bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of creatine kinase and alpha‐1 antitrypsin as protein targets of alkylation by sulfur mustard
Authors: Lüling Robin , Schmeißer Wolfgang , Siegert Markus , Mückter Harald , Dietrich Alexander , Thiermann Horst , Gudermann Thomas , John Harald , Steinritz Dirk 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic chemical warfare agent deployed in several conflicts within the last 100 years and still represents a threat in terroristic attacks and warfare. SM research focuses on understanding the pathophysiology of SM and identifying novel biomarkers of exposure. SM is known to alkylate nucleophilic moieties of endogenous proteins, for example, free thiol groups of cysteine residues. The two‐dimensional‐thiol‐differences in gel electrophoresis (2D‐thiol‐DIGE) technique is an initial proteomics approach to detect proteins with free cysteine residues. These amino acids are selectively labeled with infrared‐maleimide dyes visualized after GE. Cysteine residues derivatized by alkylating agents are no longer accessible for the maleimide–thiol coupling resulting in the loss of the fluorescent signal of the corresponding protein. To prove the applicability of 2D‐thiol‐DIGE, this technology was exemplarily applied to neat human serum albumin treated with SM, to lysates from human cell culture exposed to SM as well as to human plasma exposed to CEES (chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, an SM analogue). Exemplarily, the most prominent proteins modified by SM were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (tandem) mass spectrometry, MALDI‐TOF MS(/MS), as creatine kinase (CK) from human cells and as alpha‐1 antitrypsin (A1AT) from plasma samples. Peptides containing the residue Cys282 of CK and Cys232 of A1AT were unambiguously identified by micro liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization high‐resolution tandem‐mass spectrometry (μLC‐ESI MS/HR MS) as being alkylated by SM bearing the specific hydroxyethylthioethyl‐(HETE)‐moiety. Both peptides might represent potential biomarkers of SM exposure. This is the first report introducing these endogenous proteins as targets of SM alkylation.
Teaching quantitative ecology online: An evidence‐based prescription of best practices
Authors: Acevedo Miguel A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractQuantitative skills are becoming central to the undergraduate and graduate curriculum in ecology and evolutionary biology. While previous studies acknowledge that students perceive their quantitative training to be inadequate, there is little guidance on best practices. Moreover, with the recent COVID‐19 sudden transition to online learning, there is even less guidance on how to effectively teach quantitative ecology online. Here, I synthesize a prescription of pedagogical best practices for teaching quantitative ecology online based on a broad review of the literature on multiple quantitative disciplines. These best practices include the following: (1) design and implement the class to meet learning goals using online strategies specifically; (2) create an open, inclusive, and welcoming online environment that promotes a sense of learning community; (3) acknowledge the diversity of talents and learning strategies; (4) use real‐world examples and assessments; (5) account for gaps in knowledge; (6) emphasize the modeling cycle process; (7) focus on developing ideas rather than tools or procedures; (8) if needed, introduce computational tools thoroughly before combining them with mathematical or statistical concepts; (9) evaluate the course constantly; and (10) put your heart and soul into the class. I hope these practices help fellow instructors of quantitative ecology facing similar challenges in providing our students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the challenges of the future.
Local adaptation and rapid evolution of aphids in response to genetic interactions with their cottonwood hosts
Authors: Wooley Stuart C. , Smith David Solance , Lonsdorf Eric V. , Brown Sarah C. , Whitham Thomas G. , Shuster Stephen M. , Lindroth Richard L. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSeveral studies have demonstrated the ecological consequences of genetic variation within a single plant species. For example, these studies show that individual plant genotypes support unique composition of the plants' associated arthropod community. By contrast, fewer studies have explored how plant genetic variation may influence evolutionary dynamics in the plant's associated species. Here, we examine how aphids respond evolutionarily to genetic variation in their host plant. We conducted two experiments to examine local adaptation and rapid evolution of the free‐feeding aphid Chaitophorus populicola across genetic variants of its host plant, Populus angustifolia. To test for local adaptation, we collected tree cuttings and aphid colonies from three sites along an elevation/climate gradient and conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment. In general, home aphids (aphids transplanted onto trees from the same site) produced 1.7–3.4 times as many offspring as foreign aphids (aphids transplanted onto trees from different sites). To test for rapid evolution, we used 4 clonally replicated aphid genotypes and transplanted each onto 5 clonally replicated P. angustifolia genotypes. Each tree genotype started with the same aphid genotype composition. After 21 days (~two aphid generations), aphid genotype composition changed (i.e., aphids evolved) and some tree genotypes supported unique evolutionary trajectories of aphids. These results suggest that plant evolution in response to human perturbation, such as climate change and invasive species, will also result in evolutionary responses in strongly interacting species that could cascade to affect whole communities.
Bergmann's rule is followed at multiple stages of postembryonic development in a long‐distance migratory songbird
Authors: Youtz Joseph , Miller Kelly D. , Bowers Emerson K. , Rogers Samantha L. , Bulluck Lesley P. , Johnson Matthew , Peer Brian D. , Percy Katie L. , Johnson Erik I. , Ames Elizabeth M. , Tonra Christopher M. , Boves Than J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBergmann’s rule is a well‐established, ecogeographical principle that states that body size varies positively with latitude, reflecting the thermoregulatory benefits of larger bodies as temperatures decline. However, this principle does not seem to easily apply to migratory species that are able to avoid the extreme temperatures during winter at higher latitudes. Further, little is known about the ontogeny of this relationship across life stages or how it is influenced by ongoing global climate change. To address these knowledge gaps, we assessed the contemporary relationship between latitude and body size in a long‐distance migratory species, the prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea) across life stages (egg to adult) on their breeding grounds. We also measured historic eggs (1865‐1961) to assess if the relationship between latitude and size during this life stage has changed over time. In accordance with Bergmann’s rule, we found a positive relationship between latitude and body mass during all post‐embryonic life stages, from early nestling stage through adulthood. We observed this same predicted pattern with historic eggs, but contemporary eggs exhibited the reverse (negative) relationship. We suggest that these results indicate a genetic component to this pattern and speculate that selection for larger body size in altricial nestlings as latitude increases may possibly drive the pattern in migratory species as even rare extreme cold weather events may cause mortality during early life stages. Furthermore, the opposite relationships observed in eggs, dependent on time period, may be related to the rapidly warming environments of higher latitudes that is associated with climate change. Although it is unclear what mechanism(s) would allow for this recent reversal in eggs (but still allow for its maintenance in later life stages). This evidence of a reversal suggests that anthropogenic climate change may be in the process of altering one of the longest‐standing principles in ecology.
Calculation method of gas‐pressure rising process in puffer chamber of high‐voltage SF6 circuit‐breaker
Authors: Sato Motohiro , Yokomizu Yasunobu , Horinouchi Katsuhiko , Nakamura Yasunori , Yoshitomo Yuji , Shimizu Yoshinori 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRegarding a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) nozzle ablation due to arc radiation exposure in SF6 circuit‐breaker, the ablated mass of the nozzle was formulated as a function of an arc current and an internal radius of the nozzle surface considering the radiation power absorbed on the surface. Furthermore, this formulation contributed to subsequent development of calculation method for evaluating gas pressure rise process during current interruption. And, verification experiments of the calculation method were performed with a model SF6 circuit‐breaker equipped a puffer chamber. Calculation results derived from the developed calculation method showed good agreement with measured gas pressure rise process. On the basis of the verified results, a discussion was made to explain pressure rise mechanism.
Investigation of Tribological Properties of Vegetable Oil Based Hard Wax Alternatives in Comparison with Carnauba Wax
Authors: Fei Tao , Ren Kangzi , Wang Tong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe authors investigate the structure‐surface property relationship of different amide‐based waxes, which can be beneficial for designing new anti‐friction materials. Five different amide‐based samples (derived from soybean oil) and a carnauba wax sample are tested. The effect of normal load, sliding velocity, and environmental temperature on the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear loss is investigated. COF and wear loss of different materials respond to these factors very differently. The long carbon chain and high hardness of polyamide and Amidecoat result in low COF and less wear loss. The lower glass transition point of Amidecoat results in higher COF and more wear loss when tested at a high environmental temperature. Crystal morphology and crystallinity of these materials are found to have no apparent correlation with their friction and wear behaviors.Practical Applications: It is shown in this research that the soybean oil based polyamide and Amidecoat have comparable friction and wear behavior as the high‐priced carnauba wax. The Amidecoat and polyamide can be suitable substitutes for carnauba wax for anti‐friction purposes, and this study is expected to provide some practical guidance for the application of amide‐based materials (derived from soybean oil) in the tribological field. The work should be a great interest in the coating and lubricant industries that are looking for green and renewable alternatives for the expensive natural waxes with limited availability.
Intelligent Proportional Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control for variable speed standalone wind energy conversion system
Authors: Jain Anjana , Saravanakumar Rajendran 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study investigates the design of robust nonlinear controller for control of voltage and frequency of variable‐speed standalone Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). The variation in wind‐speed and load raise the oscillation in terminal‐voltage and frequency. These oscillation need to be minimized for enhancing the power management. To overcome this issue, an Intelligent Proportional Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Controller (iPI‐TSMC) is proposed. Proposed iPI‐TSMC establishes a fast‐finite‐time convergence with minimum steady‐state error. Also this controller is robust against the wind velocity perturbation, load variations, and external disturbances. Closed‐loop stability of the proposed controller is validated using Lyapunov‐stability‐theorem. The cogency of the proposed iPI‐TSMC has been validated through MATLAB/simulink environment for different operating conditions. Also performance of iPI‐TSMC is compared with fractional‐order‐proportional‐integral (FOPI) and conventional integer‐order‐proportional‐integral (IOPI) controllers. The simulation results, signifies the efficacy of iPI‐TSMC as compared to other controllers. Feasibility of proposed iPI‐TSMC controller is verified in real‐time HIL simulator using op4510 platform.Statement of Industrial RelevanceSimulation analysis and the comparative study of iPI‐TSMC with FOPI, and IOPI shows better performance to keep constant terminal‐voltage during different wind‐profiles, load variation, and external disturbance. Also, performance assessment of iPI‐TSMC for different matrices during varying wind‐profiles is found superior than FOPI and IOPI controllers. Performance validation of proposed iPI‐TSMC for varying wind‐velocity and load in real‐time HIL simulator op4510 platform shows the feasibility of the proposed controller, which makes it suitable for real‐time application.
Research on the influence of wollastonite fibers on the stability of foam extinguishment agent and its effect on the extinguishing efficiency of pool fire
Authors: Li Xiujuan , Guo Ruisong , Qian Xiaodong 
Published: September 2020

SummaryAqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF) is a frequently used foam extinguishment agent for oil fires, but the foam stability of AFFF is not perfect, which results in poor fire extinguishing performance. In order to improve the foam stability of AFFF, wollastonite fibers were explored to increase the performance of foam extinguishment agent. The influences of wollastonite fibers' concentration on foam extinguishment agent's stability are studied. When the concentration of wollastonite fibers is 30.00 g/100 mL, the drainage time is prolonged, which is the best among all the formulas. Moreover, the fire resistance and fire‐fighting performances are increased significantly due to the incorporation of wollastonite fibers. In order to reveal the effect of wollastonite fibers on the stability of foam extinguishment agent, the structure of the foam and the diameter of the bubbles are investigated. The results show that the complexity and compactness of foam layer's structure are very important for foam stability, and the fire‐extinguishing performance is improved due to the introduction of wollastonite fibers.
Retroauricular thyroidectomy with a single‐arm robotic surgical system: Preclinical cadaveric study
Authors: Noel Julia E. , Lee Myung‐Chul , Tam Kenric , Lim Gil‐Chai , Holsinger F. Christopher , Koh Yoon Woo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn this study, we evaluate a new flexible, single‐arm robotic system in performing thyroidectomy via a retroauricular approach.MethodsFour fresh cadavers were used. Technical details of the new system are discussed, and the comprehensive surgical procedures are described step by step.ResultsThis single‐port flexible system could be used to successfully perform retroauricular thyroidectomy. The ideal angle to dock the patient‐side cart was at a 90° angle to the operating table. When the cannula tip was placed 10 to 15 cm away from the skin incision, positioning and full movement of all four instruments without collisions were possible. Three flexible instruments and an endoscope made the robotic dissection more efficient.ConclusionsWe describe the first preclinical evaluation of an innovative, flexible, single‐arm robotic surgical system for retroauricular thyroidectomy.
Image‐guided robotic radiosurgery for glomus jugulare tumors—Multicenter experience and review of the literature
Authors: Ehret Felix , Kufeld Markus , Fürweger Christoph , Haidenberger Alfred , Schichor Christian , Lehrke Ralph , Fichte Susanne , Senger Carolin , Bleif Martin , Rueß Daniel , Ruge Maximilian , Tonn Jörg‐Christian , Muacevic Alexander , Hempel John‐Martin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundGlomus jugulare tumors (GJTs) are challenging to treat due to their vascularization and location. This analysis evaluates the effectiveness and safety of image‐guided robotic radiosurgery (RRS) for GJTs in a multicenter study and reviews the existing radiosurgical literature.MethodsWe analyzed outcome data from 101 patients to evaluate local control (LC), changes in pretreatment deficits, and toxicity. Moreover, radiosurgical studies for GJTs have been reviewed.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 35 months, the overall LC was 99%. Eighty‐eight patients were treated with a single dose, 13 received up to 5 fractions. The median tumor volume was 5.6 cc; the median treatment dose for single‐session treatments is 16 Gy, and for multisession treatments is 21 Gy. Fifty‐six percentage of patients experienced symptom improvement or recovered entirely.ConclusionsRRS is an effective primary and secondary treatment option for GJTs. The available literature suggests that radiosurgery is a treatment option for most GJTs.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Impairs the Liver–Alpha Cell Axis Independent of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: Pedersen Julie Steen , Rygg Marte Opseth , Kristiansen Viggo Bjerregaard , Olsen Beth Hærstedt , Serizawa Reza Rafiolsadat , Holst Jens Juul , Madsbad Sten , Gluud Lise Lotte , Bendtsen Flemming , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai Jacob 
Published: September 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with impaired hepatic actions of glucagon and insulin. Glucagon and amino acids are linked in an endocrine feedback circuit, the liver–alpha cell axis, that may be disrupted by NAFLD. We investigated how NAFLD severity affects glucagon and insulin resistance in individuals with obesity and whether bariatric surgery improves these parameters. Plasma and liver biopsies from 33 individuals with obesity (collectively, OBE) were obtained before and 12 months after bariatric surgery (Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass [RYGB] or sleeve gastrectomy [SG]). Nine healthy control individuals (collectively, CON) undergoing cholecystectomy were used as a comparison group. The NAFLD activity score (NAS) was used to subdivide study participants into the following groups: OBE‐no steatosis, OBE+steatosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or grade 2 fibrosis (Fib) (OBE‐NASH‐Fib). Measurements of amino acids by targeted metabolomics and glucagon were performed. Glucagon, amino acids (P < 0.05), and the glucagon‐alanine index, a validated surrogate marker of glucagon resistance, were increased in OBE by 60%, 56%, and 61%, respectively, when compared with CON but irrespective of NAFLD severity. In contrast, markers of hepatic insulin resistance increased concomitantly with NAS. Hyperglucagonemia resolved in OBE‐no steatosis and OBE+steatosis but not in OBE‐NASH‐Fib (median, 7.0; interquartile range, 5.0‐9.8 pmol/L), regardless of improvement in insulin resistance and NAS. The type of surgery that participants underwent had no effect on metabolic outcomes. Conclusion: Glucagon resistance to amino acid metabolism exists in individuals with NAFLD independent of NAS severity. Patients with NASH showed persistent hyperglucagonemia 12 months after bariatric surgery, indicating that a disrupted liver–alpha cell may remain in NAFLD despite major improvement in liver histology.
Exploratory Study of Autoantibody Profiling in Drug‐Induced Liver Injury with an Autoimmune Phenotype
Authors: Lammert Craig , Zhu Chengsong , Lian Yun , Raman Indu , Eckert George , Li Quan‐Zhen , Chalasani Naga 
Published: September 2020

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) sometimes presents with an autoimmune hepatitis‐like phenotype (AI‐DILI), and it is challenging to distinguish it from de novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We conducted a study to identify autoantibodies unique to AI‐DILI by profiling serum autoantibodies. Autoantibodies were quantified using an autoantigen array containing 94 autoantigens from four groups: AI‐DILI (n = 65), DILI controls (n = 67), de novo AIH (n = 17), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 30). In 37 patients with AI‐DILI, samples were also collected 6 months after presentation. AI‐DILI and de novo AIH had similar anti‐neutrophil antibody and anti‐smooth muscle antibody prevalence. Compared to HCs, de novo AIH had an increase in many immunoglobulin G (IgG; 35 [46.1%]) and IgM (51 [70%]) autoantibodies, whereas AI‐DILI had an increase of IgM (40 [54.8%]) but not IgG autoantibodies. DILI controls had a similar IgG and IgM profile compared to HCs. Comparing de novo AIH to AI‐DILI identified 18 (23.7%) elevated IgG but only one (1.4%) IgM autoantibodies, indicating the unique IgG autoantibody profile in de novo AIH. Compared to DILI and HCs, increased IgM autoantibodies in AI‐DILI and de novo AIH were common; however, AI‐DILI induced by different drugs showed different frequencies of IgM autoantibodies, with nitrofurantoin‐related AI‐DILI showing a higher number of increased IgM autoantibodies. AI‐DILI autoantibody levels at diagnosis and at 6 months showed a significant decline in 37 IgM autoantibodies. A model with highly correlated IgG and IgM was fitted into multivariate logistic regression and revealed an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.79‐0.95) to distinguish de novo AIH from AI‐DILI. Conclusion: The unique IgG and IgM autoantibody signature appears to be a promising biomarker for distinguishing AI‐DILI from de novo AIH.
Outward foreign direct investment and economic growth in Romania: Evidence from non‐linear ARDL approach
Authors: Amin Azka , Anwar Sofia , Liu Xi‐Hua 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGlobally, the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) has significantly increased during recent years. In the light of OFDI's role in determining the GDP growth rate, it is necessary to assess how economic growth rate responds to such outflows. Based on the non‐linear autoregressive distributive lag (NARDL) model, the present study investigates the long‐run and short‐run asymmetric impacts of OFDI on the economic growth in Romania covering the period 1990–2019. The results indicate that both an increase and a decrease in OFDI have a positive and significant impact on Romania's economic growth, with a greater effect arising from the increase in OFDI. Our research adds to the preceding literature by providing new insights into the OFDI‐led growth hypothesis. The results of the present study portray the growth‐enhancing effects of OFDI, which are consistent with the notion that firms conduct OFDI in order to combine domestic output with overseas output to decrease expenditures and to enhance their competitiveness both at global and domestic levels. Thus, an increase in OFDI is both a cause and a consequence of the home country's economic growth.