bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cricket (Gryllus assimilis) as an Alternative Food Versus Commercial Concentrate for Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) in the Nursery Stage
Authors: Alfaro Alejandrino Oseguera , Núñez Wilfredo Lanza , Marcia Jhunior , Fernández Ismael Montero
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a 32% commercial diet of protein for tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis sp.) commonly used in fish farms in the country and cricket meal in a mixture with 32% corn flour as a protein was compared alternative food The breeding, raising and fattening unit of crickets (Gryllus assimilis) was implemented for its subsequent sacrifice and transformation into flour and used as a source of protein in the diet, these gained a weight of 0.70 g. To accommodate the fry, plastic tanks with a capacity of 1 m3 were used, the water was sucked by means of an electric pump; with permanent aeration where 15 individuals of red tilapia per m3 were planted with an average weight of 5 g which reached an average weight/fish/day of 26 g, a growth/fish/day of 0.86 g, the total biomass was 340 g, and a feed conversion factor (FCA) of 1.16. According to the Student’s T analysis and a comparison of means, no differences were found, with a correlation of 83.1% between the food supplied and the increase in weight, the water parameters were found at an optimum level. The protein percentage of cricket flour ranges between 15% and 80% depending on the geographical area, those that were used in the local ration have 58.16% of crude protein and 9.32 of protein nitrogen, the two rations in comparison had a protein content of 32%.
Using two smartphones to look for corneal cystine crystals
Authors: Bose Swaha , Yeo Davien C. M. , Wijetilleka Sidath
Published: April 2019

Cystinosis, a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease, can be difficult to detect. The most common form of the disease is infantile or nephropathic cystinosis. Crystals can accumulate in the eye as early as 1 year of age. Early recognition and prompt investigations prevent further accumulation of cystine and resultant end-organ injury. The disease is usually confirmed through biochemical and genetic testing, which can be time consuming. Looking for cystine corneal deposits remains an important diagnostic criterion and is the least invasive test to perform. It is recommended that ophthalmic manifestations of cystinosis be confirmed by an ophthalmologist. We describe the case of a 3-year-old girl who presented with worsening emesis, pyrexia, and lethargy, and was diagnosed with infantile cystinosis. This case is used to present a technique that can facilitate the preliminary search for corneal cystine crystals by using equipment as readily available as two smartphones. The technique may be easily used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and primary care centers where there is delayed or difficult access to ophthalmologists.
Kindling the Fire: Why I Do What I Do
Authors: King Alessandra
Published: April 2019

This author tries to teach young women to break out of the stereotypes and understand, master, and enjoy the relevance, power, and beauty of mathematics to the fullest.
Ferris Wheel Graphs
Authors: Nirode Wayne
Published: April 2019

To introduce sinusoidal functions, I use an animation of a Ferris wheel rotating for 60 seconds, with one seat labeled You (see fig. 1). Students draw a graph of their height above ground as a function of time with appropriate units and scales on both axes. Next a volunteer shares his or her graph. I then ask someone to share a different graph. I choose one student with a curved graph (see fig. 2a) and another with a piece-wise linear (sawtooth) graph (see fig. 2b).
Development of genomic simple sequence repeat markers for Glycyrrhiza lepidota and cross-amplification of other Glycyrrhiza species
Authors: Bang Jun Hyoung , Hong Chi Eun , Raveendar Sebastin , Bang Kyong Hwan , Ma Kyung Ho , Kwon Soon Wook , Ryu Hojin , Jo Ick Hyun , Chung Jong Wook
Published: April 2019

Background. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp. L.) is used as a natural sweetener and medicinal herb. Molecular studies have been conducted to find differences between wild and cultivated species because most wild species are highly resistant to abiotic and biotic stresses compared with their cultivated counterparts. However, few molecular markers have been developed for studying the genetic diversity and population structure of licorice species and to identify differences between cultivars. Thus, the present study aimed to develop a set of genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for molecular studies of these species.

Methods. We designed 100 SSR markers based on the whole-genome sequence data of wild Glycyrrhiza lepidota and selected 62 SSR markers.

Results. The genetic diversity analysis using these markers identified 2–23 alleles, and the major allele frequency, observed heterozygosity, genetic diversity, and polymorphism information content were 0.11–0.91, 0–0.90, 0.17–0.94, and 0.15–0.93, respectively. Interspecies transferability values were 93.5%, 91.6%, and 91.1% for G. echinata, G. glabra, and G. uralensis, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis clustered cultivated (group 1) and wild (group 2) species into three and two subgroups, respectively. The SSR markers developed here can be applied to genetic diversity, population structure, and cultivar differentiation studies, as well as to breeding of licorice varieties.
Shared genomic outliers across two divergent population clusters of a highly threatened seagrass
Authors: Phair Nikki Leanne , Toonen Robert John , Knapp Ingrid , von der Heyden Sophie
Published: April 2019

The seagrass,Zostera capensis, occurs across a broad stretch of coastline and wide environmental gradients in estuaries and sheltered bays in southern and eastern Africa. Throughout its distribution, habitats are highly threatened and poorly protected, increasing the urgency of assessing the genomic variability of this keystone species. A pooled genomic approach was employed to obtain SNP data and examine neutral genomic variation and to identify potential outlier loci to assess differentiation across 12 populations across the ∼9,600 km distribution ofZ. capensis. Results indicate high clonality and low genomic diversity within meadows, which combined with poor protection throughout its range, increases the vulnerability of this seagrass to further declines or local extinction. Shared variation at outlier loci potentially indicates local adaptation to temperature and precipitation gradients, with Isolation-by-Environment significantly contributing towards shaping spatial variation inZ. capensis. Our results indicate the presence of two population clusters, broadly corresponding to populations on the west and east coasts, with the two lineages shaped only by frequency differences of outlier loci. Notably, ensemble modelling of suitable seagrass habitat provides evidence that the clusters are linked to historical climate refugia around the Last Glacial Maxi-mum. Our work suggests a complex evolutionary history ofZ. capensisin southern and eastern Africa that will require more effective protection in order to safeguard this important ecosystem engineer into the future.
Effects of High Temperature in the Combustion Chamber of a Drop Tube Furnace (DTF) for Different Thermochemical Processes
Authors: Cruz Glauber , Crnkovic Paula Manoel
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Thermochemical and biochemical processes are used to convert biomass into useful and sustainable energy. Thermoconversion processes comprises the biomasses burning in an oxygen-rich environment or in the absence of this, where types and fuel properties, process conditions, particles size, air flow rate and fuel moisture affect directly the combustion characteristics, altering the generation and heat transfer and the reaction rates. The combustion chamber temperature is an important factor for the biomasses combustion or other material, because this exerts large influence in the thermal processes efficiency, products yield and composition of the generated products.

Research Problem: For this reason, this paper aims to investigate the high temperature behavior in the combustion chamber of a Drop Tube Furnace (DTF)

Methods: Different thermochemical processes (conventional combustion, pyrolysis and two typical oxy-fuel combustion atmospheres) and five Brazilian biomasses (pine sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, coffee and rice husks, and tucumã seed) are employed. Such monitoring in situ was performed using two thermocouples located inside the furnace: one in the upper and other in bottom part.

Results: For the different biomasses and thermal processes (atmospheres), a trend in the high temperature variations of the combustion chamber and residence times were observed, which can be related to the biomasses feeding system, moisture of samples and specific furnace operation conditions.

Conclusion: This study can support in new projects elaboration of thermochemical conversion systems in lab-scale or industrial for the burning of several biomasses or other materials with purpose bioenergy generation.
Determination of Flood Hazard Zones Using Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing Techniques: A Case Study in Part Yenagoa Metropolis
Authors: Desmond Eteh , Egobueze Francis Emeka , Omonefe Francis
Published: April 2019

Flood has been a serious hazard for the past decades in Nigeria at large. The incidence of 2012 and 2018 flood disaster in Yenagoa, Amassoma and other parts of the state have not been recover till date and the government is not consigned about the well been of the people. The major causes of the flood are attributed to increased rainfall and lack of drainages including dredging of rivers and disobeying of environmental law and infrastructure failure. Coastal Towns or communities are one of the most affected areas of flood and their farms and fishing implements were washed away by the floodwater in 2012 and 2018 in Bayelsa State. Flood management is needed for provision of time information so quick response can be done as soon as possible. Using SRTM data to produce digital elevation model and IDW Contour, the 3D model from ground data of Yenagoa metropolis using ArcGIS 10.6 to generate and analyze them. As a result of field survey, flood level calculation was made to classified flood hazard zones for migration, Agricultural Educational, and construction purpose such as land suitability. This was used in ascertaining the extent of the flooded area. The result reveals that an area of over 5.9888882km2 and riverine and coastal area is flooded, affecting more than 15 coastal and riverine communities. The finding also concludes that remote sensing data like SRTM data and Geospatial techniques seems effective in mapping and identifying areas prone to flooding. Therefore Remote sensing and Geospatial database should be established for proper flood mapping and the government should constantly dredge the area from time to time.
Impact of Comorbidity on Physical Function in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis Attending Rheumatology Clinics: Results From a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Fernández‐Carballido Cristina , Martín‐Martínez María A. , García‐Gómez Carmen , Castañeda Santos , González‐Juanatey Carlos , Sánchez‐Alonso Fernando , García de Vicuña Rosario , Erausquin‐Arruabarrena Celia , López‐Longo Javier , Sánchez María D. , Corrales Alfonso , Quesada‐Masachs Estefanía , Chamizo Eugenio , Barbadillo Carmen , Bachiller‐Corral Javier , Cobo‐Ibañez Tatiana , Turrión Ana , Giner Emilio , Llorca Javier , González‐Gay Miguel A. ,   Cardiovascular in Rheumatology Project Collaborative Group
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate the impact of comorbidities on physical function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis of the baseline visit from the Cardiovascular in Rheumatology study. Multivariate models with physical function as the dependent variable (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire for AS and PsA, respectively) were performed. Independent variables were a proxy for the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCIp; range 0–27), sociodemographic data, disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index [BASDAI] in AS; Disease Activity Score in 28 joints [DAS28] using the ESR in PsA), disease duration, radiographic damage, and treatments. Results were reported as beta coefficients, 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and P values.

Results

We included 738 patients with AS and 721 with PsA; 21% of patients had >1 comorbidity. Comorbidity burden (CCIp) was independently associated with worse adjusted physical function in patients with PsA (β = 0.11). Also, female sex (β = 0.14), disease duration (β = 0.01), disease activity (DAS28‐ESR; β = 0.19), and the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (β = 0.09), glucocorticoids (β = 0.11), and biologics (β = 0.15) were associated with worse function in patients with PsA. A higher education level was associated with less disability (β = –0.14). In patients with AS, age (β = 0.03), disease activity (BASDAI; β = 0.81), radiographic damage (β = 0.61), and the use of biologics (β = 0.51) were independently associated with worse function on multivariate analyses, but CCIp was not.

Conclusion

The presence of comorbidities in patients with PsA is independently associated with worse physical function. The detection and control of the comorbidities may yield an integral management of the disease.
Combined Light and Electric Response of Topographic Liquid Crystal Network Surfaces
Authors: Feng Wei , Broer Dirk J. , Liu Danqing
Published: April 2019

An approach is proposed to create robust liquid crystalline polymer coatings that exhibit sensitivity and dynamic reversibility toward multiple external stimuli including UV irradiation and electrical input. This coating spontaneously alters its surface topographic texture and thickness in response to each of these signals. The corresponding deformations are induced by the photo‐/electromechanical properties and dielectric anisotropy in the liquid crystal networks through order parameter reduction and anisotropic volume expansions. The deformation proceeds fast within several seconds both for activation and for the relaxation to the initial state upon switching the trigger(s) on and off. Light and electric field can be applied independently to excite the topographies or in a synergistic manner to enhance the deformation amplitude. Upon elimination of the combined light and electric actuating trigger, the relaxation to the initial close to flat state follows a complex pathway. Depending on the elimination order the topographic structure can be rapidly erased or can be kept in a bistable state. The results of this study are relevant for various fields, for instance, switchable controlled friction, controlled adhesion, and release of objects and haptics where they affect human perception both in passive and dynamic manner.
Understanding the Charge Storage Mechanism to Achieve High Capacity and Fast Ion Storage in Sodium‐Ion Capacitor Anodes by Using Electrospun Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Fibers
Authors: Yan Runyu , Josef Elinor , Huang Haijian , Leus Karen , Niederberger Markus , Hofmann Jan P. , Walczak Ralf , Antonietti Markus , Oschatz Martin
Published: April 2019

Microporous nitrogen‐rich carbon fibers (HAT‐CNFs) are produced by electrospinning a mixture of hexaazatriphenylene‐hexacarbonitrile (HAT‐CN) and polyvinylpyrrolidone and subsequent thermal condensation. Bonding motives, electronic structure, content of nitrogen heteroatoms, porosity, and degree of carbon stacking can be controlled by the condensation temperature due to the use of the HAT‐CN with predefined nitrogen binding motives. The HAT‐CNFs show remarkable reversible capacities (395 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and rate capabilities (106 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1) as an anode material for sodium storage, resulting from the abundant heteroatoms, enhanced electrical conductivity, and rapid charge carrier transport in the nanoporous structure of the 1D fibers. HAT‐CNFs also serve as a series of model compounds for the investigation of the contribution of sodium storage by intercalation and reversible binding on nitrogen sites at different rates. There is an increasing contribution of intercalation to the charge storage with increasing condensation temperature which becomes less active at high rates. A hybrid sodium‐ion capacitor full cell combining HAT‐CNF as the anode and salt‐templated porous carbon as the cathode provides remarkable performance in the voltage range of 0.5–4.0 V (95 Wh kg−1 at 0.19 kW kg−1 and 18 Wh kg−1 at 13 kW kg−1).
On‐Demand Preparation of α‐Phase‐Dominated Tungsten Films for Highly Qualified Thermal Reflectors
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Zang Rui , Gao Junhua , Liu Chen , Wang Lei , Gong Wenbin , Zha Xianhu , Chen Xingqiu , Huang Feng , Javaid Kashif , Xu Zhi , Cao Hongtao , Rogachev Alexander A.
Published: April 2019

Phase‐structure diversity affords tungsten thin films with fascinating physical/chemical properties for varied applications. However, the on‐demand preparation of W films with specific phase is still an important but unmet scientific issue. In this report, an easy‐to‐achieve preparation recipe is implemented for addressing the phase tailoring of tungsten films. The phase transformation evolution during deposition is governed by enhanced diffusion of W adatoms and selective atomic etching on the crystal planes. It is experimentally demonstrated that the orientation relation between {210}β and {110}α planes plays a vital role in coupling with the competitive growth behaviors between β‐ and α‐W. The phase‐dependent electrical/optical properties of W films are experimentally observed and unambiguously figured out by theoretical simulations. Alpha‐phase‐dominated W films are prepared successfully under relatively tolerant conditions, demonstrating a low resistivity of ≈13.6 µΩ cm and a high infrared reflectance larger than 93%. Alpha‐W also serves as thermal reflector to construct a solar absorber, exhibiting a low thermal emissivity of ≈9.8%@500 °C. Understanding the (α, β) phase transformation mechanism means a big step forward in the development of the on‐demand preparation, which allows to build a scalable platform for making W films with specific phase in a more controllable way.
Topology Optimization of Photonic and Phononic Crystals and Metamaterials: A Review
Authors: Li Weibai , Meng Fei , Chen Yafeng , Li Yang fan , Huang Xiaodong
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature and trends on the design of periodic microstructural composite materials including photonic crystals (PtCs), phononic crystals (PnCs), and metamaterials (MMs) by topology optimization. The properties of these materials rely highly on the constitutive materials and their spatial distributions and the resulting materials may exhibit various special properties, for example, photonic/phononic band gaps, negative permittivity/permeability, negative effective modulus, and negative refraction. Therefore, PtCs, PnCs, and MMs can be viewed as structural materials with periodic unit cells, the design of which is a typical topology optimization problem for desired properties or functionalities. In recent years, a great amount of research has implemented topology optimization for designing these structural materials as well as the associated functional devices. This review summarizes the most recent development in topology optimization of PtCs, PnCs, and MMs and the possible directions for future research are recommended.
Low Temperature Synthesis of Stable γ‐CsPbI3 Perovskite Layers for Solar Cells Obtained by High Throughput Experimentation
Authors: Becker Pascal , Márquez José A. , Just Justus , Al‐Ashouri Amran , Hages Charles , Hempel Hannes , Jošt Marko , Albrecht Steve , Frahm Ronald , Unold Thomas
Published: April 2019

The structural phases and optoelectronic properties of coevaporated CsPbI3 thin films with a wide range of [CsI]/[PbI2] compositional ratios are investigated using high throughput experimentation and gradient samples. It is found that for CsI‐rich growth conditions, CsPbI3 can be synthesized directly at low temperature into the distorted perovskite γ‐CsPbI3 phase without detectable secondary phases. In contrast, PbI2‐rich growth conditions are found to lead to the non‐perovskite δ‐phase. Photoluminescence spectroscopy and optical‐pump THz‐probe mapping show carrier lifetimes larger than 75 ns and charge carrier (sum) mobilities larger than 60 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the γ‐phase, indicating their suitability for high efficiency solar cells. The dependence of the carrier mobilities and luminescence peak energy on the Cs‐content in the films indicates the presence of Schottky defect pairs, which may cause the stabilization of the γ‐phase. Building on these results, p–i–n type solar cells with a maximum efficiency exceeding 12% and high shelf stability of more than 1200 h are demonstrated, which in the future could still be significantly improved, judging on their bulk optoelectronic properties.
Improving the classification of neuropsychiatric conditions using gene ontology terms as features
Authors: Quinn Thomas P. , Lee Samuel C. , Venkatesh Svetha , Nguyen Thin
Published: April 2019

Although neuropsychiatric disorders have an established genetic background, their molecular foundations remain elusive. This has prompted many investigators to search for explanatory biomarkers that can predict clinical outcomes. One approach uses machine learning to classify patients based on blood mRNA expression. However, these endeavors typically fail to achieve the high level of performance, stability, and generalizability required for clinical translation. Moreover, these classifiers can lack interpretability because not all genes have relevance to researchers. For this study, we hypothesized that annotation‐based classifiers can improve classification performance, stability, generalizability, and interpretability. To this end, we evaluated the models of four classification algorithms on six neuropsychiatric data sets using four annotation databases. Our results suggest that the Gene Ontology Biological Process database can transform gene expression into an annotation‐based feature space that is accurate and stable. We also show how annotation features can improve the interpretability of classifiers: as annotations are used to assign biological importance to genes, the biological importance of annotation‐based features are the features themselves. In evaluating the annotation features, we find that top ranked annotations tend contain top ranked genes, suggesting that the most predictive annotations are a superset of the most predictive genes. Based on this, and the fact that annotations are used routinely to assign biological importance to genetic data, we recommend transforming gene‐level expression into annotation‐level expression prior to the classification of neuropsychiatric conditions.
Apodization‐Assisted Subdiffraction Near‐Field Localization in 2D Phase Diffraction Grating
Authors: Geints Yuri E. , Minin Oleg V. , Minin Igor V.
Published: April 2019

Conventional phase diffraction gratings can be used to localize the incoming optical radiation in the near‐field region. A new design of the binary phase diffraction grating is proposed with embedded pupil opaque mask inside each stripe. By means of numerical simulations, it is shown that with this masked phase grating the spatial resolution of the near‐field localization can be substantially improved and brought even beyond the solid immersion limit (λ/2n). Moreover, due to anomalous apodization effect, the subdiffraction field localization is accompanied by intensity enhancement as compared to the non‐masked design. The pupil mask rearranges the optical fluxes within the stripes and promotes the Fano resonances excitation in the periodic step lattice. This can be important for advancing the phase grating‐based super‐resolution technologies, including subdiffraction imaging, interferometry, and surface fabrication.
Exploring a Route to Cyclic Acenes by On‐Surface Synthesis
Authors: Schulz Fabian , García Fátima , Kaiser Katharina , Pérez Dolores , Guitián Enrique , Gross Leo , Peña Diego
Published: April 2019

A route to generate cyclacenes by on‐surface synthesis is explored. We started by synthesizing two tetraepoxycyclacenes by sequences of Diels–Alder cycloadditions. Subsequently, these molecules were deposited onto Cu(111) and scanning‐tunneling‐microscopy(STM)‐based atom manipulation was employed to dissociate the oxygen atoms. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) with CO‐functionalized tips enabled the detailed characterization of the reaction products and revealed that, at most, two oxygens per molecule could be removed. Importantly, our experimental results suggest that the generation of cyclacenes by the described route might be possible for larger epoxycyclacenes.
C−H Arylation on Nickel Nanoparticles Monitored by In Situ Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Yonglong , Hu Yanfang , Shi Faxing , Li Haixia , Xie Wei , Chen Jun
Published: April 2019

Bifunctional Au@Ni core–satellite nanostructures synthesized by a one‐step assembly method were employed for in situ surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) monitoring of Ni‐catalyzed C−C bond‐forming reactions. Surprisingly, the reaction that was thought to be an Ullmann‐type self‐coupling reaction, was found to be a cross‐coupling reaction proceeding by photoinduced aromatic C−H bond arylation. In situ SERS monitoring enabled the discovery, and a series of biphenyl compounds were synthesized photocatalytically, and at room temperature, using cheap Ni nanoparticle catalysts.
Paired Electrocatalytic Oxygenation and Hydrogenation of Organic Substrates with Water as the Oxygen and Hydrogen Source
Authors: Zhang Peili , Sheng Xia , Chen Xiaoyu , Fang Zhiyong , Jiang Jian , Wang Mei , Li Fusheng , Fan Lizhou , Ren Yansong , Zhang Biaobiao , Timmer Brian J. J. , Ahlquist Mårten S. G. , Sun Licheng
Published: April 2019

The use of water as an oxygen and hydrogen source for the paired oxygenation and hydrogenation of organic substrates to produce valuable chemicals is of utmost importance as a means of establishing green chemical syntheses. Inspired by the active Ni3+ intermediates involved in electrocatalytic water oxidation by nickel‐based materials, we prepared NiBx as a catalyst and used water as the oxygen source for the oxygenation of various organic compounds. NiBx was further employed as both an anode and a cathode in a paired electrosynthesis cell for the respective oxygenation and hydrogenation of organic compounds, with water as both the oxygen and hydrogen source. Conversion efficiency and selectivity of ≥99 % were observed during the oxygenation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid and the simultaneous hydrogenation of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol. This paired electrosynthesis cell has also been coupled to a solar cell as a stand‐alone reactor in response to sunlight.
Hydrogenative Cyclopropanation and Hydrogenative Metathesis
Authors: Peil Sebastian , Guthertz Alexandre , Biberger Tobias , Fürstner Alois
Published: April 2019

The unusual geminal hydrogenation of a propargyl alcohol derivative with [CpXRuCl] as the catalyst entails formation of pianostool ruthenium carbenes in the first place; these reactive intermediates can be intercepted with tethered alkenes to give either cyclopropanes or cyclic olefins as the result of a formal metathesis event. The course of the reaction is critically dependent on the substitution pattern of the alkene trap.
Development of a Universal Fluorescent Probe for Gram‐Positive Bacteria
Authors: Kwon Haw‐Young , Liu Xiao , Choi Eun Gyeong , Lee Jung Yeol , Choi So‐Young , Kim Jun‐Young , Wang Lu , Park Sung‐Jin , Kim Beomsue , Lee Yong‐An , Kim Jong‐Jin , Kang Nam Young , Chang Young‐Tae
Published: April 2019

The rapid and sensitive classification of bacteria is the first step of bacterial community research and the treatment of infection. Herein, a fluorescent probe BacGO is presented, which shows the best universal selectivity for Gram‐positive bacteria among known probes with a minimum staining procedure for sample detection and enrichment of the live bacteria. BacGO could also be used to assess of the Gram status in the bacterial community from wastewater sludge. Furthermore, BacGO could sensitively and selectively detect a Gram‐positive bacterial infection, not only in vitro but also using an in vivo keratitis mouse model. BacGO provides an unprecedented research tool for the study of dynamic bacterial communities and for clinical application.
Alkyne gem‐Hydrogenation: Formation of Pianostool Ruthenium Carbene Complexes and Analysis of Their Chemical Character
Authors: Biberger Tobias , Gordon Christopher P. , Leutzsch Markus , Peil Sebastian , Guthertz Alexandre , Copéret Christophe , Fürstner Alois
Published: April 2019

Parahydrogen (p‐H2) induced polarization (PHIP) NMR spectroscopy showed that [CpXRu] complexes with greatly different electronic properties invariably engage propargyl alcohol derivatives into gem‐hydrogenation with formation of pianostool ruthenium carbenes; in so doing, less electron rich CpX rings lower the barriers, stabilize the resulting complexes and hence provide opportunities for harnessing genuine carbene reactivity. The chemical character of the resulting ruthenium complexes was studied by DFT‐assisted analysis of the chemical shift tensors determined by solid‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The combined experimental and computational data draw the portrait of a family of ruthenium carbenes that amalgamate purely electrophilic behavior with characteristics more befitting metathesis‐active Grubbs‐type catalysts.
Mitochondria, metabolic control and microRNA: Advances in understanding amphibian freeze tolerance
Authors: Storey Kenneth B. , Storey Janet M.
Published: April 2019

Winter survival for many animal species depends freeze tolerance, a capacity to endure the conversion of as much as 65–70% of total body water into extracellular ice while reorganizing metabolism to provide cells with cryoprotection against insults that include prolonged ischemia and hyperosmotic stress. Natural freeze tolerance involves not just de novo preservation mechanisms such as synthesis of high levels of cryoprotectants or novel proteins that manage ice formation, but also requires attention to and co‐ordination of many cellular processes. The present review examines recent studies of the freeze‐tolerant wood frog (Rana sylvatica) that probed previously unexplored areas of metabolic adaptation for freezing survival, with a particular emphasis on mitochondria. Post‐translational controls on enzyme function play a prominent role in resculpting metabolic responses of the wood frog to freezing including reversible phosphorylation control over fuel processing at the pyruvate dehydrogenase locus and modulation of antioxidant defense enzymes (Mn‐SOD, catalase). Enzymes involved in mitochondrial nitrogen metabolism (glutamate dehydrogenase, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase) are also differentially regulated during freezing but by different post‐translational modifications including ADP‐ribosylation, lysine acetylation or glutarylation. The action of microRNAs in mediating post‐translational controls on gene expression aid the suppression of energy‐expensive (cell cycle) or destructive (apoptosis) processes in the frozen state while also providing storage of transcripts that will be immediately available for repair or reactivation of metabolic processes after thawing. The effects of low temperature in strengthening mRNA–microRNA interactions can also provide a passive mechanism of metabolic suppression in the frozen state.
Metformin and 4SC‐202 synergistically promote intrinsic cell apoptosis by accelerating ΔNp63 ubiquitination and degradation in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: He Yuan , Tai Shanshan , Deng Miao , Fan Zhaona , Ping Fan , He Lihong , Zhang Chi , Huang Yulei , Cheng Bin , Xia Juan
Published: April 2019

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common and aggressive epithelial tumor in the head and neck region with a rising incidence. Despite the advances in basic science and clinical research, the overall survival rate of OSCC remains low. Thus finding novel effective therapeutic agents for OSCC is necessary. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of combined metformin and 4SC‐202 in OSCC. Our results showed that metformin and 4SC‐202 synergistically suppressed the proliferation and promoted the intrinsic apoptosis of OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 impeded the ΔNp63‐decreasing effects after metformin and 4SC‐202 treatment, indicating that metformin and 4SC‐202 could promote the degradation of ΔNp63 protein. Moreover, ubiquitination level of ΔNp63 increased after metformin or/and 4SC‐202 administration. Furthermore, we revealed that ΔNp63 mediated anticancer effects of metformin and 4SC‐202, as overexpression or suppression of ΔNp63 could attenuate or facilitate the apoptosis rate of OSCC under metformin or/and 4SC‐202 treatment. Collectively, metformin and 4SC‐202 synergistically promote intrinsic apoptosis through accelerating ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of ΔNp63 in OSCC, and this co‐treatment can serve as a potential therapeutic scheme for OSCC.
Pentachloropseudilin Impairs Angiogenesis by Disrupting the Actin Cytoskeleton, Integrin Trafficking and the Cell Cycle
Authors: Cota Teixeira Samuel , Silva Lopes Daiana , Santos da Silva Marcelo , Cordero da Luz Felipe Andrés , Cirilo Gimenes Sarah Natalie , Borges Bruna Cristina , Alves da Silva Aline , Alves Martins Flávia , Alves dos Santos Marlus , Teixeira Thaise Lara , Oliveira Ricardo A. , de Melo Rodrigues Ávila Veridiana , Barbosa Silva Marcelo José , Elias Maria Carolina , Martin René , Vieira da Silva Claudio , Knölker Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2019

Class 1 myosins (Myo1s) were the first unconventional myosins identified and humans have eight known Myo1 isoforms. The Myo1 family is involved in the regulation of gene expression, cytoskeletal rearrangements, delivery of proteins to the cell surface, cell migration and spreading. Thus, the important role of Myo1s in different biological processes is evident. In this study, we have investigated the effects of pentachloropseudilin (PClP), a reversible and allosteric potent inhibitor of Myo1s, on angiogenesis. We demonstrated that treatment of cells with PClP promoted a decrease in the number of vessels. The observed inhibition of angiogenesis is likely to be related to the inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, as well as to alteration of the actin cytoskeleton pattern, as shown on a PClP‐treated HUVEC cell line. Moreover, we also demonstrated that PClP treatment partially prevented the delivery of integrins to the plasma membrane. Finally, we showed that PClP caused DNA strand breaks, which are probably repaired during the cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. Taken together, our results suggest that Myo1s participate directly in the angiogenesis process.
Costs of postoperative delirium with transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Improved yet still present
Authors: Ashley Kellan E. , Hillegass William B.
Published: April 2019

Key Points

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with a lower risk of postoperative delirium (PD) than surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients aged ≥80, based on billing codes.

Postoperative delirium remains a frequent problem after both SAVR and TAVR in clinical series and is costly.

Improved pre‐procedural prediction of PD risk would improve targeting of clinical care and allow testing of preventative and management strategies.
PK Papyrus covered stent: Device description and early experience for the treatment of coronary artery perforations
Authors: Kandzari David E. , Birkemeyer Ralf
Published: April 2019

Background

Coronary artery perforation during percutaneous revascularization is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The PK Papyrus covered stent provides a physical barrier to seal perforated arteries and prevent associated complications including death.

Methods

In a survey of patients treated for coronary artery perforation with the PK Papyrus stent in 16 countries, procedural and in‐hospital outcomes were ascertained. Procedural variables included device delivery, sealing of the perforation, and complications related to the covered stent.

Results

Among 80 patients with coronary perforation, Ellis classification was characterized as grade III or III‐cavity spilling in 50.0% and 17.5% of events, respectively. The mean (±SD) number of stents attempted for use per patient was 1.25 ± 0.61. The PK Papyrus stent was successfully delivered to the site of perforation in 76 patients (95.0%), and successful sealing was reported in 73 patients (91.3%). Pericardiocentesis was performed in seven patients (8.8%), and in‐hospital death occurred in eight patients (10.0%). Among patient deaths, Ellis grade III perforations were reported in all instances (data not reported in one patient), and two cases were associated with unsuccessful sealing of the perforation site.

Conclusions

The PK Papyrus covered stent is designed to overcome limitations of existing therapies and to facilitate device delivery and effectively treat coronary artery perforations. Initial experience demonstrates favorably high rates of successful delivery to and sealing of the perforation site. Despite treatment, in‐hospital mortality remains high for patients experiencing Ellis grade III coronary perforations.
Spindle Epithelial Tumor of Thymus‐like Differentiation (SETTLE) in a 3‐year‐old African girl
Authors: Ogundoyin Olakayode O. , Ogun Gabriel , Oluwasola Abideen , Junaid Tamaldeen A.
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus‐like differentiation (SETTLE) is a rare tumor of the thyroid gland occurring in children and young adults. This report presents SETTLE as a tumor that can also affect young children (under fives). Although majority of the reports were in Caucasians, the tumor can affect all races.
Decarboxylative Fluorination of 2‐Pyridylacetates
Authors: Kawanishi Ryouta , Phongphane Lacksany , Iwasa Seiji , Shibatomi Kazutaka
Published: April 2019

Syntheses of substituted pyridines and fluorinated compounds, which are often pharmaceutical targets, are important objectives in organic chemistry. Herein, we found that decarboxylative fluorination of lithium 2‐pyridylacetates occur under catalyst‐free conditions. The phenomenon can be applied to one‐pot transformation of substituted methyl 2‐pyridylacetate to 2‐(fluoroalkyl)pyridine by decarboxylative fluorination of the intermediate lithium 2‐pyridylacetate. This method was also applied to the syntheses of 2‐(difluoroalkyl)pyridines.
Construction of a Shape‐Diverse Fragment Set: Design, Synthesis and Screen against Aurora‐A Kinase
Authors: Zhang Rong , McIntyre Patrick J. , Collins Patrick M. , Foley Daniel J. , Arter Christopher , von Delft Frank , Bayliss Richard , Warriner Stuart , Nelson Adam
Published: April 2019

Historically, chemists have explored chemical space in a highly uneven and unsystematic manner. As an example, the shape diversity of existing fragment sets does not generally reflect that of all theoretically possible fragments. To assess experimentally the added value of increased three dimensionality, a shape‐diverse fragment set was designed and collated. The set was assembled by both using commercially available fragments and harnessing unified synthetic approaches to sp3‐rich molecular scaffolds. The resulting set of 80 fragments was highly three‐dimensional, and its shape diversity was significantly enriched by twenty synthesised fragments. The fragment set was screened by high‐throughput protein crystallography against Aurora‐A kinase, revealing four hits that targeted the binding site of allosteric regulators. In the longer term, it is envisaged that the fragment set could be screened against a range of functionally diverse proteins, allowing the added value of more shape‐diverse screening collections to be more fully assessed.
Luminescent Molecular Octopuses with a Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Core and Iridium(III) Polypyridine Arms: Synthesis, Aggregation Induced Emission, Cellular Uptake, and Bioimaging Studies
Authors: Zhu Jing‐Hui , Tang Ben Zhong , Lo Kenneth Kam‐Wing
Published: April 2019

A new class of luminescent molecular hybrids in which eight cyclometalated iridium(III) polypyridine complexes are grafted onto a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) unit [POSS‐{Ir(N^C)2(py‐im)}8](PF6)8 [py‐im=pyridine imine; HN^C=N‐phenylpyrazole (Hppz) (1 a), 2‐phenylpyridine (Hppy) (2 a), 2‐phenylquinoline (Hpq) (3 a)] were synthesized and characterized. On photoexcitation, the complexes showed intense and long‐lived orange‐red to red emission in fluid solutions at room temperature and in low‐temperature glasses. The photophysical properties including aggregation‐induced emission and biological properties of these complexes were studied and compared with those of their POSS‐free counterparts [Ir(N^C)2(py‐im)](PF6) [HN^C=Hppz (1 b), Hppy (2 b), Hpq (3 b)]. The (photo)cytotoxicity of the complexes was examined by the MTT assay, and their cellular uptake and intracellular localization were investigated by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry and laser‐scanning confocal microscopy.
Asymmetric Electrochemical Catalysis
Authors: Lin Qifeng , Li Longji , Luo Sanzhong
Published: April 2019

Asymmetric electrochemical catalysis, an emerging frontline in asymmetric catalysis and electro‐organic synthesis, is summarized. Representative works are classified, with respect to the external chiral resources, including chiral media, chiral mediator, chiral catalyst, and chiral electrode. This concept article is expected to provide readers with the general concepts and perspectives of each chiral electrochemical catalysis mode, and to indicate the potential and future development of asymmetric electrochemical catalysis.
Structure Elucidation of a Melam–Melem Adduct by a Combined Approach of Synchrotron X‐ray Diffraction and DFT Calculations
Authors: Kessler Fabian K. , Burow Asbjörn M. , Savasci Gökcen , Rosenthal Tobias , Schultz Peter , Wirnhier Eva , Oeckler Oliver , Ochsenfeld Christian , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: April 2019

Melam‐melem (1:1), an adduct compound that can be obtained from dicyandiamide in autoclave reactions at 450 °C and elevated ammonia pressure, had previously been described based on mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy, but only incompletely characterized. The crystal structure of this compound has now been elucidated by means of synchrotron microfocus diffraction and subsequent quantum‐chemical structure optimization applying DFT methods. The structure was refined in triclinic space group P
based on X‐ray data. Cell parameters of a=4.56(2), b=19.34(8), c=21.58(11) Å, α=73.34(11)°, β=89.1(2)°, and γ=88.4(2)° were experimentally obtained. The resulting cell volumes agree with the DFT optimized value to within 7 %. Molecular units in the structure form stacks that are interconnected by a vast array of hydrogen bridge interactions. Remarkably large melam dihedral angles of 48.4° were found that allow melam to interact with melem molecules from different stack layers, thus forming a 3D network. π‐stacking interactions appear to play no major role in this structure.
Recent Progress on the Design, Characterization, and Application of Superalkalis
Authors: Sun Wei‐Ming , Wu Di
Published: April 2019

Superalkalis are clusters or molecules featuring lower ionization energies (IEs) than that of cesium atoms, and thus exhibit excellent reducing properties. Such special species have great potential to be used in the synthesis of unusual charge‐transfer salts and cluster‐assembled nanomaterials with tailored properties, in the reduction of carbon dioxide, or as hydrogen storage materials and noble‐gas‐trapping agents, etc. In this regard, ongoing efforts have been devoted to designing and characterizing superalkalis of new types. The recent progress on the study of superalkalis in terms of theoretical design, characterization, and potential application is summarized in this minireview. We hope this review will not only provide a broad overview of this research field, but also highlight the prospect of further extending the experimental synthesis and practical application of superalkalis.
A Matter of Fidelity: Self‐Sorting Behavior of Di‐Gold Metallotweezers
Authors: Ibáñez Susana , Peris Eduardo
Published: April 2019

Cation‐induced high selective self‐sorting is observed for reactions involving a series of di‐gold metallotweezers. The variation of the nature of the arms of the tweezers (benzo‐imidazolylidene or pyrene‐imidazolylidene), or the rigid bis‐alkynyl linker (anthracenyl‐bis‐alkynyl or xanthenyl‐bis‐alkynyl), induces different type of self‐sorting events upon addition of a metal cation (Cu+, Tl+, or Ag+). Combining two tweezers with the same arms and different linkers produces narcissistic self‐sorting. The combination of tweezers with the same linker and different ligands at the arms produces social self‐sorting.
Consumers' perception on corporate social responsibility: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Huang Yung‐Fu , Do Manh‐Hoang , Kumar Vimal
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this research focuses on examining the consumers' perception towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a developing country via the case of Vietnam. This study was conducted by face‐to‐face interview, and the questionnaire was mailed directly to consumers who are living in the urban and rural areas in Vietnam. The findings of this research are to clarify consumers' perception of CSR issues in Vietnam based on four dimensions of the CSR definition by Carroll in 1991. Therefore, the results are useful for future researchers about CSR and consumers' perception in a developing country. Although, there have been some previous studies about consumers' perception in both developed and developing countries have been chosen. However, this study has applied Carroll's definition with other approach and compared it with other articles that aim to fill this knowledge gap in Vietnam because Vietnam can represent other developing countries nowadays; besides, those results allow enterprises to understand Vietnamese consumers' perception better.
Differences in the literacy skills of Danish dyslexic students in two types of higher education programmes
Authors: Bønnerup Katrine H. , Pedersen Anne Leth , Weed Ethan , Parrila Rauno
Published: April 2019

Previous research has treated high‐functioning dyslexic students as a homogeneous group. This study explores the clinical observation that dyslexic students attending university programmes differ from dyslexic students attending tertiary education professional programmes in some aspects of their literacy skills. Four groups, dyslexic university students (n = 32), dyslexic students attending professional programmes (n = 32), control university students (n = 31), and control students from professional programmes (n = 30), were assessed on measures of pseudoword reading, phonological choice, vocabulary, reading and spelling of morphologically complex single words, and reading aloud from a syntactically complex text. The results showed that the two dyslexic groups were comparable only on the phonological tasks, the dyslexic university students outperforming the professional programme students in all reading and spelling measures. Controlling vocabulary and number of semesters studied, the difference was no longer significant. Nevertheless, the analyses indicate that phonological deficits underlie the performance of professional programme students with dyslexia across a wide range of tasks, whereas university students with dyslexia may be able to limit the impact of phonological deficits to some extent by relying on some alternative cognitive attributes. Reading experience, orthographic learning, and working memory efficiency are discussed as possible explanations for this pattern of results.