bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Latitude, Season, and Temperature on Lake Sturgeon Movement
Authors: Moore Michael J. , Paukert Craig P. , Moore Travis L.
Published: February 2020

Ecologists have a limited understanding of the rangewide variation in movement behavior in freshwater fishes, but recent expansion of biotelemetry allows biologists to investigate how fish movement can help to predict behavioral shifts in response to changing environments. The Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens is a wide-ranging, migratory, coolwater species, making it a candidate species for studying patterns in movement ecology. We conducted a literature review and meta-analysis of seasonal movement data compiled from 38 Lake Sturgeon telemetry studies in North America to build an understanding of spatiotemporal variation in movement behavior. Lake Sturgeon movement studies were underrepresented for low-latitude populations in the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio/Tennessee River basins. Highest movement usually occurred during spring spawning migrations, whereas other populations exhibited their highest movement in the fall, potentially in order to overwinter near spawning grounds. Our meta-regression analysis indicated that latitude or summer maximum temperature best predicted standardized mean difference between spring and summer movement in Lake Sturgeon populations across the species’ range. Our results suggest that Lake Sturgeon populations at lower latitudes and those that experience warmer summer temperatures have lower summer movement relative to spring movement. Managers may use this information to prioritize actions promoting the conservation of seasonally important habitats for the continued recovery of migratory coolwater fish (e.g., Lake Sturgeon) that potentially experience stressful thermal conditions.
Optimization of multidimensional MR data acquisition for relaxation and diffusion
Authors: Song Yi‐Qiao , Xiao Lizhi
Published: February 2020

Multidimensional MR experiments of relaxation and diffusion have been successful for material characterization and have attracted attention recently for biomedical applications. However, such experiments typically require many scans of data acquisition and are time‐consuming. This work discusses a method for systematic optimization of the pulse‐sequence parameters to obtain optimal resolution within the experimental conditions, such as the number of acquisitions. Other optimization goals can also be incorporated in this framework.
Cases of serpens endocrania symmetrica in young individuals from Neolithic Western Switzerland: Description and interpretation
Authors: Abegg Claudine , Dutour Olivier , Desideri Jocelyne , Besse Marie
Published: February 2020

Endocranial lesions known as serpens endocrania symmetrica (SES) appear relatively frequently in the paleopathological record, but their significance often goes undiscussed. For the past decade, however, research has proved conclusively that their presence is an indicator of illnesses within the corpus. As such, cases found in the archaeological record can provide clues as to the kinds of diseases that prehistoric populations endured. We report four cases of young individuals from Neolithic Western Switzerland bearing SES on their craniums and discuss the implications of such findings in terms of the paleopathological profile of these populations. The following article provides documentation for each case as well as a differential diagnosis including tuberculosis, meningitis, trauma, and metabolic conditions such as scurvy. These four individuals represent the oldest cases of such lesions described for this region.
Thin Coatings of α‐ and β‐Bi2O3 by Ultrasonic Spray Coating of a Molecular Bismuth Oxido Cluster and their Application for Photocatalytic Water Purification Under Visible Light
Authors: Hofmann Max , Rößner Leonard , Armbrüster Marc , Mehring Michael
Published: February 2020

Thin coatings of Bi2O3 were deposited on glass substrates by ultrasonic spray coating of THF solutions of the molecular precursor [Bi38O45(OMc)24(DMSO)9] ⋅ 2DMSO ⋅ 7H2O (OMc=O2CC3H5) followed by hydrolysis and subsequent annealing. Depending on the synthetic protocol, the bismuth oxido cluster was transformed into either α‐ or β‐Bi2O3. The as‐synthesized Bi2O3 coatings were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thickness measurements, diffuse reflectance UV‐Vis spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thin coatings (thickness: 5–16 μm) were compared with regard to their performance in photocatalytic rhodamine B (RhB) decomposition under visible light irradiation. The β‐Bi2O3 coatings, that showed the highest photocatalytic activity, were used for the photocatalytic decomposition of other pollutants such as triclosan and ethinyl estradiol. In addition, the interplay between the photooxidation that is induced by the excitation of the catalyst using visible light and the photosensitized decomposition pathway was studied by degradation experiments of aqueous rhodamine B solutions using β‐Bi2O3 coatings.
Planarization‐Induced Activation Wavelength Red‐Shift and Thermal Half‐Life Acceleration in Hydrazone Photoswitches
Authors: Shao Baihao , Aprahamian Ivan
Published: February 2020

The optimization and modulation of the properties of photochromic compounds, such as their activation wavelengths and thermal relaxation half‐lives (τ1/2), are essential for their adaptation in various applications. In this work, we studied the effect of co‐planarization of the rotary fragment of two photochromic hydrazones with the core of the molecule on their switching properties. The Z and E isomers of both compounds exhibit red‐shifted absorption bands relative to their twisted versions, allowing for their photoswitching using longer wavelengths of light. Additionally, the thermal half‐lives of both hydrazones are drastically shortened from hundreds of years to days.
Host‐Guest Chemistry of Truncated Tetrahedral Imine Cages with Ammonium Ions
Authors: Lauer Jochen C. , Pang Ziwei , Janßen Paul , Rominger Frank , Kirschbaum Tobias , Elstner Marcus , Mastalerz Michael
Published: February 2020

Three shape‐persistent [4+4] imine cages with truncated tetrahedral geometry with different window sizes were studied as hosts for the encapsulation of tetra‐n‐alkylammonium salts of various bulkiness. In various solvents the cages behave differently. For instance, in dichloromethane the cage with smallest window size takes up NEt4+ but not NMe4+, which is in contrast to the two cages with larger windows hosting both ions. To find out the reason for this, kinetic experiments were carried out to determine the velocity of uptake but also to deduce the activation barriers for these processes. To support the experimental results, calculations for the guest uptakes have been performed by molecular mechanics’ simulations. Finally, the complexation of pharmaceutical interested compounds, such as acetylcholine, muscarine or denatonium have been determined by NMR experiments.
Exercise plus caloric restriction lowers soluble RAGE in adults with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Malin Steven K. , Navaneethan Sankar D. , Fealy Ciaran E. , Scelsi Amanda , Huang Hazel , Rocco Michael , Kirwan John P.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased in recent years. CKD is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, although the mechanism remains unclear. Elevated soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end products ( RAGE) is related to proinflammatory signaling pathways that may promote diabetic nephropathy and vascular dysfunction. Because lifestyle modification reduces systematic inflammation in adults with obesity and hyperglycaemia, the hypothesis that exercise plus caloric restriction would lower soluble RAGE in adults with CKD was tested in this study.

Methods

Eight adults (n = 6 females; age: 56.3 ± 2.8 y; BMI: 43.7 ± 2.2 kg/m2; 2‐h OGTT glucose: 215 ± 9.8 mg/dL; eGFR: 49.6 ± 3.3 mL/min/1.73 m2) were enrolled in a 12‐week pilot lifestyle intervention (supervised aerobic exercise [5 d/wk, up to 60 min/d at approximately 65%‐85% HRmax] plus low‐fat dietary counseling). Body composition (DXA), aerobic fitness (VO2max), insulin sensitivity (120 min 75 g OGTT; Matsuda Index), plasma levels of soluble RAGE and fetuin‐A were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

Exercise reduced body weight, fasting glucose, and fetuin‐A as well as increased VO2max, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity (all P < .05). Lifestyle intervention decreased plasma soluble RAGE (pre: 1018.1 ± 163 vs post: 810.6 ± 119.6 ng/mL; P = .02), and the decrease was associated with a lower 2‐hour blood glucose (r = 0.76, P = .03) and with increased insulin sensitivity (r = −0.90, P < .01).

Conclusions

Exercise and caloric restriction are effective at lowering soluble RAGE in relation to glucose regulation in patients with CKD.
The impact of tobacco chemicals and nicotine on placental development
Authors: Suter Melissa A. , Aagaard Kjersti M.
Published: February 2020

Despite decades of messages warning about the dangers of tobacco use in pregnancy, 10% to 15% of pregnant women continue to smoke. Furthermore, an increased popularity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) over the past decade in women of childbearing age raises parallel concerns regarding the effects of vaporized nicotine use in pregnancy. While research using animal models which mimic tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure in pregnancy have largely replicated findings in humans, few studies focus directly on the effects of these exposures on the placenta. Because the placenta is a fetal derived tissue, and nicotine and other components of tobacco smoke are either processed by or transported directly through the placenta, such studies help us understand the risks of these exposures on the developing fetus. In this review, we summarize research on the placenta and placental‐derived cells examining either tobacco smoke or nicotine exposure, including both histologic and subcellular (ie, epigenetic and molecular) modifications. Collectively, these studies reveal that tobacco and nicotine exposure are accompanied by some common and several unique molecular and epigenomic placental modifications. Consideration of the nature and sequelae of these molecular mediators of risk may help to better inform the public and more effectively curtail modifiable behavior.
Modified Densified Waste of Expanded Polystyrene and Its Blends With Polyamide 6
Authors: Levytskyi Volodymyr , Moravskyi Volodymyr , Masyuk Andrii , Kuzioła Rafał , Grąz Katarzyna , Khromyak Ulyana
Published: February 2020

The regularities of expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with the simultaneous gas release in various solvents were revealed. The upper sorption limit depends on the nature of the solvent, the concentration and molecular mass of the PVP, the temperature of the process, and the apparent density of the EPS. It was established that the sorption limit of PVP increases with increasing of its concentration in the system and decreases with molecular mass increasing. Based on XRD and FTIR analyses, it was determined that materials based on polyamide 6 and EPS modified by PVP have an increased crystallinity degree by 10–15%, a smaller average crystallite size and higher technological compatibility. The addition of PVP‐modified EPS contributes to the increase of the yield strength of polyamide 6 by about 5%–10%. The increase of the Vicat softening point by 5–8 K and the surface hardness by 25–30 MPa of materials based on polyamide 6 and modified polystyrene was investigated. It is caused by the redistribution of intermolecular bonds between the components of the blend under by the effect of a uniformly distributed PVP in the EPS resulting in increased compatibility between the components and the compacted structure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:935–943, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Luminescent core–shell nanoparticles with crosslinked aggregation‐induced emission core structures: Emission both in solution and solid states
Authors: Nakabayashi Kazuhiro , Takata Mizuki , Furukawa Masaki , Mori Hideharu
Published: February 2020

Luminescent core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) with crosslinked aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) core structures, which exhibited excellent emission independent of the dispersion state of the NPs, have been developed by a facile one‐pot method based on the self‐assembly of an amphiphilic block copolymer poly(PEGMA)‐b‐poly(DB3VT). Core–shell micelles with a poly(DB3VT) core were formed from poly(PEGMA)‐b‐poly(DB3VT) in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H2O condition, and the crosslinked AIE‐based structure was selectively incorporated into the core by the Suzuki coupling reaction between poly(DB3VT) blocks and tetraphenylethylene (TPE)‐based coupling monomers at the same time. This method afforded a uniform NP with a crosslinked TPE‐based AIE core structure. The obtained NP exhibited excellent emission both in diluted solution and solid states. This result indicated that the formed TPE‐based AIE core structure was always aggregated regardless of NP dispersion owing to the crosslinking as we expected. The crosslinked TPE‐based AIE core structure, which was related to the emission property, was readily tuned by the selection and combination of coupling monomers in the Suzuki coupling reaction. By incorporating electron‐deficient units into the core, the emission color could be successfully tuned from yellow‐green to orange and red while maintaining the emission property independent of the state of the NP dispersion. These results demonstrated that NPs with the crosslinked AIE core structures are a promising luminescent material design motif to realize emission independent on molecular dispersion.
Impact of scoliosis surgery on pulmonary function in patients with muscular dystrophies and spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Farber Harold J. , Phillips William A. , Kocab Kenneth L. , Hanson Darrell S. , Heydemann John A. , Dahl Benny T. , Spoede Elizabeth T. , Jefferson Larry S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Scoliosis is a common complication of severe neuromuscular diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of posterior spinal fusion on pulmonary function parameters in patients with severe neuromuscular disease at our medical center.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of all patients with severe neuromuscular disease who had posterior spinal fusion between 2012 and 2017 at Texas Children's Hospital. Patients with growing rods, brain injury or malformation, and/or spina bifida were excluded. Pulmonary function measures before and after spinal surgery were determined.

Results

A total of 20 eligible patients were identified, 7 with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 6 with spinal muscular atrophy, 3 with merosin deficient muscular dystrophy, 2 with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth, 1 with central core disease, and 1 with dystroglycanopathy. The mean change in vital capacity from pre‐ to postspine surgery was a loss of 0.63 L for the spinal muscular atrophy patients, a loss of 0.36 L for the Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, and a gain of 0.23 L for the merosin deficient patients. The difference between spinal muscular atrophy and merosin deficient patients was statistically significant (P = .02)

Conclusion

In this single‐center retrospective study, we found that after spine surgery for scoliosis, all patients with spinal muscular atrophy and most patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy lost vital capacity, while the patients with merosin deficient muscular dystrophy gained vital capacity. These differences were not associated with differences is respiratory strength, body mass index, or surgical outcomes.
Prediction of PBX‐9502 Pop‐Plots at Different Temperatures, Using the Reactive Flow Model TDRR
Authors: Partom Yehuda
Published: February 2020

In Figure 3 of [1] Gustavsen et al. show Pop‐plots of an insensitive high explosive at six initial temperatures from −196 °C to 250 °C. For this range of temperature (450 °C) the run distance (or reaction rate) changes by a factor of 40. We use here our TDRR reactive flow model to predict those Pop‐plots. The reaction rate of TDRR increases with the temperature of the reactant, which gives it a good chance to succeed in predicting the experimental results. And indeed our predictions of the six Pop‐plots are all within the experimental error brackets.
Interface Studies in HgTe/HgCdTe Quantum Wells
Authors: Mikhailov Nikolay , Shvets Vasiliy , Ikusov Danil , Uzhakov Ivan , Dvoretsky Sergey , Mynbaev Karim , Dluzewski Piotr , Morgiel Jerzy , Swiatek Zbigniew , Bonchyk Olexander , Izhnin Ihor
Published: February 2020

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used for the study of interfaces in two HgTe/HgCdTe single quantum‐well (QW) structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates. The studies are conducted in bright‐field and scanning/high‐angle annular dark field modes. The effect of the growth mode on the sharpness of interfaces in the QWs is investigated. Effective in situ ellipsometric control over chemical composition and thickness of the layers constituting the QW structures is demonstrated.
Satellite‐based top‐down Lagrangian approach to quantify aerosol emissions over California
Authors: Nizar Sinan , Dodamani B.M.
Published: February 2020

Accurate forecasting of air quality demands better estimates of aerosol emissions. The accuracy of conventional bottom‐up approaches to estimate aerosol emissions depends on the degree to which various influencing parameters are estimated. The availability of satellite observations not only enhances the capability of determining various influencing parameters, but also provides alternate ways of assessing aerosol sources. The present study employs a Lagrangian approach to the Advection Diffusion Equation (ADE) to estimate the transported aerosols and hence the Aerosol Source Strength (ASS) using satellite‐measured Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and reanalysis wind data. This top‐down approach is based on the advection and diffusion of atmospheric aerosols considering wind circulation and atmospheric conditions rather than using indicative parameters. ASS was computed every 3 hr at a 0.25°×0.25° grid across California during July 2018. For the computation, AOD retrievals were obtained from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)‐16 with observations every 15 min. The data were resampled to the grid every 3 hr, and backward trajectories were run at every gridpoint to ascertain the initial aerosol concentration for the ADE. The final aerosol concentrations obtained from the ADE model were then compared with the observed AOD to obtain the ASS during that time period. The results are indicative of higher ASS around wildfire locations. The ASS values also show good correlation (R2=0.886) with Fire Radiative Power (FRP) obtained from Terra MODIS fire product. The method was further applied to investigate the spatial correlation of ASS with power plant density, which reveals a steady increase in ASS with power plant density (R2=0.82).
Toward the origin of life over feldspar surfaces: Adsorption of amino acids and catalysis of conformational interconversions
Authors: Hu Qiaoli , Yun Jiena , Yang Gang
Published: February 2020

Feldspars are a group of tectosilicate minerals terminated with a full layer of hydroxyl groups and have been regarded as “hotbed” for birth of life. In this study, periodic density functional theory calculations are conducted to address two associated issues, as adsorption of amino acids and conformational interconversions over feldspar surfaces. Distribution of glycine isomers depends strongly on the number of interacted surface silanols (n), and canonical isomers exist exclusively for n ≤ 2 while zwitterions predominate for n = 3. Adsorption of amino acids is significantly affected by sidechains, especially those forming H‐bonds with surfaces; however, sidechain contacts with feldspar surfaces disfavor zwitterion stabilization, and zwitterions become preferred without sidechain contacts. For all amino acids, conformational interconversions undergo four elementary steps, and proton transfer between two carboxylic‐O atoms (step 2) is always rate‐decisive. Step 2 is greatly accelerated with catalysis of surface silanols and activation barriers depend significantly on sidechains. All amino acids have moderate activation barriers and conformational interconversions (in both forward and reverse directions) proceed favorably at ambient conditions. Sidechains of amino acids exhibit influences through sidechain contacts with surfaces rather than as substituent effect.
Facile preparation of magnetic covalent organic framework–metal organic framework composite materials as effective adsorbents for the extraction and determination of sedatives by high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in meat samples
Authors: Liu Jichao , Li Guoliang , Wu Di , Yu Yanxin , Chen Jian , Wu Yongning
Published: February 2020

Rationale

Sedatives, which are prone to cause residues in animals, have been abused in modern animal husbandry. Long‐term consumption of contaminated meat products would be unfavorable to the human nervous system. Taking into account public health and food safety, it was essential to develop an effective method for the enrichment and detection of sedatives in meat.

Methods

Fe3O4@TbBd@ZIF‐8 composites were synthesized by using Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a magnetic core and 1,3,5‐triformylbenzene (Tb) and benzidine (Bd) as two building blocks to form Fe3O4@TbBd. Furthermore, the zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) was modified on the surface of the Fe3O4@TbBd. In addition, Fe3O4@TbBd@ZIF‐8 was used as a magnetic solid‐phase extraction (MSPE) adsorbent of typical animal sedatives in pork samples. Mass spectrometry analysis was conducted by electrospray ionization triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry in positive‐ion multiple reaction monitoring mode.

Results

By combining the optimized MSPE approach with high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS), an accurate and sensitive method for the determination of sedatives was developed. The method exhibited good linearity in the range of 0.03–70 μg/kg with the correlation coefficient (R2) ranging from 0.9982 to 0.9999, high sensitivity with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 0.04 to 0.2 μg/kg, and high precision with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 5.5%. The adsorption behaviors of Fe3O4@TbBd@ZIF‐8 towards sedatives were more suitably described by a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic and Freundlich isotherm model.

Conclusions

The proposed MSPE‐HPLC/MS/MS method was successfully applied to the determination of sedatives in real samples and showed excellent applicability. Several sedatives were detected in the selected meat samples. The developed method was shown to be facile, sensitive and accurate for sedative detection and also showed great prospects for determination of sedatives from other complex samples.
Difficult intubation in an asymptomatic patient with tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica
Authors: Kafili Dona , Sampson Timothy , Tolhurst Sean
Published: February 2020

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare, benign, slowly progressive disease of unknown aetiology. It is characterized by numerous sessile, cartilaginous, or osseous submucosal nodules distributed throughout the anterolateral walls of the trachea and projecting into the laryngotracheobronchial lumen. The diagnosis is usually incidental with distinct bronchoscopic or computed tomography (CT) scan findings. We have identified a case of asymptomatic TO through fibreoptic bronchoscopy and biopsy after having a difficult intubation for elective prostate surgery.
Can an amino sugar test estimate potentially available nitrogen from biosolids?
Authors: White Jeffrey G. , Dodd Ryan , Walters Robert
Published: February 2020

Biosolids land application is governed by N content and estimates of potentially available N (PAN). Amino sugar test N (AST‐N) has been used with varying success to estimate soil responsiveness to N and optimum N rates. We investigated the utility of an amino sugar test (AST) in estimating PAN and hypothesized that this would depend on biosolids type, rate, and receiving soil. In vitro, we applied three dissimilar biosolids at five rates to four representative southeastern US soils, measured AST‐N, and estimated recovery of biosolids AST‐N. Target PAN rates were zero to two times a realistic yield expectation rate (127 kg N ha−1) for a common biosolids‐receiving grass. Rates were based on biosolids type, total N, and book‐value availability coefficients. Biosolids AST‐N varied from 263 to 9790 mg kg−1 (3.8–20.1% of total N). Soil AST‐N was 66–93 mg kg−1 and differed among soils. Treatment interactions indicated that AST‐N of the biosolids–soil mixtures differed from what might be predicted from biosolids and soil AST‐N and rate. Rate response was linear; thus, the AST did not saturate at the rates tested. Biosolids AST‐N recovery ranged from −303 to 152% depending on biosolids, rate, soil, and their interactions. The AST‐N was related linearly to total N from anaerobic incubation (R2 = 0.10–0.67), depending on biosolids. The weakness of these relationships; the biosolids, rate, and soil interactions; and the potential confounding effects of biosolids and soil NH4–N suggest that AST‐N would not be a good estimator of PAN.
Palladium Catalyzed Annulation of Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman Adducts: Synthesis of Indene and Indanone Derivatives
Authors: Rajan Sruthi Pambingal , Venu Saranya Thachora , Anas Saithalavi
Published: February 2020

Concise and efficient methods for the syntheses of functionalized Indene and Indanone derivatives from Morita‐Baylis Hillman (MBH) alcohols via Palladium catalyzed annulations are described. The formation and nature of the product was based on the MBH adduct used and the reaction conditions established after detailed optimization studies. The reaction of Baylis‐Hillman alcohols (1 a–m) in presence of Pd(OAc)2 (5 mol %), P(o‐Tol)3 (20 mol %), AgOAc (1 eq.) and Na2CO3 (2 eq.) in Dioxane at 120 °C under Nitrogen atmosphere provided substituted indenes (2 a–m) in good to excellent yields. While, Indanone derivatives (4 a–f) are obtained from o‐halo substituted MBH adducts (3 a–l) when subjected to reaction with Pd(OAc)2 (3 mol %) and K3PO4 (2.5 eq.) in DMA at 140 °C in the absence of any ligand or additive.
Use of Click Chemistry for Obtaining an Antimicrobial Chimeric Peptide Containing the LfcinB and Buforin II Minimal Antimicrobial Motifs
Authors: Pineda‐Castañeda Hector M. , Bonilla‐Velásquez Laura D. , Leal‐Castro Aura Lucía , Fierro‐Medina Ricardo , García‐Castañeda Javier E. , Rivera‐Monroy Zuly J.
Published: February 2020

A chimeric peptide derived from Lactoferricin B (LfcinB) and Buforin II (BFII) was designed. It specifically contains the reported antimicrobial minimal motif sequences LfcinB (20–25): RRWQWR and BFII (32–35): RLLR. The chimeric peptide was synthesized by intramolecular cyclization with a triazole bridge. The Chimera 3 exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 (MIC 93 μM) and S. aureus ATCC 25923 (93 μM) than the original sequences. Furthermore, it did not exhibit a significant hemolytic effect.
Cost‐driven software migration: An experience report
Authors: Sneed Harry M. , Verhoef Chris
Published: February 2020

Software migration projects are often bound either by time or cost or by both. If the project is bound by both time and cost, the user must sacrifice something else, usually the quality. The migration strategy depends on how the project is bound. Most migration projects are bound by time. The new system must be in operation by a given date, no matter what it costs. The project described here—a state employee payroll system—is bound by cost. It must remain within the budget, no matter how long it takes. The original costs were estimated based on the code size and the productivity measured in previous migration projects using three different approaches: conversion, redevelopment, and reimplementation. The conversion approach would have been the cheapest, but it had already been tried and failed. The redevelopment approach was considered to be out of the question due to the high costs. Thus, reimplementation remained as the only alternative. The costs of this approach were estimated using three different estimation methods and approved by the state government. The project has been in progress for 4 years, and until now, the estimated costs and actual costs are in the same order of magnitude: the costs have remained within budget. In fact, the costs are less than what was estimated with some methods. As this particular project is not bound by time, it is a good example of continuous migration.
Recent Advances in Design of Flexible Electrodes for Miniaturized Supercapacitors
Authors: Yu Chenyang , An Jianing , Chen Qiang , Zhou Jinyuan , Huang Wei , Kim Young‐Jin , Sun Gengzhi
Published: February 2020

The increasing demands of portable, flexible, and wearable electronics have greatly stimulated the development of miniaturized supercapacitors (MSCs) with features of high flexibility, low weight, long lifespan, and safety. The techniques which can effectively incorporate functional nanomaterials into flexible electrodes are extremely important for future wide‐spread applications of MSCs, and thus are identified as the research focus in the field. Herein, this review focuses on recent advances in the fabrication of flexible electrodes and their applications in MSCs. In particular, the principles of the newly developed fiber spinning techniques and their utilization in designing microstructures and resulting electrochemical properties of fibrous electrodes are first described. Second, a few novel approaches to prepare planar MSCs and their special advantages are introduced, and third, the state‐of‐the‐art research in 3D stereo MSCs based on 3D printing and morphing technologies are discussed. In the end, the prospects and key challenges based on the considerations of performance improvement, device design, and system integration are outlined.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Strontium Beryllate Sr3Be2O5
Authors: Giftthaler Tobias , Strobel Philipp , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

Beryllates show an interesting and diverse structural chemistry, resembling that of well‐investigated silicates. The coexistence of tetrahedral and trigonal coordination of Be by O atoms in oxoberyllates allows for an even broader variety of structural motives and implies a plurality of possible atomic ratios Be:O in ternary or higher compounds. We have now synthesized the novel strontium oxoberyllate Sr3Be2O5 via a high‐temperature high‐pressure reaction and have structurally characterized the ternary oxide by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction analysis. Sr3Be2O5, a low condensed oxoberyllate, contains unprecedented [Be2O5]6– double triangles and Sr atoms in both double‐capped trigonal‐prismatic and octahedral coordination. These motifs show striking resemblance to α‐SrBeO2 and SrO, combining their structural properties. Lattice energy (MAPLE) calculations corroborate found parallels to the known phases SrO and α‐SrBeO2.
Childbearing Across Partnerships in Finland and Germany
Authors: Jalovaara Marika , Kreyenfeld Michaela
Published: February 2020

This chapter examines gender differences in “multipartner fertility” – i.e., having children with several partners – in Germany and Finland. The analyses focus on women and men born around 1970 who are followed until age 41. We show that multipartner fertility is more common in Finland than in Germany. However, there are large East-West differences within Germany. East Germans are less likely to have a second or third child than West Germans, but those East Germans who progress to a higher order birth often have this child with a new partner. We also find some gender differences in behaviour. Men display lower transition rates than women of having a second child with a new partner. Further, having a first child at an early age is strongly and positively associated with multipartner fertility. No consistent relationship between education and multipartner fertility was found for Germany. In Finland, however, low education is associated with elevated risks of having children with different partners.
The Conceptual and Empirical Challenges of Estimating Trends in Union Stability: Have Unions Become More Stable in Britain?
Authors: Boertien Diederik
Published: February 2020

This chapter provides an overview of the conceptual and empirical challenges that arise once measuring union stability. Conceptually, the chapter discusses different ways of defining unions and what each way implies in terms of measurement. For the purposes of this chapter, union stability is defined as the stability of both marriages and co-residential unions. Available data sources are discussed as well as their possible biases. Empirically, the chapter compares two data sources from Britain to show that there are serious challenges to be overcome when using survey data to estimate trends in union stability. Survey data possibly overestimates union stability due to selective non-response and prospective surveys do not report many unions that existed according to retrospective data. Good news comes from a comparison of two retrospective sources which provide relatively consistent estimates of trends in union stability. If retrospective information is indeed to be trusted, union stability has been decreasing across cohorts (1974–1999), but this development appears to have stalled for the most recent cohort formed in 2000–2004. A lack of recent data, however, prevents us from knowing whether this trend has continued, underlining the need to invest in the repeated collection of retrospective union histories.
Right Colectomy with Absorbable Mesh Repair as a Salvage Solution for the Management of Giant Incisional Hernia with Loss of Domain: Results of a Bicentric Study
Authors: Benoit Olivier , Moszkowicz David , Milot Laurent , Cabral Dominique , Blanchet Marie‐Cécile , Peschaud Frédérique , Bouillot Jean‐Luc , Robert Maud
Published: February 2020

Background

Incisional hernia (IH) may occur in 20% of patients after laparotomy. The hernia sac volume may be of significance, with reintegration of visceral contents potentially leading to repair failure or abdominal compartment syndrome. The present study aimed to evaluate a two‐step surgical strategy comprising right colectomy for hernia reduction with synchronous absorbable mesh repair followed by definitive non‐absorbable mesh repair in recurrence.

Methods

Patients operated between 2012 and 2017 at two university centers were retrospectively included. Volumetric evaluation of the IH was performed by CT imaging.

Results

Eleven patients were included. The mean BMI was 43 kg/m2 (23–52 kg/m2). Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum was performed in 82% of patients, with complications in 22%. The mean volumetric ratio of the volume of the hernia to the volume of the abdominal cavity was 70% (48–100%). The first parietal repair was performed using an synthetic absorbable mesh (36%), a biologic mesh (27%), or a slowly absorbable mesh (36%). No patients died as a result of the procedure. Seven (64%) patients developed grade III–IV complications, including one case of an anastomotic fistula. Recurrence occurred in eight (73%) patients after the first repair. Of these, four (50%) patients were reoperated using a non‐absorbable mesh, leading to solid repair in 75% of cases. After 27 ± 18 months of follow‐up, the residual IH rate was 46%.

Conclusions

Right colectomy for volume reduction in IH with loss of domain potentially represents an appropriate salvage option, supporting bowel reintegration and temporary hernia repair with absorbable material.
Examining the roles of working memory and visual attention in multiple object tracking expertise
Authors: Harris David J. , Wilson Mark R. , Crowe Emily M. , Vine Samuel J.
Published: February 2020

When tracking multiple moving targets among visually similar distractors, human observers are capable of distributing attention over several spatial locations. It is unclear, however, whether capacity limitations or perceptual–cognitive abilities are responsible for the development of expertise in multiple object tracking. Across two experiments, we examined the role of working memory and visual attention in tracking expertise. In Experiment 1, individuals who regularly engaged in object tracking sports (soccer and rugby) displayed improved tracking performance, relative to non-tracking sports (swimming, rowing, running) (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.163), but no differences in gaze strategy (ps > 0.31). In Experiment 2, participants trained on an adaptive object tracking task showed improved tracking performance (p = 0.005, d = 0.817), but no changes in gaze strategy (ps > 0.07). They did, however, show significant improvement in a working memory transfer task (p < 0.001, d = 0.970). These findings indicate that the development of tracking expertise is more closely linked to processing capacity limits than perceptual–cognitive strategies.
Investigating diachronic trends in phonological inventories using BDPROTO
Authors: Moran Steven , Grossman Eitan , Verkerk Annemarie
Published: February 2020

Here we present an expanded version ofbdproto, a database comprising phonological inventory data from 257 ancient and reconstructed languages. These data were extracted from historical linguistic reconstructions and brought together into a single unified, normalized, accessible, and Unicode-compliant language resource. This dataset is publicly available and we aim to engage language scientists doing research on language change and language evolution. Furthermore, we identify a hitherto undiscussed temporal bias that complicates the simple comparison of ancient and reconstructed languages with present-day languages. Due to the sparsity of the data and the absence of statistical and computational methods that can adequately handle this bias, we instead directly target rates of change within and across families, thereby providing a case study to highlightbdproto’s research viability; using phylogenetic comparative methods and high-resolution language family trees, we investigate whether consonantal and vocalic systems differ in their rates of change over the last 10,000 years. In light of the compilation ofbdprotoand the findings of our case study, we discuss the challenges involved in comparing the sound systems of reconstructed languages with modern day languages.
The neglected role of formal and informal institutions in women’s entrepreneurship: a multi-level analysis
Authors: Gimenez-Jimenez Daniela , Calabrò Andrea , Urbano David
Published: February 2020

This article draws upon institutional theory to investigate whether and to what extent informal institutions (masculinity, power distance, individualism, and indulgence) affect the relationship between formal institutions (the public expenditure on childcare and the length of parental leave) and the likelihood that women will become entrepreneurs. The main findings show that societies characterized by high masculinity and/or low individualism amplify the relationship between the public expenditure on childcare and the likelihood that women will become entrepreneurs. Instead, high-indulgent societies weaken the negative relationship between the length of parental leave and the likelihood that women will become entrepreneurs. We provide a nuanced picture of women’s entrepreneurship by considering the neglected role of informal institutions.
The Amino Terminus of LeuT Changes Conformation in an Environment Sensitive Manner
Authors: Khan Jawad A. , Sohail Azmat , Jayaraman Kumaresan , Szöllősi Dániel , Sandtner Walter , Sitte Harald H. , Stockner Thomas
Published: February 2020

Neurotransmitter:sodium symporters are highly expressed in the human brain and catalyze the uptake of substrate through the plasma membrane by using the electrochemical gradient of sodium as the energy source. The bacterial homolog LeuT, a small amino acid transporter isolated from the bacteria Aquifex aeolicus, is the founding member of the family and has been crystallized in three conformations. The N-terminus is structurally well defined and strongly interacts with the transporter core in the outward-facing conformations. However, it could not be resolved in the inward-facing conformation, which indicates enhanced mobility. Here we investigate conformations and dynamics of the N-terminus, by combining molecular dynamics simulations with experimental verification using distance measurements and accessibility studies. We found strongly increased dynamics of the N-terminus, but also that helix TM1A is subject to enhanced mobility. TM1A moves towards the transporter core in the membrane environment, reaching a conformation that is closer to the structure of LeuT with wild type sequence, indicating that the mutation introduced to create the inward-facing structure might have altered the position of helix TM1A. The mobile N-terminus avoids entering the open vestibule of the inward-facing state, as accessibility studies do not show any reduction of quenching by iodide of a fluorophore attached to the N-terminus.
Arbitrariness in the peer review process
Authors: Brezis Elise S. , Birukou Aliaksandr
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the causes and effects of arbitrariness in the peer review process. This paper focuses on two main reasons for the arbitrariness in peer review. The first is that referees are not homogenous and display homophily in their taste and perception of innovative ideas. The second element is that reviewers are different in the time they allocate for peer review. Our model replicates the NIPS experiment of 2014, showing that the ratings of peer review are not robust, and that altering reviewers leads to a dramatic impact on the ranking of the papers. This paper also shows that innovative works are not highly ranked in the existing peer review process, and in consequence are often rejected.
Nutrient Transformation and Removal from Treated Wastewater Recycled Via Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) in a Carbonate Aquifer
Authors: Vanderzalm Joanne , Page Declan , Regel Rudi , Ingleton Greg , Nwayo Chibuikem , Gonzalez Dennis
Published: February 2020

Wastewater reuse coupled to managed aquifer recharge (MAR) provides a means to store and reuse treated wastewater (TWW) year-round. Determining the fate of nutrients in the subsurface during MAR remains challenging for environmental regulation due to the interaction of the MAR source water with site specific aquifer conditions. To facilitate the understanding of natural treatment processes, this study uses operational monitoring data from a full-scale aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) scheme using TWW to assess nutrient (N and P) transformation and fate. Analysis of median water quality injected into and recovered from the ASR wells for two complete ASR cycles (June 2014 to March 2016) was used to describe the removal of nutrients in an anoxic carbonate aquifer. Total nitrogen (TN) removal was dominated by redox processes, with median removal of 40 to 60% for TN and nitrate (the dominant N species) and higher removal of ammonia (95%) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (70%). Total phosphorous (TP) removal was also observed (~ 90%) due to sorption (filterable reactive phosphorous median removal of ~ 80%). A 40% increase in median salinity was evident within each ASR cycle due to recovery of the entire volume of injected water each year (ambient groundwater is 200% higher in TDS, on average). A reduction in salinity of the recovered water could be achieved by leaving a residual of source water in the aquifer to create a buffer zone between the ambient groundwater and the fresher source water.
Fed-Batch Decolourization of Mixture of Brilliant Green and Evans Blue by Bacteria Species Applied as Pure and Mixed Cultures: Influence of Growth Conditions
Authors: Zabłocka-Godlewska Ewa , Przystaś Wioletta
Published: February 2020

Synthetic dyes, generally resistant, toxic and carcinogenic presents a substantial risk to the environment and health of human. The present study was aimed to decolourize a dye mixture (Evans blue and brilliant green) by selected bacterial strains cultivated at different growth conditions (e.g. unmodified, correction of pH value and supplementation with nutrients). The bacterial strains used as pure and mixed cultures include facultative anaerobesAeromonas hydrophila(Abs37),Citrobactersp. (Cbs50) and obligatory aerobePseudomonas putida(Pzr3). The efficiency of removal of all successive doses of dye mixture (4–5 doses, total load 170–200 mg/l) was tested in static conditions in fed-batch bioreactors. The modification of bacteria growth conditions influenced on decolourization efficiency: most advantageous was pH value correction combined with nutrient supplementation then pH correction alone and nutrient supplementation (final removal results 95.6–100%, 92.9–100% and 89.1–97.2%, respectively). The mixed bacterial cultures removed the total load of dyes with higher efficiency than pure strains (final removal 95.2–100% and 84.0–98.2%, respectively). The best results were obtained for the mixture of facultative anaerobeCitrobactersp. and obligatory aerobePseudomonas putidawhich removed the highest load of dye mixture (200 mg/l introduced at five doses) in the shortest time (288 h), while the others pure and mixed cultures needed 425–529 h for removal four doses of dye mixture (total load 170 mg/l). The zoo- and phytotoxicity decreased after these processes (from V class of toxicity (extremely toxic) even to II class (low toxicity)). The main mechanisms of decolourization was biotransformation/biodegradation, supported by sorption.
A Computational Study on the Reduction Behavior of Iron Ore/Carbon Composite Pellets in Both Single and Multi-layer Bed Rotary Hearth Furnace
Authors: Dasgupta Soumyadeep , Saleem Sooraj , Srirangam Prakash , Auinger Michael , Roy Gour G.
Published: February 2020

A phenomenological model for the reduction of iron ore/carbon composite pellets in a multi-layer bed rotary hearth furnace has been developed. A single pellet model has been scaled up to a multi-pellet layer version in a computationally efficient way. The multi-layer pellet bed has been conceived as single column of identical pellets in a rectangular enclosure, assuming symmetry of the pellet bed in horizontal direction. The column walls are considered opaque with respect to heat transfer but allow heat radiation to reach the pellet surface through multiple reflections from the wall. The time-temperature-transformation and time-temperature-chemical heat absorption contours are presented to provide a better understanding of the reduction process. Finally, the net heat flux and carbon monoxide generation, emerging from the multi-layer bed system has been generated, which may be used as source and sink terms for CFD simulations in the free board of the RHF.
Microstructural Changes in Inconel 625 Alloy Fabricated by Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion Process and Subjected to High-Temperature Annealing
Authors: Gola Kewin , Dubiel Beata , Kalemba-Rec Izabela
Published: February 2020

The microstructure of the laser powder bed additively manufactured Inconel 625 in post-build stress-relief annealed condition and subsequently annealed at a temperature of 600 °C for 5, 100 and 500 h was investigated by means of light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Stress-relieved Inconel 625 exhibited fine cellular–dendritic microstructure characterized by the high dislocation density. Selected area electron diffraction studies allowed to demonstrate that already after 5 h of annealing at a temperature of 600 °C, precipitation of the γ′′ phase in the form of coherent nanoparticles occurred. With the prolongation of the duration of annealing at a temperature of 600 °C from 5 to 500 h, the gradual dissolution of intercellular areas and decrease in the dislocation density were accompanied by enhanced precipitation of the γ′′ phase nanoparticles.