bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristic Executive Dysfunction for High‐Functioning Autism Sustained to Adulthood
Authors: Xie Rao , Sun Xiao , Yang Li , Guo Yanqing
Published: April 2020

The comprehensiveness and severity of executive dysfunction in high‐functioning autism (HFA) spectrum disorder have not reached a unified conclusion especially in patients in adulthood. Clarifying this issue is critical for guiding clinical diagnosis and targeted intervention. The primary objective of the present meta‐analysis was to study the characteristics of executive function (EF) in adults with HFA compared to typically developing (TD) adults, by taking five key components into consideration, including inhibition, working memory, flexibility, planning, and fluency. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched to identify peer‐reviewed studies that compared EF in adults with and without HFA from 1980 to November 2018. Hedges'geffect sizes were computed to measure the primary outcome. Moderators like age, sex, and diagnostic tools were controlled using meta‐regressions. Forty‐two studies satisfying the selection criteria were included, which resulted in a large sample size of 2419 participants. A moderate overall effect size for reduced EF across domains was found in adults with HFA, compared with TD (g= 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.66). Subsequently, a broad executive dysfunction was found in adults with HFA in this study (flexibility [g= 0.69], planning [g= 0.64], inhibition [g= 0.61], working memory [g= 0.48], fluency [g= 0.42]), with the predominated impairment on flexibility and planning. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the executive dysfunction hypothesis and may assist in the clinical diagnosis and targeted intervention, suggesting the necessity of sustained intervention on EF for individuals with HFA from childhood to adulthood.

Lay Summary

The meta‐analysis explored the characteristics of EF in adults with high‐functioning autism (HFA) comparing to typically developing controls. Moderate effect sizes for reduced EF across domains were found in adults with HFA, with the flexibility and planning being the most predominately impaired. A comprehensive measurement of EF in adults with HFA has important clinical implications for the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and a fundamental understanding for developmental trajectory of these patients.
Characterization of Catalysts by Advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy and Spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Yao , Zeng Kaiyang
Published: April 2020

Considering that there is a shortage of sustainable resources and that serious environmental issues need to be solved, the development of efficient catalysts has attracted a lot attention globally for energy saving and environmental improvement. In the last few decades, great progresses have been made in terms of fabrication and application of catalysts, however, systematic characterization with advanced technology and methods that enable researchers to have a detailed understanding of the catalysts’ properties and catalytic reactions, especially where an interface is present, are still limited. This Review focusses on the applications of advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) and Spectroscopy techniques for the characterization of catalytic materials and their related reactions. A detailed description of advanced SPM and Spectroscopy techniques is introduced, followed by their applications in the characterization of surfaces and properties of common ordered catalytic materials including some coordination polymers and metal oxides. Various properties of these catalytic materials, such as conductivity, piezoelectricity, nanomechanics, photoresponse, and others, characterized by SPM and Spectroscopy are discussed. Subsequently, we introduce the high‐resolution imaging of chemical reactions and bond configuration by high‐resolution non‐contact Atomic Force Microscopy (NC‐AFM). Finally, the challenges involved in the development of SPM and Spectroscopy and an outlook for future research are presented. This Review provides fundamental insights into the characterization of heterogeneous catalysts and viewpoints to the development of smart catalytic materials.
Transition Metals Modified Ni−M (M=Fe, Co, Cr and Mn) Catalysts Supported on Al2O3−ZrO2 for Low‐Temperature CO2 Methanation
Authors: Wu Yushan , Lin Jianghui , Xu Yanfei , Ma Guangyuan , Wang Jie , Ding Mingyue
Published: April 2020

Although considerable efforts have been made in transforming carbon dioxide into high value‐added products, it still remains a big challenge to convert CO2 to CH4 directly at low temperature. Here, we report transition metals (including Fe, Co, Cr and Mn) modified Ni catalysts supported on Al2O3−ZrO2 via a single‐step sol‐gel method for low temperature CO2 methanation. Specially, incorporation of Mn metal into the Ni/Al2O3−ZrO2 catalyst was the most beneficial to the reduction and dispersion of NiO particles on the surface of Al2O3−ZrO2 composite support in comparison to other transition metals such as Fe, Co and Cr, which promoted the formation of active metallic Ni sites. Furthermore, the addition of Mn promoter facilitated the formation of surface oxygen vacancies, which combined with more metallic Ni active sites, thus improving the low‐temperature CO2 methanation performance significantly. An optimized Ni−Mn/Al2O3−ZrO2‐1 catalyst exhibited a superior CO2 conversion of 78 % with CH4 selectivity almost 100 % at a lower temperature of 300 °C without any deactivation in the long term 100 h reaction, which presented a potential industrial application for CO2 methanation.
Two‐step support vector data description for dynamic, non‐linear, and non‐Gaussian processes monitoring
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Li Xiangshun
Published: April 2020

In this study, a the two‐step support vector data description (TS‐SVDD) method is proposed to handle the problem of fault detection for dynamic, non‐linear, and non‐Gaussian processes. First, the dynamic structure of the data is identified and the data is divided into two components: innovation component and dynamic component. Then, the innovation component is used to make the SVDD model for fault detection. Moreover, in order to overcome the issue with two‐step principal component analysis (TS‐PCA) that the choice of parameters q and D affects the fault detection effect of the methods, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize the parameters. The proposed method combines the advantages of TS‐PCA in processing dynamic process data and SVDD in dealing with non‐linear and non‐Gaussian process data. In order to evaluate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, TS‐SVDD is applied to the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process and the intelligent industrial processes control test facility (I2PC‐TF), and the fault detection performance is compared with TS‐PCA and SVDD in terms of dault detection rate (FDR) and false alarm rate (FAR). The results show that TS‐SVDD has a better monitoring performance.
Early high‐moisture wheat harvest improves double‐crop system: II. Soybean growth and yield
Authors: Parvej Md. Rasel , Holshouser David L. , Kratochvil Robert J. , Whaley Cory M. , Dunphy E. James , Roth Gregory W. , Faé Giovani S.
Published: April 2020

Double cropping soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] after winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) increases total food production without additional land. However, double‐crop soybean usually yields less than full‐season soybean, mainly due to late planting. We evaluated double‐crop soybean growth and yield as affected by early planting immediately after high‐moisture wheat harvest across 20 site‐years in five Mid‐Atlantic states during 2015–2017. At each site, six soybean cultivars from relative maturity group (rMG) 3.1–5.9 were planted at three to five dates in a 4‐ to 14‐d interval. Soybean growth, measured by normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) across the growing season, was affected only by planting date. Although NDVI peaked near the R5 stage, it took 9–27 more days to reach the peak NDVI (0.84–0.98) for early‐planted soybean than for late‐planted soybean. Relative yield declined with planting dates, which explained 41–81% of the relative yield variability. The yield loss from delayed planting was greater in the north (33–80%; Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware) than in the south (20–27%; Virginia, North Carolina) due to longer delay in planting and shorter growing season in the north. Soybean NDVI from the R1–R6 stages was associated with yield, with the strongest association (R2 = .55–.57) at the R2 and R3 stages. The area under the NDVI curve (AUNDVIC) was also strongly associated (R2 = .77) with relative yield, indicating an excellent tool for explaining double‐crop soybean yield loss due to poor growth. High‐moisture wheat harvest facilitated soybean planting 4–21 d earlier, which increased growth and yield.
Recycling Iron‐Containing Sludges from the Electroflocculation of Printing and Dyeing Wastewater into Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Gang , Shen Yiyao , Ma Peihua , Zhao Sijia , Bonnefont Antoine , Lv Yaokang , Wang Congze , Ruhlmann Laurent , Zhang Cheng
Published: April 2020

Iron‐containing sludges (DW/Fe) were prepared by the electroflocculation of industrial printing and dyeing wastewater (DW). To investigate the formation process and the properties of the DW/Fe sludges and their application in anode materials in Li‐ion batteries, the DW/Fe sludges were compared to three other sludges (MB/Fe, RB/Fe, Ta/Fe) prepared from model solutions that contained either methyl blue (MB), rhodamine B (RB), or tartrazine (Ta). The DW/Fe sludges were calcined at 500 °C under N2 to form iron oxide/carbon composite C‐DW/Fe. The composition and structure of the sludges and the C‐DW/Fe composite were analyzed by using FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, SEM, TEM, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and their performances as anodes of Li‐ion batteries were studied by adding different proportions of conductive agent (super P® conductive carbon black). Our results show that the sludges are a complex mixture of Fe3O4 and organic matter. The specific capacity and stability can be improved during the charge–discharge test by increasing the amount of carbon black. Importantly, this improvement is more pronounced on DW/Fe that does not require high‐temperature carbonization, which means that the sludges cannot only protect the environment and avoid the waste of resources but also can be used directly and widely in decentralized energy storage devices.
Testing for GW501516 (cardarine) in human hair using LC/MS–MS and confirmation by LC/HRMS
Authors: Kintz Pascal , Ameline Alice , Gheddar Laurie , Raul Jean‐Sébastien
Published: April 2020

GW501516, also known as GW‐1516 or cardarine and endurobol, is a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor delta (PPAR‐δ) agonist. Activation of the receptor will increase fat‐burning capacity and muscle production, as it changes the body's fuel preference from glucose to lipids. GW501516 has no therapeutic use, but can be abused for performance‐enhancing purposes using the oral route, at dosages of 10 to 20 mg per day, for 6 to 8 weeks. Both athletes and amateurs can abuse GW501516 as the drug can be easily obtained via the Internet. Since January 2009, the list of prohibited substances and methods of doping as established by the World Anti‐Doping Agency includes GW‐501516, first as a gene doping substance and now in the S4.5 Metabolic modulators class. It is prohibited at all times. Using LC/MS–MS and confirmation by LC/HRM, after methanol incubation of 20 mg with ultrasound for 1 hour, GW501516 was identified in the hair of a male abuser at 32 and 22 pg/mg in 2 × 2 cm segments. The result is the first evidence that this compound with a carboxylic acid function is incorporated in human hair.
Understanding the drivers of mortality in African savannah elephants
Authors: Schlossberg S. , Gobush K. S. , Chase M. J. , Elkan P. W. , Grossmann F. , Kohi E. M.
Published: April 2020

Populations of African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) have been declining due to poaching, human–elephant conflict, and habitat loss. Understanding the causes of these declines could aid in stabilizing elephant populations. We used data from the Great Elephant Census, a 19‐country aerial survey of savannah elephants conducted in 2014 and 2015, to examine effects of a suite of variables on elephant mortality. Independent variables included spatially explicit measures of natural processes and human presence as well as country‐level socioeconomic measures. Our dependent variable was the carcass ratio, the ratio of dead elephants to live plus dead elephants, which is an index of recent elephant mortality. Carcass ratios are inversely proportional to population growth rates of elephants over the 4 yr prior to a survey. At the scale of survey strata (n = 275, median area = 1,222 km2), we found strong negative associations for carcass ratios with vegetation greenness at the time of the survey, overseas development aid to the country, and distance to the nearest international border. At the scale of ecosystems (n = 42, median area = 12,085 km2), carcass ratios increased with drought frequency and decreased with human density and overseas development aid to the country. Both stratum‐ and ecosystem‐scale models explained well under one‐half of the variance in carcass ratios. The differences in results between scales suggest that the drivers of mortality may be scale‐specific and that the corresponding solutions may vary by scale as well.
How does increasing mast seeding frequency affect population dynamics of seed consumers? Wild boar as a case study
Authors: Touzot Laura , Schermer Éliane , Venner Samuel , Delzon Sylvain , Rousset Cyril , Baubet Éric , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Gamelon Marlène
Published: April 2020

Mast seeding in temperate oak populations shapes the dynamics of seed consumers and numerous communities. Mast seeding responds positively to warm spring temperatures and is therefore expected to increase under global warming. We investigated the potential effects of changes in oak mast seeding on wild boar population dynamics, a widespread and abundant consumer species. Using long‐term monitoring data, we showed that abundant acorn production enhances the proportion of breeding females. With a body‐mass‐structured population model and a fixed hunting rate of 0.424, we showed that high acorn production over time would lead to an average wild boar population growth rate of 1.197 whereas non‐acorn production would lead to a stable population. Finally, using climate projections and a mechanistic model linking weather data to oak reproduction, we predicted that mast seeding frequency might increase over the next century, which would lead to increase in both wild boar population size and the magnitude of its temporal variation. Our study provides rare evidence that some species could greatly benefit from global warming thanks to higher food availability and therefore highlights the importance of investigating the cascading effects of changing weather conditions on the dynamics of wild animal populations to reliably assess the effects of climate change.
Optimal reproductive phenology under size‐dependent cannibalism
Authors: Takashina Nao , Fiksen Øyvind
Published: April 2020

Intra‐cohort cannibalism is an example of a size‐mediated priority effect. If early life stages cannibalize slightly smaller individuals, then parents face a trade‐off between breeding at the best time for larval growth or development and predation risk from offspring born earlier. This game‐theoretic situation among parents may drive adaptive reproductive phenology toward earlier breeding. However, it is not straightforward to quantify how cannibalism affects seasonal egg fitness or to distinguish emergent breeding phenology from alternative adaptive drivers. Here, we devise an age‐structured game‐theoretic mathematical model to find evolutionary stable breeding phenologies. We predict how size‐dependent cannibalism acting on eggs, larvae, or both changes emergent breeding phenology and find that breeding under inter‐cohort cannibalism occurs earlier than the optimal match to environmental conditions. We show that emergent breeding phenology patterns at the level of the population are sensitive to the ontogeny of cannibalism, that is, which life stage is subject to cannibalism. This suggests that the nature of cannibalism among early life stages is a potential driver of the diversity of reproductive phenologies seen across taxa and may be a contributing factor in situations where breeding occurs earlier than expected from environmental conditions.
Experience may outweigh cue similarity in maintaining a persistent host‐plant‐based evolutionary trap
Authors: Steward Rachel A. , Boggs Carol L.
Published: April 2020

Rapid environmental change can decouple previously reliable cues from important resources, causing specialized recognition systems to result in maladaptive behaviors. For native herbivorous insects, such evolutionary traps are often imposed by attractive invasive plants that prove harmful to their offspring. Despite the costs of ovipositing on a poor‐quality host, evolutionary traps are expected to persist when overlapping cue sets (cue similarity) link decreased preference for the novel, unsuitable plant with decreased preference for the historical or native resource. We evaluated the role of cue similarity in the persistence of maladaptive oviposition by a native butterfly on a lethal, invasive mustard. While the novel plant shares glucosinolate cues with at least one of the native hosts and the most abundant cue is a strong oviposition stimulant, we found that this cue was not a major driver of preference for either plant. Nor was preference for the two plants correlated, meaning decreased preference for the invasive mustard would not cause butterflies to miss potential oviposition opportunities on the superior native host. Instead, butterfly preference was modified by previous experience in a way that suggests that frequent encounters with native hosts in the wild may buffer butterflies against this evolutionary trap.
Intraspecific diversity in prey body size influences survivorship by conferring resistance to predation
Authors: Gribben Paul E. , Bishop Melanie J. , O’Connor Wayne A. , Bradley Daniel J. , Hughes A. Randall
Published: April 2020

Intraspecific diversity can have as strong an effect on communities and ecosystems as more well‐studied effects of species diversity. Intraspecific variation in prey body size may have particularly strong effects on populations by influencing the outcome of predator–prey interactions, but this has received little attention. We tested the hypotheses that (1) body size of the Sydney Rock Oyster,Sacosstrea glomerata, influences predation risk; (2) increasing intraspecific variation in body size of the oyster will enhance total survivorship; (3) oyster size phenotypes will differ in the magnitude of survivorship benefits they incur from association with other phenotypes; and (4) size‐specific survivorship benefits of associating with other body sizes will vary with predator access. In a fully factorial field experiment, we manipulated the diversity ofS. glomerataoyster body sizes (1–3 size classes per treatment) and predator access to prey (small vs. large mesh cages). Oyster total and individual phenotype survivorship was documented over an 8‐week period. Overall, the relationship between diversity inS. glomeratabody size and survivorship was positive and was related to changes in density of individual body sizes when grown in mixtures. In fact, no phenotype had lower percent survivorship in mixtures than in monoculture. Nevertheless, individual phenotypes displayed differing responses to predator access treatments and phenotype mixing that reflected differences in the types of predators (e.g., shell drilling or removing) to which they were most susceptible. In general, the greatest survivorship benefits of phenotype mixing were seen in treatments where the most disparate (i.e., small, large) size classes were mixed. Our study adds to growing evidence of the importance of intraspecific diversity in mediating key population processes such as predation. Importantly, different oyster phenotypes benefit from increasing phenotypic diversity depending on the predators that can access the oysters, suggesting that flexible complementarity among oyster phenotypes may be a useful tool for increasing the resistance and resilience of oysters in a range of environments which vary in their predator composition. These results will help to inform strategies for enhancing survivorship of species transplants in restoration projects.
What happens in Europe stays in Europe: apparent evolution by an invader does not help at home
Authors: Pal Robert W. , Maron John L. , Nagy David U. , Waller Lauren P. , Tosto Ambra , Liao Huixuan , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: April 2020

Some invasive plant species rapidly evolve greater size and/or competitive ability in their nonnative ranges. However, it is not well known whether these traits transfer back to the native range, or instead represent genotype‐by‐environment interactions where traits are context specific to communities in the new range where the evolution occurred. Insight into transferability vs. context specificity can be tested using experiments performed with individuals from populations from the native and nonnative ranges of exotic invasive species. Using a widespread invasive plant species in Europe, Solidago gigantea, we established reciprocal common garden experiments in the native range (Montana, North America; n = 4) and the nonnative range (Hungary, Europe; n = 4) to assess differences in size, vegetative shoot number, and herbivory between populations from the native and nonnative ranges. In a greenhouse experiment, we also tested whether the inherent competitive ability of genotypes from 15 native and 15 invasive populations differed when pitted against 11 common native North American competitors. In common gardens, plants from both ranges considered together produced five times more biomass, grew four times taller, and developed five times more rhizomes in the nonnative range garden compared to the native range garden. The interaction between plant origin and the common garden location was highly significant, with plants from Hungary performing better than plants from Montana when grown in Hungary, and plants from Montana performing better than plants from Hungary when grown in Montana. In the greenhouse, there were no differences in the competitive effects and responses of S. gigantea plants from the two ranges when grown with North American natives. Our results suggest that S. gigantea might have undergone rapid evolution for greater performance abroad, but if so, this response does not translate to greater performance at home.
Facet‐Dependent Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity on the Surfaces of Co3O4
Authors: Liu Qian , Yu Bin , Liao Xiaobin , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2020

The mechanisms for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the naturally exposed (110) and (111) surfaces of Co3O4 have been investigated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Depending on the vertical cutting place, there are type A and B surfaces for each of the (110) and (111) surfaces of Co3O4. Our DFT calculations reveal that the Co3O4 (110) type B and (111) type B surfaces have ORR catalytic activities. In addition, the ORR activity on the (110) type B surface is better than the (111) type B surface. The rate‐determining step on both surfaces is thermodynamically depending on the *OH desorption process. If the solvation effects are taken into accounts, the chemically adsorbed water molecules enhance the ORR activity. According to the barrier heights calculations, O2 → *O2 → *OOH → *O + H2O → *OH → H2O route is the most favorable ORR pathway.
Minimization of artifact protein aggregation using tetradecyl sulfate and hexadecyl sulfate in capillary gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions
Authors: Guan Qian , Atsma Jennifer , Tulsan Rekha , Voronov Sergey , Ding Julia , Beckman Jeff , Li Zheng Jian
Published: April 2020

In the biopharmaceutical industry, CE‐SDS assesses the purity, heterogeneity, and stability of therapeutic proteins. However, for mAb‐1 and mAb‐2, typical CE‐SDS under reducing conditions produced atypical protein peak profiles, which led to biased purity results, thus were not acceptable for biologics manufacturing. This bias was caused by the formation of method‐induced higher molecular weight artifacts, the levels of which correlated with protein concentration. Here we show that adding sodium tetradecyl and hexadecyl sulfates to the sample and the sieving gel buffer solutions was required to prevent formation of aggregate artifacts and to maintain detergent:protein uniformity, suggesting their importance during the sample preparation steps of heat denaturation and subsequent cooling as well as during capillary migration. For these proteins, we show that this uniformity was likely due to the ability of these detergents to bind proteins with markedly higher affinities compared to SDS. “CE‐SCXS” methods (where CE‐SCXS is CGE using detergent composed of a sodium sulfate head group and a hydrocarbon tail, with “CX” representing various tail lengths), were developed with a sodium tetradecyl sulfate sample buffer and a sodium hexadecyl sulfate containing sieving gel buffer that minimized artifacts and provided robust characterization and release results for mAb‐1 and mAb‐2.
Nano‐liquid chromatography combined with a sustainable microextraction based on natural deep eutectic solvents for analysis of phthalate esters
Authors: Santana‐Mayor Álvaro , Rodríguez‐Ramos Ruth , Socas‐Rodríguez Bárbara , Rodríguez‐Delgado Miguel Ángel , D'Orazio Giovanni
Published: April 2020

The separation of 11 phthalic acid ester (PAEs) was carried out by nano‐liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet and MS detection. Preliminary experiments were achieved in order to select suitable stationary phases and chromatographic conditions. The baseline separation was obtained, for all compounds, with an XBridgeTM C18 column in less than 15 min, working in step gradient mode. The sensitivity of the method was improved by on‐column focusing. PAEs were extracted from alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages using vortex‐assisted emulsification dispersive liquid–liquid microextration and natural deep eutectic solvents. The whole method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, recovery, and repeatability. Combination of both off‐line sample preparation preconcentration and large injection volume led to obtain LOQs in the range 5–47 ng/mL. The developed nano‐LC‐UV method was extended to MS detection to confirm the presence of PAEs in some beverages commercialized in different types of packaging.
Image analysis of mechanistic protein biomarkers for the characterization of genotoxicants: Aneugens, clastogens, and reactive oxygen species inducers
Authors: Wilde Sabrina , Queisser Nina , Sutter Andreas
Published: April 2020

The early detection of genotoxicity contributes to cutting‐edge drug discovery and development, requiring effective identification of genotoxic hazards posed by drugs while providing mode of action (MoA) information in a high throughput manner. In other words, there is a need to complement standard genotoxicity testing according to the test battery given in ICH S2(R1) with new in vitro tools, thereby contributing to a more in‐depth analysis of genotoxic effects. Here, we report on a proof‐of‐concept MoA approach based on post‐translational modifications of proteins (PTMs) indicative of clastogenic and aneugenic effects in TK6 cells using imaging technology (with automated analysis). Cells were exposed in a 96‐well plate format with a panel of reference (geno)toxic compounds and subsequently analyzed at 4 and 24 hr to detect dose‐dependent changes in PTMs, relevant for mechanistic analysis. All tested compounds that interfere with the spindle apparatus yielded a BubR1 (S640) (3/3) and phospho‐histone H3 (S28) (7/9) positive dose–response reflecting aneugenicity, whereas compounds inducing DNA double‐strand‐breaks were associated with positive FANCD2 (S1404) and 53BP1 (S1778) responses pointing to clastogenicity (2/3). The biomarker p53 (K373) was able to distinguish genotoxicants from non‐genotoxicants (2/4), while the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially causing DNA damage, was associated with a positive Nrf2 (S40) response (2/2). This work demonstrates that genotoxicants and non‐genotoxicants induce different biomarker responses in TK6 cells which can be used for reliable classification into MoA groups (aneugens/clastogens/non‐genotoxicants/ROS inducers), supporting a more in‐depth safety assessment of drug candidates.
Renewable OME from biomass and electricity—Evaluating carbon footprint and energy performance
Authors: Bokinge Pontus , Heyne Stefan , Harvey Simon
Published: April 2020

Renewable drop‐in fuels provide a short‐ to medium‐term solution to decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector. Polyoxymethylene ethers (OME) are among interesting candidates with production pathways both from biomass (bio‐OME) as well as electricity and CO2(e‐OME) proposed. In the present study, both bio‐ and e‐OME production via methanol are assessed for energy performance and carbon footprint. Process integration methods are applied to evaluate synergies from colocating methanol production with further conversion to OME. Even a hybrid process, combing bio‐ and e‐OME production is evaluated. The energy efficiency of bio‐OME is considerably higher than for the e‐OME pathway, and colocation synergies are more evident for bio‐OME. Carbon footprint is evaluated according to EUs recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). If renewable electricity and natural gas are used for power and heat supply, respectively, results indicate that all pathways may be counted toward the renewable fuel targets under RED II. The largest emissions reduction is 92.8% for colocated hybrid‐OME production. Carbon footprints of e‐ and hybrid‐OME are highly sensitive to the carbon intensity of electricity, and the carbon intensity of the heat supply has a major impact on results for all pathways except colocated bio‐ and hybrid‐OME.
Market timing using combined forecasts and machine learning
Authors: Mascio David A. , Fabozzi Frank J. , Zumwalt J. Kenton
Published: April 2020

Successful market timing strategies depend on superior forecasting ability. We use a sentiment index model, a kitchen sink logistic regression model, and a machine learning model (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, LASSO) to forecast 1‐month‐ahead S&P 500 Index returns. In order to determine how successful each strategy is at forecasting the market direction, a “beta optimization” strategy is implemented. We find that the LASSO model outperforms the other models with consistently higher annual returns and lower monthly drawdowns.
Effect of Traditional Drying Methods on Proximate Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Oil Oxidation of Fish Species Consumed in the Far‐North of Cameroon
Authors: Tenyang Noël , Ponka Roger , Tiencheu Benard , Djikeng Fabrice Tonfak , Womeni Hilaire Macaire
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of two traditional drying methods on proximate composition, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid composition of two freshwater fish species from Maga Lake in Cameroon. As shown by the results, these two methods significantly (p < 0.05) decrease moisture content in the two fish species while ash and lipid content significantly increases (p < 0.05). The highest content of proteins is obtained for sun‐dried fish. Analysis also reveals that these two drying methods accelerate lipid oxidation by increasing peroxide value and total oxidation value. Smoking and sun drying decrease polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid and n‐3/n‐6 ratios of the two fish oils. The higher percentages of unsaturated fatty acid present in raw samples are responsible for the major changes in fatty acid profile occurring during drying methods. It is concluded that based on lipid oxidation, sun‐drying is found to be the better method to dry fish.
Atogepant Has No Clinically Relevant Effects on the Pharmacokinetics of an Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel Oral Contraceptive in Healthy Female Participants
Authors: Ankrom Wendy , Xu Jialin , Vallee Marie‐Helene , Dockendorf Marissa F. , Armas Danielle , Boinpally Ramesh , Min K. Chris
Published: April 2020

The incidence of migraine is higher among women than men and peaks during the reproductive years, when contraceptive medication use is common. Atogepant, a potent, selective antagonist of the calcitonin gene‒related peptide receptor—in development for migraine prevention—is thus likely to be used by women taking oral contraceptives. This phase 1, open‐label, single‐center, 2‐period, fixed‐sequence study examined the effect of multiple‐dose atogepant 60 mg once daily on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of a combination oral contraceptive, ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg and levonorgestrel 0.15 mg (EE/LNG), in healthy postmenopausal or oophorectomized women. For participants in period 1, a single dose of EE/LNG was followed by a 7‐day washout. In period 2, atogepant was given once daily on days 1‐17; an oral dose of EE/LNG was coadministered with atogepant on day 14. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for EE and LNG were assessed following administration with and without atogepant. Twenty‐six participants aged 45‐64 years enrolled; 22 completed the study in accordance with the protocol. The area under the concentration‐time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0‐∞) of LNG was increased by 19% when administered with atogepant. Coadministration of atogepant and a single dose of EE/LNG did not substantially alter the pharmacokinetics of EE; the ∼19% increase in plasma AUC0‐∞ of LNG is not anticipated to be clinically significant. Overall, atogepant alone and in combination with EE/LNG was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals identified.
Consumption of a palatable diet rich in simple sugars during development impairs memory of different degrees of emotionality and changes hippocampal plasticity according to the age of the rats
Authors: Altermann Torre Viviane , Machado Alessandra Gonçalves , de Sá Couto‐Pereira Natividade , Mar Arcego Danusa , dos Santos Vieira Aline , Salerno Pamela Silva Vitória , dos Santos Garcia Emily , Lazzaretti Camilla , Toniazzo Ana Paula , Nedel Fernanda , Noschang Cristie , Schmitz Felipe , Wyse Angela T. S. , Dalmaz Carla , Krolow Rachel
Published: April 2020

We investigated the effect of a chronic palatable diet rich in simple sugars on memory of different degrees of emotionality in male adult rats, and on hippocampal plasticity markers in different stages of development. On postnatal day (PND) 21, 45 male Wistar rats were divided in two groups, according to their diet: (1‐Control) receiving standard lab chow or (2‐Palatable Diet) receiving both standard chow plus palatable diet ad libitum. At PND 60, behavioral tests were performed to investigate memory in distinct tasks. Hippocampal plasticity markers were investigated at PND 28 in half of the animals, and after the behavioral tests. Palatable diet consumption induced an impairment in memory, aversive or not, and increased Na+, K+‐ATPase activity, both at PND 28, and in the adulthood. Synaptophysin, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and protein kinase B (AKT), and phosphorylated AKT were reduced in the hippocampus at PND 28. However, at PND 75, this diet consumption led to increased hippocampal levels of synaptophysin, spinophilin/neurabin‐II, and decreased BDNF and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. These results showed a strongly association of simple sugars‐rich diet consumption during the development with memory impairments. Plasticity markers are changed, with results that depend on the stage of development evaluated.
miR‐129‐5p attenuates hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes by activating autophagy
Authors: Li Wenjia , Ren Yanping , Meng Tianyu , Yang Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2020

Background

Autophagy is closely associated with apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes as a result of hypoxia. The present study aimed to determine whether microRNAs (miRs) mediated apoptosis and autophagy in hypoxia‐stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

Methods

miR microarrays and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays were used to detect differentially expressed miRs in H9c2 cardiomyocytes following hypoxia stimulation. Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate double staining was performed to evaluate hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis, and the protein expression levels of autophagy‐associated genes were detected using western blotting.

Results

miR microarrays and qRT‐PCR assays showed that the expression of miR‐129‐5p is significantly decreased in hypoxia‐exposed H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Under hypoxic stimulation, miR‐129‐5p mimics alleviated hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis and also restored autophagy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. However, transfection with miR‐129‐5p inhibitors accelerated hypoxia‐induced cell apoptosis and autophagy deficiency in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, overexpression of miR‐129‐5p enhanced cell viability and reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase in hypoxia‐stimulated H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the protective effect of miR‐129‐5p against hypoxia‐induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through the activation of autophagy.
Synthesis of some new thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridine, bi‐thiazole‐thiazole, bi‐thiazole‐pyrazole and bi‐thiazole‐thiophene derivatives
Authors: Raslan M. A. , Sayed S. M.
Published: April 2020

We reported here reactions of 2‐bromo‐1‐(4‐methyl‐2‐(tosylamino)thiazol‐5‐yl)ethanone 1 with 2‐cyanoethanethioamide afforded new 2‐cyanomethylthiazole derivative. The reaction of the latter with arylidenemalononitrile derivatives afforded thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridine derivatives. Also, compound 1 was subjected to a one‐pot four component Gewald reaction with molecular sulfur, malononitrile and aromatic aldehydes in the presence of L‐proline afforded 2‐aminothiophene derivatives. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was established based on its elemental and spectral data.
Outcomes of second‐line antiretroviral therapy among children living with HIV: a global cohort analysis
Authors:   The Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research (CIPHER) Global Cohort Collaboration
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Limited data describe outcomes on second‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) among children globally. Our objective was to contribute data on outcomes among children living with HIV after initiation of second‐line ART in the context of routine care within a large global cohort collaboration.

Methods

Patient‐level data from 1993 through 2015 from 11 paediatric HIV cohorts were pooled. Characteristics at switch and through two years of follow‐up were summarized for children who switched to second‐line ART after starting a standard first‐line regimen in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Southern Africa (South Africa & Botswana) and the rest of sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Cumulative incidences of mortality and loss to follow‐up (LTFU) were estimated using a competing risks framework.

Results

Of the 85,389 children on first‐line ART, 3,555 (4%) switched to second‐line after a median of 2.8 years on ART (IQR: 1.6, 4.7); 69% were from Southern Africa or SSA and 86% of second‐line regimens were protease inhibitor‐based. At switch, median age was 8.4 years and 50% had a prior AIDS diagnosis. Median follow‐up after switch to second‐line ranged from 1.8 years in SSA to 5.3 years in North America. Median CD4 counts at switch to second‐line ranged from 235 cells/mm3 in SSA to 828 cells/mm3 in North America. Improvements in CD4 counts were observed over two years of follow‐up, particularly in regions with lower CD4 counts at second‐line switch. Improvements in weight‐for‐age z‐scores were not observed during follow‐up. Cumulative incidence of LTFU at two years was <5% in all regions except SSA (7.1%) and Southern Africa (7.4%). Risk of mortality was <3% at two years of follow‐up in all regions, except Latin America (4.9%) and SSA (5.5%).

Conclusions

Children switched to second‐line ART experience CD4 count increases as well as low to moderate rates of LTFU and mortality within two years after switch. Severe immune deficiency at time of switch in some settings suggests need for improved recognition and management of treatment failure in children.
Multiparametric Renal MRI: An Intrasubject Test–Retest Repeatability Study
Authors: de Boer Anneloes , Harteveld Anita A. , Stemkens Bjorn , Blankestijn Peter J. , Bos Clemens , Franklin Suzanne L. , Froeling Martijn , Joles Jaap A. , Verhaar Marianne C. , van den Berg Nico , Hoogduin Hans , Leiner Tim
Published: April 2020

Background

Renal multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a promising tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring in kidney disease.

Purpose

To determine intrasubject test–retest repeatability of renal MRI measurements.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Nineteen healthy subjects aged over 40 years.

Field Strength/Sequences

T1 and T2 mapping, R2* mapping or blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), 2D phase contrast, arterial spin labelling (ASL), dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI, and quantitative Dixon for fat quantification at 3T.

Assessment

Subjects were scanned twice with ~1 week between visits. Total scan time was ~1 hour. Postprocessing included motion correction, semiautomated segmentation of cortex and medulla, and fitting of the appropriate signal model.

Statistical Test

To assess the repeatability, a Bland–Altman analysis was performed and coefficients of variation (CoVs), repeatability coefficients, and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results

CoVs for relaxometry (T1, T2, R2*/BOLD) were below 6.1%, with the lowest CoVs for T2 maps and highest for R2*/BOLD. CoVs for all diffusion analyses were below 7.2%, except for perfusion fraction (FP), with CoVs ranging from 18–24%. The CoV for renal sinus fat volume and percentage were both around 9%. Perfusion measurements were most repeatable with ASL (cortical perfusion only) and 2D phase contrast with CoVs of 10% and 13%, respectively. DCE perfusion had a CoV of 16%, while single kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) had a CoV of 13%. Repeatability coefficients (RCs) ranged from 7.7–87% (lowest/highest values for medullary mean diffusivity and cortical FP, respectively) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from −0.01 to 0.98 (lowest/highest values for cortical FP and renal sinus fat volume, respectively).

Data Conclusion

CoVs of most MRI measures of renal function and structure (with the exception of FP and perfusion as measured by DCE) were below 13%, which is comparable to standard clinical tests in nephrology.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Agronomic and qualitative characterization of multi‐cut berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) cultivars
Authors: Salama Heba S A , El‐Zaiat Hani M , Sallam Sobhy M A , Soltan Yosra A
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Berseem clover is the main forage crop grown in Mediterranean regions. There are plenty of cultivars that possess variability in their productivity and quality among the different cuts. Therefore, accurate agronomic and qualitative characterization is crucial for selecting the most promising cultivars for breeding and feeding purposes. In the present study, the agronomic characteristics, ruminal degradability and fermentation measures of five cuts of the five most prominent Egyptian beseem clover cultivars (Helaly, Serw, Giza6, Gemmeza1 and Sakha4) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The Giza6 cultivar produced a significantly higher fresh yield and high whole plant dry matter content on the 3rd cut. Giza6 was among the superior cultivars in crude protein content and had the highest values of gas production at the 3rd cut, and ruminal degraded acid detergent fiber and propionate concentrations at the 2nd cut, at the same time as presenting the lowest ammonia concentrations at the 3rd and 5th cuts. Overall, the 3rd cut produced significantly higher fresh yield across all cultivars, except for Sakha4. The 3rd cut also produced a higher leaf to stem ratio compared to the 4th and 5th cuts. The 1st three cuts had higher degraded neutral detergent fiber than the 4th and 5th cuts. The 1st cut was characterized by low propionate concentration in the Helaly and Gemmeza1 cultivars compared to the other cuts.

CONCLUSION

Expanded production of the high‐yielding, high‐quality cultivar Giza6 is recommended. When harvesting, three cuts is optimal for berseem clover cultivation for breeding and feeding programs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Wide‐view augmented reality display with diffractive cholesteric liquid crystal lens array
Authors: Xiong Jianghao , Tan Guanjun , Zhan Tao , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: April 2020

A novel augmented reality display is proposed to achieve a field of view of 100°, while maintaining a good form factor with a glass‐thin waveguide combiner. The out‐coupler consists of an array of off‐axis diffractive lenslets with extremely low f‐number. A breadboard system is built and its performance characterized, combined with analysis and discussion of further improvement.
Stress distribution in thick‐walled cylinder due to non‐uniform radial pressure on the example of reinforcement corrosion in concrete
Authors: Abdelatif Amged O. , Ožbolt Joško , Omara Afra
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an analytical solution to the non‐uniform pressure on thick‐walled cylinder. The formulation is based on the linear elasticity theory (plain strain) and stress function method. As an example, the proposed solution is used to model the stress distribution due to non‐uniform steel reinforcement corrosion in concrete. The model is formulated considering different scenarios of corrosion pressure distribution. It is validated against the finite element model for different cases of non‐uniform pressure distributions. The results show that the corrosion‐induced cracks are likely to start just beyond the anodic zone. This is confirmed by the experimental tests on concrete cylinder exposed to non‐uniform accelerated corrosion of steel reinforcement. The model can be effectively used to calculate the distribution of corrosion‐induced stresses in concrete.
Creating Transient Gradients in Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Thomson Lisa , Schweins Ralf , Draper Emily R. , Adams Dave J.
Published: April 2020

The self‐assembly of low molecular weight gelators in water usually produces homogeneous hydrogels. However, homogeneous gels are not always desired. Using a photoacid generator, it is shown how to form gels with a transient gradient in stiffness, proved using cavitation and bulk rheology. Small‐angle neutron scattering is used to show that the gels formed by photoacid are the result of the same structures as when using a conventional pH trigger. Patterned gels can also be formed, again with transient differences in stiffness.