bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐coated balloon‐only strategy in stable coronary artery disease and in acute coronary syndromes: An all‐comers registry study
Authors: Uskela Sanna , Kärkkäinen Jussi M. , Eränen Jaakko , Siljander Antti , Mäntylä Pirjo , Mustonen Juha , Rissanen Tuomas T.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

The aim of this single center all‐comers retrospective registry study was to assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug‐coated balloon (DCB) in de novo lesions including large proximal coronary arteries.

Methods

A total of 487 PCIs were performed using paclitaxel‐coated DCB in 562 de novo lesions with the possibility for bailout stenting in a patient population presenting with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Half of the patients had at least one risk factor for bleeding. All of the treated lesions were de novo and 60% of DCBs used were ≥ 3.0 mm in diameter. The median follow‐up time was 18 months for MACE and 60 months for survival.

Results

The total mortality after DBC only strategy was 2.3 and 9.3% at 12 months in stable CAD and ACS, respectively. The 12‐month MACE rate was 7.1 and 12% in stable CAD and ACS. The rate of ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization was only 1.4% in stable CAD and 2.8% after ACS at 12 months. Median duration of DAPT was one month. The 12 month rate of significant bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium types 2–5) was 5.9%. Acute vessel closure occurred only in one case (0.2%) after DCB treatment. Bailout stenting was used in 12% of lesions.

Conclusions

PCI using DCB‐only strategy with the possibility for provisional stenting is a safe and efficient in de novo coronary artery lesions in both stable CAD and ACS. This strategy may be useful especially in patients with high bleeding risk.
Probing the Location and Speciation of Elements in Zeolites with Correlated Atom Probe Tomography and Scanning Transmission X‐Ray Microscopy
Authors: Schmidt Joel E. , Ye Xinwei , van Ravenhorst Ilse K. , Oord Ramon , Shapiro David A. , Yu Young‐Sang , Bare Simon R. , Meirer Florian , Poplawsky Jonathan D. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: October 2018

Characterizing materials at nanoscale resolution to provide new insights into structure property performance relationships continues to be a challenging research target due to the inherently low signal from small sample volumes, and is even more difficult for nonconductive materials, such as zeolites. Herein, we present the characterization of a single Cu‐exchanged zeolite crystal, namely Cu‐SSZ‐13, used for NOX reduction in automotive emissions, that was subject to a simulated 135,000‐mile aging. By correlating Atom Probe Tomography (APT), a single atom microscopy method, and Scanning Transmission X‐ray Microscopy (STXM), which produces high spatial resolution X‐ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES) maps, we show that a spatially non‐uniform proportion of the Al was removed from the zeolite framework. The techniques reveal that this degradation is heterogeneous at length scales from micrometers to tens of nanometers, providing complementary insight into the long‐term deactivation of this catalyst system.
Smart Wetting Control on Shape Memory Polymer Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Dongjie , Cheng Zhongjun , Liu Yuyan
Published: October 2018

Control of surface wettability is very important, and can be realized by controlling surface chemistry or microstructures. Compared with surface chemistry, smart control of surface microstructure is more difficult. Recently, shape memory polymers (SMPs) have advanced to allow control of the surface microstructure and wettability, and thus, demonstrate excellent controllability and many novel functions. In this Minireview, recent achievements in wetting control on SMP surfaces with general hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, superomniphobic and superslippery properties are presented. Particular attention is paid to superhydrophobic surfaces, which display many novel functions, such as switchable isotropic/anisotropic wetting and reprogrammable gradient wetting. Furthermore, a new strategy that combines responsive molecules with the SMP microstructure is also described; this can be used to realize precise wetting control based on coordinated regulation of both surface microstructure and chemistry.
Intertwined Titanium Carbide MXene within a 3 D Tangled Polypyrrole Nanowires Matrix for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performances
Authors: Le Thi Anh , Tran Ngoc Quang , Hong Yeseul , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: October 2018

The exploration of the rational design and synthesis of unique and robust architectured electrodes for the high capacitance, rate capability, and stability of supercapacitors is crucial to the future of energy storage technology. Herein, an in situ synthesis of multilayered titanium carbide MXene tightly caging within a 3 D conducting tangled polypyrrole (PPy) nanowire (NW) network is proposed as an effective strategy to prevent the aggregation of MXene, profoundly enhancing the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor. Owing to the beneficial effects of an ideal 3 D interconnected porous structure and high electrical conductivity, the obtained electrode exhibits fast charge and ion transport kinetics as well as full usage of active material. As expected, the 3 D Ti3C2Tx@PPY NW exhibits a specific capacitance five times higher than that of pristine MXene (610 F g−1), a good rate capability up to a current density of 25 A g−1, and excellent stability with 100 % retention after 14 000 cycles at 4 A g−1, outperforming the known state‐of‐the‐art MXene‐based supercapacitor. Our work provides a facile method for enhancing the performance of MXene‐based energy storage devices.
Supramolecular Self‐Sorting Networks using Hydrogen‐Bonding Motifs
Authors: Coubrough Heather M. , van der Lubbe Stephanie C. C. , Hetherington Kristina , Minard Aisling , Pask Christopher , Howard Mark J. , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: October 2018

A current objective in supramolecular chemistry is to mimic the transitions between complex self‐sorted systems that represent a hallmark of regulatory function in nature. In this work, a self‐sorting network, comprising linear hydrogen motifs, was created. Selecting six hydrogen‐bonding motifs capable of both high‐fidelity and promiscuous molecular recognition gave rise to a complex self‐sorting system, which included motifs capable of both narcissistic and social self‐sorting. Examination of the interactions between individual components, experimentally and computationally, provided a rationale for the product distribution during each phase of a cascade. This reasoning holds through up to five sequential additions of six building blocks, resulting in the construction of a biomimetic network in which the presence or absence of different components provides multiple unique pathways to distinct self‐sorted configurations.
Food and drug administration’s regulatory shift on direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests for cancer risk
Authors: Yang Y. Tony , Zettler Patricia J.
Published: November 2018

Although the US Food and Drug Administration’s recent regulatory shift on direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests for cancer risk may increase access to beneficial, innovative devices, it will be critical for regulators, consumers, and the medical community to think through important remaining regulatory, social, and ethical questions to ensure that consumers’ autonomy, privacy, confidentiality, and health are appropriately protected.
Lymph node involvement: Positive about the role of the recurrence score in estrogen‐driven breast cancer?
Authors: Kalinsky Kevin , O’Regan Ruth M.
Published: November 2018

It remains unclear whether there is clinical utility for withholding chemotherapy in HR+/HER2‐, node‐positive breast cancer based upon the 21‐gene Recurrence Score. While we await the results from randomized, phase III trials, this editorial addresses additional observational data that suggest there may be a role for this genomic assay in this patient population.
Community clinical practice patterns and mortality in patients with intermediate oncotype DX recurrence scores: Who benefits from chemotherapy?
Authors: Ibraheem Abiola F. , Press David J. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Huo Dezheng
Published: November 2018

Background

The Oncotype DX recurrence score (RS) is used as a tool for making decisions about chemotherapy for patients who have hormone receptor (estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor)‐positive, HER2‐negative breast cancer. There is no benefit from chemotherapy among patients aged ≥50 years who have lymph node‐negative disease and an RS from 11 to 25, but the benefit of chemotherapy in the lymph node‐positive group remains unknown.

Methods

On the basis of data from the National Cancer Data Base between 2010 and 2014, a nationwide, retrospective cohort study included 73,185 women who had stage I through IIIA breast cancer and an RS between 11 and 30.

Results

Receipt of chemotherapy was associated with a reduced risk of death among patients who had lymph node‐positive breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45‐0.74; P < .001) after adjusting for other prognostic factors in a multivariable Cox model. The 5‐year survival gain ranged from 1.3% (RS 11‐17 subgroup), to 3.3% (RS 18‐25 subgroup), and to 6.7% (RS 26‐30 subgroup). Among patients who had lymph node‐negative disease, chemotherapy was associated with a reduced risk of death for those with an RS from 25 to 30 (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48‐0.96; P = .03; 5‐year survival gain, 1.8%), but there was no benefit from chemotherapy for patients who had an RS from 11 to 17 (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.61‐1.55; P = .90), and there was a marginally significant benefit for women who had an RS from 18 to 25 (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62‐1.00; P = .05). Similar results were observed using propensity score‐matching method.

Conclusions

The benefit of chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer who have an intermediate RS is driven in a nonlinear fashion by RS: the higher the RS, the larger the absolute benefit. Findings from this study underscore the utility of real‐world data to inform joint decision making in practice.
Consensus‐based distributed learning for robust convex optimization with a scenario approach
Authors: Cao Feilong , Feng Fan
Published: October 2018

This paper aims to solve the robust convex optimization (RCO) problem, where the constraints of RCO are parameterized with uncertainties, and the scenario approach is applied to transform RCO into standard convex optimization with a finite number of constraints through probabilistic approximation. The transformed problem is called a scenario problem (SP). Two consensus‐based distributed learning algorithms for SP are designed in consideration of a large number of sampled constraints. One is based on the distributed average consensus (DAC), and the other is based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). It has regulated that data distributed to nodes are not allowed to communicate. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms are suitable for handling large‐scale data and achieve excellent performance, with the ADMM‐based algorithm performing the best. Furthermore, the DAC‐based algorithm has certain advantages in terms of computational time and complexity. In addition, to improve the communicative efficiency based on a DAC, an efficient distributed average consensus (EDAC) is put forward. The average time for every node when using an EDAC is less than that of a DAC, despite the exact same performance.
Minimum degree of overlap between IL‐9R and IL‐2R on human T lymphoma cells: A quantitative CLSM and FRET analysis
Authors: Nizsalóczki Enikő , Nagy Péter , Mocsár Gábor , Szabó Ágnes , Csomós István , Waldmann Thomas A. , Vámosi György , Mátyus László , Bodnár Andrea
Published: October 2018

The heterodimeric receptor complex of IL‐9 consists of the cytokine‐specific α‐subunit and the common γc‐chain shared with other cytokines, including IL‐2, a central regulator of T cell function. We have shown previously the bipartite spatial relationship of IL‐9 and IL‐2 receptors at the surface of human T lymphoma cells: in addition to common clusters, expression of the two receptor kinds could also be observed in segregated membrane areas. Here we analyzed further the mutual cell surface organization of IL‐9 and IL‐2 receptors. Complementing Pearson correlation data with co‐occurrence analysis of confocal microscopic images revealed that a minimum degree of IL‐9R/IL‐2R co‐localization exists at the cell surface regardless of the overall spatial correlation of the two receptor kinds. Moreover, our FRET experiments demonstrated molecular scale assemblies of the elements of the IL‐9/IL‐2R system. Binding of IL‐9 altered the structure and/or composition of these clusters. It is hypothesized, that by sequestering receptor subunits in common membrane areas, the overlapping domains of IL‐9R and IL‐2R provide a platform enabling both the formation of the appropriate receptor complex as well as subunit sharing between related cytokines. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Silver carbene complexes: An emerging class of anticancer agents
Authors: Kankala Shravankumar , Thota Niranjan , Björkling Fredrik , Taylor Myles K. , Vadde Ravinder , Balusu Ramesh
Published: November 2018

Cancer is a major global health problem with large therapeutic challenges. Although substantial progress has been made in cancer therapy, there still remains a need to develop novel and effective treatment strategies to treat several relapsed and refractory cancers. Recently, there has been growing demand for considering organometallics as antineoplastic agents. This review is focused on a group of organometallics, silver N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes (SCCs) and their anticancer efficacy in targeting multiple pathways in various in vitro cancer model systems. However, the precise molecular mechanism of SCCs anticancer properties remains unclear. Here, we discuss the SCCs chemistry, potential molecular targets, possible molecular mechanism of action, and their application in cancer therapies.
Quantification of cocaine and cocaine metabolites in dried blood spots from a controlled administration study using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ambach Lars , Menzies Eleanor , Parkin Mark C. , Kicman Andrew , Archer John R.H. , Wood David M. , Dargan Paul I. , Stove Christophe
Published: October 2018

Cocaine is a common illicit stimulant and is mainly metabolized by hydrolysis to benzoylecgonine (BE) and ecgonine methyl ester (EME), but also to minor metabolites like norcocaine, or hydroxy‐BE. When ethanol is present, cocaethylene is formed. Dried blood spot (DBS) sampling is a minimally invasive microsampling technique with possible advantages for analyte stability and ease of storage, making it an attractive matrix in forensic and clinical settings. We developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry‐based (LC–MS/MS) method for quantifying cocaine, BE, EME, norcocaine, hydroxy‐BE, and cocaethylene in DBS. Six‐mm punches were extracted with aqueous buffer followed by protein precipitation, evaporation and reconstitution in mobile phase. Separation was achieved on a Polar‐RP column (Phenomenex) in a 6‐minute gradient including baseline‐separation of norcocaine and BE. For MS detection, a QTRAP 5500 (Sciex) was used in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method was validated for selectivity, sensitivity [lower limited of quantification (LLOQ) 1.0–5.0 ng/mL], imprecision (≤13.4%, ≤19.6% at LLOQ), accuracy (≤ ± 14.9%), matrix effects, extraction efficiency (≥20.9%), hematocrit effect, volume spotted, punch location, long‐term and autosampler stability. Concentrations in DBS from a controlled cocaine administration study in healthy volunteers were compared to whole blood and plasma. Although concentrations correlated moderately to strongly (Spearman's ρ 0.603–0.958), agreement between paired samples was poor, with overestimation of DBS concentrations and wide confidence intervals in Bland–Altman analysis. A possible cause are differences in capillary and venous blood concentrations, with the underlying mechanism requiring further research before DBS analysis for cocaine and its metabolites can be considered equivalent to whole blood or plasma analysis.
A mechanistic assessment of the relationship between gut morphology and endozoochorous seed dispersal by waterfowl
Authors: Kleyheeg Erik , Nolet Bart A. , Otero‐Ojea Sandra , Soons Merel B.
Published: October 2018

Many plants and invertebrates rely on internal transport by animals for long‐distance dispersal. Their dispersal capacity is greatly influenced by interactions with the animal's digestive tract. Omnivorous birds adjust their digestive tract morphology to seasonally variable diets. We performed feeding trials in waterfowl to unravel how changing organ size, in combination with seed size, affects dispersal potential. We subjected captive mallards to mimics of summer (animal‐based), winter (plant‐based), and intermediate diets, and analyzed gut passage of seeds before and after the treatment (trials 1 and 2). To test the effect of gut morphology on seed digestion, we measured digestive organ size after euthanasia. Three hours before euthanasia, differently sized seeds were fed to test how seed size affects gut passage by determining their relative position in the digestive tract (trial 3). Trials 1 and 2 showed that intact seed passage was lower in the plant‐based than in the animal‐based diet group. Retention time changed only within groups, decreasing in the animal‐based, and increasing in the plant‐based diet group. No post‐diet differences in organ size were detected, probably due to large between‐individual variation within groups. Digestive tract measures did not explain variation in seed survival or retention time. Trial 3 revealed that small seeds pass the digestive tract rapidly, while large seeds are retained longer, particularly in the gizzard. Differential retention in the gizzard, the section where seeds can be destroyed, is likely why larger seeds have a lower probability to pass the digestive tract intact. Our results confirm that rapid, flexible adaptation to diet shifts affects seed digestion in waterfowl, although we could not conclusively relate this to organ size. Large interindividual variation in digestive efficiency between mallards feeding on the same diet may provide opportunities for seed dispersal in the field throughout the annual cycle.
Measuring agreement among experts in classifying camera images of similar species
Authors: Gooliaff TJ , Hodges Karen E.
Published: October 2018

Camera trapping and solicitation of wildlife images through citizen science have become common tools in ecological research. Such studies collect many wildlife images for which correct species classification is crucial; even low misclassification rates can result in erroneous estimation of the geographic range or habitat use of a species, potentially hindering conservation or management efforts. However, some species are difficult to tell apart, making species classification challenging—but the literature on classification agreement rates among experts remains sparse. Here, we measure agreement among experts in distinguishing between images of two similar congeneric species, bobcats (Lynx rufus) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). We asked experts to classify the species in selected images to test whether the season, background habitat, time of day, and the visible features of each animal (e.g., face, legs, tail) affected agreement among experts about the species in each image. Overall, experts had moderate agreement (Fleiss’ kappa = 0.64), but experts had varying levels of agreement depending on these image characteristics. Most images (71%) had ≥1 expert classification of “unknown,” and many images (39%) had some experts classify the image as “bobcat” while others classified it as “lynx.” Further, experts were inconsistent even with themselves, changing their classifications of numerous images when they were asked to reclassify the same images months later. These results suggest that classification of images by a single expert is unreliable for similar‐looking species. Most of the images did obtain a clear majority classification from the experts, although we emphasize that even majority classifications may be incorrect. We recommend that researchers using wildlife images consult multiple species experts to increase confidence in their image classifications of similar sympatric species. Still, when the presence of a species with similar sympatrics must be conclusive, physical or genetic evidence should be required.
Population responses of common ravens to reintroduced gray wolves
Authors: Walker Lauren E. , Marzluff John M. , Metz Matthew C. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Moskal L. Monika , Stahler Daniel R. , Smith Douglas W.
Published: October 2018

Top predators have cascading effects throughout the food web, but their impacts on scavenger abundance are largely unknown. Gray wolves (Canis lupus) provide carrion to a suite of scavenger species, including the common raven (Corvus corax). Ravens are wide‐ranging and intelligent omnivores that commonly take advantage of anthropogenic food resources. In areas where they overlap with wolves, however, ravens are numerous and ubiquitous scavengers of wolf‐acquired carrion. We aimed to determine whether subsidies provided through wolves are a limiting factor for raven populations in general and how the wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park in 1995–1997 affected raven population abundance and distribution on the Yellowstone's Northern Range specifically. We counted ravens throughout Yellowstone's Northern Range in March from 2009 to 2017 in both human‐use areas and wolf habitat. We then used statistics related to the local wolf population and the winter weather conditions to model raven abundance during our study period and predict raven abundance on the Northern Range both before and after the wolf reintroduction. In relatively severe winters with greater snowpack, raven abundance increased in areas of human use and decreased in wolf habitat. When wolves were able to acquire more carrion, however, ravens increased in wolf habitat and decreased in areas with anthropogenic resources. Raven populations prior to the wolf reintroduction were likely more variable and heavily dependent on ungulate winter‐kill and hunter‐provided carcasses. The wolf recovery in Yellowstone helped stabilize raven populations by providing a regular food supply, regardless of winter severity. This stabilization has important implications for effective land management as wolves recolonize the west and global climate patterns change.
Realized niche and microhabitat selection of the eastern green lizard (Lacerta viridis) at the core and periphery of its distribution range
Authors: Prieto‐Ramirez Ana M. , Pe’er Guy , Rödder Dennis , Henle Klaus
Published: October 2018

The available range of habitats and suitable abiotic conditions like temperature and radiation tends to be narrower toward the periphery of the distribution range of species. Peripheral populations of generalist species could then be more specialized and have a smaller and differentiated realized niche (habitat niche in our study) compared to populations at the core. Likewise, patterns of microhabitat selection can differ between periphery and core. In our study, we compared niche size and microhabitat selection among core (Bulgaria) and northern peripheral (Germany, Czech Republic) populations of Lacerta viridis and estimated niche differentiation among regions. We collected data on vegetation structure and abiotic parameters at the microhabitat scale in each region. In order to compare niche size among regions and estimate niche differentiation, we built multidimensional niche hypervolumes. We applied generalized linear mixed models and model averaging, accounting for spatial autocorrelation when necessary, to analyze microhabitat differences among regions and microhabitat selection in each region. Peripheral populations were more specialized, having a smaller niche than core ones, and their niche differed from that in the core (Sørensen overlap in all comparisons <0.3). Microhabitats at the periphery had lower radiation and soil compaction and less structured vegetation. Microhabitat selection at the core depended solely on abiotic parameters, while at the periphery it was defined by only vegetation structure (Czech Republic) or a combination of both, vegetation structure, and abiotic factors (Germany). Thus, peripheral populations seem to compensate for overall harsher climatic conditions by responding to different parameters of the microhabitat compared to core populations. We suggest specific conservation measures for L. virids in each studied region and point out the general implications of a higher specialization degree of peripheral populations in relation to climate change and habitat fragmentation.
Fine‐scale population differences in Atlantic cod reproductive success: A potential mechanism for ecological speciation in a marine fish
Authors: Roney Nancy E. , Oomen Rebekah A. , Knutsen Halvor , Olsen Esben M. , Hutchings Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2018

Successful resource‐management and conservation outcomes ideally depend on matching the spatial scales of population demography, local adaptation, and threat mitigation. For marine fish with high dispersal capabilities, this remains a fundamental challenge. Based on daily parentage assignments of more than 4,000 offspring, we document fine‐scaled temporal differences in individual reproductive success for two spatially adjacent (<10 km) populations of a broadcast‐spawning marine fish. Distinguished by differences in genetics and life history, Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from inner‐ and outer‐fjord populations were allowed to compete for mating and reproductive opportunities. After accounting for phenotypic variability in several traits, reproductive success of outer‐fjord cod was significantly lower than that of inner‐fjord cod. This finding, given that genomically different cod ecotypes inhabit inner‐ and outer‐fjord waters, raises the intriguing hypothesis that the populations might be diverging because of ecological speciation. Individual reproductive success, skewed within both sexes (more so among males), was positively affected by body size, which also influenced the timing of reproduction, larger individuals spawning later among females but earlier among males. Our work suggests that spatial mismatches between management and biological units exist in marine fishes and that studies of reproductive interactions between putative populations or ecotypes can provide an informative basis on which determination of the scale of local adaptation can be ascertained.
The extended consequences of genetic conductivity: Mating distance affects community phenotypes in Norway spruce
Authors: Axelsson Erik Petter , Senior John Keith
Published: October 2018

Anthropogenic landscape‐level alterations such as habitat fragmentation and long distance translocation of genetic material are currently altering the genetic connectivity and structure of forest tree populations globally. As the susceptibility of individual trees to dependent organisms is often genetically determined, it is possible that these genetic changes may extend beyond individuals to affect associated communities. To test this, we examined how variation in crossing distance among the progeny of 18 controlled crosses of Norway spruce (Picea abies) populations occurring across central Sweden affected chemical defense, and subsequently, a small community of galling Adelges aphids infecting planted trees at two common garden trails. Although crossing distance did not influence growth, vitality or reproduction in the studied population, it did influence the expression of one candidate defensive chemical compound, apigenin, which was found in higher concentrations within outcrossed trees. We also show that this variation in apigenin induced by crossing distance correlated with susceptibility to one member of the galling community but not the other. Furthermore, the effect of crossing distance on galling communities and the general susceptibility of Norway spruce to infection also varied with environment. Specifically, in the more benign environment, inbred trees suffered greater gall infection than outcrossed trees, which is contrary to general predictions that the effects of inbreeding should be more pronounced in harsher environments. These findings suggest that the effects of variation in crossing distance in forest trees can extend beyond the individual to influence whole communities.
Relationships between humans and ungulate prey shape Amur tiger occurrence in a core protected area along the Sino‐Russian border
Authors: Xiao Wenhong , Hebblewhite Mark , Robinson Hugh , Feng Limin , Zhou Bo , Mou Pu , Wang Tianming , Ge Jianping
Published: October 2018

Large carnivore populations are globally threatened by human impacts. Better protection could benefit carnivores, co‐occurring species, and the ecosystems they inhabit. The relationship between carnivores and humans, however, is not always consistent in areas of high human activities and is often mediated through the effects of humans on their ungulate prey. To test assumptions regarding how prey abundance and humans affect carnivore occurrence, density, and daily activity patterns, we assessed tiger–prey–human spatiotemporal patterns based on camera‐trapping data in Hunchun Nature Reserve, a promising core area for tiger restoration in China. Our study area contained seasonally varying levels of human disturbance in summer and winter. We used N‐mixture models to predict the relative abundance of ungulate prey considering human and environmental covariates. We estimated tiger spatial distribution using occupancy models and models of prey relative abundance from N‐mixture models. Finally, we estimated temporal activity patterns of tigers and prey using kernel density estimates to test for temporal avoidance between tigers, prey, and humans. Our results show that human‐related activities depressed the relative abundance of prey at different scales and in different ways, but across species, the relative abundance of prey directly increased tiger occupancy. Tiger occupancy was strongly positively associated with the relative abundance of sika deer in summer and winter. The crepuscular and nocturnal tigers also apparently synchronized their activity with that of wild boar and roe deer. However, tigers temporally avoided human activity without direct spatial avoidance. Our study supports the effects of humans on tigers through human impacts on prey populations. Conservation efforts may not only target human disturbance on predators, but also on prey to alleviate human–carnivore conflict.
Within‐species trade‐offs in plant‐stimulated soil enzyme activity and growth, flowering, and seed size
Authors: Gomola Courtney E. , McKay John K. , Wallenstein Matthew D. , Wagg Cameron , O'Brien Michael J.
Published: October 2018

Soil microbial communities affect species demographic rates of plants. In turn, plants influence the composition and function of the soil microbiome, potentially resulting in beneficial feedbacks that alter their fitness and establishment. For example, differences in the ability to stimulate soil enzyme activity among plant lineages may affect plant growth and reproduction. We used a common garden study to test differences in plant‐stimulated soil enzyme activity between lineages of the same species across developmental stages. Lineages employed different strategies whereby growth, days to flowering and seed size traded‐off with plant‐stimulated soil enzyme activity. Specifically, the smaller seeded lineage stimulated more enzyme activity at the early stage of development and flowered earlier while the larger seeded lineage sustained lower but consistent enzyme activity through development. We suggest that these lineages, which are both successful invaders, employ distinct strategies (a colonizer and a competitor) and differ in their influence on soil microbial activity. Synthesis. The ability to influence the soil microbial community by plants may be an important trait that trades off with growth, flowering, and seed size for promoting plant establishment, reproduction, and invasion.
Males increase call frequency, not intensity, in response to noise, revealing no Lombard effect in the little torrent frog
Authors: Zhao Longhui , Sun Xiaoqian , Chen Qinghua , Yang Yue , Wang Jichao , Ran Jianghong , Brauth Steven E. , Tang Yezhong , Cui Jianguo
Published: October 2018

Noise is one of the main factors that can influence the processes of sound communication across a wide range of animal groups. Although the effects of ambient noise on animal communication, including anthropogenic noise, have received increasing attention, few studies have examined changes in the fine structure of acoustic signals produced by vocalizing species in constantly noisy environments. Here, we used natural recordings to determine the associations between stream noise and call parameters in the little torrent frog (Amolops torrentis). We also used playbacks of stream noise recorded in natural habitats and playbacks of white noise to examine how male vocal signals change with increasing noise levels. The results show that noise intensity has a significant effect on male call frequency, but not on call amplitude or other call characteristics. Based on this evidence, we suggest that in streamside species stream noise drives males to alter call frequency and call as loudly as possible in order to improve discriminability. These findings provide insights into the role played by ecological selection in the evolution of noise‐dependent anuran vocal plasticity.
No support for the sexy‐sperm hypothesis in the seed beetle: Sons of monandrous females fare better in post‐copulatory competition
Authors: Hook Kristin A.
Published: October 2018

The sexy‐sperm hypothesis posits that polyandrous females derive an indirect fitness benefit from multi‐male mating because they increase the probability their eggs are fertilized by males whose sperm have high fertilizing efficiency, which is assumed to be heritable and conferred on their sons. However, whether this process occurs is contentious because father‐to‐son heritability may be constrained by the genetic architecture underlying traits important in sperm competition within certain species. Previous empirical work has revealed such genetic constraints in the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, a model system in sperm competition studies in which female multi‐male mating is ubiquitous. Using the seed beetle, I tested a critical prediction of the sexy‐sperm hypothesis that polyandrous females produce sons that are on average more successful under sperm competition than sons from monandrous females. Contrary to the prediction of the sexy‐sperm hypothesis, I found that sons from monandrous females had significantly higher relative paternity in competitive double matings. Moreover, post hoc analyses revealed that these sons produced significantly larger ejaculates when second to mate, despite being smaller. This study is the first to provide empirical evidence for post‐copulatory processes favoring monandrous sons and discusses potential explanations for the unexpected bias in paternity.
Repetitive levosimendan infusions for patients with advanced chronic heart failure in the vulnerable post‐discharge period
Authors: Pölzl Gerhard , Allipour Birgani Shadab , Comín‐Colet Josep , Delgado Juan F. , Fedele Francesco , García‐Gonzáles Martín Jesús , Gustafsson Finn , Masip Josep , Papp Zoltán , Störk Stefan , Ulmer Hanno , Vrtovec Bojan , Wikström Gerhard , Altenberger Johann
Published: October 2018

Hospitalization for acute heart failure (HF) is associated with a substantial morbidity burden and with associated healthcare costs and an increased mortality risk. However, few if any major medical innovations have been witnessed in this area in recent times. Levosimendan is a first‐in‐class calcium sensitizer and potassium channel opener indicated for the management of acute HF. Experience in several clinical studies has indicated that administration of intravenous levosimendan in intermittent cycles may reduce hospitalization and mortality rates in patients with advanced HF; however, none of those trials were designed or powered to give conclusive insights into that possibility. This paper describes the rationale and protocol of LeoDOR (levosimendan infusions for patients with advanced chronic heart failure), a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, international, multicentre trial that will explore the efficacy and safety of intermittent levosimendan therapy, in addition to optimized standard therapy, in patients following hospitalization for acute HF. Salient features of LeoDOR include the use of two treatment regimens, in order to evaluate the effects of different schedules and doses of levosimendan during a 12 week treatment phase, and the use of a global rank primary endpoint, in which all patients are ranked across three hierarchical groups ranging from time to death or urgent heart transplantation or implantation of a ventricular assist device to time to rehospitalization and, lastly, time‐averaged proportional change in N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide. Secondary endpoints include changes in HF symptoms and functional status at 14 weeks.
A Self‐Assembled Heterometallic {Co7–Ho1} Nanocluster: 3d‐4f Trimeric Keggin‐Type Silicotungstate [HoCo7Si3W29O108(OH)5 (H2O)4]18– and its Catalytic and Magnetic Applications
Authors: Das Vivek , Khan Imran , Hussain Firasat , Sadakane Masahiro , Hageo Kazuki , Ichihashi Katsuya , Inoue Katsuya , Nishihara Sadafumi
Published: November 2018

A new self assembled Co2+ and Ho3+‐substituted polyoxometalate have been synthesized using a trilacunary Keggin‐type silicotungstate. The polyanion complex of the formula [HoCo7Si3W29O108(OH)5(H2O)4]18– (1) has a trimeric crystal structure which displayed an excellent catalytic and magnetic property. Here, we have carried out selective oxidation of various alcohol substrates such as derivatives of benzyl alcohol, cyclohexanol etc. to its corresponding aldehydes/ketones. The paramagnetic nature of the compound was seen from the magnetic study. However, antiferromagnetic interaction was observed between Co2+‐Co2+ or Co2+‐Ho3+ at a very low temperature. The compound was characterized by FT‐IR, UV/Visible spectroscopy, Single crystal X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray powder diffraction, high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR‐ESI‐MS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Photoactive Molecular‐Based Devices, Machines and Materials: Recent Advances
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Canton Martina , Casimiro Lorenzo , Corra Stefano , Groppi Jessica , La Rosa Marcello , Silvi Serena , Credi Alberto
Published: November 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Alberto Credi from Università di Bologna and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Italy. The cover image shows a multiphotochromic molecule and its configurational isomers, which can be reversibly interconverted by light in solution and in the solid state.
Bimetallic Oriented (Au/Cu2O) vs. Monometallic 1.1.1 Au (0) or 2.0.0 Cu2O Graphene‐Supported Nanoplatelets as Very Efficient Catalysts for Michael and Henry Additions
Authors: Simion Andrada , Candu Natalia , Coman Simona M. , Primo Ana , Esteve‐Adell Ivan , Michelet Véronique , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: October 2018

Michael and Henry addition reactions have been investigated using mono (Au and Cu2O) and bimetallic nanoplatelets (Au/Cu2O) grafted onto few‐layers graphene (fl‐G) films as heterogeneous catalysts by comparison with homogeneous NaOH and K2CO3 ones. In the presence of the heterogeneous catalysts, these reactions occurred in the absence of any extrinsic (NaOH and K2CO3) base with turnover numbers (TONs) at least four orders of magnitude higher. While the homogeneous catalysts provided TONs close to the unity for Au/Cu2O/fl‐G this was of the order of 107. These reactions also occurred with a very good selectivity to the targeted products. These performances are in line with the basicity of these catalysts demonstrated from CO2 chemisorption measurements. The effect of the nanosize and the interaction of the nanoparticles with the graphene are also important to achieve this high activity.
Synthesis of an Alkyne‐Modified Bleomycin Disaccharide Precursor, Conversion to a 18F‐Labeled Radiotracer, and Preliminary in vivo‐PET Imaging Studies
Authors: Maity Sajal K. , Yim Cheng‐Bin , Jadhav Satish , Verhassel Alejandra , Tuomela Johanna , Solin Olof , Grönroos Tove J. , Virta Pasi
Published: October 2018

The bleomycins (BLMs) are known antitumor antibiotics composed of the tumoricidal and tumor seeking domains. The peptide structure of BLMs is responsible for the cytotoxicity by selective oxidative cleavage of DNA (and RNA), while the tumor cell selectivity and internalization resides in the disaccharide moiety (i.e. BLM disaccharide). This has prompted researchers to utilize BLM disaccharide and its derivatives as constituents for the selective recognition of tumor cells, which may find further applications as new tumor imaging tools or drug delivery vehicles. In the present study a high yielding synthesis of an alkyne modified BLM disaccharide precursor that may be used as a useful agent for the click conjugation, its conversion to a 18F‐labeled radiotracer, and preliminary in vivo PET imaging studies of the tracer with breast cancer (MCF‐7) xenograft mouse models are described.
Antibiotics from Carbon Dioxide: Sustainable Pathways to Pharmaceutically Relevant Cyclic Carbamates
Authors: Niemi Teemu , Repo Timo
Published: November 2018

As a versatile and sustainable C1 source, carbon dioxide can substitute toxic reagents such as isocyanates and phosgene in many organic syntheses. In particular, it readily couples with amines to give various carbamate species. This reactivity can be exploited in the synthesis of cyclic carbamates, which are structural motifs found in many antibiotics and other pharmaceutically relevant or otherwise high value‐added compounds. In this Minireview, we explore the four major categories of carbon dioxide‐based syntheses of cyclic carbamates: cycloaddition of CO2 into aziridines, epoxide‐based methods, cyclization of unsaturated compounds, and cyclization of amino alcohols.
Automatic detecting and counting magnetic beads‐labeled target cells from a suspension in a microfluidic chip
Authors: Song Zhenyu , Li Mengqi , Li Bao , Yan Yimo , Song Yongxin
Published: October 2018

A novel microfluidic method of continually detecting and counting beads‐labeled cells from a cell mixture without fluorescence labeling was presented in this paper. The detection system is composed of a microfluidic chip (with a permanent magnet inserted along the channel), a signal amplification circuit, and a LabView® based data acquisition device. The microfluidic chip can be functionally divided into separation zone and detection zone. By flowing the pre‐labeled sample solution, the target cells will be sequentially separated at the separation zone by the permanent magnet and detected and counted at the detection zone by a microfluidic resistive pulse sensor. Experiments of positive separation and detection of T‐lymphocytes and negative separation and detection of cancer cells from the whole blood samples were carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method. The methodology of utilizing size difference between magnetic beads and cell‐magnetic beads complex for beads‐labeled cell detection is simple, automatic, and particularly suitable for beads‐based immunoassay without using fluorescence labeling.
E2ARC: Energy‐efficient adaptive resource block allocation with low complexity in device‐to‐device communication
Authors: Gandotra Pimmy , Jha Rakesh Kumar , Jain Sanjeev
Published: October 2018

The massive spread of the smart devices demanding high data rate and delay‐sensitized applications has escalated energy consumption levels in the fifth‐generation (5G) wireless communication networks (WCNs). It thus becomes imperative for the mobile network operators to meet the tremendous subscriber demands using energy‐efficient techniques. The limited battery capacities of the mobile terminals (MTs) further make energy efficiency (EE) critical. Device‐to‐device (D2D) communication ensues to be a key enabler technology in the realization of an energy‐efficient 5G WCN. It also serves as a paramount technology for green communication. This paper studies a resource allocation scheme, which iteratively accentuates adaptive reuse of resource blocks (RBs) from the active cellular users to the D2D pairs in a tri‐sectored cell. The cellular users involved in RB allocation to pairs are termed as active. Required count of RBs for each D2D pair is chosen by employing the hidden Markov model. The RB reuse strategy favors enhancement in throughput. The proposed energy‐efficient adaptive RB allocation with low complexity (E2ARC) scheme aims to guarantee ample RBs to individual D2D pairs to optimize the power consumption levels. With advanced throughput and optimal power, augmentation in EE is achieved with a high degree of fairness. E2ARC also comprehends low complexity. The efficacy of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by the simulation results.
Maximizing energy usage in a synergistic organic soil amendments production system for improved soil productivity: A review of opportunities for the drier savannas of nigeria
Authors: Dawaki Mansur Usman , Lado Abdulrahman , Yusuf Maharaz Alhaji , Lawan Bassam A. , Galadanci Umar F.
Published: October 2018

This article presents a review on the opportunities available in the drier savannahs of Northern Nigeria for the production of soil organic amendments to improve soil productivity and enhance carbon sequestration through a synergistic system. The use of soil organic amendments in the farming systems of the drier savannas of Nigeria is below optimal principally because of the low level of awareness among small‐holder farmers in the region and production cost/benefit disadvantage. Given the large quantities of organic wastes generated in expanding cities in the region and non‐feed agricultural waste resources from rural and peri‐urban areas, there is potential to approach waste management from the perspective of waste conversion in a synergistic approach to minimize production cost especially in the form of energy savings. This will enhance the availability of materials such as biochar and compost which have been advocated as two principal materials with properties that can improve poor soils, such as those in the region under consideration. When coupled with risk management and extension strategies targeting farmer education, the products may be adoptable across the vast arable fields in the region thereby maximizing use advantage.