bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydroxamic Acid‐Piperidine Conjugate is an Activated Catalyst for Lysine Acetylation under Physiological Conditions
Authors: Mizumoto Shinsuke , Xi Siqi , Fujiwara Yusuke , Kawashima Shigehiro A. , Yamatsugu Kenzo , Kanai Motomu
Published: February 2020

Lysine acylation of proteins is an essential chemical reaction for posttranslational modification and as a means of protein modification in various applications. N,N‐Dimethyl‐4‐aminopyridine (DMAP) derivatives are widely‐used catalysts for lysine acylation of proteins; however, the DMAP moiety mostly exists in a protonated, and thus deactivated, form under physiological conditions due to its basicity. An alternative catalytic motif furnishing higher acylation activity would further broaden the possible applications of chemical lysine acylation. We herein report that the hydroxamic acid‐piperidine conjugate Ph‐HXA is a more active catalytic motif for lysine acetylation than DMAP under physiological conditions. In contrast to DMAP, the hydroxamic acid moiety is mostly deprotonated under aqueous neutral pH, resulting in a higher concentration of the activated form. The Ph‐HXA catalyst is also more tolerant of deactivation by a high concentration of glutathione than DMAP. Therefore, Ph‐HXA might be a suitable catalytic motif for target protein‐selective and site‐selective acetylation in cells.
N‐Centered Radical Directed Remote C−H Bond Functionalization via Hydrogen Atom Transfer
Authors: Kumar Gautam , Pradhan Suman , Chatterjee Indranil
Published: February 2020

The N‐centered radical directed remote C−H bond functionalization via hydrogen‐atom‐transfer at distant sites has developed as an enormous potential tool for the organic synthetic chemists. Unactivated and remote secondary and tertiary, as well as selected primary C−H bonds, can be utilized for functionalization by following these methodologies. The synthesis of the heterocyclic scaffolds provides them extra attention for the modern days′ developments in this field of unactivated remote C−H bonds functionalizations.
How Alkali Cations Catalyze Aromatic Diels‐Alder Reactions
Authors: Vermeeren Pascal , Brinkhuis Francine , Hamlin Trevor A. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: February 2020

We have quantum chemically studied alkali cation‐catalyzed aromatic Diels‐Alder reactions between benzene and acetylene forming barrelene using relativistic, dispersion‐corrected density functional theory. The alkali cation‐catalyzed aromatic Diels‐Alder reactions are accelerated by up to 5 orders of magnitude relative to the uncatalyzed reaction and the reaction barrier increases along the series Li+ < Na+ < K+ < Rb+ < Cs+ < none. Our detailed activation strain and molecular‐orbital bonding analyses reveal that the alkali cations lower the aromatic Diels‐Alder reaction barrier by reducing the Pauli repulsion between the closed‐shell filled orbitals of the dienophile and the aromatic diene. We argue that such Pauli mechanism behind Lewis‐acid catalysis is a more general phenomenon. Also, our results may be of direct importance for a more complete understanding of the network of competing mechanisms towards the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an astrochemical context.
Birnbaum‐Saunders autoregressive conditional range model applied to stock index data
Authors: Leão Jeremias , Lopes Erico , Leão Themis , Nascimento Diego C.
Published: February 2020

This article proposes a new approach to the conditional autoregressive range (CARR) model using the Birnbaum‐Saunders (BS) distribution. The model aims to develop volatility clustering, which incorporates extreme fluctuations, using a time‐varying evolution of the range process called the BSCARR model. Furthermore, diagnosis analysis tools for diagnosis analysis were developed to evaluate the goodness of fit, such as residual analysis, global influence measures based on Cook's distance, and local influence analysis. For illustrative purposes, three real financial market indices are analyzed. A comparison with classical CARR models was also carried out in these examples. The results indicated that the proposed model outperformed some existing models in the literature, especially a recent CARR model based on the gamma distribution even under the presence of atypical cases (observed values).
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: The Role of Action in Self‐Referential Advantage in Children With Autism
Authors: Wuyun Gaowa , Wang Jiao , Zhang Long , Wang Kai , Yi Li , Wu Yanhong
Published: February 2020

Impaired self‐processing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is believed to be closely associated with social‐communicative deficits, a core symptom of ASD. In three experiments, we aimed to investigate (a) whether children with ASD exhibited deficient in self‐processing, as reflected by their superior memory for self‐related items as compared to other‐related items, and (b) the role that action played in promoting self‐processing in ASD. In Experiment 1, children with ASD, children with intellectual disability (ID), and typically developing children were asked to memorize items on the cards assigned to them or to the experimenter. The results indicated that the TD and ID groups had a self‐referential memory advantage, but the ASD group did not. Experiments 2 and 3 examined whether the deficit in self‐processing among children with ASDs was ameliorated when participants performed or observed an action to indicate the ownership of the items. We found that when children with ASD performed self‐generated actions or observed virtual actions, they displayed a similar self‐referential memory advantage as the other two groups. Our findings reveal that action plays an important role in the self‐processing in children with ASD, and thereby contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of self‐processing deficits in this population.Autism Res2020, 13: 810–820. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research,Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

We aimed to study whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibited deficient in self‐processing and the role of action in promoting self‐processing in ASD. We found that the typically developing and intellectual disability groups had a self‐referential memory advantage, but the ASD group did not. However, children with ASD showed a significant self‐referential advantage when they performed or observed an action to indicate the ownership of items. These findings highlight the vital role that action plays in cognitively enhancing their self‐processing.
The Power in Water Infrastructure
Authors: Sibree Anne E.
Published: February 2020

Key Takeaways

Municipalities, water districts, and the agricultural industry can use new streamlined hydropower authorizations and exemptions to offset business costs by producing hydroelectric energy.

Small hydropower opportunities include experimental and hydrokinetic projects, conduit projects, and projects relying on manmade dams or natural impoundments.

Hydropower is a clean energy that provides benefits at multiple levels, adding resilience to the energy grid with a lower carbon footprint.
Are loyalty shares an effective antidote against short‐termism? Empirical evidence from Italy
Authors: Mio Chiara , Soerger Zaro Elise , Fasan Marco
Published: February 2020

Corporate short‐termism is arguably one of the main causes of economic, social, and environmental unsustainability. This paper studies the effectiveness of loyalty shares—shares granting extra dividends or voting rights to shareholders holding them for a specified period of time—in limiting short‐termism. Although there are arguments both supporting (antidote view) and opposing (poison view) loyalty shares' effectiveness, empirical evidence on the theme is scant. By employing earnings management as a proxy for corporate short‐termism and by relying on a hand‐collected database of Italian firms, we find that loyalty shares can serve as an effective antidote against short‐termism. This study contributes to academic literature on corporate governance and accounting and informs the debate among policymakers on loyalty shares' effectiveness.
Competency to stand trial evaluations: A state‐wide review of court‐ordered reports
Authors: Murrie Daniel C. , Gardner Brett O. , Torres Angela N.
Published: February 2020

Competence to stand trial (CST) evaluations are a critical part of certain criminal proceedings, and competence‐related evaluation and treatment are an increasing part of public mental health services. Whereas more research describes the defendants undergoing competence evaluations, less research has examined the actual reports detailing those competence evaluations. This study reviewed 3,644 court‐ordered CST evaluation reports submitted by 126 evaluators in Virginia since Virginia initiated an oversight system allowing for comprehensive review. The base rate of incompetence opinions was 38.8%, but these rates varied significantly across evaluation type (initial versus post‐restoration efforts) and evaluators (ranging from 9.1% to 76.8% incompetence rate). Results suggest generally strong compliance with state statutes guiding CST evaluations, but also highlight marked variability in forensic conclusions and reveal a few areas in which some reports fell short of statutory requirements and practice guidelines.
Optical coherence tomography‐defined plaque vulnerability in relation to functional stenosis severity stratified by fractional flow reserve and quantitative flow ratio
Authors: Kanno Yoshinori , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Hoshino Masahiro , Usui Eisuke , Hamaya Rikuta , Kanaji Yoshihisa , Murai Tadashi , Lee Tetsumin , Yonetsu Taishi , Kakuta Tsunekazu
Published: February 2020

Objectives

We sought to investigate that the quantitative flow ratio (QFR) might be associated with optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐defined plaque vulnerability.

Background

Both functional stenosis severity and plaque instability are related to adverse clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. Recent studies have shown an association between physiological stenosis severity and the presence of thin‐cap fibroatheroma (TCFA). Measurement of QFR is a novel method for rapid computational estimation of fractional flow reserve (FFR).

Methods

We investigated 327 de novo intermediate‐to‐severe coronary lesions in 295 stable patients who underwent OCT, FFR, and QFR computation. The lesions were divided into tertiles based on either the FFR or QFR. The OCT findings were compared among these tertiles of FFR and QFR. Each tertile was defined as follows: FFR‐T1 (FFR < 0.72), FFR‐T2 (0.72 ≤ FFR ≤ 0.79), and FFR‐T3 (FFR > 0.79) and QFR‐T1 (QFR < 0.73), QFR‐T2 (0.73 ≤ QFR ≤ 0.78), and QFR‐T3 (QFR > 0.78).

Results

The prevalence of OCT‐defined TCFA showed graded differences in proportion to the QFR tertiles (25.0% vs. 12.8% vs. 6.6%, p = .003). An overall significant difference in the prevalence of TCFA was found among FFR tertiles (p = .048), although pairwise comparison did not show statistical significance. Compared with FFR‐based classifications, the model that integrated the FFR and QFR categorization improved the incremental reclassification efficacy (relative integrated discrimination improvement, 0.069; p = .002; continuous net reclassification improvement, 0.356; p = .022) for predicting the presence of TCFA.

Conclusions

OCT‐defined plaque instability was associated with the QFR in angiographically intermediate‐to‐severe lesions. Compared with the FFR alone, the QFR can provide incremental efficacy in predicting the presence of TCFA.
On the Real Nature of Rh Single‐Atom Catalysts Dispersed on the ZrO2 Surface
Authors: Thang Ho Viet , Pacchioni Gianfranco
Published: February 2020

The nature of a Rh single‐atom catalyst (SAC) stabilized on the surface of tetragonal zirconia, t‐ZrO2, is investigated here by performing extensive DFT calculations on various possible structural models and comparing the resulting spectral properties with existing data from the literature. The models considered include a Rh atom adsorbed on the clean surface, (Rh)ads, Rh atoms stabilized by the reaction with surface OH groups to form direct Rh−O bonds, (RhO)ads, and (RhO2)ads, the interaction of a Rh atom with an OH group, (RhOH)ads, and a Rh atom replacing Zr in the lattice, (Rh)subZr. Also a t‐ZrO2 supported Rh6 cluster has been considered for comparison with Rh single atoms. Surface heterogeneity has been taken into account by computing the various Rh species at terraces and at step sites of the zirconia surface. Based on the calculated adsorption energies, Rh 3d core level binding energies, and stretching frequencies of adsorbed CO and comparison with the experimental data we conclude that the potential candidates for Rh SAC on t‐ZrO2 are (RhO)ads and (RhOH)ads species.
Highly Strong and Tough Double‐Crosslinked Hydrogel Electrolyte for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Yudong , Lu Nan , Liu Fengya , Na Ruiqi , Wang Guibin , Guan Shaowei , Liu Fengqi
Published: February 2020

Excellent mechanical properties are indispensable for the wide application of supercapacitors and various wearable devices. In this article, a novel double‐crosslinked hydrogel electrolyte (DC‐GPE) is prepared by the combination of the hydrophobic association of acrylamide with the amphiphilic monomer AEO‐9‐AC and the ionic complexation of acrylic acid with Fe3+ for the first time by a two‐step method. Owing to the dual energy dissipation network, the DC‐GPE exhibits an excellent tensile strength of up to 3.1 MPa, an elongation at break of more than 900 % and a toughness of 18.1 MJ m−3, which is far beyond the currently reported hydrogel electrolyte. Moreover, the ionic conductivity of the DC‐GPE achieves as high as 40.1 mS cm−1, which is 3 times higher than the corresponding LiClO4 solution electrolyte (12.3 mS cm−1). Besides, the activated carbon‐based supercapacitor assembled by the DC‐GPE shows excellent electrochemical performance, which is superior to most activated carbon‐based supercapacitors. These results demonstrate that the DC‐GPE shows a great application prospect in wearable devices like supercapacitors. Significantly, the new dual physical cross‐linking strategy improves the contradiction between the strength and the toughness of the gel electrolyte materials. And provides a new solution for preparing high‐strength as well as high‐toughness gel electrolyte.
Recycling of Li−Ni−Mn−Co Hydroxide from Spent Batteries to Produce High‐Performance Supercapacitors with Exceptional Stability
Authors: Mesbah Yasmine I. , Ahmed Nashaat , Ali Basant A. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: February 2020

The intensive implementation of Li‐ion batteries in many markets makes it increasingly urgent to address the recycling of strategic materials from spent batteries. Batteries typically contain toxic chemicals and cannot be disposed of at will. In this study, Li−Ni−Mn−Co hydroxides are successfully recycled from spent Li‐ion batteries electrodeposited on nickel foam, and fully characterized using different techniques such as field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDXS), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The recycled nanostructured films are tested in a three‐electrode electrochemical system to investigate their capacitance behavior. The recycled electrodes show high capacitance of 951 F g−1 (specific capacity of 523.5 C g−1) at 1 A g−1. Moreover, the recycled materials are used as positive electrodes to construct asymmetric supercapacitor devices. The device shows a coulombic efficiency of 100 %, a capacitance retention reaching approximately 90 % with excellent cycling stability after 10 000 cycles as well as reasonable power and energy densities.
Wiring patterns from auditory sensory neurons to the escape and song‐relay pathways in fruit flies
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Horigome Mihoko , Ishikawa Yuki , Li Feng , Lauritzen J. Scott , Card Gwyneth , Bock Davi D. , Kamikouchi Azusa
Published: February 2020

Many animals rely on acoustic cues to decide what action to take next. Unraveling the wiring patterns of the auditory neural pathways is prerequisite for understanding such information processing. Here, we reconstructed the first step of the auditory neural pathway in the fruit fly brain, from primary to secondary auditory neurons, at the resolution of transmission electron microscopy. By tracing axons of two major subgroups of auditory sensory neurons in fruit flies, low‐frequency tuned Johnston's organ (JO)‐B neurons and high‐frequency tuned JO‐A neurons, we observed extensive connections from JO‐B neurons to the main second‐order neurons in both the song‐relay and escape pathways. In contrast, JO‐A neurons connected strongly to a neuron in the escape pathway. Our findings suggest that heterogeneous JO neuronal populations could be recruited to modify escape behavior whereas only specific JO neurons contribute to courtship behavior. We also found that all JO neurons have postsynaptic sites at their axons. Presynaptic modulation at the output sites of JO neurons could affect information processing of the auditory neural pathway in flies.
Effect of Fe(III) Impurity on the Antisolvent Crystallization of Aqueous Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate Solutions
Authors: Mielniczek‐Brzóska Ewa , Sangwal Keshra , Borc Jarosław
Published: February 2020

Experimental results of a study of the effect of FeCl3 impurity on the antisolvent crystallization of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, involving processes of formation of 3D nuclei and growth of these nuclei, from its aqueous solutions saturated at 30 °C and containing different impurity concentrations ci from in situ measurements of temperatures of saturated solutions and pure water as functions of feeding time t of antisolvent ethanol at predefined rates RA are described and discussed. The processes of formation of 3D nuclei and growth of these nuclei are studied in terms of the maximum antisolvent content ΔxmaxN and ΔxmaxG, determined from intervals of temperature difference (Ts−Tw) = ΔT < 0 and ΔT > 0, respectively, obtained from measurements of temperature Ts and Tw of saturated solution, without and with impurity, and pure water. It is found that: 1) the processes of 3D nucleation in antisolvent crystallization from solutions containing impurities can be explained in the framework of theoretical expressions such as a Nývlt‐like relation and an approach based on 3D‐nucleation theory, and 2) adsorption of impurity particles accounts for the increase in the values of antisolvent contents ΔxmaxN and ΔxmaxG of solutions during 3D nucleation and growth of crystallites.
Evaluation of Bug Club: a randomised control trial of a whole school primary aged reading programme
Authors: Carroll Catherine , Hurry Jane , Grima Grace , Hooper Alistair , Dunn Krystina , Ahtaridou Elpida
Published: February 2020

Literacy levels for children leaving primary school, internationally, remain a cause for concern. There is a limited evidence base for whole school reading programmes and resources in the first two years of primary school compared to studies of interventions for children with reading difficulties. This study used a longitudinal randomised control trial (RCT) design to evaluate the efficacy of Bug Club; a whole school reading programme. Data from1273 pupils in Years 1 and 2 from 30 schools in the United Kingdom were analysed. A new cohort of 1425 Year 1 pupils was recruited in the second year. Over two terms, the experimental group made 1.75 more standardised points progress in reading compared to the control group, a small but significant effect. A replication study in the second year did not elicit the same significant gains. Over five terms, experimental pupils were 11 months ahead on age equivalent reading scores, relative to their chronological age. This study is the first of its type to evaluate the efficacy of a whole school reading programme in the United Kingdom. The findings contribute to an emerging understanding of what pupil progress might be expected as a result of a whole school reading programme.
Dmrt genes participate in the development of Cajal‐Retzius cells derived from the cortical hem in the telencephalon
Authors: Kikkawa Takako , Sakayori Nobuyuki , Yuuki Hayato , Katsuyama Yu , Matsuzaki Fumio , Konno Daijiro , Abe Takaya , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Osumi Noriko
Published: February 2020

Background

During development, Cajal‐Retzius (CR) cells are the first generated and essential pioneering neurons that control neuronal migration and arealization in the mammalian cortex. CR cells are derived from specific regions within the telencephalon, that is, the pallial septum in the rostromedial cortex, the pallial‐subpallial boundary, and the cortical hem (CH) in the caudomedial cortex. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the generation of CR cell subtypes in distinct regions of origin is poorly understood.

Results

We found that double‐sex and mab‐3 related transcription factor (Dmrt) genes, that is, Dmrta1 and Dmrt3, were expressed in the progenitor domains that produce CR cells. The number of CH‐derived CR cells was severely decreased in Dmrt3 mutants, especially in Dmrta1 and Dmrt3 double mutants. The reduced production of the CR cells was consistent with the developmental impairment of the CH structures in the medial telencephalon from which the CR cells are produced.

Conclusion

Dmrta1 and Dmrt3 cooperatively regulate patterning of the CH structure and production of the CR cells from the CH during cortical development.
Dynamic Habitat Disturbance and Ecological Resilience (DyHDER): modeling population responses to habitat condition
Authors: Murphy Brendan P. , Walsworth Timothy E. , Belmont Patrick , Conner Mary M. , Budy Phaedra
Published: February 2020

Understanding how populations respond to spatially heterogeneous habitat disturbance is as critical to conservation as it is challenging. Here, we present a new, free, and open‐source metapopulation model: Dynamic Habitat Disturbance and Ecological Resilience (DyHDER), which incorporates subpopulation habitat condition and connectivity into a population viability analysis framework. Modeling temporally dynamic and spatially explicit habitat disturbance of varying magnitude and duration is accomplished through the use of habitat time‐series data and a mechanistic approach to adjusting subpopulation vital rates. Additionally, DyHDERuses a probabilistic dispersal model driven by site‐specific habitat suitability, density dependence, and directionally dependent connectivity. In the first application of DyHDER, we explore how fragmentation and projected climate change are predicted to impact a well‐studied Bonneville cutthroat trout metapopulation in the Logan River (Utah,USA). The DyHDERmodel predicts which subpopulations are most susceptible to disturbance, as well as the potential interactions between stressors. Further, the model predicts how populations may be expected to redistribute following disturbance. This information is valuable to conservationists and managers faced with protecting populations of conservation concern across landscapes undergoing changing disturbance regimes. The DyHDERmodel provides a valuable and generalizable new tool to explore metapopulation resilience to spatially and temporally dynamic stressors for a diverse range of taxa and ecosystems.
Groundtruthing of pelagic forage fish detected by hydroacoustics in a whale feeding area using environmental DNA
Authors: Berger Chloé Suzanne , Bougas Bérénice , Turgeon Samuel , Ferchiou Sophia , Ménard Nadia , Bernatchez Louis
Published: February 2020

Conservation of whales, considered as umbrella species in marine environments, requires to be able to understand their relationships with ecosystem components such as prey species, including pelagic fish. However, studying such relationships in nature is a technical challenge. In this study, we used two noninvasive methods in combination, namely hydroacoustics and environmental DNA (eDNA), to detect five pelagic or semipelagic fish species in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (Québec, Canada): the sandlance Ammodytes sp., the Atlantic herring Clupea harengus, the capelin Mallotus villosus, the rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, and the redfish Sebastes sp. The Marine Park is a major summer feeding ground for a wide diversity of marine wildlife species, including the endangered St. Lawrence beluga whale population. Up to now, scarce research efforts have been dedicated to the estimation of pelagic fish abundance and diversity in this area. Hydroacoustics allowed to easily discriminate the classification of echoes from fish, and with certain limitations to distinguish swim bladder fish from fish without swim bladder. We used eDNA to groundtruth acoustics data and to improve species identification. eDNA analyses especially demonstrated that the capelin was the most predominant species, while the abundance of the redfish and the sandlance was strongly variable over the 2 years of the study. Our results also suggest that there are annual fluctuations in prey availability that marine mammals encounter in this area. Although the approach we used is not without constraints that should be addressed in future studies, we hope that this study will contribute to science‐based conservation and fisheries management policies.
Biomimetic Synthesis of Ear‐of‐wheat‐shaped Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes for High‐capacity Lithium Storage
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Li Meijuan , Ndahimana Anastase , Ding Peng , Xu Youlong , Hu Qiongdan , Chen Kai , Feng Tianyu
Published: February 2020

Manganese oxide (Mn3O4) is of great potential for lithium storage based on conversion reactions, but its application in rechargeable lithium batteries is severely hindered by the low electric conductivity and large volume variation during lithiation/delithiation. Herein, a biomimetic ear‐of‐wheat‐like nanocomposite of ultrafine Mn3O4 nanoparticles (MONPs) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is prepared using a facile solvothermal method. The tightly packed MONP “cereal‐grains” are directly grown and uniformly interspersed on the outer surface of skeleton MWCNT “central stems.” The ultrafine MONPs are favorable to lithium incorporation/extraction while the interconnected MWCNT skeletons provide a highly conducting network for electron transportation. Consequently, a high reversible capacity of 810 mA h g−1 is obtained at the current density of 40 mA g−1. After 50 cycles at 160 mA g−1, the nanocomposite still delivers a capacity up to 796 mA h g−1, which is higher than twice of that of pure Mn3O4 nanopowders. The unique nanostructure and the facile biomimetic method can be widely extended to design and explore various high‐performance energy materials for lithium/sodium ion batteries and fuel cells.
Changes in institutional and social–ecological system robustness due to the adoption of large‐scale irrigation technology in Navarre (Spain)
Authors: Albizua Amaia , Zaga‐Mendez Alejandra
Published: February 2020

Many regional and national organisations promote the modernisation of agriculture by supporting new technologies to increase their territory's competitiveness in a free‐market context. Such technologies and their associated intensive land management practices are geared towards obtaining higher yields. However, their application also entails changes in water and land management institutions, which could alter interactions among multiple components of the agrarian social–ecological system and potentially weaken the system. Here, we assess how these components and their relations change in a village situated in Navarre (Spain) after the uptake of large‐scale irrigation infrastructure. Specifically, we analyse such changes by comparing how the design principles for robust social–ecological systems manifest before and after the adoption of large‐scale irrigation. Our findings indicate that an unequal distribution of water and land induces some farmers to abandon their agrarian activities. Our case study also shows how irrigation communities have partially lost their autonomy to self‐organise and make agrarian management‐related decisions. We suggest that the adoption of large‐scale irrigation in this region contributes to a decrease in cooperation among resource users, and between users and infrastructure providers. This is due to a decline in the capacity to achieve collective‐choice arrangements and higher external control and monitoring of water use. We argue that the current agrarian management changes may damage social–ecological system robustness and affect the sustainable use of common‐pool resources, leading farmers to maladaptation to climate and market variability.
Energy‐consistent integration method and its application to hybrid testing
Authors: Wu Bin , Pan Tianlin , Yang Haowen , Xie Jinzhe , Spencer Billie F.
Published: February 2020

The time‐integration algorithm is an indispensable element to determine response of the boundary of the numerical as well as physical parts in a hybrid test. Instability of the time‐integration algorithm may directly lead to failure of the test, so stability of an integration algorithm is particularly important for hybrid testing. The explicit algorithms are very popular in hybrid testing, because iteration is not needed. Many unconditionally stable explicit‐algorithms have been proposed for hybrid testing. However, the stability analysis approaches used in all these methods are valid only for linear systems. In this paper, a uniform formulation for energy‐consistent time integrations, which are unconditionally stable, is proposed for nonlinear systems. The solvability and accuracy are analyzed for typical energy‐consistent algorithms. Some numerical examples and the results of a hybrid test are provided to validate the effectiveness of energy‐consistent algorithms.
Incongruent radiographic indication of calvarial metastatic diploic space invasion with absent histologic findings in a patient with basal cell carcinoma of the scalp
Authors: Xing Monica H. , Ansari Edward , Levy Juliana C. , Samankan Shabnam , Khorsandi Azita , Urken Mark L.
Published: February 2020

Background

Radiographic imaging is often used to determine basal cell carcinoma (BCC) extension and invasion and to define a surgical plan. However, imaging modalities may overestimate tumor invasion and lead to unnecessarily aggressive treatment.

Methods

A 77‐year‐old woman was seen with a growing BCC of the scalp with MRI imaging indicative of calvarial diploic space invasion. The patient underwent Mohs surgery followed by a parietal craniectomy.

Results

Contrary to the MRI findings, histological evaluation of the cortical parietal calvarium and the diploic space did not demonstrate BCC.

Conclusions

Surgeons should be wary of diploic space changes in the absence of cortical erosion demonstrated in MRI as it may not explicitly indicate tumor invasion. Biopsy of the diploe is necessary in such cases to determine the surgical course and to avoid morbidity associated with calvarium removal.
Outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome
Authors: Mori Takehiko , Shiratori Souichi , Suzumiya Junji , Kurokawa Mineo , Shindo Motohiro , Naoyuki Uchida , Katsuto Takenaka , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Morishige Satoshi , Hirokawa Makoto , Fukuda Takahiro , Atsuta Yoshiko , Suzuki Ritsuro
Published: February 2020

Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been reported to provide prolonged remission of relapsed/refractory mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS), its role has not been fully evaluated. Here, the outcomes of allogeneic HSCT for patients with MF/SS were retrospectively evaluated by using the registry database of the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Forty‐eight patients were evaluable and enrolled in the analysis. Median age was 45.5 years. Eighteen patients (38%) received myeloablative conditioning, and 33 (69%) received HSCT from an alternative donor. Disease status was complete or partial response in 25% of the patients and relapsed or refractory in the others. At the time of analysis, 18 patients were alive, with a median follow‐up of 31.0 months (range, 3.8‐31.1). Three‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 30% (95%CI, 16‐45%) and 19% (95%CI, 9‐31%), respectively. Disease progression was not observed later than 17 months after transplantation. Both disease status and performance status at transplant significantly affected OS and PFS. Although our findings suggest that allogeneic HSCT provides long‐term PFS in patients with MF/SS, the timing of transplantation should be decided carefully based on the disease status and the patient's condition in order to improve the outcome.
The landscape of BCR‐ABL mutations in patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukaemias in the era of second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Chien Sheng‐Hsuan , Liu Hsueng‐Mei , Chen Po‐Ming , Ko Po‐Shen , Lin Jeong‐Shi , Chen Ying‐Ju , Lee Li‐Hsuan , Hsiao Liang‐Tsai , Chiou Tzeon‐Jye , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Liu Chun‐Yu
Published: February 2020

BCR‐ABL mutations are associated with resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukaemia. The emergence of these mutations in the era of second‐generation TKIs, such as dasatinib and nilotinib, remains an evolving field. We conducted a retrospective study to quantitatively characterize the BCR‐ABL transcript and mutation status during treatment with first‐generation and second‐generation TKI therapies. BCR‐ABL mutations were detected by direct sequencing for patients with Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukaemia receiving TKI therapies. The efficacy of TKI therapy was quantitatively assessed by calculating the log reduction of BCR‐ABL transcripts, which was measured using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Fisher's exact test was performed to analyse the associations of log reduction <3 and mutation status. We found 35 patients harbouring 55 mutations of 43 different types, of which 30% occurred in patients receiving imatinib, 27% in nilotinib, and 43% in dasatinib. We found a novel germline mutation, N336 N (AAC➔AAT), and two novel frameshift mutations, Asn358Thr fs*14 and Gly251Ala fs*16. T315I was the most common missense mutation, followed by V299L and F317L. Intron 8 35‐bp insertion was the most frequent frameshift mutation. Both missense and multiple BCR‐ABL mutations were significantly associated with worse molecular response compared with the molecular response of patients without mutation. Missense mutations, rather than frameshift, were associated with less log reduction, while the T315I, F317L, and T315A mutations were significantly correlated with poor log reduction. Collectively, amino acid substitutions at T315I, F317L, and T315A accounted for the majority of missense mutations and the loss of major molecular response. Mutation analysis is essential for patients receiving TKI therapy who exhibit an unfavourable response. The present study provided a landscape of BCR‐ABL mutations in the era of second‐generation TKIs.
The effects of pre‐season high flows, climate, and the Three Gorges Dam on low flow at the Three Gorges Region, China
Authors: Su Zhenkuan , Sun Xun , Devineni Naresh , Lall Upmanu , Hao Zhenchun , Chen Xi
Published: February 2020

The efficient operation of a multipurpose reservoir requires information on high and low flows. However, analyses of inflows for high flows and for low flows are typically done independently. In this paper, we considered the joint dependence of the low flow on the preceding high flow volume and duration for the wet season in the Three Gorges region of the Yangtze River Basin in China. High flow volume and duration were found to have a strong association with the annual minimum 7‐day flow in Cuntan, Wanxian, and Yichang stations. Furthermore, we identified the Arctic Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and snow cover in the Tibetan Plateau to have statistically significant teleconnections with the annual minimum 7‐day flow. Bayesian models that consider a different level of pooling of the site by site regressions were then developed for the annual minimum 7‐day flow conditional on the climate indices and high flow volume (or duration). The full pooling model performed best, suggesting that a homogeneous regional response is best identified given the global climate predictors. Statistics such as the deviance information criterion and reduction of error, coefficient of efficiency, and coverage rate under cross validation indicate the good performance of the model. Snow cover in the western Tibetan Plateau and high flow volume were identified as the most influential factors of the annual minimum 7‐day flow through their impact on water storage in the basin. Recent simulations since June 2003, when the Three Gorges Dam operation started, were used to analyse the effect of dam operation on the annual minimum 7‐day flow. A comparison of observations and predictions during the post‐dam period demonstrated that the dam operation effectively modifies the annual minimum 7‐day flow period to have higher flows.
Relationship between tumor response at therapy completion and prognosis in patients with Group III rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Lautz Timothy B. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Tian Jing , Gupta Abha A. , Wolden Suzanne L. , Routh Jonathan C. , Casey Dana L. , Dasgupta Roshni , Hawkins Douglas S. , Rodeberg David A.
Published: February 2020

A subset of patients with initially unresected (Clinical Group III) rhabdomyosarcoma achieve less than a complete response (CR) despite multimodal therapy. We assessed outcome based upon tumor response at the completion of all planned therapy. We studied 601 Clinical Group III participants who completed all protocol therapy without developing progressive disease on two Children's Oncology Group studies ARST0531 (n = 285) and D9803 (n = 316). Response was defined by imaging and categorized by response; complete resolution (CR), partial response (PR) or no response (NR). Failure‐free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) between response groups were compared using the log‐rank test. We found that radiographic response was CR in 393 (65.4%) and PR/NR in 208 (34.6%) patients. Achieving CR status was associated with study D9803, nonparameningeal (PM) primary sites, tumors ≤5 cm, noninvasive tumors and alveolar histology/FOXO fusion‐positive tumors. The overall 5‐year FFS was 75% for those achieving CR and 66.5% in those with PR/NR (adj. p = 0.094). Patients with PM primary site who achieved CR had significantly improved FFS (adj. p = 0.037) while those with non‐PM primary sites had similar outcomes (adj. p = 0.47). Radiographic response was not associated with OS (adj. p = 0.21). Resection of the end‐of‐therapy mass did not improve FFS (p = 0.12) or OS (p = 0.37). In conclusion, CR status at the end of protocol therapy in patients with PM Clinical Group III RMS was associated with improved FFS but not OS. Efforts to understand the biology and treatment response in patients with PM primary site are under investigation.
Trimethylamine N‐oxide promotes apoE−/− mice atherosclerosis by inducing vascular endothelial cell pyroptosis via the SDHB/ROS pathway
Authors: Wu Peng , Chen JinNa , Chen JiaoJiao , Tao Jun , Wu ShiYuan , Xu GaoSheng , Wang Zuo , Wei DangHeng , Yin WeiDong
Published: February 2020

Trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) is produced from the phosphatidylcholine metabolism of gut flora and acts as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanisms for its proatherogenic action remain unclear. This study aimed to observe the effect of TMAO on endothelial cell pyroptosis and explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that TMAO promoted the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (apoE−/−) mice fed a high‐fat diet. Pyroptosis and succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit B (SDHB) upregulation were detected in the vascular endothelial cells of apoE−/− mice and in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with TMAO. Overexpression of SDHB in HUVECs enhanced pyroptosis and impaired mitochondria and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Pyroptosis in the SDHB overexpression of endothelial cells was inhibited by the ROS scavenger NAC. In summary, TMAO promotes vascular endothelial cell pyroptosis via ROS induced through SDHB upregulation, thereby contributing to the progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
Contrast‐enhanced sonographic appearances of two primary hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipomas
Authors: Chai Victor , Fox Adrian , Chong Lynn , House Eloise , Sutherland Tom
Published: February 2020

Epithelioid hepatic angiomyolipoma (Epi‐HAML) is a rare hepatic tumor frequently misdiagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Unlike conventional angiomyolipoma (AML), Epi‐HAML contains minimal amount of adipose tissue, which is a radiological distinguishing feature between AML and HCC. Two patients were referred for management of incidentally found hepatic lesions confirmed to be Epi‐HAML on post‐resection tissue analysis. CT and MRI findings were suggestive of HCC. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound demonstrated intratumoral shunting, a feeding artery, and early draining hepatic vein. These findings should alert radiologists to the possibility of Epi‐HAML. Furthermore, these features may be better assessed by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound due to its superior dynamic temporal resolution.
The paraneuronal gill neuroendocrine system in ocellated puffer fish Leiodon cutcutia
Authors: Tripathi Sonal , Sengar Manvendra , Gopesh Anita
Published: February 2020

Pseudobranchial neurosecretory system (PSNS) is the third Neuroendocrine (NE) system found in the gill region of fishes in close association with pseudobranch/carotid labyrinth/carotid gland and can suitably be placed under the category of “Diffused NE system (DNES).” The cells belonging to this system fall under the category of “Paraneurons,” a concept proposed by Fujita and coworkers. It is found uniformly in all the catfish species and some other noncatfish group of teleosts as Atheriniformes, Channiformes, Perciformes, and Clupeiformes. The fishes, in which the PSNS is present, belong to different breathing habits. Most of these have the capacity to tolerate low O2 conditions. Leiodon cutcutia although not an air‐breathing fish, is known to retain air in its stomach for varied periods when threatened. In an attempt to verify the veracity of this system in a fish of another peculiar breathing habit, ocellated puffer fish L. cutcutia (order Tetradontiformes) was investigated. The histological observations undertaken on L. cutcutia revealed the presence of a well‐developed extrabranchial NE system. The findings are discussed in the light of the association of PSNS with chemosensory system and its evolution in fishes, especially in the view of the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.
The changing relationship between the upper and lower Missouri River basins during drought
Authors: Woodhouse Connie A. , Wise Erika K.
Published: February 2020

The Missouri River basin is subject to extremes in both high and low flow, with damaging floods and droughts occurring over the instrumental period. Recent events of the 2000s are notable for rapid transitions from dry to wet conditions, and for the different timing of these conditions in the upper and lower basins. This study focuses on drought in the upper and lower Missouri River basins (defined as above and below the Missouri/Yellowstone River confluence), with particular attention to the climate and synoptic scale patterns during drought in the basin's two main source regions over the years 1912–2011. Six drought events were identified in the upper basin, ranging from 2 to 12 years, and eight events were identified in the lower basin, lasting from 2 to 16 years. Almost all upper and lower basin droughts overlapped in time, but only the 1930s drought occurred in both basins over the exact same years. Hydroclimate analyses show that the worst‐case scenario for basin‐wide drought conditions includes a dry winter in the upper basin and a dry spring/summer in the lower basin, accompanied by warm temperatures. The recent 2000s drought in the Missouri River basin displayed anomalous characteristics relative to past droughts, including warm temperatures across the entire basin, particularly in spring and summer, a weakened Great Plains Low Level Jet, and a lag in the upper basin recovery time. In the past, upper basin flows have compounded or ameliorated regional flooding or basin‐wide drought conditions, but a decreasing trend in the upper basin contribution to total Missouri River flow is evident and expected to continue, suggesting its role relative to the lower basin is changing.
Human‐biometeorological conditions during heat waves in Poland
Authors: Tomczyk Arkadiusz M. , Bednorz Ewa , Matzarakis Andreas
Published: February 2020

The primary objective of the paper was the description of human‐biometeorological conditions during heat waves in Poland in the years 1966–2018. The description is based on the human‐biometeorological index Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET). The research was based on data obtained from the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management—National Research Institute for 30 stations in Poland. A heat wave was defined as a sequence of at least 3 days with a maximum daily air temperature of >30°C. The research revealed increasingly frequent occurrence of heat waves in the territory of Poland. The highest number of heat waves was recorded in the western and southern regions of the country, and the lowest in coastal stations. In a large majority of stations, the longest heat waves occurred at the turn of July and August 1994 and in the first half of August 2015. In the case of two longest heat waves, human‐biometeorological conditions were similar, although they were more strenuous during the heat wave in 1994. During that wave, considerably higher maximum PET values were recorded, but days with strong heat stress and extreme heat stress were also more frequent.
Cleaning Ability of Mixed Solutions of Sulfonated Fatty Acid Methyl Esters
Authors: Yavrukova Veronika I. , Shandurkov Dimitar N. , Marinova Krastanka G. , Kralchevsky Peter A. , Ung Yee W. , Petkov Jordan T.
Published: February 2020

Here, we present results from a systematic study on cleaning of oily deposits from solid surfaces (porcelain and stainless steel) by solutions of fatty acid sulfonated methyl esters (SME), sodium salts. The zwitterionic dodecyldimethylamine oxide (DDAO) has been used as a cosurfactant. As representatives of the vegetable and mineral oils, sunflower seed oil and light mineral oil have been used. The process of oil drop detachment from the solid substrates (roll‐up mechanism) has been monitored. In the case of porcelain, excellent cleaning of oil is achieved by mixed solutions of SME and DDAO. In the case of stainless steel, excellent cleaning (superior than that by linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate) is provided by binary and ternary mixtures of SME, which may contain also DDAO. For the studied systems, the good cleaning correlates neither with the oil/water interfacial tension, nor with the surfactant chainlength and headgroup type. The data imply that governing factors might be the thickness and morphology of admicelle layers formed on the solid/water interface. The results indicate that the SME mixtures represent a promising system for formulations in house‐hold detergency, having in mind also other useful properties of SME, such as biodegradability, skin compatibility, and hard water tolerance.