bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competências do Contador na Perspectiva da Tríade Universidade, Acadêmico e Mercado de Trabalho
Authors: Adam Camila , Cunha Paulo Roberto da , Boff Marinês Lucia
Published: October 2018

O objetivo geral do estudo é analisar a produção científica nacional no que concerne as competências do contador na perspectiva da universidade, acadêmico e mercado de trabalho.  Utilizou-se pesquisa descritiva, documental e de cunho quantitativo. Foram analisados 35 artigos sobre as competências do contador no período de 2008 a 2016 de um total de 18 periódicos que publicaram sobre o tema. Os resultados apontam que entre as cinco competências mais citadas entre os artigos da amostra tem-se: conhecimento em contabilidade e finanças, tecnologia da informação, ética e honestidade, idiomas e raciocínio lógico, demonstrando a interdisciplinaridade necessária para a formação do contador, visto que, somente uma competência guarda relação direta com o eixo profissional do contador. Por fim, concluiu-se que as competências requeridas nos diferentes estudos são similares quando observadas a tríade Universidade, Acadêmico e Mercado de Trabalho.
Electrometer offset current due to scattered radiation
Authors: Wegener Sonja , Sauer Otto A.
Published: October 2018

Relative dose measurements with small ionization chambers in combination with an electrometer placed in the treatment room (“internal electrometer”) show a large dependence on the polarity used. While this was observed previously for percent depth dose curves (PDDs), the effect has not been understood or preventable. To investigate the polarity dependence of internal electrometers used in conjunction with a small‐volume ionization chamber, we placed an internal electrometer at a distance of 1 m from the isocenter and exposed it to different amounts of scattered radiation by varying the field size. We identified irradiation of the electrometer to cause a current of approximately −1 pA, regardless of the sign of the biasing voltage. For low‐sensitivity detectors, such a current noticeably distorts relative dose measurements. To demonstrate how the current systematically changes PDDs, we collected measurements with nine ionization chambers of different volumes. As the chamber volume decreased, signal ratios at 20 and 10 cm depth (M20/M10) became smaller for positive bias voltage and larger for negative bias voltage. At the size of the iba CC04 (40 mm³) the difference of M20/M10 was around 1% and for the smallest studied chamber, the iba CC003 chamber (3 mm³), around 7% for a 10 × 10 cm² field. When the electrometer was moved further from the source or shielded, the additional current decreased. Consequently, PDDs at both polarities were brought into alignment at depth even for the 3 mm³ ionization chamber. The apparent polarity effect on PDDs and lateral beam profiles was reduced considerably by shielding the electrometer. Due to normalization the effect on output values was low. When measurements with a low‐sensitivity probe are carried out in conjunction with an internal electrometer, we recommend careful monitoring of the particular setup by testing both polarities, and if deemed necessary, we suggest shielding the electrometer.
Antidiabetic Effect of Abextide, a Long‐Acting Exendin‐4 Analogue in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Niu Gang , Wang Guohao , Lau Joseph , Lang Lixin , Jacobson Orit , Ma Ying , Kiesewetter Dale O. , Zhang Shaoliang , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: October 2018

Abextide, synthesized by conjugating an albumin‐binding moiety—truncated Evans blue—to glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonist exendin‐4, shows extended drug release and enhanced hypoglycemic effect in diabetic mice. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of Abextide in nonhuman primates. Two batches of elderly cynomolgus monkeys with naturally occurring diabetes are used for this study. During the whole experiment period, no abnormalities such as swelling at the injection site, lethargy, or hypoglycemia are observed in all animals. The monkeys in the Abextide group lose appetite after drug administration and then recover over time. In the single dose treatment, at day 1 and day 3 after treatment, decreased plasma glucose level is observed in the Abextide‐treated group but not in placebo or Albiglutide‐treated group. For monkeys that receive two doses of drug, the blood glucose level in all subjects in Abextide group decreases rapidly upon drug administration and return to a plateau by day 3. A similar pattern of response is seen after the second dose administration. The delayed drug release and hypoglycemic effect of Abextide make it potentially useful as an antidiabetic drug for weekly subcutaneous administration.
Repeated domestication of melon (Cucumis melo) in Africa and Asia and a new close relative from India
Authors: Endl Josef , Achigan‐Dako Enoch G. , Pandey Arun K. , Monforte Antonio J. , Pico Belén , Schaefer Hanno
Published: October 2018

Premise of the Study

The domestication history of melon is still unclear. An African or Asian origin has been suggested, but its closest wild relative was recently revealed to be an Australian species. The complicated taxonomic history of melon has resulted in additional confusion, with a high number of misidentified germplasm collections currently used by breeders and in genomics research.

Methods

Using seven DNA regions sequenced for 90% of the genus and the major cultivar groups, we sort out described names and infer evolutionary origins and domestication centers.

Key Results

We found that modern melon cultivars go back to two lineages, which diverged ca. 2 million years ago. One is restricted to Asia (Cucumis melo subsp. melo), and the second, here described as C. melo subsp. meloides, is restricted to Africa. The Asian lineage has given rise to the widely commercialized cultivar groups and their market types, while the African lineage gave rise to cultivars still grown in the Sudanian region. We show that C. trigonus, an overlooked perennial and drought‐tolerant species from India is among the closest living relatives of C. melo.

Conclusions

Melon was domesticated at least twice: in Africa and Asia. The African lineage and the Indian C. trigonus are exciting new resources for breeding of melons tolerant to climate change.
Switching the manufacturer of antiepileptic drugs is associated with higher risk of seizures: A nationwide study of prescription data in Germany
Authors: Lang Johannes D. , Kostev Karel , Onugoren Müjgan Dogan , Gollwitzer Stephanie , Graf Wolfgang , Müller Tamara , Olmes David G. , Hamer Hajo M.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Despite bioequivalence, the exchangeability of antiepileptic drugs in clinical settings is disputed. Therefore, we investigated the risk for recurrent seizures after switching the manufacturer of the same drug in a large German cohort.

Methods

Anonymous patient data from practice neurologists throughout Germany between 2011 and 2016 were collected using the IMS Disease Analyzer database (QuintilesIMS, Frankfurt, Germany). People with epilepsy were included if at least 2 prescriptions within 360 days and 1 within 180 days prior to the index date were available. The cohort was separated into a seizure group and seizure‐free controls. Both groups were matched 1:1 according to age, gender, insurance status, and treating physician. The risk for breakthrough seizures after a manufacturer switch of the same antiepileptic drug was analyzed using multivariate regression models.

Results

A total of 3,530 people with epilepsy were included (each group, n = 1,765; age = 53.7 ± 19.8 years). Patients with seizures had switched the drug manufacturer more often than controls (26.8% vs 14.2%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08–1.69, p = 0.009), both from branded to generic (5.5% vs 2.4%; OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.30–2.64, p < 0.001) and between generic drugs (14.7% vs 7.1%; OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.13–1.87, p = 0.004).

Interpretation

In previously seizure‐free patients, switching the manufacturer of antiepileptic medications was associated with a higher risk for seizure recurrence. Our retrospective approach does not allow us to determine whether other changes in medical care at the same time could contribute to the recurrence. However, it would be prudent to avoid switching the manufacturer of anticonvulsants in seizure‐free patients. Ann Neurol 2018;84:918–925
Green synthesis and characterization of palladium nanoparticles supported on zeolite Y by sonochemical method, powerful and efficient catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling of aryl halides with phenylboronic acid
Authors: Tadjarodi Azadeh , Dehghani Modarres , Imani Mina
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we report effective, useful and environmental compatible ultrasound method for the synthesis of zeolite–Y. Then, the prepared product was composed with palladium nanoparticles by sonication treatment. The prepared zeolite Y–Pd nanoparticles was used as catalyst in Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling of aryl halides (Ar‐X, X = I, Br, Cl, F) with phenylboronic acid. Based on our studies, the prepared zeolite Y‐Palladium nanoparticles revealed a high catalytic performance in Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction so that aryl fluoride can even react with phenylboronic acid by utilizing this catalyst. The advantages of the use of this catalyst in Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction are green solvent, short reaction time, high yields, ligandless and recyclable. Structure and morphology of the synthesized zeolite‐Y and zeolite‐Y‐Palladium nanoparticles were characterized by FT‐IR (Fourier transform infrared), XRD (X‐ray diffraction), SEM (Scanning electron microscopy), TEM (Transmission electron microscopy), EDX (Energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray), BET (Brunauer Emmett Teller) and ICP‐MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).
Enhancement of Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractility by Alterations of Membranous Architecture
Authors: Kuo Kuo‐Hsing , Leo Joyce M.
Published: October 2018

Plasma membrane (PM) of smooth muscle cells hosts channel molecules regulating the flow of various ions. An intact architecture of PM is essential to orchestrate proper channel functions in order to complete agonist‐mediated contraction, which includes Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) to initiate contraction, and subsequent Ca2+ refilling into SR through PM to sustain muscle contraction. The Junctional Complex (JC), comprising of junctional SR, and its apposing PM and neighboring caveolae, provides a quasi‐enclosed microdomain housing receptors as well as ion channels and also restricting ion diffusions into the cytosol so the cell achieves optimal performance. The spatial arrangement of the JC is believed to ensure an uninterrupted Ca2+ cycling route. Full understanding of the functional role of the JC is the key to elucidating the contractile mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle and the physiological function of vessel contraction. The JC can be further divided into two sub‐divisions, namely the PM‐SR and caveolar regions. Previously, we demonstrated the role of the PM‐SR region in the initiation of muscle contraction using pharmacological tools on the inferior vena cava (IVC) of rabbit. In the current study, we further dissected the caveolar region using a cholesterol‐disrupting agent to investigate the role of the caveolar region. We conclude that disruption of the caveolar region in rabbit IVC smooth muscle results in augmented muscle contraction in response to adrenergic stimulation and the altered Ca2+ signaling may underlie the augmented contractility. Anat Rec, 302:186–192, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trophoblast–endothelium signaling involves angiogenesis and apoptosis in a dynamic bioprinted placenta model
Authors: Kuo Che‐Ying , Shevchuk Mariya , Opfermann Justin , Guo Ting , Santoro Marco , Fisher John P. , Kim Peter CW
Published: October 2018

Trophoblast invasion and remodeling of the maternal spiral arteries are required for pregnancy success. Aberrant endothelium–trophoblast crosstalk may lead to preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication that has serious effects on both the mother and the baby. However, our understanding of the mechanisms involved in this pathology remains elementary because the current in vitro models cannot describe trophoblast–endothelium interactions under dynamic culture. In this study, we developed a dynamic three‐dimensional (3D) placenta model by bioprinting trophoblasts and an endothelialized lumen in a perfusion bioreactor. We found the 3D printed perfusion bioreactor system significantly augmented responses of endothelial cells by encouraging network formations and expressions of angiogenic markers, cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Bioprinting favored colocalization of trophoblasts with endothelial cells, similar to in vivo observations. Additional analysis revealed that trophoblasts reduced the angiogenic responses by reducing network formation and motility rates while inducing apoptosis of endothelial cells. Moreover, the presence of endothelial cells appeared to inhibit trophoblast invasion rates. These results clearly demonstrated the utility and potential of bioprinting and perfusion bioreactor system to model trophoblast–endothelium interactions in vitro. Our bioprinted placenta model represents a crucial step to develop advanced research approach that will expand our understanding and treatment options of preeclampsia and other pregnancy‐related pathologies.
Weaker semantic language lateralization associated with better semantic language performance in healthy right‐handed children
Authors: Bartha‐Doering Lisa , Kollndorfer Kathrin , Kasprian Gregor , Novak Astrid , Schuler Anna‐Lisa , Fischmeister Florian Ph. S. , Alexopoulos Johanna , Gaillard William Davis , Prayer Daniela , Seidl Rainer , Berl Madison M.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The relationship between language abilities and language lateralization in the developing brain is important for our understanding of the neural architecture of language development.

Methods

We investigated 35 right‐handed children and adolescents aged 7–16 years with a functional magnetic resonance imaging language paradigm and a comprehensive language and verbal memory examination.

Results

We found that less lateralized language was significantly correlated with better language performance across areas of the brain and across different language tasks. Less lateralized language in the overall brain was associated with better in‐scanner task accuracy on a semantic language decision task and out‐of‐scanner vocabulary and verbal fluency. Specifically, less lateralized frontal lobe language dominance was associated with better in‐scanner task accuracy and out‐of‐scanner verbal fluency. Furthermore, less lateralized parietal language was associated with better out‐of‐scanner verbal memory across learning, short‐ and long‐delay trials. In contrast, we did not find any relationship between temporal lobe language laterality and verbal performance.

Conclusions

This study suggests that semantic language performance is better with some involvement of the nondominant hemisphere.
Shift to high‐intensity, low‐volume perfusion cell culture enabling a continuous, integrated bioprocess
Authors: Gagnon Matthew , Nagre Shashikant , Wang Wenge , Hiller Gregory W.
Published: October 2018

In order to address the increasing demand for biologics, cell culture intensification using perfusion offers significantly higher productivities while also reducing manufacturing costs, especially when part of an integrated, continuous bioprocess. An initial study of a long‐duration perfusion process using a cell‐bleed to maintain a target cell density observed a 2.1‐fold higher cell‐specific productivity and a gradual decline in the culture growth rate when perfused at an overall lower rate. Subsequent studies sought an alternative process that largely reduced the overall volume of media needed by first perfusing at a high cell‐specific perfusion rate (CSPR) to support a high cell density followed by continued perfusion at a low CSPR to promote a more productive stationary phase. This high intensity, low‐volume perfusion (HILVOP) process achieved cumulative volumetric productivities of 1.5–1.6 g/L/day with two CHO cell lines. When compared to each cell line's respective commercial‐ready, fed‐batch process, a 3.1–3.8‐fold productivity increase was demonstrated while yielding similar product quality. Furthermore, the higher productivity achieved with HILVOP used 6.6–12.3‐fold less media than a similarly productive long‐duration process. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1472–1481, 2018
33‐year‐old HIV‐positive patient presenting with primary effusion lymphoma
Authors: Qureshi Ihtesham A. , Zul‐Farah Syed , Carbajal Luis , Chang Aymara
Published: October 2018

Key Clinical Message

Our patient presenting with symptoms of shortness of breath and fever, noncompliant with antiretroviral therapy was found to have a rare HIV‐associated non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma that carries a dismal prognosis. Early recognition of this condition with prompt treatment may provide a marginal benefit to the patient's overall life expectancy.
Detecting Counterfeit Brandies
Authors: Wang Benhua , Han Jinsong , Zhang Hao , Bender Markus , Biella Aike , Seehafer Kai , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: October 2018

A hypothesis‐free sensor array (optoelectronic tongue) composed of an anionic, a cationic and two neutral poly(para‐aryleneethynylene)s (PAE) at pH 3, 7 and 13 discriminate more than 30 spirits (including brandy, Branntwein, Cognac, Spirituose, and Weinbrand). Counterfeits (made by mixing of low‐quality spirits and caramel colour) and different batches of identical brands of brandies are discriminated. The sensor array works without sample preparation or great instrumental cost, and is superior to conventional methods with respect to sample need (10–20 μL), time and effort. The discrimination stems from differential fluorescence quenching of the PAE‐array by the complex mixture of the beverages’ colourants, from the oak barrels or added caramel colour. The collected quenching data were analysed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to achieve successful discrimination.
The added value of geriatric screening and assessment for predicting overall survival in older patients with cancer
Authors: Kenis Cindy , Baitar Abdelbari , Decoster Lore , De Grève Jacques , Lobelle Jean‐Pierre , Flamaing Johan , Milisen Koen , Wildiers Hans
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the added prognostic value of screening tools, geriatric assessment (GA) components, and GA summaries to clinical information for overall survival (OS) in older patients with cancer.

METHODS

A screening and a 10‐item GA were systematically performed in patients ≥70 years old with cancer. Cox regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the added prognostic value for OS of screening tools, GA, and GA summaries to clinical information (age, stage, and tumor type) in 2 cohorts (A and B). Cox models were compared on the basis of the Akaike information criterion and the concordance probability estimate. The 2 cohorts for the analyses were similar but independent.

RESULTS

A complete case analysis was available for 763 patients (median age, 76 years) in cohort A and for 402 patients (median age, 77 years) in cohort B. In both cohorts, most individual GA components were independent prognostic factors for OS. Nutritional status (assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form) and functional status (assessed with the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living) consistently displayed a strong capacity to predict OS. Less consistent results were found for screening tools. GA summaries performed the best in comparison with the screening tools and the individual GA components.

CONCLUSIONS

Most individual GA components, especially nutritional status and functional status, are prognostic factors for OS in older patients with cancer. GA summaries provide more prognostic information than individual GA components but only moderately improve the prognostic baseline model with clinical information.
Research on the integration of photographic images and photography art based on 3D virtual reality technology
Authors: Bochen Zhang
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, with the continuous development of online media technologies, there has also been qualitative breakthroughs and innovations in the photographic art. A new type of virtual reality technology was born. Virtual reality technology is a three‐dimensional space model, the basis of using computer network media, and provides users with various aspects and multi‐view sensory experiences. First, it analyzes the photographic imagery and technology fundamentally. Then, it analyzes the basic elements of the photographic art form and analyzes several measures of the creative form of the photographic art. Finally, it focuses on the in‐depth research on the cooperation between technology and art in the innovation form. The photography art it has also absorbed the essence of all kinds of art in the practice. It has become a popular appreciation culture, but also, it brought new life to the life of people. 3D virtual technology can be able to create a “virtual world.” It has the sense of reality and imagination of the three‐dimensional graphics. Photography imaging and 3D image the fusion of art and technology embodies the diversity of art forms.
Detection and application of breaking of automobile mechanical transmission rod based on ant colony algorithm
Authors: Yu Chensi , Zha Wei
Published: October 2018

The automobile transmission is the core component of the automobile transmission system. Extracting effective fault feature information from a complex mechanical device like a car transmission is the key to fault diagnosis. In this paper, the vibration signals of the normal transmission and different faulty transmissions are collected through experiments, and the weak fault feature extraction of automobile transmission gears is based on the combination of Teager energy operator demodulation method and empirical mode decomposition method. Finally, the theory of SVM and its application in fault diagnosis are introduced. Based on the cross‐validation method, the grid search method and particle swarm optimization algorithm are used to search and optimize the important parameters in the SVM model to improve the performance of the SVM classifier.
The phylogenetic signal in tooth wear: What does it mean?
Authors: DeSantis Larisa , Fortelius Mikael , Grine Frederick E. , Janis Christine , Kaiser Thomas M. , Merceron Gildas , Purnell Mark A. , Schulz‐Kornas Ellen , Saarinen Juha , Teaford Mark , Ungar Peter S. , Žliobaitė Indrė
Published: October 2018

A new study by Fraser et al (2018) urges the use of phylogenetic comparative methods, whenever possible, in analyses of mammalian tooth wear. We are concerned about this for two reasons. First, this recommendation may mislead the research community into thinking that phylogenetic signal is an artifact of some sort rather than a fundamental outcome of the evolutionary process. Secondly, this recommendation may set a precedent for editors and reviewers to enforce phylogenetic adjustment where it may unnecessarily weaken or even directionally alter the results, shifting the emphasis of analysis from common patterns manifested by large clades to rare cases.
Context‐dependent interactions between pathogens and a mutualist affect pathogen fitness and mutualist benefits to hosts
Authors: Marchetto Katherine M. , Power Alison G.
Published: October 2018

Plants and animals host many microbial symbionts, including both pathogens and mutualists. However, most experimental studies include only one symbiont, and few examine interactions of more than two microbes with their host. Here, we examined whether coinfection with two pathogens causes a synergistic reduction in the benefits that hosts receive from a microbial mutualist. We also measured the effects of a microbial mutualist on the within‐ and between‐host competition between coinfecting pathogens. We manipulated the presence of Clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV), Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), rhizobia bacteria, and nitrogen fertilizer in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). We found asymmetric, context‐dependent interactions among the three microbial symbionts and their host. Coinfection with both viruses led to greater than additive negative effects on the amount of nitrogen that plants received from rhizobia. Rhizobia colonization decreased immune signaling in singly infected plants, but not in coinfected plants. Compared to single ClYVV infection, ClYVV reached higher concentrations within hosts coinfected with BCMV, but only in the presence of rhizobia. Coinfection increased BCMV vertical transmission rates for plants without supplemental nitrogen, but overall vertical transmission opportunities were not affected due to reduced seed production. Examining interactions between multiple microbes sharing a host can reveal important insights about nutrient cycling, disease severity, and pathogen epidemiology.
Domino C–H Activation Reactions through Proximity Effects
Authors: Lotz Florian , Kahle Klaus , Kangani Mehrnoush , Senthilkumar Soundararasu , Tietze Lutz F.
Published: October 2018

Proximity effects permit C–H activation reactions without directing groups. Here competitive reactions of selected substrates were investigated which allow a domino‐carbopalladation/Mizoroki–Heck reaction and a domino‐carbopalladation/C–H activation reaction. In the Pd‐catalyzed transformation of the enantio‐ and diastereopure alkyne 8a the tetra‐substituted alkenes 10 and 11 were formed almost exclusively through a domino carbopalladation/Mizoroki–Heck reaction. In contrast, the diastereomer 8c only led to the acenaphthylenes 12c and 13c through a domino carbopalladation/C–H activation reaction. Moreover, in the reaction of 20, 24 and 27 containing a naphthyl moiety only the tetra‐substituted alkenes 23, 25/26 and 28/29, respectively were obtained, whereas in the reaction of 34, containing a phenanthrene moiety, compound 37 was the only product, formed via a C–H activation reaction.
Phase‐Controlled Cobalt Phosphide Nanoparticles Coupled with N, P, S Co‐Doped Hollow Carbon Polyhedrons as Efficient Catalysts for Both Alkaline and Acidic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Shuolin , Li Hongmei , Huang Shaowei , He Qian , Hou Linxi
Published: October 2018

Tailoring cobalt phosphide electrocatalysts with a tunable phase and morphology is of great importance for the advancement of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synthesis of phase‐ and morphology‐modulated hollow cobalt phosphide nanoparticles coupled with N, P, S co‐doped carbon (Co‐P@NPS‐C) polyhedrons through a facile three‐step method is reported. Benefiting from the cooperation of structural features, heteroatoms doping, and catalytic components (CoxP, a mixture of CoP and Co2P), the hollow CoxP@NPS‐C polyhedrons exhibit superior HER performance and long‐term stability in 1.0 m KOH solution, with a low onset potential value (18 mV), an overpotential of 80 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and a small Tafel slope of 57.6 mV dec−1. In addition, the CoxP@NPS‐C electrodes exhibit good electrochemical properties and stability in 0.5 m H2SO4 solution. These results suggest a novel and promising coating approach with poly(cyclotriphosphazene‐co‐4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol (PZS) to fabricate other heterogeneous catalysts for various applications.
Cu9S5 Nanoflower Cathode for Mg Secondary Batteries: High Performance and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Wu Mengyi , Zhang Yujie , Wu Hao , Qin Aiqiong , Li Xue , Shen Jingwei , Chen Zhongxue , Cao Shun‐an , Li Ting , Xu Fei
Published: October 2018

Mg secondary batteries have attracted widespread attention as a promising large‐scale energy storage system with high safety and high natural abundance, but their development is hindered by the limited cathode materials. Herein, a Cu9S5 nanoflower as a high‐performance conversion cathode for Mg secondary batteries is reported. This material delivers a reversible capacity of 200 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1, a good rate capability of 90 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1, and a superior long‐term cycleability over 400 cycles. The reversible conversion reaction mainly occurs between Cu1.96S and Cu/MgS. Significantly, the outstanding performance is ascribed to the moderate dissolution of the copper polysulfide intermediate in the electrolyte, which substitutes a fast liquid‐phase copper ion diffusion for the sluggish solid‐phase Mg2+ ion diffusion, and thus facilitates the reaction kinetics. A scientific insight into the abnormally high performance of copper sulfide as a Mg battery cathode and a significant hint for the performance enhancement of Mg‐S batteries are provided.
Is it justifiable to pool Chironomus species in trace element contamination studies?
Authors: Proulx Isabelle , Hare Landis , Dupré Bruno
Published: October 2018

Larvae of the insect Chironomus (Chironomidae: Diptera) have great potential for estimating the bioavailability of sedimentary trace elements because they are common in fine sediments and tolerate high concentrations of these contaminants. Their use as biomonitors is limited by the fact that they are difficult to identify as to species, and the species can differ in their trace element concentrations. To determine whether pooling species would compromise their use as trace element biomonitors, we identified species of Chironomus larvae collected from 22 lakes and measured their concentrations of 9 trace elements. We found that the concentrations of arsenic, barium, cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel did not generally differ between sympatric Chironomus species, which indicates that they could be pooled for analyses of these trace elements. In contrast, we found that cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) concentrations differed between species living at the same site according to their feeding behavior, that is, Chironomus species feeding on oxic sediments tended to have higher Cd and Zn concentrations, whereas those feeding on deeper anoxic sediments had higher Se concentrations. Because Se and Zn concentrations in sympatric Chironomus species usually differed by only a factor of 2, separating species based on their feeding behavior might not be as crucial as for Cd if larval Se and Zn concentrations vary greatly from site to site. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:145–159. © 2018 SETAC
Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System integrated with solar zenith angle for forecasting sub‐tropical Photosynthetically Active Radiation
Authors: Deo Ravinesh C. , Downs Nathan J. , Adamowski Jan F. , Parisi Alfio V.
Published: October 2018

Advocacy for climate mitigation aims to minimize the use of fossil fuel and to support clean energy adaptation. While alternative energies (e.g., biofuels) extracted from feedstock (e.g., micro‐algae) represent a promising role, their production requires reliably modeled photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). PAR models predict energy parameters (e.g., algal carbon fixation) to aid in decision‐making at PAR sites. Here, we model very short‐term (5‐min scale), sub‐tropical region's PAR with an Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy Inference System model with a Centroid‐Mean (ANFIS‐CM) trained with a non‐climate input (i.e., only the solar angle, θZ). Accuracy is benchmarked against genetic programming (GP), M5Tree, Random Forest (RF), and multiple linear regression (MLR). ANFIS‐CM integrates fuzzy and neural network algorithms, whereas GP adopts an evolutionary approach, M5Tree employs binary decision, RF employs a bootstrapped ensemble, and MLR uses statistical tools to link PAR with θZ. To design the ANFIS‐CM model, 5‐min θZ (01–31 December 2012; 0500H–1900H) for sub‐tropical, Toowoomba are utilized to extract predictive features, and the testing accuracy (i.e., differences between measurements and forecasts) is evaluated with correlation (r), root‐mean‐square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), Willmott (WI), Nash–Sutcliffe (ENS), and Legates & McCabes (ELM) Index. ANFIS‐CM and GP are equivalent for 5‐min forecasts, yielding the lowest RMSE (233.45 and 233.01μ mol m−2s−1) and MAE (186.59 and 186.23 μmol m−2s−1). In contrast, MLR, M5Tree, and RF yields higher RMSE and MAE [(RMSE = 322.25 μmol m−2s−1, MAE = 275.32 μmol m−2s−1), (RMSE = 287.70 μmol m−2s−1, MAE = 234.78 μmol m−2s−1), and (RMSE = 359.91 μmol m−2s−1, MAE = 324.52 μmol m−2s−1)]. Based on normalized error, ANFIS‐CM is considerably superior (MAE = 17.18% versus 19.78%, 34.37%, 26.39%, and 30.60% for GP, MLR, M5Tree, and RF models, respectively). For hourly forecasts, ANFIS‐CM outperforms all other methods (WI = 0.964 vs. 0.942, 0.955, 0.933 & 0.893, and ELM = 0.741 versus 0.701, 0.728, 0.619 & 0.490 for GP, MLR, M5Tree, and RF, respectively). Descriptive errors support the versatile predictive skills of the ANFIS‐CM model and its role in real‐time prediction of the photosynthetic‐active energy to explore biofuel generation from micro‐algae, studying food chains, and supporting agricultural precision.
Fisher’s influence on me
Authors: Elston Robert C.
Published: October 2018

This is the 100th year anniversary of Fisher’s 1918 paper “The correlation between relatives on the supposition of Mendelian inheritance” (Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh 1918, 52 pp 899‐438). Fisher's work has had a strong influence on today's genetic epidemiology and this brief autobiographical note highlights a few of the ways his influence on me has affected the field. Although I once took a course of lectures from Fisher, it was mainly his writings that influenced my statistical thinking. Not only did the concept of maximum likelihood appeal to me, but also the concepts of interclass and intraclass correlations, discriminant analysis, and transforming semiquantitative scores to minimize interactions—all topics I first learned about from the 11th edition of his book on Statistical Methods for Research Workers. This, together with a few serendipitous events that shaped my career, had a large influence on me and hence also on the field of genetic epidemiology.
Benefit of Early versus Deferred Antiretroviral Therapy on Progression of Liver Fibrosis among People with HIV in the START Randomized Trial
Authors: Dharan Nila J. , Neuhaus Jacqueline , Rockstroh Juergen K. , Peters Lars , Gordin Fred , Arenas‐Pinto Alejandro , Emerson Carol , Marks Kristen , Hidalgo Jose , Sarmento‐Castro Rui , Stephan Christoph , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Emery Sean , Matthews Gail V. ,   for the INSIGHT START Study Group
Published: October 2018

The role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in reducing or contributing to liver fibrosis in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is unclear. We evaluated participants in the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial for liver fibrosis using the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis‐4 Index (FIB‐4), and assessed for a benefit of early versus delayed ART on liver fibrosis progression. ART‐naïve persons with high CD4 counts (>500 cells/µL) from 222 clinical sites in 35 countries were randomized to receive ART either at study enrollment (immediate treatment arm) or when their CD4 count fell below 350 cells/µL (deferred treatment arm). The following outcomes were evaluated: fibrosis (APRI > 0.5 or FIB‐4 > 1.45), significant fibrosis (APRI > 1.5 or FIB‐4 > 3.25), hepatic flare, and resolution of elevated APRI and FIB‐4 scores. Of the 4,684 enrolled into the START study, 104 did not have APRI or FIB‐4 results and were excluded. Among 4,580 participants (2,273 immediate treatment; 2,307 deferred treatment), the median age was 36 years, 26.9% were female, and 30.4% were black. Three percent had an alcoholism or substance abuse history, 6.4% had hepatitis B and/or C, and 1.1% had significant fibrosis at baseline. The median CD4 count was 651, and 5.3% had HIV RNA ≤ 200. Immediate arm participants were at lower risk of developing increased fibrosis scores than deferred arm participants (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57‐0.78; P < 0.001) and more likely to have resolution of elevated baseline scores (HR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3‐1.9; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant liver fibrosis was rare among ART‐naïve HIV‐positive persons with high CD4 counts. Our findings suggest a benefit of early ART in preventing the development of liver fibrosis.
Practical advice for selecting or determining trophic magnification factors for application under the European Union Water Framework Directive
Authors: Kidd Karen A , Burkhard Lawrence P , Babut Marc , Borgå Katrine , Muir Derek CG , Perceval Olivier , Ruedel Heinz , Woodburn Kent , Embry Michelle R
Published: October 2018

European Union Directive 2013/39/EU, which amended and updated the Water Framework Directive (WFD; 2000/60/EC) and its daughter directive (2008/105/EC), sets Environmental Quality Standards for biota (EQSbiota) for a number of bioaccumulative chemicals. These chemicals pose a threat to both aquatic wildlife and human health via the consumption of contaminated prey or the intake of contaminated food originating from the aquatic environment. EU member states will need to establish programs to monitor the concentration of 11 priority substances in biota and assess compliance against these new standards for the classification of surface water bodies. An EU-wide guidance effectively addresses the implementation of EQSbiota. Flexibility is allowed in the choice of target species used for monitoring to account for both diversity of habitats and aquatic community composition across Europe. According to that guidance, the consistency and comparability of monitoring data across member states should be enhanced by adjusting the data on biota contaminant concentrations to a standard trophic level by use of the appropriate trophic magnification factor (TMF), a metric of contaminant biomagnification through the food web. In this context, the selection of a TMF value for a given substance is a critical issue, because this field-derived measure of trophic magnification can show variability related to the characteristics of ecosystems, the biology and ecology of organisms, the experimental design, and the statistical methods used for TMF calculation. This paper provides general practical advice and guidance for the selection or determination of TMFs for reliable application within the context of the WFD (i.e., adjustment of monitoring data and EQS derivation). Based on a series of quality attributes for TMFs, a decision tree is presented to help end users select a reasonable and relevant TMF. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:266–277. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
Faculty Assessment Fellows: Shifting from a Culture of Compliance to a Culture of Assessment Advocacy
Authors: Hong Rebecca
Published: October 2018

This chapter examines the current pressures and realities in higher education assessment and highlights one campus’ effort toward equipping faculty to move toward a learner‐centered approach in teaching, learning, and assessment. It proposes a model of faculty development that integrates best practices of professional development with cultivating faculty self reflexivity as practitioner and advocate for equity in student learning. The chapter ends with lessons learned in preparing faculty as assessment fellows and recommendations for campuses seeking to engage their faculty in a similar opportunity.
Virtual screening of naphthoquinone analogs for potent inhibitors against the cancer‐signaling PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Rehan Mohd , Bajouh Osama S.
Published: October 2018

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is one of the most commonly disrupted signaling pathways that plays a role in the development and pathogenicity of multiple cancers. Therefore, the critical proteins of this pathway have been targeted for anticancer therapy. The scientific community has increasingly been realizing the anti‐cancer therapeutic potential of naphthoquinone analogs. These compounds constitute a major class of diverse sets of plant metabolites, which include various natural products and synthetic compounds with proven anticancer activity. The current study involved structural computational biology approaches to explore compounds from a diverse pool of naphthoquinone analogs that can inhibit key cancer‐signaling proteins phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B, PKB (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The novel compound identified commonly among the top 10 dock score lists of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was selected for further study and proposed as a potential inhibitor of the 3 cancer‐signaling proteins and an anticancer agent. Further, to check the docking accuracy and potential of the compound, post docking analyses, namely, binding comparison with the native ligand, the role of the interacting residue role in binding, predicted binding energy and dissociation constant calculations, etc., were performed. All these measures showed good‐quality binding, and thus provide weight to our prediction of the novel compound as a pan PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitor and an anticancer agent. Finally, to compare the binding and similarity in the active sites of the 3 protein kinases, a ligand‐based active site alignment was performed and analyzed. Thus, the study proposed a novel naphthoquinone analog as a potential anticancer drug, and provided comparative structural insight into its binding to the 3 protein kinases.
Drought periods during 18th century in central Chile (33°S): A historical reconstruction perspective revisiting Vicuña Mackenna's work
Authors: Jana Patricia , Torrejón Fernando , Araneda Alberto , Stehr Alejandra
Published: October 2018

Understanding past climate variability is important for obtaining better predictions of future changes. Documentary records are high temporal resolution proxies that can be used to reconstruct aspects of the climate, such as precipitation. Vicuña Mackenna developed a compilation of historical climatic events between the 16th and 19th centuries using chronicles from Spanish colonizers and town council records. The objective of this work was to classify dry and wet periods beginning in the 16th century using records from Vicuña Mackenna by generating a precipitation index based on events in the documentary evidence (e.g., epidemics, “pro pluvia” rogations, and infrastructural damage) into a simple annual precipitation index on an ordinal scale. The index used a three‐term classification scale, with 0 representing normal years, 1 representing wet years, and −1 representing dry years. The documentary records were not substantial enough to identify wet/dry periods during the 16th and 17th centuries. However, it was possible to identify dry and wet years described by conquerors and settlers that first arrived in the study area. During the 18th century, two long periods of drought were identified: 1705 to 1718 and 1770 to 1797. During these droughts, people organized rogations to the Virgen and different saints in desperation due to the lack of water. Finally, during the 19th century, technological improvements in measuring precipitation made it possible to identify intermittent dry and wet periods with higher resolution and precision, and these events could be related to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Humic substances reduce ruminal methane production and increase the efficiency of microbial protein synthesisin vitro
Authors: Sheng Ping , Ribeiro Gabriel O , Wang Yuxi , McAllister Tim A
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

In ruminants, enteric CH4represents a major energy loss for the host and is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Previous studies have shown that humic substances (HS) may have beneficial effects on livestock nutrition. The present study investigated the effects of HS onin vitroCH4production and rumen fermentation.

RESULTS

Total gas production was linearly increased with increasing HS after 12 h of incubation, although it was unaffected after 24 and 48 h. Increasing HS linearly decreased CH4at all time points. Increasing HS linearly decreased NH3‐N concentration and the molar proportion of acetate at 12 h, whereas the efficiency of microbial protein (MP) production and total dry matter digestibility (TDMD) linearly increased, with starch digestion (SD) responding quadratically. After 48 h, HS linearly increased MP and TDMD, with neutral detergent fibre digestibility responding quadratically.

CONCLUSION

Inclusion of HS effectively reduced CH4production and increased substrate disappearance and the efficiency of microbial protein synthesisin vitro. However, its effect onin vivoCH4production, rumen fermentation and ruminant production requires further investigation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles molecularly imprinted polymer for efficient separation and enrichment of perfluorooctane sulfonate
Authors: Du Lingling , Cheng Zhen , Zhu Panpan , Chen Qian , Wu Yongqiong , Tan Kejun
Published: October 2018

As a persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctane sulfonate has drawn a worldwide attention. In this contribution, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles was prepared for efficient separation and enrichment of perfluorooctane sulfonate in water samples. The polymer was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and N2 adsorption/desorption experiments. The static adsorption experiments and the adsorption kinetic tests were conducted. The results showed that the adsorbents had high adsorption capacity (21.10 mg/g) and short adsorption equilibration time (25 min). Meanwhile, the effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles on the adsorption capacity was investigated. The results indicated that the mesoporous structure helped to increase the adsorption capacity of adsorbent to adsorbate. Besides, the adsorbents show good specificity and good reusability with the adsorption capacity of adsorbent toward perfluorooctane sulfonate decreasing <5% after five adsorption–desorption cycles. The mesoporous silica nanoparticles molecularly imprinted polymer has been used successfully for the removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate in environmental water samples with relative standard deviation ≤4.64%.
Rapid ultrasound‐assisted dispersive solid‐phase extraction of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in urine using oleic acid functionalized magnetic graphene oxide
Authors: Seidi Shahram , Moosavi Negar Sabahi , Shanehsaz Maryam , Abdolhosseini Marzieh , Sadeghi Seyed Jamal
Published: October 2018

We describe an ultrasound‐assisted magnetic dispersive solid‐phase extraction based on oleic acid functionalized magnetic graphene oxide followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The method was applied for the simultaneous determination of ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, and mefenamic acid in urine. The application of sonication led to the good dispersion of the sorbent, and consequently, significant shortened the extraction time. The sorbent was successfully characterized by different techniques. The influence of the adsorption parameters was optimized using a rotational central composite design. In order to improve desorption efficiency, parameters such as type and volume of the eluent and sonication time were investigated and optimized through a one variable at a time method. Under the optimum conditions, limits of detection and precision were between 3.0–25 ng/mL (n = 5) and 3.2–7.1%, respectively. The preconcentration factors were found to be 74 for naproxen, 76 for diclofenac, 80 for ibuprofen, and 66 for mefenamic acid corresponding to the absolute recovery within the range of 82.5–100%. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for simultaneous determination of target analytes in human urine samples. The relative recovery was within the range of 91.4–113.3%, indicating the good reliability and accuracy of the method.