bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxo‐Thiolation of Cationically Polymerizable Alkenes Using Flow Microreactors
Authors: Ashikari Yosuke , Saito Kodai , Nokami Toshiki , Yoshida Jun‐ichi , Nagaki Aiichiro
Published: August 2019

The present study describes the cationic oxo‐thiolation of polymerizable alkenes by using highly reactive cationic species generated by anodic oxidation. These highly reactive cations were able to activate alkenes before their polymerization. Fast mixing in flow microreactors effectively controlled chemoselectivity, enabling higher reaction temperatures.
Higher dietary acid load is not associated with risk of breast cancer in Iranian women
Authors: Safabakhsh Maryam , Imani Hossein , Yaseri Mehdi , Omranipour Ramesh , Shab‐Bidar Sakineh
Published: August 2019

Background

Dietary acid load (DAL) may play a key role in certain cancers, including breast cancer (BC); however, evidence showing a causal relationship is lacking.

Aim

We examined the relationship between DAL, assessed with both the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and the net endogenous acid production (NEAP) scores, and BC risk.

Methods

We identified 150 women who had a diagnosis of BC recently and 150 age‐matched apparently healthy controls. Data from dietary intake and anthropometric measures were collected from participants and eventually, PRAL and NEAP scores were obtained from nutrient intakes. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to evaluate the relationship of BC risk with PRAL and NEAP scores.

Results

The odds ratios (OR) of BC according to tertiles of PRAL and NEAP scores by multivariate logistic regression models revealed that both PRAL (P‐trend = 0.8) and NEAP (P‐trend = 0.1) scores were not significantly associated with BC risk. After controlling confounders, multiple logistic regressions still remained non‐significant which indicated no significant associations between PRAL (P‐trend = 0.9), NEAP (P‐trend = 0.4) scores and risk of BC.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggested that there is no significant relationship between DAL and BC incidence among Iranian women.
Modulation of visual attention assessed using the Stroop task during the menstrual cycle: Comparison between the menstrual and ovulation phases
Authors: Iriguchi Mayuko , Koda Hiroki , Koyama Takamasa , Masataka Nobuo
Published: August 2019

Women might have changes in perception and cognition of colours according to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Colours are often associated with specific emotional facial expressions, but how these two factors interact with each other and differ according to the cycle has remained unclear. We investigated attentional interference between colours and emotional facial expressions for women in the menstrual compared to the ovulation phases by colour judgment based on the Stroop tasks. Participants identified the colours (either red, yellow, or blue) of three types of face stimuli (happy, neutral, or sad) and corresponding scrambled face stimuli by pressing buttons, and we recorded participants' reaction times. The results showed better performance in the menstrual phase than in the ovulation phase. An interference effect was not observed. However, in the scrambled face stimuli task, only the reaction time for happy scrambled face shape and red did not differ between the phases. Thus, participants might pay stronger attention to faces with colours in the menstrual phase than in the ovulation phase but weaker attention to scrambled face shapes in the menstrual phase.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g‐C3N4) Supported Palladium Species: An Efficient Heterogeneous Photocatalyst Surpassing Homogeneous Thermal Heating Systems for Suzuki Coupling
Authors: Wang Nan , Ma Lixia , Wang Jing , Zhang Yanpei , Jiang Ruibin
Published: August 2019

Suzuki coupling is of paramount importance in C−C coupling reactions. However, Suzuki coupling reactions are generally catalyzed by homogeneous catalysts under thermal heating, which results in difficulties in the catalyst separation and consumes a relatively large amount of energy. g‐C3N4/Pd has been successfully prepared for photocatalytic Suzuki coupling reactions. The g‐C3N4/Pd is prepared through the reduction of a Pd source in the presence of g‐C3N4. The Pd is found to exist as Pd nanoparticles and Pd(II) species on g‐C3N4. Owing to the good light absorption of g‐C3N4 and the excellent catalytic activity of the Pd species, the g‐C3N4/Pd shows an excellent photocatalytic performance in Suzuki coupling reactions with a TOF of 47.3 h−1, which is almost twice that of a commercial homogeneous catalyst Pd(PPh3)4, under thermal heating. Moreover, g‐C3N4/Pd displays very good recyclability and wide applicability for Suzuki coupling reactions. Our findings provide a green and sustainable method for the catalysis of Suzuki coupling reactions.
Contrasting diversity patterns of breeding Anatidae in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
Authors: Zeng Qing , Reid Julian , Saintilan Neil , Colloff Matthew J. , Lei Guangchun , Wen Li
Published: August 2019

For sustaining ecosystem functions and services, environmental conservation strategies increasingly target to maintain the multiple facets of biodiversity, such as functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD), not just taxonomic diversity (TD). However, spatial mismatches among these components of biodiversity can impose challenges for conservation decisions. Hence, understanding the drivers of biodiversity is critical. Here, we investigated the global distribution patterns of TD, FD, and PD of breeding Anatidae. Using null models, we clarified the relative importance of mechanisms that influence Anatidae community. We also developed random forest models to evaluate the effects of environmental variables on the Anatidae TD, FD, and PD. Our results showed that geographical variation in Anatidae diversity is hemispheric rather than latitudinal. In the species‐rich Northern Hemisphere (NH), the three diversity indices decreased with latitude within the tropical zone of the NH, but increased in the temperate zone reaching a peak at 44.5–70.0°N, where functional and phylogenetic clustering was a predominant feature. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), Anatidae diversity increased poleward and a tendency to overdispersion was common. In NH, productivity seasonality and temperature in the coldest quarter were the most important variables. Productivity seasonality was also the most influential predictor of SH Anatidae diversity, along with peak productivity. These findings suggested that seasonality and productivity, both consistent with the energy‐diversity hypothesis, interact with the varying histories to shape the contrasting hemispheric patterns of Anatidae diversity. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) and FD underdispersion, widespread across the species‐rich, seasonally productive mid‐to‐high latitudes of the NH, reflects a rapid evolutionary radiation and resorting associated with Pleistocene cycles of glaciation. The SH continents (and southern Asia) are characterized by a widespread tendency toward PD and FD overdispersion, with their generally species‐poor communities comprising proportionately more older lineages in thermally more stable but less predictably productive environments.
A nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach for ecological data: Using temporal dynamics of vegetation moisture as an example
Authors: Oddi Facundo J. , Miguez Fernando E. , Ghermandi Luciana , Bianchi Lucas O. , Garibaldi Lucas A.
Published: August 2019

Increasingly, often ecologist collects data with nonlinear trends, heterogeneous variances, temporal correlation, and hierarchical structure. Nonlinear mixed‐effects models offer a flexible approach to such data, but the estimation and interpretation of these models present challenges, partly associated with the lack of worked examples in the ecological literature.

We illustrate the nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach using temporal dynamics of vegetation moisture with field data from northwestern Patagonia. This is a Mediterranean‐type climate region where modeling temporal changes in live fuel moisture content are conceptually relevant (ecological theory) and have practical implications (fire management). We used this approach to answer whether moisture dynamics varies among functional groups and aridity conditions, and compared it with other simpler statistical models. The modeling process is set out “step‐by‐step”: We start translating the ideas about the system dynamics to a statistical model, which is made increasingly complex in order to include different sources of variability and correlation structures. We provide guidelines and R scripts (including a new self‐starting function) that make data analyses reproducible. We also explain how to extract the parameter estimates from the R output.

Our modeling approach suggests moisture dynamic to vary between grasses and shrubs, and between grasses facing different aridity conditions. Compared to more classical models, the nonlinear mixed‐effects model showed greater goodness of fit and met statistical assumptions. While the mixed‐effects approach accounts for spatial nesting, temporal dependence, and variance heterogeneity; the nonlinear function allowed to model the seasonal pattern.

Parameters of the nonlinear mixed‐effects model reflected relevant ecological processes. From an applied perspective, the model could forecast the time when fuel moisture becomes critical to fire occurrence. Due to the lack of worked examples for nonlinear mixed‐effects models in the literature, our modeling approach could be useful to diverse ecologists dealing with complex data.
Effects of substrate color on intraspecific body color variation in the toad‐headed lizard, Phrynocephalus versicolor
Authors: Tong Haojie , Li Jiasheng , Wo Yubin , Shao Gang , Zhao Wei , Aguilar‐Gómez Diana , Jin Yuanting
Published: August 2019

Diversity in animal coloration is generally associated with adaptation to their living habitats, ranging from territorial display and sexual selection to predation or predation avoidance, and thermoregulation. However, the mechanism underlying color variation in toad‐headed Phrynocephalus lizards remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the population color variation of Phrynocephalus versicolor. We found that lizards distributed in dark substrate have darker dorsal coloration (melanic lizards) than populations living in light substrates. This characteristic may improve their camouflage effectiveness. A reciprocal substrate translocation experiment was conducted to clarify the potential role of morphological adaptation and physiological plasticity of this variation. Spectrometry technology and digital photography were used to quantify the color variation of the above‐mentioned melanic and nonmelanic P. versicolor populations and their native substrate. Additionally, substrate color preference in both populations was investigated with choice experiments. Our results indicate that the melanic and nonmelanic populations with remarkable habitat color difference were significantly different on measured reflectance, luminance, and RGB values. Twenty‐four hours, 30 days, and 60 days of substrate translocation treatment had little effects on dorsal color change. We also found that melanic lizards choose to live in dark substrate, while nonmelanic lizards have no preference for substrate color. In conclusion, our results support that the dorsal coloration of P. versicolor, associated with substrate color, is likely a morphological adaptation rather than phenotypic plasticity.
Evidence of limiting similarity revealed using a conservative assessment of coexistence
Authors: Schamp Brandon S. , Jensen Ashley M.
Published: August 2019

The concept of limiting similarity is important in ecology because it encapsulates the expectation under niche theory that differences among species are fundamental to coexistence. A growing body of research has tested for evidence of limiting similarity, but only a small number of studies have produced support. Here, using relevant field data, we highlight one possible explanation for the paucity of support for limiting similarity. We test whether coexisting plant species that share bees as pollinators flower asynchronously, a form of temporal niche separation consistent with limiting similarity. Our results provide evidence of limiting similarity, adding to the small collection of null modeling studies that have thus far done so. Our work also provides evidence that temporal niche variation may be an important niche axis that broadly contributes to species coexistence. Finally, we demonstrate that a more conservative assessment of coexistence that includes only individual plants that have achieved reproduction, is consequential in whether we find evidence of significant flowering asynchrony in this study. We conclude that the conservative approach to assessing coexistence that we present here can reduce noise in coexistence data, improving our power to test for evidence consistent with limiting similarity. Using this approach may or may not result in an increase in evidence supporting limiting similarity; however, it will certainly give researchers more confidence that they have not missed existing evidence of limiting similarity.
A Highly Stable All‐Inorganic CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Mehrabian Masood , Dalir Sina , Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Miroslaw Barbara , Babashkina Maria G. , Dektereva Anna V. , Safin Damir A.
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the instability of hybrid organic‐inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been an important challenge. The issue of the destruction as well as a carrier density stability of the perovskite must be addressed to simultaneously achieve the long lifetime of PSCs and acceptable conversion efficiency. Present study aims to address these issues by using all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite as a light absorber material. Through a simulation process, the perovskite thickness was optimized yielding the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a device reaching 4.04 %. After storage for 3 months at room temperature with a humidity of 20 % and under illumination of AM 1.5 G, only 35 % loss in PCE was observed, indicating a promising stability of the fabricated CsPbBr3‐based devise.
Metal‐Free C–S Bond Cleavage to Access N‐Substituted Acrylamide and β‐Aminopropanamide
Authors: Yang Ke , Li Yi , Ma Zhiyan , Tang Long , Yin Yue , Zhang Hao , Li Zhengyi , Sun Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2019

Metal‐free and Selectfluor‐mediated C–S bond cleavage is described. This novel strategy provides a facile and efficient method to access important N‐substituted acrylamide and β‐aminopropanamide derivatives with good functional group tolerance and yields.
Ni(NHC) Catalyzed Rearrangement of 1‐Acyl‐2‐vinylcyclopropanes: Tackling a Mechanistic Puzzle by Combined Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Zens Anna , Bauer Florian , Kolb Benedikt , Mannchen Fabian , Seubert Philipp , Forschner Robert , Flaig Kim S. , Köhn Andreas , Kunz Doris , Laschat Sabine
Published: August 2019

The Ni(NHC) catalyzed rearrangement of 1‐acyl‐2‐vinylcyclopropanes to the corresponding 4‐acyl‐cyclopent‐1‐enes is highly promising for the synthesis of keto‐functionalized annelated bi‐ and tricyclic subunits of natural products. Therefore, we investigated the catalytic activity of Ni(NHC) complexes in the rearrangement of 1‐acyl‐2‐vinylcyclopropanes with different ring sizes and substitution patterns. Surprising effects regarding substrate scope and stereoselectivity of the Ni(NHC) catalyzed vinylcyclopropane‐cyclopentene rearrangement were observed. Only vinylcyclopropanes with 1‐methyl, 1‐phenyl, 1,2‐dialkyl or 2‐phenyl‐substitution at the vinyl moiety could be rearranged successfully. Moreover, an endo‐configuration on the cyclopropane ring was required for successful rearrangement. By treatment of the vinylcyclopropanes with Rh catalysts or Lewis acids, the involvement of Lewis acid catalysis could be ruled out. In order to understand these experimental results and to rationalize the reactivity of the Ni(NHC) complexes computational studies were performed, which provided insights into mechanistic details.
Preparation and Synthetic Applications of [2.2]Paracyclophane Trifluoroborates: An Efficient and Convenient Route to Nucleophilic [2.2]Paracyclophane Cross‐Coupling Building Blocks
Authors: Knoll Daniel M. , Šimek Helena , Hassan Zahid , Bräse Stefan
Published: August 2019

We report the synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane (PCP) trifluoroborate building blocks that can be used for the incorporation of the PCP moiety into a wide range of (hetero)aryl chlorides, bromides and triflates by a Pd(II)/RuPhos mediated Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. The PCP trifluoroborate species are bench stable with extended shelf life and easily accessible on a multigram scale by a two‐step synthesis from commercially available PCP. They can be handled conveniently without special precautions, thus overcoming many of the limitations of other PCP cross‐coupling reagents. Additionally, a high yielding regioselective monolithiation/borylation protocol for the synthesis of pseudo‐para and pseudo‐ortho PCP halotrifluoroborates and their subsequent Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling are described.
Isocyanide‐Based Multicomponent Reactions of Free Phenylboronic Acids
Authors: Neochoritis Constantinos G. , Zarganes‐Tzitzikas Tryfon , Novotná Michaela , Mitríková Tatiana , Wang Zefeng , Kurpiewska Katarzyna , Kalinowska‐Tłuścik Justyna , Dömling Alexander
Published: August 2019

Boronic acids are amongst the most useful synthetic intermediates, frequently used by modern drug design. However, their access and fast synthesis of libraries are often problematic. We present a methodology on the synthesis of drug‐like scaffolds via IMCRs with unprotected phenylboronic acids. To demonstrate an application of our approach, we also performed one‐pot Suzuki couplings on the primary MCR scaffolds. Moreover, we performed a thorough data‐mining of the Cambridge Structural Database, revealing interesting geometrical features.
Single and Combined Effects of Zinc and Manganese on the Bivalve Anodontites trapesialis: Complementary Endpoints to Support the Hypothesis of Manganese Promoting Metabolic Suppression in Gills
Authors: de Oliveira Luciana Fernandes , Cabral Millena Terezinha , Nascimento Cássia Bruno , Magni Stefano , Binelli Andrea , Martinez Claudia Bueno dos Reis
Published: August 2019

Manganese (Mn) might stimulate the valve closure reflex in the freshwater bivalve Anodontites trapesialis, leading to metabolic suppression, whereas zinc (Zn) is not able to modify this behavior. To investigate this particular response, we exposed A. trapesialis specimens to Mn (0.5 mg L–1) and Zn (1.0 mg L–1) alone, and to their mixture, to measure further endpoints in different clam tissues: glycogen level in gills, and calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), and chloride (Cl–) concentrations in the hemolymph. Furthermore, we used cutting-edge technology, proteomics, to evaluate modifications in protein patterns under the 3 exposure tests. The main results highlighted that only Mn caused a clear drop in glycogen levels in gills, an increase in Ca2+ and Na+, and a simultaneous decrease in Cl– concentration in the hemolymph. The proteomic analysis confirmed that Mn promoted more effects in A. trapesialis than the other tested conditions, because the number of proteins modulated was higher than the results obtained after exposure to Zn and the mixture. Moreover, 11 of the 12 modulated proteins were down-expressed. These results consolidate the hypothesis that Mn might suppress gill metabolic rate in A. trapesialis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2480–2485. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

A previous study suggested manganese (Mn) as a possible metabolic suppressor in Anodontites trapesialis, and the present study adds other endpoints that support this hypothesis. Zn = zinc; ROS = reactive oxygen species; AChE = acetylcholinesterase; CTR = control.
Signaling legitimacy across institutional contexts—The intermediary role of corporate social responsibility rating agencies
Authors: Kölbel Julian F. , Busch Timo
Published: August 2019

Research Summary

Good corporate social responsibility (CSR) ratings can increase a firm's legitimacy and reduce its default risk. Yet, the interpretation of CSR varies between different countries. We investigate whether CSR ratings have a risk‐mitigating effect across different institutional contexts. We find that good CSR ratings have a general risk‐mitigating effect. Yet, we also find that the effect decreases when the rating agency is embedded in the institutional context of its home country and the rated firm operates in a country with a different culture or regulatory system. This suggests that a rating agency's country of origin and its embeddedness in that country's context play an important role in the relationship between CSR ratings and default risk.

Managerial Summary

In this article, we investigate to what extent CSR rating agencies signal organizational legitimacy across institutional contexts. Specifically, we evaluate how institutional distance between the rating agency and the rated firm moderates the negative effect of the CSR rating on the firm's default risk. We compare two CSR rating agencies, OEKOM, which is strongly embedded in its institutional context, and ASSET4, which operates across diverse institutional contexts. Based on a panel of 604 firms in 13 countries from 2011 to 2016, we show that CSR ratings from both rating agencies have a risk‐mitigating main effect. Yet, only in the case of OEKOM is the effect negatively moderated by regulatory and cultural distance. Thus, the legitimating effect of institutionally embedded CSR rating agencies decreases with institutional distance.
Absence of disruptive TP53 mutations in high‐risk human papillomavirus‐driven neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary
Authors: Boscolo‐Rizzo Paolo , Schroeder Lea , Sacchetto Valeria , Holzinger Dana , Da Mosto Maria Cristina , Tirelli Giancarlo , Dal Cin Elisa , Mantovani Monica , Menegaldo Anna , Del Mistro Annarosa , Romeo Salvatore , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Niero Monia , Rigo Stefania , Dyckhoff Gerhard , Hess Jochen , Alemany Laia , Quer Miquel , León Xavier , Polesel Jerry , Pawlita Michael , Bertorelle Roberta
Published: August 2019

Background

To enforce the evidence for causality between high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections and neck squamous cell carcinoma from unknown primary (NSCCUP) and provide biological basis for treatment de‐intensification, we searched for TP53 mutations in association with HPV status.

Methods

TP53 mutations were searched for by amplification of exons 4 to 10.

Results

Of the 70 NSCCUP, 27 (39%) harbored HPV infection. TP53 sequencing resulted in the identification of 19 patients harboring single mutations including 16 disruptive alterations (84%). The association of TP53 mutations and HPV could be evaluated in 48 NSCCUP including those with disruptive mutation in any exon (n = 16) and those without mutations but with complete sequence of exons 4 to 9 (n = 32): no disruptive mutations were found in the 17 HPV‐driven NSCCUP but in 16 of the 31 non‐HPV‐driven NSCCUP (P = .0002).

Conclusion

In a fraction of cases, NSCCUP is an HPV‐driven entity harboring wild‐type TP53 gene or nondisruptive TP53 mutations. HPV‐driven NSCCUP might benefit from treatment de‐intensification.
Towards monitoring groundwater‐dependent ecosystems using synthetic aperture radar imagery
Authors: Castellazzi Pascal , Doody Tanya , Peeters Luk
Published: August 2019

Mapping of groundwater‐dependent ecosystems (GDEs) relies largely on assumption‐laden evaporation models, and few global, direct, and real‐time monitoring techniques exist. We propose a new synthetic aperture radar imagery‐derived index, SARGDE, to identify and monitor these ecosystems across Australia. The index captures vegetation reliance on groundwater during dry periods by estimating the relative stability of foliage and branch structure from the vertical/horizontal cross‐polarized band and InSAR coherence. SARGDE is tested over two contrasting study sites in Australia. To build and verify the index, a total of 90 Sentinel‐1 interferometric wide images are processed and stacked in two data‐cubes. GDE response to the SAR signal is explored using a non‐linear dimension reduction algorithm. Relevant statistical parameters are derived from data‐cubes and combined to form the index. As the index relies on a 1‐year time series of globally, freely available, and cloud‐insensitive SAR imagery, SARGDE offers unprecedented capabilities for large‐scale, annual monitoring of GDEs. Such monitoring will aid reconciliation of human and ecosystem groundwater needs by acting as a systematic monitoring tool, helping policy makers to assure ecosystem sustainability where impacts related to mining, agriculture, or climate change may occur.
Moisture origin and stable isotope characteristics of precipitation in southeast Siberia
Authors: Kostrova Svetlana S. , Meyer Hanno , Fernandoy Francisco , Werner Martin , Tarasov Pavel E.
Published: August 2019

The paper presents oxygen and hydrogen isotopes of 284 precipitation event samples systematically collected in Irkutsk, in the Baikal region (southeast Siberia), between June 2011 and April 2017. This is the first high‐resolution dataset of stable isotopes of precipitation from this poorly studied region of continental Asia, which has a high potential for isotope‐based palaeoclimate research. The dataset revealed distinct seasonal variations: relatively high δ18O (up to −4‰) and δD (up to −40‰) values characterize summer air masses, and lighter isotope composition (−41‰ for δ18O and −322‰ for δD) is characteristic of winter precipitation. Our results show that air temperature mainly affects the isotope composition of precipitation, and no significant correlations were obtained for precipitation amount and relative humidity. A new temperature dependence was established for weighted mean monthly precipitation: +0.50‰/°C (r2 = 0.83; p <.01; n = 55) for δ18O and +3.8‰/°C (r2 = 0.83, p < 0.01; n = 55) for δD. Secondary fractionation processes (e.g., contribution of recycled moisture) were identified mainly in summer from low d excess. Backward trajectories assessed with the Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model indicate that precipitation with the lowest mean δ18O and δD values reaches Irkutsk in winter related to moisture transport from the Arctic. Precipitation originating from the west/southwest with the heaviest mean isotope composition reaches Irkutsk in summer, thus representing moisture transport across Eurasia. Generally, moisture transport from the west, that is, the Atlantic Ocean predominates throughout the year. A comparison of our new isotope dataset with simulation results using the European Centre/Hamburg version 5 (ECHAM5)‐wiso climate model reveals a good agreement of variations in δ18O (r2 = 0.87; p <.01; n = 55) and air temperature (r2 = 0.99; p <.01; n = 71). However, the ECHAM5‐wiso model fails to capture observed variations in d excess (r2 = 0.14; p < 0.01; n = 55). This disagreement can be partly explained by a model deficit of capturing regional hydrological processes associated with secondary moisture supply in summer.
WAIMH position paper: Infants’ rights in wartime
Authors: Keren Miri , Abdallah Ghasson , Tyano Sam
Published: August 2019

The World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH) decided to compose a position paper on infants’ rights in wartime, as there is still a general lack of attention paid to the impact of war‐related traumas on infants’ development and psychological health. Though there are numerous areas of violent conflicts around the globe, there have been few published studies that relate specifically to infants. Consequently, humanitarian aid programs tend to overlook infants’ psychological needs and to pay more attention to those of older children. This position paper first reviews the studies identified through a literature search, about the impact of war‐related traumas during pregnancy and postnatal periods, then describes the existing recommendations that have been added to the Children Rights Convention and their implications for infant mental health clinicians.
HIPK2 role in the tumor–host interaction: Impact on fibroblasts transdifferentiation CAF‐like
Authors: Garufi Alessia , Traversi Gianandrea , Cirone Mara , D'Orazi Gabriella
Published: August 2019

The dialogue between cancer cells and the surrounding fibroblasts, tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM), and immune cells can create a tumor microenvironment (TME) able to promote tumor progression and metastasis and induce resistance to anticancer therapies. Cancer cells, by producing growth factors and cytokines, can recruit and activate fibroblasts in the TME inducing their transdifferention in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Then, CAFs, in a reciprocal cross‐talk with cancer cells, sustain cancer growth and survival and support malignancy and tumor resistance to therapies. Therefore, the identification of the molecular mechanisms regulating the interplay between cancer cells and fibroblasts can offer an intriguing opportunity for novel diagnostic and therapeutic anticancer purpose. HIPK2 is a multifunctional tumor suppressor protein that modulates cancer cell growth and apoptosis in response to anticancer drugs and negatively regulates pathways involved in tumor progression and chemoresistance. HIPK2 protein downregulation is induced by hypoxia and hyperglycemia and HIPK2 knockdown favors tumor progression and resistance to therapy other than a pseudohypoxic, inflammatory, and angiogenic cancer phenotype. Therefore, we hypothesized that HIPK2 modulation in cancer cells could contribute to modify the tumor–host interaction. In support of our hypothesis, here we provide evidence that culturing human fibroblasts (hFB) with conditioned media derived from cancer cells undergoing HIPK2 knockdown (CMsiHIPK2) triggered their transdifferentiation CAF‐like, compared to hFB cultured with CM‐derived from HIPK2‐carrying control cancer cells. CAF transdifferentiation was identified by expression of several markers including α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen I and correlated with autophagy–mediated caveolin‐1 degradation. Although the molecular mechanisms dictating CAF‐transdifferentiation need to be elucidated, these results open the way to further study the role of HIPK2 in TME remodeling for prognostic and therapeutic purpose.
Early‐life exposure to low levels of permethrin exerts impairments in learning and memory with the effects on neuronal and glial population in adult male mice
Authors: Saito Hirokatsu , Hara Kenshiro , Tominaga Takashi , Nakashima Kinichi , Tanemura Kentaro
Published: August 2019

Permethrin, a pyrethroid chemical, is widely used as a pesticide because of its rapid insecticidal activity. Although permethrin is considered to exert very low toxicity in mammals, the effects of early, low‐level, chronic exposure on the adult central nervous system are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of low‐level, chronic permethrin exposure in early life on the brain functions of adult mice, using environmentally relevant concentrations. We exposed mice to the acceptable daily intake level of permethrin (0.3 ppm) in drinking water during the prenatal and postnatal periods. We then examined the effects on the central nervous system in adult male offspring. In the permethrin group, we detected behavior that displayed incomplete adaptation to a novel environment, as well as an impairment in learning and memory. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increase in doublecortin‐ (an immature neuron marker) positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in the permethrin exposure group compared with the control group. Additionally, in the permethrin exposure group there was a decrease in astrocyte number in the hilus of the dentate gyrus, and remaining astrocytes were often irregularly shaped. These results suggest that exposure to permethrin at low levels in early life affects the formation of the neural circuit base and behavior after maturation. Therefore, in the central nervous system of male mice, low‐level, chronic permethrin exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods has effects that were not expected based on the known effects of permethrin exposure in mature animals.
An efficient approach to produce 2,5‐diformylfuran from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural using air as oxidant
Authors: Jia Wenlong , Du Juan , Liu Huai , Feng Yunchao , Sun Yong , Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Lin Lu
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

2,5‐Diformylfuran (DFF) is a versatile bio‐derived platform chemical. Multiple catalytic systems including homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts have been studied for the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to DFF, but a more efficient and economical approach to produce DFF via HMF remains to be developed.

RESULTS

This study provides a practical approach to oxidizing HMF to DFF using Fe(NO3)3/Cu(NO3)2as catalysts and air as oxidant with the assistance of K2S2O8. The typical oxidation of HMF to DFF was conducted under conditions of 4 wt% catalyst, 80 °C and 3 h, achieving an excellent DFF yield of over 99%.

CONCLUSION

In this oxidation reaction, Fe(NO3)3played a crucial catalytic role by the redox cycle of Fe(III) and Fe(II), while Cu(NO3)2functioned as a co‐catalyst to promote the redox cycle of Fe(II) and Fe(III) by the redox cycle of Cu(II) and Cu(I) with the assistance of oxygen. Meanwhile, NO2released from the decomposition of Fe(NO3)3during the redox cycle of Fe(II) and Fe(III) also participated in the oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) by the redox cycle of NO2and NO with the assistance of oxygen. Noteworthily, K2S2O8provided an essential acidity to the oxidation of HMF to DFF through its decomposition product SO3. All these factors together ensured the efficient conversion of HMF and high selectivity of DFF. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
An unusual cause of granulomatous colitis: Behcet's disease
Authors: Yadav Ashutosh I , Chattopadhyay Arghya , Ahamed Rizwan , Muktesh Gaurav , Narang Tarun , Nada Ritambhra , Sharma Aman , Mandavdhare Harshal , Sharma Vishal , Dutta Usha
Published: August 2019

Intestinal involvement in Behcet's disease (BD) is uncommon. Differentiating it from close mimics like Crohn's Disease is difficult. Further, in asymptomatic cases, diagnostic challenges posed is still greater. A 17‐year‐old boy had history of recurrent oro‐genital ulcers, papulo‐pustular skin eruptions, ocular lesions and had presented with recent onset perianal abscess. Fecal calprotectin was elevated, and ileo‐colonoscopy showed ileocolonic ulcers of inflammatory nature. Clinical diagnosis of intestinal BD was made. Patients with BD having mucosal lesions may harbor asymptomatic intestinal lesions. Screening them with fecal calprotectin levels and if positive, with subsequent imaging and endoscopic biopsy with timely initiation of appropriate treatment in such asymptomatic cases help to control overall disease activity.
Genetic and epigenetic modifications of adiponectin gene: Potential association with breast cancer risk
Authors: Pasha Heba F. , Mohamed Randa H. , Toam Mostafa M. , Yehia Ahmed M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Adipokines produced by adipose tissue are directly linked to obesity and may contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. We hypothesized that genetic and epigenetic modifications in the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene and their impact on serum ADIPOQ levels may participate in increasing breast cancer (BC) risk. The present study aimed to investigate ADIPOQ +45 T/G gene polymorphism, methylation status at CpG sites −74 nucleotides (nt) and −283 nt of the ADIPOQ gene, and ADIPOQ serum levels in BC obese women.

Methods

Serum ADIPOQ was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. ADIPOQ +45 T/G gene polymorphism and ADIPOQ promoter methylation status were determined using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a methylation‐specific PCR, respectively, in 120 obese women with BC and 120 age‐matched controls.

Results

ADIPOQ +45 GG genotype carriers had a significant increased risk of developing BC (odds ratio = 6.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.3–29.6, p = 0.02). ADIPOQ gene methylation at site −74 nt resulted in a 1.7‐fold increased BC risk. Methylation at site –283 nt resulted in a 1.9‐fold increased BC risk. Moreover serum levels of ADIPOQ were significantly decreased in BC patients and down‐regulated in the presence of methylation in both examined sites. By contrast, no association between ADIPOQ gene polymorphism and serum ADIPOQ level was detected. Using both methylated sites in one panel detected cancer breast with 76.67% sensitivity and 62.18% accuracy.

Conclusions

ADIPOQ +45 T/G polymorphism and ADIPOQ promoter methylation were found to be associated with BC risk in obese Egyptian women.
Novel Approach for Rapid and Efficient Synthesis of 2‐(3‐(4‐Aryl)‐1‐isonicotinoyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐one Derivatives and Screened Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Beniwal Meenu , Jain Neelam
Published: August 2019

A series of compounds, viz. 2‐(3‐(4‐aryl)‐1‐isonicotinoyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐3‐phenylthiazolidin‐4‐one 4 (a–n), have been synthesized by reaction of 3 (a–n) with thioglycolic acid in the presence of zinc chloride. Compounds 3 (a–n) have been synthesized by amination of formylated pyrazoles 2 (A–B), which were synthesized by formylation of 1 (A–B) by Vilsmeier–Haack reagent (POCl3/DMF). Compounds 1 (A–B) were synthesized by condensation of hydrazide and substituted acetophenones under conventional method and microwave irradiation method. These compounds were identified on the basis of melting point range, Rf values, infrared, 1H NMR, and mass spectral analysis. These compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity, and their minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. Among them, compound 4b and compound 4l possess appreciable antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Antibacterial activity results showed that compounds containing electron‐withdrawing groups were more active than compounds containing electron‐releasing groups.
Highly Efficient [3 + 2] Cycloaddition: Click Synthesis of Novel 1H‐indol‐3‐yl‐benzo[d]imidazole Bis‐triazoles
Authors: Bakkolla Mahesh Goud , Taduri Ashok Kumar , Bhoomireddy Rama Devi
Published: August 2019

A series of novel 1‐((1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐2‐(1‐((1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl)‐5‐substituted‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐6‐substituted‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazoles 5a–i have been prepared using click chemistry as an ideal strategy where [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azides with terminal alkynes has been developed as the target compounds. In route‐II, 5‐substituted‐1H‐indole‐3‐carbaldehydes 1a–c react with 5‐substituted orthophenylenediamine 8 to give desired products, that is, 6‐substituted‐2‐(5‐substituted‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole 6a–i. Here, 6a–i react with 2 equiv of propargylbromide 7 to give novel 6‐substituted 2‐(5‐substituted‐1‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐1‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole 4a–i. 4a–i were reacted with 2 equiv of NaN3 in t‐butanol/water (1:2) and add catalytic amount of CuSO4.5H2O. Stir the reaction mixture at room temperature to get the target products 5a–i. Here, obtained products contain four rings, that is, one indole, two triazoles, and one benzimidazole. The main advantages of this method are short reaction times, easy workup, higher yields (88–92%), and no by‐products formation.
Detailed profile of cognitive dysfunction in children with aspartylglucosaminuria
Authors: Harjunen Elina Leena , Laine Minna , Tikkanen Ritva , Helenius Päivi
Published: August 2019

Aspartylglucosaminuria (AGU) is a rare, recessively inherited lysosomal disease with relatively high prevalence in Finnish population. This progressive disease has a vast impact on patient's cognition and physical health, leading to intellectual disability and shorter life expectancy. Cognitive functions of 21 7‐ to 14‐year‐old children with AGU were studied cross‐sectionally using Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children IV and the results were compared with a standardized Finnish sample. In addition to overall cognitive performance, abilities in discrete cognitive domains, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed, were examined. The results showed that despite the very low overall level of cognitive performance, there were notable differences between individuals. All those children whose performance was closer to their own age level were 7 to 10 years old. Processing speed appeared more compromised, as compared with verbal comprehension. Furthermore, examining the subtest raw scores, there were no significant positive correlations between age and subtest scores, suggesting that the developmental level of AGU children could be rather stable throughout ages 7 to 14. This study gives insight to the severe nature of AGU disease. Since younger children performed better compared to their age norms than older children, the results raise a question whether the highest peak in cognitive functions is reached at an earlier age than previously thought.
Cornstarch requirements of the adult glycogen storage disease Ia population: A retrospective review
Authors: Dahlberg Kathryn R. , Ferrecchia Iris A. , Dambska‐Williams Monika , Resler Traci E. , Ross Katalin M. , Butler Gail L. , Kuo Chia‐Ling , Ryan Patrick T. , Weinstein David A.
Published: August 2019

Cornstarch has been the primary treatment for glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia) for over 35 years. When cornstarch was first described as a treatment, few people survived beyond early childhood. As the prognosis for this population has improved, the need to ensure appropriate cornstarch dosing for different age groups has become imperative. Records from 115 patients (10‐62 years of age) with GSD Ia evaluated at our center between 2015 and 2017 were reviewed. Data collected included weight, age, genetic mutation, amount and frequency of cornstarch doses, body mass index, gender, 24‐hour glucose and lactate concentrations, and biochemical markers of metabolic control. The data demonstrate that adult treatment needs vary greatly from younger age groups, and the required cornstarch support decreases with age (P < .001). The required number of doses, however, did not change with a mean of six doses (range 4‐8) daily in all age groups. General laboratory findings across time demonstrate that significantly reducing the amount of starch required to maintain euglycemia with aging can be done without sacrificing metabolic control. Carbohydrate requirements decrease with aging, and older patients were found to require less cornstarch. Failure to lower the cornstarch doses contributes to over‐treatment in adults with GSD Ia. Not only does this lead to worsening hepatomegaly and excessive weight gain, but over‐treatment contributes to relative hyperinsulinism and rebound hypoglycemia. This knowledge is essential in designing nutritional therapies for the aging GSD population.
Increasing ION/IOFF by embedding a low doped buried layer in the channel of a dual‐material double‐gate junctionless MOSFET
Authors: Beigi Kobra , Hashemi Seyed Amir
Published: August 2019

To suppress the short‐channel effects (SCEs) and the OFF‐state current (IOFF) and increasing the ON‐state current (ION)/IOFF ratio, the conventional dual‐material double‐gate (DG) junctionless (JL) metaloxide‐semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) is improved by employing the laterally graded channel doping profile and embedding a low‐doped buried layer along the center of the channel. The channel is divided into two regions under the gates and the region near the drain has higher doping level, while the buried layer has lower doping concentration than the channel. The characteristics of the proposed device are modeled analytically, simulated and compared with those of the dual‐material DGJL MOSFETs with uniformly doped and laterally graded doped channels without the buried layer. The results show that because of using the dual‐material gate, the graded doped channel, and the buried layer, the proposed DGJL MOSFET exhibits more improved performance against the SCEs and lower IOFF. The higher electric field near the source and higher carrier velocity along the channel improve the ION and the ION/IOFF ratio of the proposed device, considerably. Also, because of lower subthreshold slope, drain‐induced barrier lowering, and gate capacitance, the proposed device exhibits better switching performance than the other considered structures.
Immuno‐analytical method development for detection of transgenic Cry1Ac protein and its validation
Authors: Rupula Karuna , Kosuri Tanuja , Gul Mir Zahoor , Sharma Bhuvana , Beedu Sashidhar Rao
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) synthesizes Cry1Ac protein, which is toxic to many lepidopteran pests, and the cry1ac gene has been expressed in several transgenic crop plants. The Cry1Ac protein has been isolated from Bt kurstaki HD73 and purified to homogeneity. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against purified Cry1Ac in rabbits and goat. Sandwich ELISA was developed for Cry1Ac using goat IgG as a coating antibody, and affinity‐purified rabbit IgG as the primary antibody.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of the assay was in the range of 0.47–1000 ng. It was subsequently employed in validating biological samples. Fifteen different cotton‐seed samples were screened: 12 were found to be Bt positive and 3 Bt negative. The CS7 seeds showed the highest Bt content of 8.51 ± 0.45 μg g−1, followed by CS8 (6.0 ± 0.02 μg g−1), CS15 (5.9 ± 0.03 μg g−1), CS9 (5.5 ± 0.05 μg g−1), and CS10 (4.83 ± 0.013 μg g−1). The CS5 seeds showed Bt content of 3.6 ± 0.21 μg g−1. The F2 generation, CS6 (Kaveri seeds) showed lower Bt content (2.9 ± 0.06 μg g−1). The CL5 samples showed Cry1Ac content of 0.99 ± 0.009 μg g−1. The amount of Cry1Ac protein in leaves, stem, and roots of germinated Bt cotton plants (CS10 and CS4) were 1.76 ± 0.15 μg g−1, 1.9 ± 0.01 μg g−1, 2.0 ± 0.1 μg g−1, and 1.6 ± 0.15 μg g−1, 1.9 ± 0.01 μg g−1, and 2.0 ± 0.01 μg g−1 dry tissue, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The method developed can be used for screening the expression levels of Cry1Ac in different transgenic Bt cultivars and also spurious Bt cotton seeds procured by farmers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Geographical origin traceability of Keemun black tea based on its non‐volatile composition combined with chemometrics
Authors: Fang Shimao , Huang Wen‐Jing , Wei Yuming , Tao Meng , Hu Xin , Li Tiehan , Kalkhajeh Yusef K , Deng Wei‐Wei , Ning Jingming
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Non‐volatile compounds play a key role in the quality and price of Keemun black tea (KBT). The non‐volatile compounds in KBT samples from different producing areas normally vary greatly. The development of rapid methods for tracing the geographical origin of KBT is useful. In this study, we develop models for the discrimination of KBT's geographical origin based on non‐volatile compounds.

RESULTS

Seventy‐two KBT samples were collected from five towns in Anhui province to determine 13 KBT compounds by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analysis of variance showed that the content of 13 compounds in KBT indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) among five towns. Three multivariate statistical models including principal component analysis (PCA), soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were built to discriminate origin. Principal component analysis effectively extracted three principal components, namely theaflavins, galloylated catechins, and simple catechins. The high sensitivity (64.5%–99.2%) was achieved of SIMCA model. To establish the discriminant functions, six variables (gallic acid, (+)‐catechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate, theaflavin‐3‐gallate, theaflavin‐3,3′‐di‐gallate, and total theaflavins) were chosen from 13 variables, and LDA was applied. This gave a satisfactory overall correct classification rate (94.4%) and cross‐validation rate (88.9%) for KBT samples.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that HPLC analysis together with chemometrics is a reliable approach for tracing KBT and guaranteeing its authenticity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry