bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological character displacement alters the outcome of priority effects during community assembly
Authors: Stroud J. T. , Giery S. T. , Outerbridge M. , Feeley K. J.
Published: April 2019

Character displacement may facilitate species coexistence through niche partitioning. However, the degree to which character displacement influences broader patterns of community assembly is unclear. Here, we capitalize on a natural experiment of community assembly on the oceanic island of Bermuda. Over the past century, three species of ecologically similar but distantly relatedAnolislizards have been introduced to Bermuda where noAnolishas ever naturally existed. The Jamaican anole (A. grahami) arrived first in 1905 and dispersed rapidly across the island. Five decades later, the Antiguan anole (A. leachii) and the Barbadian anole (A. extremus) were introduced to independent locations. In 1991,A. leachiiandA. extremuswere observed to nearly meet at a contact zone, but not yet to coexist. We record that subsequent range expansion at this contact zone has been asymmetrical;A. leachiiinvaded the range ofA. extremus, but reciprocal invasion byA. extremushas not occurred. When in allopatry in Bermuda, both species occupy identical ecological space. However,A. leachiiunderwent rapid ecological character displacement to use arboreal habitat when invading the range ofA. extremus. These findings highlight how character displacement may influence the process of dispersal and drive patterns of coexistence and community assembly.
Joint Probabilistic Analysis of Risk for Aquatic Species and Exceedence Frequency for the Agricultural Use of Chlorpyrifos in the Pampean Region, Argentina
Authors: Alvarez Melina , Du Mortier Cecile , Jaureguiberry Soledad , Venturino Andrés
Published: April 2019

The Pampa Húmeda region in Argentina is characterized by soybean, wheat, and maize production, with intensive application of agrochemicals such as herbicides and insecticides. We used a joint probabilistic approach to analyze the probabilities for environmental chlorpyrifos concentrations measured in the Pampa Húmeda to exceed acute or chronic hazardous concentration for 5% of the species (HC5) values estimated from species sensitivity distributions for aquatic species. Chlorpyrifos concentrations in water ranged from 0.0005 to 10.8 µg/L, with a median of 0.013 µg/L. The HC5 limits were 0.0637 µg/L for acute and 0.0007 µg/L for chronic effects. The probabilities for chlorpyrifos environmental concentrations to exceed the HC5 values ranged from 35% (acute effects) to 96% (chronic effects). Water quality criteria (WQC) for the protection of aquatic life were also frequently exceeded (by 48–87%) for both acute and chronic effects. Together with published threshold limit values from mesocosm studies, these data suggest that macroinvertebrate communities can be severely affected by the reported environmental concentrations of chlorpyrifos. Indeed, changes in the macroinvertebrate assemblage in the Pampa Húmeda have been correlated with chlorpyrifos levels in sediments. Nevertheless, the actual impact needs to be ascertained by assessing the recovery rate of macroinvertebrate populations in this region. Considering the HC5 for chronic effects and the threshold limits for macroinvertebrate community level effects, we propose 0.7 ng/L as a new WQC to effectively protect aquatic life from long-term exposure to chlorpyrifos. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1748–1755. © 2019 SETAC.

Abstract

The joint probability graph summarizes the probabilities that the environmental chlorpyrifos concentrations found at the Pampa Húmeda in Argentina (blue circles) will exceed certain protection limit endpoints. The protection endpoints shown are: the acute and chronic hazardous concentration for 5% of the species (HC5) derived from the respective species sensitivity distributions (SSDs; red arrows); the water quality criteria (WQC) for Aquatic Life Protection from Canada (A, short term; B, long term) and Argentina (C; purple arrows); and the threshold concentration for chlorpyrifos effects on the benthic macroinvertebrate community (TC; green arrow). The risks of chlorpyrifos use in the Pampa Húmeda are very high, and an impact on aquatic biota is suspected from the effects observed on macroinvertebrate assemblages. In consideration of the lowest limit endpoint, a WQC of 0.7 ng/L for chlorpyrifos is proposed.
Exploring the Use of Species Sensitivity Distributions to Define Protective Limits for the Use of Organic Wastes as Soil Amendments
Authors: Renaud Mathieu , Chelinho Sónia , Alvarenga Paula , Mourinha Clarisse , Palma Patrícia , Sousa José Paulo , Natal-da-Luz Tiago
Published: April 2019

The use of organic wastes as soil amendments can be an important measure to improve soil quality and reduce waste accumulation and landfilling. However, the potential contaminant loads of such wastes, can be a source of environmental concern. Consequently, legislation has been developed to regulate the use of these wastes in agricultural soils. However, the regulations only consider chemical parameters, which are insufficient to establish the level of environmental risk. A possible solution is the use of species sensitivity distributions (SSDs), employing ecotoxicological data from test batteries that could be incorporated into legislation. In the present study, 2 different hazardous concentrations affecting 5 and 50% of the soil community (HC5 and HC50, respectively) were determined using ecotoxicological data (effect concentrations, 10 and 50% [EC10 and EC50, respectively]) for 5 different wastes. The results demonstrate that, as expected, current legislative thresholds do not translate to environmental risk/protection and that SSDs may be an important tool allowing the simple inclusion and interpretation of ecotoxicological data from test batteries in legislation. On the other hand, SSDs must be used with caution because there are still doubts about their actual value in risk prediction and about which estimates provide adequate protection. For instance, the use of HC50EC10 values is not recommended; these values overlap with the more conservative HC5EC50 data, highlighting the fact that the use of lower effect concentrations may not always provide the most protective approach. Also, hazardous concentrations need to be calibrated at the field or semifield level, to verify environmental protection in different soils/environments and the adequacy of standard test organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1569–1576. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Incorporating ecotoxicological test data in the risk assessment of organic wastes using species sensitivity distributions, considering different rifsk thresholds. AIS = agro-industrial sludge; MMSWC = a mixed municipal solid waste compost: AWC = an agricultural waste compost; AWSSC = an agricultural waste and a sewage sludge compost (AWSSC); SS1 and SS2 = 2 sewage sludges; PSD = a pig slurry digestate; PMW = a paper mill waste; EC50 and EC10 = effect concentration, 50% and 10%; HC50 and HC5 = hazardous concentrations that affect either 50% or 5% of the soil community.
Auf die Ressourcen kommt es an
Authors: Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2019

Organische Katalyse: Die Aktivierung der allgegenwärtigen, aber reaktionsträgen Kohlenstoff‐Wasserstoff‐Bindungen hat sich zur umweltschonenden Alternative zu traditionellen Verfahren der molekularen Synthese entwickelt. Mit ihr lassen sich toxische Nebenprodukte gezielt minimieren und neue Wirkstoffe entwickeln, die auch der Kunststoffsynthese oder Medikamentenentwicklung zugutekommen können.
Phytochemical investigation of Magnolia grandiflora green seed cones: Analytical and phytoceutical studies
Authors: Garza Bo , Echeverria Alondra , Gonzalez Felipe , Castillo Orlando , Eubanks Thomas , Bandyopadhyay Debasish
Published: April 2019

Phytochemicals are inevitable part of human civilization. It is impossible to say exactly when menfolk started to take plant portions to cure various diseases. Phytochemical investigation of diethyl ether and ethanol extracts of Magnolia grandiflora green seed cones has been carried out. Extraction, isolation, and identification of the phytochemicals were carried out. Structures were determined by various analytical methods including extensive nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallographic analyses. Structures of the three compounds viz. 5,5′‐diallyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2,2′‐diol (I), 3′,5‐diallyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2,4′‐diol (II), and (3S,3aS,8S,9aS,10aR,10bS,E)‐8‐hydroxy‐3,6,9a‐trimethyl‐3a,4,5,8,9,9a,10a,10b‐octahydrooxireno[2′,3′:9,10]cyclodeca[1,2‐b]furan‐2(3H)‐one (III) were confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. GS‐MS studies of the isolated oil, eluted with hexanes, revealed the presence of eight compounds including two highly bio‐privileged molecules 5,5′‐diallyl‐2′‐methoxy‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐ol (IV) and 1‐(4‐isopropylbenzyl)‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐one (V). The druggability of the five compounds has also been determined by in silico studies. The isolated compounds and/or their semi‐synthetic products may find application in natural drug development research.
Mapping microbial stories: Creative microbial aesthetic and cross‐disciplinary intervention in understanding nurses’ infection prevention practices
Authors: Roe Emma , Veal Charlotte , Hurley Paul
Published: April 2019

Consistent implementation of hand‐washing within the hospital environment remains a challenge in infection prevention (IP) procedures. IP is one of a number of measures to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A cross‐disciplinary team was assembled to experiment with different ways of visualising the microbial. The paper details a comparative experimental design where nurses (n = 2) performed a series of routine care procedures in a mock‐ward setting where traces of coloured ultra‐violet glow‐powders had been purposely placed, first with routine hand‐washing and second without routine hand‐washing. The results presented as a series of photos, video‐clips, ethnographic observations and nurse interviews explore nurse–microbial relations and the potential for affective and embodied encounters with microbial worlds to generate new insight in IP. We argue for creating unfamiliar aesthetics that engage the sensate as an intervention in established IP education. The aesthetic rendered invisible microbes visible through techno‐artistic practice. The performance term “devising” was used to analyse the cross‐disciplinary methodological process. Finally, we consider the potential for nurses to act as microbial citizens as they extend their care for the human to entail the need to care for the microbial, perhaps not to kill but to relocate the risky pathogen, as part of a commitment to multispecies living in a world with AMR.
Effectiveness of introducing crop coefficient and leaf area index to enhance evapotranspiration simulations in hydrologic models
Authors: Birhanu Dereje , Kim Hyeonjun , Jang Cheolhee
Published: April 2019

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an essential component of the hydrological cycle and plays a critical role in water resource management. However, ET is often overlooked in order to transform rainfall to runoff for better streamflow simulation. Hydrological models are commonly used to estimate areal actual evapotranspiration (AET) after calibration against observed discharge. However, classical approaches are often inadequate to appropriately simulate other hydrologic components. Hence, it is important to introduce natural heterogeneity to enhance hydrological processes and reduce water balance errors. In this study, the effectiveness of introducing a constant crop coefficient (Kc), flux tower‐based Kc, and leaf area index (LAI) to three hydrological models (Three‐Parametric Hydrologic Model [TPHM], Génie Rural à 4 paramètres Journalier [GR4J], and Catchment hydrologic cycle Assessment Tool [CAT]) is assessed for the simulation of daily streamflow and AET in a mountainous mixed forest watershed (8.54 km2) in South Korea. The results show that the streamflow simulations after introduction of Kc and LAI to the original models are quite similar. However, the effectiveness of the AET estimation was significantly enhanced after introduction of the flux tower‐based Kc and LAI. The information criterion computed to compare the models reveals that the flux tower‐based Kc‐simulated AET demonstrated better agreement with the observed AET. The Pearson's correlation coefficients (R2) of the TPHM (8%), GR4J (55%), and CAT (55%) models also showed improvements that were greater than the constant based Kc simulation. Similarly, the limitations of the three models with respect to capturing seasonal variation as well as high and low flows were enhanced after the introduction of the flux tower‐based Kc, which adequately reproduced hydrological processes with minimum water balance errors and bias. A regression analysis revealed the potential of estimating Kc as a linear function of LAI (R2 = 0.84). The results of this study indicate that introduction of Kc and LAI to the conceptual rainfall–runoff models can be considered an effective approach to reduce water balance errors and uncertainties in hydrological models and improve the reliability of climate change studies and water resource management.
Biocompatibility and immunogenic response to recombinant honeybee silk material
Authors: Sutherland Tara D. , Vashi Aditya V. , Kardia Egi , Sriskantha Alagacone , Rapson Trevor D. , Hall Robyn N. , Werkmeister Jerome A.
Published: April 2019

If tolerated in biological environments, recombinant structural proteins offer the advantage that biological cues dictating cell attachment and material degradation can be modified as required for clinical application using genetic engineering. In this study, we investigate the biological response to materials generated from the recombinant honeybee silk protein, AmelF3, a structural protein that can be produced at high levels by fermentation in Escherichia coli. The protein can be readily purified from E. coli host cell proteins after transgenic production and fabricated into various material formats. When implanted subcutaneously according to International Standard ISO 10993 tests, materials generated from the purified recombinant protein were found to be noncytotoxic, inducing a transient weak immunogenic response and a chronic inflammatory response that resolved over time. While preliminary, this study supports the ongoing development of materials generated from this protein for biomedical applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1763–1770, 2019.
High‐resolution projections of extreme heat in New York City
Authors: Ortiz Luis E. , González Jorge E. , Horton Radley , Lin Wuyin , Wu Wei , Ramamurthy Prathap , Arend Mark , Bornstein Robert D.
Published: April 2019

Heat waves impact a wide array of human activities, including health, cooling energy demand, and infrastructure. Cities amplify many of these impacts by concentrating large populations and critical infrastructure in relatively small areas. In addition, heat waves are expected to become longer, more intense, and more frequent in North America. Here, we evaluate combined climate and urban surface impacts on localized heat wave metrics throughout the 21st century across two emissions scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) for New York City (NYC), which houses the largest urban population in the United States. We account for local biases due to urban surfaces via bias correcting with observed records and urbanized 1‐km resolution dynamical downscaling simulations across selected time periods (2045–2049 and 2095–2099). Analysis of statistically downscaled global model output shows underestimation of uncorrected summer daily maximum temperatures, leading to lower heat wave intensity and duration projections. High‐resolution dynamical downscaling simulations reveal strong dependency of changes in event duration and intensity on geographical location and urban density. Event intensity changes are expected to be highest closer to the coast, where afternoon sea‐breezes have traditionally mitigated summer high temperatures. Meanwhile, event duration anomaly is largest over Manhattan, where the urban canopy is denser and taller.
Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Stratification Risk of Pneumonia
Authors: Chang Wei‐Kuo , Huang Hsin‐Hung , Lin Hsuan‐Hwai , Tsai Chen‐Liang
Published: April 2019

Background

Aspiration pneumonia is the most common cause of death in patients who undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). This study aims to evaluate the severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia and predict the risk of pneumonia in such patients, using upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods

Endoscope examined the pharyngolaryngeal region in patients who underwent PEG. The severity of oropharyngeal dysphagia was evaluated according to the amount and location of pooling of secretions in the pharyngolaryngeal region. Overall, 55 patients showed absent or minimal amount of secretions (control group), 10 patients showed moderate‐to‐large amounts of secretions filling the pyriform sinus (pharyngeal group), and 23 patients showed secretions entering the laryngeal vestibule (laryngeal group). Demographic data, swallowing level scale, and occurrence of pneumonia were recorded.

Results

The incidence of pneumonia was the highest in the pharyngeal group (70.0%), followed by that in the laryngeal (60.9%) and control groups (30.9%; P = 0.010). Multivariable regression showed that risk of pneumonia was significantly higher in the pharyngeal and laryngeal groups. Cumulative incidence rate of pneumonia was significantly higher in the laryngeal and pharyngeal groups than in the control group (log‐rank test, P = 0.001). Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with suboptimal protective cough reflex than in others (50.0% vs 5.9%, P = 0.034).

Conclusion

Accumulation of abnormal amounts of secretions in the pyriform sinus or in the laryngeal vestibule increased the risk of the hospital admission following pneumonia in patients who underwent PEG. The mortality rate was higher in patients with suboptimal protective cough reflex.
Contemporary analysis of otolaryngic allergy
Authors: Harrill Willard C. , Setzen Gavin , Farquhar Douglas , Pillsbury Harold C.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Investigate the current trends in otolaryngic allergy (OA).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Survey of active AAOA membership.

Results

Response rate was 27.3%. Regional response distribution rates were proportional to the AAOA membership distribution within the United States (R2 = 0.95; P < 0.001), with no significant regional response bias demonstrated (P = 0.428).

Self‐reported duration to OA competency was 5.8 years. Physicians reporting OA competency were more likely to be board‐certified (P < 0.001) and have AAOA fellowship status (P < 0.001). The AAOA was reported to be the most valuable educational resource toward achieving OA competency, with residency training being least valuable (P < 0.001).

91.5% of respondents’ practices offered OA services. Subcutaneous injections predominated at twice the utilization of sublingual immunotherapy. Allergy immunotherapy tablets were rarely utilized. Home allergy shots were offered by 45.2% of respondents. In‐office immunotherapy vial compounding was preferred (95.8%) to third‐party vendors. 94% of AAOA respondents identified patient compliance to be an issue within OA.

Non‐inhalant allergy service integration included food allergy (63.5%), asthma (44.9%), allergic fungal sinusitis (43.8%), penicillin allergy (18%), stinging insect allergy (12.6%), and aspirin desensitization (3.9%).

Conclusion

Reported duration to OA competency after residency was surprisingly long. Further investigation of current and future educational/clinical training is warranted given clinical integration reported for OA. Otolaryngology is in the unique position to develop a comprehensive sino‐allergy evidence‐based strategy integrating the extensive diagnostic and medical treatment arms alongside the surgical expertise of the specialty within a clinical sino‐allergy home concept.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 130:283–289, 2020
Optimal reassessment time for treatment response in posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Song Mee Hyun , Kong Tae Hoon , Shim Dae Bo
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The present study aimed to evaluate the optimal reassessment time for treatment response in posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC‐BPPV) following the initial Epley maneuver.

Study Design

Prospective, single‐blinded, randomized study.

Methods

One hundred eight patients with PC‐BPPV agreed to participate. These patients received a single modified Epley maneuver (recommended by the 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery guidelines) daily until positional nystagmus disappeared during the Dix‐Hallpike maneuver 24 hours after the treatment. Repeated Dix‐Hallpike testing to reassess the treatment response was performed at 1 hour (post‐1 hour), every 24 hours (post‐24 hours) until the positional nystagmus resolved, 1 week (post‐1 week), and 1 month (post‐1 month) following the therapeutic maneuver. The difference in the resolution rates at post‐1 hour and post‐24 hours reassessment was analyzed, and the recurrence rates at post‐1 week and post‐1 month were evaluated.

Results

The resolution rate was 67.6% at post‐1 hour, which increased to 79.6% at post‐24 hours reassessment. There was a statistically significant difference in the results of the Dix‐Hallpike test between post‐1 hour and post‐24 hours follow‐up. After complete resolution, nine out of 108 patients (8.3%) demonstrated recurrence within 1 month.

Conclusions

Reassessment after 24 hours following the initial Epley maneuver is more advantageous than a 1‐hour follow‐up in patients with PC‐BPPV. This information may be helpful for clinicians in deciding the appropriate follow‐up period after treatment for PC‐BPPV.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 130:496–499, 2020
Incidentally identified genetic variants in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy‐associated genes among children undergoing exome sequencing reflect healthy population variation
Authors: Headrick Andrew T. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Yang Yaping , Tunuguntla Hari , Allen Hugh D. , Penny Daniel J. , Kim Jeffrey J. , Landstrom Andrew P.
Published: April 2019

Background

With expanding use of clinical whole exome sequencing (WES), genetic variants of uncertain significance are increasingly identified. As pathologic mutations in genes associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) carry a risk of sudden death, determining the diagnostic relevance of incidentally identified variants associated with these genes is critical.

Methods

WES variants from a large, predominantly pediatric cohort (N = 7,066 probands) were obtained for nine ARVC‐associated genes (Baylor Miraca). For comparison, a control cohort was derived from the gnomAD database and an ARVC case cohort (N = 1,379 probands) was established from ARVC cases in the literature. Topologic mapping was performed and signal‐to‐noise analysis was conducted normalizing WES, or case variants, against control variant frequencies. Retrospective chart review was performed of WES cases evaluated clinically (Texas Children's Hospital).

Results

Incidentally identified variants occurred in 14% of WES referrals and localized to genes which were rare among ARVC cases yet similar to controls. Amino acid‐level signal‐to‐noise analysis of cases demonstrated “pathologic hotspots” localizing to critical domains of PKP2 and DSG2 while WES variants did not. PKP2 ARM7 and ARM8 domains and DSG2 N‐terminal cadherin‐repeat domains demonstrated high pathogenicity while normalized WES variant frequency was low. Review of clinical data available on WES referrals demonstrated none with evidence of ARVC among variant‐positive individuals.

Conclusions

Incidentally identified variants are common among pediatric WES testing with gene frequencies similar to “background” variants. Incidentally identified variants are unlikely to be pathologic.
New research finds increases in suicidal attempts among younger children
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2019

Research about the mental health care needs of children and adolescents continues to mount. A new study published April 8 in JAMA Pediatrics has found that suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts are sending more young children to the emergency room.
Glycated Hemoglobin, but not Insulin Sensitivity, is Associated with Memory in Subjects with Obesity
Authors: Arnoriaga Rodríguez María , Blasco Gerard , Coll Clàudia , Biarnés Carles , Contreras‐Rodríguez Oren , Garre‐Olmo Josep , Puig Josep , Gich Jordi , Ricart Wifredo , Ramió‐Torrentà Lluís , Fernández‐Real José Manuel
Published: April 2019

Objective

Obesity has been related to later‐life dementia. Serum glucose levels and insulin resistance are known to influence cognition in individuals with diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate memory function in middle‐aged individuals with obesity in association with glucose metabolism and brain iron content.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional case‐control study including 121 participants aged 27.2 to 66.6 years (56 without obesity, 65 with obesity) stratified according to sex and menopausal status. Insulin sensitivity, body composition, brain iron content, and memory function were evaluated by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, magnetic resonance relaxometry (R2*), and California Verbal Learning Test, respectively.

Results

Women with obesity, but not men, had lower scores in some California Verbal Learning Tests in association with metabolic parameters and increased brain iron content compared with controls. Fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; within normal range), and R2* were negatively associated with memory scores, whereas insulin sensitivity showed positive associations. Remarkably, only HbA1c levels and R2* in the right inferior fronto‐orbital region remained significant after controlling for age, sex, education, and BMI.

Conclusions

Impairments in memory function in middle‐aged women with obesity are associated with HbA1c levels and brain iron content independently of insulin sensitivity. These results may have implications in the design of therapeutic strategies in women with obesity.
CFRP laminates under low‐velocity impact conditions: Influence of matrix and temperature
Authors: Papa Ilaria , Langella Antonio , Lopresto Valentina
Published: April 2019

In this work, carbon fiber‐reinforced composites (CFRP), respectively, based on a vynilester and epoxy resin were loaded under low‐velocity impact condition to highlight the influences of different matrices and temperature on their dynamic response. In particular, measurements were performed at room and the low temperature of −25°C on samples simply supported by air to exactly simulate the incidental impact during the structure service and having the same thickness. Impact tests were carried out at penetration to obtain the complete load–displacement curve and to measure the penetration energy, and at different energy levels, 5, 10, and 20 J, to investigate the influence of the matrix on the damage start and propagation. After the impact tests, the specimens were nondestructively investigated by the ultrasound technique to measure the delamination. The interesting results obtained on carbon fiber laminates impacted at room and lower temperature are here reported and compared. In general, better behavior was noted for vinyl ester‐based composites, extensively used in the naval field, thanks to their low absorption for humidity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:2429–2437, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of Primary Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Madugundu Anil K. , Na Chan Hyun , Nirujogi Raja Sekhar , Renuse Santosh , Kim Kwang Pyo , Burns Kathleen H. , Wilks Christopher , Langmead Ben , Ellis Shannon E. , Collado‐Torres Leonardo , Halushka Marc K. , Kim Min‐Sik , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: April 2019

Understanding the molecular profile of every human cell type is essential for understanding its role in normal physiology and disease. Technological advancements in DNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, and computational methods allow us to carry out multiomics analyses although such approaches are not routine yet. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are a widely used model system to study pathological and physiological processes associated with the cardiovascular system. In this study, next‐generation sequencing and high‐resolution mass spectrometry to profile the transcriptome and proteome of primary HUVECs is employed. Analysis of 145 million paired‐end reads from next‐generation sequencing confirmed expression of 12 186 protein‐coding genes (FPKM ≥0.1), 439 novel long non‐coding RNAs, and revealed 6089 novel isoforms that were not annotated in GENCODE. Proteomics analysis identifies 6477 proteins including confirmation of N‐termini for 1091 proteins, isoforms for 149 proteins, and 1034 phosphosites. A database search to specifically identify other post‐translational modifications provide evidence for a number of modification sites on 117 proteins which include ubiquitylation, lysine acetylation, and mono‐, di‐ and tri‐methylation events. Evidence for 11 “missing proteins,” which are proteins for which there was insufficient or no protein level evidence, is provided. Peptides supporting missing protein and novel events are validated by comparison of MS/MS fragmentation patterns with synthetic peptides. Finally, 245 variant peptides derived from 207 expressed proteins in addition to alternate translational start sites for seven proteins and evidence for novel proteoforms for five proteins resulting from alternative splicing are identified. Overall, it is believed that the integrated approach employed in this study is widely applicable to study any primary cell type for deeper molecular characterization.
Determination of the best functional and basis sets for optimization of the structure of hypervalent iodines and calculation of their first and second bond dissociation enthalpies
Authors: Matsumoto Koki , Nakajima Masaya , Nemoto Tetsuhiro
Published: April 2019

Hypervalent iodines are widely used in organic chemistry, and their most important feature is the three‐center four‐electron bond. However, there have been few reports on the measurement of their bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE). Therefore, in many cases, BDE is estimated by computational calculations. However, the value of a calculated BDE usually varies depending on the choice of functional and basis set, and the best method for making an accurate evaluation of the three‐center four‐electron bond has not been determined. We succeeded in determining the best functional and basis set to calculate the three‐center four‐electron bond to within 0.79% error and 0.53 standard deviation. Using the optimal functional and basis set, the first and second BDEs of several hypervalent iodines are calculated, and as the effect of benzene substituents was investigated, negative correlation was observed in the Hammett plot. In addition, the effect of ortho‐substituent in cyclic hypervalent iodine was found to be significant. Furthermore, the decomposition route of hypervalent iodine is calculated. The value of a calculated BDE usually varies depending on the choice of functional and basis set. We succeeded in determining the best functional and basis sets to calculate the three‐center four‐electron bond of hypervalent iodine to within 0.79% error and 0.53 standard deviation. Using the optimal functional and basis sets, the first and second BDEs of several hypervalent iodines are calculated, and additionally, the decomposition route of hypervalent iodine is calculated.
Brittle‐ductile transition in uniaxial compression of polymer glasses
Authors: Liu Jianning , Zhao Zhichen , Wang Weiyu , Mays Jimmy W. , Wang Shi‐Qing
Published: April 2019

We carried out a large set of tests to establish a correlation between the molecular (network) structure (influenced by molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and melt predeformation) and mechanical responses of several glassy polymers to uniaxial compression at different temperatures and different compression speeds. The experimental results show that to have ductile responses there must be an adequate chain network, afforded by the interchain uncrossability among sufficiently long chains. Specifically, polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) of sufficiently low molar mass do not have chain network and are found to be very brittle. Binary PS mixtures are brittle at room temperature when the volume fraction of the high‐molecular‐weight component is sufficiently low (e.g., at and below 27.5%). Moreover, sufficiently melt‐stretched PS mixtures show brittle fracture when compressed along the same direction, along which melt stretching was made. All the experimental findings confirm that a robust chain network is also a prerequisite for yielding and ductile cold compression of polymer glasses, as is for extension. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 758–770
An Efficient Synthesis of Darunavir Substantially Free from Impurities: Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Impurities
Authors: Rapolu Rajesh Kumar , Areveli Srinivas , Raju V. V. N. K. V. Prasada , Navuluri Srinivasu , Chavali Murthy , Mulakayala Naveen
Published: April 2019

An improved and novel process for the synthesis of antiviral drug Darunavir using 4‐(1,3‐dioxoisoindolin‐2‐yl)benzene‐1‐sulphonyl chloride was described to eliminate the critical furan dimer impurity which will be formed during the process. The best reaction conditions were identified by evaluating the impurity profile and their formation during the synthesis. The optimization of the process was made to control the furan dimer impurity which was one of the critical parameters in the synthesis of darunavir. All the impurities formed during the synthesis were identified, synthesized and characterized.
Sulfated Fly‐Ash Catalyzed Biodiesel Production from Maize Acid Oil Feedstock: A Comparative Study of Taguchi and Box‐Behnken Design
Authors: Lathiya Dharmesh R. , Bhatt Dhananjay V. , Maheria Kalpana C.
Published: April 2019

In the present investigation, the waste utilization approach has been followed for the bioenergy production. The focus is on the fly ash utilization for the development of heterogeneous catalyst synthesis under solvent‐free conditions. The fly ash is one of the environmental pollutant and unwanted material in thermal power plants. The sulfated fly ash (SFA) catalyst is synthesized by the sulfonation of waste fly ash. This catalyst has been characterized by various analysis such as elemental, thermal, spectral, surface area, acidity and basicity etc. The catalyst has been found to exhibit various phases such as Quartz, Mullite, Hematite, Lime etc. and thermally stable upto 550 °C. The results obtained from NH3‐TPD and CO2‐TPD analysis, confirms the presence of acid (0.401 mmol / g) and basic (0.197 mmol / g) sites in the SFA catalyst. Further, the utility of SFA catalyst has been demonstrated in the biodiesel production via esterification reaction from maize acid oil (MAO) feedstock containing high free fatty acid (FFA) (127.21 mg KOH / g). The maize acid oil is one of the biowaste feedstock, mainly a by‐product obtained from the refining of crude maize oil. Taguchi method and Box‐Behnken Design (BBD) have been applied to investigate the effect of different reaction parameters on the biodiesel production. The use of SFA catalyst has been found to be advantageous especially, in the biodiesel production from feedstock with high FFA content.
Investigations into an Intramolecular Proton Transfer and Solvent Dependent Acid‐Base Equilibria in 2,6‐Pyridine Diacetic Acid
Authors: Boodram Shivani , Roy Soumyabrata , Singh Nadia , Fairman Richard A. , Peter Sebastian C. , Rambaran Varma H.
Published: April 2019

This study highlights an intramolecular proton transfer and solvent dependent acid‐base equilibria in 2,6‐pyridine diacetic acid, as contributing factors to a solid state reversible structural transformation and a spontaneous double decarboxylation. Differential scanning calorimetry exhibited several reversible phase transitions, with the most pronounced change occurring at 168 K. A reversible structural transformation, from the monoclinic system to the triclinic one, was confirmed via temperature dependent X‐ray diffraction studies. In water, absorbance shifts from 198 to 210 nm were observed, correlating to the deprotonation of the carboxylic groups, synergistically, protonation of the pyridine ring showed shifts from 280 to 270 nm. 1H NMR provided evidence of the solvent dependent, irreversible conversion to 2,6‐dimethylpyridine via sequential decarboxylations. The ΔS≠ for each decarboxylation were 39.53 ± 3.87 and 23.56 ± 2.84 JK−1mol−1 respectively. Finally, the rate constants for observed D2O exchange with the α‐carbon protons were determined as 1.02 ± 0.12 x 10−3 s−1 and 6.13 ± 0.12 x 10−4 s−1 with a double exponential fit.
An Ultra‐sensitive, Rapidly Responsive Strain Sensor Based on Silver Microflakes by Simple Process
Authors: Yan Shaocun , Saleem Muhammad Farooq , Ma Hongru , Li Zhe , Zhang Xiao , Guo Xuhong , Ma Yanqing , Ma Lei
Published: April 2019

Flexible sensors with excellent sensitivity and stable performance are attracting more and more attention in emerging electronics. Herein, silver microflakes (AgMFs) as conductive filler in polyaniline (PANI)/polyurethane (PU) matrix are used to prepare the AgMFs/PANI/PU strain sensor by simple mixing and curing process. The AgMFs/PANI/PU strain sensor has high sensitivity (GF=173.66), ultra‐short response time (10 ms), and reassuring cycle stability (>4000 times). Excellent sensor performance demonstrates its unlimited potential for health monitoring, such as joint motion, breathing and pulse beat.
Biopebble Containers: DNA‐Directed Surface Assembly of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Cell Studies
Authors: Sun Pengchao , Leidner Arnold , Weigel Simone , Weidler Peter G. , Heissler Stefan , Scharnweber Tim , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: April 2019

The development of methods for colloidal self‐assembly on solid surfaces is important for many applications in biomedical sciences. Toward this goal, described is a versatile class of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) that contain on their surface various types of DNA molecules to enable their self‐assembly into micropatterned surface architectures useful for cell studies. Monodisperse dye‐doped MSN are synthesized by biphase stratification and functionalized with an aptamer oligonucleotide that serves as gatekeeper for the triggered release of encapsulated molecular cargo, such as fluorescent dye rhodamine B or the anticancer drug doxorubicin. One or two additional types of oligonucleotides are installed on the MSN surface to enable DNA‐directed immobilization on solid substrates bearing patterns of complementary capture oligonucleotides. It is demonstrated that this strategy can be used for efficient self‐assembly of microstructured surface architectures, which not only promote the adhesion and guidance of cells but also are capable of affecting the fate of adhered cells through triggered release of their cargo. It is believed that this approach is useful for diverse applications in tissue engineering and nanobio sciences.
Over 10% Efficient CuIn(S,Se)2 Solar Cells Fabricated From Environmentally Benign Solution in Air
Authors: Yu Shaotang , Gong Yuancai , Jiang Jingjing , Wu Sanping , Yan Weibo , Li Xingao , Huang Wei , Xin Hao
Published: April 2019

A safe and environmentally benign solvent is a requisite for mass production of thin film solar cells via solution methods. Here, a highly industry suitable solvent N‐methyl‐pyrrolidone (NMP) is used for the first time to make a precursor solution with simple compounds of CuCl, InCl3·4H2O and thiourea and fabricate CuIn(S,Se)2 (CISSe) solar cells. A power conversion efficiency of 10.23% has been achieved from the NMP‐based solution when the precursor film was processed in air, which is only 8.55% for film processed in glove box. Characterizations using XRD, Raman, SEM, EDX, and FTIR show air annealing favors decomposition of organic species in the precursor film, which results in high quality absorber materials. Further improvement in device efficiency can be expected by gallium alloying and optimization of device fabrication conditions. The results demonstrate highly efficient thin film solar cells can be fabricated from an industry suitable NMP precursor solution in air, which is promising for simplifying film processing and reducing manufacture cost.
Unbiased Discovery of Dynamic Peptide‐ATP Complexes
Authors: Kroiss Daniela , Aramini James M. , McPhee Scott A. , Tuttle Tell , Ulijn Rein V.
Published: April 2019

Minimalistic peptides are attractive as components for the design of active bio‐inspired materials that perform their functions enabled by the continuous turnover of chemical fuels. The first requirement for such systems is chemical complexation with the fuel source. Herein, we demonstrate the unbiased screening for heptapeptides that recognize adenosine triphosphate (ATP), life‘s ubiquitous energy source, using the in vitro method phage display. Characterization of the identified lead sequence by NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations revealed peptide‐ATP complexes that are highly dynamic and take on an ensemble of conformations. Systematic investigation of Ala variants of the identified peptide revealed the contribution of individual residues to association with the nucleotide. Importantly, the identified heptapeptide sequence is not related to any known nucleotide‐binding motif. Our results demonstrate the application of phage display for de novo selection of short peptides that adapt their conformational space through recognition of a small molecule and provides a first step toward the design of peptide‐based ATP‐metabolizing structures.
Assessment of waste management status in educational hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Navazeshkhah Fatemeh , Mousavi Seyyed Alireza , Almasi Ali , Amini Jila , Moradi Payam , Janjani Hosna
Published: April 2019

Lack of proper hospital waste management creates favorable conditions for the growth of dangerous microorganisms that are directly and indirectly threatening to the environment and to public health. This study was conducted to investigate the waste management status of educational hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. This research was done using a descriptive‐analytical method by visiting the hospitals (A, B, C, D, E, and F) and filling out a standardized waste management checklist and recording the data using SPSS software. The results showed that there were significant differences among the scores of the hospitals’ waste management practices (p‐value = .013). According to the results, in terms of waste management process, hospital B is at the most desirable level, the situation at hospital C is the least favorable of the six hospitals, and the other four hospitals require corrective actions to improve their current status. Furthermore, based on the results, there was a significant difference between hospital F's score and those of the other hospitals (p‐value = .002–.047). Overall corrective actions for improving waste management within the studied hospitals can be applied by formulating and implementing rules and standards, planning regular training for personnel, designating staff to carry out environmental health procedures, and developing the hospitals’ infection control committees or Health, Safety, and Environment departments.
Harnack's inequality for parabolic nonlocal equations
Authors: Strömqvist Martin
Published: April 2019

The main result of this paper is a nonlocal version of Harnack's inequality for a class of parabolic nonlocal equations. We additionally establish a weak Harnack inequality as well as local boundedness of solutions. None of the results require the solution to be globally positive.
Viewpoint: Is critical art librarianship actually a thing?
Authors: Appleton Leo
Published: April 2019

If I'm being honest I still feel as though I am a bit of an imposter in the world of art librarianship. I often feel as though I have a very conservative, corporate and conformist approach to librarianship within the art library environments in which I work. I also often feel naïve when it comes to discussing and affirming ‘what makes art librarianship different?’ Acknowledging such naivety, I will also openly admit that until last year I had not heard of ‘critical librarianship’ as a concept, let alone ‘critical (art) librarianship’, which is how I was introduced to it at a day-long conference held by colleagues from the University of the Arts London in 2018 at Chelsea College of Arts.
What is critical about critical librarianship?
Authors: Drabinski Emily
Published: April 2019

Library work structures intellectual worlds as library workers collect, organize, make accessible, and preserve materials for use. This work is not neutral. Libraries, like all institutions, are produced in and through systems marked by racism, patriarchy, and capitalist modes of production. Critical librarianship offers a framework for thinking about our work that asks how library structures came to be and what ideologies underpin them. Viewing librarianship through this frame allows us to imagine new and better worlds on our way to making them.
Art + Feminism: an interview with Siân Evans
Authors: Evans Siân
Published: April 2019

How to answer this question? I guess I began my career as a librarian at a party. Newly possessing what I already knew was a useless (in capitalist terms, at least) MA in Art History, I had moved to New York City to be closer to my family, and to stay up all night at MisShapes parties and eat pizza at dawn. I was working in marketing for Forbes Magazine, as you do when you're 24 and need to pay the bills and have no idea what you want to do with your life. It wasn't long after the financial collapse of 2008, when job prospects were very low, that a friend of a friend who had just finished library school at Pratt handed me a drink at a party and said, ‘you like writing and researching, if you don't want to be a teacher, why don't you become a librarian?’
Virtuous Construal: In Defense of Silencing
Authors: VIGANI DENISE
Published: April 2019

Over several articles, John McDowell sketches an analogy between virtue and perception, whereby the virtuous person sees situations in a distinctive way, a way that explains her virtuous behavior. Central to this view is his notion of silencing, a psychological phenomenon in which certain considerations fail to operate as reasons in a virtuous person's practical reasoning. Despite its influence on many prominent virtue ethicists, McDowell's ‘silencing view’ has been criticized as psychologically unrealistic. In this article, I defend a silencing view of practical reasoning. I argue that the phenomenon of silencing has a narrower scope than is typically acknowledged. As a result, the view does not require the virtuous to be detached, unfeeling, or unpalatably stoic. Furthermore, I offer a psychologically plausible interpretation of McDowell's claim that the virtuous see situations in a distinctive sort of way. The salient fact at which the virtuous arrive in their view of a situation should be understood, I argue, in terms of subjective construal.