bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global disparity in public awareness of the biological control potential of invertebrates
Authors: Wyckhuys Kris , Pozsgai Gabor , Lovei Gabor , Vasseur Liette , Wratten Steve , Gurr Geoff , Reynolds Olivia , Goettel Mark
Published: September 2018

Invertebrates make up 97-99% of biodiversity on Earth and contribute to multiple ecosystem services (ES) in both natural and human-dominated systems. One such service, biological control (BC) of herbivorous pests, is a core component of sustainable intensification of agriculture, yet its importance is routinely overlooked. Here we report a macro-scale, cross-cultural assessment of the public visibility (or ‘awareness’) of BC invertebrates, using high-throughput analysis of large bodies of digitized text. Using binomial scientific name frequency as proxy for awareness, we compared the extent to which a given species featured in webpages within either scientific media or the entire worldwide web, and in total search volume at varying spatial scale. For a set of 339 BC invertebrate species, scientific and internet coverage averaged 1,020 and 1,735 webpages, respectively. Substantial variability was recorded among BC taxa with Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Nematoda having comparatively high visibility. Online visibility exhibited large geographical variability ranging from France covering BC invertebrates on average in 1,050 webpages versus USA on just 31. This work represents the first extensive use of culturomics to assess public visibility of insect-mediated ES. As BC uptake is dictated by stakeholders’ access to (agro-ecological) information, our work identifies geographically-delineated areas that are differentially attuned to the concept of invertebrate BC, pinpoints opportunities for focusing education campaigns and awareness-raising, enables real-time tracking of BC public appeal, and informs public policy.
Historical springs of Cape Anzio: “Turco” and “Speziale”
Authors: La Vigna Francesco , Argentieri Alessio
Published: September 2018

Not available
Specific structural elements of the T-box riboswitch drive the two-step binding of the tRNA ligand
Authors: Zhang Jiacheng , Chetnani Bhaskar , Cormack Eric D , Alonso Dulce , Liu Wei , Mondragón Alfonso , Fei Jingyi
Published: September 2018

T-box riboswitches are cis-regulatory RNA elements that regulate the expression of proteins involved in amino acid biosynthesis and transport by binding to specific tRNAs and sensing their aminoacylation state. While the T-box modular structural elements that recognize different parts of a tRNA have been identified, the kinetic trajectory describing how these interactions are established temporally remains unclear. Using smFRET, we demonstrate that tRNA binds to the riboswitch in two steps, first anticodon recognition followed by the sensing of the 3’ NCCA end, with the second step accompanied by a T-box riboswitch conformational change. Studies on site-specific mutants highlight that specific T-box structural elements drive the two-step binding process in a modular fashion. Our results set up a kinetic framework describing tRNA binding by T-box riboswitches, and suggest such binding mechanism is kinetically beneficial for efficient, co-transcriptional recognition of the cognate tRNA ligand.
Using bioinformatics tools for the discovery of Dengue RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors
Authors: Nncube Nomagugu B. , Ramharack Pritika , Soliman Mahmoud E.S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Dengue fever has rapidly manifested into a serious global health concern. The emergence of various viral serotypes has prompted the urgent need for innovative drug design techniques. Of the viral non-structural enzymes, the NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase has been established as a promising target due to its lack of an enzymatic counterpart in mammalian cells and its conserved structure amongst all serotypes. The onus is now on scientists to probe further into understanding this enzyme and its mechanism of action. The field of bioinformatics has evolved greatly over recent decades, with updated drug design tools now being publically available.

Methods

In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to provide a comprehensive sequence and structural analysis of the two most prominent serotypes of Dengue RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. A list of popularflavivirusinhibitors were also chosen to dock to the active site of the enzyme. The best docked compound was then used as a template to generate a pharmacophore model that may assist in the design of target-specific Dengue virus inhibitors.

Results

Comparative sequence alignment exhibited similarity between all three domains of serotype 2 and 3.Sequence analysis revealed highly conserved regions at residues Meth530, Thr543 Asp597, Glu616, Arg659 and Pro671. Mapping of the active site demonstrated two highly conserved residues: Ser710 and Arg729. Of the active site interacting residues, Ser796 was common amongst all ten docked compounds, indicating its importance in the drug design process. Of the ten dockedflavivirusinhibitors, NITD-203 showed the best binding affinity to the active site. Further pharmacophore modeling of NITD-203 depicted significant pharmacophoric elements that are necessary for stable binding to the active site.

Discussion

This study utilized publically available bioinformatics tools to provide a comprehensive framework on Dengue RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Based on docking studies, a pharmacophore model was also designed to unveil the crucial pharmacophoric elements that are required when constructing an efficacious DENV inhibitor. We believe that this study will be a cornerstone in paving the road toward the design of target-specific inhibitors against DENV RdRp.
Effectiveness of winter temperatures for satisfying chilling requirements for reproductive budburst of red alder (Alnus rubra)
Authors: Prevéy Janet S. , Harrington Constance A.
Published: September 2018

Background

Experiencing an adequate amount of cold temperatures over winter is necessary for many temperate tree species to break dormancy and flower in spring. Thus, changes in winter and spring temperatures associated with climate change may influence when trees break dormancy and flower in the future. There have been several experimental studies that have quantified the effectiveness of cold temperatures for chilling requirements for vegetative budburst of temperate trees; however, there are few experimental studies addressing the chilling requirements for reproductive budburst of trees, as it is difficult to place reproductively mature trees in temperature-controlled environments.

Methods

To identify how changing temperatures associated with climate change may impact reproductive phenology, we completed a temperature-controlled growth chamber experiment using cuttings of reproductive branches of red alder (Alnus rubra), one of the most widespread hardwood tree species of the Pacific Northwest, USA. The purpose of this study was to examine how colder (4 °C) and warmer (9 °C) winter temperature regimes influenced the timing of reproductive budburst of red alder cuttings in spring. We also compared the date of budburst of cuttings to that of branches from intact trees.

Results

We found that cuttings flowered earlier after pretreatment with a 4 °C winter temperature regime than after a 9 °C winter temperature regime. We found no significant differences between the timing of male budburst of cuttings exposed to ambient conditions compared to male budburst of branches from intact trees. We used our experimental data to estimate a “possibility-line” that shows the accumulated chilling and forcing temperatures necessary prior to reproductive budburst of red alder.

Discussion

This study provides a preliminary indication that warmer winters with climate change may not be as effective as colder winters for satisfying chilling temperature requirements of a Northwest hardwood tree species.
In silico study of medical decision-making for rare diseases: heterogeneity of decision-makers in a population improves overall benefit
Authors: Wang Juan , Yamada Ryo
Published: September 2018

Background

Medical decision-making is difficult when information is limited due to its rareness. For example, there are two treatment options for patients affected by a rare disease with high lethality. The information about both treatment effects is unavailable or very limited. Patients are inclined to accept one of the interventions rather than waiting for death, but they are reluctant to be assigned the inferior one. While a single patient selects one treatment that seems better based on the limited information, he or she loses the chance to select the other treatment, which may be the better option. This is the so-called dilemma between exploitation (enjoying the benefits of using current knowledge) and exploration (taking the risk to obtain new knowledge). In clinical settings, the statistical advice for individual patients seems to be the maximum expected success rate or something equivalent and patients’ selections tend to be homogeneous, which does not solve the dilemma. In this study, our aim is to investigate the effects of the heterogeneity of decision-makers in the decision process.

Methods

Here, we proposed a decision strategy that introduced the heterogeneity of decision-makers by considering patients’ self-decisions where the patients’ heterogeneous attitudes towards the treatment are integrated into the probabilistic utility function based on the Beta Bayesian posterior. Based on the context of two-armed bandit treatment options with limited information, we compared the overall success rate of treatment between our heterogeneous decision strategy and a homogeneous decision strategy that is defined to select the treatment with the largest posterior mean.

Results

The heterogeneity of decision-makers in a population improved the overall benefit of treatment under some conditions.

Discussion

In clinical settings, there exists heterogeneity of decision-making among patients. Our study investigated a targeting strategy by respecting the self-decision of all individuals and found that the heterogeneity of decision-making can improve the overall benefit under some conditions. In addition, this outperformance may suggest that heterogeneity of decision-making is of importance to human beings. Besides the ethical merit, our findings provide meaningful ideas for better strategies towards decision-making dilemmas in clinical settings for rare diseases or cases where only limited information is available. Furthermore, it is suggested to investigate the effects of heterogeneity of decision-making in other fashions, such as genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic heterogeneity.
NeurEx: digitalized neurological examination offers a novel high‐resolution disability scale
Authors: Kosa Peter , Barbour Christopher , Wichman Alison , Sandford Mary , Greenwood Mark , Bielekova Bibiana
Published: September 2018

Objective

To develop a sensitive neurological disability scale for broad utilization in clinical practice.

Methods

We employed advances of mobile computing to develop an iPad‐based App for convenient documentation of the neurological examination into a secure, cloud‐linked database. We included features present in four traditional neuroimmunological disability scales and codified their automatic computation. By combining spatial distribution of the neurological deficit with quantitative or semiquantitative rating of its severity we developed a new summary score (called NeurEx; ranging from 0 to 1349 with minimal measurable change of 0.25) and compared its performance with clinician‐ and App‐computed traditional clinical scales.

Results

In the cross‐sectional comparison of 906 neurological examinations, the variance between App‐computed and clinician‐scored disability scales was comparable to the variance between rating of the identical neurological examination by multiple sclerosis (MS)‐trained clinicians. By eliminating rating ambiguity, App‐computed scales achieved greater accuracy in measuring disability progression over time (n = 191 patients studied over 880.6 patient‐years). The NeurEx score had no apparent ceiling effect and more than 200‐fold higher sensitivity for detecting a measurable yearly disability progression (i.e., median progression slope of 8.13 relative to minimum detectable change of 0.25) than Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) with a median yearly progression slope of 0.071 that is lower than the minimal measurable change on EDSS of 0.5.

Interpretation

NeurEx can be used as a highly sensitive outcome measure in neuroimmunology. The App can be easily modified for use in other areas of neurology and it can bridge private practice practitioners to academic centers in multicenter research studies.
Controllable Epitaxial Growth of Core–Shell PbSe@CsPbBr3 Wire Heterostructures
Authors: Fan Chao , Xu Xing , Yang Ke , Jiang Feng , Wang Songyang , Zhang Qinglin
Published: September 2018

1D semiconductor core–shell wire heterostructures are crucial for high‐performance optical and optoelectronic device applications, but they are limited to the traditional semiconductor families. Here, the conformal epitaxy of CsPbBr3 shell on PbSe wire core is realized to form the core–shell PbSe@CsPbBr3 wire heterostructures via a chemical vapor deposition route. The Pb‐particle catalysts at the tips of the PbSe wires grown by vapor–liquid–solid provide the nucleation sites for the in situ rapid growth of CsPbBr3 cube crystals, which serve as the adatom collector for the following shell growth due to the faster adsorption of the evaporated source atoms on them than on the sidewalls of PbSe wires. This determines the directional growth of the shell along the PbSe wires from the tip to bottom. The spectral and transient photoluminescence reveals the efficient photogenerated carrier transfer from the shell to the core. Importantly, the photodetectors (PDs) based on the heterostructures show responsivity up to 4.7 × 104 A W−1 under 405 nm light illumination, and a wavelength‐dependent photocurrent polarity with the excitation of the light from near‐ to mid‐infrared (IR), which indicates potential applications in IR PDs and novel optoelectronic logical circuits.
Shift work, job strain, and metabolic syndrome: Cross‐sectional analysis of ELSA‐Brasil
Authors: Santos Aline E. , Araújo Larissa F. , Griep Rosane H. , Castro Moreno Claudia R. , Chor Dora , Barreto Sandhi M. , Giatti Luana
Published: September 2018

Background

Shift work and psychosocial stressors may contribute to higher metabolic syndrome (MetS) incidence. Few studies investigated whether the presence of both factors simultaneously has a synergic effect on risk of MetS.

Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis used baseline data (2008‐2010) for 10 960 current workers from ELSA‐Brasil. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate independent associations between shift work and job strain and MetS. An interaction between these factors was tested by including a multiplicative term in the final model.

Results

Exposure to three‐shifts a week (that is, three 12 h shifts of work followed by 36 h of rest) and high job‐strain were independently associated with greater risk of MetS. We found no indication (P > 0.05) of interaction between working in shifts and job strain on MetS.

Conclusions

Efforts to reduce job strain and shift work should be considered as part of a primary prevention strategy to reduce the risk of MetS.
Genetics, genomics, and genotype–phenotype correlations of TSC: Insights for clinical practice
Authors: Peron Angela , Au Kit Sing , Northrup Hope
Published: September 2018

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multisystem autosomal dominant condition caused by inactivating pathogenic variants in either the TSC1 or the TSC2 gene, leading to hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway. Here, we present an update on the genetic and genomic aspects of TSC, with a focus on clinical and laboratory practice. We briefly summarize the structure of TSC1 and TSC2 as well as their protein products, and discuss current diagnostic testing, addressing mosaicism. We consider genotype–phenotype correlations as an example of precision medicine, and discuss genetic counseling in TSC, with the aim of providing geneticists and health care practitioners involved in the care of TSC individuals with useful tools for their practice.
Electrocatalysis in Lithium Sulfur Batteries under Lean Electrolyte Conditions
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Zhong Yiren , Shi Qiuwei , Wang Zhenhua , Sun Kening , Wang Hailiang
Published: September 2018

The presence of electrocatalysis in lithium–sulfur batteries has been proposed but not yet sufficiently verified. In this study, molybdenum phosphide (MoP) nanoparticles are shown to play a definitive electrocatalytic role for the sulfur cathode working under lean electrolyte conditions featuring a low electrolyte/active material ratio: the overpotentials for the charging and discharging reactions are greatly decreased. As a result, sulfur electrodes containing MoP nanoparticles show faster kinetics and more reversible conversion of sulfur species, leading to improvements in charging/discharging voltage profiles, capacity, rate performance, and cycling stability. Taking advantage of the electrocatalytic properties of MoP, high‐performance sulfur electrodes were successfully realized that are steadily cyclable at a high areal capacity of 5.0 mAh cm−2 with a challenging electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio of 4 μLE mg−1S .
Enantioselective, Catalytic Vicinal Difluorination of Alkenes
Authors: Scheidt Felix , Schäfer Michael , Sarie Jérôme C. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Molloy John J. , Gilmour Ryan
Published: September 2018

The enantioselective, catalytic vicinal difluorination of alkenes is reported by II/IIII catalysis using a novel, C2‐symmetric resorcinol derivative. Catalyst turnover via in situ generation of an ArIIIIF2 species is enabled by Selectfluor oxidation and addition of an inexpensive HF–amine complex. The HF:amine ratio employed in this process provides a handle for regioselective orthogonality as a function of Brønsted acidity. Selectivity reversal from the 1,1‐difluorination pathway (geminal) to the desired 1,2‐difluorination (vicinal) is disclosed (>20:1 in both directions). Validation with electron deficient styrenes facilitates generation of chiral bioisosteres of the venerable CF3 unit that is pervasive in drug discovery (20 examples, up to 94:06 e.r.). An achiral variant of the reaction is also presented using p‐TolI (up to >95 % yield).
Biocatalytic synthesis of lactones and lactams
Authors: Hollmann Frank , Kara Selin , Opperman Diederik J. , Wang Yonghua
Published: September 2018

Cyclic esters and amides (lactones and lactams) are important active ingredients and polymer building blocks. In recent years, numerous biocatalytic methods for their preparation have been developed including enzymatic and chemoenzymatic Baeyer–Villiger oxidations, oxidative lactonisation of diols, and reductive lactonisation and lactamisation of ketoesters. The current state of the art of these methods is reviewed.
Enantioselective Binding of Propranolol and Analogues Thereof to Cellobiohydrolase Cel7A
Authors: Hamark Christoffer , Pendrill Robert , Landström Jens , Dotson Fagerström Alexandra , Sandgren Mats , Ståhlberg Jerry , Widmalm Göran
Published: September 2018

At the catalytic site for the hydrolysis of cellulose the enzyme cellobiohydrolase Cel7A binds the enantiomers of the adrenergic beta‐blocker propranolol with different selectivity. Methyl‐to‐hydroxymethyl group modifications of propranolol, which result in higher affinity and improved selectivity, were herein studied by 1H,1H and 1H,13C scalar spin–spin coupling constants as well as utilizing the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations of the ligands per se, which showed the presence of all‐antiperiplanar conformations, except for the one containing a vicinal oxygen–oxygen arrangement governed by the gauche effect. For the ligand–protein complexes investigated by NMR spectroscopy using, inter alia, transferred NOESY and saturation‐transfer difference (STD) NMR experiments the S‐isomers were shown to bind with a higher affinity and a conformation similar to that preferred in solution, in contrast to the R‐isomer. The fact that the S‐form of the propranolol enantiomer is pre‐arranged for binding to the protein is also observed for a crystal structure of dihydroxy‐(S)‐propranolol and Cel7A presented herein. Whereas the binding of propranolol is entropy driven, the complexation with the dihydroxy analogue is anticipated to be favored also by an enthalpic term, such as for its enantiomer, that is, dihydroxy‐(R)‐propranolol, because hydrogen‐bond donation replaces the corresponding bonding from hydroxyl groups in glucosyl residues of the natural substrate. In addition to a favorable entropy component, albeit lesser in magnitude, this represents an effect of enthalpy‐to‐entropy compensation in ligand–protein interactions.
Photoswitchable Glycolipid Mimetics: Synthesis and Photochromic Properties of Glycoazobenzene Amphiphiles
Authors: Reise Franziska , Warias Jonas E. , Chatterjee Kuntal , Krekiehn Nicolai R. , Magnussen Olaf , Murphy Bridget M. , Lindhorst Thisbe K.
Published: September 2018

Glycolipids as constituents of cell membranes play an important role in cell membrane functioning. To enable the structural modification of membranes on demand, embedding of photosensitive glycolipid mimetics was envisioned and novel amphiphilic glycolipid mimetics comprising a photoswitchable azobenzene unit were synthesized. In this study, the photochromic properties of these glycolipid mimetics were analyzed by means of UV/Vis spectroscopy and reversible photoswitching. The glycolipids were based on a racemic glycerolipid derivative to be comparable in DPPC (dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine) phospholipid membrane monolayers. Carbohydrate head groups were altered between a β‐glucoside and a β‐lactosyl unit, as well as acyl chain lengths between C12 and C16, resulting in altered photoswitching. Langmuir isotherms showed that photoswitching of Langmuir films comprising the synthetic photosensitive glycoamphiphiles was successful.
Tuning the Binding Affinity and Selectivity of Perfluoroaryl‐Stapled Peptides by Cysteine‐Editing
Authors: Verhoork Sanne J. M. , Jennings Claire E. , Rozatian Neshat , Reeks Judith , Meng Jieman , Corlett Emily K. , Bunglawala Fazila , Noble Martin E. M. , Leach Andrew G. , Coxon Christopher R.
Published: September 2018

A growing number of approaches to “staple” α‐helical peptides into a bioactive conformation using cysteine cross‐linking are emerging. Here, the replacement of l‐cysteine with “cysteine analogues” in combinations of different stereochemistry, side chain length and beta‐carbon substitution, is explored to examine the influence that the thiol‐containing residue(s) has on target protein binding affinity in a well‐explored model system, p53–MDM2/MDMX, which is constituted by the interaction of the tumour suppressor protein p53 and proteins MDM2 and MDMX, which regulate p53 activity. In some cases, replacement of one or more l‐cysteine residues afforded significant changes in the measured binding affinity and target selectivity of the peptide. Computationally constructed homology models indicate that some modifications, such as incorporating two d‐cysteine residues, favourably alter the positions of key functional amino acid side chains, which is likely to cause changes in binding affinity, in agreement with measured surface plasmon resonance data.
Insights into Cholesterol/Membrane Protein Interactions Using Paramagnetic Solid‐State NMR
Authors: Jaipuria Garima , Giller Karin , Leonov Andrei , Becker Stefan , Zweckstetter Markus
Published: September 2018

Cholesterol is an essential component of animal cell membranes and impacts the structure and function of membrane proteins. But how cholesterol exerts its functions remains often enigmatic. Here, high‐resolution solid‐state NMR in combination with paramagnetic cholesterol analogues was shown to be a powerful approach to study the interaction of membrane proteins with cholesterol. Application of the method to the 169‐residue translocator protein TSPO provides residue‐specific information about its interaction with cholesterol. Comparison with NMR signal perturbations induced by diamagnetic cholesterol furthermore supports changes in the structure of mammalian TSPO caused by cholesterol binding.
Zum Erreichen der Klimaziele sind schnell nachhaltige Lösungen und technische Umsetzungen im großen Maßstab gefragt
Authors: Deerberg Görge , Oles Markus , Schlögl Robert
Published: September 2018

No abstract.
Advances in the classification of pediatric brain tumors through DNA methylation profiling: From research tool to frontline diagnostic
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Liu Anthony P. Y. , Orr Brent A. , Northcott Paul A. , Robinson Giles W.
Published: September 2018

Despite significant improvements in pediatric brain tumor therapy and outcome, too many children still die of disease, and too many survivors experience significant sequelae as a result of conventional therapies. The molecular characterization of pediatric brain tumors has afforded tremendous insight into the basic biology and clinical management of these deadly childhood diseases. Genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptional profiling have facilitated the identification of significant heterogeneity among previously uniform disease entities. In particular, DNA methylation profiling has emerged as a robust tool for identifying key disease‐specific subgroups that can exhibit distinct clinical outcomes. These approaches, which also complement classic histologic techniques, can suggest key mechanistic underpinnings of tumorigenesis and open the door for better informed and more tailored therapy. By leveraging the results of large‐scale classifications of disease cohorts, novel driver mutations and pathways can be uncovered, enabling the generation of faithful animal models, promoting targeted drug design, informing developmental biology, and ultimately translating into improved clinical management. In this review, progress in the epigenetic classification of common malignant pediatric brain tumors, namely medulloblastoma, ependymoma, high‐grade glioma, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, and central nervous system embryonal tumors, will be discussed, and the potential role of DNA methylation profiling as a frontline diagnostic modality will be emphasized.
A requirement for Fgfr2 in middle ear development
Authors: Rigueur Diana , Roberts Ryan R. , Bobzin Lauren , Merrill Amy E.
Published: September 2018

The skeletal structure of the mammalian middle ear, which is composed of three endochondral ossicles suspended within a membranous air‐filled capsule, plays a critical role in conducting sound. Gene mutations that alter skeletal development in the middle ear result in auditory impairment. Mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), an important regulator of endochondral and intramembranous bone formation, cause a spectrum of congenital skeletal disorders featuring conductive hearing loss. Although the middle ear malformations in multiple FGFR2 gain‐of‐function disorders are clinically characterized, those in the FGFR2 loss‐of‐function disorder lacrimo‐auriculo‐dento‐digital (LADD) syndrome are relatively undescribed. To better understand conductive hearing loss in LADD, we examined the middle ear skeleton of mice with conditional loss of Fgfr2. We find that decreased auditory function in Fgfr2 mutant mice correlates with hypoplasia of the auditory bulla and ectopic bone growth at sites of tendon/ligament attachment. We show that ectopic bone associated with the intra‐articular ligaments of the incudomalleal joint is derived from Scx‐expressing cells and preceded by decreased expression of the joint progenitor marker Gdf5. Together, these results identify a role for Fgfr2 in development of the middle ear skeletal tissues and suggest potential causes for conductive hearing loss in LADD syndrome.
An Efficient Two‐Step Preparation of α‐, β‐, γ‐ or δ‐Amino Acids from 2‐Pyrazinones, 2‐Hydroxypyrimidines or 2‐Pyridones Respectively
Authors: Zacharie Boulos , Abbott Shaun D. , Baigent Christopher B. , Doyle Christopher , Yalagala Ravi Shekar
Published: September 2018

A practical and efficient two‐step procedure is reported for the preparation of a variety of α‐, β‐, γ‐ and δ‐amino acids from 2‐pyridone, 2‐pyrazinone or 2‐hydroxypyrimidine and derivatives. The procedure is amenable to scale‐up and in most cases no chromatographic purification of the product is required. This approach is useful, especially in the synthesis of amino acids or deuterated amino acids that are not obtained by other methods.
Synthesis and Characterization of Isoxazole‐Based Energetic Plasticizer Candidates EEIN and IDN
Authors: Guzmán Pablo E. , Sausa Rosario C. , Wingard Leah A. , Pesce‐Rodriguez Rose A. , Sabatini Jesse J.
Published: September 2018

This study presents the synthesis of ethyl 5‐[(nitrooxy)methyl]isoxazole‐3‐carboxylate (EEIN) and isoxazole‐3,5‐diylbis(methylene) dinitrate (IDN). These compounds, each derived from 5‐(hydroxymethyl)isoxazole‐3‐carboxylate, were fully characterized and their explosive sensitivity properties were determined. EEIN was isolated as a solid material with a relatively low melting temperature and IDN was isolated as a liquid with excellent energetic performance properties. In addition, we report the molecular structure of ethyl 5‐[(nitrooxy)methyl]isoxazole‐3‐carboxylate as determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry. These compounds possess promising properties as plasticizing ingredients in propellant formulations.
Actuation of adaptive liquid microlens droplet in microfluidic devices: A review
Authors: Zhu Gui‐Ping , Yao Jia‐Feng , Wu Shi‐Hua , Zhang Xi‐Dong
Published: September 2018

A significant growth of research on adaptive liquid lens is achieved over the past decades, and the field is still attracting increasing attentions, focusing on the transition from the current stage to the commercialized stage. The challenges faced are not limited to fabrication, material, small tuning range in focal lengths, additional control systems, limitations in special actuation methods and so on. In addition, the use of external driving parts or systems induce extra problem on bulky appearance, high cost, low reliability etc. Therefore, adaptive liquid lens will be an interesting research focus in both microfluidics and optofluidics science. This review attempts to summarize and focus on the droplet profile deformation under different driving mechanisms in tunable liquid microlens as well as the application in cameras, cell phone and so on. The driving techniques are generally categorized in terms of mechanisms and driving sources.
Proximate analysis of cold‐press oil cakes after biological treatment with Trametes versicolor and Humicola grisea
Authors: Budžaki Sandra , Strelec Ivica , Krnić Mija , Alilović Kristina , Tišma Marina , Zelić Bruno
Published: September 2018

In order to increase the current knowledge on cold‐press oil cakes composition, the present study aims to determine the chemical composition of oil cakes from hull‐less pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), and hemp (Canabis sativa L.) before and after the biological treatment with Trametes versicolor and Humicola grisea using fungal‐based solid‐state technology. After 10 days of treatment, the content of ash, total nitrogen, total proteins, and total organic carbon increased in all the three oil cakes, while the content of ether extracts decreased. After treatment, the concentration of soluble carbohydrates decreased in pumpkin and hemp seed oil cakes, whereas it increased in flaxseed oil cake. During treatment with T. versicolor, the content of fructose significantly increased in hull‐less pumpkin seed oil cake. Fiber content decreased in pumpkin and flaxseed oil cakes after treatment with both of the fungi, whereas it increased in flaxseed oil cake.
Giving It Up
Authors: Montag Christian
Published: September 2018

Warning, danger of addiction: nine out of ten people in Germany are now online. But the constant use of smartphones, laptops and tablets can become a problem – and not just for digital natives. Psychologists are now seeking to understand the molecular genetic background and reasons for Internet‐dependent behaviour.
Experimental data set analysis of RSSI‐based indoor and outdoor localization in LoRa networks
Authors: Goldoni Emanuele , Prando Luca , Vizziello Anna , Savazzi Pietro , Gamba Paolo
Published: September 2018

Positioning capability represents one of the basic features of modern Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Although this objective may be pursued by using Global Navigation Satellite Systems, cheaper and simpler techniques are more suitable for low‐power networks. In this letter, we present a complete experimental data set of received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements collected in different indoor and outdoor environments using LoRa radios. Moreover, we apply simple and power efficient localization algorithms on the obtained data set. The main goal of this work is to share both the experimental data set and the preliminary results on localization among the community.
Sonographically Guided Office Endometrial Sampling: Indications and Results
Authors: Dua Anoushka , Egan Susan , Balica Adrian
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify clinical indications in which endometrial sampling was performed under transabdominal ultrasound (US) guidance and to evaluate the outcomes of this approach in an academic practice.

Methods

We retrieved data from the electronic medical record for all patients referred to the gynecologic US unit for transabdominal US‐guided endometrial sampling from January 2011 to June 2017. Data retrieved included age, parity, previous cesarean delivery or pelvic surgery, indication for endometrial biopsy, US abnormalities, clinical reasoning for US‐guided sampling, and pathologic reports.

Results

A total of 113 patients were referred for US‐guided sampling between January 2011 and June 2017. We identified the following reasons for US‐guided biopsy referral: failed blind biopsy attempt, fibroids, uterine position or anomaly, need for targeted sampling, cervical stenosis, and other indications. Ninety‐five of the 113 patients (84%) underwent successful US‐guided endometrial sampling. Forty of the 113 patients were referred after a failed blind biopsy, with 83% subsequently undergoing successful US‐guided endometrial sampling. Of the 30 patients referred for fibroids, 29 (97%) underwent successful US‐guided sampling. High success rates were also noted for transabdominal US guidance referrals for the uterine position or anomaly (86%) and the need for targeted sampling (83%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that endometrial sampling performed under US guidance could be considered for patients with a failed blind approach, fibroids, uterine anomalies, and interest in targeted sampling. In such cases, US‐guided sampling could be considered before surgical options.
Prevalence and Scope of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound Education in Internal Medicine, Pediatric, and Medicine‐Pediatric Residency Programs in the United States
Authors: Reaume Michael , Siuba Matthew , Wagner Michael , Woodwyk Alyssa , Melgar Thomas A.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and scope of point‐of‐care ultrasound (US) education in internal medicine, pediatric, and medicine‐pediatric residency programs nationwide.

Methods

Program directors were surveyed between January and June 2016 with a 15‐item online questionnaire to assess the state of point‐of‐care US training in their programs. The survey aimed to identify whether programs had an established point‐of‐care US curriculum and, if not, what reasons may have existed for a lack of point‐of‐care US training in their programs.

Results

The survey was distributed to 685 program directors, and the response rate was 19.2%. Only 31.5% of respondents reported having a formal point‐of‐care US curriculum in their program, and in 12.4% of programs, there was no US training at all. The presence of point‐of‐care US training as reported by internal medicine (n = 64) and medicine‐pediatric (n = 24) respondents showed formal point‐of‐care US curriculum rates of 37.5% and 43.5%, respectively. Pediatric programs (n = 24) reported limited point‐of‐care US training, with formal curriculum in only 12.4% of programs and 27.3% having no point‐of‐care US training at all. The most common reasons for lack of a point‐of‐care US curriculum among program directors were lack of trained faculty/instructors (70.4%), lack of guidelines/standards by governing societies (44.4%), and lack of the necessary technology (33.3%).

Conclusions

Less than half of residents with internal medicine training will have trained at a program with a point‐of‐care US curriculum, and point‐of‐care US training in pediatrics is even more limited. The major reason for the lack of point‐of‐care US education is a lack of trained faculty or instructors.
Summer Assemblages and Biodiversity of Larval Fish Associated with Hydrography in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Chen Lu-Chi , Lan Kuo-Wei , Chang Yi , Chen Wen-Yu
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between larval fish assemblages and the environmental factors in the northern South China Sea based on data collected during summertime. Shipboard measurements (Ocean Researcher 1 [cruise CR866], Fishery Researcher 1 [cruise FR1-2008-07-03]) of temperature and salinity profiles were obtained with a conductivity–temperature–depth profiler, and ichthyoplankton was collected with an Ocean Research Institute net. In total, 3,476 larval fishes and 188 taxa representing 80 families were identified. Myctophidae was the most common and abundant taxon in this area. The CPUE (individuals/1,000 m3) of fish larvae differed among sampling stations, with greater abundances at the shallower stations than at the deeper stations, and the species biodiversity at each station also varied. The results of grouping revealed that the spatial distribution of larval fish was divided into a shelf-based group and a pelagic-based group; these two groups were bounded by the 200-m isobath. Abundance of some larval fish was related to environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a concentration, and mixing layer depth. These results indicated that the larvae of some species were more affected by natural environmental characteristics than by internal biological properties.
The tale of the two Greeces: Some management practice lessons
Authors: Genakos Christos
Published: September 2018

Based on an original double‐blind survey on randomly drawn samples of over 10,000 manufacturing firms across a range of different industries and countries, the World Management Survey is one of the first large and internationally comparable management practices data sets. In this paper, I describe and compare the performance of Greek firms to those from other countries around the world with the aim of identifying some lessons for both managers and policy makers in Greece on how to increase management quality, and hence, firms' productivity.
Rocket emissions representation in atmospheric air‐quality models: The short‐range atmospheric transport and reaction of gases released by solid propellant engines
Authors: Schuch Daniel , Fisch Gilberto
Published: September 2018

One risk associated with rocket‐launching activities is the inhalation of exhaust gases, which can occur either in the vicinity of the launch pad or, depending on the way these gases are transported and dispersed through the atmosphere, at locations far from the launch pad. Immediately after the ignition of the rocket motors, a large, hot cloud is formed near the ground, composed of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen chloride (HCl) and also particulate material composed of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) in the case of rockets driven by a solid propellant. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF), an atmospheric mesoscale model, was modified in the present study to simulate the transport, dispersion and chemistry mechanisms (with the addition of reactions involving HCl and other chlorinated compounds) of these gases released during a launch. Simulations of the dispersion of effluents were performed for different rainfall regimes (dry and rainy periods) as well as for atmospheric thermal stability (day‐ and night‐time conditions) for a specific rocket (the Veículo Lançador de Satélites, VLS) at Brazil's Alcântara Launch Center (Centro de Lançamento de Alcântara, CLA). The results show that the most critical levels of HCl and CO occurred on the launch pad (Setor de Preparação de Lançamento, SPL) from the time of the launch (t0) to 10 min. The village of Alcântara, which is 9 km from the launch pad, could be affected according to the wind direction. The concentration of HCl reached a level in the range of 2200–3800 ppmv for both dry and wet periods respectively, and these concentrations can be very hazardous to humans.
More nursing staff could mitigate risk of antipsychotic use in elderly
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2018

It has long been known that antipsychotic medication is too often used as a form of chemical restraint in some nursing homes, but research is suggesting that one factor clearly under the control of administrators can lessen use of this dangerous practice.
Multiple‐point magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging
Authors: Odéen Henrik , de Bever Joshua , Hofstetter Lorne W. , Parker Dennis L.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To implement and evaluate an efficient multiple‐point MR acoustic radiation force imaging pulse sequence that can volumetrically measure tissue displacement and evaluate tissue stiffness using focused ultrasound (FUS) radiation force.

Methods

Bipolar motion‐encoding gradients were added to a gradient‐recalled echo segmented EPI pulse sequence with both 2D and 3D acquisition modes. Multiple FUS‐ON images (FUS power > 0 W) were interleaved with a single FUS‐OFF image (FUS power = 0 W) on the TR level, enabling simultaneous measurements of volumetric tissue displacement (by complex subtraction of the FUS‐OFF image from the FUS‐ON images) and proton resonance frequency shift MR thermometry (from the OFF image). Efficiency improvements included partial Fourier acquisition, parallel imaging, and encoding up to 4 different displacement positions into a single image. Experiments were performed in homogenous and dual‐stiffness phantoms, and in ex vivo porcine brain.

Results

In phantoms, 16‐point multiple‐point magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging maps could be acquired in 5 s to 10 s for a 2D slice, and 60 s for a 3D volume, using parallel imaging and encoding 2 displacement positions/image. In ex vivo porcine brain, 16‐point multiple‐point magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging maps could be acquired in 20 s for a 3D volume, using partial Fourier and parallel imaging and encoding 4 displacement positions/image. In 1 experiment it was observed that tissue displacement in ex vivo brain decreased by approximately 22% following FUS ablation.

Conclusion

With the described efficiency improvements it is possible to acquire volumetric multiple‐point magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging maps, with simultaneous proton resonance frequency shift MR thermometry maps, in clinically acceptable times.
Availability of affordable healthy food in Hillsborough County, Florida
Authors: Borja Karla , Dieringer Suzanne
Published: September 2018

Prior research has indicated that low‐income neighborhoods in urban regions throughout the United States have limited access to healthy food, which partly explains the prevalence of diet‐related diseases. Our study provides new evidence on the relationship between access, prices of healthy food, and key demographic factors in Hillsborough County, Florida. The research team completed 65 surveys of grocery and convenience stores regarding availability and prices of 11 food items included in the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey in Stores (NEMS‐S). Results from the regression analysis indicate that affordable healthy food is more likely to be found in grocery stores than in convenience stores. There is no significant evidence, however, that low‐income neighborhoods have less access to healthy food than the not‐low‐income ones. We also observe significant price differences among types of stores but not in grocery‐to‐convenience store ratios among income groups, suggesting that low‐income families are not exposed to higher food prices.
Effects of posttreatment on the properties of modified PLLA/PDLA fibers
Authors: Tu Chao , Cao Xing , Zhang Run‐dong , Wang Da‐wei , Cui Li
Published: September 2018

Poly(L‐lactic acid)/poly(D‐lactic acid) (PLLA/PDLA) blended with plasticizer poly(ethylene glycol) and nucleation agent TMC‐306 as‐spun fibers were prepared by melt spinning. The posttreatment was applied by hot drawing at 70°C and then heat‐treating at different temperatures for 30 minutes. In the process of hot drawing, orientation induced the further formation of the sc crystals and increased the degree of crystallinity of drawn fibers. When the hot drawing ratio reached 3 times, the properties of the fibers were relatively better. The highly oriented fibers containing pure sc crystals with high crystallinity were obtained by heat‐treating at a temperature above the melting point of α crystals. The posttreated PLLA/PDLA fibers with poly(ethylene glycol) and TMC‐306 (LDTP) obtained by hot drawing to 3 times at 70°C and then annealing at 170°C for 30 minutes exhibited the best antioxidative degradation and heat resistance properties. The initial decomposition temperature (T5%) and heat resistance of posttreated LDTP fiber were about 94°C and 20°C higher than those of the commercial PLLA fiber, respectively.
Modeling the interphase region in carbon nanotube‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Amraei Jafar , Jam Jafar E. , Arab Behrouz , Firouz‐Abadi Roohollah D.
Published: September 2018

Carbon nanotubes are regarded as ideal fillers for polymeric materials due to their excellent mechanical properties. Mechanical analysis without consideration of nanotube–matrix interphase, may not give precise predictions. In this work, the impacts of interphase on the behavior of polymer‐based nanocomposites are studied. For this purpose, a closed‐form micromechanical interphase model considering the diameter of nanotube, the thickness of interphase, and mechanical properties of nanotube and polymer is proposed to estimate the overall mechanical properties of nanotube‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites. Furthermore, the effective elastic constants of the nanocomposites for a wide range of diameters and volume fractions of nanotubes, evaluated via the suggested interphase model, are compared with the results of molecular dynamics simulations. Thereafter, the effects of diameter, length and volume fraction of nanotubes on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites are investigated using the suggested model. The results indicate that mechanical properties of nanocomposites are significantly influenced by the interphase. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1219–E1234, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers