bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planar‐Type Printed Flexible Mechanical Switch
Authors: Hasuike Yuya , Arie Takayuki , Akita Seiji , Takei Kuniharu
Published: June 2018

Future flexible electronics must exhibit complete mechanically flexibility for a conformal covering without stress or discomfort as human‐interactive electronics. Consequently, each component should be mechanically flexible. As a step toward this end, this study fabricates a planar‐type mechanical flexible switch via a printing method and laser cutting. The device structure to realize a planar‐type device is designed by inspiration from a hair clip. Its fundamental characteristics are characterized, suggesting that this concept works for the mechanical switch with long stability and flexibility. Furthermore, a real‐time medication monitoring sensor using the switches is demonstrated as a proof‐of‐concept for a potential practical application.
Black Phosphorus Radio Frequency Electronics at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Li Tiaoyang , Tian Mengchuan , Li Shengman , Huang Mingqiang , Xiong Xiong , Hu Qianlan , Li Sichao , Li Xuefei , Wu Yanqing
Published: June 2018

Black phosphorus (BP) has great potential in high‐performance radio frequency electronics owing to its high carrier mobility and velocity. The electrical properties of black phosphorus experience rapid deterioration upon exposure to moisture and oxygen, which poses a challenge in the device fabrication, especially the deposition of gate dielectrics using conventional top‐gate approach. Herein, a Damascene‐like planarization process is presented to create an embedded gate stack with high‐κ dielectrics under a gate‐first approach, which minimizes surface impurities and traps at the black phosphorus/high‐κ interface and preserves the high‐quality black phosphorus channel. The radio frequency performances of this structure improve at least twice compared with conventional top‐gate structures. A record high extrinsic fmax of 17 GHz at room temperature for the device with 400 nm gate‐length is achieved, which further increases to around 31 GHz at 20 K. Finally, BP transistor‐based mixers operating at gigahertz frequency are also demonstrated for the first time.
Fully Transparent and Flexible Capacitors with ZrO2 as the Dielectric Layer
Authors: Zhang Guozhen , Guo Tao , He Xiaobo , Ai Zhiwei , Wu Hao , Liu Chang
Published: June 2018

Transparent and flexible capacitors with ZrO2 as the dielectric layer are fabricated directly on polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates by an in situ atomic layer deposition method. The hybrid AlZnO and silver nanowires serve as the bottom electrode. The capacitors exhibit a high capacitance density of 15.2 fF µm−2 and an ultralow leakage current (1.0 × 10−9 A cm−2 at 1 V). Bending tests reveal that the capacitors can be outwardly bended for up to 1000 times at a radius of 7 mm without any deterioration in electrical performance. Both the top and bottom electrodes of such capacitors are based on ZnO materials, which can effectively reduce the manufacturing cost and promote the mass production process.
Stabilizing Lithium Plating by a Biphasic Surface Layer Formed In Situ
Authors: Pang Quan , Liang Xiao , Kochetkov Ivan R. , Hartmann Pascal , Nazar Linda F.
Published: June 2018

The dendritic growth of Li metal leads to electrode degradation and safety concerns, impeding its application in building high energy density batteries. Forming a protective layer on the Li surface that is electron‐insulating, ion‐conducting, and maintains an intimate interface is critical. We herein demonstrate that Li plating is stabilized by a biphasic surface layer composed of a lithium‐indium alloy and a lithium halide, formed in situ by the reaction of an electrolyte additive with Li metal. This stabilization is attributed to the fast lithium migration though the alloy bulk and lithium halide surface, which is enabled by the electric field across the layer that is established owing to the electron‐insulating halide phase. A greatly stabilized Li‐electrolyte interface and dendrite‐free plating over 400 hours in Li|Li symmetric cells using an alkyl carbonate electrolyte is demonstrated. High energy efficiency operation of the Li4Ti5O12 (LTO)|Li cell over 1000 cycles is achieved.
Reaction of CO2 with a Vanadium(II) Aryl Oxide: Synergistic Activation of CO2/Oxo Groups towards H‐Atom Radical Abstraction
Authors: Viasus Camilo J. , Alderman Nicholas P. , Gabidullin Bulat , Gambarotta Sandro
Published: June 2018

Treatment of divalent (ONNO)V(TMEDA) (1; ONNO=[2,4‐Me2‐2‐(OH)C6H2CH2]2N(CH2)2NMe2) with CO2 afforded [(ONNO)V]2(μ‐OH)(μ‐formate) (2). Whereas the bridging hydroxo and formate groups both originated from CO2, the H atoms present on the two residues were obtained through H‐atom radical abstraction from the solvent. DFT calculations revealed an initially linear CO2 bonding mode, followed by deoxygenation, and highlighted a synergistic effect between the so‐formed oxo group and an additional bridging CO2 residue in promoting radical behavior.
Synthesis of High‐Performance Pebax®‐1074/DD3R Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Karamouz Farahnaz , Maghsoudi Hafez , Yegani Reza
Published: June 2018

This work deals with the incorporation of deca‐dodecasil 3 rhombohedral (DD3R) zeolite as an inorganic filler into the Pebax®‐1074‐based polymer matrix to enhance the performance of the pure polymeric membrane in CO2/CH4 separation. The membranes were fabricated with different concentrations of DD3R. Separation performances of the membranes were investigated at various feed pressures and temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the prepared membranes were performed. In the best case, selectivity for CO2/CH4 separation was improved, while the permeability decreased. Membranes with 1 and 5 wt % DD3R were located in the acceptable region beyond the Robeson plot (1991) for CO2/CH4 gas pairs.
Stable Copper Phosphorus Iodide (Cu2P3I2) Nano/Microwire Photodetectors
Authors: Amaral Pedro E. M. , Ji Hai‐Feng
Published: June 2018

Crystalline Cu2P3I2 nano‐ and microwires with high purity were synthesized through a chemical vapor transport method in evacuated silica ampoules using copper(I) iodide and red phosphorus as precursors for potential applications as photodetectors. Single‐wire field‐effect transistors (FET) were built to study their electronic and optoelectronic properties. The wires exhibit a p‐type semiconducting behavior with an electron mobility of 31.6 cm2 V−1 s−1 and ION/IOFF ratio of
103. The photodetectors are highly reproducible and stable with a short response time (40–70 ms).
Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Drug‐Drug Interaction Potential for Coadministered SCY‐078, an Oral Fungicidal Glucan Synthase Inhibitor, and Tacrolimus
Authors: Wring Stephen , Murphy Gail , Atiee George , Corr Christy , Hyman Michele , Willett Michael , Angulo David
Published: June 2018

SCY‐078 is an orally bioavailable triterpenoid glucan synthase inhibitor in clinical development as an intravenous and oral treatment of fungal infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. This was a sequential, single‐center, open‐label phase 1 study to assess the drug‐drug interaction potential between SCY‐078 and tacrolimus during concomitant administration in healthy subjects. In cohort 1, period 1, subjects received a single oral dose of tacrolimus 2 mg in the fasted state. In period 2 after a ≥15 day washout, subjects received a single loading dose of SCY‐078 1250 mg on day 1 followed by maintenance doses of SCY‐780 750 mg on days 2 through 8. On day 3 of period 2, subjects also received a single dose of tacrolimus 2 mg concurrent with SCY‐078. In cohort 2, subjects received a loading dose of SCY‐078 1250 mg on day 1 followed by maintenance doses of SCY‐780 750 mg on days 2 and 3. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were compared to assess both the impact of steady‐state SCY‐078 on tacrolimus and the impact of tacrolimus on the PK of steady‐state SCY‐078. The concurrent coadministration of tacrolimus and SCY‐078 had no effect on the maximum blood levels of tacrolimus, as evidenced by no change in maximum concentration of drug in blood plasma and a 1.4‐fold increase in total area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve. The concurrent coadministration of tacrolimus and SCY‐078 resulted in a weaker interaction than typically observed with the azole class of antifungals. The current data indicate that an initial dose adjustment for tacrolimus may not be warranted when combined with SCY‐078, as the modest increase in exposure is less than the therapeutic window, although tacrolimus monitoring, as with addition of any new medication, is recommended. These results support the coadministration of SCY‐078 and tacrolimus.
Cinnamon and Cassia Nomenclature Confusion: A Challenge to the Applicability of Clinical Data
Authors: Oketch‐Rabah Hellen A. , Marles Robin J. , Brinckmann Josef A.
Published: June 2018

Several Cinnamomum species’ barks are generally labeled as cinnamon, although only Cinnamomum verum carries the common name of true cinnamon. Cassia, a common name for a related species, is rarely used on labels; instead, various cassia types may also be labeled “cinnamon.” Confusion of true cinnamon and cassia spices in foods generally does not present a risk to health, except possibly at the highest intake levels. However, clinical studies with Cinnamomum investigational products have been published that inadequately describe or lack botanical identification information. The results of such studies are confounded by an inability to determine which species was responsible for the observed effects. Due to differences in the quality and composition of various Cinnamomum species, safety and efficacy data are not generalizable or transferable. Pharmacopeial monographs for characterizing the identity, composition, purity, quality, and strength of Cinnamomum investigational products should be applied to remove the ambiguity of cinnamon.
Vertical canopy gradient shaping the stratification of leaf‐chewer–parasitoid interactions in a temperate forest
Authors: Šigut Martin , Šigutová Hana , Šipoš Jan , Pyszko Petr , Kotásková Nela , Drozd Pavel
Published: June 2018

Knowledge about herbivores and their parasitoids in forest canopies remains limited, despite their diversity and ecological importance. Thus, it is important to understand the factors that shape the herbivore–parasitoid community structure, particularly the effect of vertical gradient. We investigated a quantitative community dataset of exposed and semiconcealed leaf‐chewing larvae and their parasitoids along a vertical canopy gradient in a temperate forest. We sampled target insects using an elevated work platform in a 0.2 ha broadleaf deciduous forest plot in the Czech Republic. We analyzed the effect of vertical position among three canopy levels (first [lowest], second [middle], and third [highest]) and tree species on community descriptors (density, diversity, and parasitism rate) and food web structure. We also analyzed vertical patterns in density and parasitism rate between exposed and semiconcealed hosts, and the vertical preference of the most abundant parasitoid taxa in relation to their host specificity. Tree species was an important determinant of all community descriptors and food web structure. Insect density and diversity varied with the vertical gradient, but was only significant for hosts. Both host guilds were most abundant in the second level, but only the density of exposed hosts declined in the third level. Parasitism rate decreased from the first to third level. The overall parasitism rate did not differ between guilds, but semiconcealed hosts suffered lower parasitism in the third level. Less host‐specific taxa (Ichneumonidae, Braconidae) operated more frequently lower in the canopy, whereas more host‐specific Tachinidae followed their host distribution. The most host‐specific Chalcidoidea preferred the third level. Vertical stratification of insect density, diversity, and parasitism rate was most pronounced in the tallest tree species. Therefore, our study contradicts the general paradigm of weak arthropod stratification in temperate forest canopies. However, in the network structure, vertical variation might be superseded by variation among tree species.
Partitioning the functional variation of tree seedlings during secondary succession in a tropical lowland rainforest
Authors: Lu Xinghui , Zang Runguo , Ding Yi , Huang Jihong
Published: June 2018

The seedling stage is a key phase in the regeneration dynamics of forest communities. The functional diversity of tree seedlings is closely related to the structuring and functioning of forest ecosystems. Here, we examined and partitioned variations of tree seedlings in functional diversity over a chronosequence (younger secondary forest, 18–30 yr; older secondary forest, 60 yr; and old growth forest) after shifting cultivation in a tropical lowland rainforest area on Hainan Island, China. Results showed that the variations of seedling functional diversities revealed a unimodal pattern during the secondary succession. The functional diversities of seedlings were overall lower in the secondary than in old growth forests. The relative role of edaphic factors and tree community factors changed with the successional process. The variations in functional diversity explained by edaphic factors were higher than those by tree community factors in the younger secondary forest. However, with the procession of secondary succession, variations in functional diversities of seedlings explained by tree community factors were increasing. The determinants for functional diversities of seedlings varied with successional stages. Seedling functional diversities were affected by edaphic factors in the younger secondary growth forest. Meanwhile, in the older secondary forest, seedling functional diversities were affected mostly by soil nutrients and tree community factors. In the old growth forest, seedling functional diversities were affected by available nitrogen and tree community factors. Our results suggest that edaphic factors play an important role in the younger secondary forest, while tree community factors in the older secondary forest and unexplained factors in the old growth forest.
Peak exercise stroke volume effects on cognitive impairment in community‐dwelling people with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Sugie Masamitsu , Harada Kazumasa , Takahashi Tetsuya , Nara Marina , Kawai Hisashi , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Ishikawa Joji , Tanaka Jun , Koyama Teruyuki , Kim Hunkyung , Sengoku Renpei , Fujimoto Hajime , Obuchi Shuichi , Kyo Shunei , Ito Hideki
Published: June 2018

Aims

The association of vascular dysfunction and amyloid beta deposition attracted attentions for its relationship with cognitive decline. Previous studies show the correlation between the declined cardiac function and the cognitive impairment. In the present study, we analysed the association between cognitive functions and cardiac parameters in community‐dwelling people with preserved ejection fraction without heart failure.

Methods and results

Subjects were 108 Japanese community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults with preserved ejection fraction (25 men and 83 women; mean age 74.7 years). Cardiac functional parameters at rest were assessed with B‐type natriuretic peptide and echocardiography. The cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to test these parameters during exercise. Cognitive function was assessed with the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA‐J). Other indices were assessed biochemically, physiologically, and physically. There were significant correlations between MoCA‐J score and age (r = −0.388), peak oxygen uptake (VO2, r = 0.201), peak VO2/heart rate (HR, r = 0.243), peak VO2/weight (r = 0.244), peak metabolic equivalents (r = 0.244), usual walking speed (r = −0.200), and the Timed Up and Go test (r = −0.230). Multiple linear regression analysis showed peak VO2/HR was an independent determinant of MoCA‐J score after adjusting for potential confounders (B = 0.424). After 6 months of exercise training with 64 subjects, we found that the per cent change of peak VO2/HR was related to the per cent change of MoCA‐J score (r = 0.296).

Conclusions

These results suggested that peak VO2/HR (an index of stroke volume at peak exercise) might be associated with cognitive impairment based on the vascular cascade hypothesis.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Behavior of Ferrocenyl‐Functionalized Metallocenes M(η5‐C5H5)2(EFc)2 (M = Ti, Zr; E = O, S, Se)
Authors: Frenzel Peter , Korb Marcus , Hildebrandt Alexander , Lang Heinrich
Published: June 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Heinrich Lang from Technische Universität Chemnitz, Germany. The cover image shows the redox processes of the ligands regulated by the flow of electrons through the “green man” on the traffic lights.
An Efficient Chan–Lam S‐Arylation of Arylthioureas with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhang Shi‐Bo , Zhu Hui , Cheng Yu , Peng Han‐Ying , Dong Zhi‐Bing
Published: June 2018

A convenient and efficient protocol has been developed for the preparation of aryl‐isothioureas based on the Chan–Lam C–S coupling reaction. The desired aryl‐isothioureas were synthesized in good yields (up to 95 %) in the presence of Cu(OAc)2·H2O as catalyst and bipyridine as ligand. A variety of functional groups on the aryl‐thiourea and arylboronic acid reagents are tolerated. The method features mild reaction conditions and good yields, thereby illustrating its practical synthetic value in organic synthesis.
Use of Endoglycosidase H as a diagnostic tool for MAN1B1‐CDG patients
Authors: Duvet Sandrine , Mouajjah Dounia , Péanne Romain , Matthijs Gert , Raymond Kimiyo , Jaeken Jaak , Morava Eva , Foulquier François
Published: June 2018

Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are heterogeneous group of genetic protein and lipid glycosylation abnormalities. With some 33 reported patients, MAN1B1‐CDG belongs to the more frequent causes of CDG‐II. MAN1B1 encodes an α1,2‐mannosidase that removes the terminal mannose residue from the middle branch. Several methods have been proposed to characterize the glycosylation changes. In MAN1B1‐CDG, the abnormal accumulating N‐glycan structures are mostly absent or found in trace amounts in total human serum. To overcome this issue, in this study, we present a straightforward procedure based on the use of Endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase H to easily diagnose MAN1B1‐CDG patients and mannosidase defects.
Environmental and exergetic impacts of cement production: A case study
Authors: Shirkhani Amir , Kouchaki‐Penchah Hamed , Azmoodeh‐Mishamandani Afshin
Published: June 2018

Cement manufacture is a considerable industrial activity in terms of its volumes and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. This study apprises the environmental impact of the clinker and Portland cement production in Iran, using life cycle impact assessment. Data used in the cement manufacture life cycle inventory are based on site surveys of energy consumption, raw material use, and transportation distances. Emissions were estimated based on U. S. EPA emission factors. Most of these pollutants were belong to kiln, preheater and diesel fuel, respectively. To a comprehensive impact assessment, some impact and damage categories based on CML baseline, Pfister et al 2009, IMPACT 2002+, cumulative exergy demand (CExD), and Eco‐indicator 99 methods were investigated. Environmental hotspots in all categories were detected. Production process was identified as a substantial contributor in most of the categories, such as global warming impact category and damage to human health. Electricity was the other main contributor. It had the highest share in the total of CExD indictor. Iron ore had the enormous contribution in the impact categories of mineral extraction. In this article, water scarcity footprint for cement manufacture was also investigated. It was concluded that diesel is the main impact categories related to water scarcity indicator. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Embryonic effects of an environmentally relevant PCB mixture in the domestic chicken
Authors: Ottinger Mary Ann , Lavoie Emma T. , Bohannon Meredith E.B. , Marcel Allegra M. , Tschiffely Anna E. , Duffy Kara B. , McKernan Moira , Thompson Nichola , Whitehouse H. Kasen , Davani Kimya , Strauss Marci , Tillitt Donald E. , Lipton Josh , Dean Karen M.
Published: June 2018

Studies were conducted to develop methods to assess the effects of a complex mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus). Treatments were administered by egg injection to compare embryonic effects of an environmentally relevant PCB congener mixture in the domestic chicken over a range of doses. Chicken eggs were injected with the PCB mixture with a profile similar to that found in avian eggs collected on the upper Hudson River, New York, USA, at doses that spanned 0 to 98 μg/g egg. Eggs were hatched in the laboratory to ascertain hatching success. In the domestic chicken, the median lethal dose was 0.3 μg/g. These data demonstrate adverse effects of an environmentally relevant PCB mixture and provide the basis for further work using in vitro and other models to characterize the potential risk to avian populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2513–2522. © 2018 SETAC
Lessons from a natural experiment: Allopatric morphological divergence and sympatric diversification in the Midas cichlid species complex are largely influenced by ecology in a deterministic way
Authors: Kautt Andreas F. , Machado-Schiaffino Gonzalo , Meyer Axel
Published: June 2018

Explaining why some lineages diversify while others do not and how are key objectives in evolutionary biology. Young radiations of closely related species derived from the same source population provide an excellent opportunity to disentangle the relative contributions of possible drivers of diversification. In these settings, lineage-specific effects are shared and can be ruled out. Moreover, the relevant demographic and ecological parameters can be estimated accurately. Midas cichlid fish in Nicaragua have repeatedly colonized several crater lakes, diverged from the same source populations, and, interestingly, diversified in some of them but not others. Here, using the most comprehensive molecular and geometric morphometric data set on Midas cichlids to date (∼20,000 SNPs, 12 landmarks, ∼700 individuals), we aim to understand why and how crater lake populations diverge and why some of them are more prone to diversify in sympatry than others. Taking ancestor-descendant relationships into account, we find that Midas cichlids diverged in parallel from their source population mostly—but not exclusively—by evolving more slender body shapes in all six investigated crater lakes. Admixture among crater lakes has possibly facilitated this process in one case, but overall, admixture and secondary waves of colonization cannot predict morphological divergence and intralacustrine diversification. Instead, morphological divergence is larger the more dissimilar a crater lake is compared to the source lake and happens rapidly after colonization followed by a slow-down with time. Our data also provide some evidence that founder effects may positively contribute to divergence. The depth of a crater lake is positively associated with variation in body shapes (and number of species), presumably by providing more ecological opportunities. In conclusion, we find that parallel morphological divergence in allopatry and the propensity for diversification in sympatry across the entire Midas cichlid fish radiation is partly predictable and mostly driven by ecology.
An analytical interface reconstruction algorithm in the PLIC‐VOF method for 2D polygonal unstructured meshes
Authors: Dai Dezhi , Tong Albert Y.
Published: June 2018

Piecewise linear interface calculation (PLIC) schemes have been extensively employed in the volume‐of‐fluid (VOF) method for interface capturing in numerical simulations of multiphase flows. Polygonal unstructured meshes are often adopted because of their geometric flexibility and superiority in gradient calculation. An analytical interface reconstruction algorithm in the PLIC‐VOF method for arbitrary convex polygonal cells has been proposed in this study. The line interface at a given orientation within a polygonal cell is located by an analytical technique. It has been tested successfully for four different geometric shapes that are common in polygonal meshes. The computational efficiency of the present algorithm has been compared with several published schemes in the literature. The proposed algorithm has been shown to yield higher accuracy with reduction in computational complexity. A numerical simulation of a dam‐breaking problem has been performed using the proposed analytical PLIC technique on polygonal meshes. The results are in good agreement with experimental data available in the literature, which serves as a demonstration of its performance in a real multiphase flow.
Maturational trajectories of local and long‐range functional connectivity in autism during face processing
Authors: Mamashli Fahimeh , Khan Sheraz , Bharadwaj Hari , Losh Ainsley , Pawlyszyn Stephanie M. , Hämäläinen Matti S. , Kenet Tal
Published: June 2018

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized neurophysiologically by, among other things, functional connectivity abnormalities in the brain. Recent evidence suggests that the nature of these functional connectivity abnormalities might not be uniform throughout maturation. Comparing between adolescents and young adults (ages 14–21) with ASD and age‐ and IQ‐matched typically developing (TD) individuals, we previously documented, using magnetoencephalography (MEG) data, that local functional connectivity in the fusiform face areas (FFA) and long‐range functional connectivity between FFA and three higher order cortical areas were all reduced in ASD. Given the findings on abnormal maturation trajectories in ASD, we tested whether these results extend to preadolescent children (ages 7–13). We found that both local and long‐range functional connectivity were in fact normal in this younger age group in ASD. Combining the two age groups, we found that local and long‐range functional connectivity measures were positively correlated with age in TD, but negatively correlated with age in ASD. Last, we showed that local functional connectivity was the primary feature in predicting age in ASD group, but not in the TD group. Furthermore, local functional connectivity was only correlated with ASD severity in the older group. These results suggest that the direction of maturation of functional connectivity for processing of faces from childhood to young adulthood is itself abnormal in ASD, and that during the processing of faces, these trajectory abnormalities are more pronounced for local functional connectivity measures than they are for long‐range functional connectivity measures.
Moving beyond the organizational ceiling: Do construction accident investigations align with systems thinking?
Authors: Woolley Matthew J. I. , Goode Natassia , Read Gemma J. M. , Salmon Paul M.
Published: June 2018

Serious accidents within the construction industry continue to represent an unacceptable global problem. The aim of this study was to consider the types of actors, factors, and relationships that are identified in construction investigations in a sample of Australian organizations. Based on a thematic analysis approach, we examined the actors, contributory factors, and corrective actions identified within 100 construction accident investigation reports. The extent to which these aligned with the principles of contemporary accident causation theory and the benefits associated with adopting a system‐wide approach were then assessed. Overall, the results demonstrate that accident analysis in construction has not moved beyond a human error focus and does not presently identify multiple actors and contributory factors or the interactions between them. The findings of the study offer important implications for the industry and highlight the opportunity for the adoption of systems theory–based approaches to construction accident investigation and analysis.
An alternative evolutionary pathway for the twin‐tail goldfish via szl gene mutation
Authors: Abe Gembu , Lee Shu‐Hua , Li Ing‐Jia , Ota Kinya G.
Published: June 2018

The twin‐tail of ornamental goldfish provides unique evolutionary evidence that the highly conserved midline localization of axial skeleton components can be changed by artificial selection. This morphological change is known to be caused by a nonsense mutation in one of the recently duplicated chordin genes, which are key players in dorsal–ventral (DV) patterning. Since all of the multiple twin‐tail ornamental goldfish strains share the same mutation, it is reasonable to presume that this mutation occurred only once in domesticated goldfish. However, zebrafish with mutated szl gene (another DV patterning‐related gene) also exhibit twin‐tail morphology and higher viability than dino/chordin‐mutant zebrafish. This observation raises the question of whether the szl gene mutation could also reproduce the twin‐tail morphology in goldfish. Here we show that goldfish have at least two subfunctionalized szl genes, designated szlA and szlB, and depletion of these genes in single‐fin goldfish was able to reproduce the bifurcated caudal fin found in twin‐tail ornamental goldfish. Interestingly, several phenotypes were observed in szlA‐depleted fish, while low expressivity of the twin‐tail phenotype was observed in szlB‐depleted goldfish. Thus, even though szl gene mutations may produce twin‐tail goldfish, these szl gene mutations might not be favorable for selection in domestic breeding. These results highlight the uniqueness and rarity of mutations that are able to cause large‐scale morphological changes, such as a bifurcated axial skeleton, with high viability and expressivity in natural and domesticated populations.
Barriers for the development, translation, and implementation of nanomedicine: an African perspective
Authors: Saravanan Muthupandian , Ramachandran Balajee , Hamed Barabadi , Giardiello Marco
Published: June 2018

Nanotechnology is a branch of science, which empowers innovation to discover new medical technologies, improving current diagnostic and treatment methods. The scope of nanotechnology focuses mainly on “technology transfer”, in which research aims to facilitate the application of recent nanoscience techniques to conventional medicine development methodologies. Nanomedicine is attractive to researchers who wish to target specific infectious diseases associated with poverty, which is highlighted through the many pertinent examples of recent breakthroughs in nanomedicine. An overview is provided in this study to highlight the barriers and implementation of nanomedicine for various infectious diseases in the African continent. Patient backgrounds provide the greatest of challenges for new technologies in terms of improving bioavailability and dosage. This review points out the current situation of nanomedicine in Africa and explores the possibility of how nanomedicine could improve patient drug regimens and wellbeing.
Epigenetics of T cell aging
Authors: Goronzy Jörg J , Hu Bin , Kim Chulwoo , Jadhav Rohit R , Weyand Cornelia M
Published: June 2018

T cells are a heterogeneous population of cells that differ in their differentiation stages. Functional states are reflected in the epigenome that confers stability in cellular identity and is therefore important for naïve as well as memory T cell function. In many cellular systems, changes in chromatin structure due to alterations in histone expression, histone modifications and DNA methylation are characteristic of the aging process and cause or at least contribute to cellular dysfunction in senescence. Here, we review the epigenetic changes in T cells that occur with age and discuss them in the context of canonical epigenetic marks in aging model systems as well as recent findings of chromatin accessibility changes in T cell differentiation. Remarkably, transcription factor networks driving T cell differentiation account for many of the age-associated modifications in chromatin structures suggesting that loss of quiescence and activation of differentiation pathways are major components of T cell aging.

Review on aging process in T cells is characterized by changes in chromatin structures, many of which resemble epigenetic modifications seen with differentiation.
Specialized functions of resident macrophages in brain and heart
Authors: Nicolás-Ávila Jose Angel , Hidalgo Andrés , Ballesteros Iván
Published: June 2018

The functions of macrophages in healthy tissues extend beyond their well-established roles as immune sentinels and effectors. Among tissues, cells of the brain and heart possess unique excitatory properties that likely demand special support. Accordingly, existing evidence demonstrates that microglia in the brain has an active role in synaptic organization, control of neuronal excitability, phagocytic removal of debris, and trophic support during brain development. In the heart, recent studies suggest that cardiac macrophages are involved in the regulation of heart homeostasis by phagocytosis, production of trophic, and immune-related factors, and by forming direct contacts with cardiomyocytes to regulate electrical conduction. In this review, we discuss mechanisms associated with the high degree of specialization of resident macrophages in both tissues, their origin and heterogeneity, and their contributions in regulating homeostasis under steady-state and pathological conditions.

Review on the ontogeny and tissue specialized functions of microglia and cardiac macrophages and their role in heart and brain homeostasis and inflammation.
Behavioral accommodation of nesting hawks to wind turbines
Authors: Watson James W. , Keren Ilai N. , Davies Robert W.
Published: June 2018

The most direct effects of wind energy development on birds are rotor blade strikes and collisions with wind turbines. Probability of a blade strike is affected by the rates at which a bird visits the rotor swept zone (RSZ), and mitigated by the behaviors it uses to avoid being struck. Between 2011 and 2013, we studied the occurrence and nature of avoidance responses of 3 nesting ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis), 5 Swainson's hawks (B. swainsoni), and 2 red‐tailed hawks (B. jamaicensis) to turbines built within their territories. Two of 10 breeding males we tracked with satellite telemetry were turbine‐collision fatalities, one during the study and the other in the following year. Collectively, nesting hawks displayed no macro‐avoidance of turbine projects and flew adjacent to or within RSZs at high rates ( = 0.8 visits/hr, 1.3 min/visit; n = 387 visits during 434 hr of observation) synchronized with morning and afternoon peaks in foraging activity. Passes through rotors accounted for 9.8% of responses. The turbine that hawks approached most closely from collective encounters on each territory accounted for an average of 29% of all visits to RSZs and visitation was greater than expected at turbines <0.8 km from nests (P < 0.001). As rotor speed increased, the frequency that hawks in RSZs flew between turbine rows increased relative to other avoidance behaviors and hawks that were potentially distracted (i.e., hunting or aggressive chasing) increased avoidance flights over and between turbines. The ability of hawks to employ evasive behaviors mitigated blade collision but allowed for close, hourly interaction with turbines that increased risk of collision. Where nesting populations of hawks are at risk, particularly ferruginous hawks, pre‐construction siting of wind turbines needs to account for nest locations and expected high rates of hawk visitation to turbines <800 m from nests. On existing projects collision risk can be reduced through operational shutdown of turbines in this zone during 2 daily peaks in hawk foraging in the vicinity where hawks nest, but a greater effectiveness can be achieved by shutdown of specific turbines associated with highest regular use. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Photoinduced Cleavage and Hydrolysis of o‐Nitrobenzyl Linker and Covalent Linker Immobilization in Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogels
Authors: Claaßen Christiane , Claaßen Marc H. , Gohl Fabian , Tovar Günter E. M. , Borchers Kirsten , Southan Alexander
Published: June 2018

Light‐induced release systems can be triggered remotely and are of interest for many controlled release applications due to the possibility for spatio‐temporal release control. In this study a biotin‐functionalized photocleavable macromer is incorporated with an o‐nitrobenzyl moiety into gelatin methacryloyl(‐acetyl) hydrogels via radical cross‐linking. Stronger immobilization of streptavidin‐coupled horseradish peroxidase occurs in linker‐functionalized hydrogels compared to pure gelatin methacryloyl(‐acetyl) hydrogels, and a controlled release of the streptavidin conjugate upon UV‐irradiation is possible. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analysis of aqueous linker solutions allows the identification of the main cleavage products and the cleavage kinetics. Thus, it is shown that a significant hydrolysis of the linker occurs at 37 °C. Nevertheless the system reported here is a promising controlled release scaffold for proteins and application in tissue engineering, if background releases of the immobilized drug are tolerable.
Finiteness theorem for multi‐‐bi‐Lipschitz equivalence of map germs
Authors: Birbrair Lev , Ferreira Costa João Carlos , Da Silva Sena Filho Edvalter , Mendes Rodrigo
Published: June 2018

Let be the set of all real polynomial map germs with degree of less than or equal to . The main result of this paper shows that the set of equivalence classes of , with respect to multi‐‐bi‐Lipschitz equivalence, is finite.
Cytocompatible Fabrication of Yeast Cells/Fabrics Composite Sheet for Bioethanol Production
Authors: He Bin , Zhu Xing , Zhao Changwen , Wang Guan , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai
Published: June 2018

Entrapment of living cells into a polymer network has significant potential in various fields such as biomass conversion and tissue engineering. A crucial challenge for this strategy is to provide a mild enough condition to preserve cell viability. Here, a facile and cytocompatible method to entrap living yeast cells into a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) network grafting from polypropylene nonwoven fabrics via visible‐light‐induced surface living graft crosslinking polymerization is reported. Due to the mild reaction conditions and excellent biocompatibility of PEG, the immobilized yeast cells could maintain their viability and proliferate well. The obtained composite sheet has excellent long‐term stability and shows no significant efficiency loss after 25 cycles of repeated batch bioethanol fermentation. The immobilized yeast cells exhibit 18.0% higher bioethanol fermentation efficiency than free cells. This strategy for immobilization of living cells with high viability has significant potential application.
Effect of crystallographic orientation on stress evolution of the void in single crystal during uniaxial tensile creep
Authors: Yan W. , Wang W. , Zhao W. , Yue Z.
Published: June 2018

The present study aims at exploring the stress evolution and potential crack initiation sites on the void surface embedded in nickel‐based single crystal super alloy during uniaxial tensile creep. To this aim, the crystallographic creep constitution relationship was incorporated into three dimensional finite element simulations. The simulation results showed that the stress distribution and evolution on the void surface exhibits strong dependence upon creep time and crystallographic orientation. The potential nucleation sites of creep crack on the void surface associated with differently orientated single crystals were predicted.
In‐situ composite coating on powder metallurgy master alloy fabricated by vacuum hot‐pressing sintering technology
Authors: Yang Z. , Xia J. , Jiang C. , Pan H. , Song J. , Wang S.
Published: June 2018

A material consisting of an in‐situ titanium carbide reinforced nickel‐aluminide (Ni3Al) coating and a powder metallurgy master alloy was fabricated by vacuum hot‐pressing sintering technology. A metallurgical bonded, pores‐free interface between composite coating and powder metallurgy master alloy was formed at the sintering temperature of 1050 °C, pressure of 10‐4 Pa and pressing pressure of 40 MPa. The phase, microstructure and wear behavior of composite coating were investigated. The results showed that polygonal titanium carbide particulates with various sizes were homogeneously distributed in nickel‐aluminide matrix. The sintering temperature, pressing pressure and heat from as‐reactions‐formed coating green compact facilitated the pore infiltration with transiently generated liquid phases and ensured the high‐intensity metallurgical bonding between composite coating and powder metallurgy master alloy. Due to the abnormal elevated‐temperature properties of nickel‐aluminide matrix, titanium carbide particulates reinforcement and the mechanically mixed layer protection, TiC/Ni3Al‐coated parts demonstrated superior wear resistance and lower friction coefficient while compared with Ni3Al‐coated parts and H13 steel.
Influence of process chains on heat treatment
Authors: Hoffmann F. , Kleff J. , Strunk R. , Clausen B.
Published: June 2018

The results of a heat treatment are influenced by the state of the material before heat treatment, e. g. microstructure, residual stresses, surface layers, etc. Consequently, different production chains can lead to differences in microstructure and distortion behavior. In this case properties as well as time and costs of hard machining after heat treatment are influenced. This paper was first published in German in HTM Journal of Heat Treatment and Materials ©Carl Hanser Verlag, Muenchen/Germany and gives examples for the influences of production chains on thermochemical treatments such as case hardening [1].
Death‐associated protein kinase (DAPK) family modulators: Current and future therapeutic outcomes
Authors: Farag Ahmed Karam , Roh Eun Joo
Published: June 2018

Serine/threonine kinases (STKs) represent the majority of discovered kinases to date even though a few Food and Drug Administration approved STKs inhibitors are reported. The third millennium came with the discovery of an important group of STKs that reshaped our understanding of several biological signaling pathways. This family was named death‐associated protein kinase family (DAPK family). DAPKs comprise five members (DAPK1, DAPK2, DAPK3, DRAK1, and DRAK2) and belong to the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinases domain. As time goes on, the list of biological functions of this family is constantly updated. The most extensively studied member is DAPK1 (based on the publications number and Protein Data Bank reported crystal structures) that plays fundamental biological roles depending on the cellular context. DAPK1 regulates apoptosis, autophagy, contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, acts as a tumor suppressor, inhibits metastasis, mediates the body responses to viral infections, and regulates the synaptic plasticity and depression. For their biological roles, several DAPKs’ modulators have been reported for treatment of many diseases as well as acting as probe compounds to facilitate the understanding of the biological functions elicited by this family. Despite that, the number of reported modulators is still limited and more research needs to be conducted on the discovery of novel strategies to activate or inhibit this family. In this report, we aim at drawing more attention to this family by reviewing the recent updates regarding the structure, biological roles, and regulation of this family. In addition, the small‐molecule modulators of this family are reviewed in details with their potential therapeutic outcomes evaluated to help medicinal chemists develop more potent and selective possible drug candidates.
Perturbed fixed point iterative methods based on pattern structure
Authors: Nikazad T. , Abbasi M.
Published: June 2018

We introduce a new idea of algorithmic structure, called assigning algorithm, using a finite collection of a subclass of strictly quasi‐nonexpansive operators. This new algorithm allows the iteration vectors to take steps on a pattern which is based on a connected directed acyclic graph. The sequential, simultaneous, and string‐averaging methods for solving convex feasibility problems are the special cases of the new algorithm which may be used to reduce idle time of processors in parallel implementations. We give a convergence analysis for such algorithmic structure with perturbation. Also, we extend some existence results of the split common fixed point problem based on the new algorithm. The performance of the new algorithm is illustrated with numerical examples from computed tomography.
Sericin enhances the developmental competence of heat‐stressed bovine embryos
Authors: Khatun Hafiza , Egashira Junki , Sakatani Miki , Takenouchi Naoki , Tatemoto Hideki , Wada Yasuhiko , Yamanaka Ken‐ichi
Published: June 2018

We investigated the effects of sericin on the developmental competence of bovine embryos exposed to heat stress (HS). Putative zygotes were cultured with sericin and subjected to HS (40.5°C for 6 hr) on Day 2 or 7 followed by continuous culture at 38.5°C until Day 8. Day 2 HS significantly decreased blastocyst development on Day 8 as well as mitochondrial activity, and significantly increased the amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells, whereas Day 7 HS only significantly decreased mitochondrial activity and increased the number of TUNEL‐positive cells in Day 8 blastocysts. These detrimental effects were neutralized by sericin supplementation. Next, to investigate the potential production of blastocysts with high viability in terms of thermotolerance, embryos were cultured with sericin until Day 7, and then exposed to HS in the sericin‐free medium. TUNEL‐positive cell numbers were significantly lower in blastocysts produced by sericin culture than in control blastocysts. Transcript abundance for HSPA1A and BAX was significantly decreased but IFNT2 levels were increased in blastocysts produced by sericin culture. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic activities of sericin, and the potential use of sericin to produce embryos with high viability in vitro.
First line nurse managers’ experiences of opportunities and obstacles to support evidence‐based nursing
Authors: Karlberg Traav Malin , Forsman Henrietta , Eriksson Mats , Cronqvist Agneta
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim was to explore first line nurse managers’ experiences of opportunities and obstacles to support evidence‐based nursing.

Design

A qualitative study with a phenomenographical approach.

Method

Data were collected through focus group interviews with 15 first line nurse managers’ in four settings.

Results

The results are presented in four categories of description headed: Manage the everyday work vs. evidence‐based nursing; Uncertainties about evidence‐based nursing and nursing research; Time as a reality, as an approach; and Shaping awareness—towards an active approach to evidence‐based nursing. The overarching category of description has been formulated as follows: The internal relation—how active leadership influences evidence‐based nursing. The outcome space is presented as: The individual path—how to make vision and reality become a working entity around evidence‐based nursing.