bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key factors of project success in family small and medium-sized companies: the theoretical review
Authors: Arsic Sinisa
Published: May 2018

The paper proposes a systematization of the key success factors of projects, through the theoretical review of family-owned companies operating in the EU market. It is the small and medium companies that in their own way contribute to the overall success of the national economy in terms of economic activity, increased employment, development activities and defining better business environment. The theoretical review observed numerous studies of family businesses, and the contribution of this work is in the systematization of the results of previous research – over three horizons, i.e., over the role of managers in the creation of successful projects (or owner if it is a family enterprise), institutional support for companies in Serbia and the EU, specific industries and the parent (regional) markets where a family company operates. Project management, as a general representation of the concept of implementation of strategic and operational endeavors, contains many specifics in terms of critical success factors of projects depending on the environment in which they are implemented. The goal of the paper is reflected in the identification and presentation of critical success factors of projects implemented in family companies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the research results in relation to the existing, similar research studies, as well as with the announcement of future research, which will examine the conclusions drawn on a real sample.
Dissertation-to-Book Publication Patterns Among a Sample of R1 Institutions
Authors: Rupp-Serrano Karen , Waller Jen
Published: May 2018

INTRODUCTION A common concern about openly available electronic theses and dissertations is that their “openness” will prevent graduate student authors from publishing their work commercially in the future. A handful of studies have explored aspects of this topic; this study reviewed dissertation-to-book publication patterns at Carnegie Classification R1 academic institutions. METHODS This study analyzed over 23,000 dissertations from twelve U.S. universities to determine how frequently dissertations were subsequently published as books matching the original dissertation in pagination, chapters, and subject matter. WorldCat and several other resources were used to make publication determinations. RESULTS Across the sample set, a very small percentage of dissertations were published as books that matched the original dissertation on pagination, chapters, and subject matter. The average number of years for dissertations in the study to be published as books was determined for broad subject categories and for select academic disciplines. Results were compared across public and private institutions, and books that were self-published or published by questionable organizations were identified. DISCUSSION Dissertation-to-book trends occur primarily in the social sciences, humanities, and arts. With dissertations for which the author is actively working to publish as a book, the commonly offered 6- to 24-month embargo periods appear sufficient, provided that extensions or renewals continue to be available. CONCLUSION This study has implications for librarians providing services to graduate students, faculty advisors, and graduate colleges/schools in regard to dissertation embargo lengths, self-publishing, and what we have termed questionable publishers, as these areas continue to provide opportunities for librarians to educate these stakeholders.
Sponge community of the western Black Sea shallow water caves: diversity and spatial distribution
Authors: Ereskovsky Alexander , Kovtun Oleg A. , Pronin Konstantin K. , Apostolov Apostol , Erpenbeck Dirk , Ivanenko Viatcheslav
Published: May 2018

Marine caves possess unique biocoenotic and ecological characteristics. Sessile benthic species such as sponges associated with cave habitats typically show a marked zonation from the cave entrance towards the end of the cave. We describe three semi-submerged karstic caves of 50 to 83 m length and 936 to 2,291 m3volume from the poorly explored cavernicolous fauna of North-East Bulgaria. We surveyed sponge diversity and spatial variability. Eight demosponge species were identified based on morphological and molecular data, of which six are known from the adjacent open sea waters of the Black Sea. Two species,Protosuberites denhartogivan Soest & de Kluijver, 2003 andHalichondria bowerbankiBurton, 1930, are reported from the Black Sea for the first time. The spatial sponge distribution inside the caves is in general similar, but shows some differences in species composition and distribution depending on cave relief and hydrodynamics. The species composition of sponges of Bulgarian caves is found to be different from Crimean caves. An updated checklist of the Black Sea sponges is provided.
Porcine rotavirus C in pigs with gastroenteritis on Thai swine farms, 2011–2016
Authors: Tuanthap Supansa , Phupolphan Cherdpong , Luengyosluechakul Supol , Duang-in Ausanee , Theamboonlers Apiradee , Wattanaphansak Suphot , Vongpunsawad Sompong , Amonsin Alongkorn , Poovorawan Yong
Published: May 2018

Swine are economically important food animals, but highly contagious porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and rotavirus can afflict pig herds and contribute significantly to piglet morbidity and mortality. While there have been studies on rotavirus group A (RVA) in Thailand, reports of rotavirus group C (RVC) are limited. Here, we aimed to identify the prevalence of RVC circulating on Thai commercial swine farms. We analyzed 769 feces and intestine mucosal contents of pigs affected with diarrhea between 2011 and 2016 using RT-PCR specific for the PEDV spike (S), rotavirus glycoprotein (G) VP7, and protease-sensitive protein (P) VP4 genes. We found that 6.6% (51/769) of samples tested positive for RVC, of which 11 samples were co-infected with RVA and four samples were co-infected with PEDV. Three samples tested positive for all three viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 gene showed that the most frequent RVC genotype was G1, which grouped with the prototypic RVC Cowden strain. While G6 and G9 were also common, G3 was relatively rare. Analysis of the VP4 gene revealed that the most common P type was P[5], followed by P[4], P[7], and P[1]. In all, there were six G/P combinations (G6P[5], G1P[1], G1P[4], G1P[5], G9P[4], and G9P[7]), of which G6P[5] was the most predominant.
Plasma proteomic analysis of systemic lupus erythematosus patients using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with label-free quantification
Authors: Madda Rashmi , Lin Shih-Chang , Sun Wei-Hsin , Huang Shir-Ly
Published: May 2018

Context

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with unknown etiology.

Objective

Human plasma is comprised of over 10 orders of magnitude concentration of proteins and tissue leakages. The changes in the abundance of these proteins have played an important role in various human diseases. Therefore, the research objective of this study is to identify the significantly altered expression levels of plasma proteins from SLE patients compared with healthy controls using proteomic analysis. The plasma proteome profiles of both SLE patients and controls were compared.

Methods

A total of 19 active SLE patients and 12 healthy controls plasma samples were analyzed using high-resolution electrospray ionization liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) followed by label-free quantification.

Results

A total of 19 proteins showed a significant level of expression in the comparative LC-ESI-MS/MS triplicate analysis; among these, 14 proteins had >1.5- to three-fold up-regulation and five had <0.2- to 0.6-fold down-regulation. Gene ontology and DAVID (Database Annotation Visualization, and Integrated Discovery) functional enrichment analysis revealed that these proteins are involved in several important biological processes including acute phase inflammatory responses, complement activation, hemostasis, and immune system regulation.

Conclusion

Our study identified a group of differentially expressed proteins in the plasma of SLE patients that are involved in the imbalance of the immune system and inflammatory responses. Therefore, these findings may have the potential to be used as prognostic/diagnostic markers for SLE disease assessment or disease monitoring.
The role of heparan sulfates in protein aggregation and their potential impact on neurodegeneration
Authors: Maïza Auriane , Chantepie Sandrine , Vera Cecilia , Fifre Alexandre , Huynh Minh Bao , Stettler Olivier , Ouidja Mohand Ouidir , Papy‐Garcia Dulce
Published: May 2018

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prion diseases, are directly linked to the formation and accumulation of protein aggregates in the brain. These aggregates, principally made of proteins or peptides that clamp together after acquisition of β‐folded structures, also contain heparan sulfates. Several lines of evidence suggest that heparan sulfates centrally participate in the protein aggregation process. In vitro, they trigger misfolding, oligomerization, and fibrillation of amyloidogenic proteins, such as Aβ, tau, α‐synuclein, prion protein, etc. They participate in the stabilization of protein aggregates, protect them from proteolysis, and act as cell‐surface receptors for the cellular uptake of proteopathic seeds during their spreading. This review focuses attention on the importance of heparan sulfates in protein aggregation in brain disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and prion diseases. The presence of these sulfated polysaccharides in protein inclusions in vivo and their capacity to trigger protein aggregation in vitro strongly suggest that they might play critical roles in the neurodegenerative process. Further advances in glyco‐neurobiology will improve our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to protein aggregation and neurodegeneration.
Allele phasing has minimal impact on phylogenetic reconstruction from targeted nuclear gene sequences in a case study of Artocarpus
Authors: Kates Heather Rose , Johnson Matthew G. , Gardner Elliot M. , Zerega Nyree J. C. , Wickett Norman J.
Published: May 2018

Premise of the Study

Untapped information about allele diversity within populations and individuals (i.e., heterozygosity) could improve phylogenetic resolution and accuracy. Many phylogenetic reconstructions ignore heterozygosity because it is difficult to assemble allele sequences and combine allele data across unlinked loci, and it is unclear how reconstruction methods accommodate variable sequences. We review the common methods of including heterozygosity in phylogenetic studies and present a novel method for assembling allele sequences from target‐enriched Illumina sequencing libraries.

Methods

We performed supermatrix phylogeny reconstruction and species tree estimation of Artocarpus based on three methods of accounting for heterozygous sequences: a consensus method based on de novo sequence assembly, the use of ambiguity characters, and a novel method for incorporating read information to phase alleles. We characterize the extent to which highly heterozygous sequences impeded phylogeny reconstruction and determine whether the use of allele sequences improves phylogenetic resolution or decreases topological uncertainty.

Key Results

We show here that it is possible to infer phased alleles from target‐enriched Illumina libraries. We find that highly heterozygous sequences do not contribute disproportionately to poor phylogenetic resolution and that the use of allele sequences for phylogeny reconstruction does not have a clear effect on phylogenetic resolution or topological consistency.

Conclusions

We provide a framework for inferring phased alleles from target enrichment data and for assessing the contribution of allelic diversity to phylogenetic reconstruction. In our data set, the impact of allele phasing on phylogeny is minimal compared to the impact of using phylogenetic reconstruction methods that account for gene tree incongruence.
Vinylsulfonatester: Effiziente Kettenübertragungsreagenzien für verzögerungsfreien 3D‐Druck schlagzäher Photopolymere
Authors: Seidler Konstanze , Griesser Markus , Kury Markus , Harikrishna Reghunathan , Dorfinger Peter , Koch Thomas , Svirkova Anastasiya , Marchetti‐Deschmann Martina , Stampfl Juergen , Moszner Norbert , Gorsche Christian , Liska Robert
Published: May 2018

Die Netzwerkbildung während der lichtinitiierten radikalischen Polymerisation erfolgt ungeregelt und ist nicht einfach zu kontrollieren. Die entstehenden Photopolymere besitzen eine inhomogene Netzwerkarchitektur, welche in sprödem Materialverhalten resultiert und somit die Anwendung beispielsweise für den 3D‐Druck, Biomedizin und Mikroelektronik limitiert. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Ester‐aktivierter Vinylsulfonatester (EVS) präsentiert, der die schnelle Bildung von geregelten Methacrylat‐basierten Netzwerken ermöglicht. Der durch EVS eingeleitete Kettenübertragungsschritt reduziert die kinetische Kettenlänge des Photopolymers und verschiebt den Gelpunkt zu höheren Umsätzen. Dies hat eine geringere polymerisationsinduzierte Schrumpfspannung und einen höheren Gesamtumsatz zur Folge. Das gebildete gleichmäßigere Polymernetzwerk ist der Grund für die hohe Zähigkeit des Endmaterials. Die einzigartige Fähigkeit von EVS zur nahezu verzögerungsfreien Polymerisation basiert auf der Tatsache, dass nach dem Kettenübertragungsschritt keine Doppelbindung gebildet wird, die weiterreagieren könnte. Laser‐Blitzlichtphotolyse, theoretische Berechnungen und Photoreaktorstudien machen den schnellen Kettenübertragungsschritt und die außergewöhnlichen Netzwerkregelungseigenschaften von EVS verständlich. Die resultierenden Polymere weisen verbesserte mechanische Eigenschaften auf, was EVS zu einem ausgezeichneten Kandidaten für den lithographiebasierten 3D‐Druck von zähen Photopolymeren macht.
Nerve Regeneration in Conditions of HSV‐Infection and an Antiviral Drug Influence
Authors: Gumenyuk Alla , Rybalko Svetlana , Ryzha Alona , Savosko Sergey , Labudzynskyi Dmytro , Levchuk Natalia , Chaikovsky Yuri
Published: May 2018

Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV‐I) is a latent neuroinfection which can cause focal brain lesion. The role of HSV‐infection in nerve regeneration has not been studied so far. The aim of the work was to study sciatic nerve regeneration in the presence of HSV‐infection and the influence of an antiviral drug. BALB/c line mice were divided into five groups. Group 1 animals were infected with HSV‐I. After resolution of neuroinfection manifestations the sciatic nerve of these animals was crushed. Group 2 mice were administered acyclovir following the same procedures. Groups 3–5 mice served as controls. Thirty days after the operation distal nerve stumps and m.gastrocnemius were studied morphologically and biochemically. Ultrastructural organization of the sciatic nerve in control animals remained intact. Morphometric parameters of the nerves from the experimental groups have not reach control values. However, in the group 1 diameter of nerve fibers was significantly smaller than in the group 2. Both nerve regeneration and m.gastrocnemius reinnervation were confirmed. The muscle hypotrophy was found in groups 1, 2, and 3 (the muscle fibers diameter decreased). Metabolic changes in the muscles of the infected animals (groups 1 and 2) were more pronounced than in control groups 3 and 4. The levels of TBA‐active products, conjugated dienes, carbonyl and SH‐groups were reduced in m.gastrocnemius of the experimental groups, however no significant difference associated with acyclovir administration was found. HSV‐infection is not limited to the local neurodegenerative changes in the CNS but affects regeneration of the injured sciatic nerve. Anat Rec, 301:1734–1744, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐Hatching Growth of the Pectoralis Muscle in Pigeon and Its Functional Implications
Authors: Liang Xinxin , Yu Jiali , Wang Huan , Zhang Zihui
Published: May 2018

The avian pectoralis muscle is responsible for the wing's downstroke, which provides birds with lift and thrust for flight. In the present study, architectural parameters were investigated through growth in the pigeon (Columba livia), an altricial bird species, from the ages of 4 days to 12 months, in order to assess the morphological changes and effects of increasing body mass. Muscle mass, fascicle length (FL), and physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA) increased with strong positive allometry. As an indicator of force production capacity, the PCSA increased 30‐fold with the changes in body mass; it grew rapidly during the nesting period and post‐fledging period into sexual maturity. The growth pattern of FL demonstrated a gradual increase before fledging and a marked increase after maturity. Taken together, the growth of the pectoralis was found to be dominated by a continuous increase in PCSA before maturity and subsequent increase in FL. These features were associated with the establishment and improvement of flight capability, and further revealed different strategies in maintaining relatively constant power prior to and after maturity. Anat Rec, 301:1564–1569, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neonatal Growth Restriction Slows Cardiomyocyte Development and Reduces Adult Heart Size
Authors: Knott Madeline H. , Haskell Sarah E. , Strawser Payton E. , Rice Olivia M. , Bonthius Natalie T. , Movva Vani C. , Reinking Benjamin E. , Roghair Robert D.
Published: May 2018

Prematurity is associated with reduced cardiac dimensions and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While prematurity is typically associated with ex utero neonatal growth restriction (GR), the independent effect of neonatal GR on cardiac development has not been established. We tested the hypothesis that isolated neonatal GR decreases cardiomyocyte growth and proliferation, leading to long‐term alterations in cardiac morphology. C57BL/6 mice were fostered in litters ranging in size from 6 to 12 pups to accentuate normal variation in neonatal growth. Regardless of litter size, GR was defined by a weight below the 10th percentile. On postnatal day 8, Ki67 immunoreactivity, cardiomyocyte nucleation status and cardiomyocyte profile area were assessed. For adult mice, cardiomyocyte area was determined, along with cardiac dimensions by echocardiography and cardiac fibrosis by Masson's trichrome stain. On day 8, cardiomyocytes from GR versus control mice were significantly smaller and less likely to be binucleated with evidence of persistent cell cycle activity. As adults, GR mice continued to have smaller cardiomyocytes, as well as decreased left ventricular volumes without signs of fibrosis. Neonatal GR reduces cardiomyocyte size, delays the completion of binucleation, and leads to long‐term alterations in cardiac morphology. Clinical studies are needed to ascertain whether these results translate to preterm infants that must continue to grow and mature in the midst of the increased circulatory demands that accompany their premature transition to an ex utero existence. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gaze Stability, Dynamic Balance and Participation Deficits in People with Multiple Sclerosis at Fall‐Risk
Authors: Garg Hina , Dibble Leland E. , Schubert Michael C. , Sibthorp Jim , Foreman K. Bo , Gappmaier Eduard
Published: May 2018

Despite the common complaints of dizziness and demyelination of afferent or efferent pathways to and from the vestibular nuclei which may adversely affect the angular vestibulo‐ocular reflex (aVOR) and vestibulo‐spinal function in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), few studies have examined gaze and dynamic balance function in PwMS. (1) Determine the differences in gaze stability, dynamic balance and participation measures between PwMS and controls, (2) Examine the relationships between gaze stability, dynamic balance and participation. Nineteen ambulatory PwMS at fall‐risk and 14 age‐matched controls were recruited. Outcomes included (1) gaze stability (angular aVOR gain [ratio of eye to head velocity]; number of compensatory saccades [CS] per head rotation; CS latency; gaze position error; coefficient of variation [CV] of aVOR gain), (2) dynamic balance (functional gait assessment, FGA; four square step test), and (c) participation (dizziness handicap inventory; activities‐specific balance confidence scale). Separate independent t‐tests and Pearson's correlations were calculated. PwMS were age = 53 ± 11.7 years and had 4.2 ± 3.3 falls/year. PwMS demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) impairments in gaze stability, dynamic balance and participation measures compared to controls. CV of aVOR gain and CS latency were significantly correlated with FGA. Deficits and correlations across a spectrum of disability measures highlight the relevance of gaze and dynamic balance assessment in PwMS. Anat Rec, 301:1852–1860, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of Higher‐Order Structuralization on the Adsorptive Properties of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Linder‐Patton Oliver M. , Rogers Brock T. , Sumida Kenji
Published: May 2018

The structural processing of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) over multiple length scales is critical for their successful use as adsorbents in a variety of emerging applications. Although significant advances in molecular‐scale design have provided strategies to boost the adsorptive capacities of MOFs, relatively little attention has been directed toward understanding the influence of higher‐order structuralization on the material performance. Herein, we present the main strategies that are currently available for the structural processing of MOFs and discuss the influence these processes can impart on the adsorptive properties of the materials. In all, this intriguing area of research is expected to provide significant opportunities to enhance the properties of MOFs further, which will ultimately aid in their optimization in the context of specific real‐world applications.
Multiplexed CRISPR Activation of Cryptic Sugar Metabolism Enables Yarrowia Lipolytica Growth on Cellobiose
Authors: Schwartz Cory , Curtis Nicholas , Löbs Ann‐Kathrin , Wheeldon Ian
Published: May 2018

The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica has been widely studied for its ability to synthesize and accumulate intracellular lipids to high levels. Recent studies have identified native genes that enable growth on biomass‐derived sugars, but these genes are not sufficiently expressed to facilitate robust metabolism. In this work, a CRISPR‐dCas9 activation (CRISPRa) system in Y. lipolytica is developed and is used it to activate native β‐glucosidase expression to support growth on cellobiose. A series of different transcriptional activators are compared for their effectiveness in Y. lipolytica, with the synthetic tripartite activator VPR yielding the highest activation. A VPR‐dCas9 fusion is then targeted to various locations in a synthetic promoter driving hrGFP expression, and activation is achieved. Subsequently, the CRISPRa system is used to activate transcription of two different native β‐glucosidase genes, facilitating enhanced growth on cellobiose as the sole carbon source. This work expands the synthetic biology toolbox for metabolic engineering in Y. lipolytica and demonstrates how the programmability of the CRISPR‐Cas9 system can enable facile investigation of transcriptionally silent regions of the genome.
Microwave Synthesis of Carbon‐Supported Cobalt Nickel Selenide Ternary Catalyst Toward the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zheng Jiwu , Gong Qing , Cheng Xuan , Gong Shuiping , Yang Weifeng , Huang Liuying
Published: May 2018

Carbon supported cobalt nickel selenide (Co,Ni) Se2/C ternary catalysts were prepared by a simple microwave‐assisted polyol method. The effects of the Co amount (x), in terms of the Co content over the total amounts of Co and Ni presented in (CoxNi1‐x) Se2/C (x=0, 0.25, 0.33, 0.50, 0.67, 0.75 and 1.0), on the crystal structures, surface morphologies, microstructures, electrocatalytic activities and stabilities toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) were systematically investigated. It was found that the incorporation of Co into NiSe2/C apparently reduced the average crystallite sizes of the as‐prepared (CoxNi1‐x) Se2/C (0<x<1.0) ternary catalysts by forming the solid solution like structure composing of NiSe2 and CoSe2. The average crystallite sizes decreased from 32.1 nm to 20.6 nm by varying x from 0 to 1.0. A typical cubic (CoxNi1–x) Se2 (0≤x<1.0) single crystallite with pyramidal morphology was identified, which differed significantly from the predominant orthogonal CoSe2 polycrystallite at x=1.0. The potentials corresponding to ORR (EORR) were 0.50∼0.68 V with the electron transfer numbers of 2.1∼3.6 at 0.3 V in 0.1 mol L−1 HClO4 solutions. The enhanced ORR activities were observed with Co‐rich (CoxNi1–x) Se2/C catalysts (x>0.5), in particular, with (Co0.75Ni0.25) Se2/C which showed no loss in EORR after 1000 cycles. The excessive amount of Co introduced into NiSe2/C resulted in the coexistence of a cubic (CoxNi1‐x) Se2 single crystallite and an orthogonal CoSe2 polycrystallite, which might be beneficial to inhibit the grain growth and to provide more active sites. Furthermore, the formation of (CoxNi1‐x) Se2 might provide more stable structure for the ternary (Co0.75Ni0.25) Se2/C to impede the Se oxidation.
The TOG protein Stu2/XMAP215 interacts covalently and noncovalently with SUMO
Authors: Greenlee Matt , Alonso Annabel , Rahman Maliha , Meednu Nida , Davis Kayla , Tabb Victoria , Cook River , Miller Rita K.
Published: May 2018

Stu2p is the yeast member of the XMAP215/Dis1/ch‐TOG family of microtubule‐associated proteins that promote microtubule polymerization. However, the factors that regulate its activity are not clearly understood. Here we report that Stu2p in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae interacts with SUMO by covalent and noncovalent mechanisms. Stu2p interacted by two‐hybrid analysis with the yeast SUMO Smt3p, its E2 Ubc9p, and the E3 Nfi1p. A region of Stu2p containing the dimerization domain was both necessary and sufficient for interaction with SUMO and Ubc9p. Stu2p was found to be sumoylated both in vitro and in vivo. Stu2p copurified with SUMO in a pull‐down assay and vice versa. Stu2p also bound to a nonconjugatable form of SUMO, suggesting that Stu2p can interact noncovalently with SUMO. In addition, Stu2p interacted with the STUbL enzyme Ris1p. Stu2p also copurified with ubiquitin in a pull‐down assay, suggesting that it can be modified by both SUMO and ubiquitin. Tubulin, a major binding partner of Stu2p, also interacted noncovalently with SUMO. By two‐hybrid analysis, the beta‐tubulin Tub2p interacted with SUMO independently of the microtubule stressor, benomyl. Together, these findings raise the possibility that the microtubule polymerization activities mediated by Stu2p are regulated through sumoylation pathways.
Glyoxal‐Based Solvents for Electrochemical Energy‐Storage Devices
Authors: Heß Lars H. , Balducci Andrea
Published: May 2018

In this work an investigation about the use of the solvents 1,1,2,2‐tetramethoxyethane, also called tetramethoxy glyoxal (TMG), and 1,1,2,2‐tetraethoxyethane [also called tetraethoxy glyoxal (TEG)], which belong to the chemical family of carbonyl derivatives, as electrolyte components for electrical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) and lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is reported for the first time. TEG and TMG are commercial solvents displaying a good set of properties, a low toxicity, and a low price. Although for EDLCs the use of these solvents does appear particularly appealing, their use in LIBs is certainly interesting. The preliminary results reported in this study indicate that the performance of lithium iron phosphate electrodes in LIBs using electrolytes based on TEG and TMG is promising in terms of capacity, capacity retention at high C rates, and cycling stability.
Synthesis of Grain‐like MoS2 for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yao Kai , Xu Zhanwei , Li Zhi , Liu Xinyue , Shen Xuetao , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng
Published: May 2018

MoS2 is a promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its attractive theoretical capacity and low cost. MoS2 generally presents a sheet‐like structure based on its (002) lattice plane; however, such a structure tends to result in agglomeration and stacking of the sheets that cannot accommodate volume expansion, resulting in poor cyclability. Herein, grain‐like MoS2 particulates (G‐MoS2) are synthesized by sulfiding MoO3 in highly concentrated sulfur vapor, which results in epitaxial growth of MoS2 in (002), (100), and (110) lattice planes, with the product consisting of MoS2 particulates of about 300 nm coated with few‐layered MoS2 nanosheets. The unique G‐MoS2 architecture ensures good dispersion and sufficient distance to accommodate volume expansion during sodiation/desodiation, which effectively prevents stacking of MoS2, maintaining structural stability. When employed as the working electrode for SIB, G‐MoS2 delivers a high reversible capacity of 324 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, retaining 312 mAh g−1 over 300 cycles with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.8 %. Even when G‐MoS2 is cycled at a high current density (2.0 A g−1), the retained capacity is 175 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles. Comparison with literature reveals that these capacities are among the more promising reversible values reported for pure MoS2.
Fish predators reduce kelp frond loss via a trait‐mediated trophic cascade
Authors: Haggerty Miranda B. , Anderson Todd W. , Long Jeremy D.
Published: May 2018

Although trophic cascades were originally believed to be driven only by predators eating prey, there is mounting evidence that such cascades can be generated in large part via non‐consumptive effects. This is especially important in cascades affecting habitat‐forming foundation species that in turn, influence associated communities. Here, we use laboratory and field experiments to identify a trait‐mediated indirect interaction between predators and an abundant kelp in a marine temperate reef system. Predation risk from a microcarnivorous fish, the señorita, suppressed grazing by the host‐specific seaweed limpet, which in turn, influenced frond loss of the habitat‐forming feather boa kelp. This trophic cascade was pronounced because minor amounts of limpet grazing decreased the strength required to break kelp fronds. Cues from fish predators mitigated kelp loss by decreasing limpet grazing; we found 86% of this indirect interaction between predator and kelp was attributed to the non‐consumptive effect in the laboratory and 56% when applying the same effect size calculations to the field. In field manipulations, the non‐consumptive effect of señorita was as strong as the total predator effect and most importantly, as strong as the uncaged, “open” treatment with natural levels of predators. Our findings demonstrate that the mere presence of this fish reduces frond loss of the feather boa kelp through a trait‐mediated trophic cascade. Moreover, despite large volumes of water, current flow, and wave energy, we clearly demonstrate a strong non‐consumptive effect via an apparent chemical cue from señorita, suggesting that chemically mediated trait‐driven cascades may be more prevalent in subtidal marine systems than we are currently aware.
Non‐linear shift from grassland to shrubland in temperate barrier islands
Authors: Huang Heng , Zinnert Julie C. , Wood Lauren K. , Young Donald R. , D'Odorico Paolo
Published: May 2018

Woody plant encroachment into grasslands is a major land cover change taking place in many regions of the world, including arctic, alpine and desert ecosystems. This change in plant dominance is also affecting coastal ecosystems, including barrier islands, which are known for being vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In the last century, the woody plant species Morella cerifera L. (Myricaceae), has encroached into grass covered swales in many of the barrier islands of Virginia along the Atlantic seaboard. The abrupt shift to shrub cover in these islands could result from positive feedbacks with the physical environment, though the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We use a combination of experimental and modeling approaches to investigate the role of climate warming and the ability of M. cerifera to mitigate its microclimate thereby leading to the emergence of alternative stable states in barrier island vegetation. Nighttime air temperatures were significantly higher in myrtle shrublands than grasslands, particularly in the winter season. The difference in the mean of the 5% and 10% lowest minimum temperatures between shrubland and grassland calculated from two independent datasets ranged from 1.3 to 2.4°C. The model results clearly show that a small increase in near‐surface temperature can induce a non‐linear shift in ecosystem state from a stable state with no shrubs to an alternative stable state dominated by M. cerifera. This modeling framework improves our understanding and prediction of barrier island vegetation stability and resilience under climate change, and highlights the existence of important nonlinearities and hystereses that limit the reversibility of this ongoing shift in vegetation dominance.
The IL‐33‐ST2‐MyD88 axis promotes regulatory T cell proliferation in the murine liver
Authors: Xu Lei , Li Wei , Wang Xiaofan , Zhang Lina , Qi Qianqian , Dong Liyang , Wei Chuan , Pu Yanan , Li Yalin , Zhu Jifeng , Zhou Sha , Liu Feng , Chen Xiaojun , Su Chuan
Published: May 2018

Hepatic Foxp3+ Treg cells are crucial for maintaining local immune homeostasis in the liver. However, the environmental cues required for hepatic Treg cell homeostasis are unclear. In this study, we showed that the IL‐33 receptor ST2 was preferentially expressed on Treg cells in the mouse liver, but it was more lowly expressed in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and blood. More importantly, we found that IL‐33 promoted the proliferation of hepatic Treg cells through myeloid differentiation factor MyD88 signaling concomitant with increased cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 and cyclin D1 expression. These results suggest that IL‐33 is a potential tissue‐specific factor controlling Treg cell homeostasis via increased Treg proliferation in the liver.
Separation and purification of metal and fiberglass extracted from waste printed circuit boards using milling and dissolution techniques
Authors: Tatariants Maksym , Yousef Samy , Denafas Gintaras , Bendikiene Regita
Published: May 2018

Pulverization operations are extensively used in the recycling of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) for liberation of metal and fiberglass in powder shape. The types of liberated metals can vary greatly, for instance it can be copper, tin, lead, aluminum, nickel, gold, palladium, and so forth. However, the obtained metal and nonmetal particles remain contaminated by hazardous material—Brominated Epoxy Resin (BER) what can result in series of environmental and health issues during the further processing. The developed approach was focused on the extraction of uncontaminated copper and fiberglass (which are considered the basic elements that can make up >50% of total WPCB weight) in the form of micro‐particles. To achieve this goal, WPCB samples were cut from areas with high copper concentration while the other components like solder and through‐hole pads (containing other metals) were avoided. At the next step, high energy ball milling was used to grind WPCBs and obtain BER/metal and BER/fiberglass particles. After that, Dimethylformamide (DMF) and ultrasonication were used for dissolution of BER in the powder at a low temperature 50°C, whereas the total treatment time was 4 h and solid to liquid ratio was 1:6 (w/v). Finally, centrifugation was employed to separate the liquid phase (BER/DMF solution) from solid phase (metal and fiberglass particles). The experiments were conducted on five WPCB samples of the same weight that were cut from the five different WPCB models. After the experiments used DMF was regenerated by a rotary evaporator. Ultraviolet‐Visible Spectroscopy, metallographic microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and SEM‐EDS were used to examine the structure of recovered BER, fiberglass, regenerated DMF, and base metal compositions of each sample. The results showed that the metal composition of samples directly depended on WPCB model types. Also, the treatment significantly improved the purity of the extracted fiberglass, therefore it can be used as a high‐purity micro‐filler material for composite applications; the same purification was observed for recovered copper. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Full scale subsurface flow constructed wetlands for domestic wastewater treatment: 3 years' experience
Authors: Aydın Temel Fulya , Özyazıcı Gülen , Uslu Vedide Rezan , Ardalı Yüksel
Published: May 2018

In the present study, a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands divided three equal parts was designed and constructed at a full scale to treat wastewater of Yörükçal village located in Black Sea region. Three macrophytes namely Juncus acutus, Cortaderia selloana, and Phragmites australis were used in each wetland system. The total surface area of all wetlands is 520 m2. The average removal efficiencies of J. acutus, C. selloana, and P. australis were obtained as 57, 56, and 54% for BOD; 51, 33, and 27% for TN; 55, 58, and 46% for OM; 45, 39, and 32% for orthophosphate; 22, 38, and 24% for ‐N; 13, 20, and 24% for TSS; 33, 44 and 39% for , respectively. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between groups was applied to determine any difference in the removal of all parameters between the plant types and months depending on the mean values of pollutant removal. Due to the problems such as costs of construction, maintenance and repair, and reduced flow rate encountered especially during the collection of wastewater in rural regions and transport to wastewater treatment plants in the city, the in‐situ treatment applications may be unavoidable. According to the results, Constructed Wetlands (CW) designed correctly are economically and environmentally to treat wastewater of rural settlements. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1348–1360, 2018
Optimization of a closed‐loop HHO production system for vehicles and houses
Authors: Choodum Nuttaporn , Sangwichien Chayanoot , Yamsaengsung Ram
Published: May 2018

This study focused on determining the optimal conditions for producing by electrolysis HHO that is suitable for use in motor vehicles and in households. The experiments used electrolyte concentrations of 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.25%, and 1.50% w/w KOH (aq.), and 316 L stainless steel 20 × 30 mm electrode plates. The gap between the plates was adjusted to 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 mm, and experiments were conducted at the steady state temperatures of 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, and 95°C, for 10 min. It was found that the optimized production conditions for houses or motor vehicles, according to this study, were 7 mm cell gap and 1.50% w/w KOH at 90.0°C ± 1.0°C operating temperature, or 5 mm cell gap and 1.25% w/w KOH at 85.0°C ± 1.0°C operating temperature, respectively. To apply this research to real operation, the methods of real application with vehicles and household appliances were discussed. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 268–277, 2019
Building a low cost wind turbine in highways for rural house electricity demand
Authors: Santhakumar Senthilvel , Palanivel Ilamathi , Venkatasubramanian Krishnanand
Published: May 2018

The main aim of this work is to design, fabricate, and test a wind turbine for power generation applications in rural areas. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines were selected to harness the energy from wind through the drag forces induced due to vehicular movements. Various parameters were analyzed for the design of a low‐cost wind turbine. A Savonius blade was selected for the design, which could be accommodated on the median of the highways. By using recycled materials, a low‐cost wind turbine was fabricated at a cost of $117.5 approximately. The wind turbine was placed on the houses and on the highway medians to test the power output at various operating conditions. Average electricity consumption at selected rural houses were calculated. The calculated average electricity demand during power cuts in the selected rural houses was around 0.2–0.6 kWh/day. Average generated electricity from the turbine at highways was observed to be around 0.67 kWh/day. The Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the generated electricity from the proposed SWT on highways is around $0.04/kWh. The LCOE of the proposed design is relatively cheaper when compared with the conventional horizontal axis wind turbines. The energy demand during power cuts was met completely when the SWT was placed on the highways. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 278–285, 2019
Energy and environmental sustainability of Jatropha‐Biofuels Chain from nontoxic accessions in Cameroon
Authors: Vrech Alessandro , Ferfuia Claudio , Bessong Ojong Willington , Piasentier Edi , Baldini Mario
Published: May 2018

A Jatropha‐biofuel chain was organized in the north‐west of Cameroon. The aim of the project was to implement an integrated biofuel chain, based on nontoxic Jatropha cultivation, which could provide vegetable oil for energy use instead of fossil fuel and, contemporary supply cake protein for the rural population. The main objective of this study was to quantify the cumulative energy demand (CED) and global warming potential (GHG) in obtaining Jatropha vegetable oil (JVO) as biofuel in comparison with conventional diesel fuel adopting the Life Cycle Analysis method (ISO 14040, ISO 14044). Adopting both Well‐to‐Wheel or Well‐to‐Tank value of diesel fossil fuel as reference, a significant reduction in energy required and greenhouse gas emissions would be obtained by JVO utilization with respect to the fossil fuel. The utilization of a nontoxic Jatropha curcas accession is very positive, as it ensures greater protection of human health with respect to the toxic accessions. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: 305–314, 2019
Is school community perception of student weight status a barrier for addressing childhood obesity?
Authors: Marks Jennifer , Barnett Lisa M. , Allender Steven
Published: May 2018

Issue addressed

Schools are a target for childhood obesity prevention strategies, yet intervention effectiveness may be hindered by school community perceptions (staff and students) and readiness to address the problem. We firstly describe students’ perception of their own weight status. Secondly, we describe school staff perceptions and preparedness to address childhood obesity in their school.

Methods

Measured and self‐report weight status were collected simultaneously from 11‐ to 14‐year‐old students (N = 339/733; RR 46%) recruited from 42 schools in Victoria, Australia. Student objective weight status was compared to self‐report. School community readiness to address childhood obesity data was collected from staff (N = 114) at all participating schools. School readiness survey data were scored and descriptive analyses conducted for further insight of derived readiness scores.

Results

Using objective assessment, 18% (n = 62) of students were obese, but only 4% (n = 12) accurately identified themselves as obese. School communities were concerned about the problem of childhood obesity in general, yet were assessed at low stages of readiness to take action within their community. Descriptive data identified a strong focus on promoting healthy eating and physical activity through education. Further efforts to target childhood obesity appeared to be hindered by limited support, resources and engagement with the broader community.

Conclusion

Perceptions of childhood obesity prevalence, low stages of readiness and limited school capacity may hinder prevention strategies.

So what?

Perceptions of what is normal weight may have implications for prevention. Efforts must be informed by accurate weight data and require a broader community approach beyond the school environment.
Alternative Writing Worlds: The Possibilities of Personal Writing for Adolescent Writers
Authors: Johnson Latrise P.
Published: May 2018

Through the teaching of writing, classrooms are potential sites to address personal power, welcome student ideas, and cultivate a culture of writing for many purposes. Writing that is personal invites students to explore and compose what is possible and to make connections between a subject and the self. Such writing requires a reimagining of writing instruction that recognizes the personal nature of all writing and how writing might be used to connect the learner and learning. This article illustrates how inviting students to write their worlds provides many possibilities to not only center the lived experiences of students but also reshape their relationship to writing while writing about what matters to them in the here and now.
Non‐planar projection performance evaluation and projector pose optimization
Authors: Li Dong , Wang Danli , Weng Dongdong
Published: May 2018

In projector applications, the actual display effect is primarily dependent on two aspects: projector performance parameters (intrinsic properties), and projector placement (extrinsic properties). Many studies have been conducted on the impact of the original resolution, illumination, and contrast ratio on projection performance. However, few studies have focused on the influence of extrinsic properties, including the position and orientation of the projector on the projection effect. In this paper, three projection performance evaluation criteria—projection resolution, resolution difference, and projection distance difference—are proposed in terms of extrinsic properties. Based on these evaluation criteria, a projection performance evaluation function was constructed. Through this function, as well as optimization employing the multi‐start and Monte Carlo methods, projector pose parameters corresponding to optimal projection effects can be obtained. Evaluations demonstrated that the proposed projection performance evaluation criteria could correctly describe the impacts of projector placement on projection effects. Projection systems arranged according to the projector pose optimization methods achieved good performance on screens in difference shapes with different numbers of projectors, where the resolution and display improved with no change of projector hardware parameters. The optimal projector poses calculated using these optimization methods can provide theoretical guidance for practical projector placement.