bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Deep‐Red‐ to Near‐Infrared‐Absorbing and Emissive Benzo/Naphtho[b]furan‐Fused Boron Dipyrromethene (BODIPY)
Authors: Li Yue , Qiao Zhi , Li Tian‐yi , Zeika Olaf , Leo Karl
Published: September 2018

Two aryl‐fused BODIPY dyes BF‐BDP and NF‐BDP were synthesized with benzofuran and naphtho[b]furan fusions on the α,β‐positions of the BODIPY skeleton, respectively, resulting in large linear conjugated structures. Both molecules were planar and were characterized as intense deep‐red/NIR emitters with emission bands tunable by the solution concentration. Their emission bands were red‐shifted to λ=730 and 760 nm in vacuum‐deposited films.
Evaluation of bone marrow microenvironment could change how myelodysplastic syndromes are diagnosed and treated
Authors: Aanei Carmen Mariana , Catafal Lydia Campos
Published: September 2018

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoietic disorders. However, the therapies used against the hematopoietic stem cells clones have limited efficacy; they slow the evolution toward acute myeloid leukemia rather than stop clonal evolution and eradicate the disease. The progress made in recent years regarding the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in disease evolution may contribute to progress in this area. This review presents the recent updates on the role of the bone marrow microenvironment in myelodysplastic syndromes pathogenesis and tries to find answers regarding how this information could improve myelodysplastic syndromes diagnosis and therapy.
Microfluidic Based Optical Microscopes on Chip
Authors: Paiè Petra , Martínez Vázquez Rebeca , Osellame Roberto , Bragheri Francesca , Bassi Andrea
Published: September 2018

Last decade's advancements in optofluidics allowed obtaining an ever increasing integration of different functionalities in lab on chip devices to culture, analyze, and manipulate single cells and entire biological specimens. Despite the importance of optical imaging for biological sample monitoring in microfluidics, imaging is traditionally achieved by placing microfluidics channels in standard bench‐top optical microscopes. Recently, the development of either integrated optical elements or lensless imaging methods allowed optical imaging techniques to be implemented in lab on chip systems, thus increasing their automation, compactness, and portability. In this review, we discuss known solutions to implement microscopes on chip that exploit different optical methods such as bright‐field, phase contrast, holographic, and fluorescence microscopy.
NADH Autofluorescence—A Marker on its Way to Boost Bioenergetic Research
Authors: Schaefer Patrick M. , Kalinina Sviatlana , Rueck Angelika , von Arnim Christine A.F. , von Einem Bjoern
Published: September 2018

More than 60 years ago, the idea was introduced that NADH autofluorescence could be used as a marker of cellular redox state and indirectly also of cellular energy metabolism. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of NADH autofluorescence offers a marker‐free readout of the mitochondrial function of cells in their natural microenvironment and allows different pools of NADH to be distinguished within a cell. Despite its many advantages in terms of spatial resolution and in vivo applicability, this technique still requires improvement in order to be fully useful in bioenergetics research. In the present review, we give a summary of technical and biological challenges that have so far limited the spread of this powerful technology. To help overcome these challenges, we provide a comprehensible overview of biological applications of NADH imaging, along with a detailed summary of valid imaging approaches that may be used to tackle many biological questions. This review is meant to provide all scientists interested in bioenergetics with support on how to embed successfully NADH imaging in their research. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Habitat preference of an herbivore shapes the habitat distribution of its host plant
Authors: Alexandre Nicolas M. , Humphrey Parris T. , Gloss Andrew D. , Lee Jimmy , Frazier Joseph , Affeldt Henry A. , Whiteman Noah K.
Published: September 2018

Plant distributions can be limited by habitat‐biased herbivory, but the proximate causes of such biases are rarely known. Distinguishing plant‐centric from herbivore‐centric mechanisms driving differential herbivory between habitats is difficult without experimental manipulation of both plants and herbivores. Here, we tested alternative hypotheses driving habitat‐biased herbivory in bittercress (Cardamine cordifolia), which is more abundant under the shade of shrubs and trees (shade) than in nearby meadows (sun) where herbivory is intense from the specialist fly Scaptomyza nigrita. This system has served as a textbook example of habitat‐biased herbivory driving a plant's distribution across an ecotone, but the proximate mechanisms underlying differential herbivory are still unclear. First, we found that higher S. nigrita herbivory in sun habitats contrasts sharply with their preference to attack plants from shade habitats in laboratory‐choice experiments. Second, S. nigrita strongly preferred leaves in simulated sun over simulated shade habitats, regardless of plant source habitat. Thus, herbivore preference for brighter, warmer habitats overrides their preference for more palatable shade plants. This promotes the sun‐biased herbivore pressure that drives the distribution of bittercress into shade habitats.
Food habits and ontogenetic dietary partitioning of American crocodiles in a tropical Pacific Island in Central America
Authors: Balaguera‐Reina Sergio A. , Venegas‐Anaya Miryam , Beltrán‐López Valeria , Cristancho Alejandra , Densmore Llewellyn D.
Published: September 2018

Studies on food habits are fundamental to understanding the ecology of a species and its interactions with the community to which it belongs. Among crocodylians, diet affects a variety of biological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics. However, despite having one of the largest distributions across the Americas, some aspects of Crocodylus acutus’ natural history remain poorly studied, particularly in insular areas. We characterized American crocodiles’ food habits in Coiba Island, Panama, assessing ontogenetic dietary variation and dietary overlap by age group and size. We captured and collected stomach content samples from 49 individuals from four transects from March to December 2013. From these samples, we could taxonomically identify three phyla, four subphyla, eight classes, 11 orders, 17 families, 14 genera, and 12 species as prey items. However, not all samples could be identified to the lowest taxon (species), having most of them identified only to family level. Large juveniles had the largest proportion of prey items and subadults the largest proportion of gastroliths and vegetal content. Percent occurrence per major categories (insects, arachnids, crustaceans, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals) showed crustaceans and insects as the most prominent groups of prey items on this island. Overlapping group analysis showed a reduction in the consumption of invertebrates (crustaceans and insects) as individuals aged. However, these items were the most common throughout all American crocodiles sampled. Dietary overlap analyses showed a likely ontogenetic dietary partitioning with high overlap (>60%) between small and large juveniles and low overlap (<30%) among small juveniles, subadults, and adults. To date, 71 species have been reported as prey items for American crocodiles. However, relying on prey items identified only to genus, we had at least 97 prey items. Thus, C. acutus can be defined as generalist with a broad spectrum of prey inhabiting all types of habitats and having all types of consumption classifications. Overall, American crocodiles inhabiting coastal areas present some differences in both dietary composition and structure with those dwelling inland and freshwater habitats as well as an interindividual diet variation, which reflects the plasticity and adaptability of C. acutus to a variety of conditions.
Recent Progress and Challenges of Micro‐/Nanostructured Transition Metal Carbonate Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Jingfa , Li Min , Guo Cong , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2018

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have attracted tremendous interest in electric vehicles and smart grids, due to their inherent advantages of being powerful and environmentally benign. However, their performance is presently far from meeting the continually increasing demands for long‐durance mileage and long lifespan. High‐performance anodes with high specific capacity and long cyclability are of great significance to high‐energy/high‐power lithium ion batteries; however, there are still great challenges in advancing new materials beyond commercial graphite, whose capacity is low and limited by the theoretical values (372 mAh g–1). That is why scientists are continually searching for satisfying anode alternatives to graphite. Recent progress has demonstrated that transition metal carbonates (TMCs) are very promising candidates as anode materials for LIBs due to their high specific capacity, decent energy density, and simplified synthesis procedure. In this review, recent reports on TMCs and their derivatives, formulated as MCO3 (M = Mn, Co, and/or Fe, etc.), are systematically summarized. Their corresponding Li+ storage mechanisms are briefly discussed. As concrete examples, nanocrystallization technology and structural modification are represented in detail. Finally, we discuss some challenges for TMCs in LIBs and their perspectives to push energy storage of LIBs to the next‐generation level.
Approaches to Styrenyl Building Blocks for the Synthesis of Polyene Xanthomonadin and its Analogues
Authors: Madden Katrina S. , Laroche Benjamin , David Sylvain , Batsanov Andrei S. , Thompson Daniel , Knowles Jonathan P. , Whiting Andrew
Published: September 2018

A number of aryl building blocks for the synthesis of two xanthomonadin natural product pigments, as well as a related analogue, were accessed using a divergent hydroboration/bromoboration approach from a key alkynyl intermediate. A new approach towards substitution patterns around the ring was adopted following the isolation of an unexpected regioisomer from the bromination reaction. Potential coupling reactions onto these building blocks were explored, with a successful Sonogashira coupling performed on the key alkynyl intermediate, and with the key debrominated styrenyl boronate ester intermediate functionalised both by preliminary Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and by iododeboronation/Heck–Mizoroki coupling. Coupling reactions with brominated styrenyl intermediates proved much more challenging due to the instability of the intermediates to cross‐coupling, but some studies have shown promise.
Photodecomposition of 1H‐Pyrrole Carbonyl Azides: Direct Observation of Singlet 1H‐Pyrrole Carbonyl Nitrenes and Triplet 1H‐3‐Pyrrylnitrene
Authors: Liu Qian , Wan Huabin , Lu Yan , Lu Bo , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: September 2018

The two simplest pyrroylazides, namely 1H‐pyrrole‐2‐carbonyl azide (1) and 1H‐pyrrole‐3‐carbonyl azide (5), have been fully characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman) and X‐ray crystallography. The photo‐induced stepwise decomposition of both azides has been studied by combining matrix‐isolation IR spectroscopy (N2 matrix at 15 K) and quantum chemical calculations. Upon laser irradiation at 266 nm, both pyrroylazides split off molecular nitrogen and yield the corresponding pyrroylnitrenes (2 and 6) in the closed‐shell singlet state. Subsequent irradiation of 2 with UV‐light (365 nm) results in Curtius rearrangement to 2‐pyrrylisocyanate (3), as followed by laser‐induced (266 nm) CO‐elimination and the formation of ring‐opening product imines (9) in Z and E‐conformations. Similar rearrangement of 6 to 7 occurs under the green‐light (532 nm) irradiation, and the latter eliminates CO and furnishes the elusive 1H‐3‐pyrrole nitrene (8) in the triplet state. The first‐time spectroscopic identification of pyrroylnitrenes (2 and 6) and 3‐pyrrylnitrene (8) has been supported by 15N‐labeling experiments and quantum chemical calculations.
Synthesis of 3‐Azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane‐Derived Building Blocks via [3+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Homon Anton A. , Hryshchuk Oleksandr V. , Trofymchuk Serhii , Michurin Oleg , Kuchkovska Yuliya , Radchenko Dmytro S. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: September 2018

An efficient approach to synthesis of various substituted 3‐azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane‐derived building blocks based on [3+2] cycloaddition of cyclobut‐1‐eneraboxylic acid ester and in situ generated azomethine ylide was developed and applied on multigram scale. The utility of 1,3‐disubstituted 3‐azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane scaffold was demonstrated by additional structural analysis using exit vector plot (EVP) tool, and tested in parallel synthesis of compound library.
On the Carbene‐Like Reactions of Imidazolium Acetate Ionic Liquids: Can Theory and Experiments Agree?
Authors: Gehrke Sascha , Reckien Werner , Palazzo Ivan , Welton Tom , Hollóczki Oldamur
Published: September 2018

The N‐heterocyclic carbene organocatalytic reactivity of the 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquid was investigated on the model reaction between this solvent and anisaldehyde. The formation of carbenes by a proton transfer from the cation to the anion was compared to a direct reaction mechanism, in which the proton transfer and the C–C bond formation between catalyst and substrate occurs in a single elementary step. Interestingly, the two reaction mechanisms show a much smaller difference in activation energies than those observed for analogous catalytic systems with neutral bases, showing that the mechanism might switch from one to the other at different temperatures or with different substrates. In this particular case, however, the direct reaction mechanism, avoiding free carbenes in the solution, is apparently more feasible. Based on the detailed analysis of this reaction path, the earlier contradictions between theory and experiments can be resolved, resulting in a consistent mechanistic picture for the related processes. Additionally, we show on the example of a platinum surface that introducing metal probes into the liquid may induce carbene‐like reactions, as the formation of a strong coordinative bond between the carbene and a platinum atom at the surface is highly exothermic, shifting the acid‐base equilibrium considerably.
Octahydrocyclopenta[c]pyridine Scaffold – Enantioselective Synthesis and Indole Annulation
Authors: Wachtendorf Daniel , Geibel Irina , Schmidtmann Marc , Christoffers Jens
Published: September 2018

An optically active hexahydrocyclopenta[c]pyridine derivative with quaternary stereocenter was prepared as a new heterocyclic scaffold. Key reaction was the Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of a piperidine‐based β‐oxoester, which proceeded in very good yield with high level of enantioselectivity (90 %, 95 % ee). The α‐allyl moiety was transformed into a 1,4‐diketone by Pd‐catalyzed Wacker oxidation with molecular oxygen (89 %). This intermediate was cyclized in an intramolecular aldol reaction furnishing the cyclopentenone motif (86 %). Hydrogenation of the C–C double bond gave the cis‐annulated octahydrocyclopenta[c]pyridine (86 %), which was submitted to Fischer indolization (85 %). Although two regioisomers could be expected, only the angular constitution was observed. Relative and absolute configurations were established by X‐ray crystallography of a para‐iodo benzamide derivative. The utility of the title compound as scaffold is further highlighted by a number of synthetically useful transformations, for instance formation of carboxamides, sulfonamides, ureas and reductive aminations with aldehydes.
Detection of Biothiols with a Fast‐Responsive and Water‐Soluble Pyrazolone‐Based Fluorogenic Probe
Authors: Renault Kévin , Renard Pierre‐Yves , Sabot Cyrille
Published: September 2018

Non‐protein thiols such as GSH, Hcy, or Cys, are present at different concentration levels in the body depending on the thiol species and their localization (plasma, cell, urine etc···). They play vital roles in controlling redox‐mediated biological processes, and abnormal levels of biothiols are related to a variety of syndromes. In few years, fluorometric methods have gain increasing attention enabling a rapid, sensitive and spatiotemporal detection of biothiols. Herein, is reported a novel two‐step access to a water‐soluble fluorogenic probe based on the 7‐aminocoumarin dye conjugated to a pyrazolone moiety. Upon the addition of biothiols, the fluorescence is turned‐on at 485 nm by a reversible thio‐Michael addition process, which enables the detection of biothiols in the low nanomolar range.
Synthesis of 4‐Methylimidazole‐2‐Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Wang Xianheng , Zhao Changkuo , Gao Lei , Zhou Yiqi , Xu Lang
Published: September 2018

4‐Methylimidazole‐2‐carboxylic acid was synthesized from 4‐methylimidazole with a total yield of 65% over four steps including an N‐benzyl protection, acylation, debenzylation, and ester hydrolysis. The solvent, base, temperature, and reaction time are optimized for this method. This efficient, convenient, and low‐cost protocol uses inexpensive reagents in each step to obtain 4‐methylimidazole‐2‐carboxylic acid in high yield.
Correlates of narcissism, self‐reported lies, and self‐assessed abilities to tell and detect lies, tell truths, and believe others
Authors: Zvi Liza , Elaad Eitan
Published: September 2018

This novel research focuses on the relations amongst narcissistic features, self‐assessed communication abilities related to lies and truths, and reports about actual lying. One hundred twenty‐five participants rated their ability to succeed at telling lies, telling the truth convincingly, detecting lies, and believing others. The participants also completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and reported their weekly lying frequency using designated questions. Results indicated a positive link between narcissism and self‐ratings of the lie‐telling ability. High narcissistic scorers further exhibited confidence in their abilities to detect lies and to convince listeners using truthful communication. Finally, narcissism correlated with reports of telling frequent lies. Different narcissistic subscales correlated with telling different kinds of lies. The theoretical significance of the present results and their importance to the legal system were discussed.
Assessing regional left ventricular thickening dysfunction and dyssynchrony via personalized modeling and 3D wall thickness measurements for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Khalid Amirah , Lim Einly , Chan Bee Ting , Abdul Aziz Yang Faridah , Chee Kok Han , Yap Hwa Jen , Liew Yih Miin
Published: September 2018

Background

Existing clinical diagnostic and assessment methods could be improved to facilitate early detection and treatment of cardiac dysfunction associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Purpose

To develop 3D personalized left ventricular (LV) models and thickening assessment framework for assessing regional wall thickening dysfunction and dyssynchrony in AMI patients.

Study Type

Retrospective study, diagnostic accuracy.

Subjects

Forty‐four subjects consisting of 15 healthy subjects and 29 AMI patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T/steady‐state free precession cine MRI scans; LGE MRI scans.

Assessment

Quantitative thickening measurements across all cardiac phases were correlated and validated against clinical evaluation of infarct transmurality by an experienced cardiac radiologist based on the American Heart Association (AHA) 17‐segment model.

Statistical Test

Nonparametric 2‐k related sample‐based Kruskal–Wallis test; Mann–Whitney U‐test; Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

Healthy LV wall segments undergo significant wall thickening (P < 0.05) during ejection and have on average a thicker wall (8.73 ± 1.01 mm) compared with infarcted wall segments (2.86 ± 1.11 mm). Myocardium with thick infarct (ie, >50% transmurality) underwent remarkable wall thinning during contraction (thickening index [TI] = 1.46 ± 0.26 mm) as opposed to healthy myocardium (TI = 4.01 ± 1.04 mm). For AMI patients, LV that showed signs of thinning were found to be associated with a significantly higher percentage of dyssynchrony as compared with healthy subjects (dyssynchrony index [DI] = 15.0 ± 5.0% vs. 7.5 ± 2.0%, P < 0.01). Also, a strong correlation was found between our TI and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.892, P < 0.01), and moderate correlation between DI and LVEF (r = 0.494, P < 0.01).

Data Conclusion

The extracted regional wall thickening and DIs are shown to be strongly correlated with infarct severity, therefore suggestive of possible practical clinical utility.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1006–1019.
Analysis of clinical outcomes of upper and lower extremity reconstructions in patients with soft‐tissue sarcoma
Authors: Kapoor Trishul , Banuelos Joseph , Adabi Kian , Moran Steven L. , Manrique Oscar J.
Published: September 2018

Background and Objectives

Primary amputations have been the standard of treatment for extremity soft tissue sarcomas. However, over the last few decades, this mode of treatment has been increasingly replaced by limb‐sparing procedures.1 Our goal is to report the clinical outcomes of upper and lower extremity reconstructions in patients with a history of soft‐tissue sarcoma.

Methods

A retrospective review of 178 patients with a history of soft‐tissue sarcoma who underwent upper or lower extremity reconstructions was conducted. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, type of flap utilized, functional outcomes, and postoperative donor‐/recipient‐site complications (DSC/RSC) were analyzed. Variables were compared between free and pedicle flaps (FF or PF).

Results

PF reconstructions had a higher rate of DSC (P < 0.044), whereas FF reconstructions had a higher rate of RSC (P < 0.03). Upper extremity reconstruction resulted in a mean QuickDASH score of 5.98 (SD 9.37) with no significant difference between PF and FF. Lower extremity reconstruction resulted in a mean score of 71.2 (SD 10.7) for PF and 71.3 (SD 5.1) for FF on the Lower Extremity Function Scale.

Conclusion

Limb‐preserving reconstruction with PF and FF is a reliable and safe option after sarcoma resection. In addition, long‐term outcomes are promising and reassure the adequate functionality of the limb.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting survival in Chinese han patients with resected colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Jiqing , Gu Jianhua , Ma Xiaotian , Li Xiao , Liu Xiaojuan , Kang Fengling , Xue Fuzhong
Published: September 2018

Background

Estimates of survival after curative colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery are the basis of patient care and treatment planning. A nomogram is a useful tool for individualized cancer prognosis.

Methods

A total of 2450 patients with nonmetastatic CRC were included to develop a nomogram. Prognostic factors were identified and integrated by the Cox proportional hazards model. Then, we developed and validated a prognostic nomogram. The performance of this model was assessed by the concordance index (C‐index) and a calibration curve. The nomogram was internally validated by bootstrapping and externally validated with a separate database of 299 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

Results

Age, T stage, N stage, histological type, tumor location, lymph‐vascular invasion, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen, and sample lymph nodes were integrated into the nomogram. The C‐index of the nomogram for predicting overall survival was higher than that of the seventh edition American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system (training data set, 0.76 vs 0.68, respectively; P < 0.001; validation data set, 0.78 vs 0.69, respectively; P = 0.003).

Conclusion

We developed a prognostic nomogram for patients with nonmetastatic CRC, which could provide a more individualized outcome prognostication than that afforded by the TNM staging system by using common clinicopathologic factors.
Effect of mapping biopsy on surgical management of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yao Siyuan , Taura Kojiro , Okuda Yukihiro , Kodama Yuzo , Uza Norimitsu , Gouda Naoki , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Okajima Hideaki , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: September 2018

Background

The effect of endoscopic transpapillary mapping biopsy (MB) on decision‐making of surgical indications, selecting surgical procedures, or operative outcomes remains unclear.

Methods

Two‐hundred and thirty‐four patients with cholangiocarcinoma who were evaluated for surgical resection from 2007 to 2017 were reviewed. MB was performed in 80 patients who underwent tumor resection. We examined how MB affected operative indications or modified surgical procedures. Operative curability was compared between patients with and without preoperative MB.

Results

MB resulted in avoidance of noncurative resections in eight patients (14%, 8/57) of abandoned laparotomies. Based on the MB, surgical procedures were modified in nine patients (11.3%, 9/80), and this was justified by pathological examinations in eight patients (88.9%, 8/9). The MB group had an improved negative margin rate (83.8% vs 67.5%,
P = 0.017) and a lower incidence of carcinoma in situ (8.8% vs 20.0%,
P = 0.043) at the first cut than the non‐MB group. The incidence of bile leakage was significantly lower in the MB group in both anastomotic site (5.0% vs 16.3%,
P = 0.018) and parenchymal surface (2.5% vs 10.0%,
P = 0.043).

Conclusion

MB is helpful for selecting optimal surgical procedure for cholangiocarcinoma and it contributes for safe surgery by securing negative bile duct margin on the first cut.
LEADERSHIP FORGED IN CRISIS
Authors: Koehn Nancy
Published: September 2018

Five great leaders from history (Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Ernest Shackleton, Rachel Carson, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer), according to Koehn, had their leadership forged in crisis. She writes that “leaders can emerge from many different backgrounds, genders, races, and personality types.” Each leader was made, not born, and faced varying degrees of hardship, from Douglass' escape from slavery to Carson's hardscrabble upbringing. She writes, “Perhaps most significant, each of the five leaders embraced a mission uniquely his or her own.” Koehn elaborates on Carson's sensitivity and the ingenuity of Lincoln and Douglass. She concludes that “the very way that each lived was an act of leadership unto itself, whose impact resonates—and calls to us—in the early 21st century.”
Arabinoxylan Attenuates Type 2 Diabetes by Improvement of Carbohydrate, Lipid, and Amino Acid Metabolism
Authors: Nie Qixing , Chen Haihong , Hu Jielun , Gao He , Fan Linlin , Long Zhimin , Nie Shaoping
Published: September 2018

Scope

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder worldwide, which causes severe health and economic problems. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which arabinoxylan from Plantago asiatica L. attenuates type 2 diabetes from the perspective of urine metabolomics.

Methods and Results

High‐fat diet and streptozotocin‐induced type 2 diabetic rats are treated with arabinoxylan, then the urine samples are collected for untargeted metabolomics analysis by UPLC–Triple‐TOF/MS. Diabetes causes significant increases in the levels of acetone, glucose, 2‐oxoglutarate, and leucine, and significant decreases in the concentrations of creatine, histidine, lysine, l‐tryptophan, hippurate, l‐cysteine, kynurenine, and arabitol as compared with normal rats (p < 0.01). And these 12 metabolites (with VIP cut‐off value > 1) can be used as biomarkers in type 2 diabetes. A total of 21 urinary metabolites are significantly improved by arabinoxylan administration in diabetic rats, and these metabolites are mainly involved in TCA cycle, and metabolism of lipid and ketone body, taurine and hypotaurine, tryptophan, and branched chain amino acids.

Conclusion

Arabinoxylan administration improves carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism in type 2 diabetic rats, which provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes as well as the effects of arabinoxylan.
A peridynamics model for strain localization analysis of geomaterials
Authors: Song Xiaoyu , Khalili Nasser
Published: September 2018

Geomaterials such as sand and clay are highly heterogeneous multiphase materials. Nonlocality (or a characteristic length scale) in modeling geomaterials based on the continuum theory can be associated with several factors, for instance, the physical interactions of material points within finite distance, the homogenization or smoothing process of material heterogeneity, and the particle or problem size‐dependent mechanical behavior (eg, the thickness of shear bands) of geomaterials. In this article, we formulate a nonlocal elastoplastic constitutive model for geomaterials by adapting a local elastoplastic model for geomaterials at a constant suction through the constitutive correspondence principle of the state‐based peridynamics theory. We numerically implement this nonlocal constitutive model via the classical return‐mapping algorithm of computational plasticity. We first conduct a one‐dimensional compression test of a soil sample at a constant suction through the numerical model with three different values of the nonlocal variable (horizon) δ. We then present a strain localization analysis of a soil sample under the constant suction and plane strain conditions with different nonlocal variables. The numerical results show that the proposed nonlocal model can be used to simulate the inception and propagation of shear banding as well as to capture the thickness of shear bands in geomaterials at a constant suction.
Sr substitution effects on atomic and local electronic structure of Ca2AlMnO5+δ
Authors: Kunisada Yuji , Saito Genki , Hayami Kazuki , Nomura Takahiro , Sakaguchi Norihito
Published: September 2018

We performed the first‐principle calculations based on spin‐polarized density functional theory to investigate the Sr substitution effects on the atomic and local electronic structure of Ca2AlMnO5+δ. The ionic radius of Sr2+is larger than that of Ca2+; thus, the lattice expansion occurs with Sr substitution. From the total energy calculations, we found that Sr substitution makes the oxygen‐absorbed phase unstable and realizes the lower operation temperature. From the point of atomic structure, Sr substitution lengthens the bond length between Mn and O atoms connecting Mn and Al atoms in Al tetrahedral (OMn‐Alt) in oxygen‐absorbed phase, because the large Sr2+prevents the release of the Jahn‐Teller distortion. We also found that the covalent bonding between Mn and OMn‐Altatoms weaken with Sr substitution by the local electronic structure analysis, which results in the unstable oxygen‐absorbed phase and weak prepeak and main peak intensity near the onset of O‐K edge ELNES of OMn‐Altatoms.
Control of nitrogen doping in NaTaO3 synthesized by hydrothermal reaction and chemical state of nitrogen
Authors: Ozawa Akiyo , Kobayashi Keita , Yoshida Tomoko
Published: September 2018

Nitrogen‐doped NaTaO3 was synthesized through 1‐pot reaction, hydrothermal process using Ta3N5 as precursor. Changing concentration and amount of NaOH aqueous solution influenced nitrogen content in NaTaO3. Absorption edge of nitrogen‐doped NaTaO3 was extended at 570 nm, and absorbance in visible light region depended on nitrogen content in NaTaO3. Anodic photocurrent measured under visible light irradiation became larger with increasing nitrogen content in NaTaO3‐xNy. Under ultraviolet light irradiation (λ ≤ 400 nm), the highest anodic photocurrent was observed when nitrogen concentration was y = 0.024. It was possible to expand the wavelength range that can be effectively utilized for the photoelectrochemical reaction.
Interim monitoring using the adaptively weighted log‐rank test in clinical trials for survival outcomes
Authors: Yang Song
Published: September 2018

For testing treatment effect with survival data, the log‐rank test has been the method of choice and enjoys an optimality property under proportional hazards alternatives. However, there can be significant loss of power in a variety of nonproportional situations. Yang and Prentice proposed an adaptively weighted log‐rank test that improves the power of the log‐rank test over a wide range of hazard ratio scenarios. In clinical trials, the data and safety monitoring board typically monitors the trial results periodically. Here, we develop interim testing procedures for the adaptively weighted log‐rank test. We establish the asymptotic distribution of the test statistics at the interim looks and use a resampling method to obtain the stopping boundaries. Through examination of the test behavior under local alternatives, we show that the adaptively weighted log‐rank test is fully efficient when the limiting censoring distributions in the two groups are equal. Unlike the case for the usual application of the log‐rank test, critical values obtained from the resampling method are asymptotically valid without the assumption of equal censoring distributions in the two groups. Extensive simulation studies show that the new method improves the log‐rank test for a wide range of treatment effect patterns, and that the resampling approach yields better control of the type 1 error rate than the originally proposed approach in the work of Yang and Prentice. The new procedures are illustrated in several clinical trial examples.
One‐Pot Pseudo Five Component Synthesis of Biologically Relevant 1,2,6‐Triaryl‐4‐arylamino‐piperidine‐3‐ene‐3‐ carboxylates: A Decade Update
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Devi Mamta , Kumari Anjana , Devi Rekha , Banerjee Bubun
Published: September 2018

Piperidines, an important class of N‐heterocycles, are very common in naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Recently, functionalized piperidines, specifically, 1,2,6‐triaryl‐4‐arylamino‐piperidine‐3‐ene‐3‐carboxylates have drawn considerable attention due to its diverse pharmacological efficacies that include anti‐cancer, anti‐microbial, anti‐oxidant, anti‐fungal, anti‐inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. As a result, during the last decade, a number of methods reported for the synthesis of 1,2,6‐triaryl‐4‐arylamino‐piperidine‐3‐ene‐3‐carboxylates via one‐pot pseudo five‐component reactions of aromatic aldehydes, anilines and β‐keto esters under various reaction conditions. The present review deals with the ‘‘up to date” developments on the synthesis of 1,2,6‐triaryl‐4‐arylamino‐piperidine‐3‐ene‐3‐carboxylates reported so far.
Preparation and characterization of nano‐Sb2O3/poly(butylene terephthalate) composite powders based on high‐energy ball milling
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Xu Jianlin , Niu Lei , Ma Bingxue , Kang Chenghu
Published: September 2018

In this work, a kind of composite powders with good dispersion and distribution of nano‐Sb2O3particles in poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was prepared by the high‐energy ball milling (HEBM). The effects of the milling time on the structure, morphology, particle size distribution, and thermal behavior of the nano‐Sb2O3/PBT composite powders were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, laser diffraction particle size analyzer, and thermal analysis (TGA, DTG and DSC) techniques. The results showed that the regular shape of PBT powders was converted into flakes and the nano‐Sb2O3particles were well deagglomerated and better dispersed in the PBT matrix during the HEBM process. The mechanochemical activation that was provided by the HEBM process caused a reduction in the molecular weight of PBT, which result in favoring the first step of thermal degradation. Furthermore, twoTg’s were obtained in the case of the nanocomposite powders when the milling time was over 3 h, one of them being slightly higher than that of the pure PBT, which indicated that there was a special interaction between PBT and nano‐Sb2O3particles. However, the HEBM process leaded to a decreasing of the PBT crystallinity. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:91–97, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electronic energy transfer in biomacromolecules
Authors: Cupellini Lorenzo , Corbella Marina , Mennucci Benedetta , Curutchet Carles
Published: September 2018

Electronic energy transfer is widely used as a molecular ruler to interrogate the structure of biomacromolecules, and performs a key task in photosynthesis by transferring collected energy through specialized pigment–protein complexes. Förster theory, introduced over 70 years ago, allows linking transfer rates to simple structural and spectroscopic properties of the energy‐transferring molecules. In biosystems, however, significant deviations from Förster behavior often arise due to breakdown of the ideal dipole approximation, dielectric screening effects due to the biological environment, or departure from the weak‐coupling regime. In this review, we provide a concise overview of advances in simulations of energy transfer in biomacromolecules that allow overcoming the main limitations of Förster theory. We first discuss advances in quantum chemical methods to compute electronic couplings, their extension to multiscale formulations to include screening effects, and strategies to treat the interplay between coupling fluctuations and energy transfer dynamics. We then examine the spectral overlap term, and how this quantity can be estimated from simulations of the spectral density of exciton–phonon coupling. Finally, we discuss rate theories that can describe energy transfers in situations where strong coupling leads to delocalized excitions, a common situation found in closely packed multichromophoric systems such as photosynthetic complexes and nucleic acids.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
Beryllium Crown Ether Complexes Reinvestigated
Authors: Buchner Magnus R. , Müller Matthias
Published: September 2018

The species present in solutions of [12]crown‐4, [15]crown‐5, and [18]crown‐6 complexes with BeCl2 were investigated by 1H, 13C, and 9Be NMR spectroscopy. These are [(BeCl)([12]crown‐4)]+ (1), [(BeCl2)([15]crown‐5)] (2), and [(BeCl2)2([18]crown‐6)] (3), however in solution the majority of the crown ethers is not bound to beryllium. In case of [12]crown‐4 and [18]crown‐6 huge amounts of precipitate are formed, which were identified to be [(BeCl)([12]crown‐4)]Cl (1a) and compound 3, while [15]crown‐5 is capable of dissolving more than one equivalent of BeCl2 in dichloromethane.
Flavor changing neutral currents in the asymmetric left-right gauge model
Authors: Chang Chia-Feng , Ma Ernest
Published: September 2018

Abstract

In the SU(3)
C
× SU(2)
L
× SU(2)
R
× U(1)(B−L)/2 extension of the standard model, a minimal (but asymmetric) scalar sector consists of one SU(2)
R
× U(1)(B−L)/2 doublet and one SU(2)
L
× SU(2)
R
bidoublet. Previous and recent studies have shown that this choice is useful for understanding neutrino mass as well as dark matter. The constraints from flavor changing neutral currents mediated by the scalar sector are discussed in the context of the latest experimental data.
Modular bootstrap revisited
Authors: Collier Scott , Lin Ying-Hsuan , Yin Xi
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We constrain the spectrum of two-dimensional unitary, compact conformal field theories with central chargec >1 using modular bootstrap. Upper bounds on the gap in the dimension of primary operators of any spin, as well as in the dimension of scalar primaries, are computed numerically as functions of the central charge using semi-definite programming. Our bounds refine those of Hellerman and Friedan-Keller, and are in some cases saturated by known CFTs. In particular, we show that unitary CFTs withc <8 must admit relevant deformations, and that a nontrivial bound on the gap of scalar primaries exists forc <25. We also study bounds on the dimension gap in the presence of twist gaps, bounds on the degeneracy of operators, and demonstrate how “extremal spectra” which maximize the degeneracy at the gap can be determined numerically.
Boundary conditions and localization on AdS. Part I
Authors: David Justin R. , Gava Edi , Gupta Rajesh Kumar , Narain Kumar
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We study the role of boundary conditions on the one loop partition function the

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

chiral multiplet of R-charge Δ on AdS2 ×S
1. The chiral multiplet is coupled to a background vector multiplet which preserves supersymmetry. We implement normalizable boundary conditions in AdS2 and develop the Green’s function method to obtain the one loop determinant. We evaluate the one loop determinant for two different actions: the standard action and the Q-exact deformed positive definite action used for localization. We show that if there exists an integer n in the interval

$$ D:\ \left(\frac{\Delta -1}{2L},\frac{\Delta}{2L}\right) $$

D
:

Δ
−
1

2
L

Δ

2
L

, where L being the ratio of radius of AdS2 to that of S
1, then the one loop determinants obtained for the two actions differ. It is in this situation that fields which obey normalizable boundary conditions do not obey supersymmetric boundary conditions. However if there are no integers in D, then fields which obey normalizable boundary conditions also obey supersymmetric boundary conditions and the one loop determinants of the two actions precisely agree. We also show that it is only in the latter situation that the one loop determinant obtained by evaluating the index of the D
10 operator associated with the localizing action agrees with the one loop determinant obtained using Green’s function method.
DECADAL CLIMATE VARIABILITY IMPACTS ON CLIMATE AND CROP YIELDS
Authors: JITHITIKULCHAI THEEPAKORN , MCCARL BRUCE A. , WU XIMING
Published: September 2018

This article examines the effects of ocean-related decadal climate variability (DCV) phenomena on climate and the effects of both climate shifts and independent DCV events on crop yields. We address three DCV phenomena: the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the Tropical Atlantic Sea-Surface Temperature Gradient (TAG), and the Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP). We estimate the joint effect of these DCV phenomena on the mean, variance, and skewness of crop yield distributions. We found regionally differentiated impacts of DCV phenomena on growing degree days, precipitation, and extreme weather events, which in turn alter distributions of U.S. regional crop yields.
“Time's Up”: The Experience of Entering Residential Aged Care for Young People with Acquired Neurological Disorders and Their Families
Authors: Barry Sandra , Knox Lucy , Douglas Jacinta M.
Published: September 2018

Background and aims: Previous research has highlighted that living in residential aged care (RAC) is associated with a range of negative outcomes for adults with acquired neurological disorders. This study sought to understand the lived experience of entering RAC for young people and their family members and characterise their needs during this process.

Method: Data included 64 written and verbal submissions to the 2015 Senate Inquiry into the Adequacy of existing residential care arrangements available for young people with severe physical, mental or intellectual disabilities in Australia. In line with hermeneutic tradition, text was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Entry to RAC was experienced as a complex process that coalesced around three key events: an unexpected health crisis, a directive that time's up and the individual is required to leave the healthcare setting, with a subsequent decision to move into RAC. This decision was made in the absence of time, knowledge of options or adequate support.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that there are both immediate practice changes and longer term policy responses that can support the health and disability systems to uphold the rights of people with acquired disability to choose where and how they will live their lives.
BUDDHIST BUREAUCRACY AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN THAILAND
Authors: Larsson Tomas
Published: September 2018

In accordance with Thai conceptions of Buddhist kingship, Thai rulers have felt obliged to devote considerable energies towards the promotion and protection of Buddhism. Over the past century (and more), state laws have been instituted and bureaucratic agencies established to regulate and implement such promotional and protective activities. This article outlines some broad trends and patterns in the bureaucratization of Buddhism in Thailand, and discusses their implications for religious freedom. It argues that although Buddhism has been extensively bureaucratized, the implications for religious freedom have been less severe than one might perhaps expect, owing not least to the fact that Buddhism is a monastic religion. However, recent developments—taking place in the wake of the 2014 military coup and the 2016 royal succession—suggest that the legal environment is changing in ways that may have negative implications for religious freedom in Thailand.
Analysis of smoking behaviour in patients with peritonsillar abscess: a prospective, matched case–control study
Authors: Schwarz D , Wolber P , Balk M , Luers J C
Published: September 2018

Objective

Smoking is purported to increase the risk of peritonsillar abscess formation, but prospective data are needed to confirm this hypothesis. This prospective study aimed to identify this correlation.

Methods

Fifty-four patients with peritonsillar abscess were prospectively asked about their smoking behaviour using a questionnaire that was designed and approved by the Robert Koch Institute (Berlin, Germany) to analyse smoking behaviour in epidemiological studies. Afterwards, a consecutive control group (without peritonsillar abscess), matched in terms of age and gender, was surveyed using the same questionnaire. A classification of smoker, former smoker and non-smoker was made, and the numbers of pack-years were calculated and compared.

Results

Statistical analysis of both groups revealed a significant correlation between peritonsillar abscess and smoking experience (p= 0.025). Moreover, there were significantly fewer non-smokers in the non-peritonsillar abscess group (p= 0.04). The number of pack-years was higher in the peritonsillar abscess group (p= 0.037).

Conclusion

There is a statistically significant association between peritonsillar abscess and smoking.
Paragonimusand paragonimiasis in West and Central Africa: unresolved questions
Authors: Cumberlidge Neil , Rollinson David , Vercruysse Jozef , Tchuem Tchuenté Louis-Albert , Webster Bonnie , Clark Paul F.
Published: September 2018

Paragonimiasis, human lung fluke disease, is a foodborne anthropozoonosis caused by the trematodes assigned toParagonimusand is regarded by the World Health Organization as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). The life cycle of this medically important parasite centres on a complex freshwater biological community that includes two intermediate hosts: a mollusc and a decapod, usually a brachyuran. Although there is a perception that the biology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment ofParagonimusis well understood, in reality, this is not the case, especially in Africa. Much remains unknown concerning the life-cycle of the parasite, its transmission, the current epidemiology of the disease, diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment. Furthermore, cases of paragonimiasis may be misdiagnosed as resistant tuberculosis (TB) because of the similar pulmonary symptoms and no remission after anti TB therapy. The endemic foci of human paragonimiasis in Africa have been reported mainly in the forest zones of Upper Guinea (Liberia, Guinea and Ivory Coast) and Lower Guinea (Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon). Despite the perceived medical importance of paragonimiasis, relatively little attention has been paid to this NTD since its discovery in Africa in the 1960s. This review focuses on the current understanding of the life cycle and transmission ofParagonimusin Africa, discusses its diagnosis and public health importance and highlights many outstanding gaps in the knowledge that still exist for this NTD.