings

In the qualitative evaluation method, we established the vigor index according to the proportion of staining embryos, allowing quick evaluation of both germination and mortality rates in <12 hr. In the quantitative evaluation method, we optimized TTC incubation time, extraction temperature, and solvent volume to tissue ratios making results more reliable. Finally, we developed a high‐throughput method by combining freeze drying and tissue lysing instead of the time‐consuming method of grinding on liquid nitrogen. There was a positive significant statistical correlation between germination rate and formazan content by the optimized quantitative evaluation method (R2 = 0.907; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Both the optimized qualitative and quantitative TTC seed viability test methods allow a quick and reliable seed vigor evaluation for different varieties or different aged barley seeds.

Significance and novelty

The optimized seed vigor evaluation method can be used to effectively screen out low vigor barley seeds. The qualitative evaluation method is appropriate to quickly evaluation for a small number of samples in <12 hr. The high‐throughput quantitative evaluation method is fit for a large number of sample evaluations as much as 80 samples at the same time.
Evidence of a Pseudo‐Capacitive Behavior Combined with an Insertion/Extraction Reaction Upon Cycling of the Positive Electrode Material P2‐NaxCo0.9Ti0.1O2 for Sodium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Sabi Noha , Sarapulova Angelina , Indris Sylvio , Dsoke Sonia , Zhao Zijian , Dahbi Mouad , Ehrenberg Helmut , Saadoune Ismael
Published: February 2019

Layered oxides are promising materials due to their easy diffusion path for alkali metals. Specifically, NaxCoO2 can be regarded as an appealing candidate for next‐generation sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), but the multiple steps revealed in the potential vs capacity curve have restricted its use. Herein, we report NaxCo0.9Ti0.1O2, synthesized by a high‐temperature solid‐state method, where 10 % of cobalt was substituted with titanium. Obviously, the number of potential steps found in the galvanostatic curves of NaxCoO2 has been reduced. The electrode material exhibits an initial charge capacity of 108 mAh/g within the potential window 2–4.2 V (vs. Na+/Na). The intercalation/deintercalation of NaxCo0.9Ti0.1O2 was investigated by in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (SXRD), and the results demonstrated a combined solid solution and pseudocapacitive mechanism, where the pseudocapacitive behavior is predominant in the region from 3.73 V (charge) to 3.79 V (discharge). Finally, in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has revealed an increasing impedance, specifically when inserting sodium into the structure.
Dimethyl Ether Oxidation on an Active SnO2/Pt/C Catalyst for High‐Power Fuel Cells
Authors: Kashyap Diwakar , Teller Hanan , Schechter Alex
Published: February 2019

Dimethyl ether (DME) has been considered a potential fuel for direct‐feed proton exchange membrane fuel cells, owing to its high energy density, low toxicity, and low crossover through a Nafion® membrane in comparison to commonly reported fuels such as methanol, ethanol, and formic acid. The main hurdle in the implementation of direct DME fuel cells is the sluggish oxidation kinetics on state‐of‐the‐art Pt−based catalysts (e. g. Pt and PtRu). In this work, DME oxidation on a platinum‐coated tin oxide catalyst (Pt/SnO2) supported on carbon is reported and compared with commercial Pt/C catalysts. Our catalyst was synthesized by using the polyol method, and structural characterization was performed by using transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Electrochemical analysis in acid solution showed overpotentials that are 50 mV lower than commercial Pt/C, as well as a higher oxidation current (). The peak power obtained using a 4 cm2laboratory prototype fuel cell (loading of 1.23 mgPt cm−2on anode at 0.40 V) was 105 mW cm−2at 70 °C. Online mass spectrometry analysis of the oxidation products gives insights into the new pathways of the electro‐oxidation mechanism on this promising catalyst.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Tezepelumab (AMG 157) in Healthy and Atopic Dermatitis Adult Subjects
Authors: Parnes Jane R. , Sullivan John T. , Chen Li , Dias Clapton
Published: February 2019

Tezepelumab (AMG 157) is a monoclonal antibody that targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin and has shown benefits in treating asthma. We assessed the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single‐ascending and multiple‐ascending doses in two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase I studies. Healthy and atopic dermatitis subjects were enrolled in the single‐dose study, and healthy subjects in the multiple‐dose study. Tezepelumab showed linear pharmacokinetics in both healthy and atopic dermatitis subjects. The half‐life after a subcutaneous or intravenous administration ranged from 19.9 to 25.7 days. After multiple doses, the mean area under the curve accumulation ratio was 1.82, 1.64, and 1.59 for the 35 mg, 105 mg, and 210 mg monthly subcutaneous doses, respectively. The mean maximum serum concentration (Cmax) accumulation ratio was 1.59, 2.84, and 6.74 for the 210 mg dose given every 28, 14, and 7 days, respectively. Tezepelumab was well tolerated in both studies with no evidence of immunogenicity.
The Influence of Pharmacogenetic Variants in HIV/Tuberculosis Coinfected Patients in Uganda in the SOUTH Study
Authors: Calcagno Andrea , Cusato Jessica , Sekaggya‐Wiltshire Christine , von Braun Amrei , Motta Ilaria , Turyasingura Grace , Castelnuovo Barbara , Fehr Jan , Di Perri Giovanni , Lamorde Mohammed
Published: February 2019

Unsatisfactory treatment outcomes have been reported in patients coinfected with HIV/tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding for proteins involved in antitubercular drug disposition or effect. A pharmacogenetic study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda, where all analysis was performed. The impact of SNPs on antitubercular drug exposure, adverse events, and treatment outcomes was evaluated in patients coinfected with HIV/TB receiving treatments for both conditions. In 221 participants, N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2; rs1799930), solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1; rs4149032), and pregnane X receptor (PXR; rs2472677) variants affected isoniazid exposure in multivariate analysis. Most patients were deemed cured (163; 73.8%), yet PXR 63396TT carriers had a higher probability of death (P = 0.007) and of worsening peripheral neuropathy (P = 0.018). In this exploratory study in Ugandan patients coinfected with HIV/TB, genetic variants in PXR, SLCO1B1, and NAT2 were moderately associated with isoniazid exposure, whereas PXR 63396TT carriers showed worse outcomes.
Understanding corporate social responsibility with cross‐cultural differences: A deeper look at religiosity
Authors: Farooq Qamar , Hao Yunhong , Liu Xuan
Published: February 2019

Contemporary economic and business settings have brought people of different cultures at the common workplace. This directs business researchers to study cross‐cultural similarities, differences, and management of employees, customers, and other stakeholders. This theoretical review is aimed to explore the variation in religion, practices, and their effects on corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and practices. With an unfathomable analysis of relevant literature, this paper has highlighted the knowledge gap in the relationship of cross‐cultural differences and CSR. Subsequently, it presents three propositions in connection of religious variation and CSR disclosure and practice. Underpinning the practical difference in lifestyle of people having the same religious beliefs in different geographical areas, this article reflects that an extension in stakeholder theory may be suggested with the support of postempirical evidence.
Condition Screening for Sustainable Catalysis in Single‐Electron Steps by Cyclic Voltammetry: Additives and Solvents
Authors: Liedtke Theresa , Hilche Tobias , Klare Sven , Gansäuer Andreas
Published: February 2019

Cyclic voltammetry‐based screening method for Cp2TiX‐catalyzed reactions is extended to the screening of solvents other than tetrahydrofuran for bulk electrolysis of the catalyst and radical arylation. It was found that CH3CN can be used as a solvent for both processes without additives. Furthermore, in tetrahydrofuran, squaramide L2 is more efficient than the previously reported supramolecular halide binder, Schreiner's thiourea L1. The results extend the usefulness of the proposed time and resource‐efficient screening method for designing catalysis reactions in single‐electron steps.
A −40‐dB EVM 20‐MHz subsampling multistandard receiver architecture with dynamic carrier detection, bandwidth estimation, and EVM optimization
Authors: Kale Ajinkya , Sturm Johannes , Pasupureddi Vijaya Sankara Rao
Published: February 2019

In this work, a reconfigurable multistandard subsampling receiver with dynamic carrier frequency detection and system‐level EVM optimizations is proposed. Ideal software defined radio (SDR) receivers promise complete flexibility at the expense of high‐performance analog‐to‐digital converters (ADCs) that are challenging to implement in current technologies for low‐power applications. This scenario leads to the research of digital intensive sampling receivers with discrete‐time signal processing (DTSP) implemented in analog domain. This approach makes it feasible to move channel selection filtering and dynamic gain adaptability from analog to digital domain. The proposed receiver employs subsampling down‐conversion along with subband filters to dynamically detect the carrier frequency of the incoming signal, estimate its bandwidth, and identify if the signal is present in one of the target standard bands. This carrier detection provides a unique capability to reconfigure the receiver dynamically. Additionally, in this work, system‐level EVM optimization is proposed considering frequency synthesizer phase noise, IQ mismatch, sampling frequency selection and block‐level gain, noise, and nonlinearity. The RF front end of the proposed receiver is modeled in Verilog‐AMS whereas the digital signal processing is implemented in Simulink‐Matlab. The complete receiver has been verified to detect and process three different bands belonging to three different standards (GSM, UMTS, and WLAN) with the carrier frequency ranging from 0.9 to 2.5 GHz. Test signals with 4‐QAM modulation, maximum bandwidth of 20 MHz, and input‐dynamic range from –109 to –20 dBm is utilized to demonstrate the receiver performance including an EVM of –40 dB.
Hardened faecal pellets as a significant component in deep water, subtropical marine environments
Authors: Deik Hanaa , Reuning Lars , Petrick Benjamin , Takayanagi Hideko
Published: February 2019

Non‐skeletal carbonate grains are classically interpreted to form in shallow, tropical environments. Peloids deposited in deep, subtropical marine conditions are poorly studied. IODP site U1460 on the subtropical Carnarvon Ramp (Southwest Shelf of Australia) recovered a nearly continuous Pliocene to Recent record of outer shelf and slope sediments. The relative abundance of peloids varies between 0% and 67% of the fine to medium sand fraction, and contributes on average ~4% of all grains. The origin and composition of these peloids were investigated using scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer, light microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and stable isotope analysis. The peloids have a uniform size and shape and are interpreted as faecal pellets. They are mainly composed of skeletal fragments such as ascidian spicules, planktic foraminifera and sponge spicules in a mud‐sized matrix containing abundant coccolith plates. Mineralogical analysis show that the pellets consist of aragonite, calcite and dolomite. The pellets have an identical mineralogical composition and skeletal assemblage as the surrounding matrix, indicating that they have formed in situ. They occur more abundantly during interglacials when the site was situated in deeper waters below the swell wave base, presumably because the pellets were protected from disintegration and therefore available for cementation. The presence of framboidal pyrite within the pellets indicates bacterial sulphate reduction (BSR). The reduction of iron by hydrogen sulphide produced during BSR decreases the pH and likely explains the observed aragonite dissolution. Aragonite dissolution likely increases the alkalinity, and in consequence causes the precipitation of calcite and dolomite cements. It is suggested here that pellets are hardened due to this early cementation close to the sea floor increasing the potential for preservation in the fossil record.
Intensive silviculture enhances biomass accumulation and tree diversity recovery in tropical forest restoration
Authors: Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Campoe Otávio , Mendes João Carlos Teixeira , Noel Camilla , Moreira Gabriela G. , van Melis Juliano , Stape José Luiz , Guillemot Joannès
Published: February 2019

Maximizing initial aboveground woody biomass (AGB) accumulation in order to obtain early payments for carbon stocking is essential for the financial viability of reforestation programs fostered by climate mitigation efforts. Intensive silviculture, i.e., silviculture traditionally used in commercial forestry to maximize productivity and gains, has recently been advocated as a promising approach to enhance AGB accumulation in restoration plantations. However, this approach may hamper natural forest regeneration and ecological succession due to high competition between colonizing plants and planted trees. We investigated the impacts of different silvicultural treatments applied to restoration plantations with 20 native tree species on AGB accumulation and spontaneous regeneration of native woody species in an experiment set up in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Intensive silviculture demonstrated a remarkable potential to enhance AGB accumulation in restoration plantations by increasing up to three times the AGB of tree stands (from ~25 to 75 Mg/ha in the 12th year). Intensive fertilization/weed control enhanced AGB accumulation, while higher tree density and the proportion of pioneers did not have a significant effect on AGB over the time. In spite of higher costs (cost increase of 13–19%), the cost‐effectiveness for AGB accumulation of intensive silviculture was comparable to that of traditional silviculture applied to restoration (US$50–100/Mg AGB for 3 × 2 m spacing). Contrary to our expectations, we did not find a trade‐off between AGB accumulation by planted trees and the spontaneous regeneration of tree species, since intensive silviculture enhanced the regeneration of both planted (total of 12 species) and colonizing woody species (total of 30 species) in the plantation understory. Specifically, a strong association was found between AGB stocks and the abundance and richness of colonizing species, a vast majority of which (90% of species and 95% of individuals) were dispersed by animals. We report a case of positive correlation between AGB stocking and woody species regeneration in the restoration of the Atlantic Forest. Fostering the establishment and maintenance of restoration tree plantations can, in some cases, be a win‐win strategy for climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation in human‐modified tropical landscapes.
Trade‐offs in the provisioning and stability of ecosystem services in agroecosystems
Authors: Montoya Daniel , Haegeman Bart , Gaba Sabrina , de Mazancourt Claire , Bretagnolle Vincent , Loreau Michel
Published: February 2019

Changes in land use generate trade‐offs in the delivery of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. However, we know little about how the stability of ecosystem services responds to landscape composition, and what ecological mechanisms underlie these trade‐offs. Here, we develop a model to investigate the dynamics of three ecosystem services in intensively managed agroecosystems, i.e., pollination‐independent crop yield, crop pollination, and biodiversity. Our model reveals trade‐offs and synergies imposed by landscape composition that affect not only the magnitude but also the stability of ecosystem service delivery. Trade‐offs involving crop pollination are strongly affected by the degree to which crops depend on pollination and by their relative requirement for pollinator densities. We show conditions for crop production to increase with biodiversity and decreasing crop area, reconciling farmers’ profitability and biodiversity conservation. Our results further suggest that, for pollination‐dependent crops, management strategies that focus on maximizing yield will often overlook its stability. Given that agriculture has become more pollination‐dependent over time, it is essential to understand the mechanisms driving these trade‐offs to ensure food security.
Release from natural enemies mitigates inbreeding depression in native and invasive Silene latifolia populations
Authors: Schrieber Karin , Wolf Sabrina , Wypior Catherina , Höhlig Diana , Keller Stephen R. , Hensen Isabell , Lachmuth Susanne
Published: February 2019

Inbreeding and enemy infestation are common in plants and can synergistically reduce their performance. This inbreeding ×environment (I × E) interaction may be of particular importance for the success of plant invasions if introduced populations experience a release from attack by natural enemies relative to their native conspecifics. Here, we investigate whether inbreeding affects plant infestation damage, whether inbreeding depression in growth and reproduction is mitigated by enemy release, and whether this effect is more pronounced in invasive than native plant populations. We used the invader Silene latifolia and its natural enemies as a study system. We performed two generations of experimental out‐ and inbreeding within eight native (European) and eight invasive (North American) populations under controlled conditions using field‐collected seeds. Subsequently, we exposed the offspring to an enemy exclusion and inclusion treatment in a common garden in the species’ native range to assess the interactive effects of population origin (range), breeding treatment, and enemy treatment on infestation damage, growth, and reproduction. Inbreeding increased flower and leaf infestation damage in plants from both ranges, but had opposing effects on fruit damage in native versus invasive plants. Inbreeding significantly reduced plant fitness; whereby, inbreeding depression in fruit number was higher in enemy inclusions than exclusions. This effect was equally pronounced in populations from both distribution ranges. Moreover, the magnitude of inbreeding depression in fruit number was lower in invasive than native populations. These results support that inbreeding has the potential to reduce plant defenses in S. latifolia, which magnifies inbreeding depression in the presence of enemies. However, future studies are necessary to further explore whether enemy release in the invaded habitat has actually decreased inbreeding depression and thus facilitated the persistence of inbred founder populations and invasion success.
Recent Advances in Direct Functionalization of Quinones
Authors: Wang Yijun , Zhu Shuai , Zou Liang‐Hua
Published: February 2019

Developing methods for the direct functionalization of quinones for assembly of highly functionalized quinones or bioactive natural products is an essential topic in the field of direct C–H functionalization. Quinone units are key motifs in many bioactive compounds and materials, and many innovative methods have been elaborated for the generation of these units. A major part of the established synthetic strategies combines installation of substituents on hydroquinones, phenols, or phenyl ethers through different coupling reactions with oxidation to produce the desired quinones. Most of these above‐mentioned methods introduce multiple chemical steps; however, the synthesis of quinoid compounds through the direct C–H functionalization of simple quinones remains challenging. This minireview summarizes the recently developed achievements for assembly of functionalized quinones through direct functionalization of simple quinones. Our focus will be on the methods and mechanism of these reactions that have appeared in the last two decades.
Impedance Biosensing atop MoS2 Thin Films with Mo−S Bond Formation to Antibody Fragments Created by Disulphide Bond Reduction
Authors: Giang Hannah , Pali Madhavi , Fan Li , Suni Ian I.
Published: February 2019

Immobilization of antibody fragments to 3‐phenoxybenzoic acid (3‐PBA), which are created by disulphide bond (S−S) reduction with tris (2‐carboxyethyl) phosphine (TCEP), is reported atop MoS2 and Cu‐doped MoS2 thin films. MoS2 and Cu‐doped MoS2 thin films are electrodeposited using previously reported methods and tested for their ability to immobilize antibody fragments, before and after annealing in Ar at 500 °C for 3 h. This annealing procedure removes excess sulphur in the as‐deposited films, and creates coordinatively unsaturated Mo sites that are highly reactive towards sulphur, as previously reported for MoS2 hydrodesulphurization catalysts. As demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, both annealed MoS2 and Cu‐doped MoS2 thin films adsorb antibody fragments through Mo−S bond formation, unlike the as‐deposited films. Impedance detection of 3‐PBA is reported utilizing antibody fragments bound to both materials, with a sensitivity of 2.7×108 Ω cm2 M−1 and a detection limit of 2.5×10−6 M atop MoS2, and a sensitivity of 5.9×108 Ω cm2 M−1 and a detection limit of 3.8×10−6 M atop Cu‐doped MoS2. The rms surface roughness obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements atop annealed MoS2 and Cu‐doped MoS2 ranges from 60–140 nm, so the methods described herein are not limited to ultra‐smooth substrates.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Research of Milled Antimony and Red Phosphorus Hybrid Inlaid with Graphene Sheets as Anodes for Lithium–Sodium Storage
Authors: Liu Yang , Ru Qiang , Gao Yuqing , Gao Ping , Chen Fuming , Zhao Lingzhi , Hou Xianhua
Published: February 2019

Antimony and red phosphorus (RP) hybrid is harvested via a facile mechanical milling strategy. Simultaneously, graphene sheets are introduced to boost the electronic transmission and mitigate the agglomeration of particles. In contrast to pristine Sb and RP electrodes, Sb/P/C hybrid affords comparably promising electrochemical performances. As anodes for lithium‐ion batteries, Sb/P/C electrode depicts a reversible capacity of 869 mAh g−1 under 200 mA g−1 after 50 cycles and an excellent rate stability such as 452 mAh g−1 at 3200 mA g−1. When used for sodium‐ion batteries, the hybrid also shows moderate capacities of 544.8 and 511 mAh g−1 at the current of 50 and 200 mA g−1 after 50 cycles, respectively. These excellent properties can be ascribed to the synergetic effect of decreased particle size of milled Sb/P/C, large contact area, adequate energy storage sites, and enhanced electrical conductivity.
Promotion of CO2 capture performance using piperazine (PZ) and diethylenetriamine (DETA) bi‐solvent blends
Authors: Liu Ji , Li Xiaoshan , Zhang Zewu , Li Liwei , Bi Yajun , Zhang Liqi
Published: February 2019

The carbon dioxide post‐combustion capture process using amine solutions is considered the most appropriate method for CO2 capture from flue gas in power plants. This paper focuses on the CO2 capture performance of six common organic amines. Two amines, piperazine (PZ) and diethylenetriamine (DETA), which showed better performance, were then filtered out to form amine blends to improve performance further. The absorption heat from the CO2 absorbing process was measured directly using an advanced C80 micro calorimeter for more accurate calculation of regenerative energy consumption. Experimental results confirmed the optimal amine blend to be 10% PZ plus 20% DETA, with a 42% increase in absorption capacity and a 9% increase in initial absorption rate compared to traditional 30% monoethanolamine (MEA). The regeneration energy consumption of this chosen PZ‐DETA blend was calculated to be 3.979 GJ/ton CO2, a decrease of 9% compared with MEA. Moreover, it led to an improvement of about 55% in stable cyclic absorption capacity in comparison with 30% MEA. It was confirmed that this PZ‐DETA blend can bring practical economic benefits to industrial applications when replacing the current 30% MEA solution. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural characteristics and geochronology of thrust faulting in the Jiulianshan anticlinorium, theLowerYangtze region,East China
Authors: Wang Yongsheng , Tian Ziqiang , Song Chuanzhong , Bai Qiao
Published: February 2019

The Jiulianshan anticlinorium is located at the southern part of the Mount Maoshan–Jiulianshan in the Lower Yangtze region, where a number of new‐found thrust faults were identified. Movement of these thrust faults had resulted in Palaeozoic strata lying unconformably above Cretaceous strata. However, the Lower Yangtze region was mostly under an extensional tectonic regime during the Late Mesozoic, which is inconsistent with existence of the nappe in the Mount Maoshan–Jiulianshan. Therefore, what the structural characteristics are and when these thrust faults developed are important for understanding the evolution of the South China Block. Based on detailed field observations, these new‐found thrust faults outcropped in the Liqiao, Yangxian, and Miaopu areas. These faults, SE‐dipping deeply, developed a meters‐wide fault‐and‐fracture zone of width in meters. The footwall was composed of the Early Cretaceous pyroclastic rock or tuff, which indicates that these faults developed since the Early Cretaceous. Two undeformed dykes formed in the fault‐and‐fracture zone of Miaopu area and a footless intrusion in the hanging wall, which give emplacement ages of ca. 132 Ma by using zircon U–Pb LA‐ICP‐MS dating and thus implies that thrust fault motion occurred prior to or around this time. The volcanic tuff and pyroclastic rocks, located in the footwall of the Yangxian and Miaopu thrust fault, are dated at ca. 137 and 134 Ma, respectively, indicating that fault motion must have occurred after this time. The Qiaotouyang pluton emplaced in the core of one of the folds in the fold‐and‐thrust belt at ca. 141 Ma, which indicates that the fold‐and‐thrust belt of Tongling Uplift formed prior to 141 Ma. Integrating other evidences, such as magmatic quiescence, large‐scale and short‐duration volcanic eruptions, and beginning time of metamorphic core complex and rift basin, it is inferred that Early Yanshanian thrust faults were reactivated during the Late Mesozoic, resulting in thrusting within the Jiulianshan anticlinorium.
Multimodal neuroimaging analysis reveals age‐associated common and discrete cognitive control constructs
Authors: Yang Meng‐Heng , Yao Zai‐Fu , Hsieh Shulan
Published: February 2019

The aims of this study were to determine which cognitive control functions are most sensitive to cross‐sectional age differences and to identify neural features in different neuroimaging modalities that associated cognitive control function across the adult lifespan. We employed a joint independent component analysis (jICA) approach to obtain common networks among three different brain‐imaging modalities (i.e., structural MRI, resting‐state functional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging) in relation to the cognitive control function. We differentiated three distinct cognitive constructs: one common (across inhibition, shifting, and updating) and two specific (shifting, updating) factors. These common/specific constructs were transformed from three original performance indexes: (a) stop‐signal reaction time, (b) switch‐cost, and (c) performance sensitivity collected from 156 individuals aged 20 to 78 years old. The current results show that the cross‐sectional age difference is associated with a wide spread of brain degeneration that is not limited to the frontal region. Crucially, these findings suggest there are some common and distinct joined multimodal components that correlate with the psychological constructs of common and discrete cognitive control functions, respectively. To support current findings, other fusion ICA models were also analyzed including, parallel ICA (para‐ICA) and multiset canonical correlation analysis with jICA (mCCA + jICA). Dynamic interactions among these brain features across different brain modalities could serve as possible developmental mechanisms associated with these age effects.
Radiotherapy for benign head and neck paragangliomas
Authors: Mendenhall William M. , Morris Christopher G. , Amdur Robert J. , Hitchcock Kathryn E. , Silver Natalie L. , Dziegielewski Peter T.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To update our experience treating benign head‐and‐neck paragangliomas (PGs) with radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

A total of 149 patients with 176 PGs received curative‐intent RT; 126 received RT to 1 PG and 23 to 2 or more PGs. The most common dose fractionation schedule was 45 Gy/25 once‐daily fractions/5 weeks which was used to treat 147 PGs (83.5%) in 123 patients (82.6%). Patients were followed with physical examination and CT/MRI. The median follow‐up for all patients was 10.6 years (range, 0.2‐50.4 years); the median follow‐up for surviving patients was 11.1 years (range, 0.2‐50.4).

Results

The 5‐year, 10‐year, and 15‐year outcomes were: local control, 99%, 96%, and 95%; distant metastasis‐free survival, 99%, 99%, and 99%; cause‐specific survival, 98%, 98%, and 98%; and overall survival, 90%, 75%, and 64%, respectively. No patient developed a moderate or severe complication, or a radiation‐induced second tumor or malignant transformation of the benign PG.

Conclusion

RT is an effective treatment for head‐and‐neck PGs with a low risk of complications.
Thyroid cancer clinical trials in the United States: Understanding trends to maximize impact
Authors: Hsieh Alan , Murchison Charles , Devaiah Anand
Published: February 2019

Background

We sought to understand thyroid cancer study modalities, publications, and grants. This provides scope, resources, and dissemination patterns to inform future directions for research and policy.

Methods

A retrospective study of thyroid cancer trials using ClinicalTrials.gov was performed. Publication and grant awards were sourced using PubMed.gov and NIH RePORTER, respectively.

Results

Seventy‐three thyroid cancer trials were identified out of 217 000 from 1998 to 2015. Drugs were studied in 96% of all trials. Only 14% of all trials included radiation, and 4% included surgery. Only 29% of trials published their results, NIH funding was reported for 26% of trials. Total funding was $1 845 567 484 (average award: $97135131).

Conclusion

This study is the first to prove that drug trials predominate in thyroid cancer and quantify NIH dollars awarded. Radiation and surgery are underrepresented, despite being standard of care. We recommend better balance of therapeutics and peer‐reviewed reporting of positive and negative results.

Level of evidence

Level 1a evidence.
Bioactive Alkaloids from Plants Poisonous to Livestock in North America
Authors: Green Benedict T. , Lee Stephen T. , Gardner Dale R. , Welch Kevin D. , Cook Daniel
Published: February 2019

Plants produce a multiplicity of chemical compounds which have a variety of uses including flavors, fragrances, insecticides, dyes, poisons, and pharmaceutical agents. In this review, we focus on plant alkaloids from the genera Delphinium, Lupinus, Conium, Nicotiana, Veratrum, and selected plant endophyte derived alkaloids. Alkaloids discussed include norditerpenoid alkaloids which act as antagonists to block the ligand binding sites of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and cause acute toxicosis in adult animals which can result in death. The inhibition of fetal movement and resulting fetal defects caused by quinolizidine and piperidine alkaloids, the inhibition of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway by Veratrum alkaloids, and compounds derived from fungal endophytes that form symbioses with plant hosts will be also be discussed. The bioactivity of these alkaloids makes them useful tools for research and in human and veterinary medicine or potentially harmful toxins.
Vitamin E: Regulatory role in the cardiovascular system
Authors: Sozen Erdi , Demirel Tugce , Ozer Nesrin Kartal
Published: February 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, all around the world. Vitamin E is an important nutrient influencing key cellular and molecular mechanisms as well as gene expression regulation centrally involved in the prevention of CVD. Cell culture and animal studies have focused on the identification of vitamin E regulated signaling pathways and involvement on inflammation, lipid homeostasis, and atherosclerotic plaque stability. While some of these vitamin E functions were verified in clinical trials, some of the positive effects were not translated into beneficial outcomes in epidemiological studies. In recent years, the physiological metabolites of vitamin E, including the liver derived (long‐ and short‐chain) metabolites and phosphorylated (α‐, γ‐tocopheryl phosphate) forms, have also provided novel mechanistic insight into CVD regulation that expands beyond the vitamin E precursor. It is certain that this emerging insight into the molecular and cellular action of vitamin E will help to design further studies, either in animal models or clinical trials, on the reduction of risk for CVDs. This review focuses on vitamin E‐mediated preventive cardiovascular effects and discusses novel insights into the biology and mechanism of action of vitamin E metabolites in CVD. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(4):507–515, 2019
Cyclic Dinucleotides Inhibit Osteoclast Differentiation Through STING-Mediated Interferon-β Signaling
Authors: Kwon Yeongkag , Park Ok-Jin , Kim Jiseon , Cho Jae-Ho , Yun Cheol-Heui , Han Seung Hyun
Published: February 2019

Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), such as cyclic diadenylate monophosphate and cyclic diguanylate monophosphate, are commensal bacteria-derived second messengers in the gut that modulate bacterial survival, colonization, and biofilm formation. Recently, CDNs have been discovered to have an immunomodulatory activity by inducing the expression of type I interferon (IFN) through STING signaling pathway in macrophages. Because CDNs are possibly absorbed and delivered into the bone marrow, where bone-resorbing osteoclasts are derived from monocyte/macrophage lineages, CDNs could affect bone metabolism by regulating osteoclast differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effect of CDNs on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. When bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were differentiated into osteoclasts with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) in the presence of CDNs, the differentiation was inhibited by CDNs in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, CDNs did not influence the differentiation of committed osteoclasts or osteoblast precursors. STING signaling pathway appeared to be critical for CDNs-mediated inhibition of osteoclast differentiation since CDNs induced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3, a representative feature of STING activation, and osteoclast differentiation was restored in STING knockdown BMMs with siRNA. Moreover, CDNs increased the mRNA expression of STING-meditated IFN-β, which is a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis. In addition, CDNs also induced the phosphorylation of STAT1, which mediates IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR) signal transduction. The inhibitory effects of CDNs on osteoclast differentiation were not observed in the presence of antibody blocking IFNAR or in macrophages derived from IFNAR1-/- mice. Experiments using a mouse calvarial implantation model showed that RANKL-induced bone resorption was inhibited by CDNs. Taken together, these results suggest that CDNs inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption through induction of IFN-β via the STING signaling pathway. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.