bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central (S) to Central (M=Ir, Rh) to Planar (Metallocene, M=Fe, Ru) Chirality Transfer Using Sulfoxide‐Substituted Mesoionic Carbene Ligands: Synthesis of Bimetallic Planar Chiral Metallocenes
Authors: Avello Marta G. , de la Torre María C. , Sierra Miguel A. , Gornitzka Heinz , Hemmert Catherine
Published: August 2019

Enantiopure bimetallic systems containing three different elements of chirality, namely a main‐group‐based chiral center (sulfur), a transition‐metal chiral center (rhodium or iridium), and a planar chiral element (ferrocene or ruthenocene), have been prepared by a sequence of diastereoselective reactions. The chirality of the chiral sulfur center attached to C‐5 of a 1,2,3‐triazolylidene mesoionic carbene (MIC) ligand coordinated to a metal (Ir, Rh) was transferred through the formation of bimetallic complexes having a chiral‐at‐metal center and a planar chiral metallocene by C−H activation of the sandwich moiety (M=Fe, Ru). The sense of the planar chirality formed in this sequence of reactions depended on the nature of the ligands at the metal center of the starting complex. The configurations of these species were assigned on the basis of a combination of X‐ray diffraction and CD measurements. An electrochemical study of these bimetallic complexes in coordinating solvents showed an equilibrium between the cationic complexes and the neutral species. The effect of the half‐sandwich moiety on the oxidation potentials of the system is remarkable, producing notable cathodic displacements. DFT calculations support these findings.
Twining Poly(polyoxometalate) Chains into Nanoropes
Authors: Zhang Lan‐Lan , Miao Wen‐Ke , Ren Li‐Jun , Yan Yu‐Kun , Lin Yue , Wang Wei
Published: August 2019

Organic polymers and inorganic clusters belong to two different disciplines and have completely different properties and structures. When a cluster is attached to the backbone of a polymer as a pendant, the resultant hybrid polymers (polyclusters) exhibit unique behaviours totally different from those of conventional polymers owing to the nanoscale size of the cluster and its particular interactions. Herein, the aggregation of a poly(polyoxometalate)—a polynorbornene backbone with inorganic polyoxometalate cluster pendants—upon addition of a non‐solvent to its dilute solution is reported. A three‐dimensional network of tangled and snake‐like nanothreads was observed. Direct visualisation of individual nanoscale clusters enabled identification of single chains within the nanothreads. These observations suggest that during the process of aggregation, the hybrid polymer forms curved or extended chains as a consequence of an armouring effect in which the collapsed cluster pendants wrap around the backbone. The collapse occurs because they become less soluble in the solvent/non‐solvent mixture. The extended chains then become entwined and form nanoropes consisting of multiple chains wound around each other. This study provides a deeper understanding of the nature of polyclusters and should also prove useful for their future development and application.
Carbene‐Catalyzed Direct Functionalization of the β‐sp3‐Carbon Atoms of α‐Chloroaldehydes
Authors: Liu Bin , Luo Guoyong , Wang Hongling , Hao Lin , Yang Song , Jin Zhichao , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: August 2019

A direct functionalization of the β‐sp3 carbon atom of α‐chloro aldehyde has been developed. The reaction starts with the addition of a carbene catalyst to α‐chloroaldehyde to eventually form the homoenolate intermediate. This overall redox‐neutral process successfully converts the otherwise inert β‐sp3‐carbon atom of the aldehyde substrate to a nucleophilic carbon atom for asymmetric reactions. This study constitutes the first success in activating α‐chloroaldehydes to generate homoenolate intermediates by carbene organic catalysis and shall encourage further explorations in using organic catalysis for transforming inert chemical bonds.
Galvanoplastisches Vervielfältigen einer Münze
Authors: Stock Daniel , Barlou Vasiliki , Schröder Daniel
Published: August 2019

Galvanotechnik und Galvanoplastik sind Paradebeispiele für Methoden der angewandten Elektrochemie, wie sie uns nicht nur in der Archäologie, sondern auch im Alltag begegnen: Beim eloxierten iPod‐Gehäuse, dem verzinkten Weidezaun oder dem Zahnimplantat mit Goldüberzug. Allgemein sind die Prozessabläufe beim Herstellen von galvanischen Schichten sehr komplex. Die Eigenschaften der hergestellten Oberflächenschichten sind durch eine Vielzahl an Parametern steuerbar. Dies setzt viel Geschick und Erfahrung bis zum Herstellen einer verblüffend ähnlichen Kopie voraus – sowohl im heutigen Laborversuch, als auch damals zur Wende vom 19. zum 20. Jahrhundert beim Kopieren der Schätze aus Mykene.
Incidence, patterns of progression, and outcomes of preexisting and newly discovered brain metastases during treatment with anti–PD‐1 in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Schvartsman Gustavo , Ma Junsheng , Bassett Roland L. , Haydu Lauren E. , Amaria Rodabe Navroze , Hwu Patrick , Wong Michael K. , Hwu Wen‐Jen , Diab Adi , Patel Sapna Pradyuman , Davies Michael A. , Hamerschlak Nelson , Tawbi Hussein Abdul‐Hassan , Glitza Oliva Isabella C.
Published: August 2019

Background

Melanoma brain metastases (MBM) occur in up to 50% of patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) and represent a frequent site of systemic treatment failure for targeted therapies. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding the incidence, patterns of disease progression, and outcomes of MBM in patients treated with anti–PD‐1 immunotherapy.

Methods

A total of 320 patients with MM who were treated with anti–PD‐1 at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston were reviewed. Analyses were performed to identify factors associated with brain metastasis–free survival and overall survival (OS) using Cox regression models.

Results

The median age of the patients was 63.3 years. OS from the initiation of anti–PD‐1 therapy was not significantly different between patients without MBM prior to anti–PD‐1 compared with patients with prior MBM (P = .359). Among patients without prior MBM, 21 patients (8.6%) developed MBM during anti–PD‐1 therapy, 12 of whom (4.9%) presented with disease progression in the central nervous system (CNS) only. Developing MBM during or after therapy with anti–PD‐1 (hazard ratio, 4.70; 95% CI, 3.18‐6.93) was associated with shorter OS. Among patients with MBM prior to anti–PD‐1 treatment, 15 (20.0%) progressed in the CNS only and 19 (25.3%) progressed both intracranially and extracranially; at the time of the last data cutoff, 27 patients (36.0%) had not developed disease progression. Radiation necrosis occurred in 11.3% of patients (7 of 62 patients) in the group with a prior MBM who received stereotactic radiosurgery.

Conclusions

Anti–PD‐1 therapy may change the natural history of patients with preexisting MBM. However, CNS failure during treatment with anti–PD‐1 is predictive of a worse prognosis compared with extracranial progression. The results of the current study support the activity of anti–PD‐1 in patients with MBM, although routine CNS imaging during therapy is warranted.
A Gaussian error correction multi‐objective positioning model with NSGA‐II
Authors: Wang Penghong , Huang Jianrou , Cui Zhihua , Xie Liping , Chen Jinjun
Published: August 2019

Distance vector‐hop (DVHop), as a range‐independent positioning algorithm, is a significant positioning method in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It is composed of three parts, including connectivity detection, distance estimation, and position estimation. However, this simple positioning method results in a larger positioning error. Therefore, to enhance the positioning precision, this paper investigates the characteristic of error distribution between the estimated and real distance in the DVHop algorithm and reveals that the error is subjecting to the Gaussian distribution, N∼(0,1/3CR). Furthermore, to improve positioning accuracy, we propose a Gaussian error correction multi‐objective positioning model with non‐dominated sorting (NSGA‐II), which named GGAII‐DVHop. Finally, this model is tested on three complex network topologies, and the results demonstrate that it is significantly superior to other four algorithms in both positioning precision and robustness.
Supramolecular Assembly Induced Emission of Thiazole Orange with Sulfobutylether β‐cyclodextrin: A Stimuli‐Responsive Fluorescence Sensor for Tyramine
Authors: Khurana Raman , Barooah Nilotpal , Bhasikuttan Achikanath C. , Mohanty Jyotirmayee
Published: August 2019

Modulation and control of stimuli responsive features of molecular assemblies in organized assemblies/cavitand macrocycles have received immense attention in many areas. In this study, we have established the formation of a discrete molecular assembly of thiazole orange (TO) dyes at the portals of the sulfobutylether β‐cyclodextrin (SBE7βCD) macrocycle leading to the evolution of a strong and distinct emission band from aggregated TO. The supramolecular assembly promoted portal aggregation of TO in its 1 : 4 (SBE7βCD : TO) composition, characterized by absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism, ITC and 1H NMR measurements, was probed to be selectively responsive to tyramine among other biogenic amines/neurotransmitters. For the first time, the different extent of emission quenching of SBE7βCD : TO assembly in the presence of biogenic amines/neurotransmitters is translated to achieve a selective on‐off fluorescence sensor for the detection of tyramine against other neurotransmitters with a limit‐of‐detection (LOD) as low as ∼575 nM (79 ppb). The emission features of the assembly with changes in temperature is found to be highly reproducible even after several temperature cycles and is promising to design an optical supramolecular thermometer in the ambient temperature range.
Cytopathology approach to rare salivary gland lesions with oncocytic features
Authors: El Hussein Siba , Khader Samer N.
Published: August 2019

Salivary glands located in the head and neck area are known to have different lesions with prominent oncocytic features. Fine needle aspiration is usually the initial approach in the management of these lesions, whether they represent neoplastic or non‐neoplastic processes. Owing to the limited material present upon cytopathologic examination, knowledge of variants and subtypes of various oncocytic lesions that can occur in this area is of major importance to provide the most accurate interpretation to the patients and clinicians. In this article, we selected rare lesions of the salivary glands that may exhibit oncocytic changes, and provided a brief discussion of each one of them, with emphasis on challenges in navigating the differential diagnosis that these cases may pose, from the cytopathology standpoint.
Design, synthesis, and biological activity evaluation of BACE1 inhibitors with antioxidant activity
Authors: Li He‐Min , Yu Shao‐Peng , Fan Tian‐Yuan , Zhong Yue , Gu Ting , Wu Wen‐Yu , Zhao Chao , Chen Zhi , Chen Min , Li Nian‐Guang , Wang Xiao‐Long
Published: August 2019

The proteolytic enzyme β‐secretase (BACE1) plays a central role in the synthesis of the pathogenic β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), antioxidants could attenuate the AD syndrome and prevent the disease progression. In this study, BACE1 inhibitors (D1–D18) with free radical‐scavenging activities were synthesized by molecular hybridization of 2‐aminopyridine with natural antioxidants. The biological activity evaluation showed that D1 had obvious inhibitory activity against BACE1, and strong antioxidant activity in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) (ABTS+•) assay, which could be used as a lead compound for further study.
SupportingSpartina: Interdisciplinary perspective showsSpartinaas a distinct solid genus
Authors: Bortolus Alejandro , Adam Paul , Adams Janine B. , Ainouche Malika L. , Ayres Debra , Bertness Mark D. , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Bruno John F. , Caçador Isabel , Carlton James T. , Castillo Jesus M. , Costa Cesar S. B. , Davy Anthony J. , Deegan Linda , Duarte Bernardo , Figueroa Enrique , Gerwein Joel , Gray Alan J. , Grosholz Edwin D. , Hacker Sally D. , Hughes A. Randall , Mateos‐Naranjo Enrique , Mendelssohn Irving A. , Morris James T. , Muñoz‐Rodríguez Adolfo F. , Nieva Francisco J. J. , Levin Lisa A. , Li Bo , Liu Wenwen , Pennings Steven C. , Pickart Andrea , Redondo‐Gómez Susana , Richardson David M. , Salmon Armel , Schwindt Evangelina , Silliman Brian R. , Sotka Erik E. , Stace Clive , Sytsma Mark , Temmerman Stijn , Turner R. Eugene , Valiela Ivan , Weinstein Michael P. , Weis Judith S.
Published: August 2019

In 2014, a DNA‐based phylogenetic study confirming the paraphyly of the grass subtribeSporobolinaeproposed the creation of a large monophyletic genusSporobolus, including (among others) species previously included in the generaSpartina,Calamovilfa, andSporobolus. Spartinaspecies have contributed substantially (and continue contributing) to our knowledge in multiple disciplines, including ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, biogeography, experimental ecology, biological invasions, environmental management, restoration ecology, history, economics, and sociology. There is no rationale so compelling to subsume the nameSpartinaas a subgenus that could rival the striking, global iconic history and use of the nameSpartinafor over 200 yr. We do not agree with the subjective arguments underlying the proposal to changeSpartinatoSporobolus. We understand the importance of both the objective phylogenetic insights and of the subjective formalized nomenclature and hope that by opening this debate we will encourage positive feedback that will strengthen taxonomic decisions with an interdisciplinary perspective. We consider that the strongly distinct, monophyletic cladeSpartinashould simply and efficiently be treated as the genusSpartina.
Biocatalysis in seawater: Investigating a halotolerant ω‐transaminase capable of converting furfural in a seawater reaction medium
Authors: Kelly Stephen A. , Moody Thomas S. , Gilmore Brendan F.
Published: August 2019

The increasing demand for freshwater and the continued depletion of available resources has led to a deepening global water crisis. Significant water consumption required by many biotechnological processes contributes to both the environmental and economic cost of this problem. Relatively few biocatalytic processes have been developed to utilize the more abundant supply of seawater, with seawater composition and salinity limiting its use with many mesophilic enzymes. We recently reported a salt tolerant ω‐transaminase enzyme, Ad2‐TAm, isolated from the genome of a halophilic bacterium, Halomonas sp. CSM‐2, from a Triassic period salt mine. In this study we aimed to demonstrate its applicability to biocatalytic reactions carried out in a seawater‐based medium. Ad2‐TAm was examined for its ability to aminate the industrially relevant substrate, furfural, in both seawater and freshwater‐based reaction systems. Furfural was aminated with 53.6% conversion in a buffered seawater system, displaying improved function versus freshwater. Ad2‐TAm outperformed the commonly employed commercial ω‐TAms from Chromobacterium violaceum and Vibrio fluvialis, both of which showed decreased conversion in seawater. Given the increasingly precarious availability of global freshwater, such applications of enzymes from halophiles have the ability to reduce demand for freshwater in large‐scale industrial processes, delivering considerable environmental and economic benefits.
High‐throughput screening of aqueous biphasic systems with ionic liquids as additives for extraction and purification of enveloped virus‐like particles
Authors: Marchel Mateusz , Soares Hugo R. , Vormittag Philipp , Hubbuch Jürgen , Coroadinha Ana S. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: August 2019

Due to their unique properties, virus‐like particles (VLPs) have been portrayed as a promising high‐value biopharmaceutical in VLP‐based vaccination and cancer therapy. Nevertheless, due to limited physical and economical capabilities of the current downstream processing of VLPs, their production is still difficult and seen as a major problem that needs to be tackled. In this work, high‐throughput screening on a liquid handling station (LHS) has been implemented for efficient selection of adequate polymer‐salt aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) for extraction and purification of enveloped Hepatitis C virus pseudoparticles (HCVpp). The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular weight and salt type (citrate, sulfate, and phosphate) was first evaluated. Furthermore, to optimize extraction parameters, the effect of pH and tie‐line lengths (TLL) was also addressed. For the most promising ABS and extraction conditions, the addition of ten ionic liquids (ILs) as adjuvants was investigated. Insights on the chemical features of ILs that impact HCV‐VLPs partitioning are highlighted. Finally, the potential of studied ABS containing ILs as adjuvants in the extraction and purification of VLPs from cell culture supernatants was addressed. The 100% extraction efficiency of VLPs in the PEG‐rich phase was achieved, and VLP purity was increased compared to the system without IL. In conclusion, these promising results show that ILs can be very effective in modulating the phase properties of polymer‐salt ABS, achieving high HCV‐VLP purification.
The effect of stimulation type, head modeling, and combined EEG and MEG on the source reconstruction of the somatosensory P20/N20 component
Authors: Antonakakis Marios , Schrader Sophie , Wollbrink Andreas , Oostenveld Robert , Rampp Stefan , Haueisen Jens , Wolters Carsten H.
Published: August 2019

Modeling and experimental parameters influence the Electro‐ (EEG) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) source analysis of the somatosensory P20/N20 component. In a sensitivity group study, we compare P20/N20 source analysis due to different stimulation type (Electric‐Wrist [EW], Braille‐Tactile [BT], or Pneumato‐Tactile [PT]), measurement modality (combined EEG/MEG – EMEG, EEG, or MEG) and head model (standard or individually skull‐conductivity calibrated including brain anisotropic conductivity). Considerable differences between pairs of stimulation types occurred (EW‐BT: 8.7 ± 3.3 mm/27.1° ± 16.4°, BT‐PT: 9 ± 5 mm/29.9° ± 17.3°, and EW‐PT: 9.8 ± 7.4 mm/15.9° ± 16.5° and 75% strength reduction of BT or PT when compared to EW) regardless of the head model used. EMEG has nearly no localization differences to MEG, but large ones to EEG (16.1 ± 4.9 mm), while source orientation differences are non‐negligible to both EEG (14° ± 3.7°) and MEG (12.5° ± 10.9°). Our calibration results show a considerable inter‐subject variability (3.1–14 mS/m) for skull conductivity. The comparison due to different head model show localization differences smaller for EMEG (EW: 3.4 ± 2.4 mm, BT: 3.7 ± 3.4 mm, and PT: 5.9 ± 6.8 mm) than for EEG (EW: 8.6 ± 8.3 mm, BT: 11.8 ± 6.2 mm, and PT: 10.5 ± 5.3 mm), while source orientation differences for EMEG (EW: 15.4° ± 6.3°, BT: 25.7° ± 15.2° and PT: 14° ± 11.5°) and EEG (EW: 14.6° ± 9.5°, BT: 16.3° ± 11.1° and PT: 12.9° ± 8.9°) are in the same range. Our results show that stimulation type, modality and head modeling all have a non‐negligible influence on the source reconstruction of the P20/N20 component. The complementary information of both modalities in EMEG can be exploited on the basis of detailed and individualized head models.
Nanosized divalent transition metal ion‐prompted macrocyclic complexes: Synthesis, characterization, molecular modeling, and biological studies
Authors: Sangwan Vikas , Singh Dharam Pal
Published: August 2019

In the present research work, four new 14‐membered tetraazamacrocylic complexes of Cobalt(II), Nickel(II), Copper(II) and Zinc(II) with (1E,14E)‐8,8,17,17‐tetramethyl‐2,5,11,14‐tetraazatricyclo[13.3.1.16,10]icosa‐1,5,10,14‐tetraene were synthesized using the template methodology that leads to the formation of a complex of type [MLX2] in which L is a macrocyclic ligand derived from ethylenediamine (ED) and 5,5‐dimethylcyclohexanedione (DCH) and X = Cl−/CH3COO−. Spectroscopic, physical, and analytical characterization of complexes was carried out with the assistance of infra‐red, nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, Ultraviolet‐visible, powder X‐Ray diffraction, electron spray ionization ‐ mass spectroscopy (ESI‐MS), thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic susceptibilities, and carbon hydrogen nitrogen analysis. The information regarding the monomeric and nonelectrolytic behavior was elucidated from ESI‐MS and molar conductance values. Powder X‐Ray diffractogram studies point toward the crystalline or amorphous nature of the complexes. All the compounds exhibited the nonelectrolytic nature. Semiempirical calculations were performed using Gaussian 09 software and quantum chemical parameters were determined. Newly designed macrocyclic complexes were examined for their antifungal and antibacterial potency by the Agar well diffusion method. In‐vitro DNA binding studies were carried out in order to understand the extent and nature of binding shown by the complexes with the DNA. In addition to this, in‐silico absorption distribution metabolism excretion toxicity studies were also carried out for the interpretation of drug‐like properties in the newly synthesized complexes.
Crystal structure and magnetic properties of two bimetallic chain compounds
Authors: Liu Xue‐Ying , Wang Yi‐Jun , Jin Kai‐Hang , Tong Yu‐Zhang , Yang Chun , Wang Qing‐Lun
Published: August 2019

Two bimetallic magnetic chain compounds of {[Mn(dpop)(H2O)][Mn(dpop)][Fe[CN]6]•8.5H2O•0.5DMSO}
n (1) and {[Mn(dpop)][Ni[CN]4]}
n (2) (dpop = 2,13‐dimethyl‐3,6,9,12,18‐pentaazabicyclo‐[12.3.1]‐octadeca‐1(18),2,12,14,16‐pentaene) have been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. Both complexes have cyano‐bridged chain structures, in which complex 1 is a zigzag chain, while complex 2 is nearly a straight line. The magnetic susceptibility results indicate that there is a weak ferromagnetic interaction between manganese (II) ions in complex 1, whereas the interaction is antiferromagnetic in complex 2.
Analysis of the impact of CSF-1 administration in adult rats using a novel Csf1r-mApple reporter gene
Authors: Irvine Katharine M. , Caruso Melanie , Cestari Michelle Ferrari , Davis Gemma M. , Keshvari Sahar , Sehgal Anuj , Pridans Clare , Hume David A.
Published: August 2019

Macrophages are present in large numbers in every tissue in the body where they play critical roles in development and homeostasis. They exhibit remarkable phenotypic and functional diversity, underpinning their adaptation to specialized roles in each tissue niche. CSF1, signaling through the CSF1 receptor, which is restricted to monocyte-macrophage lineage cells in adults, is a critical growth factor controlling macrophage proliferation, differentiation, and many aspects of mature macrophage function. We have generated a macrophage reporter rat, utilizing a construct containing elements of the mouse Csf1r promoter and the highly conserved Fms intronic regulatory element to drive mApple fluorescent protein expression. Csf1r-mApple was robustly expressed in monocyte-macrophage lineage cells in rat bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood, and tissues, with detectable expression in granulocytes and B cells and no evidence of expression in hematopoietic precursors or non-hematopoietic cells. Here, we use the Csf1r-mApple transgene to highlight and dissect the abundance and heterogeneity of rat tissue macrophage populations, and to demonstrate parallel increases in blood monocytes and multiple tissue macrophage populations, including BM, liver, spleen, and lung, in response to CSF1 treatment in vivo. The Csf1r-mApple rat is a novel tool enabling analysis of rat macrophages in situ by direct imaging and providing an additional phenotypic marker to facilitate exploration of rat tissue macrophage phenotypic and functional heterogeneity.
Developing a periodontal disease antibody array for the prediction of severe periodontal disease using machine learning classifiers
Authors: Huang Wei , Wu Jian , Mao Yingqing , Zhu Siwei , Huang Gordon F. , Petritis Brianne , Huang Ruo‐Pan
Published: August 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to simultaneously and quantitatively assess the expression levels of 20 periodontal disease‐related proteins in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from normal controls (NOR) and severe periodontitis (SP) patients with an antibody array.

Methods

Antibodies against 20 periodontal disease‐related proteins were spotted onto a glass slide to create a periodontal disease antibody array (PDD). The array was then incubated with GCF samples collected from 25 NOR and 25 SP patients. Differentially expressed proteins between NOR and SP patients were then used to build receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and compare five classification models, including support vector machine, random forest, k nearest neighbor, linear discriminant analysis, and Classification and Regression Trees.

Results

Seven proteins (C‐reactive protein, interleukin [IL]‐1α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐8, matrix metalloproteinase‐13, osteoprotegerin, and osteoactivin) were significantly upregulated in SP patients compared with NOR, while receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa was significantly downregulated. The highest diagnostic accuracy using a ROC curve was observed for IL‐1β with an area under the curve of 0.984. Five of the proteins (IL‐1β, IL‐8, MMP‐13, osteoprotegerin, and osteoactivin) were identified as important features for classification. Linear discriminant analysis had the highest classification accuracy across the five classification models that were tested.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential of antibody arrays to diagnose periodontal disease.
Holocene palaeoenvironmental reconstruction based on fossil beetle faunas from the Southern Altai region, north‐west China
Authors: ZHANG TIANSHU , ELIAS SCOTT A.
Published: August 2019

We present here the results of the first‐ever Quaternary entomological research in China. The Halashazi Wetland, located in the southern Altai Mountain region in the northernmost part of Xinjiang Province, yielded Holocene insect fossils (mostly beetles) from two peat profiles. In total, 55 Coleoptera taxa were found, including 37 identified species. A new species,Helophorus sinoglacialis, was identified. The fauna is strongly northern Holarctic in character. The interval from 10 424 to 9705 cal aBPwas probably a cold and wet period, and the study site was above the treeline. From 9665 to 9500 cal aBPit was probably warmer and drier, and treeline moved to higher elevations. Following a depositional hiatus, mid‐Holocene (5400–4400 cal aBP) insect assemblages represent cold conditions with the site above the treeline. The exception was a brief warming around 5450 cal aBP, when bark beetle evidence suggests that the treeline moved to a higher elevation. Of the 37 identified beetle species from the Halashazi site, 34 (92%) have modern records in Siberia. The Altai Mountains probably served as a dispersal corridor between the Siberian arctic and alpine regions of northern China. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions between ultraviolet radiation exposure and phosphorus limitation in the marine nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera
Authors: Zhu Zhu , Fu Feixue , Qu Pingping , Mak Esther Wing Kwan , Jiang Haibo , Zhang Ruifeng , Zhu Zhuoyi , Gao Kunshan , Hutchins David A.
Published: August 2019

Increased stratification and mixed layer shoaling of the surface ocean resulting from warming can lead to exposure of marine dinitrogen (N2)‐fixing cyanobacteria to higher levels of inhibitory ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These same processes also reduce vertically advected supplies of the potentially limiting nutrient phosphorus (P) to N2 fixers. It is currently unknown how UV inhibition and P limitation interact to affect the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and carbon in these biogeochemically critical microbes. We investigated the responses of the important and widespread marine N2‐fixing cyanobacteria Crocosphaera (strain WH0005) and Trichodesmium (strains IMS 101 and GBR) to UV‐A and UV‐B under P‐replete and P‐limited conditions. Growth, N2 fixation, and carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation rates of Trichodesmium IMS 101 and Crocosphaera were negatively affected by UV exposure. This inhibition was greater for Trichodesmium IMS 101 than for Crocosphaera, which fixes N2 only during the night and so avoids direct UV damage. Negative effects of UV on both IMS 101 and Crocosphaera were less in P‐limited cultures than in P‐replete cultures. In contrast, no UV inhibition was observed in GBR, regardless of P availability. UV inhibition was related to different amounts of UV‐absorbing compounds produced by these isolates. Responses to UV radiation and P availability interactions were taxon‐specific, but our results indicated that in general, UV radiation effects on Trichodesmium and Crocosphaera range from negative to neutral. UV inhibition and its interactions with P limitation may thus have a substantial influence on the present day and future nitrogen and carbon cycles of the ocean.
Phenotypic severity in a family with MEND syndrome is directly associated with the accumulation of potentially functional variants of cholesterol homeostasis genes
Authors: Barboza‐Cerda María Carmen , Barboza‐Quintana Oralia , Martínez‐Aldape Gerardo , Garza‐Guajardo Raquel , Déctor Miguel Angel
Published: August 2019

Background

Male EBP disorder with neurologic defects (MEND) syndrome is an X‐linked disease caused by hypomorphic mutations in the EBP (emopamil‐binding protein) gene. Modifier genes may explain the clinical variability among individuals who share a primary mutation.

Methods

We studied four males (Patient 1 to Patient 4) exhibiting a descending degree of phenotypic severity from a family with MEND syndrome. To identify candidate modifier genes that explain the phenotypic variability, variants of homeostasis cholesterol genes identified by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) were ranked according to the predicted magnitude of their effect through an in‐house scoring system.

Results

Twenty‐seven from 105 missense variants found in 45 genes of the four exomes were considered significant (−5 to −9 scores). We found a direct genotype–phenotype association based on the differential accumulation of potentially functional gene variants among males. Patient 1 exhibited 17 variants, both Patients 2 and 3 exhibited nine variants, and Patient 4 exhibited only five variants.

Conclusion

We conclude that APOA5 (rs3135506), ABCA1 (rs9282541), and APOB (rs679899 and rs12714225) are the most relevant candidate modifier genes in this family. Relative accumulation of the deficiencies associated with variants of these genes along with other lesser deficiencies in other genes appears to explain the variable expressivity in MEND syndrome.
Functional MRI in patients with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia: Is the neural circuit affected?
Authors: Seseke Sandra , Leitsmann Conrad , Hijazi Sameh , Trojan Lutz , Dechent Peter
Published: August 2019

Aims

In recent years, the human brain‐bladder control network has been visualized in different functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. The role of the brainstem and suprapontine regions has been elucidated. Especially the pontine region and the periaqueductal gray, as the central structures of the micturition circuit, were demonstrated. Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD) is a common problem in patients with neurological diseases. Residual urine and consecutive urinary tract infections with the risk of kidney damage remain a problem. In the present study, we used fMRI of the brain to compare the activation sites of patients with DSD with those of our previously published healthy controls with special emphasis on the brainstem region.

Methods

fMRI was performed in 11 patients with DSD who had an urge to void due to a filled bladder. In a nonvoiding model, they were instructed to contract or to relax the pelvic floor muscles repetitively.

Results

In patients with DSD, we could reproduce the activation sites found in healthy subjects, showing the regions in the brainstem as well as the other micturition‐related areas. The activation of the pontine region was more rostral/dorsal compared with the healthy volunteers.

Conclusion

Interestingly, we detected the well‐known activation in the pontine region in the patients in the dorsal/rostral part compared with the more ventral activation in the healthy volunteers, suggesting that the L‐region of the pontine micturition center is more prominent in cases of DSD.
Incontinence and headache in preschool children
Authors: von Gontard Alexander , Overs Cornelia , Moritz Anna‐Michaela , Thomé‐Granz Sigrid , Hussong Justine
Published: August 2019

Aims

Headaches in preschool children are associated with behavioral and gastrointestinal symptoms. As the co‐occurrence with incontinence is not known in young children, the aim of the study was to examine associations of headache, psychological symptoms and nocturnal enuresis (NE), daytime urinary incontinence (DUI), and fecal incontinence (FI) in a population‐based sample of preschool children.

Methods

All preschool children of a defined geographical area were examined at school‐entry. Parents completed a 22‐item questionnaire, including 14 headache, 4 incontinence, and 25 items of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Five hundred eighty‐five children (50.4% males) with a mean age of 5.8 years were included.

Results

In total, 27.2% of all children had headaches. 15.7% had secondary and 11.3% primary headaches. Five children had migraine and five tension‐type headaches, while all others were unclassifiable. 9.4% of children had incontinence (7.7% NE; 2.4% DUI, 1.2% FI) and 4.0% constipation. The rates of incontinence did not differ between children with primary and those without headache for NE (12.9% vs 7.5%), DUI (3.1% vs 2.7%) or FI (3.0% vs 1.0%), but for constipation (12.1% vs 2.6%). Incontinent children had significantly more behavioral and externalizing symptoms, children with headache more internalizing problems. Primary headache was a significant predictor for internalizing, while constipation and FI were predictors for externalizing symptoms.

Conclusions

This population‐based study showed that headache is associated with constipation, but not with incontinence in preschool children. Headache and incontinence are common risk factors for specific psychological symptoms and should be assessed in clinical practice.
Assessment of left ventricle magnetic resonance temperature stability in patients in the presence of arrhythmias
Authors: Ozenne Valéry , Bour Pierre , de Senneville Baudouin Denis , Toupin Solenn , Vaussy Alexis , Lepetit‐Coiffé Matthieu , Jaïs Pierre , Cochet Hubert , Quesson Bruno
Published: August 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry allows visualization of lesion formation in real‐time during cardiac radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The present study was performed to evaluate the precision of MR thermometry without RF heating in patients exhibiting cardiac arrhythmia in a clinical setting. The evaluation relied on quantification of changes in temperature measurements caused by noise and physiological motion.

Methods

Fourteen patients referred for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging underwent an extra sequence to test the temperature mapping stability during free‐breathing acquisition. Phase images were acquired using a multi‐slice, cardiac‐triggered, single‐shot echo planar imaging sequence. Temperature maps were calculated and displayed in real‐time while the electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded. The precision of temperature measurement was assessed by measuring the temporal standard deviation and temporal mean of consecutive temperature maps over a period of three minutes. The cardiac cycle was analyzed from ECG recordings to quantify the impact of arrhythmia events on the precision of temperature measurement. Finally, two retrospective strategies were tested to remove acquisition dynamics related either to arrhythmia events or sudden breathing motion.

Results

ECG synchronization allowed categorization of inter‐beat intervals (RR) into distinct beat morphologies. Five patients were in stable sinus rhythm, while nine patients showed irregular RR intervals due to ectopic beats. An average temporal standard deviation of temperature of 1.6°C was observed in patients under sinus rhythm with a frame rate corresponding to the heart rate of the patient. The temporal standard deviation rose to 2.5°C in patients with arrhythmia. The retrospective rejection strategies increased the temperature precision measurement while maintaining a sufficient frame rate.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that real‐time cardiac MR thermometry shows good precision in patients under clinical conditions, even in the presence of arrhythmia. By providing real‐time visualization of temperature distribution within the myocardium during RF delivery, MR thermometry could prevent insufficient or excessive heating and thus improve safety and efficacy.
Synergistic effect between solid wastes and intumescent flame retardant on flammability and smoke suppression of thermoplastic polyurethane composites
Authors: Zhou Qianqian , Liu Changkun , Zhou Keqing , Xuan Xu , Shi Congling
Published: August 2019

Phosphorus tailings and fly ash both are solid wastes and do harm to the environment. Here, they were added into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrices together with intumescent flame retardants (IFR), and the synergistic effects between IFR and phosphorus tailings or fly ash for improving the flame retardancy of TPU were investigated. The cone calorimeter test (CCT) results indicated that adding phosphorus tailings or fly ash substitute for part of IFR could obtain a better flame retardant effect. The peak heart release rate (PHRR) of TPU/25 wt% IFR composites exhibited a reduction of 77% than that of neat TPU, and the total smoke production presented a reduction of 16%. However, the PHRR value and total smoke production of the sample TPU/20 wt% IFR/5 wt% phosphorus tailings were reduced by 91% and 57%, respectively, compared to that of neat TPU. The dense char promoted by the presence of IFR and phosphorus tailings or fly ash delayed the diffusion of volatile pyrolysis products and transmission of heat and oxygen to the underlying material. Therefore, a certain amount of phosphorus tailings or fly ash can be used as synergistic agents with IFR to enhance the fire safety of TPU materials. From another aspect, it also provides a promising way for recycling use of phosphorus tailings and fly ash.
Making sense of Cbp/p300 loss of function mutations in skin tumorigenesis
Authors: Anastasi Sergio , Alemà Stefano , Segatto Oreste
Published: August 2019

CBP and p300 are highly homologous lysine acetyltransferases involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA synthesis and DNA repair. Loss of function mutations of CBP and p300 are found in about one‐third of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and often co‐occur, yet their role in cSCC pathogenesis is unclear. Writing in The Journal of Pathology, Ichise and colleagues modeled combined heterozygous loss of Cbp/p300 in mouse keratinocytes expressing a transgenic HrasS35 allele that allows selective coupling of Hras to the Erk pathway. Epidermal thickening caused by expression of HrasS35 was exacerbated by reduced dosage of Cbp/p300 and eventually resulted in development of skin papillomas. This phenotype was associated with reduced expression of Mig6, an Egfr feedback inhibitor, and attendant enhancement of Egfr signaling to the Ras‐Erk pathway. This model provides a mechanistic framework for understanding how Cbp/p300 loss of function mutations impact on skin tumorigenesis and suggests potential therapeutic options in CBP/p300 mutated human cSCC. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of exchange reactions and free radical grafting on the high‐speed reactive extrusion of poly(butylene succinate) and poly(propylene carbonate) blends
Authors: Calderón Bárbara A. , Thompson Conor W. , Barinelli Vincenzo L. , McCaughey Matthew S. , Sobkowicz Margaret J.
Published: August 2019

The potential of exchange reactions using titanium butoxide (TBT) as catalyst for the compatibilization of poly(butylene succinate) and poly(propylene carbonate) was explored, and the effects of high speed reactive extrusion on the ester–carbonate exchange reaction were studied. The feasibility of this functionalization route was contrasted to the free radical grafting (FRG) type using maleic anhydride and a peroxide. First, batch mixing and solution blending were conducted to determine the suitable amount of catalyst for blends of this kind. Then, blends at different screw speeds, reaching 1,000 rpm were compounded with catalyst on a twin‐screw extruder. Spectroscopy techniques corroborated the formation of block and graft copolymers on the TBT and FRG samples, respectively. Both compatibilization paths produce a positive change in the mechanical properties of the system that was accompanied by a finer droplet size and better interfacial interaction. Specifically, the high‐speed runs using a catalyst demonstrated a 177% improvement of the strain at break, proving that the high mechanical energy imparted impacts positively the mixing performance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1986–1998, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Trifluralin and two of its photodegradation products: Crystal structures and phase solubility/UV studies with cyclodextrins
Authors: Lobatto Virginia L. , Argüello Gustavo A. , Caira Mino R. , Bujan Elba I.
Published: August 2019

The crystal structures of the herbicide trifluralin (1), and two of its photodegradation products, namely, N‐n‐propyl‐2,6‐dinitro‐4‐trifluoromethylaniline (2) and 2‐ethyl‐7‐nitro‐5‐trifluoromethyl‐1H‐benzimidazole 3‐oxide (3), were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The presence of the N‐hydroxy tautomer of 3 was detected in the solid state both by X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy (IR), while in dimethyl sulfoxide‐d6 ((CD3)2SO) solution, the N‐oxide tautomer was observed by hydrogen‐1 nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR).

In order to determine whether 1, 2, and 3 form complexes with cyclodextrins in aqueous solutions as well as in the solid state, the interaction of 1 to 3 with β‐cyclodextrin in aqueous solutions containing 1% acetonitrile (ACN) and the interaction of 1 to 3 in the solid state with both native and derivatized cyclodextrins were investigated. In aqueous solutions containing 1% ACN, the association constants for the formation of 1:1 complexes were calculated for 1 and 2 as (25 ± 7) × 101M–1 and (18 ± 2) × 101M–1, respectively, whereas that for 3 could not be determined. Extensive trials aimed at obtaining solid complexes of 1 to 3 with both native and selected crystalline derivatized cyclodextrins using different methods failed to produce inclusion complexes.
Anxiety and depression in young adult German cancer patients: Time course and associated factors
Authors: Geue Kristina , Göbel Philipp , Leuteritz Katja , Nowe Erik , Sender Annekathrin , Stöbel‐Richter Yve , Friedrich Michael
Published: August 2019

Objective

Cancer in young adulthood is a nonnormative and critical life event. The experience of having cancer can have a strong impact on the mental health of young adults. This study investigated anxiety and depression in young adult cancer patients, examining changes over time and determining associated factors.

Methods

Young cancer patients (18‐39 years at time of diagnosis, diagnosis less than 4 years) were examined. Anxiety and depression were measured at two time points (t2 = 12 months after t1) using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Regression analyses were conducted to determine whether sociodemographic, medical, and/or psychosocial factors (social support, adjustment to the illness, unmet supportive care needs) were associated with patients' anxiety and depression.

Results

Five hundred fourteen young cancer patients (mean age 29.6 years, 75.1% women) completed both questionnaires. A higher proportion showed elevated levels of anxiety (t1: 42.2%; t2: 45.3%) than of depression (t1: 16.9%; t2: 17.7%), and no significant changes in anxiety and depression levels over time were observed. Psychosocial factors explained a major proportion of the variances for anxiety and depression levels at both time points (adjusted R2 between.50 and.59). Furthermore, significant associations were found for anxiety (t1) with gender (women↑); anxiety (t2) and depression (t2) with sick leave (sick leave yes↑); depression (t2) with time since diagnosis (longer time↑).

Conclusion

Psychological distress among adolescents and young adults (AYA) manifests particularly as anxiety. Strong associations between anxiety/depression and psychosocial factors, as well as the stability of psychological distress over time, clearly illustrate the need for psycho‐oncological care in this patient group.
Signal transduction in photoreceptor histidine kinases
Authors: Möglich Andreas
Published: August 2019

Two‐component systems (TCS) constitute the predominant means by which prokaryotes read out and adapt to their environment. Canonical TCSs comprise a sensor histidine kinase (SHK), usually a transmembrane receptor, and a response regulator (RR). In signal‐dependent manner, the SHK autophosphorylates and in turn transfers the phosphoryl group to the RR which then elicits downstream responses, often in form of altered gene expression. SHKs also catalyze the hydrolysis of the phospho‐RR, hence, tightly adjusting the overall degree of RR phosphorylation. Photoreceptor histidine kinases are a subset of mostly soluble, cytosolic SHKs that sense light in the near‐ultraviolet to near‐infrared spectral range. Owing to their experimental tractability, photoreceptor histidine kinases serve as paradigms and provide unusually detailed molecular insight into signal detection, decoding, and regulation of SHK activity. The synthesis of recent results on receptors with light‐oxygen‐voltage, bacteriophytochrome and microbial rhodopsin sensor units identifies recurring, joint signaling strategies. Light signals are initially absorbed by the sensor module and converted into subtle rearrangements of α helices, mostly through pivoting and rotation. These conformational transitions propagate through parallel coiled‐coil linkers to the effector unit as changes in left‐handed superhelical winding. Within the effector, subtle conformations are triggered that modulate the solvent accessibility of residues engaged in the kinase and phosphatase activities. Taken together, a consistent view of the entire trajectory from signal detection to regulation of output emerges. The underlying allosteric mechanisms could widely apply to TCS signaling in general.