bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric behavior and structural characterization of polymeric double layer thin films
Authors: Saxena Pooja , Shukla Prashant , Gaur M. S.
Published: March 2019

In the present work, various techniques have been employed to investigate the polarization processes along with the estimation of various parameters involved therein in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and PVDF‐PMMA double‐layered samples. Anticipating the difficulty to analyze the experimental data; in such complicated situation, when in one the same temperature range various decay mechanism may complete, the different techniques are used to interpret the experimental results. These measurements verify the various processes responsible polarization in these polymer samples. The structural morphology, crystallinity, atomic, and molecular geometry were analyzed using different characterization tools, namely SEM, XRD, FTIR, and DSC; therefore, the results were found to be in confirmation with amorphous nature of PMMA and semicrystalline nature of PVDF and PVDF‐PMMA double‐layered samples. Ac dielectric measurements were performed for different temperatures over the frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz. Dielectric losses have also been recorded with a two terminal (Al‐Al) electrode combination. The study revealed that both interfacial phenomena and space charge mechanism are known to play preliminary role in the dielectric behavior of double‐layered samples. The amorphous–crystalline interface act as charge‐carrier trapping sites in this polymeric heterogeneous system. Dielectric permittivity and dielectric loss of the double‐layered sample depend manifolds on the temperature and the Ac frequency. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47724.
Synergistic effects of organic and inorganic additives in preparation of composite poly(vinylidene fluoride) antifouling ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Wahab Mukramah Yusuf , Muchtar Syawaliah , Jeon Sungil , Fang Li‐Feng , Rajabzadeh Saeid , Takagi Ryosuke , Arahman Nasrul , Mulyati Sri , Riza Medyan , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: March 2019

Composite ultrafiltration membranes were successfully fabricated by blending a nonionic surfactant and inorganic nanoparticles via a nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) method. Brij35 was used as the nonionic surfactant and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles from rice husk ash, a low cost and widely available material, were used as the inorganic nanoparticles. The synergetic effect of both additives was used to tailor the membrane structure and properties because the selected additives showed completely different or, in some cases, the opposite effect on the membrane properties and structure. The combined effects of Brij and SiO2 resulted in a membrane with a noticeable improvement in membrane overall performance including pure water permeability, hydrophilicity, antifouling properties, long‐term stability, tensile strength, on the cost of a slight decrease in membrane elongation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47737.
Advanced porous polyphenylsulfone membrane with ultrahigh chemical stability and selectivity for vanadium flow batteries
Authors: Shi Manli , Liu Lu , Tong Yujia , Huang Lukuan , Li Weixing , Xing Weihong
Published: March 2019

Porous polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) membranes are facilely prepared via the nonsolvent‐induced phase separation method. The typical asymmetric structure of such prepared porous membranes can be controlled by optimizing the sulfonation degree of the sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) to 84.7% in the casting solution. Scanning electron microscopy images show that the porous membrane comprises a thin dense top skin layer, a sublayer structure with distinct long finger‐like pores and the large pores in the substructure. The porous PPSU membrane was then used in vanadium flow battery (VFB). The optimized porous membrane yields an admirable performance, including excellent selectivity, chemical stability, and high columbic efficiency. Furthermore, the low cost of porous PPSU membranes indicates the promise of this technology for use in VFB applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47752.
Three‐dimensional movements of harbour seals in a tidally energetic channel: Application of a novel sonar tracking system
Authors: Hastie Gordon D. , Bivins Matt , Coram Alex , Gordon Jonathan , Jepp Pauline , MacAulay Jamie , Sparling Carol , Gillespie Douglas
Published: March 2019

Understanding how marine predators utilize habitats requires that we consider their behaviour in three dimensions. Recent research has shown that marine mammals often make use of tidally energetic locations for foraging, yet data are generally limited to observations of animals at the water surface. Such areas are also of interest to the renewable energy industry for the deployment of tidal‐stream energy turbines; this has led to concerns about potential impacts on marine mammals.

Methods for measuring animal movements underwater are limited; however, active sonar can image marine mammals and could potentially measure three‐dimensional movements in tidally energetic locations. Here, a dual 720 kHz sonar system was developed to investigate the three‐dimensional movements of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in a tidally energetic channel.

Estimated mean depth (distance from the surface) of seals was 12.0 m (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 11.6–12.4 m), and the majority of time was spent at the surface and at approximately 10–12 m distance from the surface. When expressed as distances from the sea bed, mean distance was 18.5 m (95% CI: 18.0–18.9 m), and the majority of time was spent at 14 m from the sea bed.

Seal movements were generally in the same direction as the tidal flow with mean horizontal speeds of between 0.51 and 3.13 m s−1 (95% CIs = 1.24–1.54 m s−1). Mean vertical velocities (where negative and positive values represent a descent and ascent respectively) for each seal track ranged between −1.76 and +0.88 m s−1 (95% CIs: −0.23 to +0.03 m s−1).

These results provide a basis for understanding how seals utilize a dynamic tidal environment and suggest that harbour seal behaviour can be markedly different to less tidally energetic habitats. The results also have important implications for the prediction of risk associated with interactions between diving seals and tidal turbines in these dynamic habitats.
Electronic Communication between S=1/2 Spins in Negatively‐charged Double‐caged Fullerene C60 Derivative Bonded by Two Single Bonds and Pyrrolizidine Bridge
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Goryunkov Alexey A. , Brotsman Victor A. , Ioffe Ilya N. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: March 2019

Radical anion salt {cryptand[2.2.2] (K+)}2(bispheroid)2−⋅3.5C6H4Cl2 (1) of the double‐caged fullerene C60 derivative, in which fullerene cages are linked by a cyclobutane bridging cycle and additionally by a pyrrolizidine moiety, was obtained. Each fullerene cage in this derivative accepts one electron on reduction, thus forming the (bispheroid)2− dianions with two interacting S=1/2 spins on the neighboring cages. Low‐temperature magnetic measurements reveal a singlet ground state of the bispheroid dianions whereas triplet contributions prevail at increased temperature. An estimated exchange interaction between two spins J/kB=−78 K in 1 indicates strong magnetic coupling between them, nearly two times higher than that (J/kB=−44.7 K) in previously studied (C60−)2 dimers linked via a cyclobutane bridge only. The enhancement of magnetic coupling in 1 can be explained by a shorter distance between the fullerene cages and, possibly, an additional channel for the magnetic exchange provided by a pyrrolizidine bridge. Quantum‐chemical calculations of the lowest electronic state of the dianions by means of multi‐configuration quasi‐degenerate perturbation theory support the experimental findings.
Fluorescence Quenching‐based Assay for Measuring Golgi endo‐α‐Mannosidase
Authors: Sano Kanae , Kuribara Taiki , Ishii Nozomi , Kuroiwa Ayumi , Yoshihara Toshitada , Tobita Seiji , Totani Kiichiro , Matsuo Ichiro
Published: March 2019

Golgi endo‐α‐mannosidase (G‐EM) catalyzes an alternative deglucosylation process for N‐glycans and plays important roles in the post‐endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control pathway. To understand the post‐ER quality control mechanism, we synthesized a tetrasaccharide probe for the detection of the hydrolytic activity of G‐EM based on a fluorescence quenching assay. The probe was labeled with an N‐methylanthraniloyl group as a reporter dye at the non‐reducing end and a 2,4‐dinitrophenyl group as a quencher at the reducing end. This probe is hydrolyzed to disaccharide derivatives by G‐EM, resulting in increased fluorescence intensity. Thus, the fluorescence signal is directly proportional to the amount of disaccharide derivative present, allowing the G‐EM activity to be evaluated easily and quantitatively.
PDα‐type iterative learning control for fractional‐order linear continuous‐time switched systems
Authors: Zhang Kejun , Peng Guohua
Published: March 2019

For a class of fractional‐order linear continuous‐time switched systems specified by an arbitrary switching rule, this paper proposes a PDα‐type fractional‐order iterative learning control algorithm. For systems disturbed by bounded measurement noise, the robustness of PDα‐type algorithm is first discussed in the iteration domain and the tracking performance is analyzed. Next, a sufficient condition for monotone convergence of the algorithm is studied when external noise is absent. The results of analysis and simulation illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
HSPA6: A new autosomal recessive candidate gene for the VATER/VACTERL malformation spectrum
Authors: Kause Franziska , Zhang Rong , Ludwig Michael , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Rissmann Anke , Thiele Holger , Altmueller Janine , Herms Stefan , Hilger Alina C. , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Reutter Heiko
Published: March 2019

Background

The VATER/VACTERL association refers to the nonrandom co‐occurrence of at least three of the following component features (CFs): vertebral defects (V), anorectal malformations (ARM) (A), cardiac defects (C), tracheoesophageal fistula with or without esophageal atresia (TE), renal malformations (R), and limb defects (L). Patients presenting with two CFs have been termed VATER/VACTERL‐like phenotypes.

Methods

We surveyed the exome for recessive disease variants in three affected sib‐pairs. Sib‐pair 971 consisted of two brothers with ARM and additional hydronephrosis in one brother. Sib‐pair 1098 consisted of two sisters with ARM. In family 1346, the daughter presented with ARM and additional hypoplasia of both small fingers and ankyloses. Her brother presented with unilateral isolated radial hypoplasia. Sib‐pairs 971 and 1346 resembled a VATER/VACTERL‐like phenotype.

Results

We detected a novel maternally inherited missense variant (c.1340G > T) and a rare paternally inherited deletion of the trans‐allele in HSPA6 in both siblings of family 1346. HSPA6 belongs to the heat shock protein (HSP) 70 family. Re‐sequencing of HSPA6 in 167 patients with VATER/VACTERL and VATER/VACTERL‐like phenotypes did not reveal any additional bi‐allelic variants.

Conclusions

Until now, only TNF‐receptor associated protein 1 (TRAP1) had been reported as an autosomal recessive disease‐gene for the VATER/VACTERL association. TRAP1 belongs to the heat shock protein 90 family (HSP90). Both Hsp70 and Hsp90 genes have been shown to be important embryonic drivers in the formation of mouse embryonic forelimb tissue. Our results suggest HSPA6 as a new candidate gene in VATER/VACTERL‐like phenotypes.
A rapid and sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS method for the determination of celosin A in rat plasma with application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Shen Jiawei , Cao Xiuqin , Zhou Weili , Song Jinbo
Published: March 2019

Celosin A (CA), a natural compound isolated from Celosia argentea L., has been shown significant hepatoprotective effect on AHNP‐induced liver injury. This study described a rapid and sensitive ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) assay for determination of CA in rat plasma. Methanol‐mediated precipitation was used for sample pretreatment. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a T3 column with gradient elution using water and acetonitrile as mobile phase. Determination was obtained using an electrospray ionization source in negative selected reaction monitoring mode at the transitions of m/z 793.3 → m/z 661.2 and m/z 955.6 → m/z 793.2 for CA and IS, respectively. The assay was linear over the concentration range 0.25–2500 ng/mL (r > 0.995) with a lowest limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.25 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were 1.65–9.84 and 2.46–13.49%, respectively, while accuracy (RR) ranged from 96.21 to 99.45%, respectively. The recovery ranged from 95.09 to 102.22% and the matrix effect from 98.29 to 100.13%. The analyte was stable under the tested storage conditions. The method has been successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study in rats after a single intravenous (2 mg/kg) or oral (50 mg/kg) administration. The oral bioavailability of CA was ~1.94%; in addition, there was no difference between male and female rats. This is the first time of the use of an UHPLC–MS/MS method for determination of CA concentration in rat plasma and for evaluation of its pharmacokinetic behavior.
Motor learning enhanced by combined motor imagery and noninvasive brain stimulation is associated with reduced short‐interval intracortical inhibition
Authors: Meng Hai‐Jiang , Cao Na , Lin Yi‐Tong , Liu Ke , Zhang​ Jian , Pi Yan‐Ling
Published: March 2019

Background

Motor imagery (MI) improves motor skill learning, which is further enhanced when MI is paired with primary motor cortex transcranial brain stimulation or with electrical stimulation of the peripheral median nerve. Applying both stimulation types (here with 25 ms intervals) is called paired associative stimulation (PAS25). The final primary motor cortex output is determined by combined excitatory and intracortical inhibitory circuits, and reducing the latter is associated with enhanced synaptic transmission and efficacy. Indeed, short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) inhibits motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and motor learning has been associated with decreased SICI and increased cortical excitability. Here, we investigated whether cortical excitability and SICI are altered by PAS25 applied after MI‐induced modulation of motor learning.

Methods

Peak acceleration of a hand‐grasping movement and MEPs and SICI were measured before and after MI alone, PAS25 alone, and MI followed by PAS25 in 16 healthy participants to evaluate changes in motor learning, corticospinal excitability, and intracortical inhibition.

Results

After PAS25 alone, MEP amplitude increased while peak acceleration was unchanged. However, PAS25 applied following MI not only significantly enhanced both peak acceleration (p = 0.011) and MEP amplitude (p = 0.004) but also decreased SICI (p = 0.011). Moreover, we found that this decrease in SICI was significantly correlated with both the peak acceleration (r = 0.49, p = 0.029) and the MEP amplitude (r = 0.56, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

These results indicate that brain function altered by PAS25 of the motor cortex enhances MI‐induced motor learning and corticospinal excitability and decreases SICI, suggesting that SICI underlies, at least in part, PAS25 modulation of motor learning.
Serum soluble fibrinogen‐like protein 2 concentration predicts delirium after acute pancreatitis
Authors: Xu Wen‐Bin , Hu Qian‐Hua , Wu Chan‐Ni , Fan Zhi‐Kun , Song Zhang‐Fa
Published: March 2019

Objective

Inflammation can cause delirium. Soluble fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (sFGL2) is a modulator of the immune response and more recently found to be a biomarker for brain injury. This study was designed to discover the predictive capability of serum sFGL2 concentrations for delirium after acute pancreatitis (AP).

Materials and Methods

In this prospective, observational study, serum sFGL2 concentrations were quantified in 184 healthy controls and in 184 AP patients. Disease severity was assessed by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Care Evaluation II score, Ranson score, multiple organ dysfunction score, and sequential organ failure assessment score. Delirium was recorded during hospital stay. Predictors of delirium were identified using multivariate analysis.

Results

Serum sFGL2 concentrations were substantially higher in AP patients than in controls. Serum sFGL2 concentrations were intimately correlated with the preceding severity parameters. Serum sFGL2 and the aforementioned severity parameters were independent predictors for delirium. Under receiver operating characteristic curve, the discriminatory ability of serum sFGL2 was equivalent to those of the above‐mentioned severity parameters. Moreover, serum sFGL2 dramatically improved the predictive value of the aforementioned severity parameters.

Conclusions

Elevation of serum sFGL2 concentrations is strongly associated with the AP severity and has the potential to distinguish delirium after AP.
Hybrid coating of alginate microbeads based on protein‐biopolymer multilayers for encapsulation of probiotics
Authors: Yucel Falco Cigdem , Amadei Federico , Dhayal Surender K. , Cárdenas Marité , Tanaka Motomu , Risbo Jens
Published: March 2019

A hybrid coating based on multilayers of proteins and biopolymers was developed to enhance the protection performance of alginate microbeads against acidic conditions for delivery of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG). Zeta potential measurements and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation confirmed layer‐by‐layer deposition of protein‐polymer layers. The stability of protein‐based coatings during simulated gastric fluid (SGF) treatment was monitored by microscopy. Protein‐coated microbeads were partially dismantled, whereas polymer‐coated microbeads were intact after a sequential treatment in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. This suggests that hybrid formulation offers an advantage over the coatings based on biopolymer multilayers in terms of better release of bacteria. Uncoated alginate microbeads completely dissolved and could not protect bacteria after SGF treatment whereas microbeads with hybrid coating showed increased physical stability and a modest decrease of culturability of 3.8 log units. Therefore, this work provides a concept for future protein‐based hybrid coatings for bacterial delivery systems.
Retracted: Interference of the long noncoding RNA CDKN2B‐AS1 upregulates miR‐181a‐5p/TGFβI axis to restrain the metastasis and promote apoptosis and senescence of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Lihong , Zhang Quanhua , Li Shaoping , Jiang Shan , Cui Jingjing , Dang Ge
Published: March 2019

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) CDKN2B‐AS1 has been shown to play a crucial role in the development as well as in the prognosis of various human cancers, including cervical cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further explored between CDKN2B‐AS1 and cervical cancer. In the present study, RT‐PCR showed that the mRNA level of CDKN2B‐AS1 was significantly upregulated while the miR‐181a‐5p was downregulated in cervical cancer cell lines. In addition, the interference of CDKN2B‐AS1 by shRNA resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation, invasion, migration and promotion of apoptosis and senescence, and either CDKN2B‐AS1 overexpression or miR‐181a‐5p showed reversed results. Further studies demonstrated that CDKN2B‐AS1 could directly interact with miR‐181a‐5p, and that there was an inverse correlation between miR‐181a‐5p and CDKN2B‐AS1. In addition, we found that TGFβI was a target of miR‐181a‐5p and could be downregulated by CDKN2B‐AS1 knockdown. Moreover, the in vivo experiments further demonstrated the contribution of CDKN2B‐AS1 in cervical cancer including tumor growth, apoptosis inhibition and senescence inhibition, and CDKN2B‐AS1 knockdown could inhibit the aforementioned activities. In summary, our study demonstrated that the CDKN2B‐AS1/miR‐181a‐5p/TGFβI axis might play a vital role in cervical cancer development.
Highly Selective Isomerization of Glucose into Fructose Catalyzed by a Mimic Glucose Isomerase
Authors: Zhang Ni , Meng Xiang‐Guang , Wu Yan‐Yan , Song Hong‐Jin , Huang Hong , Wang Fei , Lv Jing
Published: March 2019

An amphoteric phenolic compound with carboxyl and amino functional groups was synthesized and used as mimic glucose isomerase to catalyze the isomerization of glucose into fructose. The mimic enzyme displayed excellent catalytic activity for isomerization of glucose to fructose under mild conditions. The yield of fructose and selectivity of fructose could reach 33.0 % and 93.5 % after reacting 4 h, respectively, at pH 8.5 and 80 °C. The catalysis reaction rate constant kcat and Michaelis constants KmG, KmF were calculated. The activation energy of glucose to fructose was evaluated as 65.9 kJ mol−1. The possible catalysis reaction mechanism was proposed. The acid‐base groups on the catalyst play an important role in proton extraction and transfer, as well as in the rotation of local carbon chain, which leads to the highly selective isomerization of glucose into fructose under mild conditions.
A Multicomponent Approach to Oxazolidinone Synthesis Catalyzed by Rare‐Earth Metal Amides
Authors: Zhou Meixia , Zheng Xizhou , Wang Yaorong , Yuan Dan , Yao Yingming
Published: March 2019

Three‐component reaction of epoxides, amines, and dimethyl carbonate catalyzed by rare‐earth metal amides has been developed to synthesize oxazolidinones. 47 examples of 3,5‐disubstituted oxazolidinones were prepared in 13–97 % yields. This is a simple and most practical method which employs easily available substrates and catalysts, and is applicable to a wide range of aromatic and aliphatic amines, as well as mono‐substituted epoxides. Scope of disubstituted epoxides is rather limited, which requires further study. Preliminary mechanistic study reveals two possible reaction pathways through intermediates of β‐amino alcohols or amides.
The role of conflict resolution in a major urban partnership to fight human trafficking
Authors: Carpenter Ami C.
Published: March 2019

This article takes a singular case study to explore the formation, structure, and impact of a complex urban partnership to address sex trafficking in the San Diego‐Tijuana border region. It explains the relationship between the partnership's structure and subsequent policy outcomes, and argues the two are linked through a staged network formation process in which conflict resolution practices were central in overcoming institutional and cultural barriers to collaborative governance. It contains portable insights about how leadership and decision‐making unfolds and institutionalizes in situations characterized by complex forms of violence that nobody is singularly “responsible” for handling.
Cognitive–affective strategies and cortisol stress reactivity in children and adolescents: Normative development and effects of early life stress
Authors: Johnson Anna E. , Perry Nicole B. , Hostinar Camelia E. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: March 2019

This study examined cognitive–affective strategies as predictors of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responses to a social‐evaluative stressor in adolescence as compared to late childhood as a function of early life experiences. Participants included 159 children (9–10 years) and adolescents (15–16 years) divided into two groups based on early care experiences: non‐adopted youth raised in their birth families (n = 81) and post‐institutionalized youth internationally adopted from orphanage care (n = 78). Youth completed a version of the Trier Social Stress Test modified for use with children and reported on their trait emotion regulation and coping strategies. Children reported more use of suppression and disengagement than adolescents, while adolescents reported more engagement coping strategies. Non‐adopted and post‐institutionalized youth did not differ in reported strategies. Cognitive reappraisal predicted higher cortisol reactivity in non‐adopted children and adolescents, and was not associated with reactivity in the post‐institutionalized group. This study has implications for efforts aimed at promoting self‐regulation and adaptive stress responses during the transition to adolescence for both typically developing children and children who experienced adverse early care.
High throughput measure of diversity in cytoplasmic and nuclear traits for unravelling geographic distribution of rosemary
Authors: Nunziata Angelina , De Benedetti Laura , Marchioni Ilaria , Cervelli Claudio
Published: March 2019

In the present work, variability of both cytoplasmic and nuclear microsatellite traits was investigated with the aim of characterizing a set of rosemary germplasm resources (Salvia rosmarinus). Most of the materials were collected in Italy and France. High‐resolution melting curves were compared each other computing their Euclidean distances and estimating the differences within their principal component as a measure of genetic diversity. Mantel correlation results combined to linear discriminant analysis allowed examined populations to be divided in four principal groups corresponding to four geographic areas, with few interesting and discussed exceptions. As rosemary propagates by seeds coming from insect mediated pollination, steady wild populations can be expected to be in panmictic equilibrium. Gained results confirmed and extended precedent characterization of rosemary genotypes and are compatible with the distribution of other Mediterranean species, as well as with the presence of a glacial refugium in the north‐east area of Sardinia previously described. As the officinal use of this aromatic shrub is spreading, characterization and conservation of wild Mediterranean germplasm is gaining strategic importance. A core collection of 100 genotypes was pointed out as suitable for a cheaper biodiversity ex situ preservation as well as for subsequent metabolic and linkage disequilibrium analyses.
Birds of a feather flock together: Functionally similar vertebrates positively co‐occur in Guianan forests
Authors: Denis Thomas , Richard‐Hansen Cécile , Brunaux Olivier , Guitet Stéphane , Hérault Bruno
Published: March 2019

Medium‐ and large‐sized vertebrates play a key role in shaping overall forest functioning. Despite this, vertebrate interactions, from competition to mutualism, remain poorly studied, even though these interactions should be taken into account in our conservation and management strategies. Thus, we tackled the question of vertebrate co‐occurrence in tropical rainforests: Are (negative or positive) co‐occurrences dependent on forest structure and composition? and Are these co‐occurrences linked to functional species similarity? We recorded the occurrence of 21 medium‐ and large‐sized vertebrates in 19 French Guianan locations in which a large set of forest structure and composition descriptors were collected. We used a probabilistic model to look for co‐occurrences at different spatial scales, and species pairwise co‐occurrences were then compared to those generated solely on the basis of forest structure and composition. We then quantified the co‐occurrence strength between pairwise species dyads and determined whether they relied on species functional similarity, controlling for the environmental effects. We found that positive co‐occurrences vastly outnumbered negative co‐occurrences, were only partly shaped by the local environment, and were closely linked to species functional similarity. Thus, groups of species sharing similar functional traits are more prone to co‐occur, highlighting the key role of functional redundancy in structuring species assemblages. We discuss how positive interactions could generate the predominance of positive co‐occurrences in oligotrophic terra firme (unflooded) forests when resources are scarce and dispersed in dry season. Finally, we identified functional groups based on co‐occurrence strength and suggested that frugivory/granivory and body size are of primary importance in species interactions in Neotropical vertebrate communities.
Accounting for heterogeneous invasion rates reveals management impacts on the spatial expansion of an invasive species
Authors: Pepin Kim M. , Wolfson David W. , Miller Ryan S. , Tabak Michael A. , Snow Nathan P. , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Davis Amy J.
Published: March 2019

Success of large‐scale control programs for established invasive species is challenging to evaluate because of spatial variability in expansion rates, management techniques, and the strength of management intensity. For a well‐established invasive species in the spreading phase of invasion, a useful metric of impact is the magnitude by which control slows the rate of spatial spread. The prevention of spatial spreading likely results in substantial benefits in terms of ecosystem or economic damage that is prevented by an expanding invasive species. To understand how local management actions could impact the spatial spread of an established invasive species, we analyzed distribution and management data for feral swine across contiguous United States using occupancy analysis. We quantified changes in the rate of spatial expansion of feral swine and its relationship to local management actions. We found that after 4 yr of enhanced control, invasion probability decreased by 8% on average relative to pre‐program rates. This decrease was as high as 15% on average in states with low‐density populations of feral swine. The amount of decrease in invasion rate was attributed to removal intensity in neighboring counties and depended on the extent of neighboring counties with feral swine (spatial heterogeneity in local invasion pressure). Although we did not find a significant overall increase in the probability of elimination, increased elimination probability tended to occur in regions with low invasion pressure. Accounting for spatial heterogeneity in invasion pressure was important for quantifying management impacts (i.e., the relationship between management intensity and spatial spreading processes) because management impacts changed depending on the strength of invasion pressure from neighboring counties. Predicting reduction in spatial spread of an invasive species is an important first step in valuation of overall damage reduction for invasive species control programs by providing estimates of where a species may be, and thus which natural and agricultural resources would be affected, if the control program had not been operating. For minimizing losses from spatial expansion of an invasive species, our framework can be used for adaptive resource prioritization to areas where spatial expansion and underlying damage potential are concurrently highest.
Dispersal mitigates biologically induced disturbances in heterogeneous metacommunities
Authors: Mausbach William Eugene , Dzialowski Andrew Richard
Published: March 2019

The global increase in anthropogenic disturbances has introduced patterns of heterogeneity across many landscapes. Local disturbances are often studied from the perspective of the local habitat patch, where their direct effects on local community composition are more evident. However, local disturbances can have regional implications when connected to other patches within a metacommunity. Invasive species provide a unique opportunity for studying the influence of biologically induced disturbances on metacommunity dynamics, because invasive species are influential in structuring local communities and have a propensity for dispersing across landscapes, producing gradients in disturbance intensity. The invasive zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, is widespread throughout the eastern USA and is having negative impacts on native communities. Using zebra mussels to induce disturbances in mesocosm zooplankton communities, we tested how the relative abundance of disturbed and undisturbed habitat patches within a metacommunity influenced community and metacommunity biodiversity and composition. The zebra mussels negatively affected pelagic zooplankton species richness, while facilitating the population growth of littoral species. Undisturbed communities mitigated disturbance‐induced local and regional pelagic species loss in heterogeneous metacommunities, while the fully disturbed metacommunity experienced significant losses of pelagic zooplankton at local and regional scales. Disturbed communities influenced undisturbed communities in heterogeneous metacommunities by increasing the densities of littoral zooplankton species. Overall, these results highlight the important effects that undisturbed habitat patches can have on mitigating species loss in locally disturbed patches and maintaining regional biodiversity in heterogeneous metacommunities.
Synthesis of a Difunctionalized Pillar[5]arene with Hydroxyl and Amino Groups at A1/A2 Positions
Authors: Han Chengyou , Zhao Dezhi , Lü Zhifeng , Zhan Fengtao , Zhang Liangliang , Dong Shengyi , Jin Lin
Published: March 2019

Herein, we report a new route for the introduction of an amino group into pillar[5]arene to synthesize pillar[4]arene[1]quinone monooxime (H1) and pillar[4]arene[1]‐p‐aminophenol (H2). Their host–guest complexations with different neutral dicyano alkyl‐based molecules were studied and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray single crystal structures.
(Not) Thinking about you: Differences in victims’ and perpetrators’ self‐focus after interpersonal and intergroup transgressions
Authors: Siem Birte , Barth Markus
Published: March 2019

We tested the hypothesis that, following a transgression, victims and perpetrators differ in their focus of attention. In three studies (total N = 740), we manipulated participants’ social role (victim vs. perpetrator) in a hypothetical scenario (Studies 1 and 2) and in a perceived real conflict (Study 3) in an interpersonal (Studies 1 and 2) and an intergroup (Study 3) context. Results from all studies confirmed that victims show a stronger self‐focus than perpetrators. Moreover, results suggest victims’ higher self‐focus as a predictor of willingness to reconcile. Participants’ self‐focus mediated the effect of social role on reconciliation intentions as a single mediator (Study 2), or in sequence with their motivation to consider the other party's needs (Study 3). Overall, the present research suggests that victims and perpetrators differ in their focus of attention, and that this difference has important theoretical and practical implications for reconciliation between individuals and between groups.
On the Feasibility of Using Hierarchical ZSM‐5 and Beta Zeolites as Supports of Metal Phosphides for Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenol
Authors: Berenguer Antonio , Gutiérrez‐Rubio Santiago , Linares Maria , Ochoa‐Hernández Cristina , Moreno Inés , García‐Fierro Jose Luis , Coronado Juan Manuel , Serrano David Pedro , Pizarro Patricia
Published: March 2019

Hierarchical ZSM‐5 and beta zeolites are assessed and compared as supports for the preparation of Ni and Co phosphide‐based hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalysts. Zeolites are first impregnated with the metals and P precursors, followed by temperature‐programmed reduction, to obtain the corresponding Ni2P and Co2P phases. In the HDO tests, phenol is used as a model compound typically present in pyrolysis bio‐oils. Me2P deposition affects the textural and acidic properties of the zeolitic supports, especially in the case of h‐beta, because a collapse of its mesoporosity and the formation of aluminophosphate species are observed. For both zeolites, Ni2P is the most active phosphide phase. In particular, Ni2P/h‐ZSM‐5 exhibits outstanding results (almost full phenol conversion, complete deoxygenation, and narrower compound yield distribution), even when compared with other Ni2P‐supported materials reported in the literature. Moreover, this catalyst can be effectively regenerated by calcination and subsequent reduction treatment, so that the catalytic performance remains hardly unaltered. The superior catalytic activity for phenol HDO of the h‐ZSM‐5 support is assigned mainly to the preservation of the secondary mesoporosity, which provides a good dispersion of the Ni2P nanoparticles and a good accessibility to the zeolite acid sites.
Relationship analysis of anaerobic fermentation parameters exposed to elevated chromium (VI)
Authors: Zhang Huayong , Han Xiaoxi , Tian Yonglan , Xu Yanli , Li Ying , Chai Yang , Xu Xiang , Sanganyado Edmond
Published: March 2019

Heavy metals may affect anaerobic fermentation processes, which could result in variations in anaerobic fermentation parameters. In the present study, the impact of changing hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) concentrations on different anaerobic fermentation parameters was investigated. The results showed that adding Cr6+ affected fermentation efficiency since it elicited changes in enzyme activity as well as metabolic pathways. Adding Cr6+ (30 mg/L) resulted in significant positive correlation between coenzyme F420 activities, CH4 contents, and cumulative biogas yields. The results suggested Cr6+ enhanced biogas production by promoting the activity of coenzyme F420. Increasing the concentration of Cr6+ to 100 mg/L resulted in a significant correlation (P < 0.01) between the CH4 contents and cumulative biogas yields and oxidation–reduction potential and pH. At high concentrations, Cr6+ (500 mg/L) elicited parametric relationships dissimilar to those obtained using low Cr6+ concentrations, particularly on the hydrolysis stage. This study comprehensively demonstrated the influence of Cr6+ stress during the anaerobic fermentation process from a new insight and could provide critical references for further experimental design and data monitoring investigations. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: e13212, 2019
Analytical solution of seismic response of base‐isolated structure with supplemental inerter
Authors: Ye Kun , Shu Shuai , Hu Liang , Zhu Hongping
Published: March 2019

Closed‐form solutions are derived for the modal characteristics and seismic response of a base‐isolated structure equipped with additional inerters. By simplifying the structure‐isolator‐inerter system in terms of the two‐degree‐of‐freedom (2DOF) model, the modal frequencies, mode shapes, damping ratios, and participation factors of the system are derived. Consequently, analytical seismic response solutions are formulated by the modal superposition method. Utilizing these analytical solutions, an extensive parametric study has been carried out to investigate the effect of supplement inerters on both the modal characteristics and seismic response of the structure‐isolator‐inerter system. There is a critical inertance leading to the zero second modal participation factor (ie, the disappearance of the second modal response). The associated critical inertance ratio is derived in closed form as well. Moreover, it is observed that the reduction of deformation of isolators by increasing the inertance may be offset by the increase in relative displacements of the superstructure. To circumvent this adverse effect, an optimal range of inertance is identified whereby both the deformation of isolators and the relative displacement of the superstructure are mitigated concurrently.
Off‐grid hybrid renewable energy system for rural healthcare centers: A case study in Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Olubayo Moses , Adedoja Oluwaseye Samson , Babatunde Damilola Elizabeth , Denwigwe Iheanacho Henry
Published: March 2019

Presented in this study is an optimal hybrid renewable off‐grid energy system model that supplies a typical rural healthcare center across the six regions in Nigeria. A technical and economic evaluation was carried out to identify the optimal off‐grid hybrid energy system combination based on photovoltaic (PV), wind, diesel generator and battery. Due to governments’ fuel subsidy in many developing countries, the pump price of fuel is reduced and not a true reflection of what is obtainable in a deregulated market. In order to comprehensively capture the reality, the study considered the effect of subsidy removal by carrying out a sensitivity analysis on the fuel pump price. Therefore, the impact of a change in diesel fuel pump price and interest rates on the economic performance criteria of the optimal configuration is explored. Results show that across all the locations considered, PV/diesel/battery system is the most economically viable with a net present cost and renewable fraction (RF) ranging between $12 779 and $13 646 and 70%‐80% respectively. The cost of energy (COE) is also estimated to range between 0.507 and 0.542 $/kWh.
Assessing Impacts of Insecticides on Different Embryonic Stages of the Nontarget Aquatic Insect Cheumatopsyche brevilineata (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae)
Authors: Yokoyama Atsushi
Published: March 2019

Although the egg of aquatic insects is one of the main life stages that can be exposed to contaminants in water, little is known about the detailed impacts of contaminants on eggs of aquatic insects. The present study aimed to clarify the vulnerable embryonic stages of the caddisfly Cheumatopsyche brevilineata exposed to 2 insecticides, etofenprox and diflubenzuron, which are severely harmful to aquatic insects, and to assess the effects of exposure duration on toxicity of etofenprox to the embryonic stage. Eggs obtained from laboratory culture of the insect were exposed to etofenprox for different periods (2, 4, 6, or 8 d) and at different embryonic stages. In experiments with diflubenzuron, eggs were exposed for 2 d at different embryonic stages. These insecticides did not kill the embryos during exposure, but they inhibited hatching post exposure. Diflubenzuron also induced morphological abnormalities of hatchlings and reduced their survival. The overall median lethal concentration (LC50overall) values varied significantly from 0.0560 to 5.19 μg/L for etofenprox among exposure durations and among embryonic stages, and from 0.442 to 2.89 μg/L for diflubenzuron between embryonic stages. The toxicity of etofenprox to the embryo was more dependent on the embryonic stage at the time of exposure than on the exposure duration. The vulnerable embryonic stage differed between the insecticides. Etofenprox more strongly inhibited hatching of embryos at later stages, whereas sensitivity to diflubenzuron was higher in the following order: stages E3 to E7 > stages E1, E2, and E8. The different responses of C. brevilineata embryos may be attributable to differences in insecticide mode of action and in functional development of insecticide target sites during embryogenesis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1434–1445. © 2019 SETAC
Theoretical and numerical study of Couette‐Taylor flow with an axial flow using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Mehrez Insaf , Gheith Ramla , Aloui Fethi , Ben Nasrallah Sassi
Published: March 2019

In this study, the numerical models for swirling flows developed by Li et al and Zhou for lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) are chosen. These models were firstly validated using the Couette‐Taylor flow between two concentric cylinders simulations. Numerical results showed the efficiency of the Zhou's model. Numerical simulation results using LBM are in good agreement for the steady and unsteady regimes compared to the literature review. In a second step, the Zhou model was then adopted to our study to determine the Couette‐Taylor instabilities with an axial flow. Two protocols are tested. The first one (direct protocol) starts with an azimuthal flow without any axial flow (Re = 0). Once the regime is established, an axial flow is then superposed to the Couette‐Taylor flow (with a sudden or a progressive manner). The second protocol (inverse protocol) starts with an axial flow at a given Reynolds number (Poiseuille flow). Once the regime is established, an azimuthal flow is the executed (with a sudden or a progressive manner). The effect of various parameters controlling the physical situation is also discussed. The increase of the azimuthal velocity mainly led to the emergence and development of Taylor vortices. Its influence decreases when the axial Reynolds number increases. The relevant result for this study is the change of the critical axial Reynolds number Rec (total disappearance of instabilities) with both protocols and both manners.
Forecasting with many predictors using Bayesian additive regression trees
Authors: Prüser Jan
Published: March 2019

Forecasting with many predictors provides the opportunity to exploit a much richer base of information. However, macroeconomic time series are typically rather short, raising problems for conventional econometric models. This paper explores the use of Bayesian additive regression trees (Bart) from the machine learning literature to forecast macroeconomic time series in a predictor‐rich environment. The interest lies in forecasting nine key macroeconomic variables of interest for government budget planning, central bank policy making and business decisions. It turns out that Bart is a valuable addition to existing methods for handling high dimensional data sets in a macroeconomic context.
Reconstructing past terraced agrarian landscapes in the Ebro valley: The deserted village of Torrentejo in the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Quirós‐Castillo Juan Antonio , Nicosia Cristiano
Published: March 2019

The historical agrarian landscape features of the deserted medieval village of Torrentejo (Ebro Valley, southern Basque Country, Rioja Alavesa region) are presented here. This study relies on analyses of agricultural lands on terraces and, secondarily, of domestic occupation, funerary spaces, and of a medieval church. An archaeological excavation was carried out around the church, covering 800 m2, and exposing more than 2 m of archaeological deposits. The detailed study of 6 ha of terraced land made use of oral and written sources, historical aerial photos, and fieldwalking survey and mapping of each feature and retaining wall. Trial trenches were studied by means of soil analyses and micromorphology. The integration of buried and surface evidence provided a comprehensive sequence of phases of terrace construction and allowed us to document the progressive expansion of vineyard production. Three main phases within the last 1,300 years were identified and dated using radiocarbon. This paper examines the correlations between terrace fields, landscape history, settlement changes, and agrarian practices.