bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Double‐Faced Nature of Hydrogen Bonding in Hydroxy‐Functionalized Ionic Liquids Shown by Neutron Diffraction and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Niemann Thomas , Neumann Jan , Stange Peter , Gärtner Sabrina , Youngs Tristan G. A. , Paschek Dietmar , Warr Gregory G. , Atkin Rob , Ludwig Ralf
Published: June 2019

We characterize the double‐faced nature of hydrogen bonding in hydroxy‐functionalized ionic liquids by means of neutron diffraction with isotopic substitution (NDIS), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and quantum chemical calculations. NDIS data are fit using the empirical potential structure refinement technique (EPSR) to elucidate the nearest neighbor H⋅⋅⋅O and O⋅⋅⋅O pair distribution functions for hydrogen bonds between ions of opposite charge and the same charge. Despite the presence of repulsive Coulomb forces, the cation–cation interaction is stronger than the cation–anion interaction. We compare the hydrogen‐bond geometries of both “doubly charged hydrogen bonds” with those reported for molecular liquids, such as water and alcohols. In combination, the NDIS measurements and MD simulations reveal the subtle balance between the two types of hydrogen bonds: The small transition enthalpy suggests that the elusive like‐charge attraction is almost competitive with conventional ion‐pair formation.
Hyperaging Tuning of a Carbon Molecular‐Sieve Hollow Fiber Membrane with Extraordinary Gas‐Separation Performance and Stability
Authors: Qiu Wulin , Vaughn Justin , Liu Gongping , Xu Liren , Brayden Mark , Martinez Marcos , Fitzgibbons Thomas , Wenz Graham , Koros William J.
Published: June 2019

This study reports 6FDA:BPDA‐DAM polyimide‐derived hollow fiber carbon molecular‐sieve (CMS) membranes for hydrogen and ethylene separation. Since H2/C2H4 selectivity is the lowest among H2/(C1‐C3) hydrocarbons, an optimized CMS fiber for this gas pair is useful for removing hydrogen from all‐cracked gas mixtures. A process we term hyperaging provides highly selective CMS fiber membranes by tuning CMS ultramicropores to favor H2 over larger molecules to give a H2/C2H4 selectivity of over 250. Hyperaging conditions and a hyperaging mechanism are discussed in terms of an expedited physical aging process, which is largely controlled by the hyperaging temperature. For the specific CMS material considered here, a hyperaging temperature beyond 90 °C but less than 250 °C works best. Hyperaging also stabilizes CMS materials against physical aging and stabilizes the performance of H2 separation over extended periods. This work opens a door in the development of CMS materials for the separation of small molecules from large molecules.
Near‐Infrared‐Light‐Triggered Antimicrobial Indium Phosphide Quantum Dots
Authors: Levy Max , Bertram John R. , Eller Kristen A. , Chatterjee Anushree , Nagpal Prashant
Published: June 2019

The emergence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) pathogens represents one of the most urgent global public health crises. Light‐activated quantum dots (QDs) are alternative antimicrobials, with efficient transport, low cost, and therapeutic efficacy, and they can act as antibiotic potentiators, with a mechanism of action orthogonal to small‐molecule drugs. Furthermore, light‐activation enhances control over the spatiotemporal release and dose of the therapeutic superoxide radicals from QDs. However, the limited deep‐tissue penetration of visible light needed for QD activation, and concern over trace heavy metals, have prevented further translation. Herein, we report two indium phosphide (InP) QDs that operate in the near‐infrared and deep‐red light window, enabling deeper tissue penetration. These heavy‐metal‐free QDs eliminate MDR pathogenic bacteria, while remaining non‐toxic to host human cells. This work provides a pathway for advancing QD nanotherapeutics to combat MDR superbugs.
Modulating Guest Uptake in Core–Shell MOFs with Visible Light
Authors: Mutruc Dragos , Goulet‐Hanssens Alexis , Fairman Sam , Wahl Sebastian , Zimathies Annett , Knie Christopher , Hecht Stefan
Published: June 2019

A two‐component core–shell UiO‐68 type metal–organic framework (MOF) with a nonfunctionalized interior for efficient guest uptake and storage and a thin light‐responsive outer shell was prepared by initial solvothermal MOF synthesis followed by solvent‐assisted linker exchange. The bulky shell linker features two tetra‐ortho‐fluorinated azobenzene moieties to exploit their advantageous photoisomerization properties. The obtained perfect octahedral MOF single crystals can be switched repeatedly and with an unprecedented efficiency between E‐ and Z‐rich states using visible light only. Due to the high photoswitch density per pore of the shell layer, its steric demand and thus molecular uptake (and release) can be conveniently modulated upon green and blue light irradiation. Therefore, the “smart” shell acts as a light‐controlled kinetic barrier or “gate” for the diffusion of cargo molecules in and out of the MOF crystals.
RETRACTED: Bufothionine Promotes Apoptosis via Triggering ER Stress and Synergizes with Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells
Authors: Sun Yafeng , Zhang Xianhong
Published: June 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of malignant glioma. Bufothionine is one of the major active ingredients of Cinobufacini. Although the antitumor activities of bufothionine have been reported, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study showed that bufothionine exhibited antigrowth activities in GBM cell lines U87 and U373. Further investigation showed that bufothionine triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to promote apoptosis in U87 and U373 cells. Moreover, our results showed that bufothionine exhibited synergistic activities with Temozolomide (TMZ) to suppress the growth of U87 and U373 cells. The findings in the present study provide basis for further investigation of the therapeutic potential of bufothionine in GBM. Anat Rec, 302:1950–1957, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
A Quantitative and Comparative Analysis of the Muscle Architecture of the Forelimb Myology of Diurnal Birds of Prey (Order Accipitriformes and Falconiformes)
Authors: Bribiesca‐Contreras Fernanda , Parslew Ben , Sellers William I.
Published: June 2019

Flight is a key feature in the evolution of birds. Wing anatomy reflects many aspects of avian biology such as flight ability. However, our knowledge of the flight musculature has many gaps still, particularly for the distal wing. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the form–function relationship of the forelimb myology of birds to understand the role of individual muscles during flight. Dissections of six species of birds of prey were performed to collect numerical data of muscle architecture, which is the primary determinant of muscle function and force‐generation capacity. Birds of prey are a highly diverse group that presents different flight styles throughout the taxa, making them a good model for our purposes. Wing muscle mass (MM) isometrically scaled with body mass1.035, muscle length to MM0.343, and fascicle length (FL) scaled allometrically to MM0.285. The shoulder musculature scaled differently than the other regions where the FL increases more slowly than would be expected in geometrically similar animals, which affects flight mechanics. A proximal‐to‐distal reduction of MM occurs, which helps to minimize the wing moment of inertia during flight while allowing precise control of the distal wing. Interestingly, the distribution of MM appeared to be species‐specific, suggesting a functional signal. This study provides numerical information of muscle architecture of the avian wing that helps us to understand muscle function and its implication in flight, and can be used in future studies of flight mechanics. Anat Rec, 302:1808–1823, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Long‐Term Fine Motor Capability on the Staircase Test Correlates with the Absolute Number, but Not the Density, of DARPP‐Positive Neurons in the Caudate‐Putamen
Authors: Aghoghovwia Benjamin E. , Goddard Liping , Oorschot Dorothy E.
Published: June 2019

Measurement of long‐term functional and anatomical outcomes in the same animal is considered a powerful strategy for correlating structure with function. In a neonatal animal model of hypoxic–ischemic brain injury that is relevant to cerebral palsy, long‐term functional deficits on the staircase test and long‐term anatomical deficits in the absolute number of medium‐spiny projection neurons in the caudate‐putamen were reported in different animals due to logistical constraints. Here, we investigated if these functional and anatomical measures were correlated when measured in the same animals. The medium‐spiny projection neurons were investigated because (1) they comprise the vast majority (>97%) of all neurons in the caudate‐putamen and (2) motor deficits observed during staircase testing are likely to involve these striatal medium‐spiny projection neurons through their connections. We found that long‐term skilled forepaw capability on the staircase test was correlated with the absolute number of DARPP‐32‐positive medium‐spiny projection neurons in the caudate‐putamen. Specifically, deficits in skilled forepaw ability for the number of sugar pellets eaten and retrieved, and for the maximum staircase level reached, were significantly correlated with a lower absolute neuronal number. We also found that skilled forepaw ability on the staircase test was not correlated with the neuronal density (i.e., number per unit volume) of DARPP‐32‐positive medium‐spiny projection neurons. Since neuronal density is an indirect measure of neuronal survival that is used in the literature, and absolute neuronal number is a direct measure, the results also highlight the scientific value of measuring absolute neuronal number. Anat Rec, 302:2040–2048, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
The Cephalic Osteoderms of Varanus komodoensis as Revealed by High‐Resolution X‐Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Maisano Jessica A. , Laduc Travis J. , Bell Christopher J. , Barber Diane
Published: June 2019

Osteoderms constitute a morphological system that plays an important role in squamate systematics. However, their study and visualization have always been difficult due to their isolated occurrence in the skin, among the first organs to be removed during the skeletonization process. High‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography (HRXCT) offers a nondestructive means of visualizing osteoderms both in their natural relationship to each other and to the underlying cranial bones. Although it is often stated that Varanus komodoensis has a “chain mail” of osteoderms, this morphological system was never described in this taxon. Further, given its size, it might be expected that V. komodoensis would present the extreme of osteoderm development in extant varanids, a group that tends to have weakly developed osteoderms or none at all. Indeed, our HRXCT scan of a 19‐year‐old captive individual reveals an elaborate mesh of cephalic osteoderms that are incredibly numerous and morphologically diverse. We describe this skeletal system and compare it to the cephalic osteoderms in other varanoids. Anat Rec, 302:1675–1680, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Metabolomic profiling of CHO fed‐batch growth phases at 10, 100, and 1,000 L
Authors: Vodopivec Maja , Lah Ljerka , Narat Mojca , Curk Tomaž
Published: June 2019

Established bioprocess monitoring is based on quick and reliable methods, including cell count and viability measurement, extracellular metabolite measurement, and the measurement of physicochemical qualities of the cultivation medium. These methods are sufficient for monitoring of process performance, but rarely give insight into the actual physiological states of the cell culture. However, understanding of the latter is essential for optimization of bioprocess development. Our study used LC‐MS metabolomics as a tool for additional resolution of bioprocess monitoring and was designed at three bioreactors scales (10 L, 100 L, and 1,000 L) to gain insight into the basal metabolic states of the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture during fed‐batch. Metabolites characteristics of the four growth stages (early and late exponential phase, stationary phase, and the phase of decline) were identified by multivariate analysis. Enriched metabolic pathways were then established for each growth phase using the CHO metabolic network model. Biomass generation and nucleotide synthesis were enriched in early exponential phase, followed by increased protein production and imbalanced glutathione metabolism in late exponential phase. Glycolysis became downregulated in stationary phase and amino‐acid metabolism increased. Phase of culture decline resulted in rise of oxidized glutathione and fatty acid concentrations. Intracellular metabolic profiles of the CHO fed‐batch culture were also shown to be consistent with scale and thus demonstrate metabolomic profiling as an informative method to gain physiological insight into the cell culture states during bioprocess regardless of scale.
Social media and cadaveric dissection: A survey study
Authors: Rai Rabjot , Shereen Rafik , Protas Matthew , Greaney Clara , Brooks Katherine N. , Iwanaga Joe , Loukas Marios , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: June 2019

The use of social media opens content to the general public and, as a result, places images of cadaveric dissection in an open forum. This raises the question: should the general public have access to such material? A survey was conducted examining whether the general public should have access to gross cadaveric dissection images and videos for educational purposes via social media. Both medical and laypersons were queried. Questions included in the survey considered whether images were too graphic, whether online cadaveric content should be age‐restricted, and whether consent by the deceased was necessary. A link to the survey was accessible to 63,562 followers through the Seattle Science Foundation's Facebookpage for 3 weeks. Among 300 responders, 89% (267/300) agreed that portrayals of cadaveric specimens/dissection on social media should be accessible by the general public for anatomical education, and 84.67% (254/300) stated that cadaveric dissection is not too graphic for untrained eyes. There was agreement by 60.33% (181/300) that an age restriction should be in place for the viewing of cadaveric dissection on social media, and 39.33% (253/300) of responders suggested restriction to 18 years and older. No statistically significant association was noted between a prior or current history of anatomy education and the frequency of positive responses to the survey questions. Social media is an innovative tool for dispensing anatomical education. The use of cadaveric images and videos provides accessibility to the general public who wish to learn more about human anatomy and their own body. Clin. Anat. 32:1033–1041, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antipsychotic use is inversely associated with gastric cancer risk: A nationwide population‐based nested case‐control study
Authors: Hsieh Yi‐Hsuan , Chan Hsiang‐Lin , Lin Chiao‐Fan , Liang Sophie Hsin‐Yi , Lu Mong‐Liang , McIntyre Roger S. , Lee Yena , Lin Tzu‐Chin , Chiu Wei‐Che , Chen Vincent Chin‐Hung
Published: June 2019

Objective

The association between antipsychotic use and gastric cancer risk remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between antipsychotic exposure and the incidence of gastric cancer.

Methods

Using a nested case‐control design, a total of 34 470 gastric cancer patients and 163 430 nongastric cancer controls were identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2013. We analyzed the data using a conditional logistic regression model to adjust for possible confounding variables.

Results

Antipsychotic use was independently inversely associated with gastric cancer risk after controlling for potential confounding factors including income, urbanization, medications, physical and medical illness, aspirin use, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use and triple therapy. In addition, dose‐dependent trends against gastric cancer risk were also shown with individual antipsychotic compounds including thioridazine, haloperidol, sulpiride, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, amisulpride, and risperidone. A sensitivity analysis showed that second‐generation antipsychotics had significant dose‐dependent effects in reducing the risk of gastric cancer risk in patients with and without peptic ulcer disease.

Conclusions

Antipsychotic use was inversely associated with gastric cancer risk, and dose‐dependent effects against gastric cancer were also seen with several individual antipsychotic compounds.
The effect of counselling programmes involving expressive activities with semi‐structured groups on self‐concealment levels of adolescents
Authors: Çalık Merve , Çelik Eyüp
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of counselling programmes based on expressive activities with semi‐structured groups, on the self‐concealment levels of adolescents. The research was carried out using a pretest–posttest control group design. The dependent variable of the present research, is the psychological counselling programme conducted with a semi‐structured group based on expressive activities. The research was carried out with 18 6th and 7th grade secondary school students (10 female and 8 male). The Self‐Concealment Scale was used as data collection tool. In this research, the use of nonparametric tests was preferred, as the sample was smaller than 30. Therefore, it was determined whether there is a statistically significant difference between the arithmetic means of the experimental and control groups’ pretest, posttest and trail test scores by use of Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, to determine the effects of a psychological counselling programme with semi‐structured group based on expressive activities. Also, it was determined whether there was a statistically significant relationship between the pretest, posttest and trail intervention scores received by the intervention and control group students from the Self‐Concealment Scale, using Mann–Whitney U test. The research results revealed that the “psychological counselling programme based on expressive activities with semi‐structured groups” was significantly effective in alleviation of self‐concealment levels, and this effect was also maintained in follow‐up evaluations. The obtained results are discussed in the light of related literature findings and recommendations are proposed accordingly.
MnIII Porphyrins: Catalytic Coupling of Epoxides with CO2 under Mild Conditions and Mechanistic Considerations
Authors: Milani Jorge L. S. , Meireles Alexandre M. , Bezerra Werberson A. , Martins Dayse. C. S. , Cangussu Danielle , das Chagas Rafael P.
Published: June 2019

A series of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(2,3‐dichlorophenyl)porphyrinate complexes of manganese(III) [MnIII(T2,3DCPP)X] with six different axial ligands (X=NO3−, AcO−, IO3−, Br−, Cl−, HO−) were investigated as catalysts in the cycloaddition reactions of CO2 and styrene oxide (SO), under mild conditions, i. e., atmospheric pressure and 60 °C. [MnIIIT(2,3DCPP)IO3] showed the best catalytic performance, selectively producing the respective cyclic carbonate from diverse epoxides using tetrabutylammonium bromide as a nucleophile source. Mechanistic considerations were inferred from electronic spectra and spectrophotometric titrations, showing that there are a series of equilibriums involved in the formation of the catalytic active species. Stability constants for the proposed equilibrium models were determined using SQUAD software. A catalytic cycle has been proposed based on those observations.
Modeling of Biomass Gasification in a Downdraft Gasifier with Integrated Tar Adsorption
Authors: Gradel Andy , Honke Robert , Wünning Joachim Alfred , Plessing Tobias , Jess Andreas
Published: June 2019

Thermal gasification of biomass is known for its capabilities in flexible and decentral power station applications for cogeneration. However, the product gas contains tar compounds adversely for a stable operation. Integrated tar adsorption in a subsequent cooled section is therefore an option to reduce the tar pollution. The char coal, used here as adsorption agent, is formed by biomass pyrolysis in the gasifier. A kinetic model is proposed, considering the kinetics of all main reactions as well as heat and mass transport phenomena. Results are presented for axial temperature profiles, gas compositions, and the gas purity at different air‐to‐fuel ratios. The resulting output mass flows could indicate a requirement on the adsorption capacity of at least 0.3 g g−1 for the activated char coal.
Electrochemical Technologies for Detecting and Degrading Benzoquinone Using Diamond Films
Authors: do Vale‐Júnior Edilson , dos Santos Alexsandro J. , da Silva Djalma R. , Fajardo Ana S. , Martínez‐Huitle Carlos A.
Published: June 2019

In this work, the detection and quantification of p‐benzoquinone (BQ) was performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with a diamond film sensor. The calibration curve and the limits of detection and quantification for BQ were estimated. DPV was compared to high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, leading to a satisfactory result in terms of stability and sensitive response. As a novel aim, a combined electrochemical method for environmental application has been developed to oxidize and detect BQ using diamond films. A set of galvanostatic electrochemical oxidation experiments with 130 mL of BQ solution were accomplished in order to understand the effect of current density, the concentration of the pollutant and the initial pH using different electrolytes with similar conductivity. The optimal operating conditions were achieved at 33.3 mA cm−2, 100 mg L−1 of BQ at pH 5.0 with 50 mM Na2SO4. Additionally, the evolution of short‐chain carboxylic acids of that test was followed over time in order to suggest a possible degradation route. The results were described and discussed in the light of the existing literature.
Experimental and Computational Evaluation of Piperonylic Acid Derived Hydrazones Bearing Isatin Moieties as Dual Inhibitors of Cholinesterases and Monoamine Oxidases
Authors: Vishnu M. S. , Pavankumar V. , Kumar Sandeep , Raja A. Senthil
Published: June 2019

A set of piperonylic acid derived hydrazones with variable isatin moieties was synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO‐A/B). The results of in vitro studies revealed IC50 values in the micromolar range, with the majority of the compounds showing selectivity for the MAO‐B isoform. N‐[2‐Oxo‐1‐(prop‐2‐ynyl)indolin‐3‐ylidene]benzo[d][1,3]dioxole‐5‐carbohydrazide (3) was identified as a lead AChE inhibitor with IC50=0.052±0.006 μm. N‐[(3E)‐5‐chloro‐2‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐indol‐3‐ylidene]‐2H‐1,3‐benzodioxole‐5‐carbohydrazide (2) was the lead MAO‐B inhibitor with IC50=0.034±0.007 μm, and showed 50 times greater selectivity for MAO‐B over MAO‐A. The kinetic studies revealed that compounds 2 and 3 displayed competitive and reversible inhibition of AChE and MAO‐B, respectively. The molecular docking studies revealed the significance of hydrophobic interactions in the active site pocket of the enzymes under investigation. Further optimization studies might lead to the development of potential neurotherapeutic agents.
Enhancement of the SrTiO3 Surface Reactivity by Exposure to Electric Fields
Authors: Klauke Kurt , Kayaalp Buğra , Biesuz Mattia , Iannaci Alessandro , Sglavo Vincenzo M. , D'Arienzo Massimiliano , Lee Siwon , Seo Jongsu , Jung WooChul , Mascotto Simone
Published: June 2019

In the present work the effect of electric field assisted treatments, i. e. flash sintering, on the physicochemical properties and surface reactivity of SrTiO3 nanoparticles is investigated. The materials were prepared by a hydrothermal approach and consolidated at high temperatures by conventional and electric field assisted procedures. The exposure to an electric field from 300 to 900 V/cm allowed rapid consolidation with progressive reduction of the grain growth and the shrinkage of the specific surface area to 22% and 43%, respectively. XPS analyses evidenced increasing Sr segregation at the surface if voltage was applied during the treatment. The corresponding presence of Sr vacancies in the perovskite lattice was demonstrated by ESR spectroscopy. Both techniques pointed out the appearance of highly oxidative O− species in all ceramics. The materials reactivity was investigated by methane oxidation, chosen as model high temperature catalytic reaction. With respect to conventionally treated SrTiO3, the surface area normalized reaction rate significantly improved for the ceramics exposed to electric field, until a maximum of three times for the material treated at 900 V/cm. Such enhanced properties were ascribed to the larger extent of Sr enrichment and in particular to the correlated field‐induced defect structure perturbation.
Effect of Food on the Pharmacokinetics of 2 Formulations of DRL‐17822, a Novel Selective Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Inhibitor, in Healthy Males
Authors: Kruithof Annelieke C. , Kumar Rajinder , Stevens Jasper , de Kam Marieke L. , Gautam Anirudh , Alikunju Shanavas , Padhi Bijay K. , Kulkarni Swati , Raghuvanshi Rajeev S. , Gandhi Rajesh , Burggraaf Jacobus , Kamerling Ingrid M.C.
Published: June 2019

DRL‐17822 is a novel selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor that showed an increased exposure, including an increase of >20‐fold of maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, following a high‐fat breakfast using a nanocrystal formulation. To reduce this effect of food, we generated an amorphous solid dispersion formulation. In this study, we compared the food effect of both formulations of DRL‐17822 in a 2‐part randomized, open‐label, 4‐way crossover study involving healthy adult males 18‐45 years of age. In both parts of the study, 12 subjects received both formulations of DRL‐17822 in both the fasted and fed states; a low‐fat breakfast was provided in the first part and a high‐fat breakfast in the second part. Compared to the nanocrystal formulation, the amorphous solid dispersion formulation substantially increased DRL‐17822 exposure in the fasted state, including increased maximum concentration, area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration, and area under plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity. Following a high‐fat breakfast, DRL‐17822 exposure was increased to a lesser extent in the amorphous solid dispersion formulation compared to the nanocrystal formulation (P < .001). Moreover, compared to the nanocrystal formulation the amorphous solid dispersion formulation caused a more pronounced increase in high‐density lipoprotein in the fasted state. Consuming breakfast increased the effect of DRL‐17822 on high‐density lipoprotein. Taken together, our results indicate that by improving its formulation, DRL‐17822 has a favorable exposure profile and therefore a more predictable food effect profile.
Sed‐Dedup: An efficient secure deduplication system with data modifications
Authors: Tian Wenlong , Li Ruixuan , Xu Cheng‐Zhong , Xu Zhiyong
Published: June 2019

The amount of outsourced data grows rapidly. In recent years, cloud service providers integrate data deduplication systems with convergent encryption (CE) methods, in which a file encryption key is determined by its own content instead of the secret of a specific user, to save the storage cost and ensure the security of outsourced data. However, present secure deduplication systems failed to deal with data modifications efficiently. We observe that when a client makes small changes on an existing file, the current chunking algorithms cannot effectively detect the similarities and always create chunks with largely overlapped contents. It reduces data deduplication ratios and results in unnecessary overhead. In this paper, we propose Sed‐Dedup, an efficient secure delta encoding deduplication system to address this problem. In Sed‐Dedup, we introduce a novel delta encoding approach to store modified contents in delta files and leave the original files intact. Two schemes with different encoding policies are designed. Both of them can solve the issue and improve the secure deduplication performance. To evaluate the performance, we implement a prototype and conduct extensive experiments based on synthetic and real‐world datasets. Our experimental results show that Sed‐Dedup is superior to the state‐of‐the‐art secure deduplication systems.
An International Laboratory Comparison Study of Volumetric and Gravimetric Hydrogen Adsorption Measurements
Authors: Hurst Katherine E. , Gennett Thomas , Adams Jesse , Allendorf Mark D. , Balderas‐Xicohténcatl Rafael , Bielewski Marek , Edwards Bryce , Espinal L. , Fultz Brent , Hirscher Michael , Hudson M. Sterlin L. , Hulvey Zeric , Latroche Michel , Liu Di‐Jia , Kapelewski Matthew , Napolitano Emilio , Perry Zachary T. , Purewal Justin , Stavila Vitalie , Veenstra Mike , White James L. , Yuan Yuping , Zhou Hong‐Cai , Zlotea Claudia , Parilla Philip
Published: June 2019

In order to determine a material's hydrogen storage potential, capacity measurements must be robust, reproducible, and accurate. Commonly, research reports focus on the gravimetric capacity, and often times the volumetric capacity is not reported. Determining volumetric capacities is not as straight‐forward, especially for amorphous materials. This is the first study to compare measurement reproducibility across laboratories for excess and total volumetric hydrogen sorption capacities based on the packing volume. The use of consistent measurement protocols, common analysis, and figure of merits for reporting data in this study, enable the comparison of the results for two different materials. Importantly, the results show good agreement for excess gravimetric capacities amongst the laboratories. Irreproducibility for excess and total volumetric capacities is attributed to real differences in the measured packing volume of the material.
Induction of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Gene Expression in Embryonal Carcinoma Stem Cells Using a Natural Tissue‐Specific Inducer
Authors: Momendoust Nazila , Moshtaghian Jamal , Esmaeili Fariba , Dehghanian Fariba , Dumit Veronica
Published: June 2019

A large number of studies have focused on the generation of dopaminergic neurons from pluripotent cells. Differentiation of stem cells into distinct cell types is influenced by tissue‐specific microenvironment. Since, central nervous system undergoes further development during postnatal life, in the present study neonatal rat brain tissue extract (NRBE) was applied to direct the differentiation of embryonal carcinoma stem cell line, P19 into dopaminergic (DA) phenotypes. Additionally, a neuroprotective drug, deprenyl was used alone or in combination with the extract. Results from morphological, immunofluorescence, and qPCR analyses showed that during a period of one to three weeks, a large percentage of stem cells were differentiated into neural cells. The results also indicated the greater effect of NRBE on the differentiation of the cells into tyrosine hydroxylase‐expressing cells. MS analysis of NRBE showed the enrichment of gene ontology terms related to cell differentiation and neurogenesis. Network analysis of the studied genes and some DA markers resulted in the suggestion of potential regulatory candidates such as AVP, ACHE, LHFPL5, and DLK1 genes. In conclusion, NRBE as a natural native inducer was apparently able to simulate the brain microenvironment and support neural differentiation of P19 cells.
Plant responses to nutrient addition experiments conducted in tropical forests
Authors: Wright S. Joseph
Published: June 2019

I present a meta‐analysis of plant responses to 48 nutrient addition experiments conducted with native species in naturally growing tropical forests, exclusive of mangrove forests. The added nutrients include nitrogen (N) in 36 experiments, phosphorus (P) in 33 experiments, calcium and potassium in one experiment each, and various mixtures of essential nutrients in the remaining experiments. I evaluate the hypotheses that nutrients limit tropical forest plants, nutrient limitation is stronger in successional than in old‐growth forests, P but not N is limiting in lowland forests, and N is limiting in montane forests. Responses to the most complete nutrient mix used in each experiment were strong for plant functions that contribute to aboveground production (Hedges’ g averages 0.87) and nonsignificant for fine root biomass. Responses to N addition and to P addition were strong for tissue concentrations of the added element (Hedges’ g averages 0.75 and 1.4, respectively), moderate for fine litter production (0.64 and 0.65, respectively), moderate to weak for plant growth (0.46 and 0.37, respectively) and nonsignificant for fine root biomass. Growth responses were stronger in successional than in old‐growth forests. All responses were unrelated to elevation. The 48 experiments included 30 factorial nitrogen‐phosphorus experiments that enable additional direct tests of the widely cited hypotheses that P limitation is stronger than N limitation in lowland forests and vice versa in montane forests. Both hypotheses were rejected. The N × P interaction effect was nonsignificant across the factorial experiments. In conclusion, nutrients clearly limit tropical forest plants. Limitation by N is widespread in both lowland and montane forests, and the same is true for P. Single experiments identify limitation by calcium and potassium, and correlative studies suggest limitation by calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The available evidence is consistent with the possibility that most macronutrients limit tropical forest plants; however, experiments focus almost exclusively on N and P. The way forward will include taking fuller advantage of existing nutrient addition experiments, siting new experiments strategically, and developing cost‐effective methods to assay responses to all of the essential nutrients soils supply to plants.
Geographic variation in the intensity of warming and phenological mismatch between Arctic shorebirds and invertebrates
Authors: Kwon Eunbi , Weiser Emily L. , Lanctot Richard B. , Brown Stephen C. , Gates Heather R. , Gilchrist Grant , Kendall Steve J. , Lank David B. , Liebezeit Joseph R. , McKinnon Laura , Nol Erica , Payer David C. , Rausch Jennie , Rinella Daniel J. , Saalfeld Sarah T. , Senner Nathan R. , Smith Paul A. , Ward David , Wisseman Robert W. , Sandercock Brett K.
Published: June 2019

Responses to climate change can vary across functional groups and trophic levels, leading to a temporal decoupling of trophic interactions or “phenological mismatches.” Despite a growing number of single‐species studies that identified phenological mismatches as a nearly universal consequence of climate change, we have a limited understanding of the spatial variation in the intensity of this phenomenon and what influences this variation. In this study, we tested for geographic patterns in phenological mismatches between six species of shorebirds and their invertebrate prey at 10 sites spread across ~13° latitude and ~84° longitude in the Arctic over three years. At each site, we quantified the phenological mismatch between shorebirds and their invertebrate prey at (1) an individual‐nest level, as the difference in days between the seasonal peak in food and the peak demand by chicks, and (2) a population level, as the overlapped area under fitted curves for total daily biomass of invertebrates and dates of the peak demand by chicks. We tested whether the intensity of past climatic change observed at each site corresponded with the extent of phenological mismatch and used structural equation modeling to test for causal relationships among (1) environmental factors, including geographic location and current climatic conditions, (2) the timing of invertebrate emergence and the breeding phenology of shorebirds, and (3) the phenological mismatch between the two trophic levels. The extent of phenological mismatch varied more among different sites than among different species within each site. A greater extent of phenological mismatch at both the individual‐nest and population levels coincided with changes in the timing of snowmelt as well as the potential dissociation of long‐term snow phenology from changes in temperature. The timing of snowmelt also affected the shape of the food and demand curves, which determined the extent of phenological mismatch at the population level. Finally, we found larger mismatches at more easterly longitudes, which may be affecting the population dynamics of shorebirds, as two of our study species show regional population declines in only the eastern part of their range. This suggests that phenological mismatches may be resulting in demographic consequences for Arctic‐nesting birds.
Changes in carbon flux and spectral reflectance of Sphagnum mosses as a result of simulated drought
Authors: Lees Kirsten J. , Clark Joanna M. , Quaife Tristan , Khomik Myroslava , Artz Rebekka R. E.
Published: June 2019

Sphagnum is an important peat‐forming genus, which aids the carbon sequestration of peatlands. Sphagnum is sensitive to drought; however, and it is uncertain how well it can recover from long periods without rainfall. Spectral reflectance can be used to assess Sphagnum desiccation damage, and we also tested whether it can be used to detect recovery. Different rainfall simulations were applied to two species of Sphagnum to assess the impact of drought on carbon function. After 80 days all samples were rewetted to assess recovery. The rainfall simulations included inputs analogous to actual precipitation at the field site (Forsinard Flows reserve, Northern Scotland), potential future changes in rainfall, and extended total drought. During the experiment gross primary productivity and respiration were measured. Photosynthesis decreased after approximately 30 days of continuous drought (i.e., days without rain). Spectral reflectance was measured to assess Sphagnum bleaching. The spectral absorption feature of Sphagnum associated with red light (around 650 nm) was affected by drought and did not recover after rewetting during the experimental period. No significant difference was found between the two Sphagnum species studied with respect to their photosynthesis or respiration, but there was a significant difference in optimum water content and spectral reflectance between the two. The results from this study suggest that Sphagnum carbon function is resilient to quite long drought periods, but once damage has occurred recovery is likely to be difficult. The spectral reflectance of Sphagnum can give useful information in assessing whether significant desiccation damage has occurred.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Amides with Arylboronic Acids by Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Li Yue , Wu Hongxiang , Zeng Zhuo
Published: June 2019

The first fluoride and palladium co‐catalyzed conversion of amide to ester through an aerobic oxidative coupling pathway is reported. This new approach presents a practical process that employs easily available oxygen and commercially available arylboronic acids as coupling partners, uses a wide range of N‐ tosylamides, and proceeds under mild reaction conditions. This protocol demonstrates broad functional group tolerance, and provides an alternative option to synthesize esters from N‐tosylamides which obtained by simply N‐functionalization of secondary amides.
Design of experiments as a valuable tool for biopharmaceutical analysis with (imaged) capillary isoelectric focusing
Authors: Kahle Julia , Stein Matthias , Wätzig Hermann
Published: June 2019

Capillary isoelectric focusing is indispensable for characterizing charge heterogeneity and isoelectric points of biopharmaceuticals. However, there are many influencing parameters and therefore method development is challenging. This study was performed to obtain an in‐depth understanding of the imaged CIEF methodology by applying a design of experiments approach. To describe the parameter's effects as objectively as possible, a polynomial regression model was derived for the most important responses. For this purpose, the reference monoclonal antibody suggested by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NISTmAb) was used as test molecule. The total concentration and the mixing ratio of two types of carrier ampholytes and the added amounts of urea and l‐arginine were selected as factors. The effects of these factors on 13 different responses such as resolution or pI values were investigated. In order to reduce the total number of experiments, a d‐optimal design with 20 different parameter combinations and six replicates each was chosen. The most significant effects of the four factors were shown for the parameters related to separation efficiency and peak position. In addition, the extent of the factor's effect could be assessed. Depending on the selected factor combination, the pI value can differ up to approximately 0.15 pI units and the resolution value between main peak and adjacent basic peak can range from approximately 1.6 to 2.5, for example.
The role of environmental exposures and the epigenome in health and disease
Authors: Perera Bambarendage P. U. , Faulk Christopher , Svoboda Laurie K. , Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Dolinoy Dana C.
Published: June 2019

The genetic material of every organism exists within the context of regulatory networks that govern gene expression, collectively called the epigenome. Epigenetics has taken center stage in the study of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but its integration into the field of environmental health is still emerging. As the Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS) celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, we have come together to review and summarize the seminal advances in the field of environmental epigenomics. Specifically, we focus on the role epigenetics may play in multigenerational and transgenerational transmission of environmentally induced health effects. We also summarize state of the art techniques for evaluating the epigenome, environmental epigenetic analysis, and the emerging field of epigenome editing. Finally, we evaluate transposon epigenetics as they relate to environmental exposures and explore the role of noncoding RNA as biomarkers of environmental exposures. Although the field has advanced over the past several decades, including being recognized by EMGS with its own Special Interest Group, recently renamed Epigenomics, we are excited about the opportunities for environmental epigenetic science in the next 50 years. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:176–192, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A vehicle's weight‐based prioritized reciprocity MAC
Authors: Lang Ping , Wang Jian , Mei Fang , Deng Weiwen
Published: June 2019

In vehicular ad hoc networks, vehicles compete for channel access through the medium access control protocol to transmit messages. Most traditional medium access methods assign the same probability to all vehicles accessing the channel and ignore the intrinsic attributes of different vehicles. Attributes regarding the position and role of a vehicle are important factors to be considered when a vehicle is competing for the channel. In this paper, we introduce a new notion of a weight factor in a fair medium access game and propose a game model to adjust each node's channel access probability with complete information in the vehicular environment based on the weight factors of vehicles. The weight of a vehicle represents a specific property, such as the distance between vehicles, the vehicle's role, and so on, which can be used to distinguish priorities of different vehicles during channel competition. We also provide instances of relevant applications by using the distance between vehicles and a vehicle's role. Then, we analyze the incomplete information game in which each node cannot acquire the previous channel access probabilities of other nodes. Moreover, we construct a distributed best‐response learning algorithm based on the medium access game model and demonstrate that the game can converge to a unique and stable equilibrium under certain conditions. Furthermore, we investigate some performance indicators such as channel access delay and normalized throughput and perform extensive numerical analyses compared with the IEEE 802.11p protocol and an existing game‐based medium access control algorithm without consideration of weights. The performance comparison of high‐priority nodes and all nodes in a network is also studied. Finally, we analyze the effects of the proportion of high‐priority nodes on the performance of the channel. The performance improvement after introducing the weight factor is verified by these numerical results.
Optimization of atmospheric pressure chemical ionization triple quadropole mass spectrometry (MS Nose 2) for the rapid measurement of aroma release in vivo
Authors: Hatakeyama Jun , Taylor Andrew J.
Published: June 2019

The use of on‐line mass spectrometry to measure aroma release from model systems, or from people consuming food or beverages, delivers time‐based aroma release curves that relate better to sensory perception. The technique allows the rapid analysis of the headspace above foods as well as the measurement of the performance of flavour systems in manufactured foods during consumption. The data obtained can give quick insights into the potential success of a flavouring and on‐line mass spectrometry is widely used in the food and flavour industries. The speed of data acquisition, sensitivity to a wide range of chemical compounds, and resolution of compounds with the same nominal mass are recurring issues for on‐line analysis. Here, we present a study of the performance of an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source connected to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Fast data acquisition could be achieved with little loss of ion signal but with slightly increased noise. In ‘Multiple Reaction Monitoring’ mode, sensitivity increased appreciably for six out of the seven compounds tested, and changing the collision energy of the system produced different mass spectral patterns for six compounds with the same nominal mass. The application of some of these techniques to coffee analysis identified the challenges and approaches needed to provide an in‐depth analysis for real samples.
Novel technique for the direct closure of the radial forearm flap donor site defect with a local bilobed flap
Authors: Mashrah Mubarak Ahmed , Lingjian Yan , Handley Thomas Peter , Pan Chaobin , Weiliang Chen
Published: June 2019

Background

The donor site defect remains the major disadvantage of the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). The purpose of this case series was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a local bilobed flap in direct closure of the RFFF donor site defect.

Methods

Between February 2017 and July 2017, a prospective study was designed with 13 patients who had undergone RFFF reconstruction of the oral cavity. The primary purpose was to assess the effectiveness and safety of a bilobed flap closure of the RFFF donor site with primary healing. The late endpoint was to evaluate functional morbidity of the donor hand by comparing preoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Results

The donor site defect healed primarily in 12 of the 13 patients. A small area of skin necrosis (4%) developed in one patient, which was managed conservatively and healed by secondary intention. A significant reduction of wrist extension (mean difference [MD] = 2.64°, P = .01) and grip strength (MD = 3.68 kg, P = .04) was observed between preoperative and postoperative measurements. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding flexion, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, supination, pronation and pinch strength (P > .05).

Conclusions

The bilobed flap is a reliable and effective method for closure of a RFFF donor site defect, ≤5 cm in greatest length. The advantages are excellent regional skin color match and avoidance of a second donor site and its inherent complications.