bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retail Baitfish in Michigan Harbor Serious Fish Viral Pathogens
Authors: Boonthai Traimat , Loch Thomas P. , Zhang Qingli , Van Deuren Michelle Gunn , Faisal Mohamed , Whelan Gary E. , Herbst Seth J.
Published: October 2018

Indigenous small cyprinid fish species play an important role in Great Lakes ecosystems and also comprise the backbone of a multimillion-dollar baitfish industry. Due to their widespread use in sport fisheries of the Laurentian Great Lakes, there are increasing concerns that baitfish may introduce or disseminate fish pathogens. In this study, we evaluated whether baitfish purchased from 78 randomly selected retail bait dealers in Michigan harbored fish viruses. Between September 2015 and June 2016, 5,400 baitfish divided into 90 lots of 60 fish were purchased. Fish were tested for the presence of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), golden shiner reovirus (GSRV), fathead minnow nidovirus (FHMNV), fathead minnow picornavirus (FHMPV), and white sucker bunyavirus (WSBV). Using the epithelioma papulosum cyprini cell line and molecular confirmation, we demonstrated the presence of viruses in 18 of the 90 fish lots (20.0%) analyzed. The most prevalent virus was FHMNV, being detected in 6 of 30 lots of Fathead Minnow Pimephales promelas and 3 of 42 lots of Emerald Shiners Notropis atherinoides. We also confirmed GSRV in two fish species: the Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas (5 of 11 lots) and Fathead Minnow (3 of 30 lots). Two VHSV (genotype IVb) isolates were recovered from a single lot of Emerald Shiners. No SVCV, FHMPV, or WSBV was detected in any of the fish examined. Some of the infected fish exhibited clinical signs and histopathological alterations. This study demonstrates that live baitfish are a potential vector for the spread of viral pathogens and underscores the importance of fish health certifications for the Great Lakes baitfish industry.
Gold Catalyzed Photoredox C1‐Alkynylation of N‐Alkyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines by 1‐Bromoalkynes with UVA LED Light
Authors: Zhao Yichao , Jin Jianwen , Chan Philip Wai Hong
Published: October 2018

A synthetic method that combines [Au2(μ‐dppm)2]Cl2 (dppm=bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane) and UVA LED (LED=light emitting diode) light (365 nm) to catalyze the regioselective C1‐alkynylation of N‐alkyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) with alkynyl bromides is described. The reaction mechanism was delineated to involve a reductive quench pathway to generate the two posited radical species of the nitrogen‐containing heterocycle and organic halide. In contrast, radical formation via an oxidative quench pathway was suggested to be operative in analogous control experiments with a 1‐iodoalkyne. The usefulness of this carbon‐carbon bond forming strategy was also exemplified by its application to the formal synthesis of the opioid analgesic drug methopholine and synthesis of a protoberberine alkaloid derivative.

magnified image
Bio‐Inspired Micropatterned Platforms Recapitulate 3D Physiological Morphologies of Bone and Dentinal Cells
Authors: Ma Chi , Chang Bei , Jing Yan , Kim Harry , Liu Xiaohua
Published: October 2018

Cells exhibit distinct 3D morphologies in vivo, and recapitulation of physiological cell morphologies in vitro is pivotal not only to elucidate many fundamental biological questions, but also to develop new approaches for tissue regeneration and drug screening. However, conventional cell culture methods in either a 2D petri dish or a 3D scaffold often lead to the loss of the physiological morphologies for many cells, such as bone cells (osteocytes) and dentinal cells (odontoblasts). Herein, a unique approach in developing a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM)‐like micropatterned synthetic matrix as a physiologically relevant 3D platform is reported to recapitulate the morphologies of osteocytes and odontoblasts in vitro. The bio‐inspired micropatterned matrix precisely mimics the hierarchic 3D nanofibrous tubular/canaliculi architecture as well as the compositions of the ECM of mineralized tissues, and is capable of controlling one single cell in a microisland of the matrix. Using this bio‐inspired 3D platform, individual bone and dental stem cells are successfully manipulated to recapitulate the physiological morphologies of osteocytes and odontoblasts in vitro, respectively. This work provides an excellent platform for an in‐depth understanding of cell–matrix interactions in 3D environments, paving the way for designing next‐generation biomaterials for tissue regeneration.
A Stretchable‐Hybrid Low‐Power Monolithic ECG Patch with Microfluidic Liquid‐Metal Interconnects and Stretchable Carbon‐Black Nanocomposite Electrodes for Wearable Heart Monitoring
Authors: Li Yida , Luo Yuxuan , Nayak Suryakanta , Liu Zhuangjian , Chichvarina Olga , Zamburg Evgeny , Zhang Xiaoyang , Liu Yang , Heng Chun Huat , Thean Aaron Voon‐Yew
Published: October 2018

A stretchable electrocardiogram (ECG) patch (SEP) that monolithically integrates ECG monitoring chip‐on‐board (COB) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and liquid‐metal interconnects is presented. The 4.8 × 4.8 cm2 SEP is conformal and robust to mechanical deformation. The use of a silicon‐on‐insulator rigid complementary‐metal‐oxide‐semiconductor chip allows sophisticated power management and signal processing. The chip's dense inputs/output pads are interfaced with coarser liquid‐metal interconnects using a dual‐sided COB design. A robust ECG signal response (≈100 mVp–p up to 1 kHz), subjected to mechanical deformation and moisture is demonstrated. The SEP allows up to 10% stretch, providing sufficient pliability to enable conformal contact to the human chest. Low profile soft carbon black‐PDMS nanocomposite electrodes, robust to deformation, enable good skin contact and allow for low‐noise signal acquisition that is comparable to larger commercial wet electrodes.
Photoelectric Plasticity in Oxide Thin Film Transistors with Tunable Synaptic Functions
Authors: Wu Quantan , Wang Jiawei , Cao Jingchen , Lu Congyan , Yang Guanhua , Shi Xuewen , Chuai Xichen , Gong Yuxin , Su Yue , Zhao Ying , Lu Nianduan , Geng Di , Wang Hong , Li Ling , Liu Ming
Published: October 2018

Emulating key synaptic functions in electronic devices is quite significant in bioinspired applications. Artificial synaptic thin film transistors (TFT) offer a promising solution for efficient synapse simulation. Herein, artificial synapses based on indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) TFT are fabricated and the photoelectric plasticity is investigated. Versatile synaptic functions including paired‐pulse facilitation, paired‐pulse depression, and short‐term memory to long‐term memory transition are emulated. More importantly, these synaptic functions can be mediated by modulating the composition ratio of IGZO film. These achievements represent a major advance toward implementation of full synaptic functionality in neuromorphic hardware and the strategy that combines the photonics and the electrics has great prospects in optoelectronic applications.
Deep learning for pyrolysis reactor monitoring: From thermal imaging toward smart monitoring system
Authors: Zhu W. , Ma Y. , Benton M. G. , Romagnoli J. A. , Zhan Y.
Published: October 2018

Monitoring the operation of a pyrolysis reactor is always challenging due to the extremely high‐operating temperature (over 800°C) in the fired furnace. To improve current monitoring capability, a monitoring framework is proposed that builds upon thermal photography to provide a detailed view inside the fired furnace. Based on the infrared images generated from the temperature data provided by cameras, a deep learning approach is introduced to automatically identify tube regions from the raw images. The pixel‐wise tube segmentation network is named Res50‐UNet, which combines the popular ResNet‐50 and U‐Net architectures. By this approach, the precise temperature and shape on pyrolysis tubes are monitored. The control limits are eventually drawn by the adaptive k‐nearest neighbor method to raise alarms for faults. Through testing over real plant data, the framework assists process operators by providing in‐depth operating information of the reactor and fault diagnosis. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 582–591, 2019
Insights into the evolutionary dynamics of Neotropical biomes from the phylogeography and paleodistribution modeling of Bromelia balansae
Authors: Leal Bárbara S. S. , Medeiros Lilian R. , Peres Elen A. , Sobral–Souza Thadeu , Palma‐Silva Clarisse , Romero Gustavo Q. , Carareto Claudia M. A.
Published: October 2018

Premise of the Study

Historical abiotic and biotic factors have strongly affected species diversification and speciation. Although pre‐Pleistocene events have been linked to the divergence of several Neotropical organisms, studies have highlighted a more prominent role of Pleistocene climatic oscillations in shaping current patterns of genetic variation of plants.

Methods

We performed phylogeographic analyses based on plastidial markers and modeled the current distribution and paleodistribution of Bromelia balansae (Bromeliaceae), an herbaceous species with a wide geographical distribution in South America, to infer the processes underlying its evolutionary history.

Key Results

Combined molecular and paleodistributional modeling analyses indicated retraction during the Last Glacial Maximum followed by interglacial expansion. Populations occurring in the semideciduous Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado formed two distinct genetic clusters, which have been historically or ecologically isolated since late Pliocene to early Pleistocene. Populations located in the transition zone had higher levels of genetic diversity, as expected by the long‐term climatic stability in the region detected in our ecological niche models.

Conclusions

Our study adds important information on how herbaceous species have been affected by past climate in Central and Southeast Brazil, helping to disentangle the complex processes that have triggered the evolution of Neotropical biota.
Cellulose‐reinforced catechol‐modified polyacrylic acid‐Zn2+ coacervate as strong composite adhesive
Authors: Li A. , Xu Z. , Sun N. , Si Z. , Xu Y. , Guo X.
Published: October 2018

By secreting adhesive mussel foot protein, an ingenious strategy was developed based on marine mussels to adhere to rocks firmly under severe dash of seawater, which inspires researchers to develop a series of novel biomimetic adhesives, and distinguished bonding strength has been achieved. Here, on the basis of polyacrylic acid‐DOPA/Zn2+ adhesive coacervate, cellulose fibers or nanocrystals were introduced into the adhesive system as fillers to increase the cohesion of the adhesive by forming van der Waals interactions with the gel. By optimizing the amount of the fillers, length as well as the type of the fillers, bonding strength up to above 10 MPa comparable to commercial glues was achieved on aluminum substrates, which is found to be superior than most of the mussel‐inspired adhesives. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47126.
Polyethylene/silica nanorod composites with reduced dielectric constant and enhanced mechanical strength
Authors: Yang Xuping , Shan Yuxing , Wei Xiaonan , Zhong Shengyuan , Huang Yawen , Yu Hongtao , Yang Junxiao
Published: October 2018

Reinforcement of materials with low dielectric constant by nanofillers has attained more and more attention. Conventional 1D nanofillers, such as carbon nanotubes, significantly enhance mechanical properties of polymers; however, they do not reduce dielectric constant. In this study, silica nanorods (SNR) were used to prepare polyethylene composites by mechanical blending followed by hot pressing. It was found that the incorporation of SNRs enables enhancement of strength and elastic modulus. Dielectric constant did not increase as predicted when SNRs were incorporated into polyethylene (PE); on contrary, it considerably decreased from ~2.4 to around ~2.2 at SNR loading of 5 wt %. However, when glass fibers were used as fillers, we did not observe such decrease. SEM image and density measurement indicated that the composites were compact with very low porosity. We believe that the incorporation of SNRs alters crystalline and chain arrangement of PE, thus reduces the polarization and dielectric constant. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47143.
Comparative Three‐Dimensional Moment Arm Analysis of the Sauropod Forelimb: Implications for the Transition to a Wide‐Gauge Stance in Titanosaurs
Authors: Klinkhamer Ada J. , Mallison Heinrich , Poropat Stephen F. , Sloan Trish , Wroe Stephen
Published: October 2018

The evolution of extraordinarily large size among Sauropoda was associated with a number of biomechanical adaptations. Changes in muscle moment arms undoubtedly accompanied these adaptations, but since muscles rarely fossilize, our ability to understand them has been restricted. Here, we use three‐dimensional (3D) musculoskeletal modeling to reconstruct and quantitatively assess leverage of forelimb muscles in the transition from the narrow‐gauge stance of basal sauropods to a wide‐gauge stance in titanosaurs. A comparative analysis is conducted on three neosauropods: the narrow‐gauge diplodocid Apatosaurus louisae, the intermediate‐gauge titanosariform Giraffatitan brancai, and the wide‐gauge titanosaur Diamantinasaurus matildae. In this study, moment arm magnitudes and corresponding morphological evidence indicates multiple changes across the narrow‐gauge to wide‐gauge transition in sauropods. High shoulder adduction was found in Diamantinasaurus, suggesting functional changes for supporting a wider stance and a limb less aligned with ground reaction force. High leverage in shoulder extension of Diamantinasaurus and Giraffatitan is possibly related to the increased use of the forelimb in forward propulsion with an anterior shift in center of mass. In addition, the prominence of the olecranon process in Diamantinasaurus produced high moment arm leverage in elbow flexion and extension, suggesting titanosaurs might have maintained a more flexed forelimb posture and displayed an increased degree of maneuverability. Other results are more variable between taxa but still indicate smaller scale changes. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to measure the reliability of our models and test specific uncertainties within the modeling process, as well as other uncertainties uncovered during analysis. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 302:794–817, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Craniodental Allometry, Prenatal Growth Rates, and the Evolutionary Loss of the Third Molars in New World Monkeys
Authors: Monson Tesla A. , Coleman Jeffrey L. , Hlusko Leslea J.
Published: October 2018

A growing body of literature demonstrates that genetic patterning mechanisms underlie the relative proportions of the mammalian postcanine dentition with the third molar being key to understanding variation within the molar row. With this relatively recent insight, there has been renewed interest in mammalian taxa that have lost the third molars. Within platyrrhines, the marmosets and tamarins (Callitrichidae family) are characterized by small body size, claw‐like nails, twinning, and reduced molar number. Small body size is hypothesized to have resulted in the third molar being crowded out of the jaws leading to its evolutionary loss in this family. To further explore this hypothesis, we measured the cranium and dentition of 142 individuals spanning all five platyrrhine families. These data reveal that callitrichids have a significantly smaller proportion of mandibular postcanine tooth row length relative to other platyrrhines, refuting the “crowding out” hypothesis. However, postcanine tooth row length is significantly correlated with mandibular length and cranial length (P< 0.01) across all platyrrhines providing evidence for a strong allometric association between postcanine tooth row length and body size more generally. The small body size that characterizes callitrichids results in part from slower prenatal growth rates. Given the allometric relationship between postcanine tooth row length and body size, reported here and in previous studies, we hypothesize that the evolutionary loss of the third molars in callitrichids results from the inhibition of third molar development as a consequence of the slower prenatal growth rates associated with small body size in this family. Anat Rec, 302:1419–1433, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping of the Early Intrauterine Morphogenesis in the Alpaca (Vicugna pacos): External Features and Development of the Cephalic Vesicle in Comparison with the Progressive Carnegie Scale
Authors: Montelli Stefano , Stelletta Calogero , Ruiz Jaime Antonio , Ballarin Cristina , Cozzi Bruno , Peruffo Antonella
Published: October 2018

In this study, we characterized the morphological aspects of the early development of the head of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos) and identified the main structures of the central nervous system during the first trimester of pregnancy. The topography and the cytoarchitecture of the fetal brain regions were described by histological analysis of the brain sections. We performed this analysis on alpaca embryos and fetuses presumably aged 20, 30, 45, and 90 days. For the description of the external body structures we considered the shape of the head, the development of the optic primordium, the dorsal curvature of the body, the limb buds, the umbilical cord and relative vessels, and the thickness and transparency of the skin. The prosencephalic, mesencephalic, and the rhomboencephalic vesicles were described by analyzing sagittal sections of the head. The present article provides the first progressive morphological and anatomical description of alpaca brain during early development. A detailed study represents an important basis to further understand the phases of prenatal development in this species, since information about alpaca embryology in incomplete and reproductive failure is a relevant factor. These data are important also for interspecies comparisons and application of reproductive biotechnologies. Anat Rec, 302:1226–1237, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role and mechanism of ROS scavengers in alleviating NLRP3‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Sho Takami , Xu JianXiong
Published: October 2018

Inflammation, as a common immune response to various infections or injuries, can cause many dangerous and complicated diseases. Inflammasome is a protein complex playing a vital role in an inflammation process, and the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been the most‐widely studied one. Recent evidence suggests the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐NLRP3 signaling pathway to be a possible NLRP3 inflammasome regulation model. Numerous recent preclinical reports indicate that application of antioxidants could scavenge excessive ROS and attenuate inflammatory responses through suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This article, at first, briefly overviews how ROS may mediate the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Then, preclinical researches of various ROS scavengers for treating NLRP3 inflammasome‐associated diseases are focused on and critically analyzed. Finally, the potential of antioxidant treatment as a therapy for inflammation is to be discussed, and perspectives on future research directions will be shared.
How Similar Is Biosimilar? A Comparison of Infliximab Therapeutics in Regard to Charge Variant Profile and Antigen Binding Affinity
Authors: Beyer Beate , Walch Nicole , Jungbauer Alois , Lingg Nico
Published: October 2018

Biosimilars are increasing in economic importance. Just how similar a biosimilar needs to be to gain market approval is currently still decided on a per case basis. The authors try to shed light on one often cited critical quality attribute of monoclonal antibodies, namely charge heterogeneity. Using high resolution electrophoretic and chromatographic methods, the authors are able to separate and quantify the charge variant content of infliximab originator and three biosimilars. Additionally the authors quantified and compared the antigen binding affinity in an SPR based binding assay and analyzed the glycosylation pattern of all four of these infliximab biosimilar products. Even though the analytical methods did not show full similarity between originator and some biosimilars, all of the biosimilars have gained approval based on their clinical comparability. The authors would therefore argue, that analytical comparison is not always a good predictor for clinical interchangeability. Any future regulatory framework for the approval of biosimilars should reflect that the parameters chosen for analytical comparability have to be chosen carefully.
Cost-effectiveness of liver transplantation in patients with colorectal metastases confined to the liver
Authors: Bjørnelv G M W , Dueland S , Line P-D , Joranger P , Fretland Å A , Edwin B , Sørbye H , Aas E
Published: October 2018

Background

Patients with non-resectable colorectal metastases are currently treated with chemotherapy. However, liver transplantation can increase the 5-year survival rate from 9 to 56 per cent if the cancer is confined to the liver. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of liver transplantation for colorectal liver metastases.

Methods

A Markov model with a lifetime perspective was developed to estimate the life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), direct healthcare costs and cost-effectiveness for patients with non-resectable colorectal liver metastases who received liver transplantation or chemotherapy alone.

Results

In non-selected cohorts, liver transplantation increased patients' life expectancy by 3·12 life-years (2·47 QALYs), at an additional cost of €209 143, giving an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €67 140 per life-year (€84 667 per QALY) gained. In selected cohorts (selection based on tumour diameter, time since primary cancer, carcinoembryonic antigen levels and response to chemotherapy), the effect of liver transplantation increased to 4·23 life-years (3·41 QALYs), at a higher additional cost (€230 282), and the ICER decreased to €54 467 per life-year (€67 509 per QALY) gained. Given a willingness to pay of €70 500, the likelihood of transplantation being cost-effective was 0·66 and 0·94 (0·23 and 0·67 QALYs) for non-selected and selected cohorts respectively.

Conclusion

Liver transplantation was cost-effective but only for highly selected patients. This might be possible in countries with good access to grafts and low waiting list mortality.
Use of high‐pH (basic/alkaline) mobile phases for LC–MS or LC–MS/MS bioanalysis
Authors: Tan Aimin , Fanaras John C.
Published: October 2018

High‐pH or basic/alkaline mobile phases are not commonly used in LC–MS or LC–MS/MS bioanalysis because of the deeply rooted concern with column instability and reduced detection sensitivity for basic compounds in high‐pH mobile phases owing to charge neutralization. With the advancement of LC column technology and the wide recognition of the “wrong‐way‐round” phenomena, high‐pH mobile phases are more and more used in LC–MS or LC–MS/MS bioanalysis to improve chromatographic peak shape, retention, selectivity, resolution, and detection sensitivity, not only for basic compounds, but also for many other compounds. In this article, the benefits, practical considerations, application examples and cautions for using high‐pH mobile phases in LC–MS or LC–MS/MS bioanalysis are reviewed, with a focus on quantification. Furthermore, the future trends in this field are also envisaged. A total of 84 references are cited in this review.
Cetyl‐alcohol‐reinforced hollow fiber solid/liquid‐phase microextraction and HPLC–DAD analysis of ezetimibe and simvastatin in human plasma and urine
Authors: AL‐Hashimi Nabil N. , Shahin Rand O. , AL‐Hashimi Aqeel N. , Al Ajeal Ajeal M. , Tahtamouni Lubna H. , Basheer Chanbasha
Published: October 2018

A new cetyl‐alcohol‐reinforced hollow fiber solid/liquid‐phase microextraction (CA–HF–SLPME) followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection (HPLC–DAD) method was developed for simultaneous determination of ezetimibe and simvastatin in human plasma and urine samples. To prepare the CA–HF–SLPME device, the cetyl‐alcohol was immobilized into the pores of a 2.5 cm hollow fiber micro‐tube and the lumen of the micro‐tube was filled with 1‐octanol with the two ends sealed. Afterwards, the prepared device was introduced into 10 mL of the sample solution containing the analytes with agitation. Under optimized conditions, calibration curves plotted in spiked plasma and urine samples were linear in the ranges of 0.363–25/0.49–25 μg L−1 for ezetimibe/simvastatin and 0.193–25/0.312–25 μg L−1 for ezetimibe/simvastatin in plasma and urine samples, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.109/0.174 μg L−1 for ezetimibe/simvastatin in plasma and 0.058/0.093 μg L−1 for ezetimibe/simvastatin in urine. As a potential application, the proposed method was applied to determine the concentration of selected analytes in patient plasma and urine samples after medication and satisfactory results were achieved. In comparison with reference methods, the CA–HF–SLPME–HPLC–DAD method demonstrates considerable potential in the biopharmaceutical analysis of selected drugs.
Investigating Pervaporation for In Situ Acetone Removal as Process Intensification Tool in ω‐Transaminase Catalyzed Chiral Amine Synthesis
Authors: Satyawali Yamini , del Pozo David Fernandes , Vandezande Pieter , Nopens Ingmar , Dejonghe Winnie
Published: October 2018

Hydrophobic pervaporation (PV), allowing for the separation of an organic component from an aqueous stream, was investigated for in situ acetone removal from a transamination reaction. A poly(dimethylsiloxane) membrane was applied in a coupled enzymatic process at 5 L scale. Among the four components, there was no loss of donor and product amines through PV which was highly desirable. However, in addition to removal of acetone, there was also an unwanted loss of acetophenone (substrate ketone) because of PV. The coupled enzyme‐PV process resulted in 13% more product formation compared to the control process (where no PV was applied) after 9 h. Results from a qualitative simulation study (based on partial vapor pressures and a vapor–liquid equilibrium of the feed solution) indicated that PV might have an advantage over direct distillation strategy for selective removal of acetone from the reaction medium. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2731, 2019
Lithium improved behavioral and epileptic symptoms in an adolescent with ring chromosome 20 and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified
Authors: Inal Adlane , Chaumette Boris , Soleimani Maryam , Guerrot Anne‐Marie , Goldenberg Alice , Lebas Axel , Gerardin Priscille , Ferrafiat Vladimir
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

We present a case of ring chromosome 20 syndrome in a twelve‐year‐old girl, with resistant epileptic disease and severe behavioral impairment that both drastically improved after a lithium challenge. If replicated, this could support the use of lithium as a safe treatment in the management of this severe phenotype.
CisversusTrans: The Coordination Environment about the Tin(IV) Atom in Spirocyclic Amino Alcohol Derivatives
Authors: Glowacki Britta , Pallach Roman , Lutter Michael , Roesler Fabian , Alnasr Hazem , Thomas Cedreric , Schollmeyer Dieter , Jurkschat Klaus
Published: October 2018

The syntheses of amino alcohols MeN(CH2CH2CMe2OH)2(1), MeN(CMe2CH2OH)(CH2CMe2OH) (2), MeN(CH2CH2CH2OH)(CH2CMe2OH) (3), MeN(CH2CH2CMe2OH)(CH2CMe2OH) (4), MeN(CH2CH2CMe2OH)(CH2CH2OH) (5), and MeN(CH2CH2OH) (CH2CH2CH2OH) (6) as well as spirocyclic tin(IV) alkoxidesspiro‐[nBuN(CH2CMe2O)2]2Sn (7),spiro‐[MeN(CH2CH2CMe2O)2]2Sn (8),spiro‐[para‐FC6H4N (CH2CMe2O)2]2Sn (9),spiro‐[MeN(CMe2CH2O)(CH2CMe2O)]2Sn (10),spiro‐[MeN(CH2CH2CH2O)(CH2CMe2O)]2Sn (11),spiro‐[MeN(CH2CH2CMe2O)(CH2CMe2O)]2Sn (12),spiro‐[MeN(CH2CH2CMe2O)(CH2CH2O)]2Sn (13) andspiro‐[MeN(CH2CH2O)(CH2CH2CH2O)]2Sn (14) are reported. The compounds were characterized by1H,13C (1–14) and119Sn (7–14) NMR and IR spectroscopy, EIMS and single‐crystal XRD (2,7–10and13,14). Graph‐set analyses were performed for compounds [(MeNH(CMe2CH2OH)(CH2CMe2OH)][HC(O)O] (2 a) and2. The coordination environment about the tin(IV) centre of the spirocyclic compounds and their possible stereoisomers were analysed by DFT calculations (spiro‐[MeN(CH2CMe2O)2]2Sn,8–10and13).
Ruthenium‐Induced Alkyne Cycloisomerization: Construction of Metalated Heterocycles, Revelation of Unconventional Reaction Pathways, and Exploration of Functional Applications
Authors: Chung Lai‐Hon , Wong Chun‐Yuen
Published: October 2018

While the fascinating chemistry demonstrated by metalated N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes highlights the significance of metalated heterocyclic chemistry, the development of other metalated heterocycles is falling behind, presumably because of the sparseness of general synthetic methodologies. In this Concept article, the strategy to prepare metalated heterocyclic complexes by metal‐induced cycloisomerization of heteroatom‐functionalized alkynes is presented. The isolation of and calculations on novel ruthenium complexes bearing chromene, chromone, indole, indoline, indolizine, and indolizinone moieties prepared from reactions between alkynes and ruthenium complexes are discussed, with emphasis on the mechanistic insights into the ruthenium‐induced alkyne transformations and applications in material design and drug discovery.
Control loop performance monitoring based on weighted permutation entropy and control charts
Authors: Wu Ping , Guo Lingling , Duan Yiyong , Zhou Wei , He Guojun
Published: October 2018

The simple calculated permutation entropy is an intuitive index to measure the complexity of a time series by a comparison of neighbouring values, therefore, it can be used to detect dynamical changes in a time series. However, in permutation entropy, the amplitude information of a time series is ignored. By incorporating the variance information, weighted permutation entropy (WPE) can derive stable results, and enable the detection of abrupt changes in a time series. In this paper, weighted permutation entropy is employed to build the performance index from the closed loop output time series to monitor the control loop performance. Furthermore, two control charts are established to define the control limits for sample estimations of the WPE‐based performance index. In this study, the Shewhart control chart and the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart are integrated to develop two control performance monitoring schemes, Shewhart‐WPE and EWMA‐WPE. In addition, a numerical simulation is used to illustrate the ability and effectiveness of the developed Shewhart‐WPE scheme. The proposed EWMA‐WPE scheme is applied to monitor a natural gas pipeline transportation pressure control loop. The effectiveness of the proposed Shewhart‐WPE and EWMA‐WPE schemes is verified by the results.
Highly Efficient Visible Light Catalysts Driven by Ti3+‐VO‐2Ti4+‐N3− Defect Clusters
Authors: Sun Qingbo , Zhang Shaoyang , Cortie David , Langley Julien , Cox Nicholas , Frankcombe Terry J. , Gao Jie , Chen Hua , Withers Ray L. , Kremer Felipe , Yu Dehong , Brink Frank , Shi Wensheng , Liu Yun
Published: October 2018

Local defect structures play significant roles on material properties, but they are seriously neglected in the design, synthesis, and development of highly efficient TiO2‐based visible light catalysts (VLCs). Here, we take anatase TiO2 nanocrystals that contain (Ti3+, N3−) ions and have the complicated chemical formula of (
)(
□z) as an example, and point out that the formation of Ti3+‐VO‐2Ti4+‐N3− local defect clusters is a key missing step for significantly enhancing VLC properties of host TiO2 nanocrystals. Experimental and theoretical investigations also demonstrate the emergent behaviors of these intentionally introduced defect clusters for developing highly efficient VLCs. This research thus not only provides highly efficient visible light catalysts for various practical applications but also addresses the significance of local defect structures on modifying material properties.
Real‐time multiuser scheduling based on end‐user requirement using big data analytics
Authors: Chehri Abdellah , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: October 2018

With the rapid growth in wireless data networks and increasing demand for multimedia applications, the next generation of wireless networks should be able to provide services for heterogeneous traffic with diverse quality of service (QoS) requirements. Multiuser diversity refers to a type of diversity present across different users in a fading environment. This diversity can be exploited by scheduling transmissions so that users transmit when their channel conditions are favorable. Hence, scheduling algorithms that support QoS and maintain a required throughput to ensure users' satisfaction are crucial to the development of these wireless networks. In this paper, different scheduling techniques have been evaluated using OFDM with different scenarios. The goal is to analyze the properties of networks such as throughput, fairness, and delay. Experimental results indicate that the PFS approach outperforms the other techniques in terms of fairness, throughput, and delay.
Towards Improved Biorefinery Technologies: 5‐Methylfurfural as a Versatile C6 Platform for Biofuels Development
Authors: Galkin Konstantin I. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: October 2018

Low chemical stability and high oxygen content limit utilization of the bio‐based platform chemical 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) in biofuels development. In this work, Lewis‐acid‐catalyzed conversion of renewable 6‐deoxy sugars leading to formation of more stable 5‐methylfurfural (MF) is carried out with high selectivity. Besides its higher stability, MF is a deoxygenated analogue of HMF with increased C/O ratio. A highly selective synthesis of the innovative liquid biofuel 2,5‐dimethylfuran starting from MF under mild conditions is described. The superior synthetic utility of MF against HMF in benzoin and aldol condensation reactions leading to long‐chain alkane precursors is demonstrated.
Myostatin promotes the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of the dermomyotome during somitogenesis
Authors: Zhou Yuchang , Zhang Yong , Zhu Dahai
Published: October 2018

Background: Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily, has been implicated in the negative regulation of skeletal myogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism through which MSTN regulates early embryonic myogenesis is not well understood. Results: We demonstrate that MSTN regulates early embryonic myogenesis by promoting the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the dermomyotome during somitogenesis in chicks. We show that the MSTN gene is first expressed at the center of the dermomyotome. As somitogenesis progresses, its expression extends dorsally and ventrally along the plane of the dermomyotome. By combining in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence assays, we demonstrate that the expression pattern of MSTN is spatiotemporally well correlated with EMT of the dermomyotome. Our gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments further reveal that MSTN can induce EMT of the chick dermomyotome. We also show that MSTN induces EMT of a nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cell line (A549) and Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells in vitro. Conclusions: Our experimental data suggest that MSTN regulates myogenesis by promoting EMT during somitogenesis. These findings provide novel insights into the functions of MSTN during early embryonic myogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 247:1241–1252, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the relationships between marine protected areas and invasive fish in the world's most invaded sea
Authors: Giakoumi Sylvaine , Pey Alexis , Di Franco Antonio , Francour Patrice , Kizilkaya Zafer , Arda Yaprak , Raybaud Virginie , Guidetti Paolo
Published: October 2018

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an essential tool for marine biodiversity conservation. Yet, their effectiveness in protecting marine ecosystems from global stressors is debated. Biological invasions are a major driver of global change, causing biodiversity loss and altering ecosystem functioning. Here, we explored the relationships between MPAs and alien/native range‐expanding fishes in the Mediterranean Sea, the world's most invaded sea. We surveyed fish and benthic communities in nine MPAs and adjacent unprotected areas across six countries. In the South and Eastern Mediterranean MPAs, the biomass of alien and native range‐expanding fishes often exceeded 50% of the total fish biomass. Conversely, in the North and Western Mediterranean, alien fishes were absent. A negative relationship was found between native and alien species richness. Average and minimum sea surface temperature (SST) over six consecutive years were positively correlated with the total biomass of alien species; no alien fishes were recorded below 20.5°C average SST and 13.8°C minimum SST. We also found a negative relationship between alien fishes’ biomass and the distance from the Suez Canal, which is the main pathway for the introduction of alien fish in the Mediterranean Sea. The biomass of alien and native range‐expanding fishes was found to be higher in the South and Eastern Mediterranean MPAs than in adjacent unprotected areas. The association of barrens (rocky reefs deprived of vegetation) and invasive herbivores was observed at all eastern sites, regardless of protection status. Currently, the level of fishing pressure exerted on alien and native range‐expanding fishes seems to be the most influential factor determining the lower biomass of invasive fishes at unprotected sites compared to MPAs. Our findings suggest that complementary management actions, such as species‐targeted removals, should be taken in MPAs to effectively control invasive fish populations.
Fine‐scale spatial homogenization of microbial habitats: a multivariate index of headwater wetland complex condition
Authors: Moon Jessica B. , Wardrop Denice H. , Smithwick Erica A. H. , Naithani Kusum J.
Published: October 2018

With growing public awareness that wetlands are important to society, there are intensifying efforts to understand the ecological condition of those wetlands that remain, and to develop indicators of wetland condition. Indicators based on soils are not well developed and are absent in some current assessment protocols; these could be advantageous, particularly for soils, which are complex habitats for plants, invertebrates, and microbial communities. In this study, we examine whether multivariate soil indicators, correlated with microbial biomass and community composition, can be used to distinguish reference standard (i.e., high condition) headwater wetland complexes from impacted headwater wetland complexes in central Pennsylvania,USA. Our reference standard sites existed in forested landscapes, while our impacted sites were situated in multi‐use landscapes and were affected by a range of land‐use legacies in the 1900s. We found that current assessment protocols are likely underrepresenting sampling needs to accurately represent site mean soil properties. On average, more samples were required to represent soil property means in reference standard sites compared to impacted sites. Reference standard and impacted sites also had noticeably different types of microbial habitats for the two multivariate soil indices assessed, and impacted sites were more homogenized in terms of the fine‐scale (i.e., 1 and 5 m) spatial variability of these indices. Our study shows promise for the use of multivariate soil indices as indicators of wetland condition and provides insights into the sample sizes and scales at which soil sampling should occur during assessments. Future work is needed to test the generalizability of these findings across wetland types and ecoregions and establish definitive links between structural changes in microbial habitats and changes in wetland soil functioning.
Eosinophilia and reduced STAT3 signaling affect neutrophil cell death in autosomal‐dominant Hyper‐IgE syndrome
Authors: Farmand Susan , Kremer Bernhard , Häffner Monika , Pütsep Katrin , Bergman Peter , Sundin Mikael , Ritterbusch Henrike , Seidl Maximilian , Follo Marie , Henneke Philipp , Henriques‐Normark Birgitta
Published: October 2018

The autosomal‐dominant hyper‐IgE syndrome (HIES), caused by mutations in STAT3, is a rare primary immunodeficiency that predisposes to mucocutaneous candidiasis and staphylococcal skin and lung infections. This infection phenotype is suggestive of defects in neutrophils, but data on neutrophil functions in HIES are inconsistent. This study was undertaken to functionally characterize neutrophils in STAT3‐deficient HIES patients and to analyze whether the patients` eosinophilia affects the neutrophil phenotype in S. aureus infection. Neutrophil functions and cell death kinetics were studied in eight STAT3‐deficient patients. Moreover, the response of STAT3‐deficient neutrophils to S. aureus and the impact of autologous eosinophils on pathogen‐induced cell death were analyzed. No specific aberrations in neutrophil functions were detected within this cohort. However, the half‐life of STAT3‐deficient neutrophils ex vivo was reduced, which was partially attributable to the presence of eosinophils. Increased S. aureus‐induced cell lysis, dependent on the staphylococcal virulence controlling accessory gene regulator (agr)‐locus, was observed in STAT3‐deficient neutrophils and upon addition of eosinophils. Accelerated neutrophil cell death kinetics may underlie the reported variability in neutrophil function testing in HIES. Increased S. aureus‐induced lysis of STAT3‐deficient neutrophils might affect pathogen control and contribute to tissue destruction during staphylococcal infections in HIES.
Waste Cooking Oils as Feedstock for Lipase and Lipid‐Rich Biomass Production
Authors: Lopes Marlene , Miranda Sílvia M. , Alves Joana M. , Pereira Ana S. , Belo Isabel
Published: October 2018

Approximately 1 million tons of waste cooking oils (WCO) are generated in European Union per year. Oftentimes, these oily wastes are discharged through public sewerage systems, increasing the water treatment costs in wastewater treatment plants. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica W29 is used to simultaneously degrade WCO and to produce lipase (market demand is increasing due to its application in the field of bioenergy). A statistical experimental design based on Taguchi method is employed to assess the effect of initial medium pH, WCO, and arabic gum concentration on lipase production. Initial medium pH is found to be the most significant parameter and the interaction between WCO and arabic gum concentration had the highest influence for lipase production. Additionally, the effect of oxygen mass transfer is studied in batch cultures in a stirred tank bioreactor and the maximum lipase activity (12 000 U · L−1) is obtained at kLa of 16 h−1. Simultaneously with lipase production, also lipid‐rich biomass (48% of lipids mass per dry cellular mass), enriched in unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids) is obtained.

Practical Applications: In this work it was demonstrated the possibility of replacing an expensive edible oil (olive oil) by a non‐edible oil waste (WCO) for lipase production. Moreover, no more wastes are produced, since whole cells of Yarrowia lipolytica W29 (lipid‐rich biomass), are a potential source for food supplements. Thus, the bioprocess described fulfill the requisites of circular economy: a low cost substrate is used as raw material, added‐value products (lipase and lipid‐rich biomass) are obtained and no further wastes are generated (take‐make‐dispose concept).

Waste cooking oils (WCO) are generated from vegetable oils used at high temperatures in food frying. The biological degradation of WCO by the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica W29, with concomitant production of added‐value compounds (lipase and lipid‐rich biomass), allows the reduction of pollutant burden of these oily wastes.
Determination of Total Polar Compounds in Frying Oils by PE‐Film‐Based FTIR and ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Jia , Zhang Leshan , Geng Qiaona , Jing Bingyu , Yu Xiuzhu
Published: October 2018

Two methods based on polyethylene‐film‐based Fourier transform infrared (PE‐film‐based FTIR) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy are developed for the determination of the total polar compound (TPC) content of frying oil. The TPC contents of oil samples are analyzed in accordance with the guidelines set by American Oil Chemists’ Society. Calibrations of the PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy measurements, combined with partial least‐squares regression, provide correlation coefficients (R‐values) of 0.9930 and 0.9972, respectively, and root mean error of calibration of 1.55 and 0.75%, respectively. The validation of the calibrations indicates that the R‐values of validation and precision analyses are close to 1. PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR are considered adequate for analytical purposes and provide root mean error of prediction values of 2.90 and 3.10% for blind sample validation, respectively. However, the prediction accuracy of PE‐film‐based FTIR spectroscopy is better than that of ATR–FTIR spectroscopy. Results indicate that the PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR methods can be efficiently applied as environmentally friendly tools for the determination of the TPC content of frying oils.

Practical Applications: PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy techniques are compared to develop a convenient and rapid method for the determination of the TPC content of frying oil. A total of 127 oil samples corresponding to unfried and fried domestic oils are used. Among the samples, 107 and 20 samples are allocated to the calibration set and the blind sample validation set, respectively. The ATR–FTIR technique is more rapid than the PE‐film‐based FTIR technique given that it does not require data preprocessing. However, the PE‐film‐based FTIR technique provides better prediction results than the ATR–FTIR technique and lower RMSEP values for the regression between the validation and blind sample validation sets. The superior prediction results provided by the PE‐film‐based FTIR technique may be attributed to its high precision and spectral sensitivity, as well as optical path length. The PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR techniques can be applied as environmentally friendly tools for the determination of the TPC contents of frying oils.

Two methods based on PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR spectroscopy are developed for the determination of the TPC content of frying oil. The validation of the calibrations indicates that the R‐values of validation and precision analyses are close to 1. PE‐film‐based FTIR and ATR–FTIR are considered adequate for analytical purposes and provide root mean error of prediction values of 2.90 and 3.10% for blind sample validation, respectively.