bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of sample distribution on growth model output for a highly-exploited marine fish, the Gulf Corvina (Cynoscion othonopterus)
Authors: Bolser Derek G. , Grüss Arnaud , Lopez Mark A. , Reed Erin M. , Mascareñas-Osorio Ismael , Erisman Brad E.
Published: September 2018

Estimating the growth of fishes is critical to understanding their life history and conducting fisheries assessments. It is imperative to sufficiently sample each size and age class of fishes to construct models that accurately reflect biological growth patterns, but this may be a challenging endeavor for highly-exploited species in which older fish are rare. Here, we use the Gulf Corvina (Cynoscion othonopterus), a vulnerable marine fish that has been persistently overfished for two decades, as a model species to compare the performance of several growth models. We fit the von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, logistic, Schnute, and Schnute–Richards growth models to length-at-age data by nonlinear least squares regression and used simple indicators to reveal biased data and ensure our results were biologically feasible. We then explored the consequences of selecting a biased growth model with a per-recruit model that estimated female spawning-stock-biomass-per-recruit and yield-per-recruit. Based on statistics alone, we found that the Schnute–Richards model described our data best. However, it was evident that our data were biased by a bimodal distribution of samples and underrepresentation of large, old individuals, and we found the Schnute–Richards model output to be biologically implausible. By simulating an equal distribution of samples across all age classes, we found that sample distribution distinctly influenced model output for all growth models tested. Consequently, we determined that the growth pattern of the Gulf Corvina was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model, which was the most robust to biased data, comparable across studies, and statistically comparable to the Schnute–Richards model. Growth model selection had important consequences for assessment, as the per-recruit model employing the Schnute–Richards model fit to raw data predicted the stock to be in a much healthier state than per-recruit models employing other growth models. Our results serve as a reminder of the importance of complete sampling of all size and age classes when possible and transparent identification of biased data when complete sampling is not possible.
Metabolic marker gene mining provides insight in globalmcrAdiversity and, coupled with targeted genome reconstruction, sheds further light on metabolic potential of theMethanomassiliicoccales
Authors: Speth Daan R. , Orphan Victoria J.
Published: September 2018

Over the past years, metagenomics has revolutionized our view of microbial diversity. Moreover, extracting near-complete genomes from metagenomes has led to the discovery of known metabolic traits in unsuspected lineages. Genome-resolved metagenomics relies on assembly of the sequencing reads and subsequent binning of assembled contigs, which might be hampered by strain heterogeneity or low abundance of a target organism. Here we present a complementary approach, metagenome marker gene mining, and use it to assess the global diversity of archaeal methane metabolism through themcrAgene. To this end, we have screened 18,465 metagenomes for the presence of reads matching a database representative of all known mcrA proteins and reconstructed gene sequences from the matching reads. We use our mcrA dataset to assess the environmental distribution of theMethanomassiliicoccalesand reconstruct and analyze a draft genome belonging to the ‘Lake Pavin cluster’, an uncultivated environmental clade of theMethanomassiliicoccales. Analysis of the ‘Lake Pavin cluster’ draft genome suggests that this organism has a more restricted capacity for hydrogenotrophic methylotrophic methanogenesis than previously studiedMethanomassiliicoccales, with only genes for growth on methanol present. However, the presence of the soluble subunits of methyltetrahydromethanopterin:CoM methyltransferase (mtrAH)provide hypothetical pathways for methanol fermentation, and aceticlastic methanogenesis that await experimental verification. Thus, we show that marker gene mining can enhance the discovery power of metagenomics, by identifying novel lineages and aiding selection of targets for in-depth analyses. Marker gene mining is less sensitive to strain heterogeneity and has a lower abundance threshold than genome-resolved metagenomics, as it only requires short contigs and there is no binning step. Additionally, it is computationally cheaper than genome resolved metagenomics, since only a small subset of reads needs to be assembled. It is therefore a suitable approach to extract knowledge from the many publicly available sequencing projects.
Insomnia and intellect mask the positive link between schizotypal traits and creativity
Authors: Polner Bertalan , Simor Péter , Kéri Szabolcs
Published: September 2018

Background

Schizotypy is a set of personality traits that resemble the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia in the general population, and it is associated with various subclinical mental health problems, including sleep disturbances. Additionally, dimensions of schizotypy show specific but weak associations with creativity. Given that creativity demands cognitive control and mental health, and that sleep disturbances negatively impact cognitive control, we predicted that positive, impulsive and disorganised schizotypy will demonstrate stronger associations with indicators of creativity, if the effect of mental health, insomnia, and intellect are statistically controlled.

Methods

University students (N = 182) took part in the study. Schizotypy was assessed with the shortened Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences (sO-LIFE). Creative achievements were measured with the Creative Achievement Questionnaire (CAQ), divergent thinking was assessed with the ‘Just suppose’ task, and remote association problem solving was tested with Compound Remote Associate (CRA) problems. Mental health was assessed with the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and insomnia was examined with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). Verbal short term memory was measured with the forward digit span task, and intellect was assessed with the Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI). Multiple linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between creativity and schizotypy. Indicators of creativity were the dependent variables. In the first block, dimensions of schizotypy, age, gender and smoking were entered, and in the second block, the models were extended with mental health, insomnia, verbal short term memory, and intellect.

Results

Positive schizotypy positively predicted real-life creative achievements, independently from the positive effect of intellect. Follow-up analyses revealed that positive schizotypy predicted creative achievements in art, while higher disorganised schizotypy was associated with creative achievements in science (when intellect was controlled for). Furthermore, disorganised schizotypy positively predicted remote association problem solving performance, if insomnia and verbal short term memory were statistically controlled. No dimension of schizotypy was significantly associated with divergent thinking.

Discussion

In line with previous findings, positive schizotypy predicted real-life creative achievements. The positive effects of disorganised schizotypy might be explained in terms of the simultaneous involvement of enhanced semantic priming and cognitive control in problem solving. We speculate that the lack of associations between divergent thinking and schizotypy might be related to instruction effects. Our study underscores the relevance of sleep impairment to the psychosis-spectrum, and refines our knowledge about the adaptive aspects of schizotypy in the general population.
Revealing the metabolic characteristics of human embryonic stem cells by genome‐scale metabolic modeling
Authors: He Yangzhige , Wang Yan , Zhang Boya , Li Yang , Diao Lihong , Lu Liang , Yao Jingwen , Liu Zhongyang , Li Dong , He Fuchu
Published: September 2018

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are characterized by a dual capacity, self‐renewal and pluripotency, which can be regulated by metabolism. A better understanding of ESC metabolism and regulatory mechanisms is pivotal for research into development, ageing, and cancer treatment. However, a systematic and comprehensive delineation of human ESC metabolism is still lacking. Here, we reconstructed the first genome‐scale metabolic model (GEM) of human ESCs (hESCs). By GEM simulation and analyses, hESC global metabolic characteristics including essential metabolites and network motifs were identified. Potential metabolic subsystems responsible for self‐renewal and pluripotency were also identified by analyses and experiments. This first GEM of hESCs provides a novel view and resource for stem cell metabolism research and will contribute to the elucidation of their metabolic characteristics.
Genetics of Thyroid Hormone‐Binding Proteins
Authors: Ferrara Alfonso Massimiliano
Published: September 2018

Thyroid hormones (TH), T3 and its precursor T4, are transported into circulation mainly by thyroxine‐binding globulin (TBG), transthyretin (TTR) and human serum albumin (HSA). Inherited defects in TH‐binding proteins are not uncommon. Inherited TBG defects are X‐chromosome linked and, based on the serum levels of TBG in hemizygous patients, manifest as complete TBG deficiency, partial TBG deficiency and TBG excess. Mutations in
TTR
gene produce a protein with either decreased or increased affinity for T4. Mutations of the
HSA
gene produce mostly increased concentration of serum T4. A variant with increased affinity for T3 has been also identified. Individuals with inherited abnormalities of TH‐binding proteins have altered amount of total serum TH and, although the concentration of free hormones remains unaltered, routine measurement can give erroneous results. Early recognition of these conditions is important to avoid expensive testing and to prevent unnecessary treatments with possible side effects.

Key Concepts

Inherited defects of TH‐binding proteins cause alterations of thyroid function tests, which may lead to incorrect diagnosis.

Individuals with Inherited defects of TH‐binding proteins are clinically euthyroid and do not require treatment.

Novel functions are recognized to TH‐binding proteins. As an example, TBG may regulate the release of TH at sites of inflammation thus influencing the local concentration of TH.

TBG deficiency due to mutations in the
TBG
gene enhancer represents the first demonstration of a hereditary endocrine disorder caused by alterations in a gene expression regulatory element.

Lipoproteins, such as LDL, VLDL and HDL, may facilitate efflux of TH from cells.
Fundamental Aspects of Structure, Bonding, and the Reactivity of Hypervalent Iodine Compounds
Authors: de Magalhães Halua Pinto , Sala Oliver , Lüthi Hans Peter
Published: September 2018

Even though their importance in organic synthesis has grown tremendously, it is not until recently that iodane compounds have been rediscovered by theory and computation. In this chapter, using quantum chemical computation, we will explore the origins of the planar T‐shape equilibrium structures as well as the features of the multicenter bond commonly expressed by λ3‐iodanes. This 3‐center‐4‐electron bond, established by the coupling of the bonds between iodine and its two ligands in apical position, will be shown to govern much of the rich and often unusual reactivity of these compounds.

Further, the focus will be on the key steps involved in the electrophilic transfer of ligands (reductive elimination), nucleophilic substitution, and radical mechanisms) using Togni‐type reagents as well as diaryliodonium species. This study will show that once the basic principles of their reactivity are known, control over the outcome of a reaction involving iodane reagents can systematically be achieved. Finally, based onab initiomolecular dynamics simulations of the trifluoromethylation of an S‐nucleophile (thiophenol) in different solvents, the full complexity of a reaction where close competition between polar and radical mechanisms occurs, all leading to the same product, will be shown.
Incidence, Clinical Manifestations, and Severity of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Among Maori and Pacific Island Children
Authors: Concannon Anthony , Reed Peter , Ostring Genevieve
Published: September 2018

Objective

To describe the incidence, demographics, diagnostic clinical manifestations, and severity of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in Maori and Pacific Island children compared to European children.

Methods

A chart review was conducted of all children with JIA seen by Auckland pediatric and rheumatology services between the years 2000 and 2015. Demographic data and diagnostic clinical manifestations, including poor prognostic features, were collated. The incidence, diagnostic, clinical manifestations, and severity of JIA were determined and compared between ethnic groups, in particular Maori, Pacific Island, and European children.

Results

The overall incidence in a New Zealand cohort of children with JIA was 5.1/100,000 children per year, which was significantly higher among European children (7.2/100,000 children per year) compared to all other ethnic groups. Poor prognostic features at diagnosis were present in 36% of children with JIA, with significantly more Maori and Pacific Island children presenting with poor prognostic features compared to European children (58% versus 27%; P = 0.0001). Maori and Pacific Island children had significantly more poor prognostic features per child associated with JIA (1.10 versus 0.37; P < 0.0001) and in oligoarticular and polyarticular JIA (1.28 versus 0.40; P < 0.0001), which was independent of socioeconomic status. Significant features included cervical involvement (25% versus 9%; P = 0.03), erosive changes (22% versus 8%; P = 0.05), joint space narrowing (13% versus 2%; P = 0.02), and positive rheumatoid factor polyarticular disease (47% versus 14%; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Maori and Pacific Island children were more likely to present with poor prognostic features at diagnosis, although the incidence of JIA was demonstrated to be significantly higher among European children compared to all ethnic groups.
Exfoliation in Endotoxin‐Free Albumin Generates Pristine Graphene with Reduced Inflammatory Properties
Authors: Lebre Filipa , Hanlon Damien , Boland John B. , Coleman Jonathan , Lavelle Ed C.
Published: September 2018

Graphene‐based materials are under consideration as a new generation of biomaterials for medical applications, owning to their distinctive physicochemical properties. A major obstacle to clinical translation of novel biomaterials is the presence of residual endotoxin contaminants that can trigger deleterious inflammatory responses and unrelated immunomodulatory effects. To overcome this challenge, a liquid exfoliation methodology to prepare endotoxin‐free bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐exfoliated pristine graphene (EF‐Gr) was developed and compared with conventional BSA‐exfoliated graphene (C‐Gr) and sodium cholate‐exfoliated graphene (SC‐Gr). In contrast to SC‐Gr, protein‐exfoliated graphene exhibits low toxicity. Moreover, BSA‐exfoliated EF‐Gr does not trigger cytokine secretion or increase costimulatory molecule expression in dendritic cells (DCs) or macrophages; however it retains the ability to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome in DCs primed with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists. The results suggest that some reported immunostimulatory effects of graphene preparations may have resulted from contaminants in the formulations. When injected into mice, the inflammatory response induced is comparable in magnitude to that induced by the safe and effective vaccine adjuvant alum. Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility of producing endotoxin‐free pristine graphene that facilitates assessment of the potential of pristine graphene for novel biomedical applications without the confounding effects of toxic and inflammatory contaminants.
Salt‐Mediated Polyampholyte Hydrogels with High Mechanical Strength, Excellent Self‐Healing Property, and Satisfactory Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Long Tangjie , Li Yixuan , Fang Xu , Sun Junqi
Published: September 2018

In this work, self‐healing polyampholyte hydrogels with high mechanical strength in megapascal order, good resilience, improved toughness, and satisfactory conductivity are fabricated via one‐step polymerization of positively charged imidazolium‐based ionic liquid monomers containing urea groups and negatively charged 3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt monomers followed by subsequent dialysis in water. Dialysis can remove partial counter ions in the original hydrogels to strengthen electrostatic interactions between imidazolium and sulfonate groups and improve mechanical strength of the hydrogels. After dialysis for 3 d, the originally soft hydrogels become mechanically robust with a tensile strength of ≈1.3 MPa, strain at break of ≈720%, and toughness of ≈6.7 MJ m−3. Hydrogen‐bonding interactions between urea groups, which act as sacrificial bonds to dissipate energy, are important to improve the mechanical strength and toughness of the hydrogels. More importantly, the hydrogel can automatically heal from physical cut at room temperature with a healing efficiency of ≈91% because of the reversibility of the electrostatic and hydrogen‐bonding interactions. Because of the undialyzed salts in the hydrogels, the mechanically robust hydrogels possess a satisfactory ionic conductivity of ≈3 S m−1 at room temperature and can serve as highly flexible and stretchable conductors with self‐healing capacity.
Photothermal‐Controlled Nanotubes with Surface Charge Flipping Ability for Precise Synergistic Therapy of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Mei Chaoming , Wang Ni , Zhu Xueqiong , Wong Ka‐Hing , Chen Tianfeng
Published: September 2018

Owing to the highly malignant and invasive innate character of triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBCs), it is easy to relapse after chemotherapy; thus, there are still no effective and specific targeted therapies. In this study, a carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based nanosystem Se@CNTs with surface charge flipping and targeted ability is rationally designed and successfully synthesized for precise chemo‐photothermal synergistic therapy of TNBCs. The acid‐labile β‐carboxylic acid group is used to reversibly functionalize the amine groups, thus forming charge‐reversal nanoparticles to enhance the bioresponsive cellular uptake. The internalized Se@CNTs combined with laser irradiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, which activates apoptosis‐related proteins to trigger cancer cell apoptosis synergistically. Meanwhile, Se@CNTs also suppresses the invasion and migration of TNBC cells by regulating the related signaling pathways. Importantly, in combination with laser irradiation, Se@CNTs effectively inhibits the tumor growth, as demonstrated by the high tumor ablation activity in vivo through chemo‐phototherapy, but shows no significant histological change in the main organs. Taken together, this study provides a strategy for rational design of next‐generation nanomedicines for precise chemo‐photothermal synergistic therapy of malignant TNBCs.
Nanogel Tectonics for Tissue Engineering: Protein Delivery Systems with Nanogel Chaperones
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshihide , Mukai Sada‐atsu , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: September 2018

Amphiphilic polysaccharide self‐assembled (SA) nanogels are promising protein carriers owing to their chaperone‐like activity that allows them to nanoencapsulate proteins within their polymer networks. The chaperoning function is an important concept that has led to breakthroughs in the development of effective protein drug delivery systems by stabilizing formulations and controlling the quality of unstable proteins. Recently, nanogel‐tectonic materials that integrate SA nanogels as building blocks have been designed as new hydrogel biomaterials. This article describes recent progress and applications of SA nanogel tectonic materials as protein delivery systems for tissue engineering.
A Highly Sensitive Tactile Sensor Using a Pyramid‐Plug Structure for Detecting Pressure, Shear Force, and Torsion
Authors: Choi Daehwan , Jang Sukjin , Kim Joo Sung , Kim Hyung‐Jun , Kim Do Hwan , Kwon Jang‐Yeon
Published: September 2018

Sensors that detect and discriminate external mechanical forces are a principal component in the development of electronic tactile systems that can mimic the multifunctional properties of human skin. This study demonstrates a pyramid‐plug structure for highly sensitive tactile sensors that enables them to detect pressure, shear force, and torsion. The device is composed of pyramid‐patterned ionic gel inspired by neural mechanoreceptors and engraved electrodes. Based on a pyramid‐plug structure, the deformation mechanism differs between different types of external mechanical loadings. The sensor provides the high sensitivities of 1.93 kPa−1, 29.88 N−1, and 3.39 (N cm)−1, and a wide range of detection for tactile daily activity. Moreover, this tactile sensor could work through either of the two transduction methods (capacitive transduction and piezoresistive transduction). It is shown that this tactile sensor can be used to monitor changes in electrical signals ranging from those caused by human breathing to those caused by arbitrary multiplex human touching.
The influence of emulsifiers on preparation and properties of microencapsules of melamine–urea–formaldehyde resins with n‐dodecanol as phase‐change material
Authors: Wu Nan , Xu Lingling , Zhang Caoning
Published: September 2018

Melamine–urea–formaldehyde resins/n‐dodecanol microencapsulated phase‐change materials (microPCMs) were prepared by in situ polymerization method in this work. In the microPCMs, the n‐dodecanol was used as phase‐change material (PCM) for thermal energy storage, and the melamine–urea–formaldehyde resins (MUF) acted as shell materials. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) indicated that the PCM n‐dodecanol is encapsulated in the MUF shell controlling pH of n‐dodecanol emulsion at 4.5, and there is no chemical reaction between them. The thermal properties of the microcapsules were measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The morphology and particle size of the microPCMs were surveyed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser particle diameter analyzer. The results showed that styrene‐maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) anionic emulsifier is suitable for the preparation of MUF microPCMs. The cooling and melting phase‐change enthalpy were 130.5 and 135.2 J/g, and the cooling and melting phase‐change temperature were 20.9 and 19.11°C when core–shell ratio reached 3:1. In addition, increasing amount of SMA can enhance the phase‐change enthalpy.
Genetic analyses of Astragalus sect. Humillimi (Fabaceae) resolve taxonomy and enable effective conservation
Authors: Massatti Rob , Belus Matthew T. , Dowlatshahi Shahed , Allan Gerard J.
Published: September 2018

Premise of the Study

Astragalus sect. Humillimi is distributed across the southwestern United States and contains two endangered taxa, A. cremnophylax var. cremnophylax and A. humillimus. The former was originally described from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Analysis of individuals discovered on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon yielded some evidence that the population represented a distinct species. To enable effective conservation, we clarify the group's taxonomy and characterize the genetic diversity of A. cremnophylax and A. humillimus.

Methods

We used AFLPs to genotype most species in sect. Humillimi, focusing on the two endangered forms. We examined patterns of genetic diversity using complementary analytical approaches.

Key Results

Our results demonstrate that North Rim populations group with A. c. var. cremnophylax. We found low levels of genetic diversity at certain localities and strong differentiation among populations. Astragalus humillimus, which has suffered recent and severe population declines, exhibits weak differentiation among and low diversity within populations.

Conclusions

Our results clarify the taxonomy of sect. Humillimi and define the boundaries of A. c. var. cremnophylax, which is shown to inhabit both rims of the Grand Canyon. This clarification, and detailed analysis of genetic variation within both endangered taxa, may advance ongoing efforts to conserve these taxa. Our results suggest that range‐wide genetic analysis of A. humillimus may inform recovery strategies for this taxon.
Overcoming the “Holy Hush”: A Qualitative Examination of Protestant Christian Leaders’ Responses to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Houston‐Kolnik Jaclyn D. , Todd Nathan R. , Greeson Megan R.
Published: September 2018

Described as a “holy hush,” past research has noted a general silence about and reluctance to address intimate partner violence (IPV) in religious congregations. To explore this, we interviewed 20 Protestant Christian religious leaders about how they understood and responded toIPV. Based on a thematic content analysis, our study revealed some of the challenges, tensions, and complexities that may be barriers to leaders speaking about and responding toIPV, and also the ways religious leaders in our sample attempted to overcome these challenges. For example, results revealed religious leaders understood violence on a gradation from less to more severe, and linked a need for and type of response to the level of violence. Throughout, religious leaders expressed a tension between their leadership role and responding toIPV. Furthermore, religious leaders acknowledged their need for greater training and connections to service providers, however, they reported not currently being connected to otherIPVresources or organizations in the community. We discuss how the findings illuminate challenges and tensions for religious leaders in responding toIPVand how some leaders in this study were navigating these tensions to respond. We also discuss how findings may inform future research and the development of trainings and protocols for religious leaders and congregations on responding toIPV, promoting survivor safety, and fostering a greater understanding ofIPV. Implications for collaboration with other community‐basedIPVorganizations are also discussed.
Intranasal oxytocin in rhesus monkeys alters brain networks that detect social salience and reward
Authors: Parr Lisa A. , Mitchell Thomas , Hecht Erin
Published: September 2018

In primates, resting state functional neuroimaging (rsfcMRI) has identified several large‐scale, intrinsic brain networks, including the salience network (SN), which is involved in detecting stimulus salience. Intranasal oxytocin (IN‐OT) has been shown to modulate the salience and rewarding quality of social stimuli in mammals and numerous studies have shown that it can affect the functional connectivity between brain regions. Less is known, however, about how these effects unfold over time following IN‐OT administration. This study used rsfcMRI in anesthetized rhesus macaques to track temporal changes in the functional connectivity between brain regions involved in the SN, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), anterior insula (AI), amygdala (amy), and ventral striatum (vstr), lasting 3 hr after IN‐OT or Placebo (saline) administration. We found significant temporal changes in the functional connectivity between all regions associated with treatment condition. IN‐OT increased the functional connectivity between AI_vstr, ACC_amy (right hemisphere), ACC_vstr (left hemisphere), and amy_vstr (right hemisphere), but reduced the functional connectivity between ACC_AI, and the AI_amygdala. These results suggest that IN‐OT may dampen salience detection in rhesus monkeys, consistent with previous findings of reduced social vigilance, while enhancing the connectivity between the SN and regions involved in processing reward.
Combining Butyrated ManNAc with Glycoengineered CHO Cells Improves EPO Glycan Quality and Production
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chung Cheng‐Yu , Yang Weiming , Yang Ganglong , Chough Sandra , Chen Yiqun , Yin Bojiao , Bhattacharya Rahul , Hu Yingwei , Saeui Christopher T. , Yarema Kevin J. , Betenbaugh Michael J. , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2018

Sodium butyrate (NaBu) is not only well‐known for enhancing protein production, but also degrades glycan quality. In this study, butyrate supplied by the precursor molecule 1,3,4‐O‐Bu3ManNAc is applied to overcome the negative effects of NaBu on glycan quality while simultaneously increasing the productivity of the model recombinant erythropoietin (EPO). The beneficial impact of 1,3,4‐O‐Bu3ManNAc on EPO glycan quality, while evident in wild‐type CHO cells, is particularly pronounced in glycoengineered CHO cells with stable overexpression of β‐1,4‐ and β‐1,6‐N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferases (GnTIV and GnTV) and α‐2,6‐sialyltransferase (ST6) enzymes responsible for N‐glycan antennarity and sialylation. Supplementation of 1,3,4‐O‐Bu3ManNAc achieves approximately 30% sialylation enhancement on EPO protein in wild‐type CHO cells. Overexpression of GnTIV/GnTV/ST6 in CHO cells increases EPO sialylation about 40%. Combining 1,3,4‐O‐Bu3ManNAc treatment in glyocengineered CHO cells promotes EPO sialylation about 75% relative to EPO from wild‐type CHO cells. Moreover, a detailed mass spectrometric ESI‐LC‐MS/MS characterization of glycans at each of the three N‐glycosylation sites of EPO showed that the 1st N‐site is highly sialylated and either the negative impact of NaBu or the beneficial effect 1,3,4‐O‐Bu3ManNAc treatments mainly affects the 2nd and 3rd N‐glycan sites of EPO protein. In summary, these results demonstrate 1,3,4‐O‐Bu3ManNAc can compensate for the negative effect of NaBu on EPO glycan quality while simultaneously enhancing recombinant protein yields. In this way, a platform that integrates glycoengineering with metabolic supplementation can result in synergistic improvements in both production and glycosylation in CHO cells.
Toss the Floss? Evidence‐Based Oral Hygiene Recommendations for the Periodontal Patient in the Age of “Flossgate”
Authors: Geisinger Maria L. , Ogdon Dorothy , Kaur Maninder , Valiquette Gentiane , Geurs Nicolaas C. , Reddy Michael S.
Published: September 2018

Focused Clinical Question

What are the key considerations for effective delivery of oral hygiene home care to best manage or prevent periodontal diseases?

Background

Plaque control is critical for the management of periodontal diseases, but not all patients demonstrate the same risk for disease progression and challenges differ based upon clinical findings. This report seeks to present evidence‐based oral hygiene recommendations for a variety of common periodontal diseases.

Accurate diagnosis, risk assessment, and individualized delivery of oral hygiene instruction is necessary to ensure that patients can provide adequate home care to promote health and maintain the benefits of periodontal therapy.

Conclusions

Oral hygiene techniques and recommendations should vary based upon patients’ clinical presentation and risk assessment. Utilization of evidence‐based strategies to deliver personalized care will allow for optimal wellness for patients.
Ultrasonic Exfoliation of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Metal–Organic Frameworks To Form Nanosheets
Authors: Ashworth David J. , Cooper Adam , Trueman Mollie , Al‐Saedi Rasha W. M. , Smith Liam D. , Meijer Anthony J. H. M. , Foster Jonathan A.
Published: September 2018

The modular structure of metal–organic framework nanosheets (MONs) provides a convenient route to creating two‐dimensional materials with readily tuneable surface properties. Here, the liquid exfoliation of two closely related layered metal–organic frameworks functionalised with either methoxy‐propyl (1) or pentyl (2) pendent groups intended to bestow either hydrophilic or hydrophobic character to the resulting nanosheets is reported. Exfoliation of the two materials in a range of different solvents highlighted significant differences in their dispersion properties, as well as their molecular and nanoscopic structures. Exchange or loss of solvent was found to occur at the labile axial position of the paddle‐wheel based MONs and DFT calculations indicated that intramolecular coordination by the oxygen of the methoxy‐propyl pendant groups may take place. The nanoscopic dimensions of the MONs were further tuned by varying the exfoliation conditions and through “liquid cascade centrifugation”. Aqueous suspensions of the nanosheets were used as sensors to detect aromatic heterocycles with clear differences in binding behaviour observed and quantified.
Polypyridyl‐Based Copper Phenanthrene Complexes: A New Type of Stabilized Artificial Chemical Nuclease
Authors: Zuin Fantoni Nicoló , Molphy Zara , Slator Creina , Menounou Georgia , Toniolo Gianluca , Mitrikas George , McKee Vickie , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Kellett Andrew
Published: September 2018

The building of robust and versatile inorganic scaffolds with artificial metallo‐nuclease (AMN) activity is an important goal for bioinorganic, biotechnology, and metallodrug research fields. Here, a new type of AMN combining a tris‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (TPMA) scaffold with the copper(II)N,N′‐phenanthrene chemical nuclease core is reported. In designing these complexes, the stabilization and flexibility of TPMA together with the prominent chemical nuclease activity of copper 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) were targeted. A second aspect was the opportunity to introduce designer phenazine DNA intercalators (e.g., dipyridophenazine; DPPZ) for improved DNA recognition. Five compounds of formula [Cu(TPMA)(N,N′)]2+(whereN,N′ is 2,2‐bipyridine (Bipy), Phen, 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione (PD), dipyridoquinoxaline (DPQ), or dipyridophenazine (DPPZ)) were developed and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Solution stabilities were studied by continuous‐wave EPR (cw‐EPR), hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE), and Davies electron–nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopies, which demonstrated preferred geometries in which phenanthrene ligands were coordinated to the copper(II) TPMA core. Complexes with Phen, DPQ, and DPPZ ligands possessed enhanced DNA binding activity, with DPQ and DPPZ compounds showing excellent intercalative effects. These complexes are effective AMNs and analysis with spin‐trapping scavengers of reactive oxygen species and DNA repair enzymes with glycosylase/endonuclease activity demonstrated a distinctive DNA oxidation activity compared to classical Sigman‐ and Fenton‐type reagents.
Isolation and Crystallographic Characterization of Lu3N@C2n (2n=80–88): Cage Selection by Cluster Size
Authors: Shen Wang‐Qiang , Bao Li‐Piao , Hu Shuai‐Feng , Gao Xue‐Jiao , Xie Yun‐Peng , Gao Xing‐Fa , Huang Wen‐Huan , Lu Xing
Published: September 2018

The small Sc3N cluster has only been found in such small cages as C2n (2n=68, 78, 80, 82), whereas the large M3N (M=Y, Gd, Tb, Tm) clusters choose those larger cages C2n (2n=82–88). Herein, concrete experimental evidence is presented to establish the size effect of the internal metallic cluster on selecting the outer cage of endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) by using a medium‐sized metal, lutetium, which possesses an ionic radius between Sc and Gd. A series of lutetium‐containing EMFs have been obtained and their structures are unambiguously determined as Lu3N@Ih(7)‐C80, Lu3N@D5h(6)‐C80, Lu3N@C2v(9)‐C82, Lu3N@Cs(51365)‐C84, Lu3N@D3(17)‐C86, and Lu3N@D2(35)‐C88 by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction crystallography. It was confirmed that the encaged Lu3N cluster always adopts a planar geometry in Lu3N@C80‐88 isomers to ensure substantial metal‐cage/metal‐nitrogen interactions. As a result, the Lu3N cluster selects the C2v(9)‐C82 cage, which also encapsulates Sc3N, instead of the Cs(39663)‐C82 cage which is more suitable for M3N (M=Y, Gd, Tb, Tm). However, different from Sc3N, Lu3N can also template the C84–88 cages which are absent for Sc3N‐containing EMFs, confirming clearly the size effect of the internal cluster on selecting the outer cage.
Antitrypanosomatid Pharmacomodulation at Position 3 of the 8‐Nitroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one Scaffold Using Palladium‐Catalysed Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Pedron Julien , Boudot Clotilde , Bourgeade‐Delmas Sandra , Sournia‐Saquet Alix , Paloque Lucie , Rastegari Maryam , Abdoulaye Mansour , El‐Kashef Hussein , Bonduelle Colin , Pratviel Geneviève , Wyllie Susan , Fairlamb Alan H. , Courtioux Bertrand , Verhaeghe Pierre , Valentin Alexis
Published: September 2018

An antikinetoplastid pharmacomodulation study at position 3 of the recently described hit molecule 3‐bromo‐8‐nitroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one was conducted. Twenty‐four derivatives were synthesised using the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction and evaluated in vitro on both Leishmania infantum axenic amastigotes and Trypanosoma brucei brucei trypomastigotes. Introduction of a para‐carboxyphenyl group at position 3 of the scaffold led to the selective antitrypanosomal hit molecule 3‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐8‐nitroquinolin‐2(1H)‐one (21) with a lower reduction potential (−0.56 V) than the initial hit (−0.45 V). Compound 21 displays micromolar antitrypanosomal activity (IC50=1.5 μm) and low cytotoxicity on the human HepG2 cell line (CC50=120 μm), having a higher selectivity index (SI=80) than the reference drug eflornithine. Contrary to results previously obtained in this series, hit compound 21 is inactive toward L. infantum and is not efficiently bioactivated by T. brucei brucei type I nitroreductase, which suggests the existence of an alternative mechanism of action.
Dimethylammonium Incorporation in Lead Acetate Based MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Franssen Wouter M. J. , Bruijnaers Bardo J. , Portengen Victor H. L. , Kentgens Arno P. M.
Published: September 2018

Over the last years, several different pathways have been suggested for producing perovskite thin films for solar cell applications. While the merit of these methods with respect to the solar cell efficiency have been shown, the actual composition of the resulting thin films is often not investigated. Here, we show that methylammonium lead iodide films produced using lead acetate as a lead source can have up to 15 % dimethylammonium incorporated into their crystal structure, even though this ion is often consider to be too large for incorporation. The origin of this ion lies in the precursor solution, where it is formed in a reaction that is facilitated by the basic character of the acetate ions. We further show that these dimethylammonium ions are incorporated in a random fashion throughout the crystal structure, owing to the lack of observable ordered domains.
Co‐Prescription of Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors and the Risk of Tizanidine‐Associated Hypotension: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chaugai Sandip , Dickson Alyson L. , Shuey Megan M. , Feng QiPing , Barker Katherine A. , Wei Wei‐Qi , Luther James M. , Stein C. Michael , Chung Cecilia P.
Published: September 2018

Tizanidine, a widely used muscle relaxant that can lower blood pressure, is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). We studied 1,626 patients prescribed tizanidine and 5,012 prescribed cyclobenzaprine concurrently with a strong CYP1A2 inhibitor. The primary outcome was severe hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 70 mmHg during periods of drug co‐exposure. Severe hypotension occurred more often in the tizanidine group (2.03%; n = 33) than the cyclobenzaprine group (1.28%; n = 64); odds ratio (OR) = 1.60; P = 0.029. This difference remained statistically significant after adjustment for a log‐transformed propensity score that included age, sex, race, Charlson's comorbidity index, and concurrent use of antihypertensive medications (OR = 1.57; P = 0.049). A sensitivity analysis that defined hypotension as SBP < 90 mmHg also yielded higher rates of hypotension among patients prescribed tizanidine. In conclusion, CYP1A2 inhibition increases the risk of hypotensive episodes associated with the use of tizanidine in routine clinical practice.
Executives' excess compensation, legitimacy, and environmental information disclosure in Chinese heavily polluting companies: The moderating role of media pressure
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Tian , Chen Hongtao , Xiang Erwei , Ruan Wenjuan
Published: September 2018

This study examines whether executives justify their excess compensation through environmental information disclosure using a sample of listed companies in China's heavily polluting industries from 2010 to 2014. We find that executives' excess compensation is positively related to the quality of environmental information disclosure. The above relationship is significant in cases with strong demand for compensation justification (i.e., state‐owned enterprises and firms where an internal compensation gap is salient), indicating that executives manipulate environmental information disclosure about their companies according to their purposes. We also find that media pressure weakens the above relationship. A further test affirms a differential influence of media pressure in settings that involve public or private ownership, development of markets, and low or high product market competition. This study reveals a self‐serving motive of executives for environmental information disclosure. The findings of this study have practical implications for regulators, shareholders, and managers.
Detrimental Effect of Sintering Additives on Conducting Ceramics: Yttrium‐Doped Barium Zirconate
Authors: Han Donglin , Uemura Shigeaki , Hiraiwa Chihiro , Majima Masatoshi , Uda Tetsuya
Published: September 2018

Y‐doped BaZrO3 (BZY) is currently the most promising proton‐conductive ceramic‐type electrolyte for application in electrochemical devices, including fuel cells and electrolyzer cells. However, owing to its refractory nature, sintering additives, such as NiO, CuO, or ZnO are commonly added to reduce its high sintering temperature from 1600 °C to approximately 1400 °C. Even without deliberately adding a sintering additive, the NiO anode substrate provides another source of the sintering additive; during the co‐sintering process, NiO diffuses from the anode into the BZY electrolyte layer. In this work, a systematic study of the effect of NiO, CuO, and ZnO on the electroconductive properties of BaZr0.8Y0.2O3−δ (BZY20) is conducted. The results revealed that the addition of NiO, CuO, or ZnO into BZY20 not only degraded the electrical conductivity but also resulted in enhancement of the hole conduction. Removal of these sintering additives can be realized by post‐annealing in hydrogen at a mild temperature of 700 °C, but it is kinetically very slow. Therefore, the addition of NiO, CuO, and ZnO is detrimental to the electroconductive properties of BZY20, and significantly restrict its application as an electrolyte. The development of new sintering additives, new anode catalysts, or new methods for preparing BZY electrolyte‐based cells is urgently needed.
Longitudinally monitoring of P‐III‐NP, IGF‐I, and GH‐2000 score increases the probability of detecting two weeks’ administration of low‐dose recombinant growth hormone compared to GH‐2000 decision limit and GH isoform test and micro RNA markers
Authors: Lehtihet Mikael , Bhuiyan Hasanuzzaman , Dalby Abigayle , Ericsson Magnus , Ekström Lena
Published: September 2018

To detect doping with growth hormone (GH), GH isoform and biomarkers tests are available. Both methods use population‐based decision limits. Future testing in anti‐doping is progressing toward individual‐based reference ranges, and it is possible that with such an approach the sensitivity to detect GH doping may increase. In addition to monitoring different proteins, the use of miRNAs as future GH biomarkers has been discussed.

Here we have longitudinally studied the serum concentrations of IGF‐I, P‐III‐NP and the different GH isoforms in nine healthy men prior to, during and after two weeks’ administration with low doses (1 and 4 IU/day) of recGH. Moreover, three putative miRNAs were analyzed.

The results show that 80% of the participants were identified as atypical findings using the GH isoform test. However, the participants were only positive 1.5–3 hours directly after an injection. Only one of the participants reached a GH‐2000 score indicative of doping when a population‐based decision limit was applied. When IGF‐I and P‐III‐NP were longitudinally monitored, 88% of the participants were identified above an individual upper threshold arbitrarily calculated as three standard deviations above the mean values of four baseline samples. The miRNA levels displayed large intra‐subject variations that did not change in relation to recGH administration.

Our results show that the GH isoform test is very sensitive in detecting low doses of recGH but with a short detection window. Moreover, longitudinally monitoring of IGF‐I and P‐III‐NP may be a promising future approach to detect GH doping.
Behavioral differences in an over‐invasion scenario: marbled vs. spiny‐cheek crayfish
Authors: Linzmaier Stefan M. , Goebel Larissa S. , Ruland Florian , Jeschke Jonathan M.
Published: September 2018

New species often invade ecosystems already dominated by previous invaders. Ornamental freshwater crayfish, particularly parthenogenetic marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis), increasingly establish in European water bodies where they interact with resident native and non‐native species. Behavioral traits and behavioral syndromes can influence the outcome of these species interactions. The behavior of non‐native crayfish is often studied in notorious invaders but rarely in new and emerging species, although those provide the best opportunity for management. Activity, aggressiveness, and boldness have repeatedly been associated with invasion success and species displacement. Further, crayfish can adapt their behavior after they have established in the new range. We investigated whether marbled crayfish can displace the widely established spiny‐cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus). Specifically, we compared their behavioral traits and evaluated whether these traits differ, using marbled crayfish populations from aquaria and the field and spiny‐cheek crayfish from the field. We staged agonistic encounters, measured activity levels, and recorded the response to a simulated threat of both species and both origins (field and aquarium) in laboratory trials. We found that in agonistic encounters, marbled crayfish were on average more aggressive than spiny‐cheek crayfish, even against larger opponents. Aggressiveness and activity were positively correlated, which is indicative for an aggression syndrome. Marbled crayfish from the field were less active than those from aquaria, but there was no difference in aggressiveness. Marbled crayfish often froze in response to a simulated threat, whereas spiny‐cheek crayfish reacted either offensively or defensively. These results from the laboratory illustrate potentially important behavioral mechanisms behind crayfish over‐invasions and show behavioral plasticity in a species where all known individuals are genetically identical. To better understand the invasion process in nature, the species’ reproductive biology and interactions with other members of the community should be considered. We conclude that the recent success of marbled crayfish in establishing new populations could be influenced by their behavioral flexibility and their potential to competitively persist in the presence of established invasive crayfish.