bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative transcriptomics reveals the difference in early endosperm development between maize with different amylose contents
Authors: Qu Jianzhou , Xu Shutu , Tian Xiaokang , Li Ting , Wang Licheng , Zhong Yuyue , Xue Jiquan , Guo Dongwei
Published: August 2019

In seeds, the endosperm is a crucial organ that plays vital roles in supporting embryo development and determining seed weight and quality. Starch is the predominant storage carbohydrate of the endosperm and accounts for ∼70% of the mature maize kernel weight. Nonetheless, because starch biosynthesis is a complex process that is orchestrated by multiple enzymes, the gene regulatory networks of starch biosynthesis, particularly amylose and amylopectin biosynthesis, have not been fully elucidated. Here, through high-throughput RNA sequencing, we developed a temporal transcriptome atlas of the endosperms of high-amylose maize and common maize at 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-day after pollination and found that 21,986 genes are involved in the programming of the high-amylose and common maize endosperm. A coexpression analysis identified multiple sequentially expressed gene sets that are closely correlated with cellular and metabolic programmes and provided valuable insight into the dynamic reprogramming of the transcriptome in common and high-amylose maize. In addition, a number of genes and transcription factors were found to be strongly linked to starch synthesis, which might help elucidate the key mechanisms and regulatory networks underlying amylose and amylopectin biosynthesis. This study will aid the understanding of the spatiotemporal patterns and genetic regulation of endosperm development in different types of maize and provide valuable genetic information for the breeding of starch varieties with different contents.
Testing the function of dromaeosaurid (Dinosauria, Theropoda) ‘sickle claws’ through musculoskeletal modelling and optimization
Authors: Bishop Peter J.
Published: August 2019

Dromaeosaurids were a clade of bird-like, carnivorous dinosaurs that are well known for their characteristic morphology of pedal digit II, which bore an enlarged, sickle-shaped claw and permitted an extreme range of flexion–extension. Proposed functions for the claw often revolve around predation, but the exact manner of use varies widely. Musculoskeletal modelling provides an avenue to quantitatively investigate the biomechanics of this enigmatic system, and thereby test different behavioural hypotheses. Here, a musculoskeletal model of the hindlimb and pes ofDeinonychuswas developed, and mathematical optimization was used to assess the factors that maximize production of force at the claw tip. Optimization revealed that more crouched hindlimb postures (i.e., more flexed knees and ankles) and larger flexor muscle volumes consistently increased claw forces, although the optimal degree of digit flexion or extension depended on assumptions of muscle activity and fibre operating range. Interestingly, the magnitude of force capable of being produced at the claw tip was relatively small, arguing against regular transmission of a large proportion of body weight into a substrate principally via the claw tip. Such transmission would therefore likely have needed to occur via more proximal parts of the foot. Collectively, the results best support a grasping function for digit II (e.g., restraint of prey smaller than the dromaeosaurid’s own body size), although other behaviours involving flexed hindlimbs cannot be excluded.
The association of wrist circumference with hypertension in northeastern Chinese residents in comparison with other anthropometric obesity indices
Authors: Li Yongfang , Liu Yuyan , He Jing , Ma Ping , Yu Luyang , Sun Guifan
Published: August 2019

Background

Wrist circumference (WrC) is an easily obtained measure in estimating the body frame and regional fat distribution, and has increasingly used as an obesity index. The aim of our study is to estimate the association of WrC with elevated blood pressure (BP) among northeastern Chinese community-dwelling residents, and compare the strength of this association to other anthropometric obesity indices.

Methods

A total of 2,331 adult participants (761 male participants, and 1,570 female participants) were included. WrC and other five generally used obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and neck circumference (NC) were measured. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥140/90 mmHg or anti-hypertensive medication use. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were performed to identify associations of BP and hypertension with per standard deviation (SD) increase of obesity indices. Areas under receiver operative characteristic curves (AUC) were calculated to compare the predicting capacity of WrC and other obesity indices on hypertension.

Results

All of the six obesity indices were positively associated with both SBP and DBP after adjustment for age and gender (P-values of associations of SBP with obesity indices were 0.043 for WrC, and <0.001 for other five indices; P-values of associations of DBP with obesity indices were 0.011 for WrC, 0.031 for WHR, and <0.001 for other four indices), while the association between SBP and WrC showed no statistically significant after further adjusted for life-style and metabolic risk factors (P-value was 0.062). The increases of both SBP and DBP per SD increase of BMI were the largest. The positive associations of five obesity indices but WHR with hypertension were observed after adjustment for all risk factors (P-values were 0.024 for WrC, 0.064 for WHR and <0.001 for other four indices). However, the odd ratios (OR) of WrC was the smallest, while BMI was the largest. Consistently, the AUC of BMI was the largest and statistically larger than that observed for WrC (P-value <0.001).

Conclusions

WrC was associated with hypertension among northeastern Chinese populations. However, the association was not stronger than the other generally used indices, particularly BMI.
OutbreakFinder: a visualization tool for rapid detection of bacterial strain clusters based on optimized multidimensional scaling
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hsin , Liu Yen-Yi , Chen Chih-Chieh
Published: August 2019

With the evolution of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, whole-genome sequencing of bacterial isolates is increasingly employed to investigate epidemiology. Phylogenetic analysis is the common method for using NGS data, usually for comparing closeness between bacterial isolates to detect probable outbreaks. However, interpreting a phylogenetic tree is not easy without training in evolutionary biology. Therefore, developing an easy-to-use tool that can assist people who wish to use a phylogenetic tree to investigate epidemiological relatedness is crucial. In this paper, we present a tool called OutbreakFinder that can accept a distance matrix in csv format; alignment files from Lyve-SET, Parsnp, and ClustalOmega; and a tree file in Newick format as inputs to compute a cluster-labeled two-dimensional plot based on multidimensional-scaling dimension reduction coupled with affinity propagation clustering. OutbreakFinder can be downloaded for free at https://github.com/skypes/Newton-method-MDS.
Control of Alternaria alternata Using Melaleuca Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Authors: Alves Flávia Mota de Figuerêdo , França Kevison Romulo da Silva , Araújo Ionaly Gomes de , Nóbrega Lídia Pinheiro da , Xavier Alda Leaby dos Santos , Lima Tiago Silva , Rodrigues Ana Paula Medeiros dos Santos , Júnior Antônio Francisco de Mendonça , Cardoso Tiago Augusto Lima
Published: August 2019

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the fungitoxic potential of melaleuca essential oil on the mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata under in vitro condition and the treatment of cowpea beans.

Study Design: The experiments comprised completely randomized designs: Eleven treatments with five replicates on in vitro test; and six treatments with five replicates on in vivo test.

Place and Duration of Study: The work was carried out at the Center for Agrifood Science and Technology of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Pombal, Brazil, since February 2018 to February 2019.

Methodology: In the in vitro experiment, the essential oil was incorporated into the culture medium and poured into Petri dishes. The treatments consisted of different concentrations of the essential oil (0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0%), a negative control (0.0%), and a positive control (Thiram). Discs of culture medium with fungal mycelia were inoculated in the center of the plates and incubated for seven days at 27±2ºC. The percentage of mycelial growth inhibition (PGI) and the index of mycelial growth speed (IMGS) was calculated to verify the difference between treatments. In the in vivo experiment, the bean seeds were treated with different concentrations of EO (0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0%), a negative control (0.0%), and positive control (Thiram). Seeds were inoculated with colonies of the fungus for 48 hours, and after that, we performed the seed sanity test.

Results: Under in vitro conditions, all concentrations of melaleuca essential oil reduced the mycelial growth of A. alternata. The oil reached complete inhibition of fungal growth from 0.2% concentration and above. In the cowpea treatment, the essential oil had no significant control over the percentage of infected seeds.

Conclusion: The melaleuca essential oil had a fungitoxic effect on the A. alternata under in vitro conditions. However, using the adopted methodology, on the cowpea bean seed treatment, the essential oil did not reduce the incidence of A. alternata.
Oxygen Evolution Reaction on 2D Ferromagnetic Fe3GeTe2: Boosting the Reactivity by the Self‐Reduction of Surface Hydroxyl
Authors: Zhao Yinghe , Gu Jinxing , Chen Zhongfang
Published: August 2019

Fe3GeTe2 is a water‐ and air‐stable, metallic, and layered material. Very recently, few‐layer and single‐layer Fe3GeTe2 have been successfully exfoliated from its bulk and revealed as 2D ferromagnets (Nature 2018, 563, 94; Nat. Mater. 2018, 17, 778). Here, the basal plane of Fe3GeTe2 is demonstrated to be of high electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) without resorting to any chemical modifications, by means of systematic density functional theory computations. The Fe3GeTe2 nanosheet preserves the metallic character of the bulk, and its 2D layered structure provides abundant exposed active sites to catalyze OER. All these unique characteristics suggest that the Fe3GeTe2 nanosheet may be an excellent catalyst for electrochemical OER. More importantly, it is found that the self‐reduction of surface hydroxyl into water can significantly reduce the overpotential for OER, which greatly boosts the OER activity. This work not only reveals new mechanisms for OER but also opens the door for the application of emerging 2D ferromagnets in the field of energy storage and conversion.
Avoidance of Catastrophic Structural Failure as an Evolutionary Constraint: Biomechanics of the Acorn Weevil Rostrum
Authors: Jansen Michael A. , Williams Jason , Chawla Nikhilesh , Franz Nico M.
Published: August 2019

The acorn weevil (Curculio Linnaeus, 1758) rostrum (snout) exhibits remarkable flexibility and toughness derived from the microarchitecture of its exoskeleton. Modifications to the composite profile of the rostral cuticle that simultaneously enhance the flexibility and toughness of the distal portion of the snout are characterized. Using classical laminate plate theory, the effect of these modifications on the elastic behavior of the exoskeleton is estimated. It is shown that the tensile behavior of the rostrum across six Curculio species with high morphological variation correlates with changes in the relative layer thicknesses and orientation angles of layers in the exoskeleton. Accordingly, increased endocuticle thickness is strongly correlated with increased tensile strength. Rostrum stiffness is shown to be inversely correlated with work of fracture; thus allowing a highly curved rostrum to completely straighten without structural damage. Finally, exocuticle rich invaginations of the occipital sutures are identified both as a likely site of crack initiation in tensile failure and as a source of morphological constraint on the evolution of the rostrum in Curculio weevils. It is concluded that avoidance of catastrophic structural failure, as initiated in these sutures under tension, is the driving selective pressure in the evolution of the female Curculio rostrum.
Healable and Mechanically Super‐Strong Polymeric Composites Derived from Hydrogen‐Bonded Polymeric Complexes
Authors: An Ni , Wang Xiaohan , Li Yixuan , Zhang Ling , Lu Zhongyuan , Sun Junqi
Published: August 2019

It is challenging to fabricate mechanically super‐strong polymer composites with excellent healing capacity because of the significantly limited mobility of polymer chains. The fabrication of mechanically super‐strong polymer composites with excellent healing capacity by complexing polyacrylic acid (PAA) with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPON) in aqueous solution followed by molding into desired shapes is presented. The coiled PVPON can complex with PAA in water via hydrogen‐bonding interactions to produce transparent PAA–PVPON composites homogenously dispersed with nanoparticles of PAA–PVPON complexes. As healable materials, the PAA–PVPON composite materials with a glass transition temperature of ≈107.9 °C exhibit a super‐high mechanical strength, with a tensile strength of ≈81 MPa and a Young's modulus of ≈4.5 GPa. The PAA–PVPON composites are stable in water because of the hydrophobic interactions among pyrrolidone groups. The super‐high mechanical strength of the PAA–PVPON composite materials originates from the highly dense hydrogen bonds between PAA and PVPON and the reinforcement of in situ formed PAA–PVPON nanoparticles. The reversibility of the relatively weak but dense hydrogen bonds enables convenient healing of the mechanically strong PAA–PVPON composite materials from physical damage to restore their original mechanical strength.
Ir‐catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of α‐Imino Esters with Chiral Ferrocenylphosphine‐Phosphoramidite Ligands
Authors: Hu Xin‐Hu , Hu Xiang‐Ping
Published: August 2019

An Ir‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐imino esters with unsymmetrical hybrid chiral ferrocenylphosphine‐phosphoramidite ligands for the synthesis of optically active α‐aryl glycines has been described. The result indicated that the presence of the iodo‐substitutent at the 3/3’‐position of the binaphthyl unit of ligand could significantly improve the catalytic performance. This method features high asymmetric induction and reasonable functional group tolerance, thus providing a concise and efficient approach toward chiral α‐aryl glycine derivatives with up to 96% ee.

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NaCa0.6V6O16·3H2O as an Ultra‐Stable Cathode for Zn‐Ion Batteries: The Roles of Pre‐Inserted Dual‐Cations and Structural Water in V3O8 Layer
Authors: Zhu Kaiyue , Wu Tao , Huang Kevin
Published: August 2019

Rechargeable aqueous batteries with Zn2+ as a working‐ion are promising candidates for grid‐scale energy storage because of their intrinsic safety, low‐cost, and high energy‐intensity. However, suitable cathode materials with excellent Zn2+‐storage cyclability must be found in order for Zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) to find practical applications. Herein, NaCa0.6V6O16·3H2O (NaCaVO) barnesite nanobelts are reported as an ultra‐stable ZIB cathode material. The original capacity reaches 347 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and the capacity retention rate is 94% after 2000 cycles at 2 A g−1 and 83% after 10 000 cycles at 5 A g−1, respectively. Through a combined theoretical and experimental approach, it is discovered that the unique V3O8 layered structure in NaCaVO is energetically favorable for Zn2+ diffusion and the structural water situated between V3O8 layers promotes a fast charge‐transfer and bulk migration of Zn2+ by enlarging gallery spacing and providing more Zn‐ion storage sites. It is also found that Na+ and Ca2+ alternately suited in V3O8 layers are the essential stabilizers for the layered structure, which play a crucial role in retaining long‐term cycling stability.
Prognosis of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia presenting in advanced phase is defined mainly by blast count, but also by age, chromosomal aberrations and hemoglobin
Authors: Lauseker Michael , Bachl Katharina , Turkina Anna , Faber Edgar , Prejzner Witold , Olsson‐Strömberg Ulla , Baccarani Michele , Lomaia Elza , Zackova Daniela , Ossenkoppele Gert , Griskevicius Laimonas , Schubert‐Fritschle Gabriele , Sacha Tomasz , Heibl Sonja , Koskenvesa Perttu , Bogdanovic Andrija , Clark Richard E. , Guilhot Joelle , Hoffmann Verena S. , Hasford Joerg , Hochhaus Andreas , Pfirrmann Markus
Published: August 2019

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is usually diagnosed in chronic phase, yet there is a small percentage of patients that is diagnosed in accelerated phase or blast crisis. Due to this rarity, little is known about the prognosis of these patients. Our aim was to identify prognostic factors for this cohort. We identified 283 patients in the EUTOS population‐based and out‐study registries that were diagnosed in advanced phase. Nearly all patients were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Median survival in this heterogeneous cohort was 8.2 years. When comparing patients with more than 30% blasts to those with 20‐29% blasts, the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.32 (95%‐confidence interval (CI): [0.7‐2.6]). Patients with 20‐29% blasts had a significantly higher risk than patients with less than 20% blasts (HR: 2.24, 95%‐CI: [1.2‐4.0], P = .008). We found that the blast count was the most important prognostic factor; however, age, hemoglobin, basophils and other chromosomal aberrations should be considered as well. The ELTS score was able to define two groups (high risk vs non‐high risk) with an HR of 3.01 (95%‐CI: [1.81‐5.00], P < .001). Regarding the contrasting definitions of blast crisis, our data clearly supported the 20% cut‐off over the 30% cut‐off in this cohort. Based on our results, we conclude that a one‐phase rather than a two‐phase categorization of de novo advanced phase CML patients is appropriate.
Too big or too thin? New Caledonian adolescents' perceptions of overweight and underweight
Authors: Frayon Stéphane , Wattelez Guillaume , Cavaloc Yolande , Cherrier Sophie , Lerrant Yannick , Galy Olivier
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The first aim was to examine New Caledonian adolescents' views of what constitutes an overweight or underweight person. The second aim was to assess whether an environment with a high prevalence of overweight is associated with different norms of overweight or underweight in this population.

Methods

The Stunkard Figure Rating Scale was used for a sample of 699 pluriethnic adolescents in New Caledonia. Body mass index (BMI) was assessed for each participant and weight status was determined. The factors associated with higher figure ratings were determined by linear regression modeling.

Results

Multilinear regression analysis indicated that gender (being male) and BMI were associated with higher rating scores to designate overweight. Moreover, higher BMI z‐scores were associated with higher underweight figure ratings. Ethnicity, area of residence, age, and socioeconomic status were not associated with higher ratings of body image.

Conclusions

These findings show that an environment with a high prevalence of overweight does not necessarily shift adolescent “norms,” contrary to visual normalization theory. These results should be taken into account in educational overweight prevention programs.
AHRR methylation predicts smoking status and smoking intensity in both saliva and blood DNA
Authors: Philibert Robert , Dogan Meeshanthini , Beach Steven R. H. , Mills James A. , Long Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2019

Many existing DNA repositories do not have robust characterizations of smoking, while for many currently ongoing studies, the advent of vaping has rendered traditional cotinine‐based methods of determining smoking status unreliable. Previously, we have shown that methylation status at cg05575921 in whole blood DNA can reliably predict cigarette consumption. However, whether methylation status in saliva can be used similarly has yet to be established. Herein, we use DNA from 418 biochemically confirmed smokers or nonsmokers to compare and contrast the utility of cg05575921 in classifying and quantifying cigarette smoking. Using whole blood DNA, a model incorporating age, gender, and methylation status had a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) for predicting smoking status of 0.995 with a nonlinear demethylation response to smoking. Using saliva DNA, the ROC AUC for predicting smoking was 0.971 with the plot of the relationship of DNA methylation to daily cigarette consumption being very similar to that seen for whole blood DNA. The addition of information from another methylation marker designed to correct for cellular heterogeneity improved the AUC for saliva DNA to 0.981. Finally, in 31 subjects who reported quitting smoking 10 or more years previously, cg05575921 methylation was nonsignificantly different from controls. We conclude that DNA methylation status at cg05575921 in DNA from whole blood or saliva predicts smoking status and daily cigarette consumption. We suggest these epigenetic assessments for objectively ascertaining smoking status will find utility in research, clinical, and civil applications.
Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemistry of monophosphine‐containing diiron propane‐1,2‐dithiolate complexes related to the active site of [FeFe]‐hydrogenases
Authors: Lin Hui‐Min , Li Jian‐Rong , Mu Chao , Li Ao , Liu Xu‐Feng , Zhao Pei‐Hua , Li Yu‐Long , Jiang Zhong‐Qing , Wu Hong‐Ke
Published: August 2019

Five monophosphine‐substituted diiron propane‐1,2‐dithiolate complexes as the active site models of [FeFe]‐hydrogenases have been synthesized and characterized. Reactions of complex [Fe2(CO)6{μ‐SCH2CH(CH3)S}] (1) with a monophosphine ligand tris(4‐methylphenyl)phosphine, diphenyl‐2‐pyridylphosphine, tris(4‐chlorophenyl)phosphine, triphenylphosphine, or tris(4‐fluorophenyl)phosphine in the presence of the oxidative agent Me3NO·2H2O gave the monophosphine‐substituted diiron complexes [Fe2(CO)5(L){μ‐SCH2CH(CH3)S}] [L = P(4‐C6H4CH3)3, 2; Ph2P(2‐C5H4N), 3; P(4‐C6H4Cl)3, 4; PPh3, 5; P(4‐C6H4F)3, 6] in 81%–94% yields. Complexes 2–6 have been characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallography. In addition, electrochemical studies revealed that these complexes can catalyze the reduction of protons to H2 in the presence of HOAc.
Phytotoxic Diterpenoids from Plants and Microorganisms
Authors: Wei Wenjun , Li Ya , Li Hangying , Ma Kailiang , Wang Liudi , Gao Kun
Published: August 2019

Phytotoxic natural products with either unique or various structures are one of the most abundant sources for the discovery of potential allelochemicals, natural herbicides, and plant growth regulators. Phytotoxic diterpenoids, a relatively large class of natural products, play an important role in the plant‐plant or plant‐microorganism interactions. This article argues that the phytotoxic diterpenoids isolated from the plants and microorganisms can either inhibit the seed germination and the growth of plant seedlings or lead to some disease symptoms on the tested plant tissues and plant seedlings.
Incidence, predictors, and outcomes of distal vessel expansion on follow‐up intravascular ultrasound after recanalization of chronic total occlusions using new‐generation drug‐eluting stents: Data from the CTO‐IVUS randomized trial
Authors: Hong Sung‐Jin , Kim Byeong‐Keuk , Kim Young‐Joo , Rha Seung‐Woon , Lee Seung‐Jin , Kim Hee‐Yeol , Choi Jin‐Ho , Ahn Chul‐Min , Kim Jung‐Sun , Ko Young‐Guk , Choi Doonghoon , Hong Myeong‐Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of distal vessel expansion on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after recanalization of chronic total occlusion (CTO) particularly using new‐generation drug‐eluting stent (DES).

Background

The luminal changes of narrowed vessels distal to CTO segments after recanalization using new‐generation DES have rarely been studied.

Methods

This substudy of the CTO‐IVUS (Chronic Total Occlusion InterVention with drUg‐eluting Stents) trial included a total of 69 new‐generation DES‐treated CTOs with serial matched IVUS analyses at index percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and at 1‐year follow‐up. The predictors of distal vessel expansion, any increase of lumen area at the distal reference (LAdistal) on 1‐year follow‐up IVUS, were evaluated by multivariable binary logistic analyses.

Results

Distal vessel expansion was identified in 46 (67%). Independent determinants of distal vessel expansion were proximal CTO, a smaller LAdistal at the index PCI, a greater minimal stent area‐to‐LAdistal (MSA‐to‐LAdistal) ratio, and a greater lumen area at the distal stent edge‐to‐LAdistal (LAedge‐to‐LAdistal) ratio. The cut‐off values of a MSA‐to‐LAdistal ratio and a LAedge‐to‐LAdistal ratio predicting the distal vessel expansion by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were 1.0 and 1.1, respectively. During the median 5.1 years, rates of target vessel revascularization, cardiac death, and stent thrombosis were similar in the distal vessel‐expanded and nonexpanded groups.

Conclusion

After opening CTO with new‐generation DES, two‐thirds of patients exhibited distal vessel expansion on 1‐year follow‐up IVUS. Expansion determinants were a proximal CTO, lower LAdistal, and larger stent areas relative to the LAdistal (modifiable procedural predictors).
Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Catalysts With and Without Iron
Authors: Silva Wanderson O. , Silva Gabriel C. , Webster Richard F. , Benedetti Tania M. , Tilley Richard D. , Ticianelli Edson A.
Published: August 2019

The carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) catalyzed by N‐doped carbon materials was studied under operando conditions by on line differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and in‐line gas chromatography. Fe/NC electrocatalysts were synthesized by using a Fe+2‐impregnated pyridyl/triazine complex heat treated at 800 °C in nitrogen (Fe/NC(N2)) or ammonia (Fe/NC(NH3)) atmospheres; an iron‐free nitrogen‐doped carbon electrocatalyst (NC(NH3)) was also synthesized and included for comparison. Here, superior CO faradaic efficiencies were evidenced for NC(NH3) compared to Fe/NC(NH3), independently of the applied electrode potential; however, much larger overall catalytic activity for the promotion of the CO2RR and/or HER has been observed for Fe/NC(NH3), generating different stoichiometric ratios of syngas (CO/H2). Another important evidence is that N‐pyridinic groups, even in absence of Fe−N4 moieties and presence of high iron nanoparticles loading, play an important role as active sites for selective CO2 reduction to CO at low overpotentials.
Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan on Ag‐Displaced Nanotextured Cu Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhang Fen , Michel Frederick C. , Co Anne C.
Published: August 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Dr. Anne C. Co (The Ohio State University, Ohio, USA). The cover picture shows the nanostructured AgCu catalyst used for the electrochemical hydrogenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a bio‐based platform chemical, to 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF), a building block for polymers. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201900640.
Probing the Local Magnetic Structure of the [FeIII(Tp)(CN)3]− Building Block Via Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy, Polarized Neutron Diffraction, and First‐Principle Calculations
Authors: De Siddhartha , Flambard Alexandrine , Garnier Delphine , Herson Patrick , Köhler Frank H. , Mondal Abhishake , Costuas Karine , Gillon Béatrice , Lescouëzec Rodrigue , Le Guennic Boris , Gendron Frédéric
Published: August 2019

The local magnetic structure in the [FeIII(Tp)(CN)3]− building block was investigated by combining paramagnetic Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (pNMR) spectroscopy and polarized neutron diffraction (PND) with first‐principle calculations. The use of the pNMR and PND experimental techniques revealed the extension of spin‐density from the metal to the ligands, as well as the different spin mechanisms that take place in the cyanido ligands: Spin‐polarization on the carbon atoms and spin‐delocalization on the nitrogen atoms. The results of our combined density functional theory (DFT) and multireference calculations were found in good agreement with the PND results and the experimental NMR chemical shifts. Moreover, the ab‐initio calculations allowed us to connect the experimental spin‐density map characterized by PND and the suggested distribution of the spin‐density on the ligands observed by NMR spectroscopy. Interestingly, significant differences were observed between the pseudo‐contact contributions of the chemical shifts obtained by theoretical calculations and the values derived from NMR spectroscopy using a simple point‐dipole model. These discrepancies underline the limitation of the point‐dipole model and the need for more elaborate approaches to break down the experimental pNMR chemical shifts into contact and pseudo‐contact contributions.
Ammonia Synthesis through Hydrolysis of a Trianionic Pincer Ligand‐Supported Molybdenum–Nitride Complex
Authors: Chakraborty Jhonti , Mandal Ushnish , Ghiviriga Ion , Abboud Khalil A. , Veige Adam S.
Published: August 2019

Reported is the hydrolysis of a homogeneous Mo‐nitride complex bearing a trianionic pincer‐type ligand to produce ammonia. Treating the anionic [(ONO)]Mo≡N(OtBu)]Ph3PCH3 with two equivalents of water produces ammonia and the dioxo complex [(ONO)]MoO2]Ph3PCH3. X‐Ray crystal structures of the starting nitrido complex and product dioxo complex are presented. Evidence for ammonia release comes from GC‐MS and deuterium‐labelling studies. The reaction is presented in the context of a two‐stage solar thermochemical dinitrogen fixation process as the solid‐state nitride hydrolysis step.
Concurrent use of opioids with benzodiazepines or nonbenzodiazepine sedatives among patients with cancer referred to an outpatient palliative care clinic
Authors: Haider Ali , Azhar Ahsan , Nguyen Kristy , Dev Rony , Naqvi Syed Mujtaba Ali , Naqvi Syed Mussadiq Ali , Edwards Tonya , Reddy Akhila , Dalal Shalini , Tanco Kimberson C. , Arthur Joseph , Williams Janet L. , Park Minjeong , Liu Diane D. , Dibaj Seyedeh S. , Bruera Eduardo
Published: August 2019

Background

The concurrent use of opioids with benzodiazepines (BZD) or nonbenzodiazepine sedatives (S) recently was found to be associated with an increased risk of overdose death compared with the use of opioids alone. In the current study, the authors examined the frequency and trend of concurrent opioid/BZD‐S use and its associated risk factors among patients with cancer.

Methods

Data regarding the frequency and trend of concurrent opioid/BZD‐S use were extracted for 1500 randomly selected patients referred to the outpatient palliative care clinic at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between the calendar years of 2011 and 2016. To explore associated risk factors, the authors compared the demographic and clinical predictors of 418 patients each in the concurrent opioid/BZD‐S group and opioids‐only group.

Results

In 2011, at the time of referral to the palliative care clinic, 96 of 221 patients with cancer (43%) were prescribed concurrent opioids/BZD‐S. This rate progressively declined to 67 of 217 patients (31%) by 2016 (P = .0008). Patients in the concurrent opioid/BZD‐S group had a higher percentage of females (233 individuals; 55% [P = .007]) and whites (323 individuals; 77% [P = .002]), and patients reported higher scores regarding depression (P = .0001), anxiety (P ≤ .0001), drowsiness (P = .048), and worst feeling of well‐being (P = .001). The morphine equivalent daily dose was significantly higher in concurrent opioid/BZD‐S group (median of 67.5 mg/day [interquartile range (IQR), 30‐135 mg/day] vs 60 mg/day [IQR, 30‐105 mg/day]; P = .034). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that anxiety (P ≤ .0001), white race (P = .0092), and poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (P = .0017) were significantly associated with concurrent use.

Conclusions

The concurrent use of opioids with BZD‐S has declined but continues to be frequent among patients with cancer. Anxiety, white race, and poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status were associated with its use. More research is needed to explore which medications can replace these agents.
Macrophages enhance 3D invasion in a breast cancer cell line by induction of tumor cell tunneling nanotubes
Authors: Carter Kiersten P. , Hanna Samer , Genna Alessandro , Lewis Daniel , Segall Jeffrey E. , Cox Dianne
Published: August 2019

Background

Metastasis is the cause of most cancer‐related deaths. It is known that breast cancer cells in proximity to macrophages become more invasive in an Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) dependent manner. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are thin, F–actin containing, cellular protrusions that mediate intercellular communication and have been identified in many tumors. The mechanism of TNT formation varies between different cell types. M‐Sec (TNFAIP2) has been demonstrated to be involved in TNT formation in some cell types including macrophages. Yet, the requirement of M‐Sec in tumor cell TNT formation in response to macrophages has not been explored.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine whether EGF was required for macrophage induced tumor cell TNTs in an M‐Sec dependent manner and what possible roles tumor cell TNTs play in tumor cell migration and invasion.

Methods and Results

Macrophage Conditioned Media (CM) was used to induce an increase in TNTs in a number of breast cancer cell lines as measured by live cell microscopy. Tumor cell TNT formation by CM was dependent on the presence of EGF which was sufficient to induce TNT formation. CM treatment enhanced the level of M‐Sec identified using western blot analysis. Reduction of endogenous M‐Sec levels via shRNA in MTLn3 mammary adenocarcinoma cells inhibited the formation of TNTs. The role of tumor cell TNTs in cell behavior was tested using in vitro transwell and 3D invasion assays. No effect on chemotaxis was detected but 3D invasion was reduced following the knockdown of M‐Sec in tumor cell TNTs.

Conclusions

Our results show that EGF was necessary and sufficient for tumor cell TNT formation which was dependent on cellular M‐Sec levels. While tumor cell TNTs may not play a role in individual cell behaviors like chemotaxis, they may be important in more complex tumor cell behaviors such as 3D invasion.
Minimum sensitivity coupled resonators and biquads
Authors: Jurisic Drazen , Moschytz George S.
Published: August 2019

The effect of coupling on the overall sensitivity to component tolerances of two second‐order resonators is compared with the sensitivity of a non‐coupled cascade of two second‐order resonators. Coupled resonators consist of two second‐order resonators “coupled” within a negative feedback loop. The resulting overall fourth‐order transfer function of the two circuits, coupled and non‐coupled, is identical. The “cascaded” poles, ie, the poles of the two cascaded resonators, are therefore identical to the poles of the coupled circuit, the coupled poles. The poles within the negative‐feedback loop, the “open‐loop” poles, will be different. We assume that the manufacturing technology used to realize the open‐loop poles of the coupled circuit is the same as that of the cascaded, non‐coupled circuit. The open‐loop poles will therefore be subject to the same component tolerances as those of the cascaded non‐coupled circuit. Our analysis leads to the optimum location in the s‐plane with regard to minimum sensitivity, for the open‐loop poles of the coupled circuit. Since resonators are essentially the equivalent of second‐order bandpass filters, the results obtained are applied to coupled second‐order active‐RC filters, or biquads, for which insensitivity to component tolerances is critical. The examples given pertain to the coupling of biquads.
Auto‐management of energy in IoT networks
Authors: Zouinkhi Ahmed , Ayadi Hayfa , Val Thierry , Boussaid Boumedyen , Abdelkrim Mohamed Naceur
Published: August 2019

Wireless sensor network (WSN) based on IEEE 802.15.4 technology continues to gain considerable importance. The present work is based on this standard and a cluster tree network topology. This network is divided into many subgroups, each of which is characterized by its special IEEE parameters (beacon order [BO] and superframe order [SO]). A mathematical model for computing energy consumption was proposed to enable personal area network (PAN) coordinator to detect the current energy level in the battery. The proposed adaptive intervention is based on a comparison between the remaining energy and the diverse thresholds, which lead to an auto‐management of energy consumption. The proposed approach was evaluated using Inetmanet/Omnet++ simulator.
Brief and extended abstinence from chronic oral methylphenidate treatment produces reversible behavioral and physiological effects
Authors: Kalinowski Leanna , Connor Carly , Somanesan Rathini , Carias Emily , Richer Kaleigh , Smith Lauren , Martin Connor , Mackintosh Macauley , Popoola Daniel , Hadjiargyrou Michael , Komatsu David E. , Thanos Panayotis K.
Published: August 2019

Methylphenidate (MP) is a commonly prescribed psychostimulant to individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and is often used illicitly among healthy individuals with intermittent breaks to coincide with breaks from school. This study examined how intermittent abstinence periods impact the physiological and behavioral effects of chronic oral MP self‐administration in rats, and whether these effects persist following prolonged abstinence from the drug. Rats were treated orally with water, low‐dose (LD), or high‐dose (HD) MP, beginning at PND 28. This daily access continued for three consecutive weeks followed by a 1‐week abstinence; after three repeats of this cycle, there was a 5‐week abstinence period. Throughout the study, we examined body weight, food intake, locomotor activity, and anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors. During the treatment phase, HD MP decreased body weight, food intake, and depressive‐ and anxiety‐like behaviors, while it increased locomotor activity. During intermittent abstinence, the effects of MP on locomotor activity were eliminated. During prolonged abstinence, most of the effects of HD MP were ameliorated to control levels, with the exception of weight loss and anxiolytic effects. These findings suggest that intermittent exposure to chronic MP causes physiological and behavioral effects that are mostly reversible following prolonged abstinence.
Indications of strong adaptive population genetic structure in albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) in the southwest and central Pacific Ocean
Authors: Anderson Giulia , Hampton John , Smith Neville , Rico Ciro
Published: August 2019

Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) has a distinctly complex life history in which juveniles and adults separate geographically but at times inhabit the same spaces sequentially. The species also migrates long distances and presumably experiences varied regimes of physical stress over a lifetime. There are, therefore, many opportunities for population structure to arise based on stochastic differences or environmental factors that promote local adaptation. However, with the extent of mobility consistently demonstrated by tagged individuals, there is also a strong argument for panmixia within an ocean basin. It is important to confirm such assumptions from a population genetics standpoint for this species in particular because albacore is one of the principal market tuna species that sustains massive global fisheries and yet is also a slow‐growing temperate tuna. Consequently, we used 1,837 neutral SNP loci and 89 loci under potential selection to analyze population genetic structure among five sample groups collected from the western and central South Pacific. We found no evidence to challenge panmixia at neutral loci, but strong indications of structuring at adaptive loci. One population sample, from French Polynesia in 2004, was particularly differentiated. Unfortunately, the current study cannot infer whether the divergence is geographic or temporal, or possibly caused by sample distribution. We encourage future studies to include potentially adaptive loci and to continue fine‐scale observations within an ocean basin, and not to assume genome‐wide panmixia.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is feasible in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Kondo Toru , Yamada Sumio , Tanimura Daisuke , Kazama Shingo , Ishihara Toshikazu , Shimojo Masafumi , Iwata Etsuo , Kondo Sayano , Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Kato Toshiaki , Sano Hiroaki , Awaji Yoshifumi , Okumura Takahiro , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: August 2019

Aims

In acute heart failure (AHF), immobilization is caused because of unstable haemodynamics and dyspnoea, leading to protein wasting. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been reported to preserve muscle mass and improve functional outcomes in chronic disease. NMES may be effective against protein wasting frequently manifested in patients with AHF; however, whether NMES can be implemented safely without any adverse effect on haemodynamics has remained unknown. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of NMES in patients with AHF.

Methods and results

Patients with AHF were randomly assigned to the NMES or control group. The intensity of the NMES group was set at 10–20% maximal voluntary contraction level, whereas the control group was limited at a visible or palpable level of muscle contraction. The sessions were performed 5 days per week since the day after admission. Before the study implementation, we set the feasibility criteria with following items: (i) change in systolic blood pressure (BP) > ±20 mmHg during the first session; (ii) increase in heart rate (HR) > +20 b.p.m. during the first session; (iii) development of sustained ventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia during all sessions; (iv) incidence of new‐onset AF during the hospitalization period < 40%; and (v) completion of the planned sessions by >70% of patients. The criteria of feasibility were set as follows; the percentage to fill one of (i)–(iii) was <20% of the total subjects, and both (iv) and (v) were satisfied. A total of 73 patients (median age 72 years, 51 men) who completed the first session were analysed (NMES group, n = 34; control group, n = 39). Systolic BP and HR variations were not significantly different between two groups (systolic BP, P = 0.958; HR, P = 0.665). Changes in BP > ±20 mmHg or HR > +20 b.p.m. were observed in three cases in the NMES group (8.8%) and five in the control group (12.8%). New‐onset arrhythmia was not observed during all sessions in both groups. During hospitalization, one patient newly developed AF in the NMES group (2.9%), and one developed AF (2.6%) and two lethal ventricular arrhythmia in the control group. Thirty‐one patients in the NMES group (91%) and 33 patients in the control group (84%) completed the planned sessions during hospitalization. This study fulfilled the preset feasibility criteria.

Conclusions

NMES is feasible in patients with AHF from immediately after admission.
Reliable Classification of Olive Oil Origin Based on Minor Component Profile Using 1H‐NMR and Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Winkelmann Ole , Küchler Torben
Published: August 2019

Mislabeling of olive oil with respect to its geographical origin is a frequently encountered fraud. Although according to European Regulation (EU) No 29/2012 it is mandatory to declare the geographical origin of an olive oil on the label, no generally accepted analytical method exists to verify this labeling. As Italy, Greece, and Spain are the main producing countries in the Mediterranean Area, the aim is to develop an analytical method that allows classification of these three origins and which can be reliably applied to routine samples. A protocol for the extraction and subsequent 1H‐NMR measurement of the polar fraction of olive oil is developed and applied to a large number of authentic reference samples. A classification model is developed which obtains 96% of correct classification during cross‐validation. The method is being routinely applied for testing commercial off‐the‐shelf olive oils, and its accuracy is continuously verified.

Practical Applications: In addition to checking the geographical origin of an olive oil, the developed protocol allows to analyze the polar constituents of an olive oil in great detail with little effort, which should prove useful also for other applications, for example, quantitation of phenols or detection of admixtures with other vegetable oils.
Intrathecal dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulphate for postoperative analgesia and stress response after caesarean delivery; randomized controlled double‐blind study
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed F. , Herdan Ragaa , Fathy Golnar M. , Hassan Zein E. A. Zareh , Galal Hanan , Talaat Ahmed , Ibrahim Ahmed K.
Published: August 2019

Background

Various adjuvants were added to intrathecal anaesthetics to improve quality of the block and postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that intrathecal dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) may add similar effects. Our objectives were to compare their effects as adjuvants to intrathecal bupivacaine on postoperative analgesia, stress hormones, sedative properties and the neonatal outcome after caesarean section.

Methods

A randomized double‐blind controlled study; 90 parturients were divided into three groups. All patients received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg. NaCl 0.9% was added to intrathecal block in group C, 5 μg dexmedetomidine in the group D and 50 mg MgSO4 in group M. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, stress hormones were assessed within the first 12 postoperative hours, sensory block, and neonatal outcome were also assessed.

Results

VAS scores were significantly lower in groups D and M. Onset of postoperative pain was significantly prolonged in group D. Time to peak sensory level was shorter in group D. Sedation score was significantly higher in group D only after 30 min of intrathecal block. Although stress hormones increased in all groups during intraoperative and postoperative periods, their levels were significantly lower in group D compared to other groups. No differences were noted regarding neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion

Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is superior to intrathecal MgSO4 during caesarean section with regard to duration of analgesia, pain severity and stress hormone levels. Dexmedetomidine has a rapid onset and longer duration of sensory block compared to MgSO4. No significant adverse effects to the parturients or newborns.