bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasion genetics from eDNA and thousands of larvae: A targeted metabarcoding assay that distinguishes species and population variation of zebra and quagga mussels
Authors: Marshall Nathaniel T. , Stepien Carol A.
Published: March 2019

Identifying species and population genetic compositions of biological invasions at early life stages and/or from environmental (e)DNA using targeted high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) metabarcode assays offers powerful and cost‐effective means for early detection, analysis of spread patterns, and evaluating population changes. The present study develops, tests, and applies this method with a targeted sequence assay designed to simultaneously identify and distinguish between the closely related invasive Eurasian zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorphaandD. rostriformis) and their relatives and discern their respective population genetic patterns. Invasions of these dreissenid mussel species have markedly changed freshwater ecosystems throughout North America and Europe, exerting severe ecological and economic damage. Their planktonic early life stages (eggs and larvae) are morphologically indistinguishable, yet each species exerts differential ecological effects, with the quagga often outcompeting the zebra mussel as adults. Our targeted assay analyzes genetic variation from a diagnostic sequence region of the mitochondrial (mt)DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, to assess temporal and spatial inter‐ and intra‐specific genetic variability. The assay facilitates analysis of environmental (e)DNA from water, early life stages from thousands of individuals, and simultaneous analysis of 50–100 tagged field‐collected samples. Experiments evaluated its accuracy and performance using: (a) mock laboratory communities containing known DNA quantities per taxon, (b) aquaria with mixed‐species/haplotype compositions of adults, and (c) field‐collected water and plankton versus traditional sampling of adult communities. Results delineated species compositions, relative abundances, and population‐level diversity differences among ecosystems, habitats, time series, and life stages from two allopatric concurrent invasions in the Great Lakes (Lake Erie) and the Hudson River, which had separate founding histories. Findings demonstrate application of this targeted assay and our approach to accurately and simultaneously discern species‐ and population‐level differences across spatial and temporal scales, facilitating early detection and ecological understanding of biological invasions.
Gender differences in peer review outcomes and manuscript impact at six journals of ecology and evolution
Authors: Fox Charles W. , Paine C. E. Timothy
Published: March 2019

The productivity and performance of men is generally rated more highly than that of women in controlled experiments, suggesting conscious or unconscious gender biases in assessment. The degree to which editors and reviewers of scholarly journals exhibit gender biases that influence outcomes of the peer‐review process remains uncertain due to substantial variation among studies. We test whether gender predicts the outcomes of editorial and peer review for >23,000 research manuscripts submitted to six journals in ecology and evolution from 2010 to 2015. Papers with female and male first authors were equally likely to be sent for peer review. However, papers with female first authors obtained, on average, slightly worse peer‐review scores and were more likely to be rejected after peer review, though the difference varied among journals. These gender differences appear to be partly due to differences in authorial roles. Papers for the which the first author deferred corresponding authorship to a coauthor (which women do more often than men) obtained significantly worse peer‐review scores and were less likely to get positive editorial decisions. Gender differences in corresponding authorship explained some of the gender differences in peer‐review scores and positive editorial decisions. In contrast to these observations on submitted manuscripts, gender differences in peer‐review outcomes were observed in a survey of >12,000 published manuscripts; women reported similar rates of rejection (from a prior journal) before eventual publication. After publication, papers with female authors were cited less often than those with male authors, though the differences are very small (~2%). Our data do not allow us to test hypotheses about mechanisms underlying the gender discrepancies we observed, but strongly support the conclusion that papers authored by women have lower acceptance rates and are less well cited than are papers authored by men in ecology.
Multiple mechanisms confer stability to isolated populations of a rare endemic plant
Authors: Dibner Reilly R. , DeMarche Megan L. , Louthan Allison M. , Doak Daniel F.
Published: March 2019

The persistence of small populations remains a puzzle for ecology and conservation. Especially interesting is how naturally small, isolated populations are able to persist in the face of multiple environmental forces that create fluctuating conditions and should, theory predicts, lead to high probabilities of extirpation. We used a combination of long‐term census data and a five‐year demographic study of a naturally rare, endemic plant, Yermo xanthocephalus, to evaluate the importance of several possible mechanisms for small population persistence: negative density dependence, vital rate buffering, demographic compensation, asynchrony in dynamics among sub‐populations, and source–sink dynamics. These non‐exclusive explanations for population persistence all have been shown to operate in some systems, but have rarely if ever been simultaneously examined for the same population or species. We hypothesized that asynchrony in dynamics and demographic compensation would be more powerful than the other three mechanisms. We found partial support for our hypothesis: density dependence, asynchrony among population segments, and source–sink patterns appear to be the most important mechanisms maintaining population viability in this species. Importantly, these processes all appear to operate strongly at very fine spatial scales for Yermo, allowing the only two, extremely small, populations to persist. We also found considerable differences in the results of our census and demographic analyses. In general, we estimated substantially greater chances of population survival from the census data than from the shorter‐term demographic studies. In part, this difference is due to drier than average climate conditions during the years of the demographic work. These results emphasize that while demographic information is necessary to understand various components of population dynamics, longer term studies, even if much less detailed, can be more powerful in uncovering some mechanisms that may be critical in stabilizing population numbers, especially in variable environments.
A Revised Modular Approach to (–)‐trans‐Δ8‐THC and Derivatives Through Late‐Stage Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Bloemendal Victor R. L. J. , Sondag Daan , Elferink Hidde , Boltje Thomas J. , van Hest Jan. C. M. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: March 2019

A revised modular approach to various synthetic (–)‐trans‐Δ8‐THC derivatives through late‐stage Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions is disclosed. Ten derivatives were synthesized allowing both sp2‐ and sp3‐hybridized cross‐coupling partners with minimal β‐hydride elimination. Importantly, we demonstrate that a para‐bromo‐substituted THC scaffold for Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions has been initially reported incorrectly in recent literature.
Desorption kinetic study of mercury species in spent mercury chloride catalyst from polyvinyl chloride production process
Authors: Liu Peng , Liu Chao , Li Shiwei , Liu Bingguo , Shi Junjie , Zhang Libo , Peng Jinhui
Published: March 2019

In order to improve the hazard‐free treatment and comprehensive utilization of the spent chloride mercury catalysts, reaction kinetics, and diffusion process of the thermal desorption of mercury were investigated. For reaction kinetics, activation energy of the reactions in the temperature range 436.15–694.15 K was calculated by five different model‐free methods, among which, FWO (105.47 kJ·mol−1) model‐free method with the best fitting precision was applied as the parameter to deduce the reaction models and describe the kinetic mechanism. It was confirmed that three diffusion models (D1, D2, D3) dominated at the beginning/middle of the reactions and one reaction order model (F2) dominated at the later part. According to the deduced mechanism, diffusion enhancing and reaction temperature enhancing strategies were introduced. For diffusion process of mercury volatiles, the laminar state of the protective gas was confirmed when the nitrogen flow rate is 100 L/h; based on the boundary simplifications, the thickness and the pressure difference of the boundary layer were calculated. According to the results of pressure difference, mercury diffusion process has two stages: Higher pressure diffusion stage and Residual mercury removal stage. Reaction kinetics and diffusion calculation give a better understanding of the mercury removal process and the parameters obtained in this work are useful to design the reactor. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Swelling of clay minerals and its effect on coal permeability and gas production: A case study of southern Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Tao Shu , Gao Lijun , Pan Zhejun
Published: March 2019

The permeability damage of high‐rank coal reservoirs is the main factor affecting the development of coalbed methane (CBM) in the late production stage. Coal core samples from southern Qinshui Basin were saturated with actual formation water, 1/2 salinity formation water, and distilled water to study the swelling of clay minerals. Then, the mechanism of permeability change caused by water sensitivity and its effect on gas production was discussed. The results show that the permeability decrease caused by flow velocity sensitivity did not occur during the water sensitivity experiments. The permeability damage caused by water sensitivity is mainly the static damage from swelling of clay minerals, especially illite/smectite mixed clays and chlorite. During the process of CBM development, the water sensitivity of coal reservoirs will lead to the sharp increase of Na+ concentration and a decrease of Mg2+ concentration in the produced water. Meanwhile, the clay minerals swell due to the adsorption of more Mg2+ and Ca2+, decreasing the reservoir permeability and gas production rate.
Isolation and characterization of exopolysaccharide‐producing strains of Lactobacillus bulgaricus from curd
Authors: Ali Khubaib , Mehmood Muhammad Huzaifa , Iqbal Muhammad Ahmad , Masud Tariq , Qazalbash Mudassir , Saleem Shahzad , Ahmed Sheraz , Tariq Muhammad Rizwan , Safdar Waseem , Nasir Muhammad Adnan , Saeed Muhammad Tariq , Muhammad Abid , Sheas Muhammad Naveed
Published: March 2019

Curd is the most widespread traditional fermented milk product used by a large population and is a good source of vitamin B, protein, and calcium. In this study, the isolation of exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus from curd samples was carried out. Identification of EPS‐producing strains was done by Gram staining, catalase activity, sugar fermentation test, API 50 CHL, and PCR analysis. These EPS‐producing strains were subjected for the estimation of technological properties such as titratable acidity, curdling time, acidification rate, and texture. The strains best in their technological properties were selected for the production of yogurt in combination with EPS‐ or non‐EPS‐producing strains of Streptococcus thermophilus. The EPS concentration range was from 41 to 268 mg/L in the yogurt. The highest value of EPS concentration was detected in S. thermophilus and non‐EPS‐producing Lb. bulgaricus after 14 days of storage.
Immunogenomic correlates of response to cetuximab monotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Faden Daniel L. , Concha‐Benavente Fernando , Chakka Anish B. , McMichael Elizabeth L. , Chandran Uma , Ferris Robert L.
Published: March 2019

Background

Mechanisms of resistance to immune‐modulating cancer treatments are poorly understood. Using a novel cohort of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we investigated mechanisms of immune escape from epidermal growth factor receptor‐specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy.

Methods

HNSCC tumors (n = 20) from a prospective trial of neoadjuvant cetuximab monotherapy underwent whole‐exome sequencing. Expression of killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen‐C (HLA‐C) and the effect of KIR blockade were assessed in HNSCC cell lines.

Results

Nonresponders to cetuximab had an increased rate of mutations in HLA‐C compared to responders and HNSCC tumors (n = 528) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (P < 0.00001). In vitro, cetuximab‐activated natural killer (NK) cells induced upregulation of HLA‐C on HNSCC cells (P < 0.01) via interferon gamma. Treatment of NK cells with the anti‐KIR mAb lirilumab increased killing of HNSCC cells (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Alterations in HLA‐C may provide a mechanism of immune evasion through disruption of NK activation.
Straightforward Synthesis of 3‐Aminothiophenes Using Activated Amides
Authors: Dagoneau Dylan , Kolleth Amandine , Lumbroso Alexandre , Tanriver Gamze , Catak Saron , Sulzer‐Mossé Sarah , De Mesmaeker Alain
Published: March 2019

Herein, we describe a facile approach towards the synthesis of diversely substituted 3‐aminothiophenes. A wide range of functional groups can be incorporated at the C(2), C(4), and C(5) positions of the thiophenes, and this route is also suitable for the synthesis of fused bicyclic heterocycles such as 3‐aminotetrahydrobenzothiophenes. This methodology relies on a 6π‐electrocyclization involving a vinyl sulfide linked to a keteniminium salt, the latter being formed in‐situ through activation of the corresponding amide with triflic anhydride.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of adverse pregnancy outcomes after uterine adenomyosis
Authors: Razavi Maryam , Maleki‐Hajiagha Arezoo , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Rouholamin Safoura , Almasi‐Hashiani Amir , Rezaeinejad Mahroo
Published: March 2019

Background

Studies on the impact of adenomyosis and its pregnancy complications have yielded conflicting results.

Objective

To determine the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with adenomyosis relative to women without adenomyosis.

Search strategy

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published up to June 15, 2018.

Selection criteria

Observational studies with medically confirmed pregnancy outcomes as endpoints.

Data collection and analysis

Two researchers independently screened and selected relevant studies. Dichotomous data for all adverse pregnancy outcomes were expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), and combined in a meta‐analysis by using a random‐effects model.

Main results

Six studies (322 cases and 9420 controls) were eligible for inclusion in the meta‐analysis. Women with adenomyosis had an increased likelihood of preterm birth (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 2.08–4.47; P˂0.001), small for gestational age (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.71–6.08; P˂0.001), and pre‐eclampsia (OR, 4.35; 95% CI, 1.07–17.72; P=0.042).

Conclusion

Adenomyosis seems to have a detrimental impact on pregnancy outcomes, resulting in a higher likelihood of preterm birth, small for gestational age, and pre‐eclampsia.
Epigenetic therapy can inhibit growth of ovarian cancer cells and reverse chemoresistant properties acquired from metastatic omentum
Authors: Sookram Janhvi , Zheng Andrew , Linden Kimberly M. , Morgan Andrew B. , Brown Spencer A. , Ostrovsky Olga
Published: March 2019

Objective

To examine the cytotoxicity of epigenetic drugs independently and in combination with chemotherapy on ovarian cancer cells Caov‐3, and to investigate their ability to acquire chemoresistance in omental microenvironments and whether epigenetic drugs can counteract this chemoresistance.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted in Cooper University Hospital, NJ, USA from August 1 to October 31, 2017, among women undergoing surgeries for uterine and ovarian cancer. Cytotoxicity assays using IC50 values of epigenetic drugs and paclitaxel and cisplatin were performed on Caov‐3. Omental adipose‐derived stem cells (OASCs) were isolated from omentum with/without metastases. Caov‐3 was cultured with OASCs’ conditioned medium and subjected to different drugs. Cell viability and secretome was measured using MTT and Elisa, respectively.

Results

Three women met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Epigenetic drugs alone or in combination with chemotherapy showed 85%–94% increased cytotoxicity against Caov‐3 (P≤0.005). Metastatic OASCs conditioned medium showed up to 27‐fold increase in tumorigenic factors and promoted chemoresistance (28%–35%; P < 0.050) against chemotherapy. Epigenetic therapy resulted in up to a 40‐fold reversal in this chemoresistance.

Conclusion

Epigenetic therapies could have an important role in treating a subgroup of ovarian cancer patients that demonstrate resistance to first‐line chemotherapy.
Performance prediction algorithm for autologous PBSC collection in adults and pediatric patients using large volume leukapheresis
Authors: Bojanic Ines , Besson Nelly , Vidovic Ivana , Cepulic Branka Golubic
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

The number of CD34+ cells collected in apheresis procedures depends mainly on the collection efficiency of the device and the blood volume processed. Large volume leukapheresis (LVL) can improve CD34+ cell yield and has previously been investigated using the COBE Spectra device (Terumo BCT, USA).

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of LVL performance in patients undergoing continuous mononuclear cell collection (CMNC) using the new Spectra Optia apheresis system (Terumo BCT, USA) at the University Hospital Center, Zagreb, from March 2016 to September 2016. CD34+ cell yield predictability, determined using a customized algorithm, was also assessed.

Results

In total, 67 procedures performed in 46 adults and 14 performed in 11 children were included in the analysis. In adults, 30 (65.2%) patients successfully reached their target preapheresis CD34+ cell count on day 1, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) CD34+ collected cell dose of 4.8 × 106/kg (2.3‐10.6 × 106/kg). In the pediatric group, 81.8% successfully collected the target CD34+ cell dose on the first day, with a median (IQR) CD34+ collected cell dose of 11.1 × 106/kg (3.2‐16.3 × 106/kg). The customized algorithm showed a strong and significant linear correlation with actual CD34+ cell dose (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The results of this study support the use of LVL and the customized prediction algorithm in apheresis procedures. The ability to tailor the procedure to meet the needs of the individual patient may help to minimize the blood volume processed, shorten the duration, reduce the volume of infused anticoagulants, and improve patient comfort.
Tissue plasminogen activator vs heparin for locking central venous catheters between apheresis procedures
Authors: Mathur Gagan , Mott Sarah L. , Collins Laura , Schlueter Annette J.
Published: March 2019

Background

Central venous catheters (CVCs) for apheresis procedures require regular locking/flushes to maintain adequate flow rates. Literature comparing locking solutions for apheresis, where the time interval between procedures can be longer than for hemodialysis (many days to weeks), is lacking. In this study, catheter malfunction rates using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) vs heparin for locking CVC between apheresis procedures were compared.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective review of 93 extracorporeal photopheresis procedures in 10 patients was performed at our institution. About 1000 U/mL heparin or 2 mg rt‐PA was used as the locking solution. Heparin locks were changed at least once per week and rt‐PA locks could be left in place for up to 4 weeks. Following these locks, inadequate blood flow noted on accessing CVC and/or during the procedure was scored on as: no issues, some issues, or significant issues. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate for potential statistical difference in outcomes. Cost analysis was also performed.

Results

No statistically significant difference was noted in outcomes between heparin and rt‐PA lock (P value = 0.15). Total cost of heparin lock administration ($91‐$362.50) was found to be more than rt‐PA lock ($76) when more than one flush was needed between procedures.

Conclusions

For apheresis use, rt‐PA and heparin CVC locks seem to have similar outcomes in preventing CVC malfunction. The convenience of not needing any flushes between procedures and overall cost of administering fewer locks favors rt‐PA use when the interval between procedures is >7 days.
An automated mini buffy coat preparation method for use in mini extracorporeal photopheresis treatment of graft‐vs‐host‐disease in a low body weight pediatric patient
Authors: Matic Toni , Bojanic Ines , Mazic Sanja , Golubic Cepulic Branka , Bilic Ernest
Published: March 2019

A mini extracorporeal photopheresis (mini‐ECP) “off line” technique has been developed for use in the treatment of small children and patients with apheresis contraindications. Until now various methods have been used for buffy coat separation from whole blood. In this report we describe a protocol for mini buffy coat preparation using the automated Sepax laboratory separator for “off line” ECP treatment in a low body weight child with graft‐vs‐host‐disease. According to our results this alternative method has been proven feasible and tolerable.
Making and breaking of small water clusters: A combined quantum chemical and molecular dynamics approach
Authors: Manogaran Dhivya
Published: March 2019

We present a combined quantum chemical and molecular dynamics study of cyclic and noncyclic water n‐mers ([(H2O]n, n = 2–6) at four different temperatures and showcase that the dynamics of small water clusters can reproduce the known properties of bulk water reasonably well. We investigate the making and breaking of the water clusters by computing the hydrogen bond strengths, average lifetimes, and relative stabilities, which are important to understand the complex solution dynamics. We compare the behavior of water clusters in the gas phase and in the solution phase as well as the variation in the properties as a function of cluster size and highlight the notably more interesting cluster dynamics of the water trimer when compared to the other water clusters. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Novel Spiro Phosphonyl Thiazolo Pyrazole Glycosides as Potential Nematicidal Agents
Authors: Avula Srinivas , Malladi Sunitha , Karthik Pulluri , Sonti Reddy Rajitha , Vasumathi Reddy Koduri
Published: March 2019

A series of novel dimethyl 7‐((3aR,5S,6S,6aR)‐6‐((1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)‐2,2‐dimethyltetrahydrofuro[2,3‐d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐9‐oxo‐8‐phenyl‐6‐thia‐1,2,8‐triazaspiro[4.4]non‐2‐en‐3‐ylphosphonate 2a–g were synthesized by the reaction of chalcone derivatives of 2‐((3aR,5S,6S,6aR)‐6‐((1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)‐2,2‐dimethyltetrahydrofuro[2,3‐d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl)‐3‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐one 1 with Bestmann–Ohira reagent. The chemical structures of newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by IR, NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. The compounds 2a–g were evaluated for their nematicidal activity against Dietylenchus myceliophagus and Caenorhabditis elegans; compounds 2b, 2c, 2g, and 2f showed appreciable nematicidal activity.
Probiotic microorganisms detoxify ochratoxin A in both a chicken liver cell line and chickens
Authors: Markowiak Paulina , Śliżewska Katarzyna , Nowak Adriana , Chlebicz Agnieszka , Żbikowski Artur , Pawłowski Karol , Szeleszczuk Piotr
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The administration of probiotics and prebiotics (synbiotics) is a promising method for detoxification of ochratoxin A (OTA) in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of five probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and one Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain, from three different synbiotics for poultry, to detoxify OTA. In addition, we also investigated the genotoxicity of faecal water (FW) of chickens after administering OTA and/or synbiotics for 42 days.

RESULTS

All tested LAB and yeast strains had the ability to detoxify OTA by significant (P < 0.05) reducing its concentration (by 31.3–47.7% and 31.9%, respectively, after 24 h incubation) and genotoxicity (by 22.6–51.8% and 52.7%, respectively). Synbiotics composed of four and five probiotic strains significantly (P < 0.05) decreased FW genotoxicity of chicks, after exposure to OTA, to the level seen in the control group (21.8% ± 1.7%) and were more effective than synbiotics composed of three probiotic strains (31.5%).

CONCLUSION

These results showed that there was a beneficial effect of the synbiotics on the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Furthermore, synbiotic preparations containing four or five of tested strains can be considered as preventive agents in the contamination of poultry with OTA. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Dissipation and the effects of thidiazuron on antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content in strawberry
Authors: Yang Guoqiang , Zhao Shan , Gong Jin , Huang Min , Yu Weiwei , Zhang Kankan , Hu Deyu
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Increasing numbers of fruit swelling agents have been used to improve the fruit rate and production yield of strawberries in recent years. The abuse of fruit swelling agents could lead to an increase in the deformation rate and abnormal coloration of strawberry and a decrease in quality at harvest. Therefore, understanding the harmful effects of fruit swelling agents on strawberry will provide guidance for their reasonable use.

RESULTS

The residual determination method for measuring thidiazuron (TDZ) in strawberry was developed and validated by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The recoveries of TDZ in strawberry were 97.9–108.5% with relative standard deviations of 0.9% to 5.3%. The dissipation rates of TDZ were different in strawberries cultivated under field and indoor conditions due to the differences in temperature and humidity. The ascorbic acid content increased when TDZ was applied at 2 mg kg−1. The SOD (superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase) and CAT (catalase) activities of strawberry tended to decrease and subsequently increase following the application of TDZ, and the opposite changes occurred on the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of TDZ‐treated strawberry.

CONCLUSIONS

The analytical method for measuring TDZ in strawberry that was developed was suitable for dissipation studies on this compound. Antioxidant enzyme activities and the MDA content of strawberry were altered, and some reverse effects, such as membrane damage, were inhibited when TDZ was applied. The data obtained in this study might provide suggestions to reduce the adverse effects of TDZ on strawberry and may help to guide the safe and proper use of TDZ in strawberry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Ionic liquid vortex‐simplified matrix solid‐phase dispersion for the simultaneous determination of terpenoids, crocins, quinic acid derivatives and flavonoids in Gardeniae fructus by UHPLC
Authors: Wang Huilin , Li Jin , Gao Xiu‐mei , Chang Yan‐xu
Published: March 2019

A novel ionic‐liquid‐based vortex‐simplified matrix solid‐phase dispersion method using 2,6‐dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was established by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector. 2,6‐Dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was first used as a promising adsorbent in this proposed method for simultaneous determination of eight compounds in Gardeniae fructus. These compounds are terpenoids (geniposidic acid, genipin‐1‐β‐D‐gentiobioside, geniposide, 8‐o‐acetyl shanzhiside methyl ester), crocins (crocin‐I, crocin‐II), quinic acid derivatives (chlorogenic acid), and flavonoids (isoquercitrin), respectively. Several parameters were investigated in the adsorption and desorption processes to obtain the optimal conditions, including 2,6‐dimethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as sorbent, 0.5 mL 100 mM 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate as the extraction solvent, 2:1 of sample/sorbent ratio, grinding for 2 min and vortexing for 60 s. The recoveries of the eight compounds ranged from 96.6 to 100% (<3.50%). The limits of detection and quantification were in the range of 0.02–0.30 and 0.06–1.25  μg/mL, respectively. Meanwhile, a good linearity was attained with r values (>0.9997). The established method showed higher extraction efficiency and less reagent consumption than traditional matrix solid phase dispersion and ultrasonic‐assisted extraction. Hence, it could be applied for sample preparation and analysis of natural products.
Climate change effects on deer and moose in the Midwest
Authors: Weiskopf Sarah R. , Ledee Olivia E. , Thompson Laura M.
Published: March 2019

Climate change is an increasing concern for wildlife managers across the United States and Canada. Because climate change may alter populations and harvest dynamics of key species in the region, midwestern states have identified the effects of climate change on ungulates as a priority research area. We conducted a literature review of projected climate change in the Midwest and the potential effects on white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and moose (Alces alces). Warmer temperatures and decreasing snowpack in the region favor survival of white‐tailed deer. In contrast, moose may become physiologically stressed in response to warming, and increasing deer populations spreading disease will exacerbate the problem. Although there is some uncertainty about exactly how the climate will change, and to what degree, robust projections suggest that deer populations will increase in response to climate change and moose populations will decrease. Managers can begin preparing for these changes by proactively creating management plans that take this into account. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society
Analysing determinants of small and medium‐sized enterprise resilience using fuzzy cognitive mapping
Authors: Branco Joana M.P. , Ferreira Fernando A.F. , Meidutė‐Kavaliauskienė Ieva , Banaitis Audrius , Falcão Pedro F.
Published: March 2019

Resilience is an increasingly important concept in current socioeconomic landscapes. Due to the competitive global context in which we live, this trend is particularly noticeable in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Due to their limited resources and capabilities, these firms are exposed to unfavourable scenarios that can threaten their stability, viability, and development (i.e., their resilience). Thus, identifying the determinants of SME resilience and their respective cause‐and‐effect relationships is a vital endeavour because these companies' resilience involves a wide variety of conceptual or theoretical issues that need to be understood more fully. This study proposes the creation of a fuzzy cognitive map as a novel way to analyse the determinants of SME resilience. The fuzzy cognitive map was developed based on the insights obtained during two intensive group meetings with a panel of SME managers and entrepreneurs. The resulting well‐informed, process‐oriented framework contains the determinants that need to be considered in this research context. The static and dynamic analyses carried out produced an improved understanding of the cause‐and‐effect relationships between determinants of SME resilience, which facilitates better strategic planning by these firms' managers. The practical implications, advantages, and limitations of the proposed approach are also discussed.
Genetics of IL6 polymorphisms: Case–control study of the risk of endometrial cancer
Authors: Cai Junhong , Cui Kaiying , Niu Fanglin , Jin Tianbo , Huang Sizhe , Zhang Ying , Bao Shan
Published: March 2019

Background

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy. Cytokines gene may be important in endometrial cancer development. This study sought to investigate whether the IL4, IL6 two gene genetic variants were associated with susceptibility to endometrial cancer (EC) in Hainan Chinese Han women by a hospital‐based study.

Methods

The genetic polymorphisms for IL4 and IL6 were analyzed by Agena MassARRAY method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression.

Results

We observed a significant increase in risk of endometrial cancer of rs1524107 (IL6) (T/C, OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.09–2.37, p = 1.55 × 10−2), rs2066992 (IL 6) (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 2.11–4.53, p = 3.13 × 10−9). However, for IL4 gene, no associations emerged the SNP and EC risk.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that IL6 gene polymorphisms are significantly associated with increased EC susceptibility in Hainan Chinese Han women.
Rett syndrome (MECP2) and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH5A1) deficiency in a developmentally delayed female
Authors: Brown Madalyn , Ashcraft Paula , Arning Erland , Bottiglieri Teodoro , McClintock William , Giancola Frank , Lieberman David , Hauser Natalie S. , Miller Rebecca , Roullet Jean‐Baptiste , Pearl Phillip , Gibson K. Michael
Published: March 2019

Background

We present a patient with Rett syndrome (RTT; MECP2) and autosomal‐recessive succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD; ALDH5A1 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 5a1 = SSADH), in whom the current phenotype exhibits features of SSADHD (hypotonia, global developmental delay) and RTT (hand stereotypies, gait anomalies).

Methods

γ‐Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) was quantified by UPLC‐tandem mass spectrometry, while mutation analysis followed standard methodology of whole‐exome sequencing.

Results

The biochemical hallmark of SSADHD, GHB was increased in the proband's dried bloodspot (DBS; 673 µM; previous SSADHD DBSs (n = 7), range 124–4851 µM); control range (n = 2,831), 0–78 µM. The proband was compound heterozygous for pathogenic ALDH5A1 mutations (p.(Asn418IlefsTer39); maternal; p.(Gly409Asp); paternal) and a de novo RTT nonsense mutation in MECP2 (p.Arg255*).

Conclusion

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), is increased in SSADHD but normal in RTT, although there are likely regional changes in GABA receptor distribution. GABAergic anomalies occur in both disorders, each featuring an autism spectrum phenotype. What effect the SSADHD biochemical anomalies (elevated GABA, GHB) might play in the neurodevelopmental/epileptic phenotype of our patient is currently unknown.
Deep convolutional neural network for segmentation of thoracic organs‐at‐risk using cropped 3D images
Authors: Feng Xue , Qing Kun , Tustison Nicholas J. , Meyer Craig H. , Chen Quan
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Automatic segmentation of organs‐at‐risk (OARs) is a key step in radiation treatment planning to reduce human efforts and bias. Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) have shown great success in many medical image segmentation applications but there are still challenges in dealing with large 3D images for optimal results. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel DCNN method for thoracic OARs segmentation using cropped 3D images.

Methods

To segment the five organs (left and right lungs, heart, esophagus and spinal cord) from the thoracic CT scans, preprocessing to unify the voxel spacing and intensity was first performed, a 3D U‐Net was then trained on resampled thoracic images to localize each organ, then the original images were cropped to only contain one organ and served as the input to each individual organ segmentation network. The segmentation maps were then merged to get the final results. The network structures were optimized for each step, as well as the training and testing strategies. A novel testing augmentation with multiple iterations of image cropping was used. The networks were trained on 36 thoracic CT scans with expert annotations provided by the organizers of the 2017 AAPM Thoracic Auto‐segmentation Challenge and tested on the challenge testing dataset as well as a private dataset.

Results

The proposed method earned second place in the live phase of the challenge and first place in the subsequent ongoing phase using a newly developed testing augmentation approach. It showed superior‐than‐human performance on average in terms of Dice scores (spinal cord: 0.893 ± 0.044, right lung: 0.972 ± 0.021, left lung: 0.979 ± 0.008, heart: 0.925 ± 0.015, esophagus: 0.726 ± 0.094), mean surface distance (spinal cord: 0.662 ± 0.248 mm, right lung: 0.933 ± 0.574 mm, left lung: 0.586 ± 0.285 mm, heart: 2.297 ± 0.492 mm, esophagus: 2.341 ± 2.380 mm) and 95% Hausdorff distance (spinal cord: 1.893 ± 0.627 mm, right lung: 3.958 ± 2.845 mm, left lung: 2.103 ± 0.938 mm, heart: 6.570 ± 1.501 mm, esophagus: 8.714 ± 10.588 mm). It also achieved good performance in the private dataset and reduced the editing time to 7.5 min per patient following automatic segmentation.

Conclusions

The proposed DCNN method demonstrated good performance in automatic OAR segmentation from thoracic CT scans. It has the potential for eventual clinical adoption of deep learning in radiation treatment planning due to improved accuracy and reduced cost for OAR segmentation.
Microtopography based on inverse opal structures regulates the behavior of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Xiao Qian‐Ru , Zhang Ning , Ye Zheng , Huang Ning‐Ping
Published: March 2019

Physical cues from the extracellular microenvironment play an important role in regulating cell behavior, such as adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Many studies have shown that different physical parameters (eg, stiffness and topography) could modulate the in vitro differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which had multilineage differentiation potential and could be easily isolated from various tissues such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and the umbilical cord. However, the underlying mechanism of the topographical influence on MSCs and the detailed cell‐substrate interaction remain unclear. Here, we present oriented elliptical inverse opal structures for regulating the morphology and alignment of bone marrow‐derived MSCs. The inverse opal structures were made through a convenient bottom‐up approach of self‐assembly, which is facile and cost effective. MSCs cultured on the oriented structures were highly aligned and extended highly oriented thick lamellipodia. Moreover, the oriented substrates cracked along the lateral boundary of the cells, suggesting that a strong cell‐substrate interaction was induced by the response of MSCs to the oriented topography. These features of the oriented elliptical topography indicated their promising value in stem cell research and tissue engineering.
Multidisciplinary surgical strategy for dumbbell neuroblastoma: A single‐center experience of 32 cases
Authors: Pio Luca , Blanc Thomas , de Saint Denis Timothé , Irtan Sabine , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Michon Jean , Brisse Hervé , Galmiche‐Rolland Louise , Joyeux Luc , Odent Thierry , Harte Caroline , Glorion Christophe , Zerah Michel , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Prognosis of dumbbell neuroblastoma (NBL) is mainly determined by the sequelae induced by the tumor itself and the neurosurgical approach. However, after primary chemotherapy, surgical management of the residual tumor, especially the spinal canal component, remains controversial.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study over the last 15 years (2002–2017) including patients treated for NBL with spinal canal extension focusing on timing and type of surgery, complications, and functional and oncological follow‐up.

Results

Thirty‐two children (14 M, 18 F) were managed for NBL, with the majority (26) presenting with NBL stroma poor while four had ganglioneuroblastoma intermixed, one nodular, and one ganglioneuroma. All but two patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Upfront laminotomy for spinal cord decompression was performed in two patients; nine patients had extraspinal surgery with a follow‐up neurosurgical procedure in seven cases; eight patients had initial neurosurgery followed by an extraspinal procedure, while six patients underwent a combined multidisciplinary approach. With a median follow up of 3.6 years (0.1–14.9), 29 patients (90.6) are alive and two out of three (19, 65.5%) have functional sequelae.

Conclusion

Patients with NBL with persistent spinal canal extension of the tumor after neoadjuvant chemotherapy treated at our center had outcomes that compare favorably with the literature. This is likely due to the multidisciplinary approach to optimal surgical strategy and continuous evaluation of the respective risks of tumor progression. Neurological disability results from initial spinal cord compression or the radicular sacrifice required for tumor resection.
Processing, manufacturing, and characterization of vibration damping in epoxy composites modified with graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Rafiee Mohammad , Nitzsche Fred , Labrosse Michel R.
Published: March 2019

This research aims to characterize the vibration and damping properties of epoxy composites modified with pristine and amino‐functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at four different nanofiller loadings (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 1.2 wt%). The GNPs/acetone solution was mixed with epoxy through mechanical stirring. The mixture was then heated by means of a hot plate to evaporate the acetone. Once the mixture was cooled down, the hardener was added and the mixture injected into aluminum molds to form the nanocomposite test coupons. A shaker generated a periodic signal to excite the cantilever nanocomposite specimens at the fixed end. The frequency response functions (FRFs), damping ratios and natural frequencies measured using the forced vibration technique. The experimental results confirmed the beneficial effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the damping ratio of high content epoxy nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3914–3922, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Wie sich Tropfen bewegen
Authors: Geyer Florian , Seiler Patrick M. , Vollmer Doris , Berger Rüdiger
Published: March 2019

Wie bewegen sich Tropfen über Oberflächen mit unterschiedlichen Eigenschaften? Diese Frage ist bis heute wissenschaftlich aktuell. Moderne Messmethoden eröffnen neue Einblicke in die Reibungseigenschaften solcher Flüssig‐fest‐Kontakte. Die Kräfte, die zum Beispiel kleine Wassertropfen über Untergründe bewegen können, liegen im Mikronewton‐Bereich. Entsprechend empfindlich müssen diese Methoden sein. Sie zeigen, dass Wassertropfen auf rauen wasserabweisenden Oberflächen, zum Beispiel Vogelfedern, wesentlich leichter gleiten als auf glatten hydrophoben Flächen. Der Übergang zwischen Haft‐ und Gleitreibung zeigt ein überraschend ähnliches Verhalten wie die Reibung zwischen zwei Festkörpern. Diese grundlegenden Ergebnisse fließen direkt in die angewandte Forschung ein. Dabei geht es um die Frage, wie eine gute Sicht aus Autos bei Regen sichergestellt werden kann. Auch Sensoren zum autonomen Fahren müssen wasserfrei sein. Davon hängt die Zulassung neuer Automodelle ab.
Das langsame Verdunsten von Wasser
Authors: Vollmer Michael , Möllmann Klaus‐Peter
Published: March 2019

Im letzten Heft haben wir das Verdampfen von heißem Wasser untersucht, wie steht es nun mit dem Verdunsten? Die hierfür nötige Zeitskala lässt sich nur schwer schätzen. Erneut greifen wir zu dem Werkzeug der Zeitrafferaufnahme.
Quantensimulation eines magnetischen Phänomens
Authors: Groß Christian , Salomon Guillaume
Published: March 2019

Die effiziente theoretische Beschreibung oder numerische Simulation komplexer Quanten‐Vielteilchensysteme ist eine der zentralen Herausforderungen der Quantenphysik. Obwohl die grundlegenden Prinzipien bekannt sind, lassen sich im Zusammenspiel vieler Quantenteilchen die aus der Theorie folgenden Gleichungen nicht nur nicht exakt, sondern oft auch nicht mit kontrollierter Unsicherheit lösen. Hier kommen Quantensimulatoren ins Spiel. Unsere Gruppe am Max‐Planck‐Institut für Quantenoptik hat mit dieser Methode magnetische Phänomene in einer Dimension untersucht [1].
Wieviel wiegt ein Photon?
Authors: Heeck Julian
Published: March 2019

Im ersten Jahrgang von Physik in unserer Zeit im Jahre 1970 erschien eine Meldung zur Obergrenze der Photonmasse. Was ist daraus geworden?
Maschinist mit Visionen
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: March 2019

Naturforscher kann man ihn nicht nennen; das chemische Element, das seinen Namen trägt, wird erst nach seinem Tod entdeckt. In die Physikgeschichte geht er als Maschinen‐Erfinder ein. „Aus der Zeit, in der er formal in Physik trainiert wurde, kam in späteren Jahren sehr wenig an die Oberfläche“, so umschreibt es ein Biograph. „Seinen meisten Kollegen schien es fast so, als habe er eine Abneigung gegen mathematisches Denken.“
Membrane preparation from hyperbranched perfluorinated polymers
Authors: Quast Matthew J. , Mueller Anja
Published: March 2019

In this research, membrane formation with hyperbranched perfluorinated polymers (HBFP) was investigated. To create a tough membrane, HBFP was blended and crosslinked with a tougher linear polymer. Blending only or crosslinking only was not sufficient to create a tough membrane, but combining blending with crosslinking was successful. Miscibility, phase separation, and thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated for a variety of systems. By using a toughening linear polymer with lower polarity, reduced phase separation and improved mechanical properties were seen. Overall, imidazole‐containing HBFPs produced the clearest and toughest blends. These new hyperbranched ionomers and copolymers are strong candidates for future use in anhydrous proton exchange membranes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 961–972
Ring‐opening polymerization of (Macro)lactones by highly active mononuclear salen–aluminum complexes bearing cyclic β‐ketoiminato ligand
Authors: Huang Hai‐Chao , Wang Bin , Chen Xiao‐Lu , Pan Li , Li Yue‐Sheng
Published: March 2019

In this contribution, we explored the catalytic ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of (macro)lactones using salen–aluminum complexes bearing cyclic β‐ketoiminato ligand. The effects of bridge moiety and ring size in the benzocyclane skeleton on the catalytic activity of these complexes were thoroughly investigated. Complex 5 with 2,2‐dimethylpropylene bridge and five‐membered cyclane ring can efficiently catalyze the ROP of ω‐pentadecalactone (ω‐PDL), showing higher catalytic activity (turnover frequency [TOF] up to 309.2 h−1) than the typical Al‐salen analogs bearing salicylaldiminato ligand (TOF = 227.2 h−1). Thus, polyethylene‐like polyester with high‐molecular weight (up to 164.5 kg/mol) could be easily prepared under optimal conditions. In addition, complex 5 can also catalyze the ROP of lactide (LA) and ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) with extremely high activity (TOF is high up to 147.6 h−1 and 4752 h−1, respectively). Here, we demonstrated a rare mono‐nuclear salen‐Al complex that can prompt the ROP of (macro)lactones with unprecedentedly high efficiency. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 973–981