bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic–inorganic collagen/iota‐carrageenan/hydroxyapatite hybrid membranes are bioactive materials for bone regeneration
Authors: Nogueira Lucas F. B. , Maniglia Bianca C. , Blácido Delia R. T. , Ramos Ana P.
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to produce biomembranes with controlled degradability for application in bone regeneration in order to stimulate biological reactions necessary to improve bone formation. Hydrogels were prepared by dissolving hydrolyzed collagen (HC) and iota‐carrageenan (ι‐Carr) in aqueous mixtures containing CaCl2 and H3PO4. A rise in pH by exposure to NH3(g) caused mineral precipitation into the hydrogel. Subsequently, the membranes were fabricated by solvent casting. Infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction attested hydroxyapatite formation. The crystallite size was close to 12 nm, which was smaller than the size reported for human bone apatite. The membranes induced bone‐like apatite precipitation in simulated body fluid. The carrageenan content modulated the membrane mechanical behavior. Membranes with controlled degradability were obtained by using higher amount of this polysaccharide. These membranes were able to release HC in physiological conditions. The surface properties were evaluated in terms of wettability and surface energy (γS) by means of contact angle (θc) measurements. Low θc (8.5–16.8) indicated that the hybrid membranes were hydrophilic, while higher γS values, around 70.6 mJ.m−2, could favor biomolecule incorporation into the surface. Our data set evidenced that these materials could potentially be used as a temporary guided tissue regeneration membrane with the possibility of inducing bone regeneration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48004.
Can a cow save a newt? The role of cattle drinking troughs in amphibian conservation
Authors: Buono Vincenzo , Bissattini Alessandra Maria , Vignoli Leonardo
Published: May 2019

Amphibians are the vertebrate group experiencing the steepest global population decline and species loss. Habitat alteration and loss caused by the intensification of agriculture is among the main causes; however, in the past, amphibians have been favoured by traditional agriculture and husbandry as more terrestrial and aquatic habitats became available through land‐use diversification and the construction of artificial facilities for cattle watering. Troughs for cattle watering may represent the only permanent water points for amphibian reproduction in human‐modified landscapes.

The present study focused on Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis, a semi‐aquatic salamander, subendemic and widespread in Italy, capable of colonizing artificial aquatic habitats. The main goal was to determine the importance of drinking troughs for the ecology and conservation of the species in a hilly area (Latium region, Central Italy) subjected to traditional livestock farming (i.e. Maremmana cattle).

Specifically, generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to analyse the effects of drinking trough characteristics (i.e. size, substrate, aquatic vegetation), landscape features (distance to the forest, forest cover, percentage of cultivated lands and infrastructural development, terrestrial connectivity) and intensity of management practices on the occurrence and abundance of the target species.

In the light of the present results, it is suggested that drinking troughs represent suitable surrogates for pristine habitats for L. vulgaris meridionalis. Hence, even man‐made aquatic habitats, associated with traditional husbandry, may help to sustain amphibian populations in landscapes where natural wetlands are scarce. The present findings are timely because of the lack of empirical data on the role of drinking troughs in amphibian conservation within rural socio‐economic scenarios, which may have been neglected in research and policy in favour of lakes, rivers and streams.
Cryoglobulins Today: Detection and Immunologic Characteristics of 1,675 Positive Samples From 13,439 Patients Obtained Over Six Years
Authors: Kolopp‐Sarda Marie N. , Nombel Anaïs , Miossec Pierre
Published: May 2019

Objective

Cryoglobulins are cold‐precipitating immunoglobulins. Through progress in techniques, we undertook this study to update information on the biologic characteristics of cryoglobulins in a very large population.

Methods

A cohort of 13,439 patients was tested for cryoglobulins from January 2010 to December 2016. The analysis included cryoglobulin isotype, clonality, concentration, and IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM‐RF) in cryoprecipitate, as well as serum complement and RF. Markers of gammopathy, viral infection, and autoimmunity were also investigated.

Results

Of the 13,439 patients, 1,675 (12.5%) tested positive for cryoglobulins: 155 patients (9.3%) with type I, 788 (47%) with type II, and 732 (43.7%) with type III cryoglobulins. Nine percent of patients who were retested after initially testing negative for cryoglobulins showed a positive result on a follow‐up test (196 of the 2,213 retested patients). In type I cryoglobulins, IgM was more frequent but occurred at lower concentrations than IgG. Mixed cryoglobulins were found in 34.8% of the tested patients who were positive for hepatitis C virus and <5% of those who were positive for hepatitis B virus or HIV. Of the patients with anti–double‐stranded DNA, anti‐SSA, or anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies, 25.4% tested positive for mixed cryoglobulins, with type III occurring more frequently than type II. Both cryoprecipitate and serum were RF‐positive in 21.6% of type II and 10.1% of type III cryoglobulins. A decrease of C4, with or without accompanying decreases of C3 and CH50, was found in 23.6% of cryoglobulin samples.

Conclusion

Obtained with the use of modern assays, our findings from this very large collection of cryoglobulins provide an update on cryoglobulin distribution and characteristics, with minimal selection bias. Despite strict preanalytical conditions, a negative finding for the presence of cryoglobulin must be confirmed in a second sample. RF activity and complement decreases were rarely detected.
Cd2+‐induced Fluorescent Metallogel: A Case of CHEF and ACQ Phenomena
Authors: Dixit Manish Kumar , Mahendar Chinthakuntla , Dubey Mrigendra
Published: May 2019

A fluorescent metallogel (1 %w/v) has been synthesized from deprotonation of a non‐fluorescent adipic acid‐derived ligand H2AL with LiOH followed by coordination with Cd2+ in DMF. Cd2+ not only induces the coordination complex formation but also leads to aggregation, formation of nanofibers of about ≈12 nm average diameter and gelation. The metallogel was also found to be reversibly stimuli‐responsive towards heating and mechanical shaking whereas it was resistant to ultrasound. The involvement of chelation‐enhanced fluorescence (CHEF), aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) during the course of gelation has been well established by fluorescence experiments. Further, the coordination complex involved in metallogel formation has been well characterized by ESI‐MS and Job's plot. The synthesized metallogel has a true gel phase as shown by detailed rheological studies. The mechanism of gelation is well established by using FTIR, UV‐vis, fluorescence, lifetime measurement, Job's plot, ESI‐MS, PXRD and TEM techniques.
Halogen‐Bonding‐Induced Conjugate Addition of Thiophenes to Enones and Enals
Authors: Ge Yi‐Cen , Yang Hui , Heusler Arne , Chua Zhijie , Wong Ming Wah , Tan Choon‐Hong
Published: May 2019

Herein, we report the conjugate addition of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds to thiophene derivatives. We used a 2‐iodoimidazolinium triflate salt as a halogen‐bonding donor, which afforded moderate‐to‐excellent yields of the corresponding alkylated thiophenes. Insight into the catalytic process was obtained from 1H NMR spectroscopy studies and DFT calculations, which indicated a halogen‐bonding‐supported mechanism with limited Brønsted acid catalysis.
Unsymmetrical Disulfides Synthesis via Sulfenium Ion
Authors: Parida Amarchand , Choudhuri Khokan , Mal Prasenjit
Published: May 2019

An umpolung approach for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides via sulfenium ion is reported. In situ generated electrophilic sulfenium ion from electron‐rich thiols reacted with second thiols to yield unsymmetrical disulfides. Using an iodine catalyst and 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)/water as promoter, the target syntheses were achieved in one pot under aerobic condition.
Left atrial appendage thrombus detected by transesophageal examination with linear endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Ikezawa Kenji , Shigekawa Minoru , Sengoku Kaoruko , Yoshioka Teppei , Sakamori Ryotaro , Sakata Yasushi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: May 2019

Linear endoscopic ultrasound (L‐EUS) is mainly performed to assess pancreaticobiliary and mediastinal diseases. In this report, transesophageal observation with L‐EUS revealed an LAA thrombus that was not detected by transthoracic echocardiography. This report highlights a novel potential role for L‐EUS in the detection of cardiovascular diseases including LAA thrombi.
Activity‐Stability Volcano Plots for Material Optimization in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Exner Kai S.
Published: May 2019

In the last two decades, research in electrocatalysis has been spurred by theoretical calculations and predictions based on the concept of ab initio thermodynamics, which has become a valuable tool for computational researchers in material screening. These investigations most commonly result into the construction of activity‐based volcano plots in order to predict potential electrocatalysts for the application in practice. However, the prototypical activity‐based volcano concept neither captures the influence of the applied overpotential on the activity nor the stability of electrode surfaces. Herein, the well‐established volcano approach is expanded by constructing activity‐stability volcano plots, which, beside the activity, also enclose the stability and the applied overpotential into the analysis.
Dynamic Studies on Kinetic H2/D2 Quantum Sieving in a Narrow Pore Metal–Organic Framework Grown on a Sensor Chip
Authors: Paschke Benjamin , Denysenko Dmytro , Bredenkötter Björn , Sastre German , Wixforth Achim , Volkmer Dirk
Published: May 2019

The separation of deuterium from hydrogen still remains a challenging and industrially relevant task. Compared to traditional cryogenic methods for separation, based on different boiling points of H2 and D2, the use of ultramicroporous materials offers a more efficient alternative method. Due to their rigid structures, permanently high porosity, tunable pore sizes and adjustable internal surface properties, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous materials built through the coordination between organic linkers and metal ions/clusters, are more suitable for this approach than zeolites or carbon‐based materials. Herein, dynamic gas flow studies on H2/D2 quantum sieving in MFU‐4, a metal‐organic framework with ultra‐narrow pores of 2.5 Å, are presented. A specially designed sensor with a very fast response based on surface acoustic waves is used. On‐chip measurements of diffusion rates in the temperature range 27–207 K reveal a quantum sieving effect, with D2 diffusing faster than H2 below 64 K and the opposite selectivity above this temperature. The experimental results obtained are confirmed by molecular dynamic simulation regarding quantum sieving of H2 and D2 on MOFs for which a flexible framework approach was used for the first time.
Crosslinker Copolymerization for Property Control in Inverse Vulcanization
Authors: Smith Jessica A. , Green Sarah J. , Petcher Samuel , Parker Douglas J. , Zhang Bowen , Worthington Max J. H. , Wu Xiaofeng , Kelly Catherine A. , Baker Thomas , Gibson Christopher T. , Campbell Jonathan A. , Lewis David A. , Jenkins Mike J. , Willcock Helen , Chalker Justin M. , Hasell Tom
Published: May 2019

Sulfur is an underused by‐product of the petrochemicals industry. Recent research into inverse vulcanization has shown how this excess sulfur can be transformed into functional polymers, by stabilization with organic crosslinkers. For these interesting new materials to realize their potential for applications, more understanding and control of their physical properties is needed. Here we report four new terpolymers prepared from sulfur and two distinct alkene monomers that can be predictively tuned in glass transition, molecular weight, solubility, mechanical properties, and color.
Anchoring CuO Nanoparticles On C, N‐Codoped G‐C3N4 Nanosheets from Melamine‐Entrapped MOF Gel for High‐Efficiency Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Lu , Kuang Xuan , Liu Zhaoxuan , Hou Ying , Wang Zhiling , Wei Qin , Lee Jin Yong , Kang Baotao
Published: May 2019

Facile engineering of transitional metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) homogeneously anchored on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) is very important. Herein, we develop a rapid and facile route to synthesize CuO NPs‐ and C, N‐codoped g‐C3N4 nanosheets grown on Ni foil (CuO/CN−C3N4/Ni‐f), derived from the oxidation‐pyrolysis of melamine‐entrapped Cu(II)‐MOF gel in the air. A detailed growth process for the hierarchical structure is studied. The obtained hierarchical structure without any binders used directly as an electrode only needs an overpotential of 223 mV to achieve a current density of 50 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M KOH, implying its highly efficient electrocatalytic activity. Notably, this material also exhibits strong long‐term durability. Free energy calculations show that the intrinsic origin of the outstanding activity is derived from sufficient exposure of active sites for CuO NPs anchored on the nanosheets and high N content.
Deterministic Guarantees for Burer‐Monteiro Factorizations of Smooth Semidefinite Programs
Authors: Boumal Nicolas , Voroninski Vladislav , Bandeira Afonso S.
Published: May 2019

We consider semidefinite programs (SDPs) with equality constraints. The variable to be optimized is a positive semidefinite matrix X of size n. Following the Burer‐Monteiro approach, we optimize a factor Y of size n × p instead, such that X = YYT. This ensures positive semidefiniteness at no cost and can reduce the dimension of the problem if p is small, but results in a nonconvex optimization problem with a quadratic cost function and quadratic equality constraints in Y. In this paper, we show that if the set of constraints on Y regularly defines a smooth manifold, then, despite nonconvexity, first‐ and second‐order necessary optimality conditions are also sufficient, provided p is large enough. For smaller values of p, we show a similar result holds for almost all (linear) cost functions. Under those conditions, a global optimum Y maps to a global optimum X = YYT of the SDP. We deduce old and new consequences for SDP relaxations of the generalized eigenvector problem, the trust‐region subproblem, and quadratic optimization over several spheres, as well as for the Max‐Cut and Orthogonal‐Cut SDPs, which are common relaxations in stochastic block modeling and synchronization of rotations. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
R Tutorial: Detection of Differentially Interacting Chromatin Regions From Multiple Hi‐C Datasets
Authors: Stansfield John C. , Tran Duc , Nguyen Tin , Dozmorov Mikhail G.
Published: May 2019

The three‐dimensional (3D) interactions of chromatin regulate cell‐type‐specific gene expression, recombination, X‐chromosome inactivation, and many other genomic processes. High‐throughput chromatin conformation capture (Hi‐C) technologies capture the structure of the chromatin on a global scale by measuring all‐vs.‐all interactions and can provide new insights into genomic regulation. The workflow presented here describes how to analyze and interpret a comparative Hi‐C experiment. We describe the process of obtaining Hi‐C data from public repositories and give suggestions for pre‐processing pipelines for users who intend to analyze their own raw data. We then describe the data normalization and comparative analysis process. We present three protocols describing the use of the multiHiCcompare, diffHic, and FIND R packages, respectively, to perform a comparative analysis of Hi‐C experiments. Finally, visualization of the results and downstream interpretation of the differentially interacting regions are discussed. The bulk of this tutorial uses the R programming environment, and the processes described can be performed with most operating systems and a single computer. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preparation of Highly Active Monometallic Rhenium Catalysts for Selective Synthesis of 1,4‐Butanediol from 1,4‐Anhydroerythritol
Authors: Wang Tianmiao , Tamura Masazumi , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: May 2019

1,4‐Butanediol can be produced from 1,4‐anhydroerythritol through the co‐catalysis of monometallic mixed catalysts (ReOx/CeO2+ReOx/C) in the one‐pot reduction with H2. The highest yield of 1,4‐butanediol was over 80 %, which is similar to the value obtained over ReOx–Au/CeO2+ReOx/C catalysts. Mixed catalysts of CeO2+ReOx/C showed almost the same performance, giving 89 % yield of 1,4‐butanediol. The reactivity trends of possible intermediates suggest that the reaction mechanism over ReOx/CeO2+ReOx/C is similar to that over ReOx–Au/CeO2+ReOx/C: deoxydehydration (DODH) of 1,4‐anhydroerythritol to 2,5‐dihydrofuran over ReOx species on the CeO2 support with the promotion of H2 activation by ReOx/C, isomerization of 2,5‐dihydrofuran to 2,3‐dihydrofuran catalyzed by ReOx on the C support, hydration of 2,3‐dihydrofuran catalyzed by C, and hydrogenation to 1,4‐butanediol catalyzed by ReOx/C. The reaction order of conversion of 1,4‐anhydroerythritol with respect to H2 pressure is almost zero and this indicates that the rate‐determining step is the formation of 2,5‐dihydrofuran from the coordinated substrate with reduced Re in the DODH step. The activity of ReOx/CeO2+ReOx/C is higher than that of ReOx–Au/CeO2+ReOx/C, which is probably related to the reducibility of ReOx/C and the mobility of the Re species between the supports. High‐valent Re species such as Re7+ on the CeO2 and C supports are mobile in the solvent; however, low‐valent Re species, including metallic Re species, have much lower mobility. Metallic Re and cationic low‐valent Re species with high reducibility and low mobility can be present on the carbon support as a trigger for H2 activation and promoter of the reduction of Re species on CeO2. The presence of noble metals such as Au can enhance the reducibility through the activation of H2 molecules on the noble metal and the formation of spilt‐over hydrogen over noble metal/CeO2, as indicated by H2 temperature‐programmed reduction. The higher reducibility of ReOx–Au/CeO2 lowers the DODH activity of ReOx–Au/CeO2+ReOx/C in comparison with ReOx/CeO2+ReOx/C by restricting the movement of Re species from C to CeO2.
Amorphous Cobalt Iron Borate Grown on Carbon Paper as a Precatalyst for Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Huibing , Yang Liu , Qiao Kangwei , Zheng Lirong , Cao Xiaohua , Cao Dapeng
Published: May 2019

The key to improving water oxidation is to develop efficient and earth‐abundant catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a new amorphous cobalt iron borate supported on 3D carbon paper integrated electrode is reported as a precatalyst for the OER, which was synthesized by using a one‐pot hydrothermal method. An optimum OER activity was obtained at 25 % Fe doping by screening the compositions of the Co and Fe. The best synthesized catalyst needs an overpotential of 227 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and also exhibits a long‐term durability of 24 h. Impressively, we find that CoFe oxyhydroxide was formed in situ in the OER process, which serves as the real catalytic active species for OER. Moreover, the direct conversion from CoFe borate to CoFe oxyhydroxide is reported for the first time in metal borate OER catalysts. The discovery in this work, that is, that metal borate as a precursor can efficiently catalyze the OER in alkaline media, significantly widens the family of OER catalysts.
Seasonal variations in food resource partitioning among four sympatric gudgeon species in the upper Yangtze River
Authors: Liu Fei , Wang Jianwei , Liu Huanzhang
Published: May 2019

Knowledge of food resource partitioning among sympatric fish species is crucial for understanding the potential mechanisms of species coexistence. Gudgeons (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Gobioninae) often dominate fish assemblages in the upper Yangtze River. However, little research has been conducted on their trophic interactions. In this paper, seasonal diet and feeding strategy variations of four sympatric gudgeon species,Coreius guichenoti,Coreius heterodon,Rhinogobio ventralis,andRhinogobio cylindricus, were investigated by analysis of intestinal tract contents, aiming to explore whether food resource partitioning occurred among them. Fish specimens were collected during spring (April–May) and autumn (August–October) in 2010 in Hejiang, a free‐flowing stretch of the upper Yangtze River.Coreius guichenoti,C. heterodon,andR. cylindricusshowed omnivorous feeding habits, whileR. ventralisexhibited an obligate carnivore feeding habit. Diet overlap among the four studied species was high, especially in spring. However, changes in feeding strategies were observed in autumn. Specifically,C. guichenotiandR. cylindricusexpanded their dietary niche breadth and consumed detritus, Sinopotamidae or Hydropsychidae as important complementary food resources. In contrast,C. heterodonandR. ventralisreduced their dietary niche breadth and became more specialized on mussels (Limnoperna lacustris). These results confirmed that sympatric fish species can coexist with high diet overlap, and food resource partitioning among these species may also fluctuate with the seasons.
Land‐use in Europe affects land snail assemblages directly and indirectly by modulating abiotic and biotic drivers
Authors: Wehner Katja , Renker Carsten , Brückner Adrian , Simons Nadja K. , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Blüthgen Nico
Published: May 2019

Type and intensity of land‐use vary in space and time and strongly contribute to changes in richness and composition of species communities. In this study, we examined land snail communities in forests and grasslands in three regions of Germany. We aimed to quantify the extent to which snail density, diversity, and community composition in forests and grasslands are determined by (1) land‐use intensity, (2) abiotic drivers and (3) biotic substrates, and (4) whether these effects are consistent across regions. In total, we collected 15,607 snail individuals belonging to 71 species and analyzed both direct and indirect effects using structural equation modeling. Snail densities and their local diversity varied across regions and between forest and grassland habitats within a region albeit with contrasting trends. Community composition also differed among regions—more strongly in forests than in grasslands—and each habitat had unique species (18 in forests, 21 in grasslands). In general, the direct impact of land‐use on snail density, diversity, and community structure was on average nine (forests) and seven (grasslands) times lower than the impact of abiotic drivers and biotic substrates which both affected snail assemblages about equally. However, land‐use factors had indirect effects on snail responses through abiotic variables such as soil moisture and soil pH. Furthermore, land‐use factors also had indirect effects via changing biotic substrates, such as plant cover in grasslands and deadwood cover in forests. Our results show that land snails strongly respond to environmental gradients and add an important indicator taxon to the current evidence of land‐use impacts, highlighting the complexity of direct and indirect effects via biotic and abiotic drivers across regions in Central Europe.
Exercise and the dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV inhibitor sitagliptin do not improve beta‐cell function and glucose homeostasis in long‐lasting type 1 diabetes—A randomised open‐label study
Authors: Seelig Eleonora , Trinh Beckey , Hanssen Henner , Schmidt‐Trucksäss Arno , Ellingsgaard Helga , Christ‐Crain Mirjam , Donath Marc Y.
Published: May 2019

Background

Increasing evidence points to beta‐cell regeneration in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM) at all stages of the disease. Exercise and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) independently improve beta‐cell function and glucose homeostasis in animal studies and in clinical trials in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). Whether a combination of both, exercise and GLP‐1, induces a similar effect in individuals with long‐lasting type 1 DM remains to be investigated.

Methods

In an open‐label study, participants with long‐standing type 1 DM were randomly assigned to oral sitagliptin 100 mg daily for 12 weeks in combination with or without an exercise intervention. The primary end‐point was change in the area under the concentration‐time curve of C‐peptide during a mixed meal tolerance test before and after 12 weeks of intervention.

Results

A total of 24 participants were included in the study and treated with sitagliptin, 12 participants were allocated to a 12‐week exercise intervention. After 12 weeks, there was no difference in the change of AUC C‐peptide between groups (exercise: 0 [−1424 to 1870], no exercise: 2091 [283‐17 434]; P = 0.09). HDL improved in the exercise intervention group compared to the group with sitagliptin only (exercise: 0.11 [−0.09 to 0.27]; no exercise: −0.18 [−0.24 to 0.01]; P = 0.04). AUC glucose was numerically slightly lower in the exercise intervention group but this did not translate into changes in HbA1c.

Conclusion

The combination of exercise and sitagliptin had no effect on beta‐cell function in individuals with long‐lasting type 1 DM.
Current status and key factors for coalbed methane development with multibranched horizontal wells in the southern Qinshui basin of China
Authors: Chen Shida , Tang Dazhen , Tao Shu , Yang Yanhui , Chen Longwei
Published: May 2019

The Qinshui basin is the most successful area for coalbed methane (CBM) development in China. Since 2008, 45 multibranched horizontal wells (MBHWs) have been put into production in the Fanzhuang block, of which 10 wells have an average daily gas rate (DGR) of >10 000 m3/d. Well 4‐5 with the total gas production of 1.054 × 108 m3achieved the China's highestDGRof 63 744 m3/d. Compared with vertical wells,MBHWis an effective way to developCBMin low permeability reservoirs in China. However, there are still 23 wells have an averageDGRof <3000 m3/d, of which 18 wells are below 1000 m3/d. The results show that shallow depth (<600 m), high gas content (>16 m3/t) and saturation (>80%), long coal seam interval (>3000 m), reasonable branch spread, and stable wellbore are the basis for achieving high production. The encountered faults connected to the aquifer will cause a high water production and an extremely low gas rate (<1000 m3/d). In the inclined coal seam, the up‐dipMBHWis more favorable for the formation water drainage and the pressure drop funnel expansion than the down‐dipMBHW, and the horizontal well should be drilled perpendicular to the high‐permeability direction to achieve a higher recovery ratio.MBHWis more sensitivity to drainage rate due to the coal fine migration in the horizontal segments, and the high pressure drop rate will lead to high frequency of stunk pump and eventually affect the gas production. Currently, the biggest challenge forCBMdevelopment withMBHWis wellbore stability. 57% of inefficient wells are caused by wellbore collapse during drilling and production processes. Here, a new type of “Roof Drilling‐Tree Shaped” horizontal well structure was presented in this work. The first “Roof Drilling‐Tree Shaped” horizontal well with a total length of 12 288 m and a coal seam interval of 9408 m was successfully applied without drilling accidents.
Integrated network and hosts energy management for cloud data centers
Authors: Al‐Jarrah Omar , Al‐Zoubi Zohour , Jararweh Yaser
Published: May 2019

Cloud computing provides online services to users from anywhere in a pay‐as‐you‐go basis. This leads to the construction of different forms of data centers around the world, which usually consumes huge amount of energy and produce pollution (heat and carbon dioxide footprint). Many efforts have focused on managing cloud resources to decrease their energy consumption. Since servers are the highest energy consumers in data centers, most researchers have focused on optimizing their energy consumption while other resources such as network devices and cooling systems have received less attention. In this paper, we propose a network‐aware virtual machine (VM) relocation algorithm, which optimizes the distribution of the VMs running on the data center in order to conserve energy in both servers and network devices (switches). The proposed technique targets the communicated VMs and places them closer to each other. This would reduce the traffic overhead between any communicating VMs so that fewer network devices are involved in the communication process. This also increases the VMs consolidation to some servers while leaving other servers idle. Switching off the idle servers and network devices would significantly reduce the total energy consumed by the data center. The proposed algorithm is evaluated using simulation and the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared against different previously proposed algorithms in the literature. Performance metrics used are the energy consumed by the host and by the network switches, the service level agreement violations, and the number of VM migrations. The impact of different packet sizes, the efficiency of switching the network elements to sleep mode, and the impact of resource homogeneity and heterogeneity are also studied and discussed. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the existing algorithms in terms of all evaluation metrics.
Analysis of steroid hormones in shell eggs from layer breeds common to Taiwan by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li I‐Chen , Yang Wen‐Yuan , Chou Chung‐Hsi , Chen Yi‐Chen , Kuo Su‐Lien , Wang Sheng‐Yao
Published: May 2019

Steroid hormones are often used in animal agriculture but are currently banned for use in domesticated fowl because residual hormones could be present in eggs for human consumption. Egg samples from eight common commercial poultry layer breeds (Hy‐Line W‐36, Hy‐Line Brown, ISA‐White, ISA‐Brown, Lohnmann Ultra‐Lite, Lohnmann‐Brown, Hisex White, Hisex Brown) in Taiwan were screened for a combination of 15 natural and synthetic steroid hormones by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) for consumer assurance. Only natural hormones such as progesterone, 4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione, and testosterone were detected. Regarding each breed, the interaction effect (age × shell color), main effect (age or shell color), and blocking effect (lighting system) were further analyzed by using 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatment in a randomized block design. We also discovered associations between yolk steroid hormone levels and laying hen age, as well as lighting conditions. Additionally, we found a correlation between hormone levels and eggshell color, suggesting a potential role in brown pigmentation. Ultimately, we concluded that detectable steroid hormone levels in eggs were not a consumer health risk. Furthermore, these data provide empirical hormone concentrations in various types of commercial layer breeds for future research.
Design of a Pilot SOFC System for the Combined Production of Hydrogen and Electricity under Refueling Station Requirements
Authors: Pérez‐Fortes M. , Mian A. , Srikanth S. , Wang L. , Diethelm S. , Varkaraki E. , Mirabelli I. , Makkus R. , Schoon R. , Maréchal F. , Van herle J.
Published: May 2019

The objective of the current work is to support the design of a pilot hydrogen and electricity producing plant that uses natural gas (or biomethane) as raw material, as a transition option towards a 100% renewable transportation system. The plant, with a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) as principal technology, is intended to be the main unit of an electric vehicle station. The refueling station has to work at different operation periods characterized by the hydrogen demand and the electricity needed for supply and self‐consumption. The same set of heat exchangers has to satisfy the heating and cooling needs of the different operation periods. In order to optimize the operating variables of the pilot plant and to provide the best heat exchanger network, the applied methodology follows a systematic procedure for multi‐objective, i.e. maximum plant efficiency and minimum number of heat exchanger matches, and multi‐period optimization. The solving strategy combines process flow modeling in steady state, superstructure‐based mathematical programming and the use of an evolutionary‐based algorithm for optimization. The results show that the plant can reach a daily weighted efficiency exceeding 60%, up to 80% when considering heat utilization.
Improved accuracy of hemimandibular reconstructions involving the condyle by utilizing hydroformed reconstruction plates rather than hand‐bent stock plates
Authors: Ong Hui Shan , Liu Jian Nan , Ahmed Abdelrehem , Qu Xing Zhou , Wan Kenneth , Xie Dong Ping , Zhang Chen Ping
Published: May 2019

Background

Computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) surgical templates allow precise mandibular reconstructive surgery. However, their clinical accuracy is limited by manual plate bending. Digitally hydroformed plates maintain a digital workstream in virtual planning.

Methods

Twelve patients with Brown's class IIc mandibular defects were randomized into two groups: group I (experimental), the reconstruction plate was digitally hydroformed, and group II (control), surgeries were performed CAD/CAM guided with the reconstruction plate manually prebent. The linear and angular deviations of reconstruction outcomes were compared to surgical simulation in both groups.

Results

The mean linear and angular deviations of middle and posterior segments were 2.14 ± 0.79 mm, 3.71 ± 0.95 mm, 8.73° ± 1.91°, and 9.06° ± 0.96° in group I and 4.31 ± 0.78 mm, 6.74 ± 1.40 mm, 16.35° ± 0.72°, and 31.48° ± 3.38° in group II, respectively. Measurements in group I were significantly lower than group II (P < .005).

Conclusion

Digital hydroforming for plate prebent is a reliable method that helps improving the clinical accuracy of CAD/CAM‐guided mandibular reconstruction surgery.
Somatic mutations and promotor methylation of the ryanodine receptor 2 is a common event in the pathogenesis of head and neck cancer
Authors: Schmitt Katrin , Molfenter Britta , Laureano Natalia Koerich , Tawk Bouchra , Bieg Matthias , Hostench Xavier Pastor , Weichenhan Dieter , Ullrich Nina D. , Shang Viny , Richter Daniela , Stögbauer Fabian , Schroeder Lea , de Bem Prunes Bianca , Visioli Fernanda , Rados Pantelis Varvaki , Jou Adriana , Plath Michaela , Federspil Philippe A. , Thierauf Julia , Döscher Johannes , Weissinger Stephanie E. , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Wagner Steffen , Wittekindt Claus , Ishaque Naveed , Eils Roland , Klussmann Jens P. , Holzinger Dana , Plass Christoph , Abdollahi Amir , Freier Kolja , Weichert Wilko , Zaoui Karim , Hess Jochen
Published: May 2019

Genomic sequencing projects unraveled the mutational landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and provided a comprehensive catalog of somatic mutations. However, the limited number of significant cancer‐related genes obtained so far only partially explains the biological complexity of HNSCC and hampers the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We pursued a multiscale omics approach based on whole‐exome sequencing, global DNA methylation and gene expression profiling data derived from tumor samples of the HIPO‐HNC cohort (n = 87), and confirmed new findings with datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Promoter methylation was confirmed by MassARRAY analysis and protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. We discovered a set of cancer‐related genes with frequent somatic mutations and high frequency of promoter methylation. This included the ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2), which showed variable promoter methylation and expression in both tumor samples and cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining of tissue sections unraveled a gradual loss of RYR2 expression from normal mucosa via dysplastic lesion to invasive cancer and indicated that reduced RYR2 expression in adjacent tissue and precancerous lesions might serve as risk factor for unfavorable prognosis and upcoming malignant conversion. In summary, our data indicate that impaired RYR2 function by either somatic mutation or epigenetic silencing is a common event in HNSCC pathogenesis. Detection of RYR2 expression and/or promoter methylation might enable risk assessment for malignant conversion of dysplastic lesions.
Halting ionic shuttle to disrupt the synthetic machinery—Structural and molecular insights into the inhibitory roles of Bedaquiline towards Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATP synthase in the treatment of tuberculosis
Authors: Salifu Elliasu Y. , Agoni Clement , Olotu Fisayo A. , Dokurugu Yussif M. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: May 2019

Therapeutic targeting of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) machinery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has recently presented a potent and alternative measure to halt the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. This has been potentiated by the development of bedaquiline (BDQ), a novel small molecule inhibitor that selectively inhibits mycobacterial F1Fo‐ATP synthase by targeting its rotor c‐ring, resulting in the disruption of ATP synthesis and consequential cell death. Although the structural resolution of the mycobacterial C9 ring in co`mplex with BDQ provided the first‐hand detail of BDQ interaction at the c‐ring region of the ATP synthase, there still remains a need to obtain essential and dynamic insights into the mechanistic activity of this drug molecule towards crucial survival machinery of Mtb. As such, for the first time, we report an atomistic model to describe the structural dynamics that explicate the experimentally reported antagonistic features of BDQ in halting ion shuttling by the mycobacterial c‐ring, using molecular dynamics simulation and the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area methods. Results showed that BDQ exhibited a considerably high ΔG while it specifically maintained high‐affinity interactions with Glu65B and Asp32B, blocking their crucial roles in proton binding and shuttling, which is required for ATP synthesis. Moreover, the bulky nature of BDQ induced a rigid and compact conformation of the rotor c‐ring, which impedes the essential rotatory motion that drives ion exchange and shuttling. In addition, the binding affinity of a BDQ molecule was considerably increased by the complementary binding of another BDQ molecule, which indicates that an increase in BDQ molecule enhances inhibitory potency against Mtb ATP synthase. Taken together, findings provide atomistic perspectives into the inhibitory mechanisms of BDQ coupled with insights that could enhance the structure‐based design of novel ATP synthase inhibitors towards the treatment of tuberculosis.
The granular capacitive moving bed reactor for the scale up of bioanodes
Authors: Borsje Casper , Sleutels Tom , Saakes Michel , Buisman Cees JN , ter Heijne Annemiek
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Scaling up bioelectrochemical systems for the treatment of wastewater faces challenges. Material costs, low conductivity of wastewater and clogging are issues that need a novel approach. The granular capacitive moving bed reactor can potentially solve these challenges. In this reactor, capacitive activated carbon granules are used as bioanode material. The charge storage capabilities of these capacitive granules allow for the physical separation of the charging and the discharging process and therefore a separation of the wastewater treatment and energy recovery process.

RESULTS

This study investigates the performance of the granular capacitive moving bed reactor. In this reactor, activated granules were transported from the bottom to the top of the reactor using a gas lift and settled on top of the granular bed, which moved downwards through the internal discharge cell. This moving granular bed was applied to increase the contact time with the discharge anode to increase the current density. The capacitive moving bed reactor (total volume 7.7 L) produced a maximum current of 23 A m−2 normalized to membrane area (257 A m−3granules). Without granules, the current was only 1.4 A m−2membrane. The activity of the biofilm on the granules increased over time, from 436 up to 1259 A m−3granules. A second experiment produced similar areal current density and increase in activity over time.

CONCLUSION

Whereas the produced current density is promising for further scaling up of bioanodes, the main challenges are to improve the discharge of the charged granules and growth of biofilm on the granules under shear stress. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Hard meso/macroporous iron oxide/iron silicate macrospheres obtained by the multi‐templating technique
Authors: Muresan Emil Ioan , Pui Aurel , Măluţan Teodor , Coroabă Adina , Cimpoesu Nicanor , Istrate Bogdan , Pinteală Mariana
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work was to develop a cheap and easy method for the synthesis of porous iron oxide/iron silicate composite materials in the form of spheres to replace their corresponding counterparts in powder form. Macrospheres with diameters in the range 1.2–1.3 mm were prepared by the spray‐gelling technique using the multi‐templating method. Iron nitrate and tetraethyl orthosilicate were used as iron and silica sources respectively. Chitosan played a dual role (pore‐ and shape‐generating agent), while other inexpensive and easily accessible biomaterials including yeast and gelatin were used as pore generators. By this technique can be obtained metallosilicates or metal oxides/metallosilicates containing high amounts of metal incorporated within the silica framework.

RESULTS

The iron oxide/iron silicate composite beads were characterized by nitrogen sorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance (DR) ultraviolet (UV)–visible and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Wide angle XRD indicated the presence of iron oxides on the surface of sample. XPS, FTIR, Raman and UV–visible analyses showed that the samples contained both intra‐framework as well as extra‐framework iron species. SEM images indicated that the macrospheres were endowed with large pores. The iron oxide/iron silicate beads exhibited good catalytic activity in the hydroxylation reaction of phenol with hydrogen peroxide.

CONCLUSION

This synthesis method allowed the obtaining of spherical shaped particles with large pores which exhibited good mechanical, thermal and chemical stability. Owing to their size, hardness and shape, these materials can be easily handled, recovered and reused. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Variation pattern of antibiotic resistance genes and microbial community succession during swine manure composting under different aeration strategies
Authors: Chang Jiali , Jiang Tao , Zhao Mengxin , Yang Juan , Wen Zhiguo , Yang Feng , Ma Xuguang , Li Guoxue
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Animal manure is one of the significant sources of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and an emerging pollutant that poses a threat to human beings. Composting is a common method of treating manure. The effect of composting on the ARGs in manure has become an active research area in recent years. In this study, three common aeration strategies were used to study the removal of ARGs and to clarify their microbial mechanism during composting, i.e. forced aeration (with three ventilation rates), turn windrow and static pile.

RESULTS

Results showed that the variation pattern of ARGs was highly dependent on the succession of the microbial community, and environmental factors accounted for 44% of the variation. Most ARGs (tetW/tetO/tetH, qnrS, ermB and blaTEM) could be significantly reduced after composting for 77 days, but sulfonamide resistance genes (sulI/sulII) and the integrase gene (intI) were highly enriched, particularly in forced aeration treatment. These enrichments were closely correlated with an increase in the genera belonging to Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes and a decrease in the genera affiliated with Firmicutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The temporal variations in ARGs were consistent under different aeration treatments. Further study should focus on optimizing the composting conditions to reduce recalcitrant ARGs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Validation of original and alternative fistula risk scores in postoperative pancreatic fistula
Authors: Ryu Youngju , Shin Sang Hyun , Park Dae Joon , Kim Naru , Heo Jin Seok , Choi Dong Wook , Han In Woong
Published: May 2019

Background

In 2013, the fistula risk score (FRS) was developed to assess the risk of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF). In 2017, the alternative FRS (a‐FRS) was proposed. The purpose of this study was to validate the original FRS (o‐FRS) and a‐FRS for CR‐POPF in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

From January 2007 to December 2016, 1,771 patients underwent PD for periampullary cancers. POPF was defined and classified according to the 2016 International Study Group for Pancreatic Fistula. All data were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Pathologic diagnosis other than ductal adenocarcinoma (P < 0.001), pancreas duct diameter (P < 0.001), and body mass index (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CR‐POPF. Pancreatic texture (P = 0.534) and estimated blood loss (P = 0.827) were not associated with CR‐POPF. The CR‐POPF incidence increased with increasing o‐FRS score (P < 0.001), and also increased statistically significantly with increasing a‐FRS in the higher risk group (P < 0.001). However, the correlations differed. The area under the curve was 0.629 for o‐FRS and 0.622 for a‐FRS.

Conclusions

Both o‐FRS and a‐FRS might reflect CR‐POPF incidence, but some risk factors had no or low statistical significance. Further research is needed to revise the FRS.
Design, Synthesis, and Anticancer Activities of Benzofuran–Isatin Hybrids Tethered by Pentylene and Hexylene
Authors: Xu Kai , Liu Yiding , Wang Ruo , Cai Panya , Fang Yanjie
Published: May 2019

Fourteen benzofuran–isatin hybrids 6a–f and 7a–h tethered via alkyl linker (pentylene and hexylene) were designed and synthesized, and hybrids 6c–f and 7a–h were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against various human cancer cell lines. The majority of the hybrids were active against the tested cancer cells, and the most active hybrids 7g (half maximal inhibitory concentration/IC50: 77.2–88.9 μM) and 7h (IC50: 65.4–89.7 μM), which possessed broad spectrum anticancer activity were as potent as the reference vorinostat (IC50: 64.2–>100 μM) against all tested cancer cell lines, could act as leads for further investigations. The structure–activity relationship is also discussed, and the enriched structure–activity relationship may afford useful information for further rational design of the candidates with higher activity.
Design and synthesis of enantiopure 18F‐labelled [18F]trifluoromethyltryptophan from 2‐halotryptophan derivatives via copper(I)‐mediated [18F]trifluoromethylation and evaluation of its in vitro characterization for the serotonergic system imaging
Authors: Kim Ho Young , Lee Ji Youn , Lee Yun‐Sang , Jeong Jae Min
Published: May 2019

We synthesized [18F]trifluoromethyl‐l‐tryptophan ([18F]CF3‐l‐Trp) using Cu(I)‐mediated [18F]trifluoromethylation to image serotonergic system. Radiochemical yield was 6 ± 1.5% (n = 9), and radiochemical purity was over 99%. The molar activity was 0.44 to 0.76 GBq/μmol. [18F]CF3‐l‐Trp was stable for up to 6 hours in mouse and human sera at 37°C. Protein‐binding was 0.26 ± 0.03% and 0.34 ± 0.02% in human and mouse serum at 60 minutes, respectively. In conclusion, enantiopure [18F]CF3‐l‐Trp was synthesized as a feasible imaging agent for the serotonergic system.