bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kerker‐Conditioned Dynamic Cryptographic Nanoprints
Authors: Jang Jaehyuck , Jeong Heonyeong , Hu Guangwei , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Nam Ki Tae , Rho Junsuk
Published: December 2018

High‐quality and tunable structural color printing with feasible fabrication is a key goal in recent decades, holding the possibility for full‐color microdisplay and impeccable cryptographic nanoprints. Plasmonic approach suffers from the inevitable material absorption restricting the color spectrum with suppressed lightness. Recent progress in dielectric nanophotonics offers low‐loss solution for color rendering, but dynamic functionality is still in infancy of changing colors with unchanged portraits, where more sophisticated physical mechanisms are in demand. Here, a strategy using full Kerker's conditions is reported to design low‐loss silicon metasurfaces which can generate broad spectrum of colors beyond the standard Red Green Blue (sRGB) gamut. The combination of the two Kerker's conditions enables dynamic and bright color palettes and full‐color microdisplay. Meanwhile, the asymmetric unit‐cell can guarantee polarization‐angle‐controlled reflective response with greatly sharpened spectra by complete control of the Kerker's effects. As a proof‐of‐concept, polarization‐encrypted images are demonstrated where completely distinguished pieces of information can be decoded exclusively only in predetermined polarization angle. They serve as highly‐secured cryptographic nanoprints that can be integrated with conventional smartphone technology. The complementary‐metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible metasurfaces can provide a new roadmap of anti‐counterfeiting tagging, advanced optical data storage, and tunable high‐contrast microprinting for real‐life applications.
Deep‐Ultraviolet Biomolecular Imaging and Analysis
Authors: Kumamoto Yasuaki , Taguchi Atsushi , Kawata Satoshi
Published: December 2018

Deep‐ultraviolet light, 200–300 nm in wavelength, interacts with nucleic acids and proteins strongly compared to visible and infrared light. In this article, the interaction between deep‐ultraviolet photons and biomolecules is discussed. Especially, the absorption and autofluorescence of biomolecules by the deep‐ultraviolet excitation are examined. Applications of deep‐ultraviolet absorption and autofluorescence to label‐free biomolecular imaging and analysis of cells and tissues are shown. Resonant Raman scattering at nucleotide bases and aromatic amino acids as another important topic of deep‐ultraviolet photonics is reviewed in biomolecular imaging and analysis. The discussion extends to the recent progress in the development of deep‐ultraviolet microscopes as well as a variety of deep‐ultraviolet optical devices such as light sources, detectors, and objectives. The issue of photodamage due to deep‐ultraviolet irradiation on cells and tissues is also discussed. It has been recently suppressed with use of lanthanide ions. The experimental results of the photodamage suppression are shown. For surface‐enhanced resonant Raman scattering, autofluorescence enhancement, and tip‐enhanced resonant Raman scattering microscopy, plasmonic materials applicable in the deep‐ultraviolet range are discussed.
Bio‐Based Polybenzoxazine Modified Melamine Sponges for Selective Absorption of Organic Solvent in Water
Authors: Peng Yunyan , Dai Jinyue , Liu Yuan , Cao Lijun , Zhu Jin , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: December 2018

Melamine sponge (MS) has drawn increasing attention in the field of oil/water separation. To realize the selective absorption of oil, lots of efforts have been made to change its hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity. Here, several bio‐based main‐chain type benzoxazines with extremely low surface tension are synthesized from a renewable feedstock and loaded on the skeleton of MS through a simple dipping–squeezing–curing process. Consequently, a series of polybenzoxazine‐modified MSs (PB–MSs) are fabricated. With the benzoxazine loading content ranging from 0.13% to 30.4%, the PB–MSs show a high water contact angle (WCA) of 137.8° ± 1.5° to 144.5° ± 1.0° and excellent gravimetric absorption capacity (Qm/m) of 117.0 ± 1.59 to 140.64 ± 0.68 g g−1 when chloroform is used as the oil phase. After 15 absorbing–squeezing cycles, the 67.47% to 76.29% retentive absorption capacity is observed. Notably, the excellent absorption selectivity is reflected by the trace amount of water (ppm grade) in the separated oil phase. The bio‐based benzoxazine shows great potential to functionalize MSs for effective oil/water separation and the application of bio‐based materials in the field of environmental pollution treatment is demonstrated.
Gastrografin reduces the need for additional surgery in postoperative small bowel obstruction patients without long tube insertion: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ishizuka Mitsuru , Shibuya Norisuke , Takagi Kazutoshi , Iwasaki Yoshimi , Hachiya Hiroyuki , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi
Published: December 2018

Background

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a well‐known major postoperative complication requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment to avoid additional invasive surgical procedures. Water‐soluble contrast medium is often given not only for diagnosis but also for treatment. Although numerous studies have investigated the significance of this treatment, no consensus has yet been established regarding its indications and efficacy.

Objective

To explore whether Gastrografin can reduce the need for additional surgery in patients with postoperative SBO (PSBO).

Methods

We carried out a comprehensive electronic search of the literature (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed and the Web of Science) up to February 2017 to identify studies that had shown efficacy of Gastrografin in reducing the need for surgery in patients with PSBO. To integrate the individual effects of Gastrografin, a meta‐analysis was done using random‐effects models to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity was analyzed using I2 statistics.

Results

Twelve studies involving a total of 1153 patients diagnosed as having PSBO were included in this meta‐analysis. Not all patients received long‐tube insertion. Among 580 patients who received Gastrografin, 100 (17.2%) underwent surgery, whereas among 573 patients who did not receive Gastrografin, 143 (25.0%) underwent surgery. Giving Gastrografin significantly reduced the need for surgery (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46‐0.95; P = 0.02; I2 = 52%) in comparison with patients who did not receive Gastrografin.

Conclusion

Results of this meta‐analysis show that giving Gastrografin reduces the need for surgery in PSBO patients without long‐tube insertion.
Newborn screening for Prader–Willi syndrome is feasible: Early diagnosis for better outcomes
Authors: Mahmoud Ranim , Singh Preeti , Weiss Lan , Lakatos Anita , Oakes Melanie , Hossain Waheeda , Butler Merlin G. , Kimonis Virginia
Published: December 2018

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), is a complex genetic disease affecting 1/15,000 individuals, characterized by lack of expression of genes on the paternal chromosome 15q11‐q13 region. Clinical features include central hypotonia, poor suck, learning and behavior problems, growth hormone deficiency with short stature, hyperphagia, and morbid obesity. Despite significant advances in genetic testing, the mean age for diagnosis in PWS continues to lag behind. Our goal was to perform a pilot feasibility study to confirm the diagnosis utilizing different genetic technologies in a cohort of 34 individuals with genetically confirmed PWS and 16 healthy controls from blood samples spotted and stored on newborn screening (NBS) filter paper cards. DNA was isolated from NBS cards, and PWS testing performed using DNA methylation‐specific PCR (mPCR) and the methylation specific‐multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MS‐MLPA) chromosome 15 probe kit followed by DNA fragment analysis for methylation and copy number status. DNA extraction was successful in 30 of 34 PWS patients and 16 controls. PWS methylation testing was able to correctly identify all PWS patients and MS‐MLPA was able to differentiate between 15q11‐q13 deletion and non‐deletion status and correctly identify deletion subtype (i.e., larger Type I or smaller Type II). mPCR can be used to diagnose PWS and MS‐MLPA testing to determine both methylation status as well as the type of deletion or non‐deletion status from DNA extracted from NBS filter paper. We propose that PWS testing in newborns is possible and could be included in the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel after establishing a validated cost‐effective method.
Identification of pathogenic YY1AP1 splice variants in siblings with Grange syndrome by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Rath Matthias , Spiegler Stefanie , Strom Tim M. , Trenkler Johannes , Kroisel Peter Michael , Felbor Ute
Published: December 2018

Grange syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by arterial occlusions and hypertension. Syndactyly, brachydactyly, bone fragility, heart defects, and learning disabilities have also been reported. Loss‐of‐function variants in YY1AP1 have only recently been associated with Grange syndrome. YY1AP1 encodes for the transcription coactivator yin yang 1‐associated protein 1 which regulates smooth muscle cell proliferation and differentiation. We here report on three siblings with steno‐occlusive arterial disorder and syndactyly in two of them. Whole exome sequencing including near‐splice regions led to the identification of two intronic YY1AP1 variants which were predicted to interfere with normal splicing. Sanger sequencing demonstrated compound‐heterozygosity in all affected siblings. RT‐PCR analyses confirmed skipping of exon 6 on one allele and exonization of 22 bp in intron 6 on the other. This is the first report of biallelic YY1AP1 variants in noncoding regions and just the second family with multiple affected siblings. Therefore, our report further delineates the phenotypic spectrum of Grange syndrome.
A case–control genome wide association study of substance use disorder (SUD) identifies novel variants on chromosome 7p14.1 in patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Alblooshi Hiba , Al Safar Habiba , Fisher Holly F. , Cordell Heather J. , El Kashef Ahmed , Al Ghaferi Hamad , Shawky Mansour , Reece Stuart , Hulse Gary K. , Tay Guan K.
Published: December 2018

Genome wide association studies (GWASs) have provided insights into the molecular basis of the disorder in different population. This study presents the first GWAS of substance use disorder (SUD) in patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to identify genetic association(s) that may provide insights into the molecular basis of the disorder. The GWAS discovery cohort consisted of 512 (250 cases and 262 controls) male participants from the UAE. Controls with no prior history of SUD were available from the Emirates family registry. The replication cohort consisted of 520 (415 cases and 105 controls) Australian male Caucasian participants. The GWAS discovery samples were genotyped for 4.6 million single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The replication cohort was genotyped using TaqMan assay. The GWAS association analysis identified three potential SNPs rs118129027 (p‐value = 6.24 × 10−8), rs74477937 (p‐value = 8.56 × 10−8) and rs78707086 (p‐value = 8.55 × 10−8) on ch7p14.1, that did not meet the GWAS significance threshold but were highly suggestive. In the replication cohort, the association of the three top SNPs did not reach statistical significance. In a meta‐analysis of the discovery and the replication cohorts, there were no strengthen evidence for association of the three SNPs. The top identified rs118129027 overlaps with a regulatory factor (enhancer) region that targets three neighboring genes LOC105375237, LOC105375240, and YAE1D1. The YAE1D1, which represents a potential locus that is involved in regulating translation initiation pathway. Novel associations that require further confirmation were identified, suggesting a new insight to the genetic basis of SUD.
Corrosion inhibition performance of threonine‐modified polyaspartic acid for carbon steel in simulated cooling water
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Wang Cai , Han Jian , Hu Baisong , Wang Chongbin , Zhong Yunlong , Xu Hao
Published: December 2018

Green polymers as corrosion inhibitors are gradually used to protect metal in solution environment. A polyaspartic acid threonine derivative (PASP‐Thr) was synthesized and its structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The corrosion inhibition effect of polyaspartic acid (PASP) and PASP‐Thr on carbon steel in simulated cooling water was investigated by weight loss tests and electrochemical measurements. Experimental results show PASP‐Thr as a mixed‐type inhibitor exhibits higher corrosion inhibition efficiency than PASP, and the inhibition efficiency of PASP‐Thr reached 93.06% at the dosage was 200 mg L−1. The carbon steel surface in different situations was analyzed using atomic force microscope, scanning electronic microscope/energy dispersive X‐ray, and FTIR, demonstrates the formation of a protective film on carbon steel surface. The inhibition effect of PASP‐Thr was primarily attributed to the protective film formed on steel surface by physical and chemical adsorption. Moreover, quantum chemical calculation elaborated the relationship between the inhibition efficiency and the PASP‐Thr molecular structure. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47242.
Hot air aging behavior of polypropylene random copolymers
Authors: Grabmann Michael K. , Wallner Gernot M. , Maringer Leila , Buchberger Wolfgang , Nitsche David
Published: December 2018

This article deals with the global aging behavior of three polypropylene random copolymer (PP‐R) materials with varying primary structure and morphology. Hot air aging experiments at elevated temperatures from 95 to 135 °C were carried out using micro‐sized specimens with a thickness of 100 μm. Technological and analytical aging indicators were monitored for an exposure time of up to 750 days. Independent of comonomer type (ethylene vs. butylene) and morphology (α vs. β crystal form) a critical molar mass of 300 kg mol−1 was obtained. The consumption of antioxidants was slower for the β‐nucleated PP‐R grade with finer spherulitic structure. The β‐grade outperformed the α‐crystal PP‐R grades resulting in about 20% higher time‐to‐embrittlement values. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47350.
Continuously Variable Regulation of the Speed of Bubble‐Propelled Janus Microcapsule Motors Based on Salt‐Responsive Polyelectrolyte Brushes
Authors: Ji Yuxing , Lin Xiankun , Wang Daolin , Zhou Chang , Wu Yingjie , He Qiang
Published: December 2018

The engineering of self‐propelled micro‐/nanomotors (MNMs) with continuously variable speeds, akin to macroscopic automobiles equipped with a continuously variable transmission, is still a huge challenge. Herein, after grafting with salt‐responsive poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride] (PMETAC) brushes, bubble‐propelled Janus microcapsule motors with polyelectrolyte multilayers exhibited adjustable speeds when the type and concentration of the counterion was changed. Reversible switching between low‐ and high‐speed states was achieved by modulating the PMETAC brushes between hydrophobic and hydrophilic configurations by ion exchange with ClO4− and polyphosphate anions. This continuously variable regulation enabled control of the speed in an accurate and predictable manner and an autonomous response to the local chemical environment. This study suggests that the integration of polymer brushes with precisely adjustable responsiveness offers a promising route for motion control of smart MNMs that act like their counterparts in living systems.
Gender differences in restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests in youth with autism
Authors: Antezana Ligia , Factor Reina S. , Condy Emma E. , Strege Marlene V. , Scarpa Angela , Richey John A.
Published: December 2018

Previous work has found gender differences in restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBI) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Compared to girls, affected boys have increased stereotyped and restricted behaviors; however much less is known about gender differences in other areas of RRBI. This study aims to identify whether specific RRBI (i.e., stereotyped, self‐injurious, compulsive, insistence on sameness, ritualistic, and restricted), as measured by item‐level data on the Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised (RBS‐R), can distinguish girls from boys with ASD. Participants included 615 individuals with ASD (507 boys; 82.4%), ages 3–18 years of age (M = 10.26, SD = 4.20), who agreed to share data with the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR). Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis (DFA) were used to determine whether item‐level RBS‐R data could correctly classify cases by gender. DFA results suggest that RBS‐R items significantly differentiate gender. Strongly differentiating RBS‐R items had greater success in correctly classifying affected boys (67.90%) than girls (61.00%). Items that best‐discriminated gender were heightened stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests items in boys and compulsive, sameness, restricted, and self‐injurious behavior items in girls. This study is the first to find that girls with ASD may have increased compulsive, sameness, and restricted RRBI compared to boys. Additionally, findings support heightened self‐injurious behaviors in affected girls. Future research should disentangle whether elevated rates of RRBI in girls are central to the presentation of ASD in girls or an epiphenomenon of the high rates of co‐occurring disorders (e.g., anxiety) noted in girls. Autism Res 2019, 12: 274–283 © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This study is the first to examine a comprehensive measure of repetitive behavior in children with autism, with findings of increased compulsive, insistence on sameness, and self‐injurious behavior characterizing girls and increased stereotyped and restricted behavior characterizing boys. Future research should determine whether these elevated behaviors in girls are directly part of the autism presentation in girls or symptoms of co‐occurring psychopathology. It is important for autism diagnostic measures to best capture the types of repetitive behavior girls may demonstrate.
PAC1R Genotype to Phenotype Correlations in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Goodrich Meredith , Armour Anna Chelsea , Panchapakesan Karuna , You Xiaozhen , Devaney Joseph , Knoblach Susan , Sullivan Catherine A.W. , Herrero Maria Jesus , Gupta Abha R. , Vaidya Chandan J. , Kenworthy Lauren , Corbin Joshua G.
Published: December 2018

Amygdala dysfunction has been implicated in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies in mice and humans, respectively, have linked Pac1r/PAC1R function to social behavior and PTSD‐susceptibility. Based on this connection to social and emotional processing and the central role played by the amygdala in ASD, we examined a putative role for PAC1R in social deficits in ASD and determined the pattern of gene expression in the developing mouse and human amygdala. We reveal that Pac1r/PAC1R is expressed in both mouse and human amygdala from mid‐neurogenesis through early postnatal stages, critical time points when altered brain trajectories are hypothesized to unfold in ASD. We further find that parents of autistic children carrying a previously identified PTSD‐risk genotype (CC) report greater reciprocal social deficits compared to those carrying the non‐risk GC genotype. Additionally, by exploring resting‐state functional connectivity differences in a subsample of the larger behavioral sample, we find higher functional connectivity between the amygdala and right middle temporal gyrus in individuals with the CC risk genotype. Thus, using multimodal approaches, our data reveal that the amygdala‐expressed PAC1R gene may be linked to severity of ASD social phenotype and possible alterations in brain connectivity, therefore potentially acting as a modifier of amygdala‐related phenotypes. Autism Res 2019, 12: 200–211 © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

In this multimodal study across mouse and human, we examined expression patterns of Pac1r/PAC1R, a gene implicated in social behavior, and further explored whether a previously identified human PTSD‐linked mutation in PAC1R can predict brain connectivity and social deficits in ASD. We find that PAC1R is highly expressed in the both the mouse and human amygdala. Furthermore, our human data suggest that PAC1R genotype is linked to severity of social deficits and functional amygdala connectivity in ASD.
Carbon with Surface‐Enriched Nitrogen and Sulfur Supported Au Catalysts for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Wang Bolin , Zhao Jia , Yue Yuxue , Sheng Gangfeng , Lai Huixia , Rui Jiayao , He Haihua , Hu Zhong‐ting , Feng Feng , Zhang Qunfeng , Guo Lingling , Li Xiaonian
Published: December 2018

Nitrogen‐doped carbons supported gold catalysts has attracted much attention in a broad range of applications. However, co‐existence of multiple nitrogen species which may have vastly different effect on the gold‐based catalysts, has limited the development of an ideal nitrogen‐doped carbon support. Herein, we have demonstrated that by addition of sulfur species, selective formation of pyrrolic nitrogen against pyridinic nitrogen can be achieved for pyrrolic nitrogen doped carbon support. The gold catalysts synthesized from the pyrrolic nitrogen doped carbon support produced using ionic liquid‐assisted synthetic strategy (Au/N, S‐AC‐700), exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability for hydrochlorination of acetylene. The outstanding performance was attributed to the π electrons transferred from pyrrolic nitrogen to Au (III) center, which could increase the electron density of Au hence facilitate the adsorption of hydrogen chloride on the catalyst.
Fe/Fe2O3@N‐dopped Porous Carbon: A High‐Performance Catalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of Nitro Compounds
Authors: Yun Ruirui , Hong Lirui , Ma Wanjiao , Jia Weiguo , Liu Shoujie , Zheng Baishu
Published: December 2018

Herein, we designed and prepared a novel Fe/Fe2O3‐based catalyst, in which a remarkable synergistic effect has been revealed between Fe and Fe2O3 encapsulated in N‐doping porous carbon. The Fe‐based catalysts were fabricated via pyrolysis a mixture of MIL‐101(Fe) and melamine. The catalyst exhibits exceptionally high catalytic activity (TOFs up to 8898 h−1 which is about 100 times higher than the similar kinds of catalysts) and chemoselectivity for nitroarene reduction under mild conditions.
Robust In Situ Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Heterogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation with and without Hyperpolarization
Authors: Kovtunov Kirill V. , Lebedev Dmitry , Svyatova Alexandra , Pokochueva Ekaterina V. , Prosvirin Igor P. , Gerasimov Evgeniy Y. , Bukhtiyarov Valerii I. , Müller Christoph R. , Fedorov Alexey , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: December 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful technique to characterize reactors during operating catalytic processes. However, MRI studies of heterogeneous catalytic reactions are particularly challenging because the low spin density of reacting and product fluids (for gas phase reactions) as well as magnetic field inhomogeneity, caused by the presence of a solid catalyst inside a reactor, exacerbate already low intrinsic sensitivity of this method. While hyperpolarization techniques such as parahydrogen induced polarization (PHIP) can substantially increase the NMR signal intensity, this general strategy to enable MR imaging of working heterogeneous catalysts to date remains underexplored. Here, we present a new type of model catalytic reactors for MRI that allow the characterization of a heterogeneous hydrogenation reaction aided by the PHIP signal enhancement, but also suitable for the imaging of regular non‐polarized gases. These catalytic systems permit exploring the complex interplay between chemistry and fluid‐dynamics that are typically encountered in practical systems, but mostly absent in simple batch reactors. High stability of the model reactors at catalytic conditions and their fabrication simplicity make this approach compelling for in situ studies of heterogeneous catalytic processes by MRI.
Co‐processing of Waste Cooking Oil and Light Cycle Oil with NiW/(Pseudoboehmite + SBA‐15) Catalyst
Authors: Hidalgo Herrador José Miguel , Psenička Martin , Horaček Jan , Tišler Zdeněk , Vráblík Aleš , Černý Radek , Murat Martyna
Published: December 2018

Light cycle oil (LCO) and waste sunflower cooking oil (WSO) were co‐processed with the aim of obtaining more environmentally friendly fuels. Partial hydrogenation of naphthalene was also investigated as a model reaction. Commercial NiW/SiO2‐Al2O3, as a reference catalyst, and NiW/(pseudoboehmite + SBA‐15), as a new research catalyst, were tested. Liquid products were analyzed by simulated distillation, elemental analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Elemental analysis indicated higher efficiency of the research catalyst in hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrodeoxygenation of pure LCO and mixed feedstock containing WSO. Reactions with pure WSO resulted in less sulfur leaching into the product and a lower degree of deoxygenation compared with the commercial catalyst.
Flow Cytometry Analysis of Free Intracellular NAD+ Using a Targeted Biosensor
Authors: Eller Jared M. , Stewart Melissa L. , Slepian Alexandria J. , Markwardt Sheila , Wiedrick Jack , Cohen Michael S. , Goodman Richard H. , Cambronne Xiaolu A.
Published: December 2018

Flow cytometry approaches combined with a genetically encoded targeted fluorescent biosensor are used to determine the subcellular compartmental availability of the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The availability of free NAD+ can affect the activities of NAD+‐consuming enzymes such as sirtuin, PARP/ARTD, and cyclic ADPR‐hydrolase family members. Many methods for measuring the NAD+ available to these enzymes are limited because they cannot determine free NAD+ as it exists in various subcellular compartments distinctly from bound NAD+ or NADH. Here, an approach to express the sensor in mammalian cells, monitor NAD+‐dependent fluorescence intensity changes using flow cytometry approaches, and analyze data obtained is described. The benefit of flow cytometry approaches with the NAD+ sensor is the ability to monitor compartmentalized free NAD+ fluctuations simultaneously within many cells, which greatly facilitates analyses and calibration. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of a Single Intravenous Dose of Miridesap in Healthy Japanese Subjects
Authors: Ino Hiroko , Doi Yohei , Liefaard Lia , Cookson Louise , Chen Chao , Itoh Hiroshi , Igarashi Harue , Nakano Atsushi
Published: December 2018

This phase 1 study characterized the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of miridesap (GSK2315698) following an intravenous (IV) infusion in healthy Japanese men. Subjects in Cohort 1 received 1‐hour IV infusions of 10, 20, and 40 mg of miridesap or placebo, and subjects in Cohort 2 received a 15‐hour IV infusion of 20 mg/h of miridesap or placebo. No treatment‐related adverse events were reported. No new safety signals were identified for either vital signs or clinical laboratory parameters. A dose‐dependent increase was observed in miridesap exposure (area under the concentration‐time curve and maximum observed drug concentration) in the 10 to 40 mg/h dose range after a 1‐hour IV infusion of miridesap. Rapid depletion of circulating serum amyloid P component was observed after the initiation of miridesap infusion. Serum amyloid P component concentrations fell in a dose‐dependent manner following administration of miridesap.
Optimized implementation of QC‐MDPC code‐based cryptography
Authors: Guimarães Antonio , Aranha Diego F. , Borin Edson
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a new enhanced version of the QcBits key encapsulation mechanism, which is a constant‐time implementation of the Niederreiter cryptosystem using QC‐MDPC codes. In this version, we updated the implementation parameters to meet the 128‐bit quantum security level, replaced some of the core algorithms to avoid using slower instructions, vectorized the entire code using the AVX‐512 instruction set extension, and applied several other techniques to achieve a competitive performance level. Our implementation takes 928, 259, and 5008 thousand Skylake cycles to perform batch key generation (cost per key), encryption, and uniform decryption, respectively. Comparing with the current state‐of‐the‐art implementation for QC‐MDPC codes, BIKE, our code is 1.9 times faster when decrypting messages.
Synthesis of Li4Ti5O12 with Tunable Morphology Using l‐Cysteine and Its Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Guo Xin , Wang Runwei , Ni Ling , Qiu Shilun , Zhang Zongtao
Published: December 2018

Nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon‐coated Li4Ti5O12 (denoted as LTO/NSC) was developed to enhance the electrochemical performance of LTO material. l‐Cysteine served as both the carbon source and the heteroatom doping source. The morphology of LTO was tuned by Ti−C bond formation during carbonation process, accompanied by a change in the original orientation growth of the LTO lattice plane. Consequently, LTO transformed from nanosheets to nanoparticles. SEM data proved that the structure of LTO/NSC nanoparticles was more stable than that of LTO nanosheets after hundreds of charge/discharge process. The N,S co‐doped carbon layer can moderate particle aggregation and may help to shorten the electron transport length and enhance lithium storage capacity. The structural superiority and the N,S co‐doped carbon layer endows LTO/NSC particles with high reversible specific capacity (183 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C), significantly enhanced rate capability (122 mA h g−1 at 10 C) and excellent cycling stability (capacity retention of 96.3 % after 200 cycles) relative to these features of LTO nanosheets. Thus, LTO/NSC is a promising anode material for high‐performance lithium ion batteries.
Improved Reactor Productivity for the Safe Photo‐Oxidation of Citronellol Under Visible Light LED Irradiation
Authors: Hamami Zine Eddine , Vanoye Laurent , Fongarland Pascal , de Bellefon Claude , Favre‐Réguillon Alain
Published: December 2018

A simple continuous flow photochemical reactor was optimized for the safe photo‐oxidation of citronellol into precursors of rose oxide, a flagrance of commercial value. The reactor productivity was increased by a factor of 4 compared to the current literature for a conversion above 99 % and in safe conditions (up to 0.72 mM min−1 mLreactor−1). The reactor was based on a classical design described by Booker‐Milburn et al., i. e. multiple loops of perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) tubing wrapped tightly around a visible LED lamp under slug flow conditions. The influence of the type of visible white LED light (6500 K vs. 3000 K), of photosensitizers (tetraphenylporphyrin vs. methylene blue), of solvent (CH2Cl2 vs. MeOH), concentration of citronellol (0.1 M vs. 2 M) and of mass efficiency of the reactors (PFA tubing of 0.75 mm to 0.25 mm) was paramount to increase the productivity of the reactor.
Chromosome Analysis Using Benchtop Flow Analysers and High Speed Cell Sorters
Authors: Ng Bee L. , Fu Beiyuan , Graham Jennifer , Hall Christopher , Thompson Sam
Published: December 2018

The use of the DNA dyes Hoechst (HO) and chromomycin A3 (CA3) has become the preferred combination for the bivariate analysis of chromosomes from both human and animals. This analysis requires a flow cytometer equipped with lasers of specific wavelength and of higher power than is typical on a conventional bench top flow cytometer. In this study, we have investigated the resolution of chromosome peaks in a human cell line with normal flow karyotype using different combinations of DNA dyes on a number of flow cytometers available in a flow cytometry core facility. Chromosomes were prepared from the human cell line using a modified polyamine isolation buffer. The bivariate flow karyotypes of different DNA dyes combination; 4′‐6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) or Hoechst with propidium iodide (PI), obtained from different flow cytometers were compared to the reference flow karyotype of DAPI or Hoechst with chromomycin A3, generated from a Mo‐Flo cell sorter using laser power settings of 300 mW each of UV and 457 nm. Good chromosome separation was observed in most of the flow cytometers used in the study. This study demonstrates that chromosome analysis and sorting can also be performed on benchtop flow cytometers equipped with the standard solid state 488 and 355 nm lasers, using a DNA dye combination of DAPI or Hoechst with PI. © 2018 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Monitoring circulating tumor cells in vivo by a confocal microscopy system
Authors: Hu Yuhao , Tang Wanyi , Cheng Pan , Zhou Quanyu , Tian Xiaoying , Wei Xunbin , He Hao
Published: December 2018

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a key role in cancer metastasis but are very difficult to detect. in vivo monitoring CTCs has been recognized as an important technique for cancer research and clinical diagnosis. Recently, a noninvasive method, in vivo flow cytometry (IVFC) has been developed to enable continuous, real‐time, and long‐duration detection of CTCs in animal models by detecting CTC fluorescence in blood vessels excited by lasers. In this study, we present a simple optical scheme for direct noninvasive CTC detection using confocal microscopes. We demonstrate that line scanning of confocal microscopy can provide effective and quantitative CTC detection in live mice during cancer development. Rare CTC signals can be acquired at the early stage of the tumor development after implantation of subcutaneous tumor and monitored continuously to the end. Signals from CTC clusters can also be acquired and distinguished from single CTCs. Our results suggest confocal microscopy is a simple and reliable method for biologists and doctors to use for cancer research. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Beer, brains, and brawn as tools to describe terrestrial gastropod species richness on a montane landscape
Authors: Lucid Michael K. , Ehlers Shannon , Robinson Lacy , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: December 2018

Terrestrial gastropods are part of one of the most vulnerable taxonomic groups, mollusks, but receive relatively little conservation attention. This is partially due to the paucity of peer‐reviewed statistical evaluations of common survey techniques. From 2010 to 2014, we conducted a massive survey for terrestrial gastropods in a montane region centered on northern Idaho and including portions of northeastern Washington and northwestern Montana, USA. We fused several commonly used gastropod survey techniques (cover board traps baited with beer or water, pitfall traps, visual search, and leaf litter sorting) into a single survey transect which we deployed at 991 survey sites across our 22,975‐km2study area. We used a variety of variables, including air temperature (collected at each site for ≥12 calendar months) and relative humidity to evaluate the effects of seasonality, observer bias, and repeated site visits on collection rate of individual specimens and detection of numbers of species. We found a combination of timed searches and leaf litter to be most effective in describing the maximum number of species with the least amount of effort. Although re‐visiting sites significantly increased the number of species detected, more time spent at each site likely would have a similar effect and preclude the need for additional expense to visit remote survey locations. Observer bias was determined not to be a factor of concern for within‐group observers. But when grouped by observer type, different classifications of observers performed quite differently. Beer, regardless of brand, was clearly a superior trap bait to water. However, because traps outperformed timed searches only slightly for one gastropod sub‐group (small slugs) we do not recommend trapping, beer baited or otherwise, be used as part of major landscape‐level survey efforts. Our study is the most extensive evaluation of survey techniques available in the literature to date and provides a framework for other practitioners implementing landscape‐level surveys for terrestrial gastropods.
Compensatory grazing by Daphnia generates a trade‐off between top‐down and bottom‐up effects across phytoplankton taxa
Authors: Mandal Shovon , Abbott Wilkins Rachel , Shurin Jonathan B.
Published: December 2018

Trade‐offs among traits that shape different components of fitness determine the potential for species to coexist in communities and the regulation of ecosystem productivity by consumers vs. resources. We compared functional and structural traits of 14 species of freshwater phytoplankton to test the influence of life history (exponential growth rate, r, and asymptotic density, K), cell volume, cellular fatty acid (FA) biochemistry, and stoichiometry (cellular C:N and C:P ratios) on grazing and growth rate of Daphnia consumers. Grazers exerted the strongest top‐down effects on algae with the highest C:N and C:P, and lower levels of FA unsaturation. In contrast, the grazer's growth rate was most associated with phytoplankton species’ FA unsaturation and chain length. Different traits were related to grazing rate and trophic transfer efficiency, and as a result, the grazing rate on a particular phytoplankton taxon was unrelated to the grazers’ growth rate. The best nutrient competitors (those with high C:N, C:P, and K, which previous experiments showed had lower minimum requirements for nutrients) were most heavily affected by grazing, but did not contribute the most to grazer growth. Our results indicate that Daphnia increase their food consumption rate in order to compensate for low stoichiometric food quality. Strong competitors with low nutrient demands may therefore be subject to the most intense grazing by individual consumers but not support greater production of higher trophic levels.
Counterflow gradient electrophoresis for focusing and elution
Authors: Courtney Matthew , Ren Carolyn L.
Published: December 2018

Counterflow gradient electrofocusing uses the bulk flow of a liquid solution to counterbalance the electrophoretic migration of an analyte. When either the bulk velocity or the electrophoretic velocity of the analyte is made to vary across the length of the channel, there exists a unique zero‐velocity point for the analyte. This focusing method enables simultaneous separation and concentration of different analytes. The high resolution and sensitivity achieved are similar to that of isoelectric focusing, which separates analytes based on their isoelectric points, but the key difference is that analytes will instead focus based on their electrophoretic mobility. Dynamically changing the applied voltage or the counterflow rate over time will shift the zero‐velocity point, and therefore allows the focused analytes to pass through a fixed detection point, or elute from the separation channel. Throughout the review, a number of different counterflow gradient techniques will be discussed, along with their recent advancements and potential applications.
Advances in Biofueling of Micro Gas Turbines for Power Generation
Authors: Okoroigwe Edmund C. , Madhlopa Amos
Published: December 2018

The micro gas turbine (MGT) technology is gaining momentum in distributed energy solutions. Nevertheless, this technology is predominantly fueled by fossil energy resources at present. The use of biofuels to propel micro gas turbines (MGTs) for power generation is one of the most promising ways to reduce greenhouse gas emission resulting from fossil fuel consumption in power plants and to enhance energy security. Herein, various approaches to integrate biofuels into the MGT system for power generation are reviewed. It is found that biogas‐driven MGTs are in the most advanced stage of technological maturity. From an economic perspective, previous works show that combustion of biogas is most viable in a combined heat and power system compared to only power or heat generation. Nevertheless, the deployment of MGTs for commercial generation of power is scarce, which indicates that this sector is encountering some challenges. One of the major concerns about the exploitation of biofuels in gas turbines relates to fuel properties and combustion characteristics. Other challenges are also presented and discussed, and further research on the commercial production and combustion of biofuels in MGT engines is recommended.
Wearable Textile Power Module Based on Flexible Ferroelectret and Supercapacitor
Authors: Yong Sheng , Shi Junjie , Beeby Stephen
Published: December 2018

The rapid development of electronic textiles imposes a challenge on the power supply devices that, unlike conventional rigid batteries, ideally should be compatible with the mechanical properties. It would be highly advantageous if the power supply is integrated within the same textile as the system it is powering. This communication presents for the first time a textile power module that combines a ferroelectret biomechanical energy harvester and a solid‐state supercapacitor energy storage fabricated in a single woven cotton textile layer. The textile power module is highly flexible and the fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)‐based ferroelectret can generate electric energy with an instantaneous output voltage of ≈10 V and power density of ≈0.86 µW cm−2 across a 70 MΩ resistive load from a compressive force of 350 N. The activated carbon and nontoxic gel electrolyte‐based solid‐state supercapacitor demonstrates a capacitance of 5.55 mF cm−2 and excellent stability after mechanically straining the textile. The textile power module can be charged to around 0.45 V in 3600 s with a compressive cyclical force of 350 N applied at 1 Hz. This work demonstrates a promising combination of materials and devices for achieving a self‐contained integrated power supply for e‐textile applications.
Predictive analysis of photovoltaic plants specific yield with the implementation of multiple linear regression tool
Authors: Babatunde Akinola A. , Abbasoglu Serkan
Published: December 2018

The objective of this study is to develop a model that can predict the specific yield of PV plant and statistically examine the significance of independent variables during the process. The methods presented will help investors make quick and reliable decisions about installing PV plant at a particular site. To determine the best‐fit model for energy prediction, data from all variables were collected and a relevance check was conducted by examining the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable. The forecasting method makes use of Multiple Linear Regression model. Seven models were developed and two models with the best accuracy are proposed in this article. Variance Inflation Factor, which assesses potential multicollinearity among independent variables, was used to optimize the models that have similar characteristics. The first proposed model has coefficient of multiple determination of goodness of fit (R2) of 96.8%. The second model has R2 of 96%. The models were applied to data series selected from same site; prediction accuracies of 97% and 95% were obtained, respectively. They were also validated with Middle East Technical University North Cyprus Campus PV plant, yielding prediction accuracies of PV specific yield of 92% and 90%, respectively. It could be concluded that the results presented in this study will guide the energy experts about the reliability of the methods used to analyze the technical feasibility of medium or large scale PV projects. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13098, 2019
Modulation of Insulin Resistance in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Khan Reenam S. , Bril Fernando , Cusi Kenneth , Newsome Philip N.
Published: December 2018

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an estimated prevalence of 25% in the general population, and cirrhosis secondary to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is predicted to become the leading cause of liver transplantation, yet there is a lack of effective licensed treatments for these conditions. There is a close relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and NAFLD, with prevalence of NAFLD being 5‐fold higher in patients with diabetes compared to those without. IR is implicated both in pathogenesis of NAFLD and in disease progression from steatosis to NASH. Thus, modulation of IR represents a potential strategy for NAFLD treatment. This review highlights key proposed mechanisms linking IR and NAFLD, such as changes in rates of adipose tissue lipolysis and de novo lipogenesis, impaired mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation (FAO), changes in fat distribution, alterations in the gut microbiome, and alterations in levels of adipokines and cytokines. Furthermore, this review will discuss the main pharmacological strategies used to treat IR in patients with NAFLD and their efficacy based on recently published experimental and clinical data. These include biguanides, glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1) agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR‐γ/α/δ) agonists, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, with further novel treatments on the horizon. Ideally, treatment would improve IR, reduce cardiovascular risk, and produce demonstrable improvements in NASH histology—this is likely to be achieved with a combinatorial approach.
A drought index for Rainfed agriculture: The Standardized Precipitation Crop Evapotranspiration Index (SPCEI)
Authors: Pei Wei , Fu Qiang , Liu Dong , Li Tianxiao
Published: December 2018

A drought index is one of the main methods used for measuring drought and represents the basis of drought monitoring, early warning, and classification. On the basis of an analysis of the advantages and limitations of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), the Standardized Precipitation Crop Evapotranspiration Index (SPCEI), which is a drought index of rainfed agriculture, was constructed in this study. The applicable conditions of the SPCEI were then investigated, and the results showed that the SPCEI was suitable for dryland crops under non‐irrigated conditions in arid and semi‐arid areas. The difference between the SPEI and SPCEI is analysed. Compared with the SPEI, the SPCEI considers crop evapotranspiration and the crop growth stage and was found to be more suitable for monitoring agricultural drought. Qigihar, which is located in a semi‐arid area in western Heilongjiang Province, China, was then analysed as an example. The characteristics of the spatial and temporal variability of regional agricultural drought were analysed based on maize and soybean in dryland areas. The results for the different growth stages of maize and soybean showed that drought intensity is more serious in the initial stage in the middle part. In crop development, mid‐season and late season stage, the drought conditions gradually increased from north to south. The drought degree of the two crops at the initial stage gradually increased, and the drought degree at the crop development stage gradually decreased. The main reason is that precipitation gradually increases during the crop development stage.