bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale‐free collaboration networks: An author name disambiguation perspective
Authors: Kim Jinseok
Published: January 2019

Several studies have found that collaboration networks are scale‐free, proposing that such networks can be modeled by specific network evolution mechanisms like preferential attachment. This study argues that collaboration networks can look more or less scale‐free depending on the methods for resolving author name ambiguity in bibliographic data. Analyzing networks constructed from multiple datasets containing 3.4 M ∼ 9.6 M publication records, this study shows that collaboration networks in which author names are disambiguated by the commonly used heuristic, i.e., forename‐initial‐based name matching, tend to produce degree distributions better fitted to power‐law slopes with the typical scaling parameter (2 < α < 3) than networks disambiguated by more accurate algorithm‐based methods. Such tendency is observed across collaboration networks generated under various conditions such as cumulative years, 5‐ and 1‐year sliding windows, and random sampling, and through simulation, found to arise due mainly to artefactual entities created by inaccurate disambiguation. This cautionary study calls for special attention from scholars analyzing network data in which entities such as people, organization, and gene can be merged or split by improper disambiguation.
Investigating familiarity and usage of traditional metrics and altmetrics
Authors: Aung Htet Htet , Zheng Han , Erdt Mojisola , Aw Ashley Sara , Sin Sei‐Ching Joanna , Theng Yin‐Leng
Published: January 2019

As the online dissemination of scholarly outputs gets faster and easier, altmetrics, social media based indices, have emerged alongside traditional metrics for research evaluation. In a two‐phase survey, we investigate scholars' familiarity and usage of traditional metrics and altmetrics. In this paper, we present the second phase with 448 participants. We found few traditional metrics, like the Journal Impact Factor and number of citations, are familiar to and often used by scholars for research evaluation. Among altmetrics, only views/downloads, readers, and followers are known to more than half the respondents. Unseen benefits and lack of time are hindrances to using metrics for the evaluation of research outputs. Although social media are well‐known, scholars prefer promoting their research by publishing in journals and attending conferences. We found social media usage, perceived ease of use and usefulness of altmetrics affect the usage of altmetrics. Findings suggest altmetrics have attracted attention in academia and could be considered complementary to traditional metrics. We acknowledge that due to the limited sample size, statistics and demographics in this study, findings cannot be said to be representative of the entire academic population worldwide. Future studies are needed that cover a wider range of academic disciplines around the world.
Click behavior and link prioritization: Multiple demand theory application for web improvement
Authors: Song Lianlian , Tso Geoffrey , Fu Yelin
Published: January 2019

A common problem encountered in Web improvement is how to arrange the homepage links of a Website. This study analyses Web information search behavior, and applies the multiple demand theory to propose two models to help a visitor allocate time for multiple links. The process of searching is viewed as a formal choice problem in which the visitor attempts to choose from multiple Web links to maximize the total utility. The proposed models are calibrated to clickstream data collected from an educational institute over a seven‐and‐a‐half month period. Based on the best fit model, a metric, utility loss, is constructed to measure the performance of each link and arrange them accordingly. Empirical results show that the proposed metric is highly efficient for prioritizing the links on a homepage and the methodology can also be used to study the feasibility of introducing a new function in a Website.
Effect of the sulfur atom on S2 and S4 positions of the uracil ring in different DNA:RNA hybrid microhelixes with three nucleotide base pairs
Authors: Alcolea Palafox Mauricio
Published: January 2019

The effect of the sulphur atom on the uracil ring was analyzed in different DNA:RNA microhelixes with three nucleotide base‐pairs, including uridine, 2‐thiouridine, 4‐thiouridine, 2,4‐dithiouridine, cytidine, adenosine and guanosine. Distinct backbone and helical parameters were optimized at different density functional (DFT) levels. The Watson‐Crick pair with 2‐thiouridine appears weaker than with uridine, but its interaction with water molecules appears easier. Two types of microhelixes were found, depending on the H‐bond of H2′ hydroxyl atom: A‐type appears with the ribose ring in3E‐envelope C3′‐endo, and B‐type in2E‐envelope C2′‐endo. B‐type is less common but it is more stable and with higher dipole‐moment. The sulphur atoms significantly increase the dipole‐moment of the microhelix, as well as the rise and propeller twist parameters. Simulations with four Na atoms H‐bonded to the phosphate groups, and further hydration with explicit water molecules were carried out. A re‐definition of the numerical value calculation of several base‐pair and base‐stacking parameters is suggested.
Solid‐phase synthesis of three‐armed star‐shaped peptoids and their hierarchical self‐assembly
Authors: Jin Haibao , Jian Tengyue , Ding Yan‐Huai , Chen Yulin , Mu Peng , Wang Lei , Chen Chun‐Long
Published: January 2019

Due to the branched structure feature and unique properties, a variety of star‐shaped polymers have been designed and synthesized. Despite those advances, solid‐phase synthesis of star‐shaped sequence‐defined synthetic polymers that exhibit hierarchical self‐assembly remains a significant challenge. Hence, we present an effective strategy for the solid‐phase synthesis of three‐armed star‐shaped peptoids, in which ethylenediamine was used as the centric star pivot. Based on the sequence of monomer addition, a series of AA′A′′‐type and ABB′‐type peptoids were synthesized and characterized by UPLC‐MS (ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry). By taking advantage of the easy‐synthesis and large side‐chain diversity, we synthesized star‐shaped peptoids with tunable functions. We further demonstrated the aqueous self‐assembly of some representative peptoids into biomimetic nanomaterials with well‐defined hierarchical structures, such as nanofibers and nanotubes. These results indicate that star‐shaped peptoids offer the potential in self‐assembly of biomimetic nanomaterials with tunable chemistries and functions.
Recent Developments in Metal‐Catalyzed Bio‐orthogonal Reactions for Biomolecule Tagging
Authors: Jang Se‐Young , Murale Dhiraj P. , Kim Anne Doyoung , Lee Jun‐Seok
Published: January 2019

With the rapid advances in single‐molecule and live‐cell imaging studies to investigate biological problems, the role of chemical probes to monitor reactions in a live cell has considerably increased. However, selective labeling of a target protein or a specific residue is highly challenging due to the high complexity of the biological system. In particular, biological macromolecules (such as proteins, DNA, or RNA) share many functional groups that potentially cross‐react with exogenous chemical probes. Thus, there are high demands for perfect biocompatible reactions utilizing biologically unavailable chemistry. Metal‐catalyzed reactions have been extensively investigated as synthetic methodology studies, including initial attempts in applying the chemistry in aqueous solutions in vitro or even in biological conditions. Herein, the latest developments and progress in metal‐catalyzed bio‐orthogonal reactions for biomolecule labeling are summarized.
Valorization of Biomass‐derived Small Oxygenates: Kinetics, Mechanisms and Site Requirements of H2‐involved Hydrogenation and Deoxygenation Pathways over Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Shi Hui
Published: January 2019

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a key step in upgrading of biomass‐derived feedstocks to fuels and valuable chemicals. In this review, I select to discuss the current understanding of heterogeneous HDO catalysis of representative small oxygenates that are present in the bio‐crude obtained from thermochemical conversions of biomass raw materials, as the efficient valorization of these presently underutilized carbon sources would significantly improve carbon recovery and the overall process techno‐economics, in addition to facilitating downstream processing in some cases. A primary focus is laid on the kinetics, mechanisms and active site requirements of molecular H2‐involved hydrogenation and deoxygenation reactions of small aliphatic oxygenates. More often than not, surprising contrasts are found between gas‐solid and polar liquid‐solid interfaces and hint toward substantial restructuring and modifications of the catalytic surfaces and chemistries in polar liquids, particularly induced by protic molecules (the most abundant being water). Knowledge gaps, uncharted territories and associated challenges for the interrogations of these fundamental aspects are also discussed in this review.
Gold‐catalyzed Cycloisomerization Reactions within Guanidinium M12L24 Nanospheres: the Effect of Local Concentrations
Authors: Gonell Sergio , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: January 2019

Gold‐catalyzed cycloisomerization reactions have been explored using guanidinium functionalized M12L24 nanospheres that strongly encapsulate gold complexes functionalized with a sulfonate group through hydrogen bonds. As the M12L24 nanospheres can bind up to 24 gold complexes, the effect of local catalyst concentration on the reaction outcome can be easily evaluated. Also, the guanidinium groups of the sphere can weakly interact with the carboxylic group of the substrates, facilitating the pre‐organization of the substrate near to the catalytic active site. Both effects can influence the selectivity and rate of the gold‐catalyzed transformation. Challenging acetate‐containing substrates with internal acetylene functional groups can be cyclized efficiently within the M12L24 nanospheres, where the pre‐organization of the substrate plays a crucial role. For 2‐alkynyl benzoic acids the selectivity of the reaction can be controlled by adjusting the local concentration of gold catalyst in the guanidinium functionalized M12L24 nanosphere.
Recent Advances in Water and Wastewater Electrodisinfection
Authors: Gonzalez‐Rivas Nelly , Reyes‐Pérez Horacio , Barrera‐Díaz Carlos E.
Published: January 2019

The removal of pathogenic organisms from water and wastewater by electrochemical methods has gained increasing attention due to their very high efficiency, and their easy applicability in real world processes. In this regard there are several approaches utilizing different electrode materials to accomplish the pollutant removal. This minireview highlights how electrocoagulation, direct electrooxidation and indirect electrooxidation are used to remove pathogenic microorganisms from different water and wastewater sources, including industrial and municipal water and wastewater. The conditions for each treatment are describe and the material used for the electrodes are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the use of boron‐doped electrodes in such processes. This kind of electrodes have gained attention due to their excellent properties in electrochemical water treatment, including a wide electrochemical potential window in aqueous media, very low capacitance and extreme electrochemical stability.
[Ru(dcbpy)2dppz]2+/Fullerene Cosensitized PTB7‐Th for Ultrasensitive Photoelectrochemical MicroRNA Assay
Authors: Xia Ling‐Ying , Zheng Ying‐Ning , Liang Wen‐Bin , Li Meng‐Jie , Hu Tao , Yuan Ruo , Chai Ya‐Qin
Published: January 2019

A new cosensitization photoelectrochemical (PEC) strategy was established by using a donor–acceptor‐type photoactive material, poly{4,8‐bis[5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐4,6‐diyl} (PTB7‐Th), as a signal indicator, which was cosensitized with bis(4,4′dicarboxyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl)(4,5,9,14‐tetraazabenzo[b]triphenylene)ruthenium(II) ([Ru(dcbpy)2dppz]2+) embedded in the grooves of the DNA duplex and fullerene (nano‐C60) immobilized on the surface of DNA nanoflowers for microRNA assay. [Ru(dcbpy)2dppz]2+ and nano‐C60 could effectively enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of PTB7‐Th as a result of well‐matched energy levels among nano‐C60, [Ru(dcbpy)2dppz]2+ and PTB7‐Th, leading to a clearly enhanced photocurrent signal. Meanwhile, a target recycling magnification technique based on duplex‐specific nuclease was applied in this work to obtain higher detection sensitivity. The proposed biosensor demonstrated excellent analytical properties within a linear detection range of 2.5 fm to 2.5 nm and a limit of detection down to 0.83 fm. Impressively, this cosensitization PEC strategy offers an effective and convenient avenue to significantly improve the PCE of a photoactive material, resulting in a remarkably improved photocurrent signal for ultrasensitive and highly accurate detection of various targets.
Metal–Organic Frameworks and Other Crystalline Materials for Ultrahigh Superprotonic Conductivities of 10−2 S cm−1 or Higher
Authors: Chand Santanu , Elahi Syed Meheboob , Pal Arun , Das Madhab C.
Published: January 2019

Proton‐conducting materials in the solid state have received immense attention for their role as electrolytes in proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells. Recently, crystalline materials—metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), polyoxometalates (POMs), and porous organic crystals—have become an exciting research topic in the field of proton‐conducting materials. For a better electrolyte, a high proton conductivity on the order of 10−2 S cm−1 or higher is preferred as efficient proton transport between the electrodes is ultimately necessary. With an emphasis on design principles, this Concept will focus on MOFs and other crystalline solid‐based proton‐conducting platforms that exhibit “ultrahigh superprotonic” conductivities with values in excess of 10−2 S cm−1. While only a handful of MOFs exhibit such an ultrahigh conductivity, this quality in other systems is even rarer. In addition to interpreting the structural–functional correlation by taking advantage of their crystalline nature, we address the challenges and promising directions for future research.
Synergic Deprotonation Generates Alkali‐Metal Salts of Tethered Fluorenide‐NHC Ligands Co‐Complexed to Alkali‐Metal Amides
Authors: Evans Kieren J. , Mansell Stephen M.
Published: January 2019

Synergic combinations of alkali‐metal hydrocarbyl/amide reagents were used to synthesise saturated N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands tethered to a fluorenide anion through deprotonation of a spirocyclic precursor, whereas conventional bases were not successful. The Li2 derivatives displayed a bridging amide between two Li atoms within the fluorenide‐NHC pocket, whereas the Na2 and K2 analogues displayed extended solid‐state structures with the fluorenide‐NHC ligand chelating one alkali metal centre.
The prevalence and surgical outcomes of Hürthle cell lesions in FNAs of the thyroid: A multi‐institutional study in 6 Asian countries
Authors: Agarwal Shipra , Bychkov Andrey , Jung Chan Kwon , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Lai Chiung‐Ru , Hong SoonWon , Kwon Hyeong Ju , Rangdaeng Samreung , Liu Zhiyan , Su Peng , Kakudo Kennichi , Jain Deepali
Published: January 2019

Background

Hürthle cell‐rich nodules (HCNs) encompass non‐neoplastic to malignant lesions. There is paucity of literature on the frequency distribution of HCNs among Bethesda categories, histologic follow‐up, risk of malignancy (ROM), and risk of neoplasia (RON). The objective of this retrospective, multi‐institutional study was to determine the prevalence of the cytologic diagnostic category and surgical outcomes of patients with HCN.

Methods

Nine tertiary health centers representing 6 Asian countries participated. Cases were retrieved from respective databases. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology was used. Cytology results were correlated with surgical diagnoses.

Results

Of 42,190 thyroid aspirates retrieved, 760 (1.8%) had a Hürthle cell predominance. Most (61%) were categorized as atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance, Hürthle cell type” (AUS‐H); 35% were categorized as follicular neoplasm, Hürthle cell type (FN‐H); and 4% were categorized as suspicious for malignancy (SFM). Histologic follow‐up was available for 288 aspirates (38%). Most were benign on resection (66%), and the most common histologic diagnosis was Hürthle cell adenoma (28.5%). The ROM for AUS‐H, FN‐H, and SFM, as calculated on resected nodules, was 32%, 31%, and 71%, respectively; and the RON was 47%, 81%, and 77%, respectively. The 5 institutions that had an AUS‐H:HCN ratio below 0.5 diagnosed HCN less frequently as AUS‐H than as FN‐H.

Conclusions

This is the largest, contemporary, multi‐institutional series of HCNs with surgical follow‐up. Although there was wide interinstitutional variation in prevalence and surgical outcomes, there was no significant difference in the ROM among institutions. The categories AUS‐H and FN‐H had a similar ROM for resected nodules.
Engineering Reusable Sponge of Cobalt Heterostructures for Highly Efficient Organic Pollutants Degradation via Peroxymonosulfate Activation
Authors: Hussain Asif , Liu Yanbiao , Bin‐aftab Tallal , Li Dengxin , Sand Wolfgang
Published: January 2019

The rational 3D design of affordable cobalt heterostructures with tunable catalytic properties and water phase functionality is highly desirable for advanced oxidation applications. Herein, we demonstrate a new and scalable approach based on thermal‐induced phase separation chemistry that allows controllable in situ growth of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoflowers onto a self‐standing polymer sponge. Detailed characterization revealed that the Co3O4 nanoflowers were uniformly and tightly attached on a mesoporous polymeric network with a surface area of 230.0 m2/g and excellent mechanical stability. The catalytic performance of the sponge‐like catalyst was evaluated by degradation of model organic compounds (i. e., acid orange 7, AO7) under various operational conditions. The results indicate that complete color removal of AO7 can be achieved in <2 min, with a >84% TOC mineralization and negligible cobalt leaching under optimal conditions. The SP‐50/PMS system could also effectively remove a broad range of compounds like antibiotic tetracycline, acid orange 52 (typical fluorescent azo‐dye), and rhodamine B (a typical basic dye). Time‐resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data revealed that SO4.− and OH.− were the primary oxidative species. Overall results exemplified the advantages of high‐performance sponge catalyst for the remediation of organic pollutants from water environment.
Efficient dummy generation for considering obstacles and protecting user location
Authors: Song Doohee , Song Moonbae , Shakhov Vladimir , Park Kwangjin
Published: January 2019

To receive location‐based services (LBS), users must disclose their locations and queries to the LBS server, which can expose the user's identity, location, and other information. Recently, techniques for protecting user privacy using dummies have been researched. However, many factors, such as the distance between the obstacles and the dummies, must be considered in order to create dummies. Therefore, this study proposes an efficient dummy creation technique to improve user privacy protection. Experimental results show that the proposed technique improves on other recent techniques.
The role of attachment characteristics in dialectical behavior therapy for patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Bernheim Dorothee , Gander Manuela , Keller Ferdinand , Becker Mathias , Lischke Alexander , Mentel Renate , Freyberger Harald J. , Buchheim Anna
Published: January 2019

Attachment characteristics play a key role in understanding borderline‐specific problems with respect to childhood maltreatment. The aim of this study was to investigate how attachment representations may influence the trajectory of change in a 1‐year outpatient dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Attachment representations were assessed in 26 BPD patients and 26 healthy controls (HC) using the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) before treatment. Borderline and global symptom severity and interpersonal problems were examined before, during, and after completing the intervention. Analysis of variance and stepwise hierarchical regression analyses were used to explore the course of symptomatology. As expected, BPD patients displayed a predominance of unresolved attachment in the AAP compared with HC, by showing a lack of ability to integrate attachment related trauma. Whereas both resolved and unresolved attachment groups revealed significant improvement in symptom severity during treatment, dimensional AAP scores showed differences. Patients with higher scores in “synchrony” demonstrated more indicators of mutual care in their narratives to dyadic pictures and displayed a significantly stronger decrease of interpersonal problems than patients with lower synchrony scores. Assessing attachment representations prior to DBT might provide a helpful insight into individual attachment related resources or lack of these capacities. Responsiveness and synchrony in dyadic interactions with significant others are crucial for healthy interpersonal relations. A stronger therapeutic focus on the patient's capacity to show synchrony in dyadic attachment situations might improve the patient's interpersonal problems towards sensitive and mutual interaction.
Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) in Korea
Authors: Min Hun-Ki
Published: January 2019

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Korea has increased tremendously during the past several decades. In addition to the explosive increase of diabetes mellitus, the clinical characteristics of diabetes mellitus in Korea seems to be quite different from those of Western countries. Most patients with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) are non‐obese and many of them lose weight significantly during the course of developing diabetes. The pathogenic mechanism(s) underlying this phenotype is still unclear. A subgroup of patients known as slow onset IDDM exists, but this could not explain the majority of non‐obese NIDDM in Korea. In order to examine whether insulin resistance/hyperinsulinaemia is important in the development of NIDDM we conducted the following studies. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentration were measured in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. The peak plasma insulin level was much lower than that of Pima Indians or Caucasians. We also found that the insulin sensitivity index measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp in the first degree relatives of Korean NIDDM patients was not lower than that in a control group. This data suggests that insulin resistance, or hyperinsulinaemia, does not play a major role in the development of NIDDM in Korea.

Taken together with the rarity of obese NIDDM in Korea, it maybe suggested that the insulin secretory capacity of Korean people being smaller than Western people they cannot compensate for the insulin resistance imposed by recent chances in life style.
Local Knowledge and Single IRBs for Multisite Studies: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Klitzman Robert , Pivovarova Ekaterina , Murray Alexandra , Appelbaum Paul S. , Stiles Deborah F. , Lidz Charles W.
Published: January 2019

New federal policies require single IRB review for multisite studies, but many questions remain about how these IRBs will use local knowledge. The findings from our study, the first to examine how single IRBs perceive needs for local knowledge, reveal several challenges. Study respondents identified four potentially relevant types of local knowledge: about culture and linguistics, about geography and socioeconomics, about the researchers, and about the institutions. Such knowledge can potentially be obtained through local sites, but single IRBs may be unaware of potentially relevant local information, and lack of informal relationships may impede single IRBs’ reviews and interactions with researchers. While a recent, commonly used, standardized single‐IRB form asks three basic questions about local information, our findings suggest potential needs for additional information and, thus, have important implications for practice, policy, and research.
Framing pictures: A conceptual framework to identify and correct for biases in detection probability of camera traps enabling multi‐species comparison
Authors: Hofmeester Tim R. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M. , Odden John , Andrén Henrik , Kindberg Jonas , Linnell John D. C.
Published: January 2019

Obtaining reliable species observations is of great importance in animal ecology and wildlife conservation. An increasing number of studies use camera traps (CTs) to study wildlife communities, and an increasing effort is made to make better use and reuse of the large amounts of data that are produced. It is in these circumstances that it becomes paramount to correct for the species‐ and study‐specific variation in imperfect detection within CTs. We reviewed the literature and used our own experience to compile a list of factors that affect CT detection of animals. We did this within a conceptual framework of six distinct scales separating out the influences of (a) animal characteristics, (b) CT specifications, (c) CT set‐up protocols, and (d) environmental variables. We identified 40 factors that can potentially influence the detection of animals by CTs at these six scales. Many of these factors were related to only a few overarching parameters. Most of the animal characteristics scale with body mass and diet type, and most environmental characteristics differ with season or latitude such that remote sensing products like NDVI could be used as a proxy index to capture this variation. Factors that influence detection at the microsite and camera scales are probably the most important in determining CT detection of animals. The type of study and specific research question will determine which factors should be corrected. Corrections can be done by directly adjusting the CT metric of interest or by using covariates in a statistical framework. Our conceptual framework can be used to design better CT studies and help when analyzing CT data. Furthermore, it provides an overview of which factors should be reported in CT studies to make them repeatable, comparable, and their data reusable. This should greatly improve the possibilities for global scale analyses of (reused) CT data.
Ecology of the growth of Anolis nebulosus (Squamata: Dactyloidae) in a seasonal tropical environment in the Chamela region, Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Salinas Uriel , Ramírez‐Bautista Aurelio , Cruz‐Elizalde Raciel , Meiri Shai , Berriozabal‐Islas Christian
Published: January 2019

Juvenile growth rates are thought to be restricted by available food resources. In animals that grow throughout the year, such as tropical lizards, growth is therefore predicted to be faster during the rainy season. We test this prediction using a population of Anolis nebulosusby describing the growth trajectories of both sexes using nonlinear regression models, and we then correlate the growth rates of individuals with food available in the environment, precipitation, and temperature. The Von Bertalanffy model fits the growth rates of the females better, while the logistic‐by‐length model fits the males better. According to both models, the males grew faster than females, reaching slightly smaller sizes at adulthood. Males reached sexual maturity when 35 mm long, at an age of seven months, and females matured at 37 mm (SVL), taking nine months to reach this size. In 1989, juvenile males and females grew more in both seasons (rainy and dry) than adults; for 1990, there were no differences by season or between age classes. These results are interesting since in the 1989 and 1990 rainy seasons, practically the same orders of prey and the greatest abundance of prey available in the environment were registered. A possible explanation could be that predation was more intense in 1990 than in 1989. There is little evidence that food, temperature, and humidity affect growth rates of A. nebulosus, refuting our predictions. This is mainly due to the low variation in growth observed in 1990. Therefore we think that the growth of this species reflects a complex combination of ecological and genetic factors.
Highly reliable wireless communication system using polarization rotating wave for M2M application
Authors: Takei Ken , Yamada Hiroki
Published: January 2019

A new radio system that deterministically uses reflection waves is proposed. This system transfers data on the rotating polarization wave (RPW), which rotates the polarization at enough lower frequency than that of propagation to digitally control it. The receiver discriminating a deterministic reflection wave of the RPW by selecting the polarization that the transmitter uses achieves good nonline‐of‐sight communication quality.
Extreme winter warm event causes exceptionally early bud break for many woody species
Authors: Ladwig Laura M. , Chandler Jennifer L. , Guiden Peter W. , Henn Jonathan J.
Published: January 2019

In many ecosystems, climate is changing faster during winter compared to other seasons. However, we lack basic information about the responses of many species to winter climate change, including extreme warm events. Extreme warm events may have particularly strong influences at the end of winter, when some species begin to break dormancy while the risk of freezing remains high. Here, we monitored bud burst of 101 temperate woody species following an extreme warm event during winter to investigate species responses to this anomalous event and determine whether functional traits predicted species responses. Following six consecutive days of extreme warm temperatures in winter, nearly half the surveyed tree and shrub species had an advanced stage of bud phenology. Responding species were most likely to be shade‐intolerant, phylogenetically related, and have weaker dormancy requirements. Based on established species response thresholds to spring temperatures in the region, species were expected to be unresponsive to warm temperatures this early in the year, yet many species broke dormancy. Species responses to this extreme winter warm event highlighted how climate change can alter well‐established species–climate associations. In an era of increasing climate change creating novel winter conditions, continued monitoring both long‐term and following extreme events is needed to understand new species–climate dynamics.
Are avian population targets achievable through programs that restore habitat on private‐lands?
Authors: Reiley Bryan M. , Stodola Kirk W. , Benson Thomas J.
Published: January 2019

Agricultural intensification has negatively affected biodiversity throughout the world. In the United States, population declines of many early successional bird species have been linked with habitat loss due to agriculture. In light of this, recent efforts have attempted to prioritize conservation actions at continental scales. Importantly, these efforts have used existing data to estimate the global population size for declining species and set future population goals. Though these efforts consider broad scales for conservation efforts and provide population targets, they lack explicit plans to achieve established goals. One way to achieve these population goals is through the process of habitat restoration, such as voluntary private‐land conservation programs that restore habitat in agricultural landscapes and are implemented at a sufficiently large scale to achieve population goals. Our goal was to understand how private‐land conservation programs can be used to achieve population goals for declining species. To do this, we examined the population‐level impacts of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, a program that has created more than 57,000 ha of restored habitat in Illinois, for four declining conservation priority species, the Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii bellii), Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), and Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax trailli trailli). We surveyed 172 randomly chosen restored fields in 10 counties in central and west‐central Illinois during the 2012–2015 breeding seasons. We found that current private‐land conservation efforts in Illinois are probably effective in achieving state population goals for rare species with restricted habitat preferences such as the Bell's Vireo and may be close to achieving the goal for the Willow Flycatcher. However, more than 10 times the current amount of restored habitat (~1% of land used for agriculture in Illinois) would be required to achieve the population goals set for all of our focal species. Our results suggest that achieving population goals for early successional bird species using land restored through private‐land programs may be possible for some rare species, but the large amount of habitat needed for many species makes achieving these goals only possible with significant increases in private‐land habitat.
Irregular pacing of ventricular cardiomyocytes induces pro‐fibrotic signalling involving paracrine effects of transforming growth factor beta and connective tissue growth factor
Authors: Slawik Jonathan , Adrian Lucas , Hohl Mathias , Lothschütz Sarah , Laufs Ulrich , Böhm Michael
Published: January 2019

Aims

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia associated with arrhythmic ventricular contractions, incident heart failure, increased morbidity and mortality. The relationship between arrhythmic contractions and ventricular remodelling is incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of irregular contractions on pro‐fibrotic signalling in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVM).

Methods and results

Neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were paced via field stimulation at 3 Hz for 24 h. Irregularity was created by pseudorandomized variation of stimulation intervals and compared to regular pacing. Treatment of neonatal cardiac fibroblasts (NCF) with medium of irregularly paced NRVM increased protein expression of collagen I (206 ± 62%, P = 0.0121) and collagen III (51 ± 37%, P = 0.0119). To identify the underlying mechanism, expression of pro‐fibrotic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) was assessed. In irregularly paced NRVM, increased protein expression of CTGF (80 ± 22%, P = 0.0035) and TGF‐β (122 ± 31%, P = 0.0022) was associated with enhanced excretion of both proteins into the medium. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed an increased production of reactive oxygen species (46 ± 21%, P = 0.0352) after irregular pacing accompanied by increased 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine staining (214 ± 53%, P = 0.0011). Irregular pacing was associated with elevated mRNA levels of anti‐oxidative superoxide dismutase 1 (25 ± 7%, P = 0.0175), superoxide dismutase 3 (20 ± 7%, P = 0.0309), and catalase (20 ± 7%, P = 0.046).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that irregular pacing is an important inductor of pro‐fibrotic signalling in NRVM involving paracrine effects of CTGF and TGF‐β as well as increased oxidative stress. Thus, irregularity of the heart beat might directly be involved in the progression of maladaptive remodelling processes in atrial fibrillation.
Impaired antigen‐specific lymphocyte priming in mice after Toll‐like receptor 4 activation via induction of monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells
Authors: Tsukamoto Hiroki , Kozakai Sao , Kobayashi Yohei , Takanashi Risako , Aoyagi Takuya , Numasaki Muneo , Ohta Shoichiro , Tomioka Yoshihisa
Published: January 2019

In sepsis, the pathology involves a shift from a proinflammatory state toward an immunosuppressive phase. We previously showed that an agonistic anti‐TLR4 antibody induced long‐term endotoxin tolerance and suppressed antigen‐specific secondary IgG production when primed prior to immunization with antigen. These findings led us to speculate that TLR4‐induced innate tolerance due to primary infection causes an immunosuppressive pathology in sepsis. Therefore, the mechanism underlying impaired antigen‐specific humoral immunity by the TLR4 antibody was investigated. We showed, in a mouse model, that primary antigen‐specific IgG responses were impaired in TLR4 antibody‐induced tolerized mice, which was the result of reduced numbers of antigen‐specific GC B cells and plasma cells. Ovalbumin‐specific CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses were impaired in TLR4 antibody‐injected OT‐I and ‐II transgenic mice ex vivo. Adoptive transfer studies demonstrated suppression of OVA‐specific CD4 and CD8 T‐cell responses by the TLR4 antibody in vivo. The TLR4 antibody induced Gr1+CD11b+ myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) expansion with suppression of T‐cell activation. Monocytic MDSCs were more suppressive and exhibited higher expression of PD‐L1 and inducible nitric oxidase compared with granulocytic MDSCs. In conclusion, immune tolerance conferred by TLR4 activation induces the expansion of monocytic MDSCs, which impairs antigen‐specific T‐cell priming and IgG production.
3D‐printed Portable Platform for Mechanized Handling and Injection of Microvolumes Coupled to Electrochemical Detection
Authors: Mendonça Dianderson M. H. , Rocha Diego P. , Dutra Gustavo S. V. , Cardoso Rafael M. , Batista Alex D. , Richter Eduardo M. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A.
Published: January 2019

We present a low‐cost mechanized system fabricated using fused deposition modelling 3D‐printing technology to manipulate microvolumes and perform injections on an electrochemical cell in wall‐jet configuration. As a proof‐of‐concept, the amperometric detection of paracetamol (model analyte) on a screen‐printed electrode using 0.5 μL aliquots resulted in highly reproducible responses (RSD <3 %). Moreover, handling of microliter aliquots of butylhydroxytoluene (phenolic antioxidant) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) to promote the radical‐scavenging reaction to determine antioxidant capacity by electrochemical detection of residual DPPH was demonstrated (time‐controlled reaction). A final application of the system was devoted to the analysis of cocaine and a common adulterant found in seized samples. The mechanized 3D‐printed analytical platform is capable to execute diverse sample preparation steps on board by handling microliter aliquots and subsequent electrochemical detection. 3D‐printing technology enabled the fabrication of a versatile and low‐cost (<U$200) mechanized system accessible to general chemistry labs.
Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis combined with the isomotive AC electric field and applied to single cell analysis
Authors: Tada Shigeru , Eguchi Masanori , Okano Kohei
Published: January 2019

We developed an insulator‐based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) creek‐gap device that enables the isomotive movement of cells and that is suitable for determining their DEP properties. In the iDEP creek‐gap device, a pair of planar insulators forming a single fan‐shaped channel allows the induction of the isomotive iDEP force on cells. Hence, the cells’ behavior is characterized by straight motion at constant velocity in the longitudinal direction of the channel. Operation of the device was demonstrated using human breast epithelial cells (MCF10A) by applying an AC voltage of Vpp = 34 V peak‐to‐peak and frequencies of 200 kHz and 50 MHz to the device. Subsequently, the magnitude of DEP forces and the real part of the ClausiusMossotti (CM) factor, Re(β), were deduced from the measured cell velocity. The values of Re(β) were 0.14 ± 0.01 for the frequency of 200 kHz and −0.12 ± 0.01 for 50 MHz. These results demonstrated that the DEP properties of the cells could be extracted over a wide field frequency range. Therefore, the proposed iDEP creek‐gap device was found to be applicable to cell analysis.
Two‐step signal amplification for high‐sensitivity detection of biomarkers using gold nanoparticle–based conjugates
Authors: Zhang Pengjuan , Yang Jie , Liu Dingbin
Published: January 2019

The measurement of biomarkers in bodily fluids is extremely important for diagnosing disease, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment efficacy. In this paper, we present a highly sensitive and compatible gold nanoparticle (AuNP)‐based, two‐step signal amplification system for biomarker detection. First, AuNPs were coated onto the surfaces of 96‐well plates to generate rough surfaces, which enable immobilization of many more capture antibodies than a smooth substrate. As a result, detection sensitivity was enhanced significantly. Second, the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐conjugated detection antibodies were labeled on large‐size AuNPs, which increase the localized amounts of HRP and thus further lower the detection limit. Based on the consecutive signal amplification system, a high‐sensitivity assay was achieved, with a LOD of 0.07 ng/mL for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). This assay was allowed to detect the PSA levels in clinical samples without changing the current standard immunoassay setups, showing great potential in many settings where immunoassays are needed.
Predictable genome-wide sorting of standing genetic variation during parallel adaptation to basic versus acidic environments in stickleback fish
Authors: Haenel Quiterie , Roesti Marius , Moser Dario , MacColl Andrew D. C. , Berner Daniel
Published: January 2019

Genomic studies of parallel (or convergent) evolution often compare multiple populations diverged into two ecologically different habitats to search for loci repeatedly involved in adaptation. Because the shared ancestor of these populations is generally unavailable, the source of the alleles at adaptation loci, and the direction in which their frequencies were shifted during evolution, remain elusive. To shed light on these issues, we here use multiple populations of threespine stickleback fish adapted to two different types of derived freshwater habitats—basic and acidic lakes on the island of North Uist, Outer Hebrides, Scotland—and the present-day proxy of their marine ancestor. In a first step, we combine genome-wide pooled sequencing and targeted individual-level sequencing to demonstrate that ecological and phenotypic parallelism in basic-acidic divergence is reflected by genomic parallelism in dozens of genome regions. Exploiting data from the ancestor, we next show that the acidic populations, residing in ecologically more extreme derived habitats, have adapted by accumulating alleles rare in the ancestor, whereas the basic populations have retained alleles common in the ancestor. Genomic responses to selection are thus predictable from the ecological difference of each derived habitat type from the ancestral one. This asymmetric sorting of standing genetic variation at loci important to basic-acidic divergence has further resulted in more numerous selective sweeps in the acidic populations. Finally, our data suggest that the maintenance in marine fish of standing variation important to adaptive basic-acidic differentiation does not require extensive hybridization between the marine and freshwater populations. Overall, our study reveals striking genome-wide determinism in both the loci involved in parallel divergence, and in the direction in which alleles at these loci have been selected.
A high‐order discontinuous Galerkin method for the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations on arbitrary grids
Authors: Zhang Fan , Cheng Jian , Liu Tiegang
Published: January 2019

A high‐order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method is proposed in this work for solving the two‐dimensional steady and unsteady incompressible Navier‐Stokes (INS) equations written in conservative form on arbitrary grids. In order to construct the interface inviscid fluxes both in the continuity and in the momentum equations, an artificial compressibility term has been added to the continuity equation for relaxing the incompressibility constraint. Then, as the hyperbolic nature of the INS equations has been recovered, the local Lax‐Friedrichs (LLF) flux, which was previously developed in the context of hyperbolic conservation laws, is applied to discretize the inviscid term. Unlike the traditional artificial compressibility method, in this work, the artificial compressibility is introduced only for the construction of the inviscid numerical fluxes; therefore, a consistent discretization of the INS equations is obtained, irrespective of the amount of artificial compressibility used. What is more, as the LLF flux can be obtained directly and straightforward, no numerical iteration for solving an exact Riemann problem is entailed in our method. The viscous term is discretized by the direct DG method, which was developed based on the weak formulation of the scalar diffusion problems on structured grids. The performance and the accuracy of the method are demonstrated by computing a number of benchmark test cases, including both steady and unsteady incompressible flow problems. Due to its simplicity in implementation, our method provides an attractive alternative for solving the INS equations on arbitrary grids.
Effect of clove powder on quality characteristics and shelf life of kimchi paste
Authors: Kang Miran , Park JeongSun , Yoo SeungRan
Published: January 2019

Clove has been shown to extend the shelf life of various foods. This study investigated whether it can prolong the shelf life of kimchi paste. Clove powder at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% was added to kimchi paste, which was then sealed and stored at 10°C for 20 days. Changes in microbial counts, gas composition, sugar and organic acid contents, pH, titratable acidity, and reducing sugar content were evaluated. Adding clove powder inhibited the growth of total aerobic and lactic acid bacteria and delayed changes in O2 and CO2 concentration and sugar and organic acid contents. It also slowed the decrease in pH, increase in titratable acidity, and changes in reducing sugar content. These results indicate that clove powder effectively prolongs the quality attributes and thus extends the shelf life of kimchi paste.