bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune and environment‐driven gene expression during invasion: An eco‐immunological application of RNA‐Seq
Authors: Selechnik Daniel , Richardson Mark F. , Shine Richard , Brown Gregory P. , Rollins Lee Ann
Published: May 2019

Host–pathogen associations change rapidly during a biological invasion and are predicted to impose strong selection on immune function. It has been proposed that the invader may experience an abrupt reduction in pathogen‐mediated selection (“enemy release”), thereby favoring decreased investment into “costly” immune responses. Across plants and animals, there is mixed support for this prediction. Pathogens are not the only form of selection imposed on invaders; differences in abiotic environmental conditions between native and introduced ranges are also expected to drive rapid evolution. Here, we use RNA‐Seq to assess the expression patterns of immune and environmentally associated genes in the cane toad (Rhinella marina) across its invasive Australian range. Transcripts encoding mediators of costly immune responses (inflammation, cytotoxicity) showed a curvilinear relationship with invasion history, with highest expression in toads from oldest and newest colonized areas. This pattern is surprising given theoretical expectations of density dynamics in invasive species and may be because density influences both intraspecific competition and parasite transmission, generating conflicting effects on the strength of immune responses. Alternatively, this expression pattern may be the result of other evolutionary forces, such as spatial sorting and genetic drift, working simultaneously with natural selection. Our findings do not support predictions about immune function based on the enemy release hypothesis and suggest instead that the effects of enemy release are difficult to isolate in wild populations, especially in the absence of information regarding parasite and pathogen infection. Additionally, expression patterns of genes underlying putatively environmentally associated traits are consistent with previous genetic studies, providing further support that Australian cane toads have adapted to novel abiotic challenges.
CO2 Reforming of Methane over Fe‐Modified Ni‐Based Catalyst for Syngas Production
Authors: Wang Peipei , Jin Lijun , Hu Haoquan
Published: May 2019

Fe‐modified Ni‐based catalysts are synthesized using a microwave‐assisted synthesis method and are used for CO2 reforming of methane (CRM) with a small amount of oxygen to produce syngas. The effect of Fe loading, impregnation temperature, and microwave power on the structural feature and catalytic performance of prepared catalysts is examined. The results show that the addition of slight oxygen increases CH4 conversion and decreases coke deposit. The Fe loading has a remarkable influence on the structure and catalytic performance of the catalysts. The introduction of Fe into the Ni‐based catalyst improves the specific surface area and decreases the Ni particle size, which promotes the formation of the Fe–Ni alloy, resulting in the enhancement of catalytic activity, stability, and H2/CO ratio compared with an unmodified catalyst. However, higher Fe loading decreases the catalytic performance. The impregnation temperature and microwave power influence the catalytic activities remarkably. When Fe loading is 1 wt%, the impregnation temperature and microwave power are 60 °C and 600 W, respectively, the resultant catalyst shows the highest catalytic activity and maintains its activity for 80 h during CRM reaction. The research work provides a route to improve the catalytic performance of Ni‐based catalysts.
Cable tray fire tests with halogenated electric cables in a confined and mechanically ventilated facility
Authors: Zavaleta Pascal , Suard Sylvain , Audouin Laurent
Published: May 2019

Cable fires are one of the main fire hazards present in nuclear power plants (NPPs). Therefore, as part of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) PRISME‐2 project, cable tray fire tests were performed both in open atmosphere conditions and in a confined and mechanically ventilated facility, called DIVA. These tests aim at showing the effects of a confined and ventilated environment on fire characteristics and consequences. This study deals with five fire tests, which used halogenated (poly [vinyl chloride] or PVC) cable types. Two tests were carried out in open atmosphere and three tests in the DIVA facility. The latter used a ventilation renewal rate (VRR) of either 4 or 15 h−1. The confined and ventilated conditions reduced the mass loss rate and heat release rate than did those obtained in open atmosphere. Furthermore, the three confined tests produced unburnt gases, which ignited in the fire room. Two explosions were highlighted for the tests that used a VRR of 4 h−1. These explosions indeed led to fast flame propagations over the entire upper part of the fire room and steep overpressures of almost 150 hPa. The low‐qualified PVC cables and the ventilation set‐up used in this study strongly contributed to the occurrence of these explosions.
Beclin1 Modulates Bone Homeostasis by Regulating Osteoclast and Chondrocyte Differentiation
Authors: Arai Atsushi , Kim Sol , Goldshteyn Vadim , Kim Terresa , Park No-Hee , Wang Cun-Yu , Kim Reuben H.
Published: May 2019

Autophagy (ATG), an important cellular recycling process whereby macromolecules or organelles are encapsulated by autophagosome and degraded upon merging with lysosome, has recently been shown to play an essential role in bone biology. However, the involvement of ATG in bone and bone-related cells remains unclear. Here, we show that Beclin1, an ATG-related protein involved in ATG initiation, plays a pivotal role in osteoclasts. ATG was activated during osteoclast differentiation in vitro. Beclin1 was enhanced and required for osteoclast differentiation. Mechanistically, we found that TRAF6-mediated ubiquitination of Beclin1 at K117, but not ULK1-mediated phosphorylation, is required for RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation. In vivo, mice lacking Beclin1 in CstK-expressing cells exhibited an increased cortical bone thickness caused by impaired osteoclasts’ function. Interestingly, these mice also exhibited diminished trabecular bone mass, which was associated with a defect in cartilage formation and chondrocyte differentiation. Collectively, our study highlights the functional importance of ATG in osteoclasts and chondrocytes, and identifies ATG as a potential therapeutic target for managing bone-related diseases. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The CtBP1–p300–FOXO3a transcriptional complex represses the expression of the apoptotic regulators Bax and Bim in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Li Chen , Xiao Xiao‐qing , Qian Yi‐hong , Zhou Zhi‐yong
Published: May 2019

C‐terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1), a well‐known transcriptional corepressor, functions as an oncogene in multiple cancer types, including osteosarcoma, by modulating the transcription of many tumor suppressors, such as cadherin 1 (CDH1), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), Bcl2‐associated X (Bax), Bcl‐2‐interacting mediator (Bim), and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A). However, it is still unclear how CtBP1 regulates the expression of these downstream targets. Here, we identified that CtBP1 is overexpressed in osteosarcoma cells and found that CtBP1 directly interacts with the transcription factor forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) and the histone acetyltransferase p300 in vivo and in vitro. Through microarray analysis, we found that CtBP1 negatively regulates FOXO3a levels. In contrast to the CtBP1 level, the FOXO3a expression level was found to be significantly reduced in osteosarcoma cells. Knockdown of CtBP1 or overexpression of FOXO3a in U2OS cells resulted in different gene expression patterns, and the former caused upregulation of CtBP1 downstream target genes such as CDH1, PTEN, Bax, Bim, and CDKN1A, whereas the latter caused upregulation of Bax and Bim, but not CDH1, PTEN, and CDKN1A. Further analysis indicated that the CtBP1–p300–FOXO3a transcriptional complex specifically binds to the promoters of Bax and Bim. Inhibition of CtBP1 by the constitutive expression of Pep1‐E1AWT peptide in U2OS and OSA cells reversed oncogenic phenotypes, including colony formation, cellular proliferation, and migration, and limited tumor growth in vivo. Together our results demonstrated that the CtBP1–p300–FOXO3a transcriptional complex represses the expression of the apoptotic regulators Bax and Bim in human osteosarcoma cells and that targeting CtBP1‐mediated transcriptional events might be a potential therapeutic strategy for the osteosarcoma treatment.
Effects of overwintering temperatures on the escape response in cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus)
Authors: Moran Clinton J. , Young Caroline M. , Gerry Shannon P.
Published: May 2019

Cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) are a temperate labrid species that inhabit the Western Atlantic and experience temperatures ranging from 0°C to 25°C. During autumn, once temperatures drop below 10°C in Long Island Sound, cunner find shelter and enter a state of quiescence. Previous work has shown that acclimation to low temperatures limits the performance of locomotor musculature, which significantly lowers steady swimming capabilities. We aimed to understand how the escape response (C‐start) might be impacted by temperatures experienced by cunner in Long Island Sound over the course of a year. Escape responses were recorded at 250 frames/s at 20°C, 15°C, 10°C, and 5°C. Average peak velocities and accelerations were faster in fish acclimated to 20°C than to 5°C and 10°C. Despite taking a similar turn angle to 10°C and 15°C fish, the 5°C treatment group took longer to complete the C‐start, which might make them more susceptible to predation at this temperature. Based on these results it appears that the escape response is reduced at cold temperatures. Previous research has shown that locomotor musculature performance is significantly reduced at cold temperatures, which could explain the results seen here. The decrease in escape performance at cold temperatures could explain their state of extended torpor as the slowed C‐start at these cold temperatures might make them more susceptible to predation.
A novel mutation in VPS33B gene causing a milder ARC syndrome phenotype with prolonged survival
Authors: del Brío Castillo Rodrigo , Squires James E. , McKiernan Patrick J.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

ARC (arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction, and cholestasis) syndrome is an uncommon multisystem disorder that entails a very poor prognosis. It is caused by mutations in either VPS33B or VIPAS39 gene, both playing a key role in intracellular trafficking. We report two siblings born to first cousin parents with a novel mutation in VPS33B who have both shown prolonged survival.

Cases Presentation

The index patient presented with bilateral hip dysplasia and arthrogryposis, failure to thrive, undernourishment, developmental delay, and low gamma‐glutamyl transferase cholestasis. She at age 2 years underwent external biliary diversion with improvement in pruritus but liver disease continued to progress. She developed stomal bleeding at 7 years of age and liver biopsy displayed cirrhosis. Her 3‐year‐old sibling showed a similar trajectory as well as he had ichthyotic skin with excoriations. Their renal involvement was mild and stable. Genetic analysis in both patients revealed a novel homozygous mutation in NM_018668.4 (VPS33B):c.1157A > C (p.His386Pro).

Conclusions

ARC syndrome is a severe disorder with few patients reported to survive beyond 12 months of age. This report discloses a novel mutation in the VPS33B gene and describes a phenotype with prolonged survival, mild renal involvement, and progressive liver disease.
Glycogen storage disease presenting as Cushing syndrome
Authors: Stefater Margaret A. , Wolfsdorf Joseph I. , Ma Nina S. , Majzoub Joseph A.
Published: May 2019

Impaired growth is common in patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD), who also may have “cherubic” facies similar to the “moon” facies of Cushing syndrome (CS). An infant presented with moon facies, growth failure, and obesity. Laboratory evaluation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis was consistent with CS. He was subsequently found to have liver disease, hypoglycemia, and a pathogenic variant in PHKA2, leading to the diagnosis of GSD type IXa. The cushingoid appearance, poor linear growth and hypercortisolemia improved after treatment to prevent recurrent hypoglycemia. We suspect this child's HPA axis activation was “appropriate” and caused by chronic hypoglycemic stress, leading to increased glucocorticoid secretion that may have contributed to his poor growth and excessive weight gain. This is in contrast to typical CS, which is due to excessive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or cortisol secretion from neoplastic pituitary or adrenal glands, ectopic secretion of ACTH or corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), or exogenous administration of corticosteroid or ACTH. Pseudo‐CS is a third cause of excessive glucocorticoid secretion, has no HPA axis pathology, is most often associated with underlying psychiatric disorders or obesity in children and, by itself, is thought to be benign. We speculate that some diseases, including chronic hypoglycemic disorders such as the GSDs, may have biochemical features and pathologic consequences of CS. We propose that excessive glucocorticoid secretion due to chronic stress be termed “stress‐induced Cushing (SIC) syndrome” to distinguish it from the other causes of CS and pseudo‐CS, and that evaluation of children with chronic hypoglycemia and poor statural growth include evaluation for CS.
Fabrication of flexible paper‐based Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrate from Au nanocubes monolayer for trace detection of crystal violet on shell
Authors: Lin Shuang , Lin Xiang , Song Xueying , Han Siqingaowa , Wang Li , Hasi Wuliji
Published: May 2019

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate is the key to SERS technology and it is still a basic focus to fabricate desirable SERS substrates offering multiple advantages of strong Raman enhancement and good reproducibility and portability. A flexible paper‐based SERS substrate were fabricated involving the use of Au nanocubes (NCs) monolayer. Au NCs were generated with tunable size in the range of 24 to 63 nm through seed‐mediated growth method. The effect of support on SERS properties of Au NCs–assembled monolayer was systemically explored. As a result, more excellent SERS performance could be obtained by assembling Au NCs on the filter paper. Besides, the influence of Au NCs' size on SERS‐enhanced effect of paper‐based substrate was also investigated. Our results clearly indicated that paper‐based substrate with 39 nm Au NCs possessed the optimal SERS enhancement. This SERS substrate exhibited high sensitivity with enhancement factor (EF) up to 9.75 × 107 and demonstrated good uniformity and time stability. Furthermore, based on this superior paper‐based SERS substrate with advantage of powerful sample extraction performance, the measurement of crystal violet (CV) on shell surface were successfully carried out with detection limit down to 2.17 × 10−7 M. And linear quantification were achieved in the range from 5 × 10−5 to 5 × 10−7 M. To sum up, the as‐prepared SERS substrate is applicable for on‐site detection and analysis of CV on various shell surfaces.
Fabric phase sorptive extraction/GC‐MS method for rapid determination of broad polarity spectrum multi‐class emerging pollutants in various aqueous samples
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Kaur Ripneel , Grover Aman , Rani Susheela , Malik Ashok Kumar , Kabir Abuzar , Furton Kenneth G.
Published: May 2019

A rapid extraction and cleanup method using selective fabric phase sorptive extraction combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry has been developed and validated for the determination of broad polarity spectrum emerging pollutants, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, lidocaine, prilocaine, triclosan, and bisphenol A in various aqueous samples. Some important parameters of fabric phase sorptive extraction such as extraction time, matrix pH, stirring speed, type and volume of desorption solvent were investigated and optimized. Calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range 0.05–500 ng/mL. Under the optimum conditions, the limits of detection were in the range 0.009 –0.021 ng/mL. This method was validated by analyzing the compounds in spiked aqueous samples at different levels with recoveries of 93 to 99% and relative standard deviations of <6%. The developed method was applied for the determination of the emerging contaminants in tap water, municipal water, ground water, sewage water, and sludge water samples. The results demonstrate that fabric phase sorptive extraction has great potential in the preconcentration of trace analytes in complex matrix.
Functional Modules of Pharyngeal Swallowing Mechanics
Authors: Hosseini Pouria , Tadavarthi Yasasvi , Martin‐Harris Bonnie , Pearson William G.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The present retrospective cohort study aims to test the hypothesis that elements of swallowing mechanics including hyoid movement, laryngeal elevation, tongue base retraction, pharyngeal shortening, pharyngeal constriction, and head and neck extension can be grouped into functional modules, and that these modules are predictably altered in disease states.

Methods

Modified barium swallow video clips of a thick and a thin liquid swallow from 40 normal patients and 10 dysphagic post‐treatment oropharyngeal head‐and‐neck cancer (HNC) patients were used in this study. Coordinate locations of 12 anatomical landmarks mapping pharyngeal swallowing mechanics were tracked on every frame during the pharyngeal phase of each swallow using a custom‐made MATLAB tool. Morphometric modularity hypothesis testing was performed on these coordinate data to characterize the modular elements of swallowing function in each cohort using MorphoJ software.

Results

The elements of normal swallowing can be grouped into four functional modules including bolus propulsion, pharyngeal shortening, airway protection, and head and neck posture. Modularity in HNC patient showed an intact airway protection module but altered bolus propulsion and pharyngeal shortening modules. To cross‐validate the alteration in modules, a post hoc analysis was performed, which showed significantly increased vallecular (P < .04) and piriform (P < .05) residue but no significant change in aspiration status in the HNC cohort versus controls.

Conclusions

This study suggests that while pharyngeal swallowing mechanics is highly complex, the system is organized into functional modules, and that changes in modularity impacts swallowing performance. This approach to understanding swallowing function may help the patient care team better address swallowing difficulties.

Level of Evidence

2b
Aligned Tubular Conjugated Microporous Polymer Films for the Aggregation‐Induced Emission‐Based Sensing of Explosives
Authors: Ryu Sang Hyun , Lee Doo Hun , Ko Yoon‐Joo , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Hae Jin , Ko Kyoung Chul , Son Seung Uk
Published: May 2019

This work shows the sensing performance of conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) tubes. Aligned tubular CMP films (CMP‐AT) are synthesized by a template method. The Sonogashira coupling of tetra(4‐ethynyl)phenylethylene with 1,4‐diiodobenzene in the cylindrical pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) plates and the etching of templates result in the CMP‐AT films. Due to the tetraphenylethylene moieties in the materials, the CMP‐AT films show aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Based on emission‐quenching behavior, the sensing performance of CMP‐AT films toward model explosives, nitrotoluenes, is studied. The CMP‐AT films having longer CMP tubes with thinner wall thickness show better sensing performance with the Stern–Volmer constant (Ksv) values up to 92 400 M−1 toward 2,4‐dinitrotoluene. The reduced diffusion pathway of substrates by the thin wall of the CMP tubes is critical for the AIE quenching‐based sensing of nitrotoluenes. These observations indicate that the functionality of CMP materials can be further enhanced by their morphological engineering. Due to the chemical stability of CMP materials, the CMP‐AT‐5 film can be recycled at least five times, maintaining the original sensing performance and tubular morphology.
Exome sequencing identifies a KRT9 pathogenic variant in a Chinese pedigree with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Li Changxing , Chen Pingjiao , Sun Silong , Zeng Kang , Liang Jingyao , Wang Qi , Zhang Sanquan , Xu Meinian , Li Zhijia , Zhang Xibao
Published: May 2019

Background

Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) is a rare skin disorder and its pathogenesis and inheritability are unknown.

Objective

To investigate the inheritance and pathogenesis of EPPK.

Methods

Two EPPK cases occurred in a three‐generation Chinese family. Patient–parents trio EPPK was carried out and the identified candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

A heterozygous missense pathogenic variant, c.488G > A (p.Arg163Gln), in the keratin (KRT) 9 gene was detected in the proband and his son via targeted exome sequencing, and then validated by Sanger sequencing. This pathogenic variant cosegregated with the EPPK in extended family members, and was predicted to be pathogenic by SIFT, PolyPhen2, PROVEAN, and Mutation Taster. This heterozygous variation was not evident in 100 healthy controls.

Conclusion

This report describes a KRT9 c.488G > A (p.Arg163Gln) variant causing a diffuse phenotype of Chinese EPPK. The current results broaden the spectrum of KRT9 pathogenic variants responsible for EPPK and have important implications for molecular diagnosis, treatment, and genetic counseling for this family.
Medial approach to the peroneal vessels as recipients for free flap reconstruction of the leg
Authors: Elswick Sarah M. , Miglani Amar , Lettieri Salvatore C.
Published: May 2019

The anatomic variation in the branching pattern of the popliteal vessel has been well‐established. Little has been written in the literature regarding recipient vessel selection for microvascular reconstruction in the lower extremity as it pertains to aberrant vascular anatomy. We present the case of a 57‐year‐old male patient who sustained a closed right lower extremity pilon fracture in a motor vehicle accident. The patient was initially treated with external fixation, which was followed by definitive open reduction and internal fixation 3 weeks later. Over the next 2 weeks, the patient developed skin ischemia of the anterior ankle. A free‐tissue transfer was planned. A digital subtraction angiogram revealed absence of the posterior tibial (PT) vessels and an aberrant course of the peroneal (PR) artery. In the operating room, the medial distal leg was explored for the PT vessels, which were severely hypoplastic. Given the close proximity of the PR vessels, the dissection was extended proximally to assess these vessels for microvascular anastomosis. They were found to be suitable. A parascapular flap was harvested and transferred to the right leg wound without any significant stretch on the vessels for soft tissue coverage. The flap demonstrated excellent inflow and outflow, and the leg and foot remained well perfused. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated. The technique of exposing the peroneal vessels for microvascular anastomosis via a medial approach is described. This technique is an excellent option to have available when aberrant anatomy precludes the use more commonly utilized vessels.
Two‐level linearized and local uncoupled difference schemes for the two‐component evolutionary Korteweg‐de Vries system
Authors: Shen Jin‐Ye , Sun Zhi‐Zhong
Published: May 2019

The two‐level linearized and local uncoupled spatial second order and compact difference schemes are derived for the two‐component evolutionary system of nonhomogeneous Korteweg‐de Vries equations. It is shown by the mathematical induction that these two schemes are uniquely solvable and convergent in a discrete L∞ norm with the convergence order of O(τ2 + h2) and O(τ2 + h4), respectively, where τ and h are the step sizes in time and space. Three numerical examples are given to confirm the theoretical results.
BRICS, the southern model, and the evolving landscape of development assistance: Toward a new taxonomy
Authors: Lauria Valeria , Fumagalli Corrado
Published: May 2019

In recent years, there has been an explosion of categories and labels to account for the expansion of forms of cooperation beyond the membership of the Development Assistance Committee. Such hype has led to the construction of the so‐called southern model as the archetype of development cooperation coming from non‐Development Assistance Committee countries that are somehow committed to the principles of the South–South cooperation. The present article challenges the idea of a southern model by providing an analysis of drivers, tools, and modality of development assistance.
Antimicrobial active packaging combining essential oils mixture: Migration and odor control study
Authors: Moshe Dvir Itan , Weizman Orli , Lewitus Dan , Weintraub Sagiv , Ophir Amos , Dotan Ana
Published: May 2019

Thymol is an essential oil (EO), known to have excellent antimicrobial (AM) properties and can potentially be used as an active agent in AM food packages. Mixing Thymol with other EOs may help to reduce the organoleptic impact of its strong odor. In the present study, the effect of thymol, carvacrol, citral, and eugenol binary mixtures on the AM activity, migration over time, and sensory properties of polypropylene (PP)/polyamide (PA)/nanoclays composite blends active package (AP) films was examined. The release of different EOs from the polymer film was found to have a direct correlation with the odor perception of thymol. Varied EOs bearing films have shown different capacity to inhibit bacterial growth over time (Escherichia coli). Lastly, the inhibition of fungal growth on food sample using EO‐loaded films was obtained for over 50 days, indicating the potential use of the developed films as active food packaging.
Flame retardant poly (lactic acid) biocomposites based on azo‐boron coupled 4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol and its combination with calcium lignosulfonate—Crystalline and mechanical properties
Authors: Tawiah Benjamin , Yu Bin , Yang Wei , Yuen Richard K.K. , Fei Bin
Published: May 2019

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has become an important biopolymer with excellent properties but has limited engineering applications where fire safety is ultimate. An efficient flame retardant (FR) for PLA biocomposites based on azo‐boron coupled with 4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol‐(((1E,1′E)‐(sulfonylbis(6‐hydroxy‐3,1‐phenylene))bis (diazene‐2,1‐diyl))bis(3,1‐phenylene))diboronic acid (SBDA) was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. SBDA was combined with calcium lignosulfonate (Calig) and compounded with PLA, and the FR, crystallization, and mechanical properties were investigated. The addition of 15 wt% FR (10 wt% Calig and 5 wt% SBDA) into PLA led to important reductions in peak heat release rate (PHRR) approximately 54%, total heat release (THR) approximately 28.6%, and the average effective heat of combustion (AEHC) approximately 29.4%. The fire performance index and fire growth index improved by approximately 56.4% and 33.1%, respectively. A V‐0 rating (vertical burning test) and a limiting oxygen index value of 28.8% were achieved for the FR PLA biocomposites. The combinatory SBDA/Calig reduced the segmental mobility of PLA in the organic‐inorganic interface with insignificant changes in the elongation at break and the Young Modulus. TG‐IR study showed significant reductions in pyrolysis gaseous products for the composites compared with PLA. This research work will expand the frontiers of knowledge on use of boron and calcium functionalized polyaromatic polyols for reducing the flammability of PLA.
A plasma‐based gas‐phase method for synthesis of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Izadi Alborz , Anthony Rebecca J.
Published: May 2019

There are many applications for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) due to their interesting optoelectronic properties such as tunable optical absorption and plasmonic resonance behavior. Although synthesis and stabilization of colloidal AuNPs are well established, new synthesis routes can lead to enhanced versatility of applications for AuNPs, particularly if the methods allow avoidance of solution processes or surfactants. Here, we introduce a plasma‐based synthesis of AuNPs, using a consumable gold wire and a radiofrequency power source. The AuNPs are monodisperse, with an average diameter of 4 nm. Although production yield is low, the narrow size distribution of the AuNPs and the avoidance of solution processing in this method are promising for future syntheses of metal NPs based on plasmas.
Kinetic versus thermodynamic control of mutational effects on protein homeostasis: A perspective from computational modeling and experiment
Authors: Pobre Kristine Faye R. , Powers David L. , Ghosh Kingshuk , Gierasch Lila M. , Powers Evan T.
Published: May 2019

The effect of mutations in individual proteins on protein homeostasis, or “proteostasis,” can in principle depend on the mutations' effects on the thermodynamics or kinetics of folding, or both. Here, we explore this issue using a computational model of in vivo protein folding that we call FoldEcoSlim. Our model predicts that kinetic versus thermodynamic control of mutational effects on proteostasis hinges on the relationship between how fast a protein's folding reaction reaches equilibrium and a critical time scale that characterizes the lifetime of a protein in its environment: for rapidly dividing bacteria, this time scale is that of cell division; for proteins that are produced in heterologous expression systems, this time scale is the amount of time before the protein is harvested; for proteins that are synthesized in and then exported from the eukaryotic endoplasmic reticulum, this time scale is that of protein secretion, and so forth. This prediction was validated experimentally by examining the expression yields of the wild type and several destabilized mutants of a model protein, the mouse ortholog of cellular retinoic acid‐binding protein 1.
Evaluation of new chemical and biological nematicides for managing Meloidogyne javanica in tomato production and associated double‐crops in Florida
Authors: Desaeger Johan A , Watson Tristan T
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Two field experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy and field performance of three new non‐fumigant chemical nematicides (fluensulfone, fluopyram, and fluazaindolizine) and two biological nematicides (Burkholderia rinojensis strain A396 and Purpureocillium lilacinus strain 251) for management of root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) on tomato and associated double‐crops in Florida.

RESULTS

In experiment 1, soil fumigation with metam potassium increased plant growth and reduced root galling on tomato by 77% relative to that of the untreated soil. All non‐fumigant chemical nematicides reduced root galling on tomato (47–85% reduction); however, only fluensulfone showed a trend towards yield enhancement. In experiment 2, soil fumigation with chloropicrin increased plant growth and reduced root galling on tomato by 35% relative to that of the untreated soil; however, end‐of‐season populations of M. javanica in soil were larger than that of the non‐fumigated soil. Fluensulfone showed a trend towards reduced root galling and enhanced fruit yield, whereas other non‐fumigant nematicides did not. Double‐cropped cucumber was 69% more galled when planted into soil previously fumigated with chloropicrin relative to that of untreated soil, and also showed reduced plant vigor and fruit yield.

CONCLUSION

Fluensulfone shows significant potential to be a component of an integrated pest management strategy for tomato in Florida. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Asymmetry of the Atomic Core Structure of Dissociated a‐Screw Dislocation in GaN Probed by Polarization Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Medvedev Oleg , Albrecht Martin , Vyvenko Oleg
Published: May 2019

The a‐screw dislocation related luminescence (DRL) in n‐GaN is investigated with polarization optical spectroscopy. An unusual difference in the polarization directions of two DRL spectral components is observed: directed parallel or inclined at an angle of about 40° to the dislocation line. As a tentative explanation, that property is proposed to be due to the theoretically predicted different orientations of chemical bonds in the cores of N and Ga partials of the dissociated a‐screw dislocation.
Global test for high‐dimensional mediation: Testing groups of potential mediators
Authors: Djordjilović Vera , Page Christian M. , Gran Jon Michael , Nøst Therese H. , Sandanger Torkjel M. , Veierød Marit B. , Thoresen Magne
Published: May 2019

We address the problem of testing whether a possibly high‐dimensional vector may act as a mediator between some exposure variable and the outcome of interest. We propose a global test for mediation, which combines a global test with the intersection‐union principle. We discuss theoretical properties of our approach and conduct simulation studies that demonstrate that it performs equally well or better than its competitor. We also propose a multiple testing procedure, ScreenMin, that provides asymptotic control of either familywise error rate or false discovery rate when multiple groups of potential mediators are tested simultaneously. We apply our approach to data from a large Norwegian cohort study, where we look at the hypothesis that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer by modifying the level of DNA methylation.
Understanding the Binding Mechanism of a Pyrazino[1,2‐a]indole Derivative with Calf Thymus DNA
Authors: Karthikeyan Subramani , Zalte Rajesh R. , Festa Alexey A. , Voskressensky Leonid G.
Published: May 2019

This work was focused on understanding the interaction mechanism of pyrazino[1,2‐a]indole derivative in calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) using various spectroscopy and computational techniques. The UV‐Vis absorption result shows that the binding interaction of pyrazino[1,2‐a]indole derivative in ctDNA complex may be in the non –covalent form and the binding associate constant Ka value was estimated 7.06×103 L mol−1 at 297 K. The fluorescence emission spectroscopy analysis suggested that pyrazino[1,2‐a]indole derivative quenching mechanism in ctDNA mainly due to the static nature and thermodynamical parameter analysis implied the binding of pyrazino[1,2‐a]indole derivative in ctDNA mainly due to hydrophobic force. Forster resonance energy transfer analysis was also calculated and the r=2.1 nm. Circular dichroism spectra conclude that there is a change in the secondary structural region of ctDNA due to an interaction with pyrazino[1,2‐a]indole derivative. Together with the molecular docking studies, hydrophobic nature of the interaction of pyrazino[1,2‐a]indole derivative with ctDNA might be deduced.
MoS2 as Cocatalyst for Improving Photocatalytic Performance of Bi2MoO6
Authors: Li Yaxin , Hong Haitao , Xue Xin , Zhang Zheng , Tian Hongwei
Published: May 2019

Bi2MoO6 is a bismuth‐based multi‐element photocatalyst with good visible light response due to its narrow band gap. However, its high photogenerated electron‐hole recombination rate limits its application as a photocatalyst. In this work, visible‐light‐driven MoS2/Bi2MoO6 composite photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The composite containing 1% MoS2 exhibited the best photodegradability and good cycling stability. The apparent reaction rate constant for the 1% MoS2 decorated Bi2MoO6 (0.03625) was about 2 times higher than that of pure Bi2MoO6 (0.01913). As a non‐precious metal promoter, MoS2 promoted the carrier‐separation efficiency and improved the absorption of visible light, which resulted in the enhancement of photocatalytic activity of the composite catalyst.
Pure Bromide‐Based Perovskite Nanoplatelets for Blue Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Peng Shaomin , Wang Sisi , Zhao Dandan , Li Xiaojun , Liang Chao , Xia Junmin , Zhang Tianqi , Xing Guichuan , Tang Zikang
Published: May 2019

Metal halide perovskites witness a huge development in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) triggered by their unique optical and optoelectronic properties. However, blue emission perovskite LEDs lag behind their red and green counterparts in efficiency, due to the difficulties in synthesizing stable materials and maintaining quantum efficiency in thin films as high as in solution. The nanoplatelets (NPLs), with exciton binding energies up to several hundreds of meV, exhibit fundamentally different excitonic behavior from 0D nanocrystals. Meanwhile the bandgap tunability with thickness makes them promising for blue optoelectronic devices. Here, a brief review on recent progress in perovskite light emission, and the opportunities and challenges in pure bromide‐based perovskite NPLs for the blue‐emitting regime are provided. In particular, the important roles of surface ligands and emitting layer quality on devices are highlighted. The trade‐off between well surface passivation and efficient charge transportation is analyzed. Furthermore, it is recommended that more efforts should be put on exploring the carrier dynamics in NPLs, which act as guidelines for optimization of materials and improvement of devices.
Reverse phase HPLC method validation for estimation of polyphenols in medicinal plants and their possible role in reticence of xanthine oxidase activity
Authors: Bhatia Astha , Kaur Tajinder , Singh Balbir , Arora Rohit , Arora Saroj
Published: May 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate simple, sensitive, specific and reliable high‐performance liquid chromatography method for determination of seven polyphenols viz. gallic acid, catechin, rutin, ellagic acid, umbelliferone, quercetin, and kaempferol in medicinal plants. i.e. Cornus capitata Wall. (leaves), Clematis grata Wall. (whole plant), Evolvulus nummularis (L.) L. (whole plant), Roylea cinerea (D. Don) Baill. (leaves and stem). Different polyphenols were detected and quantified in all the plant extracts. The chromatographic separation of seven polyphenols was achieved by reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) 250 × 4.6 mm enable‐C18G column (i.d., 5 µm) using linear gradient elution of buffer (0.5% orthophosphoric acid, 1.36 g KH2PO4 in 1 L of water) and acetonitrile with a flow rate of 1 mL/min at λ 280 nm. Standard calibration curves were linear in the range of 1.95–1000 µg/mL. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, repeatability, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. Increased oxidative stress may be attributable to increased xanthine oxidase activity which leads to hyperuricemia. Results revealed that the C. capitata (leaves) extract showed 50% inhibiton at 66.76 µg/mL against xanthine oxidase (in vitro). Results of the present study suggest the Cornus capitata Wall. (leaves) extract can be helpful in the treatment of hyperuricemia.
Multipole cross sections for collisional excitation of highly charged ions by isotropic electrons
Authors: Bentotoche Mohamed Sadek , Inal Mokhtar Kemal , Benmouna Mustapha
Published: May 2019

The relativistic distorted‐wave program of the flexible atomic code for calculating the cross sections for electron‐impact excitation of ions between fine‐structure levels is extended to get the multipole components of cross sections in the case of excitation by isotropic electrons. These components may be needed for interpreting the intensity and polarization of line emissions from thermal plasmas exposed to anisotropic radiations, such as the solar corona under photosphere irradiation. Illustrative numerical results are given for excitation of Si‐like Fe12+ between the
,
and
levels. These results can be useful in the analysis of infrared forbidden lines emitted from the solar corona. A comparison is made with the only published work based on the semi‐relativistic distorted‐wave approximation, showing some agreement for the excitation
and discrepancies for the weak transition
.
Dissociative ionization of the H2O molecule bombarded by swift singly charged and slow highly charged ions
Authors: Kovács Sándor T.S. , Herczku Péter , Juhász Zoltán , Sarkadi László , Gulyás László , Chesnel Jean Yves. , Ábrók Levente , Frémont Francois , Hajaji Anas , Sulik Béla
Published: May 2019

Fragment ion energy spectra of the water molecule have been measured in conventional crossed‐beam experiments by the impact of 46 keV/u energy, singly charged ions (SCIs) and 4.3 keV/u energy, highly charged ions (HCIs). Double differential cross sections have been determined and a comparative analysis has been performed. We found that the fragmentation spectra for SCIs and HCIs are very similar, indicating that both collisions lead to the same fragmentation channels. This suggests that the Coulomb explosion of the water molecule is dominantly determined by the charge state of the transient molecular ions, and it is almost independent from the primary ionization mechanism. Differences were observed not only between the SCI and HCI impact‐induced fragmentation cross sections, but between those obtained by the 60 keV N6+ and 70 keV O7+ projectiles. The differences were attributed to the selectivity of the electron capture process for HCIs. Multiple target ionization cross sections have been deduced from the fragment ion spectra. We found contributions of up to fivefold ionization for SCIs and up to sixfold ionization for HCIs.
Agile Practices in Practice: Towards a Theory of Agile Adoption and Process Evolution
Authors: Julian Brendan , Noble James , Anslow Craig
Published: May 2019

As teams and organisations make the difficult shift to agile ways of working, there has been relatively little investigation of how they adopt and use agile practices. To aid those teams looking to move to agile we should examine how others have done so and what practical value they found. We studied teams which adopted agile practices across a spectrum from taking on a whole methodology to a couple of practices at a time, and then committed to continuous assessment and improvement of their ways of working. Those teams favoured adapting agile-based, team-oriented practices suited to their particular needs over technical practices and defined methodologies.
Agile Methods Knowledge Representation for Systematic Practices Adoption
Authors: Kiv Soreangsey , Heng Samedi , Kolp Manuel , Wautelet Yves
Published: May 2019

The popularity of agile methods is constantly increasing. Information and feedback on how these frameworks were adopted can easily be found in academia and industrial knowledge bases. Such a collective experience allowed the development of many approaches in the aim of simplifying the adoption process and maximizing the chances of success. These approaches provide practitioners with guidelines to help them find the practice that suits their team best. Nonetheless, these approaches are not systematic and practitioners need to go through a long process. For instance, they need to identify the important situational factors that can have a positive/negative effect on the agile practice adoption. Available experiences thus require lots of effort to be discovered. This research proposes an agile methods knowledge representation using an ontology so that the knowledge and experience on agile adoption reported in literature may be reusable and systematic. Based on this model, added knowledge and inference rules, practitioners will systematically be able to decide which practice to select and adopt, i.e, for a given goal, practitioners can retrieve which practices to achieve; from a situation, teams can tell what can be harmful and what can be useful for adopting a practice or what problems they may encounter; etc.
The Unfulfilled Potential of Data-Driven Decision Making in Agile Software Development
Authors: Svensson Richard Berntsson , Feldt Robert , Torkar Richard
Published: May 2019

With the general trend towards data-driven decision making (DDDM), organizations are looking for ways to use DDDM to improve their decisions. However, few studies have looked into the practitioners view of DDDM, in particular for agile organizations. In this paper we investigated the experiences of using DDDM, and how data can improve decision making. An emailed questionnaire was sent out to 124 industry practitioners in agile software developing companies, of which 84 answered. The results show that few practitioners indicated a wide-spread use of DDDM in their current decision making practices. The practitioners were more positive to its future use for higher-level and more general decision making, fairly positive to its use for requirements elicitation and prioritization decisions, while being less positive to its future use at the team level. The practitioners do see a lot of potential for DDDM in an agile context; however, currently unfulfilled.
Bs mixing observables and |Vtd/Vts| from sum rules
Authors: King Daniel , Lenz Alexander , Rauh Thomas
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We consider the effects of a non-vanishing strange-quark mass in the determination of the full basis of dimension six matrix elements for B

s
mixing, in particular we get for the ratio of the V − A Bag parameter in the B

s
and B

d
system:

$$ {\overline{B}}_{Q_1}^s/{\overline{B}}_{Q_1}^d={0.987}_{-0.009}^{+0.007} $$

B
¯

Q
1

s

/

B
¯

Q
1

d

=

0.987

−
0.009

+
0.007

. Combining these results with the most recent lattice values for the ratio of decay constants

$$ {f}_{B_s}/{f}_{B_d} $$

f

B
s

/

f

B
d

we obtain the most precise determination of the ratio

$$ \xi ={f}_{B_s}\sqrt{{\overline{B}}_{Q_1}^s}/{f}_{B_d}\sqrt{{\overline{B}}_{Q_1}^d}={1.2014}_{-0.0072}^{+0.0065} $$

ξ
=

f

B
s

B
¯

Q
1

s

/

f

B
d

B
¯

Q
1

d

=

1.2014

−
0.0072

+
0.0065

in agreement with recent lattice determinations. We find ΔM

s
 = (18.5
− 1.5
+ 1.2
)ps− 1 and ΔM

d
 = (0.547
− 0.046
+ 0.035
)ps− 1 to be consistent with experiments at below one sigma. Assuming the validity of the SM, our calculation can be used to directly determine the ratio of CKM elements |V

td
/V

ts
| = 0.2045
− 0.0013
+ 0.0012
, which is compatible with the results from the CKM fitting groups, but again more precise.
Holographic dual of the five-point conformal block
Authors: Parikh Sarthak
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We present the holographic object which computes the five-point global conformal block in arbitrary dimensions for external and exchanged scalar operators. This object is interpreted as a weighted sum over infinitely many five-point geodesic bulk diagrams. These five-point geodesic bulk diagrams provide a generalization of their previously studied four-point counterparts. We prove our claim by showing that the aforementioned sum over geodesic bulk diagrams is the appropriate eigenfunction of the conformal Casimir operator with the right boundary conditions. This result rests on crucial inspiration from a much simpler p-adic version of the problem set up on the Bruhat-Tits tree.