bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chlorophyll-a concentration retrieval in eutrophic lakes in Lithuania from Sentinel-2 data
Authors: Grendaitė Dalia , Stonevičius Edvinas , Karosienė Jūratė , Savadova Ksenija , Kasperovičienė Jūratė
Published: July 2018

Inland waters are an important habitat for flora and fauna and are also used for aesthetic, recreational, and industrial needs; therefore, monitoring the current state of freshwaters and applying measures to improve water quality are of high importance. To have an efficient monitoring system that could cover large areas, the use of remote sensing data is crucial. In this study the suitability of the Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imager data is tested for observing cyanobacteria bloom events in the eutrophic lakes and retrieving the chlorophyll-a concentration – an indicator of phytoplankton biomass. The analysis is carried out using data from four lakes in Lithuania – two eutrophic blooming lakes and two oligo-mesotrophic non-blooming lakes. The results showed that reflectances are higher in the eutrophic lakes than in the oligo-mesotrophic lakes due to the presence of an optically active constituent, namely, chlorophyll-a pigment. We tested empirical equations for chlorophyll-a concentration retrieval in eutrophic lakes derived in other studies to check whether they could be used without adaptation to local conditions. Most of the equations performed well (R2 = 0.5–0.8); however, they had high RMSEs = 17–53 μg L–1. The equation used with the bottom of atmosphere data CHL8_L2A (R2 = 0.76) had the lowest RMSE = 9 μg L–1. In addition, we derived empirical equations for eutrophic lakes in Lithuania. The equations that were based on the Sentinel-2 band ratio B5/B4 and the three band (B4, B5, and B8A) expression performed the best (R2 = 0.77–0.79) and had lower RMSE = 7 μg L–1 than empirical equations from other studies. A larger in situ dataset could improve the algorithm performance in retrieving the chlorophyll-a concentration. The first attempts to map water quality parameters in eutrophic lakes in Lithuania using the data received from the Sentinel-2 MSI sensor show good results, as the changes in reflectance, caused by the changes in chlorophyll-a concentration, can be seen from satellite images.
Las historias contaminadas de Pedro Lemebel y Reinaldo Arenas: entre mariconaje guerrero y nuevas sidentidades.
Authors: Carta Massimiliano
Published: July 2018

A finales del siglo pasado, en plena emergencia sanitaria debida a la pandemia del SIDA, se produjeron numerosas obras artísticas, literarias, cinematográficas que trataban el tema. Antes que anochezca del cubano Reinaldo Arenas y Loco Afán: crónicas de sidario del chileno Pedro Lemebel se colocan dentro de esta tendencia general, aportando al debate internacional una perspectiva original, debido a las identidades latinoamericanas e interseccionales de los autores que de hecho tuvieron que confrontarse personalmente con el contexto estadounidense, muy diferente al propio de pertenencia. Ambas “autohistorias1” se colocan entre erotografía y tanatografía, en un viaje de solo ida entre la vida, alimentada por el sexo y la muerte, relacionada con el calvario de la enfermedad. El SIDA no influenció solamente las artes sino sobre todo las identidades, llevando a los sujetos involucrados a cuestionar nuevas maneras de relacionarse adentro y afuera de la comunidad LGBTIQ (Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales, Transgenero-transexuales, Intersexuales, Queer). Ricardo Llamas las bautizó Sidentidades.
PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF «SOLING» SERIES INHIBITORS IN ACIDIC MEDIA CONTAINING HYDROGEN SULPHIDE
Authors: Menshikov Ivan A. , Shein Anatoliy B.
Published: July 2018

The work presents the results of the study of a number of inhibitory compositions of the “Soling” series based on acetylenic alcohols and their mixtures with nitrogen-containing compounds of various types in a hydrochloric acid (0.1 M HCl) containing 100 ppm of hydrogen sulphide. Gravimetric tests and electrochemical studies were performed on mild steel St3 at ambient temperature. The exposure time of the samples was 24 h. Polarization curves were obtained in a three-electrode cell, using the SOLARTRON 1280 C electrochemical measuring complex. The following protective compositions were studied: Soling IK-1 on the basis of unsaturated alcohol in a mixture with sulfur-containing amide in an aqueous medium; Soling IK-2 on the basis of unsaturated alcohol with additions of quaternary ammonium salt and complexone; Soling IK-3 on the basis of unsaturated alcohol in the system of organic solvents, as well as Soling IK-4(A) on the basis of a high-molecular nitrogen-containing surfactant (molecular weight from 300 to 400) with additions of unsaturated alcohol in a system of organic solvents and Soling IR-4(B) based on a high-molecular nitrogen-containing surfactant with a molecular weight of up to 300. It has been obtained that the use of unsaturated alcohols without additives in the presence of hydrogen sulphide is possible only at sufficiently high concentrations. At low concentrations, the corrosion process is markedly stimulated (composition IK-3). In a mixture with nitrogen-containing compounds (compositions IK-1, IK-2, IK-4(A)) it is possible to achieve high protective effect allowing the use of these compositions for hydrogen sulfide-containing media. The most effective are the compositions IK-2 and IK-4(A), for which the protective effect reaches the values of 97 and 90%, respectively, and also these compositions in the whole range of concentrations studied eliminate the appearance of hydrogen blistering. In most cases, the studied compositions are characterized by effective inhibition of the partial cathodic process. For SolIng IK-2 inhibition of the partial anodic reaction is clearly expressed.Forcitation:Menshikov I.A., Shein A.B. Protective properties of «Soling» series inhibitors in acidic media containing hydrogen sulphide. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 7. P. 90-97
DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF CORROSION INHIBITORS PROPERTIES BASED ON QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
Authors: Khaydarova Guzel R. , Tyusenkov Anton S. , Bugai Dmitry E. , Raskildina Gulnara Z. , Islamutdinova Aigul A. , Sidorov Georgy M.
Published: July 2018

Corrosion inhibitors are widely used for protection of technological equipment and pipelines in the oil and gas industry. However, the operation of these objects under the influence of corrosive media of high aggressiveness and the widespread use of new constructive materials call for development of increasingly effective reagents. In this regard, the creation of competitive inhibitors that provide a high protective effect is a very urgent task, the solution of which is of significant importance for the country's economy. The paper considers the synthesis of new corrosion inhibitors based on quaternary ammonium compounds and the study of the effectiveness of their practical application in the implementation of anticorrosion protection of oilfield equipment made of carbon steel 20 and low-alloy steel. It has been established that as a result of the synthesis based on triethanolamine and orthophosphoric acid, triethylamine and 1,3-dichloropropene, and also condensation of polyethylene polyamine with 1,2-dichrolylethane, it is possible to obtain high-molecular compounds that effectively inhibit corrosion processes in oil and gas equipment proceeding along the electrochemical mechanism. To study the protective properties of the developed corrosion inhibitors, gravimetric analysis was used. It has been established that some nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing quaternary compounds under conditions similar to those in oil fields exhibit rather high inhibitory protection effects, and therefore can be recommended as a basis for the creation of new inhibitors of corrosion of tubular steels in mineralized reservoir environments. It is shown that the maximum inhibitory protection effects of the developed inhibitors are achieved at their moderate concentrations in the mineralized formation water, and with an increase in the concentration, the corrosion rate of the tested tubular steels is substantially reduced.Forcitation:Khaydarova G.R., Tyusenkov F.S., Bugai D.E., Raskildina G.Z., Islamutdinova A.A., Sidorov G.M. Development and testing of corrosion inhibitors properties based on quaternary ammonium compounds. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N7. P. 130-136
BIS-DEACETYLATION OF TETRAACETYLGLYCOLURYL UNDER ACTION OF UREAS
Authors: Hoang Ngoc Phuoc , Bakibaev Abdigali A. , Malkov Victor S.
Published: July 2018

It is established that tetraacetylglycoluril under the action of urea, some N-substituted ureas and benzylidenebisurea in the acid-catalyzed conditions undergoes only bis-deacetylation with the formation of syn- and anti-regio-substituted N,N-diacetylglycolurils, rather than N-acetylation as it was previously shown in a similar reaction for a number of aromatic and heterocyclic amines. In the course of individual experiments, the absence of independent effect of organic solvents during boiling for several hours (alcohols, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide) on the deacetylation of tetraacetylglycoluril was revealed, since in these conditions the original substrate remained unchanged. Based on the NMR spectroscopy data, by comparison the integrated intensities of methine and acetyl protons of glycoluryl fragments, we found that the bis-deacetylation of tetraacetylglycoluril in the studied conditions occurs regioselectively with an overwhelming majority of anti-N,N-diacetylglycoluril (up to 92-94%) except for benzylidenebisurea, when the content of the trans-isomer reaches 75%. A marked increase in the cis-isomer (up to 25%) of N,N-diacetylglycoluril in the case of benzylidenebisurea seems to be dictated by the specific effect on the intermediates of reaction of phenylmethylureido carbocation from eliminating urea molecule in acid-catalyzed conditions. It is shown that N,N-diacetylglycoluril in similar conditions under the action of urea and its derivatives does not undergo further deacetylation to the progenitor of bicyclic bisureas – glycoluril, primarily related to the high hydrolytic and steric resistance of these compounds. On the basis of the above research results, the reaction mechanisms of bis-deacetylation of tetraacetylglycoluril in the acid-catalyzed conditions under the action of urea and its N-methyl (phenyl) derivatives through an intermediate process of nucleophilic addition of ureas is proposed.Forcitation:Hoang N.P., Bakibaev A.A., Malkov V.S. Bis-deacetylation of tetraacetylglycoluryl under action of ureas. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 7. P. 49-53
MIRU-profiler: a rapid tool for determination of 24-loci MIRU-VNTR profiles from assembled genomes ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Rajwani Rahim , Shehzad Sheeba , Siu Gilman Kit Hang
Published: July 2018

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) resulted in an estimated 1.7 million deaths in the year 2016. The disease is caused by the members ofMycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which includesMycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovisand other closely related TB causing organisms. In order to understand the epidemiological dynamics of TB, national TB control programs often conduct standardized genotyping at 24 Mycobacterial-Interspersed-Repetitive-Units (MIRU)-Variable-Number-of-Tandem-Repeats (VNTR) loci. With the advent of next generation sequencing technology, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been widely used for studying TB transmission. However, an open-source software that can connect WGS and MIRU-VNTR typing is currently unavailable, which hinders interlaboratory communication. In this manuscript, we introduce the MIRU-profiler program which could be used for prediction of MIRU-VNTR profile from WGS ofM. tuberculosis.

Implementation

The MIRU-profiler is implemented in shell scripting language and depends on EMBOSS software. The in-silico workflow of MIRU-profiler is similar to those described in the laboratory manuals for genotypingM. tuberculosis. Given an input genome sequence, the MIRU-profiler computes alleles at the standard 24-loci based on in-silico PCR amplicon lengths. The final output is a tab-delimited text file detailing the 24-loci MIRU-VNTR pattern of the input sequence.

Validation

The MIRU-profiler was validated on four datasets: complete genomes from NCBI-GenBank (n = 11), complete genomes for locally isolated strains sequenced using PacBio (n = 4), complete genomes for BCG vaccine strains (n = 2) and draft genomes based on 250 bp paired-end Illumina reads (n = 106).

Results

The digital MIRU-VNTR results were identical to the experimental genotyping results for complete genomes of locally isolated strains, BCG vaccine strains and five out of 11 genomes from the NCBI-GenBank. For draft genomes based on short Illumina reads, 21 out of 24 loci were inferred with a high accuracy, while a number of inaccuracies were recorded for three specific loci (ETRA, QUB11b and QUB26). One of the unique features of the MIRU-profiler was its ability to process multiple genomes in a batch. This feature was tested on all completeM. tuberculosisgenome (n = 157), for which results were successfully obtained in approximately 14 min.

Conclusion

The MIRU-profiler is a rapid tool for inference of digital MIRU-VNTR profile from the assembled genome sequences. The tool can accurately infer repeat numbers at the standard 24 or 21/24 MIRU-VNTR loci from the complete or draft genomes respectively. Thus, the tool is expected to bridge the communication gap between the laboratories using WGS and those using the conventional MIRU-VNTR typing.
Exercise can improve sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Banno Masahiro , Harada Yudai , Taniguchi Masashi , Tobita Ryo , Tsujimoto Hiraku , Tsujimoto Yasushi , Kataoka Yuki , Noda Akiko
Published: July 2018

Background

Insomnia is common. However, no systematic reviews have examined the effect of exercise on patients with primary and secondary insomnia, defined as both sleep disruption and daytime impairment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effectiveness/efficacy of exercise in patients with insomnia.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify all randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of exercise on various sleep parameters in patients with insomnia. All participants were diagnosed with insomnia, using standard diagnostic criteria or predetermined criteria and standard measures. Data on outcome measures were subjected to meta-analyses using random-effects models. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach were used to assess the quality of the individual studies and the body of evidence, respectively.

Results

We included nine studies with a total of 557 participants. According to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (mean difference [MD], 2.87 points lower in the intervention group; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.95 points lower to 1.79 points lower; low-quality evidence) and the Insomnia Severity Index (MD, 3.22 points lower in the intervention group; 95% CI, 5.36 points lower to 1.07 points lower; very low-quality evidence), exercise was beneficial. However, exercise interventions were not associated with improved sleep efficiency (MD, 0.56% lower in the intervention group; 95% CI, 3.42% lower to 2.31% higher; moderate-quality evidence). Only four studies noted adverse effects. Most studies had a high or unclear risk of selection bias.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that exercise can improve sleep quality without notable adverse effects. Most trials had a high risk of selection bias. Higher quality research is needed.
CBL1‐CIPK26‐mediated phosphorylation enhances activity of the NADPH oxidase RBOHC, but is dispensable for root hair growth
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Köster Philipp , Schlücking Kathrin , Balcerowicz Daria , Hashimoto Kenji , Kuchitsu Kazuyuki , Vissenberg Kris , Kudla Jörg
Published: July 2018

Root hairs (RH) are tip growing polarized cells aiding the uptake of nutrients and water into plants. RH differentiation involves the interplay of various hormones and second messengers. Tightly regulated production of reactive oxygen species by the NADPH oxidase RBOHC crucially functions in RH differentiation and Ca2+‐dependent phosphorylation has been implemented in these processes. However, the kinases regulating RBOHC remained enigmatic. Here we identify CBL1‐CIPK26 Ca2+ sensor‐kinase complexes as modulators of RBOHC activity. Combined genetic, cell biological and biochemical analyses reveal synergistic function of CIPK26‐mediated phosphorylation and Ca2+ binding for RBOHC activation. Complementation of rbohC mutant RH phenotypes by a S318/322 phosphorylation deficient RBOHC version suggests flexible and alternating phosphorylation patterns as mechanism fine‐tuning ROS production in RH development.
Biochemical and structural insights into an allelic variant causing the lysosomal storage disorder – aspartylglucosaminuria
Authors: Pande Suchita , Bizilj William , Guo Hwai‐Chen
Published: July 2018

Aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by defects of the hydrolase glycosylasparaginase (GA). Previously, we showed that a Canadian AGU mutation disrupts an obligatory intramolecular autoprocessing with the enzyme trapped as an inactive precursor. Here, we report biochemical and structural characterizations of a model enzyme corresponding to a Finnish AGU allele, the T234I variant. Unlike the Canadian counterpart, the Finnish variant is capable of a slow autoprocessing to generate detectible hydrolyzation activity of the natural substrate of GA. We have determined a 1.6 Å‐resolution structure of the Finnish AGU model and built an enzyme–substrate complex to provide a structural basis for analyzing the negative effects of the point mutation on KM and kcat of the mature enzyme.

Enzyme

Glycosylasparaginase or aspartylglucosaminidase, EC3.5.1.26.
Do tests facilitate decision‐making performance on a transfer task?
Authors: Avci Gunes , Woods Steven P. , Tierney Savanna M. , Kordovski Victoria M. , Morgan Erin E.
Published: July 2018

Abtract

Testing can improve later recall of information. However, much less is known about the potential use of testing in promoting the transfer of learning. In this study, we investigated whether testing improves decision‐making performance on a transfer task in a sample of 98 university students using a between‐subjects design. After studying several statements about a fictional disease under different learning conditions (restudy, free recall, and multiple‐choice), participants were asked to recall this information and subsequently make medical decisions concerning the fictional disease (i.e., the transfer task). The present study found no advantage of testing conditions over restudy condition on the 30‐min delayed memory task. However, participants in the active retrieval practice (i.e., free recall) group performed significantly better on the transfer task over those in both restudy and multiple‐choice groups. These results suggest free‐recall tests promote the transfer of learning.
Getting Bacteria in Shape: Synthetic Morphology Approaches for the Design of Efficient Microbial Cell Factories
Authors: Volke Daniel C. , Nikel Pablo I.
Published: July 2018

Supported by the tools of contemporary synthetic biology, the field of metabolic engineering has advanced in its overarching purpose of contributing efficient bioprocesses for the synthesis of biochemicals by addressing a number of cell and process parameters. The morphology and spatial organization of bacterial biocatalysts has been somewhat overlooked in such endeavors. The shape, size, and surface features of bacteria are maintained over evolutionary timescales and, under tight control of complex genetic programs, are faithfully reproduced each generation—and offer a phenomenal target for manipulations. This review discusses how these structural traits of bacteria can be exploited for designing efficient biocatalysts based on specific morphologies of both single cells and natural and artificial communities (e.g., catalytic biofilms). Examples are presented on how morphologies and physical forms of bacterial cell factories can be programmed while engineering their biochemical activities. The concept of synthetic morphology opens up strategies for industrial purposes and holds the potential to improve the economic feasibility of some bioprocesses by endowing bacteria with emergent, useful spatial properties. By entertaining potential applications of synthetic morphology in the future, this review outlines how multicellular organization and bacterial biorobots can be programmed to fulfill complex tasks in several fields.
Folding Large Graphene‐on‐Polymer Films Yields Laminated Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Performance
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Zhancheng , Wang Chunhui , Signetti Stefano , Cunning Benjamin V. , Wu Xiaozhong , Huang Yuan , Jiang Yi , Shi Haofei , Ryu Seunghwa , Pugno Nicola M. , Ruoff Rodney S.
Published: July 2018

A folding technique is reported to incorporate large‐area monolayer graphene films in polymer composites for mechanical reinforcement. Compared with the classic stacking method, the folding strategy results in further stiffening, strengthening, and toughening of the composite. By using a water–air‐interface‐facilitated procedure, an A5‐size 400 nm thin polycarbonate (PC) film is folded in half 10 times to a ≈0.4 mm thick material (1024 layers). A large PC/graphene film is also folded by the same process, resulting in a composite with graphene distributed uniformly. A three‐point bending test is performed to study the mechanical performance of the composites. With a low volume fraction of graphene (0.085%), the Young's modulus, strength, and toughness modulus are enhanced in the folded composite by an average of 73.5%, 73.2%, and 59.1%, respectively, versus the pristine stacked polymer films, or 40.2%, 38.5%, and 37.3% versus the folded polymer film, proving a remarkable mechanical reinforcement from the combined folding and reinforcement of graphene. These results are rationalized with combined theoretical and computational analyses, which also allow the synergistic behavior between the reinforcement and folding to be quantified. The folding approach could be extended/applied to other 2D nanomaterials to design and make macroscale laminated composites with enhanced mechanical properties.
Record Efficiency Stable Flexible Perovskite Solar Cell Using Effective Additive Assistant Strategy
Authors: Feng Jiangshan , Zhu Xuejie , Yang Zhou , Zhang Xiaorong , Niu Jinzhi , Wang Ziyu , Zuo Shengnan , Priya Shashank , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yang Dong
Published: July 2018

Even though the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of rigid perovskite solar cells is increased to 22.7%, the PCE of flexible perovskite solar cells (F‐PSCs) is still lower. Here, a novel dimethyl sulfide (DS) additive is developed to effectively improve the performance of the F‐PSCs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy reveals that the DS additive reacts with Pb2+ to form a chelated intermediate, which significantly slows down the crystallization rate, leading to large grain size and good crystallinity for the resultant perovskite film. In fact, the trap density of the perovskite film prepared using the DS additive is reduced by an order of magnitude compared to the one without it, demonstrating that the additive effectively retards transformation kinetics during the thin film formation process. As a result, the PCE of the flexible devices increases to 18.40%, with good mechanical tolerance, the highest reported so far for the F‐PSCs. Meanwhile, the environmental stability of the F‐PSCs significantly enhances by 1.72 times compared to the device without the additive, likely due to the large grain size that suppresses perovskite degradation at grain boundaries. The present strategy will help guide development of high efficiency F‐PSCs for practical applications.
Controllability and flexibility in particle manufacturing of a segmented microfluidic device with passive picoinjection
Authors: Du Le , Li Yang , Gao Ruomei , Yin Jiabin , Shen Chun , Wang Yujun , Luo Guangsheng
Published: July 2018

Segmented flow microfluidics has attracted considerable attention owing to the excellent controllability of reaction environment. However, the accurate and stepwise addition of other reactants into the formed droplets/slugs in segmented flow is extraordinarily challenging to achieve, especially for performing particle growth and crystallization processes. Herein, we employed a segmented flow microchannel with passive picoinjection to realize the accurate addition of reactants and continuous particle manufacturing. A Venturi junction was integrated into the microchannel to control the injection volume without external power. Rapid mixing for the preparation of BaSO4 nanoparticles with an average size of 30–40 nm, multiple injection for the growth of Au nanoparticles from 32 to 91 nm, and continuous crystallization of vaterite CaCO3 with a high crystal purity were all successfully performed in this microchannel. The feasibility of long‐term operation and large‐scale production of particles by combining with droplet splitting was also experimentally verified. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3817–3825, 2018
Scale formation on the wall of a mechanically stirred vessel—experimental assessment and interpretation using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Davoody Meysam , Lane Graeme , Graham Lachlan J. W. , Wu Jie , Madapusi Srinivasan , Parthasarathy Rajarathinam
Published: July 2018

Accelerated growth of scale was studied in a baffled agitated reactor, which could be disassembled into nine sections, allowing quantitative determination of scale thickness. A coordinate measuring machine was used to determine the scale thickness on individual wall segments. The growth pattern of the scale was found to be nonuniform due to the variation of fluid velocity near the wall at various heights. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation showed that fluid flow is time‐dependent and has two distinct flow zones, one involving recirculation through the impeller in the lower part of the vessel and the other involving lower velocities due to the flow separation at the wall in the upper part. CFD simulation also showed the presence of macroinstabilities, which manifest as asymmetrical and chaotic flow structures with relatively long‐time scales. Scale growth is found to be prominent in regions where the fluid velocity and wall shear stresses are low. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3912–3922, 2018
Effect of the anther‐smut fungus Microbotryum on the juvenile growth of its host Silene latifolia
Authors: Antonovics Janis , Abbate Jessica L. , Bruns Emily L. , Fields Peter D. , Forrester Nicole J. , Gilbert Kimberly J. , Hood Michael E. , Park Timothy , Taylor Douglas R.
Published: July 2018

Premise of the Study

Plant pathogens that form persistent systemic infections within plants have the potential to affect multiple plant life history traits, yet we tend to focus only on visible symptoms. Anther smut of Silene latifolia caused by the fungus Microbotryum lychnidis‐dioicae induces the anthers of its host to support fungal spore production instead of pollen, and the pathogen is primarily transmitted among flowering plants by pollinators. Nevertheless, most of its life cycle is spent in the asymptomatic vegetative phase, and spores falling on seedlings or nonflowering plants can also infect the host. The purpose of this study was to ask whether the fungus also had an effect on its host plant in the juvenile vegetative phase before flowering as this is important for the disease dynamics in species where infection of seedlings is commonplace.

Methods

Leaf length and leaf number of inoculated and uninoculated juvenile plants were compared in greenhouse experiments, and in one experiment, disease status of the plants at flowering was determined.

Key Results

Inoculated plants had shorter but more leaves, and reduced root mass at the early juvenile (preflowering) stage. Some of these effects were detectable in plants that were inoculated but showed no disease symptoms at flowering.

Conclusions

These results show that pathogenic fungi can have endophyte‐like effects even in the total absence of their typical and more charismatic symptoms, and conversely that the assessment of endophyte effects on the fitness of their hosts should include all stages of the host life cycle.
Der chaotrope Effekt als Aufbaumotiv in der Chemie
Authors: Assaf Khaleel I. , Nau Werner M.
Published: July 2018

Nach vereinzelten Berichten zu Wechselwirkungen klassischer chaotroper Ionen (z. B. I−, SCN−, ClO4−) mit makrocyclischen Wirtmolekülen, Biomolekülen und hydrophoben neutralen Oberflächen in wässriger Lösung, stellte sich vor kurzem heraus, dass der chaotrope Effekt, orthogonal zum hydrophoben Effekt, eine generische Antriebskraft für die supramolekulare Aggregation ist. Der chaotrope Effekt wird am wirksamsten bei sehr großen Ionen, die jenseits der klassischen Hofmeister‐Reihe liegen und als superchaotrope Ionen bezeichnet werden können (z. B. Borat‐Cluster und Polyoxometallate). In diesem Kurzaufsatz stellen wir eine kontinuierliche Skala der Wasser‐Solut‐Wechselwirkungen vor, die die Solvatation kosmotroper, chaotroper und hydrophober Solute ebenso umfasst wie die Schaffung von Leerstellen (Kavitation). Neuere Beispiele für die Assoziation chaotroper Anionen an hydrophobe synthetische und biologische Bindungsstellen, Lipiddoppelschichten und Oberflächen werden besprochen.
Multiphase‐Assembly of Siloxane Oligomers with Improved Mechanical Strength and Water‐Enhanced Healing
Authors: Liu Meijin , Liu Peng , Lu Gang , Xu Zhengtao , Yao Xi
Published: July 2018

Healable silicone materials have great technical impact in coatings, smart actuators, and flexible electronics, however, current healable silicone materials lack mechanical tunability. Herein, we designed and synthesized a new type of healable silicone through hydrogen‐bond assisted multiphase assembly of siloxane oligomers. Besides the enhanced mechanical strength, unique water‐enhanced healing was observed in the polymer network which is due to the reversible dissociation/association of multivalent hydrogen bonds in the presence of water.
Increased survival of patients aged 0‐29 years with osteosarcoma: A period analysis, 1984‐2013
Authors: Wu Jinna , Sun Huanhuan , Li Jie , Guo Yuanqing , Zhang Kuibo , Lang Chuandong , Zou Changye , Ma Haiqing
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of bone, and typically occurs among children and adolescence. This study aims to evaluate treatment outcomes among children, adolescents and young adults with osteosarcoma over the three decades by the changes in the long‐term relative survival.

Methods

Osteosarcoma incidence and relative survival data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries during 1984‐2013 were analyzed. The survival differences over three decades, age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status (SES) were assessed by comparing Kaplan‐Meier curves.

Results

The overall incidence of osteosarcoma kept relatively stable with 0.4 per 100 000 in the three decades with the peak incidence occurring in the aged 10‐19 group. The 10‐year relative survival rate (RSR) increased from 57.7% to 61.0% in the three decades, with the greatest increase in the aged 0‐9 group from 48.2% to 65.7%. The 10‐year RSR improved from 54.1% to 61.5% in males, and from 62.4% to 63.0% in females, respectively, in the three decades. Furthermore, survival dramatically improved from 30% to 60% in the high‐poverty group over the three decades.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the overall incidence of osteosarcoma remained stable, with an improvement in survival in the three decades. The improved survival was greater in males than in females in the three decades. Furthermore, the survival significantly increased in high‐poverty group, which was attributed to increasing improved health care system and patients with low finance can also have access to receiving effective and consistent treatment without distinction.
ThermoFlex: Heat Storage in Secondary Digesters for Flexible Power Generation of Biogas Plants
Authors: Seick Ingolf , Araya Mónica Vergara , Wiese Jürgen
Published: July 2018

For flexible power generation of biogas plants and effective heat utilization, efficient heat storage technologies will play a decisive role. For this purpose, a process is being developed in the ThermoFlex project, based on controlled operation of a secondary digester in thermophilic temperature ranges after a mesophilic main digester. This allows effective, flexible heat storage in the secondary digester for digester heating and external heat utilization at an acceptable temperature level without additional storage. The process biology of the secondary digester tolerates controlled temperature variations. An overview of the application potential and design of the ThermoFlex process is given. Batch and semicontinuous fermentation tests at various temperatures are described.
In Vitro Culturing and Screening of Candida albicans Biofilms
Authors: Gulati Megha , Lohse Matthew B. , Ennis Craig L. , Gonzalez Ruth E. , Perry Austin M. , Bapat Priyanka , Arevalo Ashley Valle , Rodriguez Diana L. , Nobile Clarissa J.
Published: July 2018

Candida albicans is a normal member of the human microbiota that asymptomatically colonizes healthy individuals, however it is also an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The medical impact of C. albicans depends, in part, on its ability to form biofilms, communities of adhered cells encased in an extracellular matrix. Biofilms can form on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, such as tissues and implanted medical devices. Once formed, biofilms are highly resistant to antifungal agents and the host immune system, and can act as a protected reservoir to seed disseminated infections. Here, we present several in vitro biofilm protocols, including protocols that are optimized for high‐throughput screening of mutant libraries and antifungal compounds. We also present protocols to examine specific stages of biofilm development and protocols to evaluate interspecies biofilms that C. albicans forms with interacting microbial partners. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Corporate social responsibility and multiple agency theory: A case study of internal stakeholder engagement
Authors: Calvo Nuria , Calvo Flora
Published: July 2018

Employee engagement via corporate social responsibility (CSR) involves conflicts of interest between firms, employees, and political institutions. We examined the international transfer of employees of an airline company as a case study of a CSR strategy based on human resource management. From the dual approach of multiple agency theory and a resource‐based perspective, we found that by increasing worker mobility costs, the European Union hindered the firm's CSR strategy of employee engagement. This contrasts with the stated aim of the European Union to promote worker mobility.
The effects of creating shared value (CSV) on the consumer self–brand connection: Perspective of sustainable development
Authors: Jin Chang‐Hyun
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study is to shed light on the self–brand connection by analyzing two relationships: first, the effects on the self–brand connection of the association in a consumer's mind between the corporate strategy known as creating shared value (CSV) and brands that deploy this strategy; second, the effects on the self–brand connection of the association between corporate competence and brands. The paper examines whether the authenticity with which a firm deploys the CSV strategy (and markets products that are perceived as authentic) has a positive effect on the formation of self–brand connections among consumers. A company that manufactures eco‐friendly products and implements a CSV strategy as a means of managing its operations ethically was chosen as the research subject. A total of 1500 consumers participated in the survey. The study found that consumers' perceptions of the associations of CSV and corporate competence with the brand under study are closely related to the self–brand connection. Such associations can also generate self‐identification with a brand as well as brand loyalty. The authenticity of CSV activity and related products was found to play a critical role in the formation of consumer attitudes such as perception of sustainable development.
Pragmatic competence and its relationship with the linguistic and cognitive profile of young adults with dyslexia
Authors: Cappelli Gloria , Noccetti Sabrina , Arcara Giorgio , Bambini Valentina
Published: July 2018

The study assessed the pragmatic skills of 19 well‐compensated Italian‐speaking young adults with dyslexia compared with controls. A comprehensive pragmatic assessment tool was employed, targeting production and comprehension (Assessment of Pragmatic Abilities and Cognitive Substrates [APACS]). Participants were also administered a series of standardized tests to assess verbal and non‐verbal cognitive abilities, including executive functions and social cognition tests. Data were analysed with the aim of understanding whether pragmatic abilities are compromised in dyslexia and of exploring associations between pragmatic performance and other cognitive domains. The performance of the dyslexia group was poorer than that of the control group in both expressive and receptive modalities. Data showed diffuse problems across several domains, with the greatest challenge posed by inferring nonliteral meanings, which indicates that pragmatic inefficiency is an important aspect of the linguistic and communicative profile of dyslexia in adulthood. Explorative correlations highlighted a relation between pragmatic performance and reading and vocabulary abilities, as well as between pragmatics and working memory. This suggests that pragmatic difficulties are strongly tied to the most distinctive aspects of dyslexia, namely, phonological awareness, verbal short‐term memory, pseudo‐word repetition, whereas the link with high‐level executive functions and Theory of Mind is negligible.
Limited potential of deep reefs to serve as refuges for tropical Southwestern Atlantic corals
Authors: Morais Juliano , Santos Bráulio A.
Published: July 2018

The deep reef refuge hypothesis (DRRH) predicts that deep coral reefs may act as refuges against major disturbances affecting shallow reefs, but to date, a few studies have explicitly examined its validity at the community level. We sampled 19 Brazilian reefs distributed between 3 and 61 m depth and tested five DRRH predictions regarding species diversity, distribution, and functional profile of communities. The first prediction was that deep reefs (>30 m depth) should host greater gamma diversity to be able to export species to shallow reefs (<30 m). Second, depth‐generalist species should dominate the shallow reefs; otherwise, local extirpation in shallow areas could not be reverted by the deep reefs. Third, alpha diversity should be greater in deep reefs due to reduced anthropogenic pressure in deeper areas. Fourth, beta diversity should be smaller among shallow than deep reefs due to the human‐induced spread of a few disturbance‐adapted species near sea surface. Finally, the functional composition of shallow reefs should be a subset from that of deep reefs to allow functional recovering of shallower areas. Contrary to expectations, coral communities presented twice more gamma diversity in shallow than deep reefs (13 vs. seven effective species) and only three out of 17 species occurred along the entire gradient. Additionally, the alpha diversity of rare, typical, and dominant species was similar between shallow and deep reefs, and the beta diversity of rare and typical species was about 50% greater in shallow than deep reefs. Supporting the DRRH, coral communities of both reefs were dominated by reef‐building, zooxanthellated, gonochoric corals with brooding or broadcast reproductive mode (Siderastrea stellata and Montastraea cavernosa). However, soft corals were observed only in shallow reefs and azooxanthellated corals were recorded only in deep reefs. These findings revealed a limited potential of deep reefs to serve as refuges for Southwestern Atlantic coral communities, though they may work for two depth‐generalist dominant species. We strongly recommend preventing human disturbances at any depth and including both shallow and deep reefs in regional conservation actions.
The effects of local and landscape habitat attributes on bird diversity in urban greenspaces
Authors: Callaghan Corey T. , Major Richard E. , Lyons Mitchell B. , Martin John M. , Kingsford Richard T.
Published: July 2018

Contrasting trajectories of biodiversity loss and urban expansion make it imperative to understand biodiversity persistence in cities. Size‐, local‐, and landscape‐level habitat factors of greenspaces in cities may be critical for future design and management of urban greenspaces in conserving bird biodiversity. Most current understanding of bird communities in cities has come from disparate analyses of single cities, over relatively short time periods, producing limited understanding of processes and characteristics of bird patterns for improved biodiversity management of the world's cities. We analyzed bird biodiversity in 112 urban greenspaces from 51 cities across eight countries, using eBird, a broadscale citizen science project. Species richness and Shannon diversity were used as response variables, while percent tree cover, percent water cover, and vegetation index were used as habitat predictor variables at both a landscape (5 and 25 km radius) and local‐scale level (specific to an individual greenspace) in the modeling process, retrieved using Google Earth Engine. Area of a greenspace was the most important predictor of bird biodiversity, underlining the critical importance of habitat area as the most important factor for increasing bird biodiversity and mitigating loss from urbanization. Surprisingly, distance from the city center and distance from the coast were not significantly related to bird biodiversity. Landscape‐scale habitat predictors were less related to bird biodiversity than local‐scale habitat predictors. Ultimately, bird biodiversity loss could be mitigated by protecting and developing large greenspaces with varied habitat in the world's cities.
Anthropogenic versus fish‐derived nutrient effects on seagrass community structure and function
Authors: Allgeier Jacob E. , Layman Craig A. , Montaña Carmen G. , Hensel Enie , Appaldo Richard , Rosemond Amy D.
Published: July 2018

Humans are altering nutrient dynamics through myriad pathways globally. Concurrent with the addition of nutrients via municipal, industrial, and agricultural sources, widespread consumer exploitation is changing consumer‐mediated nutrient dynamics drastically. Thus, altered nutrient dynamics can occur through changes in the supply of multiple nutrients, as well as through changes in the sources of these nutrients. Seagrass ecosystems are heavily impacted by human activities, with highly altered nutrient dynamics from multiple causes. We simulate scenarios of altered nutrient supply and ratios, nitrogen:phosphorus (N:P), from two nutrient sources in seagrass ecosystems: anthropogenic fertilizer and fish excretion. In doing so we tested expectations rooted in ecological theory that suggest the importance of resource dynamics for predicting primary producer dynamics. Ecosystem functions were strongly altered by artificial fertilizer (e.g., seagrass growth increased by as much as 140%), whereas plant/algae community structure was most affected by fish‐mediated nutrients or the interaction of both treatments (e.g., evenness increased by ~140% under conditions of low fish nutrients and high anthropogenic nutrients). Interactions between the nutrient sources were found for only two of six response variables, and the ratio of nutrient supply was the best predictor for only one response. These findings show that seagrass structure and function are well predicted by supply of a single nutrient (either N or P). Importantly, no single nutrient best explained the majority of responses—measures of community structure were best explained by the primary limiting nutrient to this system (P), whereas measures of growth and density of the dominant producer in the system were best explained by N. Thus, while our findings support aspects of theoretical expectations, the complexity of producer community responses belies broad generalities, underscoring the need to manage for multiple simultaneous nutrients in these imperiled coastal ecosystems.
Viologen as a Colour Modulator in Photochromism of Polyoxomolybdate–Viologen Hybrids
Authors: Li Li , Hua Yang , Guo Yu , Zhang Guo‐Shuai , Li Xiao‐Nan , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2018

N,N′‐disubstituted‐4,4‐bipyridinium (viologen) compounds and polyoxometalates (POMs) are two large groups of photochromic materials. In this work, we studied the photochromic property and colour modulation property of hydrogen bonding POMs–viologen hybrids. Taking the reported (H2pipz)3[Mo8O27] (1: no viologen containing) and (C14H11N4O)2[Mo8O26] (2) as important examples and combining with the two reported POM–viologen crystalline hybrids, we have demonstrated that C14H11N4OCl2 viologen ligands do participate in the coloration process. Moreover, it can also tune the photochromic property of polyoxomolybdates, displaying a colour modulation effect. This work develops a new colour modulation method based on Polyoxomolybdate–Viologen hybrid photochromic materials and may help to improve the performance of the well‐known photochromic polyoxomolybdate family.
Iron‐Catalyzed Coupling of Propargyl Bromides and Alkyl Grignard Reagents
Authors: Domingo‐Legarda Pablo , Soler‐Yanes Rita , Quirós‐López M. Teresa , Buñuel Elena , Cárdenas Diego J.
Published: July 2018

An iron‐catalyzed Kumada‐type cross‐coupling reaction of propargyl halides with alkylmagnesium reagents is described. The reaction is fast, takes place in smooth conditions, tolerates several functional groups that would be able to react with the Grignard reagent, and may afford either allene or propargyl coupling derivatives. Factors involved in the observed regioselectivity have been studied.