bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved recurrent neural networks for online solution of Moore‐Penrose inverse applied to redundant manipulator kinematic control
Authors: Lv Xuanjiao , Tan Zhiguo , Chen Ke , Yang Zhi
Published: December 2018

In this paper, two novel neural networks (NNNs), namely NNN‐L and NNN‐R neural models, are proposed to online left and right Moore‐Penrose inversion. As compared to GNN (gradient neural network) and the recently proposed ZNN (Zhang neural network) for the left or right Moore‐Penrose inverse solving, our models are theoretically proven to possess superior global convergence performance. More importantly, the proposed NNN‐R model is successfully applied to path‐tracking control of a three‐link planar robot manipulator. Illustrative examples well validate the theoretical analyses as well as demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed models, which are adopted and verified their effectiveness in kinematic control of a redundant manipulator, for real‐time Moore‐Penrose inverse solving.
Baubetriebliche und bauwirtschaftliche Potenziale durch Echtzeitmessung der Betonfestigkeit
Authors: Gschösser Florian , Baldauf Phillipp , Tautschnig Arnold , Reinisch Alexander
Published: December 2018

Diese Studie untersucht die baubetrieblichen und bauwirtschaftlichen Potenziale der Echtzeitmessung der Festigkeitsentwicklung von Beton für die Herstellung von Stahlbetondecken. Als Modellprojekt wird ein zehnstöckiges Hochhaus untersucht. Im ersten Schritt wird die Anwendung der Echtzeitmessmethodik für eine Ausführungsvariante des Projekts in Scheibenbauweise untersucht. Der starke Einfluss des Verhältnisses der Deckenausschalfristen zur Herstellungsdauer der vertikalen Stahlbetonrohbauelemente auf die Bauzeit veranlasst eine darauffolgende Analyse des Projekts in Skelettbauweise. Die Messung der Betonfestigkeiten bietet für die Scheibenbauweise die Möglichkeit, die Festigkeitsentwicklung über die Betongüte im Verhältnis zur Herstellungsdauer der Wände zu steuern sowie die Vorhaltemenge an Deckenschalungselementen zu halbieren und somit Kosten einzusparen. Sie bietet für die ausgeführte Scheibenbauweise aber nicht die Möglichkeit einer Reduktion der Bauzeit, weil die Deckenausschalfristen den kritischen Weg des Bauablaufs nicht beeinflussen. Jedoch ermöglicht eine Miteinbeziehung der Echtzeitmessung der Betoneigenschaften in den Entwurf der Rohbaustruktur eine Abstimmung der Deckenausschalfristen mit der Herstellungsdauer der vertikalen Tragkonstruktion im Sinne einer Bauzeitverkürzung. Somit kann für die Skelettbauweise zusätzlich zur Reduktion der Vorhaltemengen an Deckenschalelementen eine Reduktion der Gesamtbauzeit erzielt werden.
Demonstration‐scale protein recovery by lactic acid fermentation from grass clover – a single case of the production of protein concentrate and press cake silage for animal feeding trials
Authors: Santamaria‐Fernandez Maria , Ambye‐Jensen Morten , Damborg Vinni K. , Lübeck Mette
Published: December 2018

There is an increasing interest in green biorefineries for the utilization of green biomass to provide a variety of valuable products. Proteins can be extracted from green biomasses such as alfalfa, clover, or grass and separated into protein‐rich concentrates suitable for feeding to monogastric animals. Press cake suitable for feeding ruminant animals is also produced. Full implementation of such a green biorefinery requires knowledge and experience of production at demonstration scale. Moreover, product evaluation in animal‐feeding trials requires a large amount of product. There has been collaboration in Denmark between several partners from industry and academia to assess the practicality and scalability of a green biorefining plant producing protein concentrate and press cake silage from organic grass clover at the scale of ca. 10 tons per hour fresh biomass input. Lactic acid fermentation of the pressed green juice was successfully performed to precipitate proteins and stabilize the juice. Despite minor difficulties, the demonstration‐scale biorefining plant was operative for four days, processed 444 tons of grass clover, and resulted in the overall production of 1 ton of dried protein concentrate, 7 tons of protein paste, and 223 tons of press cake silage. The protein concentrate was rich in essential amino acids and was tested in feeding trials with poultry; the press cake silage, rich in processed fibers and fiber‐associated proteins, was tested in feeding trials with dairy cows. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Maximum likelihood estimation of generalized linear models for adaptive designs: Applications and asymptotics
Authors: Selvaratnam Selvakkadunko , Yi Yanqing , Oyet Alwell
Published: December 2018

Due to increasing discoveries of biomarkers and observed diversity among patients, there is growing interest in personalized medicine for the purpose of increasing the well‐being of patients (ethics) and extending human life. In fact, these biomarkers and observed heterogeneity among patients are useful covariates that can be used to achieve the ethical goals of clinical trials and improving the efficiency of statistical inference. Covariate‐adjusted response‐adaptive (CARA) design was developed to use information in such covariates in randomization to maximize the well‐being of participating patients as well as increase the efficiency of statistical inference at the end of a clinical trial. In this paper, we establish conditions for consistency and asymptotic normality of maximum likelihood (ML) estimators of generalized linear models (GLM) for a general class of adaptive designs. We prove that the ML estimators are consistent and asymptotically follow a multivariate Gaussian distribution. The efficiency of the estimators and the performance of response‐adaptive (RA), CARA, and completely randomized (CR) designs are examined based on the well‐being of patients under a logit model with categorical covariates. Results from our simulation studies and application to data from a clinical trial on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (SPAF) show that RA designs lead to ethically desirable outcomes as well as higher statistical efficiency compared to CARA designs if there is no treatment by covariate interaction in an ideal model. CARA designs were however more ethical than RA designs when there was significant interaction.
Development of a high‐performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection for the routine quantification of tamoxifen, endoxifen and 4‐hydroxytamoxifen in plasma from breast cancer patients
Authors: Rangel‐Méndez Jorge‐Aarón , Graniel‐Sabido Manlio‐Joaquin , Sánchez‐Cruz Juan‐Francisco , Moo‐Puc Rosa
Published: December 2018

To date, several methods for the quantification of tamoxifen and its metabolites have been developed, most of which employ liquid chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). These methods are highly sensitive and reproducible, but are also time‐consuming and require expensive equipment; one of their main disadvantages is matrix ionization effects. A more viable option, particularly in developing countries, is high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV or fluorescence detection. We developed and validated a method for simultaneous quantification of tamoxifen, endoxifen and 4‐hydroxytamoxifen based on high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection in a reverse‐phase column. The method is rapid (16 min plus 5 min of column re‐equilibrium), accurate (80–100%) and precise (0.23–6.00%), and does not require any additional irradiation process. Sample pretreatment consists of protein precipitation with acetonitrile under alkaline conditions, employing only 200 μL plasma. The validated method's wide range allowed quantification of steady‐state levels in patients under standard tamoxifen treatment (20 mg/day). This assay is ready for application in clinical studies and routine quantification of tamoxifen, endoxifen and 4‐hydroxytamoxifen in healthcare institutions.
Study of pancreatic lipase inhibition kinetics and LC–QTOF–MS‐based identification of bioactive constituents of Momordica charantia fruits
Authors: Chanda Joydeb , Mukherjee Pulok K. , Biswas Rajarshi , Malakar Dipankar , Pillai Manoj
Published: December 2018

The different parts of Momordica charantia have been reported to have several therapeutic applications against hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia associated with pancreatic lipase (PL). Inhibition of this enzyme prevents the absorption of dietary triglyceride in the intestine, and thus exerts an anti‐obesity effect. This study aimed to investigate the bioactive constituents of the fruits of M. charantia (MCF) extract and fractions against pancreatic PL followed by study of their inhibition kinetics. The PL inhibitory assay was performed spectrophotometrically by measuring the change in absorbance of the products at 405 nm, using p‐nitrophenylcaprylate as substrate. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of MCF (EFMC) offered significant, dose‐dependent inhibition against PL, compared with the positive control, Orlistat. The enzyme kinetics study revealed the inhibition to be a mixed type in nature. Additionally, the total phenol and flavonoid content of the fractions was estimated. A positive correlation between phenolic content of EFMC and its PL inhibitory activity was established statistically, which implied that higher inhibition potential was contributed by the phenolic compounds. The identification of the bioactive constituents was further confirmed by LC–QTOF–MS study. This finding suggested that phenolic compounds of MCF can serve as functional food components to address obesity‐related disorders linked with PL.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Substituted Indole and Its Analogs as Influenza A Virus Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Xuandi , Zhang Guo‐Ning , Wang Yujia , Zhu Mei , Wang Juxian , Li Ziqiang , Li Donghui , Cen Shan , Wang Yucheng
Published: December 2018

Influenza A virus (IAV), a highly pathogenic virus to human beings, is most susceptible to mutation and thus causes rapid, severe global pandemics resulting in millions of fatalities worldwide. Since resistance to the existing anti‐influenza drugs is developing, innovative inhibitors with a different mode of action are urgently needed. The lead compound 6092B‐E5 has proven to be an effective antiviral reagent in our previous work. Using the principles of substitution and bioisosterism of the indole ring, six series of novel anti‐IAV target products were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antiviral effect in this work. Compounds D1, D3, D9, G1, G3, G12 and G23 were identified as promising anti‐IAV candidates with excellent anti‐IAV efficacy (IC50 values of 3.06–5.77 μm) and low cytotoxicity (CC50 values up to and beyond 100 μm). This work represents a successful application of the substitution and bioisosteric replacement strategy for the discovery of novel antiviral molecules that can be used for further structural optimization.
Early outcome of magnesium bioresorbable scaffold implantation in acute coronary syndrome—the initial report from the Magmaris‐ACS registry
Authors: Wlodarczak Adrian , Lanocha Magdalena , Jastrzebski Artur , Pecherzewski Maciej , Szudrowicz Marek , Jastrzebski Waldemar , Nawrot Joanna , Lesiak Maciej
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The Magmaris‐ACS Registry is the first assessment of the Magmaris implantation in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population.

Background

Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BRS), the newest coronary stent technology, was developed to overcome the limitations of the metallic drug‐eluting stents (DES). Current promising data of the Magmaris in patients with stable angina have encouraged to validate the second generation BRS in ACS indications.

Methods

The study population consisted of the consecutive patients who underwent PCI with the Magmaris BRS in the settings of ACS. Patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction were excluded from enrolment. Baseline demographic and angiographic characteristics, as well as 30‐day and 6‐month clinical, follow up were prospectively analyzed.

Results

Fifty patients were enrolled at mean age 62.9 ± 8.4 years (unstable angina—52% and non‐ST‐segment myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]—48%). Treated fifty‐one de novo lesions were located in LAD (37%), LCx (14%), and RCA (49%), respectively. Angiographic success in the target lesion was 100%. One case of recurrent ischemia was observed a day after the index procedure, due to the significant distal edge dissection a regular metallic DES overlapping Magmaris was implanted. No other in‐hospital events occurred (procedural success 98%). Six‐Month follow up showed none device‐oriented endpoints such as cardiac mortality, target vessel myocardial infarction or target vessel revascularization. None early scaffold thrombosis was reported.

Conclusion

The use of the Magmaris BRS in non‐ST elevation ACS patient is associated with a procedural safety and promising early angiographic and clinical outcomes. Long‐term follow‐up and further evaluation in large prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.
Entwicklung eines Modellansatzes zur Abbildung der Phasendistribution in gepackten Kolonnen
Authors: van Holt Felix , Hapke Mark , Grünewald Marcus
Published: December 2018

Die lokale Beschreibung der Phasenverteilung in gepackten Kolonnen bietet einen vielversprechenden Ansatz, um das Scale‐up und die Bestimmung des Kolonnendesigns zu verbessern. Bisherige Ansätze konnten keine technischen Maßstäbe bei gleichzeitig hohen Detaillierungsgraden abbilden. In diesem Beitrag wird ein neuartiges Zellenmodell vorgestellt. Mittels rigoroserer Betrachtung der verteilungsbestimmenden Phänomene und dem Einsatz eines Gittersensors zur Messung der Phasendistribution wird eine verbesserte Extrapolationsfähigkeit des Modells erwartet.
Chemical Space Overlap with Critical Protein–Protein Interface Residues in Commercial and Specialized Small‐Molecule Libraries
Authors: Si Yubing , Xu David , Bum‐Erdene Khuchtumur , Ghozayel Mona K. , Yang Baocheng , Clemons Paul A. , Meroueh Samy O.
Published: December 2018

There is growing interest in the use of structure‐based virtual screening to identify small molecules that inhibit challenging protein–protein interactions (PPIs). In this study, we investigated how effectively chemical library members docked at the PPI interface mimic the position of critical side‐chain residues known as “hot spots”. Three compound collections were considered, a commercially available screening collection (ChemDiv), a collection of diversity‐oriented synthesis (DOS) compounds that contains natural‐product‐like small molecules, and a library constructed using established reactions (the “screenable chemical universe based on intuitive data organization”, SCUBIDOO). Three different tight PPIs for which hot‐spot residues have been identified were selected for analysis: uPAR⋅uPA, TEAD4⋅Yap1, and CaVα⋅CaVβ. Analysis of library physicochemical properties was followed by docking to the PPI receptors. A pharmacophore method was used to measure overlap between small‐molecule substituents and hot‐spot side chains. Fragment‐like conformationally restricted small molecules showed better hot‐spot overlap for interfaces with well‐defined pockets such as uPAR⋅uPA, whereas better overlap was observed for more complex DOS compounds in interfaces lacking a well‐defined binding site such as TEAD4⋅Yap1. Virtual screening of conformationally restricted compounds targeting uPAR⋅uPA and TEAD4⋅Yap1 followed by experimental validation reinforce these findings, as the best hits were fragment‐like and had few rotatable bonds for the former, while no hits were identified for the latter. Overall, such studies provide a framework for understanding PPIs in the context of additional chemical matter and new PPI definitions.
Low‐Dimensional Hybrid Perovskites Containing an Organic Cation with an Extended Conjugated System: Tuning the Excitonic Absorption Features
Authors: Van Gompel Wouter T. M. , Herckens Roald , Van Hecke Kristof , Ruttens Bart , D'Haen Jan , Lutsen Laurence , Vanderzande Dirk
Published: December 2018

Low‐dimensional hybrid perovskites are receiving increased attention. One of the advantages of the low‐dimensional hybrids over their 3D counterparts is their greater structural flexibility towards the incorporation of bigger, more complex, organic cations. In this communication, we introduce a pyrene derivative as an organic cation containing an extended π‐system for use in a variety of low‐dimensional hybrids. We show that materials with different excitonic absorption features can be obtained by tuning the iodide/lead ratio in the precursor solutions, using the same pyrene cation. In this way, hybrids with optical characteristics corresponding to 2D, 1D and 0D hybrid perovskites are obtained. The formation and thermal stability of the different hybrids is analysed and compared.
Product color emotional design considering color layout
Authors: Ding Man , Dong Wei
Published: December 2018

Emotional experience and demand for product colors are important factors in users' decisions to buy and use a product. Therefore, accurately characterizing users' emotional responses of the product's color has become a significant consideration for product color design. However, a product color design problem exists in which it is challenging to accurately and efficiently position users' color image space because consumers have completely different image perceptions when encountering a large number of color schemes generated by different color spatial distributions. For this reason, this article proposes a product color emotional design method that considers the color layout. A table is built of an elemental composition for product color design, which contains color layout forms. This article also establishes a mapping model based on the semantic difference and back propagation neural network between the users' color image perceptions and the elements of the product's color design. The system recommends a color layout form that matches the users' emotional image goal through the k‐nearest neighbor algorithm, and then the form is initialized using a genetic algorithm. The system can realize the solution to the optimal product color scheme by optimizing and evaluating the population. Designers can make intuitive choices and decisions through the product color recommendation system. Through an example of color design for industrial vacuum cleaners, this article shows that the method has satisfactory feasibility and applicability for solving the problem of the optimization of product color design with color layout forms.
Spin‐Crossover Assisted Spin‐Switching and Rectification Action in Half‐Metallic Graphitic Carbon Nitride(g‐C4N3)
Authors: Bhowmick Rinki , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: December 2018

Herein, we report on the potential multifunctional spintronic action of half‐metallic graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C4N3). We observed electrostatic spin‐crossover action at an applied electric field of −0.77 V nm−1, which eventually leads to spin‐switching action and change in sign of bias dependent spin injection coefficient. The system also acts as a spin polarized charge current rectifier with rectification ratio of 65.41 in spin‐up channel only. This electric field‐controlled spin switching action and simultaneous existence of rectification action makes graphitic carbon nitride a perfect multifunctional spintronic system‐an ideal material for quantum logic gate design. Results obtained have been substantiated through transmission spectra and transmission pathways analyses. An analysis of projected device density of states of the system and molecular projected self consistent Hamiltonian states analysis reveals that the electron flow of the system is mainly facilitated by 2p orbitals of C and N atoms.
Bimetallic Metal Organic Frameworks as Magnetically Separable Heterogeneous Catalysts and Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
Authors: Tiwari Ashish , Sagara Prateep Singh , Varma Vicky , Randhawa Jaspreet Kaur
Published: December 2018

A new bimetallic MOF (BMOF) has been synthesized using iron and zinc as inorganic metal nodes and 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (BDC) as the organic linker molecule. BMOF was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy high‐angle annular dark‐field imaging (TEM‐HAADF), field emission scanning electron microscopy energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (FESEM‐EDX), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analysis. The synthesized BMOF shows excellent optical and magnetic properties. BMOF acts as a heterogeneous catalyst and shows high catalytic activity towards bis(indolyl)methane synthesis and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible‐light illumination.
Differential regulation of intestinal and hepatic CYP3A by 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3: Effects on in vivo oral absorption and disposition of buspirone in rats
Authors: Maeng Han‐Joo , Doan Trang Nguyen Kieu , Yoon In‐Soo
Published: December 2018

1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (also called 1,25(OH)2D3 or calcitriol) is the biologically active form of vitamin D, which functions as a ligand to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). It was previously reported that intestinal cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) expression was altered by 1,25(OH)2D3‐mediated VDR activation. However, to clarify whether the change in CYP3A subfamily expression by VDR activation can affect metabolic function, further evidence is needed to prove the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment on CYP3A‐mediated drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Here, we report the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on CYP3A activity and in vivo pharmacokinetics of buspirone in Sprague–Dawley rats. CYP3A mRNA expression and CYP3A‐mediated testosterone metabolism were enhanced in the intestine but were unaffected in the livers of rats treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. Notably, the oral pharmacokinetic profile of buspirone (CYP3A substrate drug) and 6′‐hydroxybuspirone (major active metabolite of buspirone formed via CYP3A‐mediated metabolism) was significantly altered, while its intravenous pharmacokinetic profile was not affected by 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first reported data regarding the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral buspirone in rats, by the differential modulation of hepatic and intestinal CYP3A activity. Our present results could lead to further studies in clinically significant CYP3A‐mediated drug–nutrient interactions with 1,25(OH)2D3, including 1,25(OH)2D3–buspirone interaction.

Preclinical Research & Development
Isotopically labeled boldenone as a better marker of derivatization efficiency for improved quality control in anti‐doping analysis
Authors: Sobolevsky Tim , Kucherova Yulia , Ahrens Brian
Published: December 2018

At present, anti‐doping laboratories use androsterone, a major urinary steroid metabolite, to evaluate completeness of the derivatization step. This is typically done by calculating the ratio of mono‐trimethylsilyl (TMS) androsterone to the total mono‐ and di‐TMS androsterone. Certain samples may show an elevated percentage of mono‐TMS androsterone indicating a failed derivatization step. In such cases, the laboratory would have to repeat the analysis or perform other remedial actions to ensure that completeness of derivatization is achieved. We have noticed that a poorly derivatized positive control sample spiked with various target analytes has a disproportionally low abundance of the di‐TMS derivatives of boldenone and 18‐nor‐17β‐hydroxymethyl‐17α‐methylandrosta‐1,4,13‐trien‐3‐one (methandienone long‐term metabolite). A follow‐up investigation confirmed that 1,4‐diene‐3‐one steroids are more likely to fail during the trimethylsilylation step. To better control derivatization efficiency, 13C3‐boldenone (13C‐BLD) was incorporated into our routine procedure as an additional internal standard. Analysis of a large number of urine samples has shown that derivatization of 13C‐BLD could be grossly incomplete even in cases when mono‐TMS androsterone is well below 1%. In other words, one or both of boldenone and the long‐term metabolite of methandienone could remain undetected unless the laboratory has the means to recognize samples where derivatization of 1,4‐diene‐3‐one steroids failed.
Determining social and population structures requires multiple approaches: A case study of the desert antCataglyphis israelensis
Authors: Reiner Brodetzki Tali , Hefetz Abraham
Published: December 2018

The remarkable diversity of ant social organization is reflected in both their life history and population kin structure. Different species demonstrate a high variation with respect to both social structure and mating strategies: from the ancestral colony type that is composed of a single queen (monogyny), singly inseminated (monoandry), to the more derived states of colonies headed by a multiply inseminated queen (polyandry), to colonies composed of multiple queens (polygyny) that are either singly or multiply inseminated. Moreover, the population structure of an ant species can range from multicoloniality to polydomy to supercoloniality, andCataglyphisis considered to be a model genus in regard to such diversity. The present study sought to determine the social and population structure of the recently describedC. israelensisspecies in Israel. For this purpose we employed a multidisciplinary approach, rather than the commonly used single approach that is mostly based on genetics. Our study encompassed behavior (nest insularity/openness), chemistry (composition of nestmate recognition signals and cuticular hydrocarbons), and genetics (microsatellite polymorphism). Each approach has been shown to possess both advantages and disadvantages, depending on the studied species. Our findings reveal thatC. israelensiscolonies are headed by a single, multiply inseminated queen and that the population structure is polydomous, with each colony comprising one main nest and several additional satellite nests. Moreover, our findings demonstrate that none of the above‐noted approaches, when employed individually, is suitable or sufficient in itself for delineating population structure, thus emphasizing the importance of using multiple approaches when assessing such complex systems.
Social effects on fruit fly courtship song
Authors: Marie‐Orleach Lucas , Bailey Nathan W. , Ritchie Michael G.
Published: December 2018

Courtship behavior in Drosophila has often been described as a classic innate behavioral repertoire, but more recently extensive plasticity has been described. In particular, prior exposure to acoustic signals of con‐ or heterspecific males can change courtship traits in both sexes that are liable to be important in reproductive isolation. However, it is unknown whether male courtship song itself is socially plastic. We examined courtship song plasticity of two species in the Drosophila melanogaster subgroup. Sexual isolation between the species is influenced by two male song traits, the interpulse interval (IPI) and sinesong frequency (SSF). Neither of these showed plasticity when males had prior experience of con‐ and heterospecific social partners. However, males of both species produced longer bursts of song during courtship when they were exposed to social partners (either con‐ or heterospecific) than when they were reared in isolation. D. melanogaster carrying mutations affecting short‐ or medium‐term memory showed a similar response to the social environment, not supporting a role for learning. Our results demonstrate that the amount of song a male produces during courtship is plastic depending on the social environment, which might reflect the advantage of being able to respond to variation in intrasexual competition, but that song structure itself is relatively inflexible, perhaps due to strong selection against hybridization.
Protecting rare and endangered species under climate change on the Qinghai Plateau, China
Authors: Li Renqiang
Published: December 2018

Climate change‐induced species range shift may pose severe challenges to species conservation. The Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is the highest and biggest plateau, and also one of the most sensitive areas to global warming in the world, which provides important shelters for a unique assemblage of species. Here, ecological niche‐based model was employed to project the potential distributions of 59 key rare and endangered species under three climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) in Qinghai Province. I assessed the potential impacts of climate change on these key species (habitats, species richness and turnover) and effectiveness of nature reserves (NRs) in protecting these species. The results revealed that that climate change would shrink the geographic ranges of about a third studied species and expand the habitats for two thirds of these species, which would thus alter the conservation value of some local areas and conservation effectiveness of some NRs in Qinghai Province. Some regions require special attention as they are expected to experience significant changes in species turnover, species richness or newly colonized species in the future, including Haidong, Haibei and Haixi junctions, the southwestern Yushu, Qinghai Nuomuhong Provincial NR, Qinghai Qaidam and Haloxylon Forest NR. The Haidong and the eastern part of Haibei, are projected to have high species richness and conservation value in both current and future, but they are currently not protected, and thus require extra protection in the future. The results could provide the first basis on the high latitude region to formulate biodiversity conservation strategies on climate change adaptation.
Assortative mating by flowering time and its effect on correlated traits in variable environments
Authors: Rubin Matthew J. , Schmid Kelly M. , Friedman Jannice
Published: December 2018

Reproductive timing is a key life‐history trait that impacts the pool of available mates, the environment experienced during flowering, and the expression of other traits through genetic covariation. Selection on phenology, and its consequences on other life‐history traits, has considerable implications in the context of ongoing climate change and shifting growing seasons. To test this, we grew field‐collected seed from the wildflower Mimulus guttatus in a greenhouse to assess the standing genetic variation for flowering time and covariation with other traits. We then created full‐sib families through phenological assortative mating and grew offspring in three photoperiod treatments representing seasonal variation in daylength. We find substantial quantitative genetic variation for the onset of flowering time, which covaried with vegetative traits. The assortatively‐mated offspring varied in their critical photoperiod by over two hours, so that families differed in their probability of flowering across treatments Allocation to flowering and vegetative growth changed across the daylength treatments, with consistent direction and magnitude of covariation among flowering time and other traits. Our results suggest that future studies of flowering time evolution should consider the joint evolution of correlated traits and shifting seasonal selection to understand how environmental variation influences life histories.
Aridity and competition drive fire resistance trait covariation in mountain trees
Authors: Fréjaville Thibaut , Vilà‐Cabrera Albert , Curt Thomas , Carcaillet Christopher
Published: December 2018

Fire resistance traits drive tree species composition in surface‐fire ecosystems, but how they covary at different scales of variation and with the environment is not well documented. We assessed the covariation of bark thickness (BT), tree height, and crown base‐to‐height ratio across Alpine forests, after accounting for the effects of tree diameter and competition for light on individual trait variation. Traits consistently correlated across individuals and communities, although the variance of BT mainly occurred among species, whereas crown elevation traits varied mainly within species. Aridity, temperature, and competition contributed to explain the variation of fire resistance traits among and within species, driving a trade‐off between fire resistance and the ability to compete for light. Thick‐barked species (fire‐tolerant) that self‐prune their lower branches (flame‐avoiders) dominated the most fire‐prone and flammable communities in sub‐Mediterranean southern Alps, whereas thin‐barked tree species that grow tall (competition for light) dominated the least fire‐prone communities in the northern Alps. Our findings suggest a long‐term interaction between mountain tree species and fire regime. Higher allocation to trunk elongation occurs in moist and shade environments, while higher allocation to thicken the bark and distancing the crown base from surface fuels occurs in open‐canopy, dry forests where fire spreads with higher intensity.
Impact of diabetes and sex in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients from the ASIAN‐HF registry
Authors: Chandramouli Chanchal , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Tay Wan Ting , Yap Jonathan , MacDonald Michael R. , Tromp Jasper , Yan Limin , Siswanto Bambang , Reyes Eugenio B. , Ngarmukos Tachapong , Yu Cheuk‐Man , Hung Chung‐Lieh , Anand Inder , Richards A. Mark , Ling Lieng Hsi , Regensteiner Judith G. , Lam Carolyn S.P. ,   on behalf of the ASIAN‐HF Investigators
Published: December 2018

Aims

To examine sex differences in clinical characteristics, echocardiographic features, quality of life and 1‐year death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization outcomes in patients with/without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods and results

Utilizing the Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in HF (ASIAN‐HF) registry, 5255 patients (mean age 59.6 ± 13.1, 78% men) with symptomatic HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were stratified by DM status to address the research aims. Despite similar prevalence of DM between Asian men (43%) and women (42%), the odds of DM increased at lower body mass index in women vs. men (≥ 23 vs. ≥ 27.5 kg/m2, Pinteraction = 0.014). DM was more strongly related to chronic kidney disease in women vs. men [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.57 vs. OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11–1.56, Pinteraction = 0.009]. Sex also modified the relationship between DM and left ventricular geometry (Pinteraction = 0.003), whereby DM was associated with a more concentric left ventricular geometry in women than men. Women had lower quality of life than men (P < 0.001), in both DM and non‐DM groups. DM was associated with worse composite outcomes at 1 year in women vs. men [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.24–2.60 vs. HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.12–1.56; Pinteraction = 0.005).

Conclusions

Asian women with HFrEF were more likely to have DM despite a lean body mass index, a greater burden of chronic kidney disease and more concentric left ventricular geometry, compared to men. Furthermore, DM confers worse quality of life, irrespective of sex, and a greater risk of adverse outcomes in women than men. These data underscore the need for sex‐specific approaches to diabetes in patients with HF.
Cationic Group 4 Complexes (M = Ti, Zr, Hf): Modifications and Limitations in the Design of Tridentate Cp,O,P‐Ligand Frameworks Built Directly in the Coordination Sphere of the Metal
Authors: Fischer Malte , Jaugstetter Maximilian , Schaper Raoul , Schmidtmann Marc , Beckhaus Rüdiger
Published: December 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Rüdiger Beckhaus from the University of Oldenburg, Germany. The cover image shows the path to the cationic group 4 complexes prepared.
Application of response surface methodology to optimize degradation of TNT using nano Fe0‐assisted fenton process
Authors: Zarei Ali Reza , Rezaei‐Vahidian Hadi , Mehrabi Gholam Reza , Farajpour Tohid
Published: December 2018

This work aims to investigate the degradation of 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene (TNT) as a model typical nitro‐aromatic compound. The degradation process was carried out by hydroxyl radical that was produced via hydrogen peroxide activated by nano zero‐valent iron (Fe0). The nanoparticles as a source of ferrous ions were synthesized by precipitation method using a starch coating as a stabilizer. The transmission electron microscope analysis revealed that the size of the Fe0 particles is about 40 nm. The operating parameters were optimized using central composite design as a kind of response surface methodology. The degradation efficiency of 91% during 10 minutes and mineralization efficiency of 83% during 40 minutes were obtained under the experimental conditions of 30 mg/L TNT, 104.8 mg/L Fe0, 675 mg/L H2O2, and pH of 3.5. Finally, redwater treatment as real nitro‐aromatic wastewater was evaluated by this process, and 63% removal efficiency was attained after 40 minutes in the optimum condition. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 477–482, 2019
Oncologic outcomes in patients with 1‐cm to 4‐cm differentiated thyroid carcinoma according to extent of thyroidectomy
Authors: Choi Jung Bum , Lee Seul Gi , Kim Min Jhi , Kim Tae Hyung , Ban Eun Jeong , Lee Cho Rok , Lee Jandee , Kang Sang‐Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Chung Woong Youn , Park Cheong Soo
Published: December 2018

Background

Recent guidelines advocate unilateral thyroidectomy for low‐risk 1‐cm to 4‐cm differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This study was designed to examine the association between the extent of thyroidectomy and oncologic outcomes in patients with 1‐cm to 4‐cm DTC.

Materials and Methods

From April 1978 to December 2011, 16 057 patients with DTC underwent thyroidectomy at Yonsei University Hospital. Among them, 5266 (32.8%) patients were classified as having 1‐cm to 4‐cm DTC and were enrolled in this study. Clinicopathologic features and prognostic results (disease‐free survival [DFS] and disease‐specific survival [DSS] rates) were analyzed by retrospective medical record review. The mean follow‐up duration was 57.3 ± 58.1 months.

Results

Of tumor subtypes in the study group, papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common (97.5%) and follicular thyroid carcinoma occurred at a rate of 2.5%. In this study, the mean tumor size was 1.84 ± 0.74 cm. Patients had extrathyroidal extension (69.3%), multiplicity (35.1%), bilaterality (26.4%), central lymph node metastasis (53.0%), and lateral neck node metastases (19.9%). Of the 5266 patients, 4292 (81.5%) underwent total thyroidectomy and 974 (18.5%) had lobectomies. Recurrence rates in the total thyroidectomy and lobectomy groups were 5.7% and 9.4%, respectively. The lobectomy group had lower DFS (P = .007) and higher DSS (P = .034) than the total thyroidectomy group. A multivariate analysis for DFS revealed that tumor size, N classification, and extent of thyroidectomy were independent risk factors. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for DSS were age, sex, tumor size, and M classifications.

Conclusion

Although extent of thyroidectomy does not affect DSS, total thyroidectomy is beneficial for reducing recurrence in patients with 1‐cm to 4‐cm DTC. However, if such tumors have such low‐risk features as being unifocal, intrathyroidal, and lymph node metastasis‐negative, extent of thyroidectomy does not affect oncologic outcome and lobectomy may be sufficient.
Virtual evaluation of selected cervical lymph nodes with three‐dimensional ultrasound in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy
Authors: Frank Susan J. , Ahn Se Jin , Surks Martin I.
Published: December 2018

Background

We evaluated the usefulness of three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound of cervical lymph nodes (LN), when two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound evaluation is not sufficient to clearly evaluate lymph node characteristics, in thyroid cancer patients being followed after thyroidectomy.

Methods

Two readers retrospectively analyzed 2D and 3D images of 147 LNs; LNs were categorized as normal, reactive, suspicious, or indeterminate, and confidence level was rated. Results were compared to cytological/clinical data. Inter‐reader agreement was calculated.

Results

Addition of 3D ultrasound significantly increased specificity (0.787 with 2D ultrasound vs 0.905 with 2D + 3D ultrasound for reader 1, P = .009; 0.701 with 2D ultrasound vs 0.898 with 2D + 3D ultrasound for reader 2, P = .01). Addition of 3D ultrasound significantly increased confidence level of readers (P < .001). Inter‐reader agreement in LN categorization was almost perfect with 2D + 3D ultrasound.

Conclusion

3D ultrasound of cervical LNs enables better demonstration of imaging features that are important in differentiating benign and malignant LNs. These improvements can potentially obviate the need for FNA in post thyroidectomy cancer patients.
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy by simultaneously integrated boost volumetric‐modulated arc therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma‐toxicity/quality of life and survival
Authors: Fang Fu‐Min , Huang Tai‐Lin , Lin Yun‐Hsuan , Chien Chih‐Yen , Chuang Hui‐Ching , Luo Sheng‐Dean , Lin Hsin‐Ching , Lin Yu‐Tsai , Li Shau‐Hsuan , Liao Kuan‐Cho , Tsai Wen‐Ling
Published: December 2018

Background

To investigate the toxicity, changes of quality of life (QOL), and survival for patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) treated by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with simultaneously integrated boost volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (SIB‐VMAT).

Methods

A total of 68 NPC patients treated by CCRT with SIB‐VMAT technique were collected. QOL was longitudinally assessed by the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and HN35 questionnaires at the 4 time points: baseline, 42.4 Gy (20 fractions), and 3, 12 months after CCRT.

Results

The 4‐year locoregional relapse free, distant metastasis free, failure free, and overall survival rates were 97.0%, 86.4%, 82.0%, and 88.1%, respectively. The 4‐year cumulative incidence rate of late toxicities with grade 3 or more was 3.0%. One year after CCRT, most QOL scales, except some oral related symptoms, recovered to baseline level.

Conclusion

CCRT with SIB‐VMAT produces excellent locoregional control, few severe late toxicity, and good general health status for NPC patients.
A bias of self‐reports among repressors: Examining the evidence for the validity of self‐relevant and health‐relevant personal reports
Authors: Saeedi Zoha , Ghorbani Nima , Sarafraz Mahdi R. , Shoar Tahereh Karami
Published: December 2018

Studies have shown that repressors tend to respond to self‐report tools in a positive fashion which distorts the findings of studies based on questionnaires. The present study aimed to examine the way repressors respond to “Self‐relevant” scales (which assess variables related to adaptive self‐function) in comparison to “Health‐relevant” scales (which assess physical and psychological health). Iranian university students (N = 271) responded to the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory (to differentiate between repressors and self‐assured individuals), Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale, Self‐control Scale, Integrative Self‐knowledge Scale and Self‐compassion Scale (to measure self‐relevant variables), Bartone Symptoms checklist and the Depression and Anxiety Subscales of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Subscale (DASS‐21) (to measure health‐relevant variables). Based on responses to the Weinberger Adjustment Inventory, 101 participants fell into two groups, including repressors and self‐assured individuals, and their data were further analysed. Multivariate analysis of variance showed no difference in repressors' scores in health‐relevant scales compared to the self‐assured group (healthy individuals), but they reported higher scores in adaptive self‐relevant scales compared to the self‐assured individuals. This study provides new evidence that compared to self‐assured individuals, repressors differ in the way they respond to self‐relevant versus health‐relevant scales.
miR‐125a/b inhibits tumor‐associated macrophages mediated in cancer stem cells of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting CD90
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Wang Bingyi , Xiao Shuai , Li Yang , Chen Quanning
Published: December 2018

Cancer stem cells promote tumorigenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, emerging evidence indicates tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor progression. However, TAMs often occurs with unknown mechanisms. As an important mediator in intercellular communications, exosomes secreted by host cells mediate the exchange of genetic materials and proteins, which involves tumor aggressiveness. The aim of the study was to investigate whether exosomes derived from TAMs mediate stem cell properties in HCC. TAMs were isolated from the tissues of HCC. microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of TAMs were analyzed using miRNA microarray. In vitro cell coculture was further conducted to investigate the crosstalk between TAMs and tumor cells mediated by TAMs exosomes. In this study, we showed that TAMs exosomes promote HCC cell proliferation and stem cell properties. Using miRNA profiles assay, we identified significantly lower levels of miR‐125a and miR‐125b in exosomes and cell lysate isolated from TAMs. Functional studies revealed that the HCC cells were treated with TAM exosomes or transfected with miR‐125a/b suppressed cell proliferation and stem cell properties by targeting CD90, a stem cell marker of HCC stem cells. The study indicated that miR‐125a/b targeting CD90 played important roles in cancer stem cells of HCC.
LL‐37 and its analog FF/CAP18 attenuate neutrophil migration in sepsis‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Qin Xiuchuan , Zhu Guangfa , Huang Lixue , Zhang Wenwei , Huang Yan , Xi Xin
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Sepsis can result in acute lung injury. LL‐37 is a small cationic host defense peptide involved in anti‐inflammatory. In the current study, it was hypothesized that antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 could play a protective role in attenuating the progression of sepsis‐induced acute lung injury.

Methods: Forty male C57BL/6 mice were induced into sepsis using cecal ligation and puncture, and subsequently administered with recombinant mouse osteopontin. Peptides LL‐37, the LL‐37 analog (FF/CAP18, called sLL‐37), or normal saline was intravenously administered into septic mice for 20 hours. Then, proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐1β), acute lung injury markers (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), the neutrophil infiltration marker (myeloperoxidase [MPO]), and neutrophil infiltration were detected. Furthermore, the neutrophil migration and expression of migration‐related factors (focal adhesion kinase [FAK], ERK, and P38) in differentiated HL‐60 cells were detected.

Results: Septic mice had upregulated IL‐6, IL‐1β, ALT, AST, LDH, MPO, p‐FAK, p‐ERK, and p‐P38, infiltrated neutrophils, and migrated neutrophil‐like HL‐60 cells. In contrast, the administration of peptide LL‐37 and sLL‐37 inhibited all these changes. Compared with septic mice, it was found that proinflammatory cytokines, lung injury markers, MPO, and infiltrated neutrophils decreased in mice treated with LL‐37 and sLL‐37. In addition, the migrated neutrophil‐like HL‐60 cells and activated p‐FAK, p‐ERK, and p‐P38 proteins were suppressed by LL‐37 and sLL‐37 treatments.

Conclusions: Peptide LL‐37 and its analog sLL‐37 attenuated the progression of sepsis‐induced acute lung injury by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and migration through the FAK, ERK, and P38 pathways.