bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Irrigation Infrastructure Mitigate the Effect of Rainfall Shocks on Conflict? Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Gatti Nicolas , Baylis Kathy , Crost Benjamin
Published: March 2020

This article provides evidence that rainfall shocks affect conflict through their effect on agricultural production and that irrigation infrastructure can mitigate this effect. Using data from Indonesia, we document that low rainfall during the agricultural season decreases agricultural production and increases civil conflict. We then show that the rainfall‐conflict link is attenuated by the presence of irrigation infrastructure in a district. This attenuating effect is specific to irrigation infrastructure; we find no evidence for a similar effect of hydropower dams. Our results are stronger for small‐scale conflicts over natural resources and popular justice than for conflicts over ethnic identity or ethnic separatism. These results are robust to controlling for interactions between rainfall and a wide range of socio‐economic and geographic district characteristics. We conclude that adaptive policies that mitigate the negative effects of weather shocks on agriculture may also prevent conflict.
On the Role of Symmetry in Vibrational Strong Coupling: The Case of Charge‐Transfer Complexation
Authors: Pang Yantao , Thomas Anoop , Nagarajan Kalaivanan , Vergauwe Robrecht M. A. , Joseph Kripa , Patrahau Bianca , Wang Kuidong , Genet Cyriaque , Ebbesen Thomas W.
Published: March 2020

It is well known that symmetry plays a key role in chemical reactivity. Here we explore its role in vibrational strong coupling (VSC) for a charge‐transfer (CT) complexation reaction. By studying the trimethylated‐benzene–I2 CT complex, we find that VSC induces large changes in the equilibrium constant KDA of the CT complex, reflecting modifications in the ΔG° value of the reaction. Furthermore, by tuning the microfluidic cavity modes to the different IR vibrations of the trimethylated benzene, ΔG° either increases or decreases depending only on the symmetry of the normal mode that is coupled. This result reveals the critical role of symmetry in VSC and, in turn, provides an explanation for why the magnitude of chemical changes induced by VSC are much greater than the Rabi splitting, that is, the energy perturbation caused by VSC. These findings further confirm that VSC is powerful and versatile tool for the molecular sciences.
Sila‐ and Germacarboxylic Acids: Precursors for the Corresponding Silyl and Germyl Radicals
Authors: Xu Ning‐Xin , Li Bi‐Xiao , Wang Chao , Uchiyama Masanobu
Published: March 2020

Silicon‐containing compounds are widely used as synthetic building blocks, functional materials, and bioactive reagents. In particular, silyl radicals are important intermediates for the synthesis and transformation of organosilicon compounds. Herein, we describe the first protocol for the generation of silyl radicals by photoinduced decarboxylation of silacarboxylic acids, which can be easily prepared in high yield on a gram scale and are very stable to air and moisture. Irradiation of silacarboxylic acids with blue LEDs (455 nm) in the presence of a commercially available photocatalyst releases silyl radicals, which can further react with various alkenes to give the corresponding silylated products in good‐to‐high yields with broad functional‐group compatibility. This reaction proceeds in the presence of water, enabling efficient deuterosilylation of alkenes with D2O as the deuterium source. Germyl radicals were similarly obtained.
Prismaren: Ein neues Naphthol‐basiertes makrozyklisches Aren
Authors: Yang Liu‐Pan , Jiang Wei
Published: March 2020

Makrozyklische Arene auf Phenolbasis sind in der supramolekularen Chemie weit verbreitet. Im Vergleich dazu ist die Chemie der Naphthol‐basierten makrozyklischen Arene wenig entwickelt. Vor kurzem haben Gaeta und Mitarbeiter erfolgreich solche Makrozyklen (sogenannte Prism[n]arene) mit guter Bindungsfähigkeit für Gastmoleküle synthetisiert, indem sie 2,6‐Dimethoxynaphthalin mit Paraformaldehyd unter optimierten Bedingungen umsetzten. Angesichts der einfachen Synthese und guten Wirt‐Gast‐Chemie erwarten wir, dass dieser Makrozyklus einen ähnlichen Erfolg wie die phenolbasierten makrozyklischen Arene finden wird.
Structure–property correlation of silicone hydrogels based on 3‐[tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl]propyl methacrylate monomer
Authors: Sharma Asmita , Bhat Shreedhar , Dasgupta Debarshi , Samantara Laxmi , Kalyanachakravarthi Kothapalli , Manchanda Bindu , Shah Chetan , Saxena Anubhav , Choudhury Veena , Mondal Titash
Published: March 2020

We have investigated silicone‐based hydrogels highlighting the effect of silyl comonomer, method of polymerization and nature of cross‐linker on their bulk as well as surface properties. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that solution thermal polymerization mitigated phase segregation of hydrophobic siloxane components over bulk thermal polymerization. 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate cannot provide transparent hydrogels with 3‐[tris(trimethylsilyloxy)silyl]propyl methacrylate alone and requires equal weight percent of N, N‐dimethylacrylamide to compatibilize the comonomers to yield a silicone hydrogel network showing no microphase separation. The differentiated surface properties of silicone hydrogels containing varying amount of siloxane comonomers were also unraveled and rationally supported by surface infrared spectroscopic results. Different molecular states of water entrapped within hydrogel network were identified to understand the nature of gel‐mesh functionality. The effect of silicone pendant groups on the gel elasticity was also explored.
Characterizing tourism benefits associated with top‐predator conservation in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Martone Rebecca G. , Naidoo Robin , Coyle Theraesa , Stelzer Bertine , Chan Kai M.A.
Published: March 2020

Facing public concern over costs related to top‐predator reintroductions and conservation, ecosystem services such as ecotourism are often used to evoke benefits that outweigh or offset those costs. Quantifying these benefits using rigorous scientific methods can provide confidence to policymakers and other stakeholders that predators can in fact deliver positive outcomes to people living alongside them. The evaluation of these benefits is often anecdotal or qualitative, however, and empirical quantifications are rare.

In coastal marine ecosystems, sea otter reintroduction is seen as a conservation success to some but a bane to others. The contribution of sea otters (Enyhdra lutris) to tourism revenue is touted as a crucial ecosystem service benefit to offset the loss of shellfish harvesting and associated revenue, but remains unquantified, weakening the favourable reception of conservation action.

The potential economic benefits of sea otters associated with tourism and the extent to which benefits are realized were evaluated based on: (i) choice‐experiment surveys of tourists; and (ii) interviews with tourism operators in British Columbia.

Sea otters were a strong factor in people's choices regarding wildlife viewing, and sea otters could have large benefits for local economies. Alongside socio‐economic characteristics, tourism experience influences tourists’ preferences. Tourism operators did not perceive sea otters as strongly influencing tourist choice, highlighting the gap that can occur between the perception and the reality of tourist preferences, leading to missed opportunities for the alignment of economic development with conservation actions.
Fully distributed coordination learning control of second‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with input saturation
Authors: Yang Nana , Li Junmin
Published: March 2020

This paper develops the coordination learning control of second‐order non‐linear multi‐agent systems with input saturation. Fully distributed learning consensus protocols with fully saturated parameter adaptive updating laws are designed. Although there exists input saturation in the dynamics of each follower agent, the global perfect consensus tracking can be realized over a finite time interval. Meanwhile, an extension to formation control has been made, and two illustrative examples certify the validness of the presented algorithms.
Low‐Frequency Magnetic Field of Appropriate Strengths Changed Secondary Metabolite Production and Na+ Concentration of Intracellular and Extracellular Monascus purpureus
Authors: Xiong Xiaoqian , Zhen Zhixin , Liu Yingbao , Gao Mengxiang , Wang Shaojin , Li Li , Zhang Jialan
Published: March 2020

Monascus purpureus is used to yield edible pigments accompanied by mycotoxin‐citrinin. A low‐frequency (<300 Hz) magnetic field (LF‐MF) affects microbial metabolism. The link of LF‐MF with secondary metabolites and intracellular and extracellular Na+ levels in M. purpureus was determined. The fermentation broth was exposed to LF‐MF during the first 2 days of fermentation and continuously cultured at 30°C and 200 rpm until the 8th day of fermentation. Results showed that LF‐MF treatments didn't affect the growth of M. purpureus in liquid‐state fermentation. Compared with the control, citrinin production showed a decrease of 45.0%, while yellow, red, and orange pigment production showed an increase of 72.9, 73.9, and 40.1%, respectively, with LF‐MF treatment of 1.6 mT. This was in agreement with downregulation of pksCT and ctnA, and upregulation of pksPT, pigR, veA, and laeA at the transcriptional level. Moreover, 1.6 mT LF‐MF exposure caused the transfer of Na+ from extracellular to intracellular, which was validated through the upregulation of transmembrane sensor synthesis genes and the changes in the relative expression levels of the P‐type ATPase and protein phosphatase genes. This study established that LF‐MF could inhibit citrinin and stimulate pigment production and change intracellular and extracellular Na+ concentrations. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020;41:289–297 © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Understanding the Promotion Effect of Mn on CuO/Al2O3 for Catalyzed HCl Oxidation to Cl2
Authors: Tian Xin , Wang Shuai , Wang Zhou‐jun , Wang Hongqing , Zhou Yonghua , Zhong Hong , Mao Yu
Published: March 2020

HCl oxidation to Cl2 catalyzed by Cu‐based catalysis is an effective way to realize the sustainable development of chlorine‐involved industries. In this work, we investigated the role of promoter Mn on CuO/Al2O3 in HCl oxidation to Cl2. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and H2‐temperature programmed reduction (H2‐TPR) characterizations suggested that Cu could be well dispersed in the MnOx lattice and hindered the reduction of CuO due to their strong interaction. The catalyst showed an unprecedentedly stable HCl conversion rate (xHCl) of about 79 % with space time yield (STY) of 2.14 gCl2 gcat−1 h−1 in a 1000 hours test. The results of reaction kinetics suggested that the deep chlorination of catalysts was significantly inhibited under the reaction atmosphere. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations proved that the binding energy of O on CuO−MnOx/Al2O3 ternary system was significantly strengthened that overwhelmed Cl, with ΔGO (−4.12 eV) ≪ ΔGCl (‐1.75 eV), which greatly inhibited the poisoning of reactive sites by Cl*. A good correlation between experimental observations and theoretical calculations was established in this work.
FeTiO3 as Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: from Morphology Control to Decomposition
Authors: Brugnetti Gabriele , Fiore Michele , Lorenzi Roberto , Paleari Alberto , Ferrara Chiara , Ruffo Riccardo
Published: March 2020

Ilmenite, general formula FeTiO3, has been proposed as possible conversion anode material for lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries, with theoretical capacity of 530 mAhg−1. Experimentally, the observed specific capacity for pristine ilmenite is far away from the theoretical value; for this reason, the control of morphology via alkaline hydrothermal treatment has been proposed as possible strategy to improve the electrochemical performance. At the same time FeTiO3 is prone to react with sodium and potassium hydroxide, as already demonstrated by studies on the degradation of ilmenite for the extraction of TiO2. In this paper we demonstrate that the alkaline treatment does not induce a morphological modification of the FeTiO3 powders but involved the degradation of the precursor material with the formation of different phases. A complete physicochemical and electrochemical characterization is performed with the aim of correlating structural and functional properties of the obtained products.
One‐Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of ZnS Nanospheres Anchored on 3D Conductive MWCNTs Networks as High‐Rate and Cold‐Resistant Anode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Anran , Hou Tianyi , Sun Xiaohong , Xie Dongli , Li Xin , Zhang Na , Guo Jinze , Jin Shibo , Zhou Yunmei , Cai Shu , Zheng Chunming
Published: March 2020

A 3D conductive network nanostructured composite of ZnS nanospheres anchored on multiwall carbon nanotubes (denoted as ZnS/MWCNTs) is synthesized via one‐pot hydrothermal method as anodes for sodium‐ion batteries. The MWCNTs backbone can form an interconnected network and nano‐sized ZnS spheres are uniformly and closely anchored on the 3D network of MWCNTs. The morphology and microstructures of the electrode materials can be controlled easily by regulating the concentration of thiourea and the amount of MWCNTs. Benefiting from its remarkable architecture, the optimized ZnS/MWCNTs exhibits an excellent cycling performance (397 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at 100 mA g−1) and outstanding rate capability (320 mA h g−1 at 4 A g−1 after 300 cycles ) at room temperatures. Moreover, the optimal ZnS/MWCNTs shows superior electrochemical performance at low temperatures (−10 °C), delivering high reversible capacities of 230 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 400 cycles. These results make the ZnS/MWCNTs a promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries, and our findings may offer a feasibility strategy to design other anode materials with good rate and low‐temperature performance.
Role of H2O for CO2 Reduction Reactions at Platinum/Electrolyte Interfaces in Imidazolium Room‐Temperature Ionic Liquids
Authors: Ratschmeier Björn , Kemna Andre , Braunschweig Björn
Published: March 2020

CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR) are interesting for power‐to‐x applications and have been studied on Pt electrodes in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide [EMIM][DCA] as well as in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [EMIM][BF4], 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [BMIM][BF4] and 1‐ocytl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [OMIM][BF4] electrolytes. Cyclic voltammetry indicates a strong increase in activity for CO2RR with water concentration, which was investigated on a molecular level by using IR absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) and sum‐frequency generation (SFG) to address both bulk and surface‐adsorbed species. IRAS demonstrates that the formation of an imidazolium carboxylic acid intermediate occurs at electrode potentials as high as −0.4 V, which depend on the choice of the RTIL and the water concentration. In addition, SFG spectroscopy provides evidence for the formation of CO on Pt atop sites and was used to determine the onset potential for the formation CO. In [BMIM][BF4] and [OMIM][BF4] electrolytes, the formation of CO is negligible even at very negative potentials of −1.5 V, but for [EMIM][DCA] and [EMIM][BF4] the formation of CO is observed and the onset potential shifts significantly with the H2O concentration. Taking the Stark tuning rate (40 cm−1/V) of the CO band into account, we conclude that the CO coverage is fairly low, yet the presence of CO leads to deactivation of the Pt surface and to a decrease in reduction currents.
Catalytic Light‐Triggered Reduction Promoted by a Dithienylethene Derivative
Authors: Khettabi Amina , Grempka Arkadiusz , Lafolet Frederic , Chatir Elarbi , Leconte Nicolas , Collomb Marie‐Noelle , Jouvenot Damien , Cobo Saioa
Published: March 2020

A pyridinium substituted dithienylethene derivative was used for the first time as an efficient photoreducing agent of two different substrates. This reaction exhibits high catalytic yields due to the continuous regeneration of the initial state of the photochromic molecule.
A Layered Tin Bismuth Selenide with Three Different Building Blocks that Account for an Extremely Large Lattice Parameter of 283 Å
Authors: Nentwig Markus , Eisenburger Lucien , Heinke Frank , Souchay Daniel , Oeckler Oliver
Published: March 2020

The layered compound Sn2.8(4)Bi20.2(4)Se27 exhibits an extraordinarily long‐periodic 150R stacking sequence. The crystal structure contains three different building blocks, which form upon the addition of Sn to a Bi‐rich bismuth selenide. Sn‐doped Bi2 double (“2”) layers similar to those in elemental bismuth, Sn0.3Bi1.7Se3 quintuple (“5”) layers and Sn0.4Bi2.6Se4 septuple (“7”) layers are arranged in a 7525757525|7525757525|7525757525 sequence, which corresponds to a structure with a=4.1819(4) and c=282.64(6) Å in space group R
m. The structure of a microcrystal was determined using microfocused synchrotron radiation and refined as a formally commensurately modulated structure in (3+1)D superspace (superspace group R
m(00γ)00), with a trivial basic structure that contains just one atom. The stacking sequence as well as the cation distribution are confirmed by aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with chemical mapping by X‐ray spectroscopy with atomic resolution. Stacking faults are not typical but have been observed occasionally.
Linear and Star‐Shaped Extended Di‐ and Tristyrylbenzenes: Synthesis, Characterization and Optical Response to Acid and Metal Ions
Authors: Zhang Hao , Kotlear Eugen A. , Kushida Soh , Maier Steffen , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: March 2020

Two linear 1,4‐distyrylbenzenes and five star‐shaped 1,3,5‐tristyrylbenzene derivatives (L2a and L2b, Y0–Y3 and YNBu) were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The photophysical properties, optical response to acid and metal ions were investigated. Upon backbone extension of linear distyrylbenzenes or the introduction of dibutylanilines, the electronic spectra are redshifted. Incorporation of electron‐deficient pyridyl units does not significantly affect the optical properties. Variation of the number of pyridine rings and substitution pattern tune the fluorescence response to acids and metal ions. The novel arenes discriminate Al3+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Fe2+, Cd2+, Ag+ and Hg2+.
Fluorodynamers Displaying Tunable Fluorescence on Constitutional Exchanges in Solution and at Solid Film–Solution Interface
Authors: Si Mingran , Zhu Weijia , Zhang Yan , Barboiu Mihail , Chen Jinghua
Published: March 2020

Dynamic covalent polymers—dynamers—are adaptive materials that offer timely variant adaptive macroscopic organization across extended scales. In the current study, imine exchange reactions and fluorescence transfer can occur at the interfaces between various solutions and solid state dynameric films. The fluorescence quenching upon imine formations for designed fluorogen was successfully demonstrated, and this tunable fluorescence was further used to study the re‐composition of a solid film. Moreover, the dynamic covalent films also exhibited responsiveness to competing amines and acid/base conditions, both in solutions and solid film–solution interface. This work can provide more insights into interface dynamic chemistry and holds great potential for further applications in optical and biomedical materials.
Comparative study of dry pressure drop and flow behaviour of gas flow through sieve plate packing
Authors: Qiao Min , Liu Shaobei , Huang Weixing , Hao Renjie , Zhang Taoxian , Wu Shaoxun
Published: March 2020

Sieve plate packing is a newly developed packing that has been used in several industries due to its simple structure and operating flexibility, and no liquid flooding. In this work, first, systematic experiments were conducted to measure the pressure drop of gas flow through six sieve plate packings. The results indicated that the geometric characteristics of the packing have complicated effects on the pressure drops. Based on this, CFD simulations on the gas flow field were conducted using the realizable k‐ε model, and flow behaviours such as the pressure drop, pressure nephogram, and velocity distributions within different packings were obtained. The simulation results clearly showed interesting flow patterns, including the contraction and expansion of the gas stream through the sieve hole, the flow separation on the sharp edge of the hole, and the vortexes formed when gas impacts the downstream plate. By comparing the flow patterns and the pressure drop under different packings operating at different conditions, the effects of the geometric characteristics of the packing on the pressure drop could be clearly distinguished from the flow behaviours, so that the variations in pressure drop with various packing structures were clearly indicated. Finally, based on the experimental data and the simulated results, correlations for the prediction of the pressure drops were proposed. This work will provide a useful basis for understanding the flow behaviour of gas and liquid two‐phase flow in sieve plate packing.
TOPSIS‐based approach for network slice selection in 5G mobile systems
Authors: Bakmaz Bojan , Bojkovic Zoran , Bakmaz Miodrag
Published: March 2020

Fifth‐generation (5G) mobile networks can be perceived as highly manageable systems that provide increased performance while supporting a variety of services with widely diverse requirements. Recently, network slicing has been proposed by academia and industry as a resource provisioning technique capable to meet these requirements with reduced operating costs while opening new horizons for network efficiency. The aim of network slice selection function (NSSF) is an optimal selection of network instances serving the users, based on local configuration, and other available information including radio access networks (RANs) performances in the registration area. In this paper, NSSF based on Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is proposed. Here, the network slices are treated as alternatives while their performance indicators are considered as the criteria for decision making. The influences of various alternative techniques, taking into account all the three stages of decision making process, that is, normalization, weighting, and ranking, are analyzed through the rank reversal phenomenon and computational complexity. Simulation results reveal that the proposed techniques can significantly improve the network slice selection procedure.
Oridonin ameliorates carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis in mice through inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Liu Dong , Qin Hailong , Yang Bixian , Du Bin , Yun Xuelin
Published: March 2020

Liver fibrosis is characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and accumulation of the extracellular matrix. There are limitations in the current therapies for liver fibrosis. Recently, oridonin was shown to induce apoptosis in HSCs. Thus, we aimed to determine the roles of oridonin in chronic liver injury and fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 in mice injected intraperitoneally with oridonin for 6 weeks. The administration of oridonin significantly attenuated liver injury and reduced ALT levels. In addition, Sirius Red staining and the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were significantly reduced by oridonin in murine livers with fibrosis. The expression of NLRP3, caspase‐1, and IL‐1β was downregulated with the oridonin treatment. Furthermore, the expression of F4/80 in liver tissues was also decreased by oridonin treatment. These results demonstrate that oridonin ameliorates chronic liver injury and fibrosis. Mechanically, oridonin may inhibit the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammation in the liver. These results highlight the potential of oridonin as a therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.
Spatial heterogeneity of soil organic carbon in a karst region under different land use patterns
Authors: Zhang Zhenming , Huang Xianfei , Zhou Yunchao
Published: March 2020

Using the grid‐based sampling method, 2755 soil profiles consisting of 22,057 soil samples were sampled and analyzed to study the spatial distribution and storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Houzhai River Basin in Guizhou Province, a typical karst region in southwestern China. The results suggest that the total levels ofSOCstored in the 0–10, 0–20, 0–30, and 0–100 cm soil layers of the Houzhai River Basin are approximately 1.48 × 108, 2.65 × 108, 3.44 × 108, and 5.39 × 108 kg C, respectively.SOCcontent and soil bulk density levels were found to vary depending on the land use. In the 0–50 cm soil layer, forestSOCcontent levels (including arbor forests, arbor–shrub mixed forests, shrubland, and shrub grassland) are generally higher than those of uncultivated land, followed by grassland and cropland (including paddy fields, arid land, sloping cropland, and abandoned cropland), gardens, and orchard. It is believed that land use is a vital factor directly affecting carbon storage patterns in the study area. Soil thickness, rock outcrop, and slope gradients are the main factors in arrangement of land use by local governments and peasants. This study has established a feasible method for assessment ofSOCstock in karst mountainous areas. The findings of this study are applicable to other karst mountainous regions globally.
Use of historical data to improve conservation of the black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yang Li , Wu Shuhong , Xia Wancai , Yang Lei , Li Miaomiao , Chen Minhao , Luan Xiaofeng
Published: March 2020

Biological conservation requires sufficient basic data, like knowledge of the biogeographic characteristics and spatiotemporal dynamics of endangered species. Reconstructing range dynamics through time and detecting their underlying causes can be helpful for present and future conservation actions. Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) populations have declined during the late 20th century in Northeast China, but the mechanisms are still unclear. We integrated species distribution models with long‐term historical ecological records to reconstruct historical distributions of black grouse in Northeast China (1950s–2000s). Then, we prioritized the landscape for species protection based on the long‐term historical potential distribution to improve the conservation management of this species. The area of potential distribution was 27.01% of the total study area in the 1950s, but the potential distribution in the 2000s was 16.39% of the study area. The range loss from the 1950s to the 2000s was 160,567 km2, representing a 39.30% reduction. Within the study area, the species’ potential distribution in the Changbai Mountains has gradually disappeared since the 1980s. Based on conservation prioritization analysis, the priority conservation area is 151,276 km2, which is mainly distributed in the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains. National nature reserves only included 6.35% of the potential distribution of the black grouse in the 2000s. Several conservation actions should be implemented to rejuvenate black grouse populations in Northeast China.
Finding missing links in interaction networks
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , Lewis Owen T.
Published: March 2020

Documenting which species interact within ecological communities is challenging and labor intensive. As a result, many interactions remain unrecorded, potentially distorting our understanding of network structure and dynamics. We test the utility of four structural models and a new coverage‐deficit model for predicting missing links in both simulated and empirical bipartite networks. We find they can perform well, although the predictive power of structural models varies with the underlying network structure. The accuracy of predictions can be improved by ensembling multiple models. Augmenting observed networks with most‐likely missing links improves estimates of qualitative network metrics. Tools to identify likely missing links can be simple to implement, allowing the prioritization of research effort and more robust assessment of network properties.
Open‐label long‐term treatment of add‐on triheptanoin in adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Borges Karin , Kaul Neha , Germaine Jack , Carrasco‐Pozo Catalina , Kwan Patrick , O’Brien Terence J.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To investigate feasibility, safety, and tolerability of long‐term (48 weeks) add‐on treatment with triheptanoin (UX007), the triglyceride of heptanoate, in adults with drug‐resistant epilepsy.

Methods

This extension study was offered to adult participants with drug‐resistant epilepsy who completed a 12‐week randomized controlled trial of add‐on medium‐chain triglycerides (MCT) vs triheptanoin. Participants were asked to titrate triheptanoin to their maximum tolerated dose over 3 weeks, followed by 48‐week maintenance before tapering or treatment extension. The primary aims were to assess retention and safety of the triheptanoin treatment, and secondary aims to assess the tolerated doses and changes in seizure frequency.

Results

Eleven adults were enrolled and ten people were analyzed (because one patient was diagnosed as having nonepileptic seizures while on the study). Two adults finished the study and extended their treatment. Eight participants withdrew from the study, due to lack of efficacy (n = 3), unknown reasons (n = 2), belief of weight gain (n = 1), wanting to try a different treatment (n = 1), and a colonoscopy (n = 1). Diarrhea in two people and bloating in one person were deemed possibly related to treatment, but other adverse events were not. The duration of maintenance treatment dose was 27‐513 days (median 247 days, range 27‐513 days), and 0.49 ‐1.1 mL/kg triheptanoin was taken per day (0.77 ± 0.19 mL/kg, mean ± standard deviation, 40‐100 mL/d). Two participants experienced >90% and three people >50% reduction in seizure frequency, and all had focal seizures. The median seizure reduction was 48% (average 38%).

Significance

Our results indicate antiseizure effects of triheptanoin on focal seizures in 5 out of 10 adults. However, only two people finished and extended the 48‐week add‐on treatment phase, despite lack of safety or tolerability issues.

More studies focused on improved treatment formulations, the potential of lower dosages, and efficacy are needed. Trial registration number: ACTRN12615000406505.
Study on the dynamic changes and formation pathways of metabolites during the fermentation of black waxy rice wine
Authors: Jiang Li , Mu Yingchun , Wei Su , Mu Yu , Zhao Chi
Published: March 2020

Black waxy rice wine fermentation metabolites are closely related to the product's final quality. However, little is known about dynamic metabolite changes during fermentation. Here, we used gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC‐TOF‐MS) metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis to explore the relationship between metabolites and fermentation time. A total of 159 metabolites were identified during the entire fermentation process. The PCA analysis revealed a clear separation between the samples after 4 days and 2 days, and the samples after 4–24 days clustered together. This indicated that BGRW fermentation progresses rapidly in the first 48 hr of fermentation. A total of 40 metabolites were identified as differential during fermentation (VIP > 1 and p < .05), including 12 organic acids, four amino acids, one fatty acid, 17 sugars and sugar alcohols, one alcohol, and five other metabolites. Pathway analysis showed that the differential metabolites were involved in 28 metabolic pathways, and the most commonly influenced pathways (impact value > 0.1 and p < .05) were galactose metabolism, pyruvate metabolism; starch and sucrose metabolism; alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamate metabolism; the tricarboxylic acid cycle, glyoxylic acid, and dicarboxylic acid metabolism; and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Moreover, the integrated metabolic pathway was generated to understand the transformation and accumulation of differential metabolites. Overall, these results provide a comprehensive overview of metabolite changes during black waxy rice wine fermentation.
The inhibition of Kir2.1 potassium channels depolarizes spinal microglial cells, reduces their proliferation, and attenuates neuropathic pain
Authors: Gattlen Christophe , Deftu Alexandru‐Florian , Tonello Raquel , Ling Yuejuan , Berta Temugin , Ristoiu Violeta , Suter Marc René
Published: March 2020

Spinal microglia change their phenotype and proliferate after nerve injury, contributing to neuropathic pain. For the first time, we have characterized the electrophysiological properties of microglia and the potential role of microglial potassium channels in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain. We observed a strong increase of inward currents restricted at 2 days after injury associated with hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential (RMP) in microglial cells compared to later time‐points and naive animals. We identified pharmacologically and genetically the current as being mediated by Kir2.1 ion channels whose expression at the cell membrane is increased 2 days after SNI. The inhibition of Kir2.1 with ML133 and siRNA reversed the RMP hyperpolarization and strongly reduced the currents of microglial cells 2 days after SNI. These electrophysiological changes occurred coincidentally to the peak of microglial proliferation following nerve injury. In vitro, ML133 drastically reduced the proliferation of BV2 microglial cell line after both 2 and 4 days in culture. In vivo, the intrathecal injection of ML133 significantly attenuated the proliferation of microglia and neuropathic pain behaviors after nerve injury. In summary, our data implicate Kir2.1‐mediated microglial proliferation as an important therapeutic target in neuropathic pain.
Mapping the Growth and Demographics of Managerial and Professional Staff in Higher Education
Authors: Frye Joanna R. , Fulton Amy P.
Published: March 2020

This chapter presents a descriptive analysis of the growth of managerial and professional staff from Fall 1993 to Fall 2011 across institution types and sectors, and a detailed snapshot of the demographic composition of these staff in Fall 2016. Our results indicate tremendous growth in the population of non‐faculty staff over time, and reveal key patterns in staff employment by gender and race/ethnicity.
Business and Finance Staff: Impact and Success at Private Colleges and Universities
Authors: Dorantes Andrew R. , Peterson Joel L. A.
Published: March 2020

This chapter examines the impact and success of mid‐level business and finance staff at private colleges or universities, using an adaptation of Bronfenbrenner's multilevel social integration model. This chapter also highlights the voices of mid‐level business and finance staff and describes the experiences, successes, and challenges they have encountered.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Oil Spills in Ice-Covered Waters: A Surface Slick Model Coupled with a Food-Web Bioaccumulation Model
Authors: Oliveira Guilherme , Khan Faisal , James Lesley
Published: March 2020

The limited knowledge on oil–ice interactions and on the ecological outcomes of oil spills in the Arctic represent sources of uncertainties for shipping and oil and gas activities in polar regions. The present work aims at the definition of the ecological risk posed by oil spills in the Arctic by the integration of an improved surface slick model to a fugacity-based food-web bioaccumulation model for icy waters. The model's outcomes are the representation of transport and weathering processes and the concentrations of a toxic component of oil, namely naphthalene, in the environmental media as a function of ice conditions. Given those concentrations, the associated ecological risk is defined in terms of the bioconcentration factor (BCF). Overall, the model predicted low bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential for naphthalene to a hypothetical Arctic food web, regardless of the ice concentration. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:729–744. © 2020 SETAC
Peanut applied to the skin of nonhuman primates induces antigen‐specific IgG but not IgE
Authors: Kulis Michael D. , Smeekens Johanna M. , Kavanagh Kylie , Jorgensen Matthew J.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Previous studies in humans support the dual‐allergen exposure hypothesis, and several studies in mouse models have demonstrated that cutaneous exposure to disrupted or intact skin can lead to sensitization to peanut. However, the field lacks definitive evidence that cutaneous exposure leads to peanut allergy in humans or other primates.

Methods

Peanut extract was applied to the shaved back of the neck of four male and four female African green monkeys three times per week for 4 weeks. An oral food challenge (OFC) was performed the following week by gavage of 200 mg of peanut protein, and vital signs were monitored for 30 minutes post‐OFC. Blood was collected at baseline, day 11, day 32, and 30 minutes post‐OFC. Total IgE, and peanut‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were quantified in serum collected throughout the 4 weeks. Histamine was measured in serum collected 30 minutes post‐OFC.

Results

Peanut‐specific IgE was undetectable at any time points in any of the monkeys, and there was no consistent increase in total IgE. During the oral challenge, none of the monkeys experienced allergic symptoms and histamine levels did not change. However, seven of the eight monkeys produced increasing peanut‐specific IgG by day 32, indicating that repeated skin exposure to peanut is immunogenic.

Conclusions

Skin exposure to peanut did not lead to sensitization in this study, and monkeys did not experience anaphylaxis upon peanut challenge. However, monkeys produced increased peanut‐specific IgG throughout peanut exposure, indicating that repeated skin exposure to peanut is immunogenic.
Advances in research of reclaimed water irrigation in China*
Authors: Wu Wenyong , Hu Yaqi , Guan Xiaoyan , Xu Lijun
Published: March 2020

Food security and an agricultural water shortage are the double crises and challenges facing the sustainable development of agriculture in China. Development and utilization of reclaimed water is an effective way to promote the balance of water supply and demand in agriculture. In the twenty‐first century, China has conducted in‐depth research on the key technologies and applications of safe and efficient irrigation with reclaimed water. This article summarizes the major results of the research and application of reclaimed water irrigation (RWI) in China from the perspective of risk assessment, system regulation and efficient utilization, including: revealing the environmental behaviour and evaluation method of the characteristic pollutants of RWI, establishing safe and efficient irrigation systems and irrigation technology, and promoting the application model of RWI according to different utilization types. This summary will help understanding of RWI technology and application in China, and guide the practice of reclaimed water utilization in the future. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton NMR Microscopy of Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Morphology
Authors: Sillerud Laurel O. , Freyer James P. , Neeman Michal , Mattingly Mark A.
Published: March 2020

We report proton NMR images obtained at microscopic (<30 μm) resolution of EMT6/Ro and HT1080 multicellular tumor spheroids 1.2–1.7 mm in diameter. T1‐weighted images showed little contrast across a slice through the spheroid. There was also no difference between the inner and outer spheroid regions when signal intensity was measured as a function of the repitition time (TR), showing that T1 was the same across the spheroid. Conversely, T2‐weighted and multiecho images clearly revealed the central necrosis that occurs as the spheroids develop. Measurements of the thickness of the viable cell zone made on NMR images agreed with those made on standard histology sections for two different cell lines. The basis for the NMR discrimination of the necrotic region from the viable rim cells was found to be a shortened apparent T2 in the necrotic region (132 ± 17 ms) with respect to that in the viable cells (173 ± 9 ms). These results illustrate the applicability of NMR microscopy to assaying conditions inside intact tumor spheroids and suggest that this technology will allow the use of spheroids to investigate several important questions in tumor biology and pathophysiology.
Distinguishing metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer from nonmetastatic breast cancer using second harmonic generation imaging and resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Bendau Ethan , Smith Jason , Zhang Lin , Ackerstaff Ellen , Kruchevsky Natalia , Wu Binlin , Koutcher Jason A. , Alfano Robert , Shi Lingyan
Published: March 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subset of breast cancer that is more common in African‐American and Hispanic women. Early detection followed by intensive treatment is critical to improving poor survival rates. The current standard to diagnose TNBC from histopathology of biopsy samples is invasive and time‐consuming. Imaging methods such as mammography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, while covering the entire breast, lack the spatial resolution and specificity to capture the molecular features that identify TNBC. Two nonlinear optical modalities of second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging of collagen, and resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS) potentially offer novel rapid, label‐free detection of molecular and morphological features that characterize cancerous breast tissue at subcellular resolution. In this study, we first applied MR methods to measure the whole‐tumor characteristics of metastatic TNBC (4T1) and nonmetastatic estrogen receptor positive breast cancer (67NR) models, including tumor lactate concentration and vascularity. Subsequently, we employed for the first time in vivo SHG imaging of collagen and ex vivo RRS of biomolecules to detect different microenvironmental features of these two tumor models. We achieved high sensitivity and accuracy for discrimination between these two cancer types by quantitative morphometric analysis and nonnegative matrix factorization along with support vector machine. Our study proposes a new method to combine SHG and RRS together as a promising novel photonic and optical method for early detection of TNBC.
Statistical mechanical prediction of ligand perturbation to RNA secondary structure and application to riboswitches
Authors: Alaidi Osama , Aboul‐ela Fareed
Published: March 2020

The realization that noncoding RNA is implicated in numerous cellular processes, makes it imperative to understand and predict RNA‐folding. RNA secondary structure prediction is more tractable than tertiary structure or protein structure. Yet insights into RNA structure–function relationships are complicated by coupling between RNA‐folding and ligand‐binding. Here, perturbations to equilibrium secondary structure conformational distributions for two riboswitches are calculated in the presence of bound cognate ligands. This work incorporates a key factor coupling ligand binding to RNA conformation but not considered in most previous calculations: the differential affinity of the ligand for a range of RNA‐folding intermediates. Significant shifts in the free energy landscape (FEL) due to the ligand occur for transcripts of lengths corresponding to the “decision window,” following transcription of the so‐called anti‐terminator helix. The results suggest how ligand perturbation can stabilize the formation of an intermediate conformation, readily facilitating terminator hairpin formation in the full‐length riboswitch.
Recruiting diversity where it exists: The Alabama Genomic Health Initiative
Authors: May Thomas , Cannon Ashley , Moss Irene P. , Nakano‐Okuno Mariko , Hardy Sharonda , Miskell Edrika L. , Kelley Whitley V. , Curry William , East Kelly M. , Acemgil Aras , Schach Julie , Sodeke Stephen O. , Fouad Mona N. , Johnson Robert D. , Cimino James , Richards Jaimie L. , Knight Sara J. , Korf Bruce
Published: March 2020

Lack of diversity among genomic research participants results in disparities in benefits from genetic testing. To address this, the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative employed community engagement strategies to recruit diverse populations where they lived. In this paper, we describe our engagement techniques and recruitment strategies, which resulted in significant improvement in representation of African American participants. While African American participation has not reached the representation of this community as a percentage of Alabama's overall population (26%–27%), we have achieved an overall representation exceeding 20% for African Americans. We believe this demonstrates the value of engagement and recruitment where diverse populations reside.
The cost‐effectiveness of prophylaxis strategies for individuals with advanced HIV starting treatment in Africa
Authors: Walker Simon M , Cox Edward , Revill Paul , Musiime Victor , Bwakura‐Dangarembizi Mutsa , Mallewa Jane , Cheruiyot Priscilla , Maitland Kathryn , Ford Nathan , Gibb Diana M , Walker A Sarah , Soares Marta ,   the REALITY trial team
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Many HIV‐positive individuals in Africa have advanced disease when initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) so have high risks of opportunistic infections and death. The REALITY trial found that an enhanced‐prophylaxis package including fluconazole reduced mortality by 27% in individuals starting ART with CD4 <100 cells/mm3. We investigated the cost‐effectiveness of this enhanced‐prophylaxis package versus other strategies, including using cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing, in individuals with CD4 <200 cells/mm3or <100 cells/mm3at ART initiation and all individuals regardless of CD4 count.

Methods

The REALITY trial enrolled from June 2013 to April 2015. A decision‐analytic model was developed to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of six management strategies in individuals initiating ART in the REALITY trial countries. Strategies included standard‐prophylaxis, enhanced‐prophylaxis, standard‐prophylaxis with fluconazole; and three CrAg testing strategies, the first stratifying individuals to enhanced‐prophylaxis (CrAg‐positive) or standard‐prophylaxis (CrAg‐negative), the second to enhanced‐prophylaxis (CrAg‐positive) or enhanced‐prophylaxis without fluconazole (CrAg‐negative) and the third to standard‐prophylaxis with fluconazole (CrAg‐positive) or without fluconazole (CrAg‐negative). The model estimated costs, life‐years and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) over 48 weeks using three competing mortality risks: cryptococcal meningitis; tuberculosis, serious bacterial infection or other known cause; and unknown cause.

Results

Enhanced‐prophylaxis was cost‐effective at cost‐effectiveness thresholds of US$300 and US$500 per QALY with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$157 per QALY in the CD4 <200 cells/mm3population providing enhanced‐prophylaxis components are sourced at lowest available prices. The ICER reduced in more severely immunosuppressed individuals (US$113 per QALY in the CD4 <100 cells/mm3population) and increased in all individuals regardless of CD4 count (US$722 per QALY). Results were sensitive to prices of the enhanced‐prophylaxis components. Enhanced‐prophylaxis was more effective and less costly than all CrAg testing strategies as enhanced‐prophylaxis still conveyed health gains in CrAg‐negative patients and savings from targeting prophylaxis based on CrAg status did not compensate for costs of CrAg testing. CrAg testing strategies did not become cost‐effective unless the price of CrAg testing fell below US$2.30.

Conclusions

The REALITY enhanced‐prophylaxis package in individuals with advanced HIV starting ART reduces morbidity and mortality, is practical to administer and is cost‐effective. Efforts should continue to ensure that components are accessed at lowest available prices.