bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions of plant growth responses to spring freezing and summer drought: a multispecies comparison
Authors: Kong Ricky S. , Henry Hugh A. L.
Published: April 2019

Premise of the Study

Freezing and drought both result in cellular dehydration, and similar physiological responses to these stressors may result in cross acclimation, whereby prior freezing exposure increases subsequent drought tolerance. We examined how spring freezing influences summer drought tolerance for a range of herbaceous old field species: 6 graminoids (Agrostis stolonifera, Arrhenatherum elatius, Bromus inermis, Festuca rubra, Lolium perenne, Poa compressa) and 2 forbs (Plantago lanceolata, Securigera varia), with the goal of examining the generality of cross acclimation responses.

Methods

We exposed the plants to –5°C in the spring and to a 3‐week summer drought, and harvested the plants after a 3‐week watering/recovery period. We also measured leaf soluble proteins and sugars to explore the potential mechanisms before and during drought stress.

Key Results

For Agrostis stolonifera, Bromus inermis, Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, and Poa compressa there was evidence of cross acclimation based on aboveground or belowground biomass, with a reduction in the severity of the drought effect for the plants previously exposed to freezing. Freezing and drought effects were additive for Arrhenatherum elatius, and for the remaining two species the test of the freezing‐drought interaction was inconclusive, because significant drought and freezing effects did not co‐occur. When present, freezing‐drought interactions were not correlated with changes in leaf soluble protein or sugars.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that the phenomenon of freezing‐drought cross acclimation appears to be common in herbaceous species, and variation among species in cross acclimation indicates that multiple stresses could alter relative species abundances in plant communities.
Rapid Assessment of the Reaction‐Condition‐Based Sensitivity of Chemical Transformations
Authors: Pitzer Lena , Schäfers Felix , Glorius Frank
Published: April 2019

A systematic, user‐friendly assessment tool that delivers a clear overview of the sensitivity of reactions to key parameters is highly desirable. Herein, the development of such a method is described. The intuitive, standardized presentation of the results in a radar diagram enables the sensitivity of a protocol to be rapidly assessed. This method was applied to five different visible‐light‐mediated photochemical reactions, and the results were correlated to the underlying mechanism. Ultimately, we believe that this assessment will help to increase the uptake of new synthetic methods and their reproducibility.
An environmentally benign and efficient synthesis of 4‐Selanylpyrazoles catalyzed by haloid salts in water
Authors: Fang Yingguo , Wang Junxing , Liu Yuhong , Yan Jie
Published: April 2019

An environmentally benign procedure is developed for the preparation of 4‐selanylpyrazoles from pyrazoles and diselenides. Using haloid salts as catalysts and H2O2 as oxidant, this catalytic protocol is convenient in water at room temperature under open‐air condition, and is suitable for a wide variety of starting materials and provides a series of 4‐selanylpyrazoles in good yields. A plausible catalytic electrophilic substitution mechanism is hypothesized.
Malondialdehyde–Acetaldehyde Adducts and Antibody Responses in Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: England Bryant R. , Duryee Michael J. , Roul Punyasha , Mahajan Tina D. , Singh Namrata , Poole Jill A. , Ascherman Dana P. , Caplan Liron , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Deane Kevin D. , Klassen Lynell W. , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Mikuls Ted R.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To compare serum anti–malondialdehyde–acetaldehyde (anti‐MAA) antibody levels and MAA expression in lung tissue from patients with rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease (RA‐ILD) to those found in controls.

Methods

Anti‐MAA antibody (IgA, IgM, IgG) concentrations were measured in patients with RA‐ILD and compared to those of RA patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and RA patients without lung disease. Associations between anti‐MAA antibody with RA‐ILD were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Lung tissue from patients with RA‐ILD, other ILD, or emphysema, and from controls (n = 3 per group) were stained for MAA, citrulline, macrophages (CD68), T cells (CD3), B cells (CD19/CD27), and extracellular matrix proteins (type II collagen, fibronectin, vimentin). Tissue expression and colocalization with MAA were quantified and compared.

Results

Among 1,823 RA patients, 90 had prevalent RA‐ILD. Serum IgA and IgM anti‐MAA antibody concentrations were higher in RA‐ILD than in RA with COPD or RA alone (P = 0.005). After adjustment for covariates, the highest quartiles of IgA anti‐MAA antibody concentration (odds ratio 2.09 [95% confidence interval 1.11–3.90]) and IgM (odds ratio 2.23 [95% confidence interval 1.19–4.15]) were significantly associated with the presence of RA‐ILD. MAA expression in RA‐ILD lung tissue was greater than in tissue from all other groups (P < 0.001), and it colocalized with citrulline (r = 0.79), CD19+ B cells (r = 0.78), and extracellular matrix proteins (type II collagen [r = 0.72] and vimentin [r = 0.77]) to the greatest degree in RA‐ILD.

Conclusion

Serum IgA and IgM anti‐MAA antibody is associated with ILD among RA patients. MAA is highly expressed in RA‐ILD lung tissue, where it colocalizes with other RA autoantigens, autoreactive B cells, and extracellular matrix proteins, highlighting its potential role in the pathogenesis of RA‐ILD.
1,3‐O‐Transposition or Trisubstituted Z‐Enol Ester? A Comparative Study of Reactions of Ynones
Authors: Sun Tian‐Yu , Chen Kai , Zhang Changyuan , You Tingting , Yin Penggang
Published: April 2019

Ynones are useful substrates for transition‐metal‐mediated synthesis. The AuI‐catalyzed 1,3‐O‐transposition is an important reaction of ynones. Recently, an efficient CuI‐catalyzed synthesis of trisubstituted Z‐enol esters via interrupting the traditional 1,3‐O‐transposition reaction of ynones was reported by Zhu's group. Herein, density functional theory studies disclosed that the hydrogen bond formed by carboxylic acid plays an important role for the reactivity and selectivity in this novel reaction. A qualitative rule was also found to explain the substituent effect in the ynone substrate, and this is consistent with experiments. The AuI‐catalyst and CuI‐catalyst were further compared to interpret the essential cause of why the AuI‐catalyst prefers the 1,3‐O‐transpostion reaction. These conclusions might be helpful for the rational design of reactions of ynones.
Nonlinear modeling of PEMFC based on fractional order subspace identification
Authors: Qi Zhidong , Sun Qi , Ge Weiping , He Yongkang
Published: April 2019

Aiming at the multivariable, nonlinear and fractional‐order characteristics of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), this paper presents a nonlinear state space model based on a novel fractional Hammerstein model subspace identification theory. To reduce the complexity of modeling and choose the suitable input variables, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) method is used to select the most influential factors as the model input variables, and correlation analysis (CA) method is employed to remove the redundant input variables. To guarantee that the input‐output data are derivable at different fractional order, a Poisson moment function (PMF) is employed to construct the fractional order Hammerstein model with a six‐order polynomial as the front static nonlinear unit. To improve computing speed, a fractional differential short memory method (SMM) is proposed to reduce the computation cost of the identification algorithm. Meanwhile, a fuzzy genetic algorithm is adopted to acquire the best fractional order. Simulation results show that the fractional subspace identifying method can avoid fuel cell's internal complexity and PEMFC identification model can describe the working process of PEMFC accurately and quickly, which will provide an ideal control model for some advanced controller.
Modeling of integrated processes for the recovery of the energetic content of sugar cane bagasse
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale G. , Ighalo Joshua O. , Abdulsalam Abdulmaliq
Published: April 2019

Sugar cane bagasse is an agro‐based residue that is a very good feedstock for energy recovery processes. The aim of this study was to use ASPEN Plus v8.8 to develop thermodynamic simulation models for energy‐recovery from sugar cane bagasse and to predict product yield and composition based on the inherent characteristics of the feedstock and other process factors. Two simulation flowsheets were developed for energy recovery from sugar cane bagasse: one for a pyrolysis process and the other for a combined pyrolysis‐steam reforming process. The simulation predictions revealed a very good yield of bio‐oil (63.4%) from sugar cane bagasse. The oil was composed of hydrocarbons of different lengths, aromatic compounds, and pyrolytic water (8.1%). For the pyrolysis steam‐reforming simulation, the optimal conditions were a temperature range of 600–700°C, pressure of 1 atm, and steam‐to‐feed ratio (STFR) of 10 kg kg−1. Factor interactions were examined from response surface plots. A theoretical model for the prediction of hydrogen yield was also developed by regression, with a good R2 value. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results revealed that the model was significant but pressure was not a significant factor in the steam reforming process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Mechanistic study of absorption and first‐pass metabolism of GL‐V9, a derivative of wogonin
Authors: Xing Han , Ren Chang , Kong Ying , Ning Chen , Kong Dexuan , Zhang Yongjie , Zhao Di , Li Ning , Wang Zeyu , Chen Xijing , Lu Yang
Published: April 2019

GL‐V9, a derivative of wogonin, has potent anti‐cancer activity. The absorption and metabolism of this compound have not been investigated systematically. This study aims to illustrate the pharmacokinetic characters of GL‐V9 by exploring its metabolic status under different administration routes. To further clarify the absorption mechanism of GL‐V9, an in situ single‐pass perfusion model and a Caco‐2 cell monolayer model were used. Meanwhile, a microsomal incubation system was used to evaluate the enzyme kinetic parameters. In vivo, the obtained gastrointestinal availability (Fa × Fg) was 21.28 ± 5.38%. The unmetabolized fraction in the gut wall (Fgut wall) was 98.59 ± 9.74%, while the hepatic bioavailability (Fh) was 29.11 ± 5.22%. These results indicated that poor absorption and extensive metabolism may contribute greatly to the low bioavailability of GL‐V9. The effective permeability (Peff) in the duodenum and jejunum was 1.34 ± 0.50 × 10−4 and 0.90 ± 0.27 × 10−4 cm/s, respectively. The high permeability of GL‐V9 indicated that other unknown factors (such as metabolism) may account for its systemic exposure problem. Studies in rat liver microsomal (RLMs) confirmed this hypothesis, and the Clint, CYP450s and UGT of GL‐V9 was 0.20 ml/min/mg protein. In conclusion, these results suggest that GL‐V9 possesses higher permeability than wogonin and the metabolism of GL‐V9 is related to its disposition in rat intestine and liver.
Determination of terbinafine in human plasma using UPLC–MS/MS: Application to a bioequivalence study in healthy subjects
Authors: Bhadoriya Abhaysingh , Shah Priyanka A. , Shrivastav Pranav S. , Bharwad Kirtikumar D. , Singhal Puran
Published: April 2019

A high‐throughput and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method has been developed for the determination of terbinafine in human plasma. The method employed liquid–liquid extraction of terbinafine and terbinafine‐d7 (used as internal standard) from 100 μL human plasma with ethyl acetate–n‐hexane (80:20, v/v) solvent mixture. Chromatography was performed on a BEH C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column using acetonitrile–8.0 mm ammonium formate, pH 3.5 (85:15, v/v) under isocratic elution. For quantitative analysis, MS/MS ion transitions were monitored at m/z 292.2/141.1 and m/z 299.1/148.2 for terbinafine and terbinafine‐d7, respectively, using electrospray ionization in the positive mode. The method was validated according to regulatory guidance for selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, recovery, matrix effect, stability, dilution reliability and ruggedness with acceptable accuracy and precision. The method shows good linearity over the tested concentration range from 1.00 to 2000 ng/mL (r2 ≥ 0.9984). The intra‐batch and inter‐batch precision (CV) was 1.8–3.2 and 2.1–4.5%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to a bioequivalence study with 250 mg terbinafine in 32 healthy subjects. The major advantage of this method includes higher sensitivity, small plasma volume for processing and a short analysis time.
Associated factors for cognitive impairment in the rural highly elderly
Authors: Kim Hyeyun , Lee Sujin , Ku Bon D. , Ham Su Geun , Park Woong‐Sub
Published: April 2019

Background

Among the symptoms commonly faced by an increasingly aged population, dementia, preceded by cognitive impairment, most threatens their quality of life. Dementia is a well‐recognized burden, not only for individuals who face the disease and for their families, but also for entire nation.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify associated factors for cognitive impairment in a very elderly population via a screening study design in Sokcho, a rural area in South Korea.

Methods

Trained nurses screened patients from 75–84 years of age for dementia using the Mini‐Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening (MMSE‐DS) and conducted interviews to determine their socioeconomic status, education level, and living conditions (i.e., with or without family).

Results

In total, 4,369 subjects (1,646 males, 2,723 females) were enrolled in this study. Reported MMSE‐DS scores decreased with increasing age and to a greater degree in less educated subjects (p < 0.001). Subjects requiring medical assistance or living alone exhibited lower MMSE‐DS scores compared to those who did not require medical assistance or who lived alone (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found that less education, lower socioeconomic status, and living alone were associated factors for cognitive impairment based on this study of an elderly population.
Environmental sustainability orientation and performance of family and nonfamily firms
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph , Danso Albert , Konadu Renata , Owusu‐Agyei Samuel
Published: April 2019

Despite the growing research evidence on the effect of environmental sustainability orientation (ESO) on firm outcomes, contingent factors that may influence the strength of this relationship have received little scholarly attention. In this study, we use insights from the literature on ESO and family business to introduce family status and firm age as moderators in the ESO‐performance linkage. Using time‐lagged data from 253 small and medium‐sized enterprises in Ghana, we found the impact of ESO on firm performance is amplified for nonfamily firms but not significant for family firms. Our evidence suggests it is stronger among older firms than younger ones. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
The sexist algorithm
Authors: Hamilton Melissa
Published: April 2019

Algorithmic risk assessment tools are informed by scientific research concerning which factors are predictive of recidivism and thus support the evidence‐based practice movement in criminal justice. Automated assessments of individualized risk (low, medium, high) permit officials to make more effective management decisions. Computer‐generated algorithms appear to be objective and neutral. But are these algorithms actually fair? The focus herein is on gender equity. Studies confirm that women typically have far lower recidivism rates than men. This differential raises the question of how well algorithmic outcomes fare in terms of predictive parity by gender.

This essay reports original research using a large dataset of offenders who were scored on the popular risk assessment tool COMPAS. Findings indicate that COMPAS performs reasonably well at discriminating between recidivists and non‐recidivists for men and women. Nonetheless, COMPAS algorithmic outcomes systemically overclassify women in higher risk groupings. Multiple measures of algorithmic equity and predictive accuracy are provided to support the conclusion that this algorithm is sexist.
Identification of competitive endogenous RNAs network in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaojin , Wan Jiahui , Xu Zhanxiang , Jiang Shijun , Ji Lin , Liu Yutian , Zhai Shuwen , Cui Rongjun
Published: April 2019

Background

MiRNAs can regulate gene expression directly or indirectly, and long noncoding RNAs as competing endogenous RNA (ceRNAs) can bind to miRNAs competitively and affect mRNA expression. The ceRNA network is still unclear in breast cancer. In this study, a ceRNA network was constructed, and new treatment and prognosis targets and biomarkers for breast cancer were explored.

Methods

A total of 1 096 cancer tissues and 112 adjacent normal tissues to cancer from the TCGA database were used to screen out significant differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs), lncRNAs (DELs), and miRNAs (DEMis) to construct a ceRNA network. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to predict potential functions. Survival analysis was performed to predict which functions were significant for prognosis.

Results

From the analysis, 2 139 DEMs, 1 059 DELs, and 84 DEMis were obtained. Targeting predictions for DEMis‐DELs and DEMis‐DEMs can yield 26 DEMs, 90 DELs, and 18 DEMis. We performed GO enrichment analysis, and the results showed that the upregulated DEMs were involved in nucleosomes, extracellular regions, and nucleosome assembly, while the downregulated DEMs were mainly involved in Z disk, muscle contraction, and structural constituents of muscle. KEGG pathway analysis was performed on all DEMs, and the pathways were enriched in retinol metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and tyrosine metabolism. Through survival analysis of the ceRNA network, we identified four DEMs, two DELs, and two DEMis that were significant for poor prognosis.

Conclusions

This study suggested that constructing a ceRNA network and performing survival analysis on the network could screen out new significant treatment and prognosis targets and biomarkers.
Sesquiterpenoid Compounds from Curcuma kwangsiensis
Authors: Liao Hai‐Bing , Feng Wu‐Ying , Wang Heng‐Shan , Liang Dong
Published: April 2019

Two previously undescribed guaiane‐type sesquiterpenes (1 and 2), a pair of new salvialane‐type sesquiterpenes (3a and 3b), together with 11 known compounds were isolated and purified from the rhizomes of Curcuma kwangsiensis. Their structures were elucidated by the extensive spectroscopic data (1D‐ and 2D‐NMR) analysis. All the isolated compounds were assessed for their anti‐neuroinflammatory activity by inhibiting the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated murine BV‐2 microglial cells in vitro assay, and the isolates 3 and 11 showed anti‐neuroinflammatory activity with IC50 values of 1.85 and 20.05 μm, respectively.
An Investigation into the Charge‐Storage Mechanism of MnO@Graphite as Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries at Low Temperature
Authors: Tian Xiaodong , Du Li , Yan Yurong , Wu Songping
Published: April 2019

Electrochemical features and the charge‐storage mechanism of monodispersed MnO nanoparticles anchored on graphite (MnO@Graphite) for Li‐ion batteries have been investigated at a low‐temperature of −25 °C. MnO@Graphite nanocomposite rendered a remarkable reversible capacity of 456 mA h g−1 after 320 cycles under a current density of 100 mA g−1 at such a low temperature. Remarkable reversible capacity could be ascribed to the integrated structure, emergence of in‐situ formed MnO2 and hybrid pseudocapacitance. Hybrid pseudocapacitive contributions have appeared at low operational temperature, i. e., assembled heterogeneous intercalation pseudocapacitance at low potentials and surface‐controlled pseudocapacitance at high potentials. The results showed that the prepared MnO@Graphite nanocomposite is a promising candidate for Li‐ion batteries operated in harsh environment.
Atomically Defined Monocarborane Copper(I) Acetylides with Structural and Luminescence Properties Tuned by Ligand Sterics
Authors: Zhang Kang , Shen Yunjun , Yang Xiaoli , Liu Jiyong , Jiang Tao , Finney Nathaniel , Spingler Bernhard , Duttwyler Simon
Published: April 2019

The weakly coordinating cluster [CB11H12]− is used as a versatile building block for the preparation of luminescent copper(I) complexes. Treatment of [CB11H11‐12‐C≡CH]− with CuI and ammonia affords {(CB11H11‐12‐C≡C)2Cu4(NH3)3}n (2). Addition of selected phosphine and pyridine ligands transforms 2 to a range of homometallic products 3–13. All compounds have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography, which reveals a surprising variety of structural complexity featuring cores with two to ten Cu+ centers. In the solid state, products 3–13 exhibit room‐temperature phosphorescence across the visible spectrum in colors from blue to deep red. Lifetimes at room temperature are in the microsecond regime, and quantum yields of up to Φ=0.99 are observed.
Highly Substituted Δ3‐1,2,3‐Triazolines: Solid‐State Emitters with Electrofluorochromic Behavior
Authors: Suleymanov Abdusalom A. , Ruggi Albert , Planes Ophélie Marie , Chauvin Anne‐Sophie , Scopelliti Rosario , Fadaei Tirani Farzaneh , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Fabrizio Alberto , Corminboeuf Clémence , Severin Kay
Published: April 2019

Highly substituted Δ3‐1,2,3‐triazolines can be prepared by reaction of triarylvinyl Grignard reagents with functionalized organic azides. The heterocycles are fluorescent in the solid state, and—depending on the substituents—they can display aggregation‐induced emission. Upon oxidation, the triazolines form stable radical cations with altered photophysical properties. Therefore, they represent rare examples of solid‐state emitters with intrinsic electrofluorochromic behavior.
Directed Iridium‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions of Phenylacetic Acid Esters and Amides
Authors: Valero Mégane , Becker Daniel , Jess Kristof , Weck Remo , Atzrodt Jens , Bannenberg Thomas , Derdau Volker , Tamm Matthias
Published: April 2019

For the first time, a catalytic protocol for a highly selective hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) of phenylacetic acid esters and amides under very mild reaction conditions is reported. Using a homogeneous iridium catalyst supported by a bidentate phosphine‐imidazolin‐2‐imine P,N ligand, the HIE reaction on a series of phenylacetic acid derivatives proceeds with high yields, high selectivity, and with deuterium incorporation up to 99 %. The method is fully adaptable to the specific requirements of tritium chemistry, and its effectiveness was demonstrated by direct tritium labeling of the fungicide benalaxyl and the drug camylofine. Further insights into the mechanism of the HIE reaction with catalyst 1 have been provided utilizing DFT calculations, NMR studies, and X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Mutation of chromatin regulators and focal hotspot alterations characterize human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Haft Sunny , Ren Shuling , Xu Guorong , Mark Adam , Fisch Kathleen , Guo Theresa W. , Khan Zubair , Pang John , Ando Mizuo , Liu Chao , Sakai Akihiro , Fukusumi Takahito , Califano Joseph A.
Published: April 2019

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal cancer is a disease clinically and biologically distinct from smoking‐related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite its rapidly increasing incidence, the mutational landscape of HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains understudied.

Methods

This article presents the first mutational analysis of the 46 HPV+ OPSCC tumors within the newly expanded cohort of 530 HNSCC tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A separate exome sequencing analysis was also performed for 46 HPV+ OPSCCs matched to their normal lymphocyte controls from the Johns Hopkins University cohort.

Results

There was a strikingly high 33% frequency of mutations within genes associated with chromatin regulation, including mutations in lysine methyltransferase 2C (KMT2C), lysine methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D), nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1), CREB binding protein (CREBBP), E1A‐associated protein p300 (EP300), and CCCTC‐binding factor (CTCF). In addition, the commonly altered genes phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) showed distinct domain‐specific hotspot mutations in comparison with their HPV– counterparts. PIK3CA showed a uniquely high rate of mutations within the helicase domain, and FGFR3 contained a predominance of hotspot S249C alterations that were not found in HPV– HNSCC.

Conclusions

This analysis represents one of the largest studies to date of HPV+ OPSCC and lends novel insight into the genetic landscape of this biologically distinct disease, including a high rate of mutations in histone‐ and chromatin‐modifying genes, which may offer novel therapeutic targets.
Assessment of Azeliragon QTc Liability Through Integrated, Model‐Based Concentration QTc Analysis
Authors: Burstein Aaron H. , Brantley Scott J. , Dunn Imogene , Altstiel Larry D. , Schmith Virginia
Published: April 2019

Azeliragon is an inhibitor of the receptor for advanced glycation end products being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The objective of the current analysis was to evaluate the relationship between plasma azeliragon concentrations and QT interval. Simultaneous QT values and plasma concentrations were available from 711 subjects (6236 records), pooled from 5 studies in healthy volunteers, 2 studies in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, and 1 study in patients with type 2 diabetes and persistent albuminuria. Nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling was conducted to describe azeliragon concentration‐related changes in QT interval, after correcting for heart rate, using Fridericia's criteria (QTcF) and sex‐related differences in baseline QTcF. Azeliragon‐related changes in QTcF were predicted using 2 methods: simulation and bias‐corrected 90% confidence interval approaches. A small positive relationship between azeliragon plasma concentration and QTcF was noted with a slope of 0.059 ms/ng/mL. Simulations predicted mean (90% prediction interval) changes in QTcF of 0.733 milliseconds (0.32‐1.66 milliseconds) with the phase 3 dose (5 mg once daily steady state) and 4.32 milliseconds (1.7‐8.74 milliseconds) at supratherapeutic doses (20 mg once daily steady state or 60 mg once daily × 6 days). Bias‐corrected upper 90% confidence intervals for therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses were 0.88 and 5.01 milliseconds, respectively. Model‐based analysis showed a small, nonclinically meaningful, positive relationship between azeliragon plasma concentration and QTcF with a slope close to zero. Neither the prediction interval nor the upper bound of the 90% confidence interval reached 10 milliseconds, demonstrating no clinically meaningful drug‐related effect on QTcF at expected therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses of azeliragon.
Discrimination of 1‐ and 2‐Propanol by Using the Transient Current Change of a Semiconducting ZnFe2O4 Chemiresistor
Authors: Mukherjee Kalisadhan , Ekuma Chinedu E. , Zhao Yangyang , Maikap Abhishek , Najmaei Sina , Zaghloul Mona E.
Published: April 2019

A semiconducting metal oxide (SMO) chemiresistor (ZnFe2O4) is used for discriminating two isomeric volatile organic compounds (VOCs), namely 1‐ and 2‐propanol. The transient current of the SMO chemiresistor is correlated with the aerobic oxidation of organic vapors on its surface. The changes in transient current of the ZnFe2O4 chemiresistor are measured at different temperatures (260–320 °C) for detecting equal concentrations (200 ppm) of the two structural isomers of propanol. The transient current of ZnFe2O4 reflects a faster oxidation of 2‐propanol than 1‐propanol on the surface. First‐principles calculations and kinetic studies on the interaction of 1‐ and 2‐propanol over ZnFe2O4 provide further insight in support of the experimental evidence. The calculations predict more spontaneous adsorption of 2‐propanol on the (111) surface of ZnFe2O4 than 1‐propanol. Kinetic parameters for the oxidation of isomeric vapors are estimated by modelling the transient current of ZnFe2O4 using the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood reaction mechanism. The faster oxidation of 2‐propanol and comparatively lower activation energy for the respective process over ZnFe2O4 is justified in accordance to the chemical structures of vapors. The findings have strong implications in exploring a new technique for discriminating isomeric VOCs, which is significant for environmental monitoring and medical applications.
Social and ecological factors alter stress physiology of Virunga mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei)
Authors: Eckardt Winnie , Stoinski Tara S. , Rosenbaum Stacy , Santymire Rachel
Published: April 2019

Living in a rapidly changing environment can alter stress physiology at the population level, with negative impacts on health, reproductive rates, and mortality that may ultimately result in species decline. Small, isolated animal populations where genetic diversity is low are at particular risks, such as endangered Virunga mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei). Along with climate change‐associated environmental shifts that are affecting the entire population, subpopulations of the Virunga gorillas have recently experienced extreme changes in their social environment. As the growing population moves closer to the forest's carrying capacity, the gorillas are coping with rising population density, increased frequencies of interactions between social units, and changing habitat use (e.g., more overlapping home ranges and routine ranging at higher elevations). Using noninvasive monitoring of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) on 115 habituated Virunga gorillas, we investigated how social and ecological variation are related to baseline FGM levels, to better understand the adaptive capacity of mountain gorillas and monitor potential physiological indicators of population decline risks. Generalized linear mixed models revealed elevated mean monthly baseline FGM levels in months with higher rainfall and higher mean maximum and minimum temperature, suggesting that Virunga gorillas might be sensitive to predicted warming and rainfall trends involving longer, warmer dry seasons and more concentrated and extreme rainfall occurrences. Exclusive use of smaller home range areas was linked to elevated baseline FGM levels, which may reflect reduced feeding efficiency and increased travel efforts to actively avoid neighboring groups. The potential for additive effects of stress‐inducing factors could have short‐ and long‐term impacts on the reproduction, health, and ultimately survival of the Virunga gorilla population. The ongoing effects of environmental changes and population dynamics must be closely monitored and used to develop effective long‐term conservation strategies that can help address these risk factors.
Red panda fine‐scale habitat selection along a Central Himalayan longitudinal gradient
Authors: Bista Damber , Paudel Prakash Kumar , Jnawali Shant Raj , Sherpa Ang Phuri , Shrestha Saroj , Acharya Krishna Prasad
Published: April 2019

Red panda Ailurus fulgens, an endangered habitat specialist, inhabits a narrow distribution range in bamboo abundance forests along mountain slopes in the Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains. However, their habitat use may be different in places with different longitudinal environmental gradients, climatic regimes, and microclimate. This study aimed to determine the habitat variables affecting red panda distribution across different longitudinal gradients through a multivariate analysis. We studied habitat selection patterns along the longitudinal gradient in Nepal's Himalaya which is grouped into the eastern, central, and western complexes. We collected data on red panda presence and habitat variables (e.g., tree richness, canopy cover, bamboo abundance, water availability, tree diameter, tree height) by surveys along transects throughout the species’ potential range. We used a multimodal inference approach with a generalized linear model to test the relative importance of environmental variables. Although the study showed that bamboo abundance had a major influence, habitat selection was different across longitudinal zones. Both canopy cover and species richness were unimportant in eastern Nepal, but their influence increased progressively toward the west. Conversely, tree height showed a decreasing influence on habitat selection from Eastern to Western Nepal. Red panda's habitat selection revealed in this study corresponds to the uneven distribution of vegetation assemblages and the dry climatic gradient along the eastern‐western Himalayas which could be related to a need to conserve energy and thermoregulate. This study has further highlighted the need of importance of bamboo conservation and site‐specific conservation planning to ensure long‐term red panda conservation.
Responses of species abundance distribution patterns to spatial scaling in subtropical secondary forests
Authors: Wu Anchi , Deng Xiangwen , He Honglin , Ren Xiaoli , Jing Yiran , Xiang Wenhua , Ouyang Shuai , Yan Wende , Fang Xi
Published: April 2019

To quantify and assess the processes underlying community assembly and driving tree species abundance distributions(SADs) with spatial scale variation in two typical subtropical secondary forests in Dashanchong state‐owned forest farm, two 1‐ha permanent study plots (100‐m × 100‐m) were established. We selected four diversity indices including species richness, Shannon–Wiener, Simpson and Pielou, and relative importance values to quantify community assembly and biodiversity. Empirical cumulative distribution and species accumulation curves were utilized to describe the SADs of two forests communities trees. Three types of models, including statistic model (lognormal and logseries model), niche model (broken‐stick, niche preemption, and Zipf‐Mandelbrodt model), and neutral theory model, were estimated by the fitted SADs. Simulation effects were tested by Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Results found that the Fagaceae and Anacardiaceae families were their respective dominance family in the evergreen broad‐leaved and deciduous mixed communities. According to original data and random sampling predictions, the SADs were hump‐shaped for intermediate abundance classes, peaking between 8 and 32 in the evergreen broad‐leaved community, but this maximum increased with size of total sampled area size in the deciduous mixed community. All niche models could only explain SADs patterns at smaller spatial scales. However, both the neutral theory and purely statistical models were suitable for explaining the SADs for secondary forest communities when the sampling plot exceeded 40 m. The results showed the SADs indicated a clear directional trend toward convergence and similar predominating ecological processes in two typical subtropical secondary forests. The neutral process gradually replaced the niche process in importance and become the main mechanism for determining SADs of forest trees as the sampling scale expanded. Thus, we can preliminarily conclude that neutral processes had a major effect on biodiversity patterns in these two subtropical secondary forests but exclude possible contributions of other processes.
Identifying occupancy model inadequacies: can residuals separately assess detection and presence?
Authors: Wright Wilson J. , Irvine Kathryn M. , Higgs Megan D.
Published: April 2019

Occupancy models are widely applied to estimate species distributions, but few methods exist for model checking. Thorough model assessments can uncover inadequacies and allow for deeper ecological insight by exploring structure in the observed data not accounted for by a model. We introduce occupancy model residual definitions that utilize the posterior distribution of the partially latent occupancy states. Residual‐based assessments are valuable because they can target specific assumptions and identify ways to improve a model, such as adding spatial correlation or meaningful covariates. Our approach defines separate residuals for occupancy and detection, and we use simulation to examine whether missing structure for modeling detection probabilities can be distinguished from that for occupancy probabilities. In many scenarios, our residual diagnostics were able to separate inadequacies at the different model levels successfully, but we describe other situations when this may not be the case. Applying Moran's I residual diagnostics to assess models for silver‐haired (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and little brown (Myotis lucifugus) bats only provided evidence of residual spatial correlation among detections. Targeting specific model assumptions using carefully chosen residual diagnostics is valuable for any analysis, and we remove previous barriers for occupancy analyses—lack of examples and practical advice.
Biotic homogenization within and across eight widely distributed grasslands following invasion by Bromus inermis
Authors: Stotz Gisela C. , Gianoli Ernesto , Cahill James F.
Published: April 2019

Invasive species can alter the structure and function of the communities they invade, as well as lead to biotic homogenization across their invasive range, thus affecting large‐scale diversity patterns. The mechanisms by which invasive species can lead to biotic homogenization are poorly understood. We argue that invasive species acting as strong, deterministic, and consistent filters within and across invaded communities are likely to cause biotic homogenization at multiple spatial scales. We studied Bromus inermis Leyss. invasion into eight grasslands covering most of the grassland and parkland natural regions of Alberta (western Canada). Specifically, we tested whether B. inermis (1) has a strong impact on species richness and composition, (2) consistently alters resources (nutrients, light, and soil moisture), imposing the same ecological filter to species establishment and persistence across sites, and hence (3) whether it leads to biotic homogenization within and across sites. We recorded plant cover and resources across native‐to‐invaded transition areas combining space‐for‐time substitutions with time‐series data analyses. Bromus inermis invasion was associated with rapid biotic homogenization of communities, within and among the eight grasslands. The sharp changes in species relative abundances following invasion was the initial driver of biotic homogenization, and species loss was delayed. Supporting the idea that biotic homogenization can occur when an invasive species presents a broad and consistent filter, resources modified by B. inermis invasion (particularly light and certain nutrients) were altered rather consistently within and across sites. The 50% reduction in light was likely the initial driver of biotic homogenization, and the increase in nutrient availability probably facilitates the displacement of species from the invaded areas and could lead to the establishment of self‐reinforcing dynamics. Overall, our results support the idea that invaders acting as strong, deterministic, and consistent ecological filters are likely to cause biotic homogenization of the communities they invade.
The transport of aggregates associated with soil organic carbon under the rain‐induced overland flow on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Liu Lin , Li Zhongwu , Xiao Haibing , Wang Bing , Nie Xiaodong , Liu Chun , Ni Lingshan , Wang Danyang
Published: April 2019

Organic carbon (OC) is easily enriched in sediment particles of different sizes due to aggregate breakdown and selective transport for sheet erosion. However, the transport of aggregate‐associated OC has not been thoroughly investigated. To address this issue, 27 simulated rainfall experiments were conducted in a 1 m × 0.35 m box on slope gradients of 15°, 10°, and 15°and under three rainfall intensities of 45 mm h−1, 90 mm h−1 and 120 mm h−1. The results showed that OC was obviously enriched in sediment particles of different sizes under sheet erosion. The soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations of each aggregate size class in sediments were different from those in the original soil, especially when the rainfall intensity or slope was sufficiently low, such as 45 mm h–1 or 5°, respectively. Under a slope of 5°, the SOC enrichment ratios (ERocs) of small macroaggregates and microaggregates were high but decreased over time. As rainfall intensity increased, OC became enriched in increasingly fine sediment particles. Under a rainfall intensity of 45 mm h–1, the ERocs of the different aggregate size classes were always high throughout the entire erosion process. Under a rainfall intensity of > 45 mm h–1 and slope of > 5°, the ERocs of the different aggregate size classes were close to 1.0, especially those of clay and silt. Therefore, the high ERocs in sediments resulted from the first transport of effective clay. Among total SOC loss, the proportion of OC loss caused by the transport of microaggregates and silt plus clay‐sized particles was greater than 50%. We also found that low stream power and low water depth were two requirements for the high ERocs in aggregates. Stream power was closely related to sediment particle distribution. Flow velocity was significantly and positively related to the percentage of OC‐enriched macroaggregates in the sediments (P > 0.01). Our study will provide important information for understanding the fate of SOC and building physical‐based SOC transport models. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advancing urban wildlife research through a multi‐city collaboration
Authors: Magle Seth B , Fidino Mason , Lehrer Elizabeth W , Gallo Travis , Mulligan Matthew P , Ríos María Jazmín , Ahlers Adam A , Angstmann Julia , Belaire Amy , Dugelby Barbara , Gramza Ashley , Hartley Laurel , MacDougall Brandon , Ryan Travis , Salsbury Carmen , Sander Heather , Schell Christopher , Simon Kelly , St Onge Sarah , Drake David
Published: April 2019

Research on urban wildlife can help promote coexistence and guide future interactions between humans and wildlife in developed regions, but most such investigations are limited to short‐term, single‐species studies, typically conducted within a single city. This restricted focus prevents scientists from recognizing global patterns and first principles regarding urban wildlife behavior and ecology. To overcome these limitations, we have designed a pioneering research network, the Urban Wildlife Information Network (UWIN), whereby partners collaborate across several cities to systematically collect data to populate long‐term datasets on multiple species in urban areas. Data collected viaUWINsupport analyses that will enable us to build basic theory related to urban wildlife ecology. An analysis of mammals in seven metropolitan regions suggests that common species are similar across cities, but relative rates of occupancy differ markedly. We ultimately viewUWINas an applied tool that can be used to connect the public to urban nature at a continental scale, and provide information critical to urban planners and landscape architects. Our network therefore has the potential to advance knowledge and to improve the ability to plan and manage cities to support biodiversity.
Dietary essential oil from navel orange alleviates depression in reserpine‐treated mice by monoamine neurotransmitters
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Lu , Yang Zi‐Yu , Ren Jing‐Nan , Fan Gang , Pan Si‐Yi
Published: April 2019

This study was intended to examine the effects of navel orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) essential oil (OEO) on depression in the reserpine‐treated mice. And the chemical composition of OEO was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) analysis. The results indicated that the major compounds of OEO were terpenes. And OEO treatment produced an antidepressant‐like effect in mice, as indicated by the increased locomotor activity in the open field test (OFT) and attenuated dyslipidemia, but it had no effect on duration of immobility in the forced swim test (FST). Dietary OEO counteracted the reserpine‐induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, OEO treatment increased the levels of serotonin (5‐HT) and dopamine (DA) in the mice brain. These antidepressant‐like effects of OEO are essentially similar to the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine. And the action of OEO may be mediated by the central serotonergic and dopaminergic systems.
Powering Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Syngas Using La0.4Sr0.5Ba0.1TiO3 Anode Infitrated with Nano‐composite
Authors: Zeng Y. , Li K. , Gao T. , Yan N. , Luo J.‐L.
Published: April 2019

La0.4Sr0.5Ba0.1TiO3 (LSBT) is a promising anode candidate with perovskite structure, due to its excellent chemical stability even in sour hydrocarbons. Infiltrating nano‐composite catalysts into the perovskite substrate can further enhance the electrochemical activity without undermining the robustness of the anode in light hydrocarbon fuels. This paper focuses on developing a new LSBT anode with enhanced catalytic performance and chemical stability in syngas and hydrogen fuel by infiltrating the substrate with Cu+Co and CeO2+Cu+Co nano‐composite catalysts. It was found that CeO2+Cu+Co significantly improved the chemical and thermal stabilities of the anode. However, an excess of infiltration reduced the active sites. The SOFC cell with the LSBT anode, which was infiltrated with 9.0 wt.% CeO2 + 3.6 wt.% Cu + 5.4 wt.% Co, exhibited much improved electrochemical performance in syngas environments.