bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Ni@ZnO@ZnS‐Microalgae for Circular Economy: A Smart Route to the Efficient Integration of Solar Photocatalytic Water Decontamination and Bioethanol Production
Authors: Serrà Albert , Artal Raül , García‐Amorós Jaume , Sepúlveda Borja , Gómez Elvira , Nogués Josep , Philippe Laetitia
Published: December 2019

Water remediation and development of carbon‐neutral fuels are a priority for the evermore industrialized society. The answer to these challenges should be simple, sustainable, and inexpensive. Thus, biomimetic‐inspired circular and holistic processes combing water remediation and biofuel production can be an appealing concept to deal with these global issues. A simple circular approach using helical Spirulina platensis microalgae as biotemplates to synthesize Ni@ZnO@ZnS photocatalysts for efficient solar water decontamination and bioethanol production during the recycling process is presented. Under solar irradiation, the Ni@ZnO@ZnS‐Spirulina photocatalyst exhibits enhanced activity (mineralization efficiency >99%) with minimal photocorrosion and excellent reusability. At the end of its effective lifetime for water remediation, the microalgae skeleton (mainly glycogen and glucose) of the photocatalyst is recycled to directly produce bioethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process. An outstanding ethanol yield of 0.4 L kg−1, which is similar to the highest yield obtained from oxygenic photosynthetic microorganisms, is obtained. Thus, the entire process allows effective solar photocatalytic water remediation and bioethanol production at room temperature using simple and easily scalable procedures that simultaneously fixes carbon dioxide, thereby constituting a zero‐carbon‐emission circular process.
Marginalized Identities, Trump‐Related Distress, and the Mental Health of Underrepresented College Students
Authors: Albright Jamie Nicole , Hurd Noelle M.
Published: December 2019

The current study sought to determine whether holding targeted marginalized identities was associated with greater experiences of distress related to Trump's presidency and whether participants’ level of Trump‐related distress predicted decrements in mental health. Participants in the current longitudinal study included 338 underrepresented college students attending a predominantly White institution. Results indicated that individuals who held targeted marginalized identities reported greater Trump‐related distress compared to their non‐targeted counterparts, and that holding multiple targeted marginalized identities was associated with greater levels of Trump‐related distress. Findings also indicated that Trump‐related distress was associated with increases (relative to previous trajectories) in anxious but not depressive symptoms. Overall, our results suggest that a shift in sociopolitical circumstances that promulgates bigotry may be harmful to those who possess targeted marginalized identities.
Industrial exoskeletons: Need for intervention effectiveness research
Authors: Howard John , Murashov Vladimir V. , Lowe Brian D. , Lu Ming‐Lun
Published: December 2019

Exoskeleton devices are being introduced across several industry sectors to augment, amplify, or reinforce the performance of a worker's existing body components—primarily the lower back and the upper extremity. Industrial exoskeletons may play a role in reducing work‐related musculoskeletal disorders arising from lifting and handling heavy materials or from supporting heavy tools in overhead work. However, wearing an exoskeleton may pose a number of risks that are currently not well‐studied. There are only a few studies about the safety and health implications of wearable exoskeletons and most of those studies involve only a small number of participants. Before the widespread implementation of industrial exoskeletons occurs, there is need for prospective interventional studies to evaluate the safety and health effectiveness of exoskeletons across various industry sectors. Developing a research strategy to fill current safety and health knowledge gaps, understanding the benefits, risks, and barriers to adoption of industrial exoskeletons, determining whether exoskeleton can be considered a type of personal protective equipment, and advancing consensus standards that address exoskeleton safety, should be major interests of both the occupational safety and health research and practice communities.
Silk fibroin membranes with self‐assembled globular structures for controlled drug release
Authors: Tomoda Bruno Thorihara , Corazza Fulvio Gabriel , Beppu Marisa Masumi , Lopes Patricia Santos , de Moraes Mariana Agostini
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we have evaluated the incorporation of a drug model and its release from silk fibroin (SF) membranes, analyzing the morphological, chemical, barrier, and biological properties. SF self‐assembled into stable globular structures, encapsulating the drug, when diclofenac sodium (DS) was incorporated into SF solution prior to membranes preparation. The membranes showed biostatic action and prevented microorganism permeation. Kinetic studies indicate that DS was released in 120 min, with Fickian diffusion as the main mechanism of release. Results of this paper emphasize the potential of SF in wound healing, with good barrier and biological properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48763.
On the fractional optimal control problems with a general derivative operator
Authors: Jajarmi Amin , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with a general form of fractional optimal control problems involving the fractional derivative with singular or non‐singular kernel. The necessary conditions for the optimality of these problems are derived and a new numerical method is designed to solve these equations effectively. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method works well and provides satisfactory results with regard to accuracy and computational effort. Comparative results also verify that a particular case with Mittag‐Leffler kernel improves the performance of the controlled system in terms of the transient response compared to the other fractional‐ and integer‐order derivatives.
An Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field and Global Cerebral Ischemia Affect Pituitary ACTH and TSH Cells in Gerbils
Authors: Rauš Balind Snežana , Manojlović‐Stojanoski Milica , Šošić‐Jurjević Branka , Selaković Vesna , Milošević Verica , Petković Branka
Published: December 2019

The neuroendocrine system can be modulated by a magnetic field and cerebral ischemia as external and internal stressors, respectively. This study deals with the separate or combined effects of an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (50 Hz, average magnetic field of 0.5 mT) for 7 days and global cerebral ischemia for 10 min on the morpho‐functional features of pituitary adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) and thyrotrophic (TSH) cells in 3‐month‐old gerbils. To determine the immediate and delayed effects of the applied stressors, measurements were made on the 7th and 14th days after the onset of the experiment. The ELF magnetic field and 10‐min global cerebral ischemia, separately and particularly in combination, decreased (P < 0.05) the volume density of ACTH cells, while only in combination were intracellular ACTH content and plasma ACTH concentration increased (P < 0.05) on day 7. The ELF magnetic field elevated serum TSH concentration on day 7 and intracellular TSHβ content on day 14 (P < 0.05). Also, 10‐min global cerebral ischemia alone increased serum TSH concentration (P < 0.05), while in combination with the ELF magnetic field it elevated (P < 0.05) intracellular TSHβ content on day 14. In conclusion, an ELF magnetic field and/or 10‐min global cerebral ischemia can induce immediate and delayed stimulation of ACTH and TSH synthesis and secretion. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020;41:91–103. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Verbundverhalten besandeter basaltfaserverstärkter Kunststoffbewehrung
Authors: Hofmann Sebastian , Proske Tilo , Graubner Carl‐Alexander
Published: December 2019

Der nachfolgende Beitrag beinhaltet experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Verbundverhalten von Bewehrungsstäben aus unterschiedlichen Materialien sowie Oberflächenbeschaffenheiten in Beton. Der Fokus der Untersuchungen liegt dabei auf einer neuartigen Bewehrung aus basaltfaserverstärktem Kunststoff mit schwacher Profilierung und grobkörniger Besandung. Im Rahmen eines Versuchsprogramms wurden sog. Pull‐out‐Versuche durchgeführt und dabei die Betonfestigkeit, die Betonierrichtung sowie die Verbundlänge variiert, um deren Einfluss auf die mittlere Verbundspannung zu untersuchen. Auf Grundlage der Versuchsergebnisse konnte ein Modell zur Erfassung der Verbundspannungs‐Schlupfbeziehung für die untersuchten Stäbe abgeleitet werden, welches als Grundlage für die vereinfachte Berechnung der Rissbreiten, Rissabstände und die Verankerungslänge in Betonbauteilen dienen kann.
An Evolutionary Perspective on Sedentary Behavior
Authors: Speakman John R.
Published: December 2019

Most people are aware of the health benefits of being physically active. The question arises then why people so easily fall into sedentary habits. The idea developed here is that sedentary behavior is part of a suite of behaviors to reduce levels of physical activity that were strongly selected in the evolutionary past, likely because high levels of physical activity had direct negative consequences for survival. However, hunter‐gatherer populations could not reduce activity indefinitely because of the need to be active to hunt for, and gather food. Hence they never experienced low levels of activity that are damaging to health, and no corresponding mechanism avoiding low activity evolved. Consequently, gene variants promoting efficiency of activity and increased sedentariness were never selected against. Modern society facilitates reduced activity by providing many options to become less active and divorcing food intake from the need to be active. Choosing the less active option is hard wired in the genes; this explains why being sedentary is so common, and why reversing it is so difficult. Incentivizing activity may be enabled using modern technology, but ultimately may only end up replacing one set of health issues with others. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/ekHbUwPw-v4.
Concordance of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 (B7‐H1) in paired primary and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Eckel‐Passow Jeanette E. , Ho Thai H. , Serie Daniel J. , Cheville John C. , Houston Thompson R. , Costello Brian A. , Dong Haidong , Kwon Eugene D. , Leibovich Bradley C. , Parker Alexander S.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Previous studies noted discordance of programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) and one of its ligands (PD‐L1) across patient‐matched primary and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). There are inconsistencies if the primary or metastatic tumor has higher expression, and whether metastatic tumor expression is associated with patient outcome. Thus, we examined PD‐1 and PD‐L1 in patient‐matched tumors using a large number of ccRCC patients with long follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed PD‐1 and PD‐L1 using immunohistochemistry in patient‐matched primary and metastatic tumors from 110 ccRCC patients. Concordance was assessed among longitudinal metastatic tumors, as well as across patient‐matched primary and metastatic tumors. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the associations of metastatic tumor expression with cancer‐specific survival.

Results

We observed inter‐metastatic tumor heterogeneity of PD‐1 in 25 (69%) of the 36 patients and of PD‐L1 in seven (19%) patients. Concordance between patient‐matched primary and metastatic tumors was 73% (Kappa = 0.16, 95% CI: −0.003‐0.32). Similarly, concordance of PD‐L1 between metastatic and patient‐matched primary tumors was 78% (Kappa = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09‐0.46). Both markers demonstrated higher expression in primary vs metastatic tumors. Metastatic tumor expression of PD‐1 was significantly associated with metastatic location (P < .0001) and ccRCC‐specific survival (HR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.06‐4.36, P = .035).

Conclusions

The expression of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 is discordant across patient‐matched ccRCC tumors, with higher expression in primary tumors. Higher PD‐1 expression was associated with metastatic location and lower cancer‐specific survival. If validated, these results highlight the importance of evaluating these biomarkers in metastatic tissue specifically.
LINC01436, regulating miR‐585 and FBXO11, is an oncogenic lncRNA in the progression of gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yang Guangyong , He Xiaogu , Chen Shi , Zhang Fan , Fang Xiangming
Published: December 2019

Accumulating studies have indicated that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial modulators in cancer biology. In this work, we investigated the function and related mechanisms of LINC01436 in the progression of gastric cancer (GC). We demonstrated that LINC01436 was significantly up‐regulated in cancerous tissues of GC samples, and its overexpression was correlated with a worse prognosis for the patients. In the GC cell line BGC823 cells, LINC01436 knockdown repressed the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells; conversely, in GC cell line AGS cells, overexpression of LINC01436 showed the opposite effects. We then demonstrated that miR‐585, a tumor suppressor, could bind to both LINC01436 and the 3′‐UTR of F‐box protein 11 (FBOX11), and LINC01436 was proved to sponge miR‐585 and repress it, and indirectly promoted the expression of FBOX11. Collectively, these results suggested that LINC01436 was an oncogenic lncRNA in GC and promoted proliferation and metastasis of GC cell via regulating miR‐585 and FBOX11.
A New Redox Mediator (Cupric‐Neocuproine Complex)‐ Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode for the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of H2O2: A Flow Injection Amperometric Sensor
Authors: Emir Gamze , Dilgin Yusuf , Apak Reşat
Published: December 2019

This paper introduces the cupric‐neocuproine complex ([Cu(Nc)2]2+) as a new redox mediator for the electrocatalytic oxidation of H2O2. For this purpose, [Cu(Nc)2]2+ was modified onto a disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) surface by using Nafion (Nf) as a cation‐exchange membrane for the effective adsorption of complex. The modified electrode was prepared by immersing Nf‐adsorbed PGE into [Cu(Nc)2]2+ complex solution (0.40 mM of Cu2+ and 0.80 mM of Nc prepared at pH 4.76 in 0.10 M acetate buffer). SEM images and EDX spectra of electrodes were presented for the elucidation of their surface morphologies. Cyclic voltammetric results showed that H2O2 was electrocatalytically oxidized at [Cu(Nc)2]2+/Nf/PGE, because both the increase in current and the potential shift to a more negative direction were observed for oxidation of H2O2 at [Cu(Nc)2]2+/Nf/PGE in comparison to bare PGE. Then, the electrocatalytic activity of [Cu(Nc)2]2+/Nf/PGE toward H2O2 oxidation was utilized for amperometric determination of H2O2 in flow injection analysis (FIA) system. Flow injection (FI) amperometric studies showed two linear calibration ranges (1.0‐1000.0 μM (R2=0.9958) and 1000.0‐10000.0 μM (R2=0.9902) with a detection limit of 0.4 μM H2O2 which is considered good for electroanalytical determinations, especially for electrocatalytic oxidation. To test the applicability of the developed FI amperometric hydrogen peroxide sensor, H2O2 contents of some relevant samples were determined.
Direct estimation of differential networks under high‐dimensional nonparanormal graphical models
Authors: Zhang Qingyang
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In genomics, it is often of interest to study the structural change of a genetic network between two phenotypes. Under Gaussian graphical models, the problem can be transformed to estimating the difference between two precision matrices, and several approaches have been recently developed for this task such as joint graphical lasso and fused graphical lasso. However, the multivariate Gaussian assumptions made in the existing approaches are often violated in reality. For instance, most RNA‐Seq data follow non‐Gaussian distributions even after log‐transformation or other variance‐stabilizing transformations. In this work, we consider the problem of directly estimating differential networks under a flexible semiparametric model, namely the nonparanormal graphical model, where the random variables are assumed to follow a multivariate Gaussian distribution after a set of monotonically increasing transformations. We propose to use a novel rank‐based estimator to directly estimate the differential network, together with a parametric simplex algorithm for fast implementation. Theoretical properties of the new estimator are established under a high‐dimensional setting where grows with almost exponentially fast. In particular, we show that the proposed estimator is consistent in both parameter estimation and support recovery. Both synthetic data and real genomic data are used to illustrate the promise of the new approach.The Canadian Journal of Statistics48: 187–203; 2020 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Individual and Synergistic Effects of Metronidazole, Amoxicillin, and Ciprofloxacin on Methane Fermentation with Sewage Sludge
Authors: Rusanowska Paulina , Harnisz Monika , Zieliński Marcin , Dębowski Marcin , Korzeniewska Ewa , Kisielewska Marta , Amenda Ewa
Published: December 2019

Methane fermentation is widely used to dispose of sewage sludge at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), due to production of renewable energy in the form of biogas. Antibiotics present in wastewater may accumulate in a sewage sludge. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of three antibiotics from different classes in three different doses on methane production from sewage sludge. For this purpose, metronidazole (MET), amoxicillin (AMO), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) are individually added to anaerobic reactors with sewage sludge collected from municipal WWTP. The antibiotics’ highest concentration (1024 mg kg−1 of AMO; 512 mg kg−1 of MET and CIP) lowers methane production and methane content in biogas. MET exerts the most marked effect and lowers methane production to 36.8 ± 3.7 mL CH4 kg−1 volatile solids. Tested antibiotics probably inhibit methanogenic archaea, which results in volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation. Addition of MET results in accumulation of many kinds of VFAs with the highest concentration of acetic acid (17.52 ± 1.85 g L−1). The addition of of AMO results in accumulation of butyric acid only (253.00 ± 15.89 g L−1). However, addition of CIP results in accumulation of mainly acetic acid (7.58 ± 0.82 g L−1) and isovaleric acid (2.01 ± 0.41 g L−1). Next, synergistic effect of these antibiotics in a low concentration of 16 mg kg−1 of AMO, 8 mg kg−1 of MET, and 2 mg kg−1 of CIP is measured in semi‐continuous conditions and causes inbibition of methane production and accumulation of VFAs.
Thiourea and Guanidine Compounds and Their Iridium Complexes in Drug‐Resistant Cancer Cell Lines: Structure‐Activity Relationships and Direct Luminescent Imaging
Authors: Thomas Samuel J. , Balónová Barbora , Cinatl Jindrich , Wass Mark N. , Serpell Christopher J. , Blight Barry A. , Michaelis Martin
Published: December 2019

Thiourea and guanidine units are found in nature, medicine, and materials. Their continued exploration in applications as diverse as cancer therapy, sensors, and electronics means that their toxicity is an important consideration. Iridium complexes present new opportunities for drug development and imaging in terms of structure and photoactivity. We have systematically synthesised a set of thiourea and guanidine compounds and iridium complexes thereof, and elucidated structure–activity relationships for cellular toxicity in three ovarian cancer cell lines and their cisplatin‐resistant sub‐lines. We have been able to use the intrinsic luminescence of iridium complexes to visualise the effect of both structure alteration and cellular resistance mechanisms. These findings provide starting points for the development of new drugs and consideration of safety issues for novel thiourea‐, guanidine‐, and iridium‐based materials.
Crellastatin A, a PARP‐1 Inhibitor Discovered by Complementary Proteomic Approaches
Authors: Morretta Elva , Tosco Alessandra , Festa Carmen , Mozzicafreddo Matteo , Monti Maria C. , Casapullo Agostino
Published: December 2019

Crellastatin A, a cytotoxic sulfated bis‐steroid isolated from the Vanuatu Island marine sponge Crella sp., was selected as an interesting probe for a comprehensive proteomic analysis directed at the characterization of its protein interactors. Given its peculiar structural features, A was submitted to a mass spectrometry‐based drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay combined with (targeted‐limited proteolysis‐multiple reaction monitoring (t‐LiP MRM), rather than a classical affinity purification strategy. Poly‐ADP‐ribose‐polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) emerged as the main crellastatin A cellular partner. This result was confirmed by both biochemical and in silico analyses. Further in vitro biological assays highlighted an interesting crellastatin A inhibitory activity on PARP‐1.
Machine learning applied to whole‐blood RNA‐sequencing data uncovers distinct subsets of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Figgett William A , Monaghan Katherine , Ng Milica , Alhamdoosh Monther , Maraskovsky Eugene , Wilson Nicholas J , Hoi Alberta Y , Morand Eric F , Mackay Fabienne
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease that is difficult to treat. There is currently no optimal stratification of patients with SLE, and thus, responses to available treatments are unpredictable. Here, we developed a new stratification scheme for patients with SLE, based on the computational analysis of patients’ whole‐blood transcriptomes.

Methods

We applied machine learning approaches to RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) data sets to stratify patients with SLE into four distinct clusters based on their gene expression profiles. A meta‐analysis on three recently published whole‐blood RNA‐seq data sets was carried out, and an additional similar data set of 30 patients with SLE and 29 healthy donors was incorporated in this study; a total of 161 patients with SLE and 57 healthy donors were analysed.

Results

Examination of SLE clusters, as opposed to unstratified SLE patients, revealed underappreciated differences in the pattern of expression of disease‐related genes relative to clinical presentation. Moreover, gene signatures correlated with flare activity were successfully identified.

Conclusion

Given that SLE disease heterogeneity is a key challenge hindering the design of optimal clinical trials and the adequate management of patients, our approach opens a new possible avenue addressing this limitation via a greater understanding of SLE heterogeneity in humans. Stratification of patients based on gene expression signatures may be a valuable strategy allowing the identification of separate molecular mechanisms underpinning disease in SLE. Further, this approach may have a use in understanding the variability in responsiveness to therapeutics, thereby improving the design of clinical trials and advancing personalised therapy.
Analyse von vertikal belasteten Porenbeton‐Wänden
Authors: Drobiec Łukasz
Published: December 2019

The paper describes the results of testing six autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) walls on a natural scale. The walls were made of 18 cm wide blocks and thin layer joints. Reinforced and non‐reinforced walls were tested. Basalt grids and typical steel reinforcement (truss type) were used as reinforcements. The load was applied by a reinforced concrete rim beam. In the first part of the tests, the impact of the opening (window) on stress distribution and the load capacity of the wall was analysed. In the second part of the tests, the unequally loaded connection zone of perpendicular walls was analysed. The results were used to draw practical conclusions on rules of additional reinforcement of zones surrounding openings and connection zones of perpendicular walls.
Neue Recyclingbaustoffe aus Porenbetonbruch: In Werktrockenmörteln für Mauerwerk, in Mauersteinen und in leichten Schaumsteinen
Authors: Hlawatsch Frank , Aycil Hakan , Kropp Jörg
Published: December 2019

In cooperation of Bremen Institute for Materials Testing (MPA Bremen), a Department of Leibniz Institute for Materials Engineering IWT, Bremen University of Applied Sciences and the Research Association RWB Bremen building products for masonry structures were developed on the basis of AAC rubble from C&D wastes. Granulates from processed AAC rubble were introduced as aggregates in dry premixed masonry mortars, in masonry blocks and lightweight building blocks and elements to replace completely natural aggregates. These recycling products exhibit beneficial technical properties, at the same time large volumes of AAC wastes may be re‐used.

On the basis of the achieved R&D‐results from laboratory experiments, trial batches of dry premixed mortar and masonry blocks were produced in the building materials industry on their available industrial equipment, minor adjustments in the mix composition were necessary. After a sufficient amount of dry premixed mortar and masonry blocks were produced, the recycling products were used to erect indoor masonry walls in a building project in Bremen.
Osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes: From pathogenetic factors to therapeutic intervention
Authors: Cannata Francesca , Vadalà Gianluca , Ambrosio Luca , Napoli Nicola , Papalia Rocco , Denaro Vincenzo , Pozzilli Paolo
Published: December 2019

Over the last decades, osteoarthritis (OA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence increased due to the global ageing population and the pandemic obesity. They currently affect a substantial part of the Western world population and are characterized by enhancing the risk of disability and reduction of quality of life. OA is a multifactorial condition whose development derives from the interaction between individual and environmental factors: The best known primarily include age, female gender, genetic determinants, articular biomechanics, and obesity (OB). Given the high prevalence of OA and T2D and their association with OB and inflammation, several studies have been conducted to investigate the causative role of biological characteristics proper to T2D on the development of OA. This review aims to analyse the relationship between of OA and T2D, in order to explain the pathophysiological drivers of the degenerative process and to delineate possible targets to which appropriate treatments may be addressed in the near future.
Large‐scale and local climatic controls on large herbivore productivity: implications for adaptive rangeland management
Authors: Raynor Edward J. , Derner Justin D. , Hoover David L. , Parton William J. , Augustine David J.
Published: December 2019

Rangeland ecosystems worldwide are characterized by a high degree of uncertainty in precipitation, both within and across years. Such uncertainty creates challenges for livestock managers seeking to match herbivore numbers with forage availability to prevent vegetation degradation and optimize livestock production. Here, we assess variation in annual large herbivore production (LHP, kg/ha) across multiple herbivore densities over a 78‐yr period (1940–2018) in a semiarid rangeland ecosystem (shortgrass steppe of eastern Colorado, USA) that has experienced several phase changes in global‐level sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, as measured by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). We examined the influence of prevailing PDO phase, magnitude of late winter (February–April) ENSO, prior growing‐season precipitation (prior April to prior September) and precipitation during the six months (prior October to current April) preceding the growing season on LHP. All of these are known prior to the start of the growing season in the shortgrass steppe and could potentially be used by livestock managers to adjust herbivore densities. Annual LHP was greater during warm PDO irrespective of herbivore density, while variance in LHP increased by 69% (moderate density) and 91% (high density) under cold‐phase compared to warm‐phase PDO. No differences in LHP attributed to PDO phase were observed with low herbivore density. ENSO effects on LHP, specifically La Niña, were more pronounced during cold‐phase PDO years. High herbivore density increased LHP at a greater rate than at moderate and low densities with increasing fall and winter precipitation. Differential gain, a weighted measure of LHP under higher relative to lower herbivore densities, was sensitive to prevailing PDO phase, ENSO magnitude, and precipitation amounts from the prior growing season and current fall–winter season. Temporal hierarchical approaches using PDO, ENSO, and local‐scale precipitation can enhance decision‐making for flexible herbivore densities. Herbivore densities could be increased above recommended levels with lowered risk of negative returns for managers during warm‐phase PDO to result in greater LHP and less variability. Conversely, during cold‐phase PDO, managers should be cognizant of the additional influences of ENSO and prior fall–winter precipitation, which can help predict when to reduce herbivore densities and minimize risk of forage shortages.
Synthesis and Reaction Chemistry of Zinc‐Diarylphosphido Clusters with Phosphorus Precursors
Authors: Lee Kyungseop , Huang Yining , Corrigan John F.
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of the zinc phosphido clusters [Zn2(µ‐PPh2)2(PPh2)2(NC5H5)2] (1) and [Zn4(µ‐PPh2)4(OAc)4(NC5H5)2] (2) is presented. The clusters are accessed via the reaction of Zn(OAc)2 with differing amounts of Me3SiPPh2. When 1 was heated under solvothermal conditions in pyridine, it yielded micrometer sized metallic zinc crystals via the reduction of ZnII by the diphenylphosphido ligands, forming tetraphenyldiphosphine as a by‐product. When white phosphorus (P4) was added to this reaction, soluble, micrometer‐sized aggregates of zinc phosphides were produced. Reacting 2 with P(SiMe3)3 at room temperature yields a mixture of phosphido and phosphinidene species. Under solvothermal conditions with P(SiMe3)3, tetraphenyldiphosphine was again observed together with aggregates of zinc phosphides.
Synthesis of Trimethylolpropane Esters by Base‐Catalyzed Transesterification
Authors: Nie Jieyu , Shen Jianheng , Shim Youn Young , Tse Timothy J. , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: December 2019

Trimethylolpropane (TMP) esters are synthesized from fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and TMP to produce a fluid with properties suitable for use as a lubricant base oil, exhibiting good stability, and low‐temperature performances. In this study, triacylglyceride (TAG) molecules are modified to produce FAME and then linked to TMP. Initially, vegetable oil is transesterified with excess methanol, and potassium hydroxide to produce crude FAME. The FAMEs are then refined and further transesterified with TMP and heating, under vacuum, using potassium carbonate catalyst. The conversion of TMP is successfully achieved by adding an excess of FAME to a reaction mixture of base and polyol in the second step. All reactions are monitored and confirmed using 1H‐NMR. The reactions proceed quickly as an efficient production of FAME and TMP to TMP triesters is successfully achieved by adding an excess of FAME slowly to a mixture of TMP and catalyst.

Practical Applications: The major objective is to develop and optimize a reverse addition reaction method for TMP‐based biolubricant production. The highly enriched TMP biolubricant is prepared by reverse phase chromatography and these biolubricant products are characterized for oxidative stability index and low‐temperature performance. The optimum conditions are applied to different vegetable oils.
Mechanistic Insights on Concentrated Lithium Salt/Nitroalkane Electrolyte Based on Analogy with Fluorinated Alcohols
Authors: Shida Naoki , Imada Yasushi , Okada Yohei , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: December 2019

Fluorinated alcohols such as 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro2‐propanol (HFIP) and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) have emerged as powerful solvents in oxidation chemistry including hole catalysis. In this paper, we describe the similarity of lithium salt/nitroalkane electrolytes with fluorinated alcohols in electrosynthesis. Based on the results from electrosynthesis, Raman and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV), we have demonstrated that the combination of lithium cation, perchlorate or sulfonimide anions, and nitroalkanes make up an ideal solution to stabilize radical cations, just like fluorinated alcohols. The CV results suggested that the radical cation of 1,4‐dimethoxybenzene is better stabilized in 1.0 m LiClO4 than in a neat HFIP solution. A mechanistic proposal for this electrolyte system described herein will give new directions for designing reaction systems for a wide range of oxidation chemistries.
β‐Methylumbelliferone Surface Modification and Permeability Investigations at PENTEL™ Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Warren Susan , Seddon Brian , Pilkington Ruth , Crossely Alison , Holdway Philip , Dempsey Eithne
Published: December 2019

Electrochemical and micro‐imaging analysis of a commercial graphite‐composite material is presented following electro‐oxidation with β‐methylumbelliferone. Charge‐transfer surface modification was observed for the graphite electrode, presumed to have arisen from adsorbed interfacial umbelliferone moieties. The molecular permeability of the new surface towards a range of similar, yet size‐variable (23 Å3–136 Å3) molecular redox probes is discussed. Red‐shift fluorescence in confocal microscopy offers further support for the presence of a surface‐bound umbelliferone layer. An SEM‐platinum profiling technique was used as an imaging tool to map the umbelliferone surface and size‐distribution of electro‐active sites.
A novel targeted plugging and fracture‐adaptable gel used as a diverting agent in fracturing
Authors: Zhang Yuyuan , Wen Qingzhi , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: December 2019

Diverting agents that could plug a targeted location and fill different shapes of fractures have attracted an increasing attention in the field of fracturing. In this study, a series of novel diverting agents were prepared by mixing aldehyde sodium alginate (ASA) and amino gelatin (AG) through a Schiff base reaction to form a primary network, polylactic acid (PLA) fibers were added to produce a 3D network, and Ca2+was mixed in as an ionic cross‐linking agent to strengthen the cross‐linking points. It was found that gelation time, swelling behavior, and mechanical performance could be controlled by varying the content of aldehyde groups and amino groups. Gelation time could be controlled in 1‐10 minutes. Plugging behavior and degradation tests demonstrated that the hydrogel could suit fractures with various shapes and plug effectively under high temperatures and pressures, and it could eventually become acidic fluid to help clean the wellbore. This novel ASA/AG/PLA hydrogel constitutes a promising environmentally friendly diverting agent in the application of diversion fracturing.
NADEEM: Neighbor node approaching distinct energy‐efficient mates for reliable data delivery in underwater WSNs
Authors: Javaid Nadeem
Published: December 2019

In this research work, we propose three schemes: neighbor node approaching distinct energy‐efficient mates (NADEEM), fallback approach NADEEM (FA‐NADEEM), and transmission adjustment NADEEM (TA‐NADEEM). In NADEEM, immutable forwarder node selection is avoided with the help of three distinct selection parameters. Void hole is avoided using a fallback recovery mechanism to deliver data successfully at the destination. The transmission range is dynamically adjusted to resume greedy forwarding among the network nodes. The neighbor node is only eligible to become forwarder when it is not a void node. Additionally, linear programming–based feasible regions are computed for an optimal energy dissipation and network throughput improvement. Extensive simulations are conducted for three parameters: energy, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and fraction of void nodes. Further, an analysis is performed by varying transmission range and data rate for energy consumption and fraction of void node. The results clearly depict that our proposed schemes outperform the baseline scheme (GEDAR) in terms of energy consumption and fraction of void nodes.
Build and Improve Business Processes for Evaluation Consulting
Authors: Burd Michelle B.
Published: December 2019

This chapter considers some business processes that evaluation consultants may integrate into their practices to increase success. An opportunistic sample of consultants was interviewed to understand the business processes they employed and what data if any, they gathered to assess and to inform adjustments in them. This chapter discusses processes that surfaced in the interviews, including the technology the consultants use to monitor projects, the templates they develop for automation, and the procedures they use to organize teams and projects. The chapter also demonstrates how consultants can use business process management to take a holistic view, analyze and reflect on data, and decide on plans for improvement. An example illustrates the process mapping to study business processes. Two other examples illustrate how evaluation consultants transform business processes. One addresses a need to improve efficiency; the other is about strategic planning customized to the frameworks of evaluative thinking and complexity thinking. By developing and transforming processes, evaluation consultants can apply an evaluative lens to their business and make plans to increase success.
Succeeding as an Independent Evaluation Consultant: Requisite Skills and Attributes
Authors: Germuth Amy A.
Published: December 2019

Independent evaluation consulting offers autonomy, lifelong learning, and gratifying work. It is lucrative, and the market is growing. So why are not all evaluators independent consultants? Evaluation requires one set of skills; independent consulting another. Evaluators conduct evaluations; independent evaluation consultants also operate a business, solicit work, and market their brand. To be successful, they must tolerate the greater risk, manage the increased stress, and balance the heightened work–life demands of being independent. This chapter presents some of the key skills and attributes required to be a successful independent evaluation consultant. Distinctions between the skills needed to conduct research and those required to be a successful consultant are delineated and the attributes of successful consultants are explored. Research findings are interspersed with anecdotes from successful evaluation consultants throughout. Thoughts from three evaluation consultants representing different geographic areas, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and experiences are also highlighted. Though not for everyone, with the right skills and personal attributes, independent evaluation consulting is a viable career path.
Further Thoughts on the Genetic Argument for Handaxes
Authors: McNabb John
Published: December 2019

The Acheulean handaxe has always been considered a social phenomenon. Corbey et al.35provide a major challenge to this argument, arguing quite rightly, that it has never been independently established that handaxe temporal depth is a product of intergenerational social learning. They take a number of assumptions integral to the social argument and suggest, using parsimony, that a genetic explanation is equally as plausible for each of them. Complex structures, in hierarchically nested routines of action, can be built in the natural world by organisms following predetermined genetic sequences of actions triggered by external circumstances. However, there are some important points that the genetic argument dismisses that demonstrate an unequivocal social origin for the Acheulean handaxe. This article identifies those points and restores them to the debate. Parsimony affirms a social basis for handaxes and does not require a theoretical genetic predisposition.
From cryptic to colorful: Evolutionary decoupling of larval and adult color in butterflies
Authors: Medina Iliana , Vega-Trejo Regina , Wallenius Thomas , Symonds Matthew R. E. , Stuart-Fox Devi
Published: December 2019

Many animals undergo complete metamorphosis, where larval forms change abruptly in adulthood. Color change during ontogeny is common, but there is little understanding of evolutionary patterns in these changes. Here, we use data on larval and adult color for 246 butterfly species (61% of all species in Australia) to test whether the evolution of color is coupled between life stages. We show that adults are more variable in color across species than caterpillars and that male adult color has lower phylogenetic signal. These results suggest that sexual selection is driving color diversity in male adult butterflies at a broad scale. Moreover, color similarities between species at the larval stage do not predict color similarities at the adult stage, indicating that color evolution is decoupled between young and adult forms. Most species transition from cryptic coloration as caterpillars to conspicuous coloration as adults, but even species with conspicuous caterpillars change to different conspicuous colors as adults. The use of high-contrast coloration is correlated with body size in caterpillars but not adults. Taken together, our results suggest a change in the relative importance of different selective pressures at different life stages, resulting in the evolutionary decoupling of coloration through ontogeny.
Biological activities of the essential oil from the Moro orange peel (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck)
Authors: Magalhães Maísa Lamounier , Ionta Marisa , Ferreira Guilherme Álvaro , Campidelli Marina Leopoldina Lamounier , Nelson David Lee , Ferreira Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Rezende Danubia Aparecida de Carvalho Selvati , Cardoso Maria das Graças
Published: December 2019

Citrus essential oils have become the focus of several researches, because they have broad biological activity, due to their chemical composition. However, there are few studies covering Moro orange essential oil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh Moro orange peel essential oil on antifungal, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities in normal and tumor cells. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC/MS and GC/FID. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTS assay in normal cells (CCD‐1059Sk) and tumor cells (CCD‐1059Sk), and the genotoxicity was determined in normal cells by the comet assay. Antifungal activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion test against Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus flavus filamentous fungi. The antioxidant activity was determined in DPPH, ABTS, and β‐carotene assay. The essential oil was mainly composed of monoterpenes such as limonene (95.12%), α‐pinene (0.35%), sabinene (0.54%), and myrcene (1.07%). The essential oil did not cause cell death after 48 hours of treatment in normal cells, but the cell viability of tumor cells decreased by 50% in the presence of the essential oil at a concentration of 272.6 μg/mL. Although no antioxidant effect was observed, the growth of all evaluated fungi was inhibited with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μL/mL. The essential oil from the Moro orange is promising for cancer treatment, and it can be used as a natural preservative in food systems.
Mining modification of river systems: A case study from the Australian gold rush
Authors: Davies Peter , Lawrence Susan , Turnbull Jodi , Rutherfurd Ian , Grove James , Silvester Ewen , Macklin Mark
Published: December 2019

Mobilisation of large volumes of bedrock, regolith and soil has long been a characteristic feature of metal mining. Before the 20th century this was most efficiently achieved through harnessing the motive power of water. Large‐scale water use in mining produced waste sands, gravels and silts that were flushed downstream, triggering changes in stream and floodplain morphology and function. During the 19th century the shift from artisanal to industrialised mining resulted in a rapid increase in the scale and extent of environmental change. This paper presents results from a multidisciplinary research programme investigating the environmental effects of 19th‐century gold mining on waterways in south‐eastern Australia. Archaeological and geospatial landscape survey are combined with historical data modelling and geomorphological analysis to examine the extractive processes that produced sediment in headwater regions and how this influenced fluvial processes operating on downstream waterways and floodplains. Our case study of the Three Mile‐Hodgson Creek system on the Ovens (Beechworth) goldfield in north‐east Victoria indicates that miners mobilised up to 7.3 million m3 of sediment in this small catchment alone. Results of the research suggest that tailings dams and sludge channels in this catchment are important archaeological evidence for early attempts to manage industrial waste.
Multi‐ethnic analysis shows genetic risk and environmental predictors interact to influence 25(OH)D concentration and optimal vitamin D intake
Authors: Hatchell Kathryn E. , Lu Qiongshi , Mares Julie A. , Michos Erin D. , Wood Alexis C. , Engelman Corinne D.
Published: December 2019

25‐Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is a complex trait with genetic and environmental predictors that may determine how much vitamin D exposure is required to reach optimal concentration. Interactions between continuous measures of a polygenic score (PGS) and vitamin D intake (PGS*intake) or available ultraviolet (UV) radiation (PGS*UV) were evaluated in individuals of African (n = 1,099) or European (n = 8,569) ancestries. Interaction terms and joint effects (main and interaction terms) were tested using one‐degree of freedom (1‐DF) and 2‐DF models, respectively. Models controlled for age, sex, body mass index, cohort, and dietary intake/available UV. In addition, in participants achieving Institute of Medicine (IOM) vitamin D intake recommendations, 25(OH)D was evaluated by level PGS. The 2‐DF PGS*intake, 1‐DF PGS*UV, and 2‐DF PGS*UV results were statistically significant in participants of European ancestry (p = 3.3 × 10−18, p =  2.1 × 10−2, and p =  2.4 × 10−19, respectively), but not in those of African ancestry. In European‐ancestry participants reaching IOM vitamin D intake guidelines, the percent of participants achieving adequate 25(OH)D (
>20 ng/ml) increased as genetic risk decreased (72% vs. 89% in highest vs. lowest risk; p = .018). Available UV radiation and vitamin D intake interact with genetics to influence 25(OH)D. Individuals with higher genetic risk may require more vitamin D exposure to maintain optimal 25(OH)D concentrations.
Unsteady free convection of second‐grade nanofluid with a new time‐space fractional heat conduction
Authors: Shen Ming , Wu Yuhang , Chen Hui
Published: December 2019

The Caputo and Caputo–Fabrizio derivative are applied to study a second‐grade nanofluid over a vertical plate. A comparative analysis is presented to study the unsteady free convection of a second‐grade nanofluid with a new time–space fractional heat conduction. The governing equations with mixed time–space fractional derivatives are non‐dimensionalized and solved numerically, and a comparison between the Caputo and the Caputo–Fabrizio models is made. It is found that the temperature is higher for the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional model than the Caputo model, but the higher velocity only exists near the vertical plate for the Caputo–Fabrizio model than the Caputo model. Moreover, the velocity for the Caputo model will exceed the Caputo–Fabrizio model as y evolves.