bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revision of the diagnosis and affinities of the metriorhynchoids (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) from the Rosso Ammonitico Veronese Formation (Jurassic of Italy) using specimen-level analyses
Authors: Cau Andrea
Published: July 2019

Neptunidraco ammoniticusis a thalattosuchian crocodylomorph from the Rosso Ammonitico Veronese Formation (RAVF, Middle Jurassic) of northern Italy. Erected from one partial specimen,Neptunidracois pivotal in reconstructing thalattosuchian evolution, being it the oldest known member of Metriorhynchidae. Two additional RAVF thalattosuchians have been referred toNeptunidraco. A revised diagnosis ofN. ammoniticusis provided here. Using a well-sampled phylogenetic data set of Crocodylomorpha, the affinities of all three RAVF thalattosuchian specimens are investigated simultaneously for the first time using parsimony tree-search strategies and Bayesian inference using the Fossilized Birth-Death with Sampled Ancestor (FBDSA) model. The results of the alternative analyses are not consistent in the placement of the RAVF specimens. The holotype ofN. ammoniticusis consequently referred to Metriorhynchidaeincertae sedis.The first referred specimen is recovered in various alternative placements among Metriorhynchoidea. The third and most fragmentary specimen is recovered as a crocodylomorph of uncertain affinities in the parsimony analysis and in the undated Bayesian analysis, and a metriorhynchoid sister taxon of the second RAVF specimen in the tip-dated Bayesian analysis. Only a subset of the results in the parsimony-based analyses supports the referral of the latter two specimens toNeptunidraco. The unusually high rate of morphological divergence for theNeptunidracobranch, inferred in previous iterations of the Bayesian inference analyses but not recovered in the novel analysis, was likely an artifact of thea prioriconstraint of all RAVF thalattosuchians into a single taxonomic unit, and of the arbitrarily fixed tip-age priors for the terminal taxa. These results confirm the utility of specimen-level morphological analysis and of combined tree-search strategies for inferring the affinities and the inclusiveness of fragmentary but significant fossil taxa, and reinforce the importance of incorporating stratigraphic uncertainty as prior in tip-dated Bayesian inference analyses.
Ameliorating Effect of Ganoderma lucidum on Combined Oral Contraceptive-induced Cardiometabolic Syndrome in Female Guinea Pigs
Authors: Oluwole Adediji Isaac , Adesola Babatope Stella , Chris Ezeibe Chiamaka , Ademola Adelakun Ayodele , Sunday Oluremi Adeolu , Olusegun Adepoju Paul , Gideon Faloye Taiwo
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of Ganoderma lucidum on selected biochemical indices for cardiometabolic risk.

Study Design: Case-control study.

Place and duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University between December, 2018-May, 2019.

Methods: The study included 32 female guinea pigs which were assigned into 4 groups (A-D) with 8 in each group. Group A animals served as control, group B animals received only monophasic combined oral contraceptives (COC), group C animals received monophasic COC and 50mg/kg of G. lucidum, group D animals received monophasic COC and 100 mg/kg of G. lucidum. All the test animals received their treatment once daily through oral gavage for 12 weeks. All animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last dose was given to the test groups. Blood sample was collected via cardiac puncture. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2 (Lp-PLA2), high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were determined using spectrophotometric methods and ELISA as appropriate. HOMA-IR was calculated using homeostasis model assessment index. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, post hoc, all values were expressed as mean±standard deviation. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: We observed that groups B (25%) and C (25%) animals had significantly higher levels of hsCRP, LpPLA2, TC, TG, LDL, FBG, IGF-1 and HOMA-IR when compared with groups A (25%) and D animals (25%) (p<0.05), however there was no significant statistical difference when groups B and C were compared. Also we observed higher levels of HDL in groups C and D animals when compared with groups A and B animals but not significant statistically.

Conclusion: The use of G. lucidum stymies the development of COC-induced cardiometabolic syndrome in a dose-dependent manner.
Phenolic and Mineral Characteristics of Seed Coats and Kernels from 24 Species from Raipur Area, India
Authors: Sahu Pravin Kumar , Chakradhari Suryakant , Deb Manas Kanti , Patel Khageshwar S. , Towett Erick K. , Martín-Ramos Pablo
Published: July 2019

Aims: The objective of the present work is the investigation of the physicochemical characteristics of seed coats and kernels from 24 species with medicinal and food applications.

Methodology: Seeds from 24 species (2 herbs, 11 vines and 11 trees), belonging to 13 families, were sampled in Raipur (India) in 2017. The collected seeds were dried and weighed, after which seed coats were manually peeled and separately weighed. Phenolic and mineral contents in the seed coats and kernels were analyzed by spectrophotometric and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques, respectively.

Results: The seed coat fraction represented from 12% to 95% of the seed mass, depending on the species. The concentrations of total polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals in the seed coats varied from 1800 to 32300 mg/kg, from 1200 to 26900 mg/kg, and from 5876 to 36499 mg/kg, respectively. In the seed kernels, TPh, Fla and minerals ranged from 780 to 31760 mg/kg, from 300 to 12020 mg/kg, and from 12595 to 40810 mg/kg, respectively. P, S, K, Mg, Ca and Fe were found to be the main macro- and micro-elements. Seed coats from Loganiaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Lauraceae and Rutaceae families featured the highest total polyphenol contents, and those from Lauraceae and Rutaceae families showed the highest flavonoid concentrations. The highest total mineral contents corresponded to seed coats from Lauraceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae families.

Conclusion: Indian-laurel and curry tree stand out as promising phytochemical and nutrient sources.
Multi-drug Resistance Pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from Paediatric Ward, General Hospital, Ikot-Ekpaw, Mkpat Enin LGA, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibanga I. A. , Akan O. D. , Uyanga F. Z. , Mantu E. C. , Asuquo M.
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study evaluated the Multi-drug resistance (MDR) pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from a paediatric ward and was conducted using standard clinical microbiological procedures.

Location and Duration of Study: The study was carried out on infant samples collected from the Paediatric ward, General Hospital, Ikot-Ekpaw,  Mkpat Enin LGA, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria, over three (3) months period.

Design of Study: Hundred swab-samples were inoculated on Mannitol salt agar. Positive growths were further biochemically confirmed for Staphylococcus aureus. Confirmed isolates were then used for MDR evaluation.

Results and Interpretation: Of the 100 samples from skin, wound, ear, throat and nose swabs, 28 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus and were subjected to a range of selected commercially available antibiotics like: Amoxicillin, ampiclox, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, rifampicin and streptomycin, to evaluate their susceptibilities. The wound swabs gave the highest isolate percentage yield (32%) followed by skin swabs (29%). Susceptibility results showed that amoxicillin and ampiclox were more resisted by the isolates, while ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and norfloxacin were more effective against the isolates. The Multiple antibiotics resistance (MAR) indices showed that 85.7% of the isolates had confirmed multi-drug resistance status, with 60.7% of the isolates showing resistance to between four or more of the tested antimicrobials. MAR indices revealed that 96.4% of the isolates had 0.3, indicating that the resistance resulted from isolates that adapted to the tested drugs due to some form of abuse. Restricted use of these drugs would help curtail the high resistance currently observed amongst microorganisms.
Prevalence of Tuberculosis among Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition at Ola during Children’s Hospital in Freetown Sierra Leone
Authors: Ide Lucy Eberechukwu Yaguo
Published: July 2019

Prevalence of Tuberculosis among Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition at Ola during Children’s Hospital in Freetown Sierra Leone. Worldwide, pediatric tuberculosis account for about 1million cases, annually, accounting for 10-15% of all tuberculosis; with more than 100,000 estimated mortality annually, it is also one of the 10 most common causes of childhood mortality. Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis among children with severe acute malnutrition at Ola During Children’s Hospital in Freetown Sierra Leone. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out at the therapeutic feeding center (TFC) of Ola During Children’s Hospital in 2018. An opportunistic sampling method in which every next patient whose mother gave consent was recruited until the number 74 was reached. Patients who met the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria for diagnosis of severe acute malnutrition were admitted into the TFC and consecutively selected and interviewed using a structured questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent, from their mothers or caregivers. All the mothers approached during the study period consented for the study. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was both clinically and by laboratory investigations, 74 children whose mothers/caregivers consented for the study were recruited. Data was entered into an excel spread sheet and analyzed using Epi info version 7. There were 74 children with a median age of 11 months ± 9.9SD. Forty (54.1%) Males and 34(45.9%) Females, with a M:F ratio of 1.18:1. Prevalence of tuberculosis was 20%. Diagnosis of Tuberculosis was based on clinical findings of extreme weight loss or failure to gain weight, Chest x-ray findings of perihilar infiltrates. Gene Xpert MTB RIF results were all negative 0(0%). Most of the mothers 59 (79.7%) were aged between 20-29 years, 45(60.9%) of them were petty traders, while 15(20.3%) had no formal education. The chi square was used to determine the statistical difference, there was no statistically significant difference between gender and TB, P= 0.3415, there is a statistically significant difference between no formal education and occurrence of tuberculosis in their children P= 0.0467.

Conclusions/Recommendations: Prevalence of Tuberculosis is still high among children with severe acute malnutrition. Gene Xpert MTB RIF was unable to make a bacteriological confirmation. There are difficulties with making bacteriological confirmation of tuberculosis in resource poor settings. Guidelines requiring mainly clinical parameters need to be developed for use in resource limited countries.
Palynological Characteristic of Dark Gray Clays in the Ivorian Onshore Basin at Southern Bingerville
Authors: Kouadio Gbangbot Jean-Michel , René Bié Goha , Jean-Paul Yao N’Goran , Bruno Digbéhi Zéli
Published: July 2019

Samples from two wells implanted at the level of the dark gray clay outcrop of Bingerville were the subject of this palynological study. The main objective of this work is to inventory all the palynomorphs encountered, to propose a local palynostratigraphy and to reconstitute the paleobotany of our study area during the Tertiary formations north of the lagoon fault. The samples were processed according to the classical procedure of extraction and concentration of palynomorphs.

The high populations of dinocysts of the genus Lejeunecysta lata, Opreculodinium centrocarpum and Selenopemphix quanta as well as those of spores and pollens of the genre Magnastriatites howardii, Perfotricolpites digitatus, Pachydermites diederixi, Bombacacidites bombax, Retitricolporites irregularis, Retitriporites sp. Verrucatosporites usmensis are tributary to Oligocene.

At the palaeobotanical and palaeoecological level, the highlighted palynoflora made it possible to characterize three environments, including mangroves, coastal plain, and rainforests.
Symbiosis of Silica Biomorphs and Magnetite Mesocrystals
Authors: Opel Julian , Brunner Julian , Zimmermanns Ramon , Steegmans Tristan , Sturm Elena , Kellermeier Matthias , Cölfen Helmut , García‐Ruiz Juan‐Manuel
Published: July 2019

Silica biomorphs are extraordinary inorganic superstructures formed via autocatalytic co‐precipitation and bottom‐up self‐assembly of alkaline‐earth carbonates and silica. However, they show no inherent functionality except for their striking textural motifs and curved morphologies. This work presents strategies to magnetize silica biomorphs, thus creating thermally stable ceramic microswimmers with unique elaborate shapes. This is achieved by growing super paramagnetic magnetite mesocrystals on and around the complex curved surfaces of biomorphs, while keeping their morphology and maintaining mesocrystal integrity. Selective mesocrystal formation on certain parts of the substrates is induced by chemical modification of the biomorph surface, increasing the loading of magnetite on the silica–carbonate structures and, in suitable cases, rendering them able to respond to external magnetic fields and move as microswimmer entities. In this way, the complex ultrastructure of silica biomorphs is successfully used as a template for functional ceramics. Furthermore, selective dissolution of the carbonate core from the biomorphs leads to hollow magnetic structures that could be filled with actives, thus serving as microcarriers with considerable loading capacity.
Bacteria‐Assisted Selective Photothermal Therapy for Precise Tumor Inhibition
Authors: Wang Shi‐Bo , Liu Xin‐Hua , Li Bin , Fan Jin‐Xuan , Ye Jing‐Jie , Cheng Han , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: July 2019

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has drawn extensive research attention as a promising approach for tumor treatment. In this study, a bacteria‐assisted strategy relying on the selective reduction of perylene diimide derivative based supramolecular complex (CPPDI) to radical anions (RAs) by Escherichia coli in hypoxic tumors is developed to realize highly precise PTT of tumors. Noninvasive E. coli are first injected intravenously for selectively accumulating and replicating in the tumor due to the hypoxia tropism. Then, CPPDI is loaded in a peptide‐hybrid matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) responsive liposome (MRL) and injected intravenously. After accumulated and released from MRL in the tumor where MMP‐2 is overexpressed, CPPDI is reduced by E. coli in the hypoxic tumor environment to produce CPPDI RAs (CRAs), which serve as effective photothermal agents for tumor cells thermal ablation under near‐infrared light irradiation. Since E. coli accumulate and grow in tumor sites selectively, this strategy accurately limits the production of CRAs in tumors for highly selective PTT, which will find great potential for precise tumor inhibition.
Supramolecular Toxin Complexes for Targeted Pharmacological Modulation of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Functions
Authors: Heck Astrid Johanna , Ostertag Theresa , Schnell Leonie , Fischer Stephan , Agrawalla Bikram Keshari , Winterwerber Pia , Wirsching Eva , Fauler Michael , Frick Manfred , Kuan Seah Ling , Weil Tanja , Barth Holger
Published: July 2019

The targeted pharmacological modulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) is of major medical interest. These innate immune cells play a central role in the defense against pathogenic microorganisms. However, their excessive chemotactic recruitment into tissues after traumatic injury is detrimental due to local and systemic inflammation. Rho‐GTPases, being the master regulators of the actin cytoskeleton, regulate migration and chemotaxis of PMNs, are attractive pharmacological targets. Herein, supramolecular protein complexes are assembled in a “mix‐and‐match” approach containing the specific Rho‐inhibiting clostridial C3 enzyme and three PMN‐binding peptides using an avidin platform. Selective delivery of the C3 Rho‐inhibitor with these complexes into the cytosol of human neutrophil‐like NB‐4 cells and primary human PMNs ex vivo is demonstrated, where they catalyze the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribosylation of Rho and induce a characteristic change in cell morphology. Notably, the complexes do not deliver C3 enzyme into human lung epithelial cells, A549 lung cancer cells, and immortalized human alveolar epithelial cells (hAELVi), demonstrating their cell type‐selectivity. The supramolecular complexes represent attractive molecular tools to decipher the role of PMNs in infection and inflammation or for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for diseases that are associated with hyperactivity and reactivity of PMNs such as post‐traumatic injury.
Hypotonic Stress Induces Fast, Reversible Degradation of the Vimentin Cytoskeleton via Intracellular Calcium Release
Authors: Pan Leiting , Zhang Ping , Hu Fen , Yan Rui , He Manni , Li Wan , Xu Jingjun , Xu Ke
Published: July 2019

The dynamic response of the cell to osmotic changes is critical to its physiology and is widely exploited for cell manipulation. Here, using three‐dimensional stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (3D‐STORM), a super‐resolution technique, the hypotonic stress‐induced ultrastructural changes of the cytoskeleton of a common fibroblast cell type are examined. Unexpectedly, these efforts lead to the discovery of a fast, yet reversible dissolution of the vimentin intermediate filament system that precedes ultrastructural changes of the supposedly more dynamic actin and tubulin cytoskeletal systems as well as changes in cell morphology. In combination with calcium imaging and biochemical analysis, it is shown that the vimentin‐specific fast cytoskeletal degradation under hypotonic stress is due to proteolysis by the calcium‐dependent protease calpain. The process is found to be activated by the hypotonic stress‐induced calcium release from intracellular stores, and is therefore efficiently suppressed by inhibiting any part of the IP3‐Ca2+‐calpain pathway established in this study. Together, these findings highlight an unexpected, fast degradation mechanism for the vimentin cytoskeleton in response to external stimuli, and point to the significant, yet previously overlooked physiological impacts of hypotonic stress‐induced intracellular calcium release on cell ultrastructure and function.
A Universal Principle to Design Reversible Aqueous Batteries Based on Deposition–Dissolution Mechanism
Authors: Liang Guojin , Mo Funian , Li Hongfei , Tang Zijie , Liu Zhuoxin , Wang Donghong , Yang Qi , Ma Longtao , Zhi Chunyi
Published: July 2019

Conventional charge storage mechanisms for electrode materials are common in widely exploited insertion/extraction processes, while some sporadic examples of chemical conversion mechanisms exist. It is perceived to be of huge potential, but it is quite challenging to develop new battery chemistry to promote battery performance. Here, an initiating and holistic deposition–dissolution battery mechanism for both cathodes and anodes is reported. A MnO2–Cu battery based on this mechanism demonstrates outstanding energy density (27.7 mWh cm−2), power density (1232 mW cm−2), high reversibility, and unusual Coulombic efficiency. It can be charged to 0.8 mAh cm−2 within 42 s and possessees a stable rate cyclability within vastly varied discharging current density (4–64 mA cm−2). Moreover, the deposition–dissolution mechanism can be universally adopted and derived such that the corresponding MnO2–Zn and MnO2–Bi batteries are successfully constructed. The material selection principle, deposition–dissolution behaviors of cathode/anode materials, and battery performance are systematically elaborated. Since the electrodeposition chemistry is capable of involving a large family of materials, for example, metal oxides as cathode materials, or metals as anode materials, the research could be a model system to open a door to explore new aqueous battery materials and chemistry.
Octopus‐Inspired Soft Arm with Suction Cups for Enhanced Grasping Tasks in Confined Environments
Authors: Mazzolai Barbara , Mondini Alessio , Tramacere Francesca , Riccomi Gianluca , Sadeghi Ali , Giordano Goffredo , Del Dottore Emanuela , Scaccia Massimiliano , Zampato Massimo , Carminati Stefano
Published: July 2019

Octopuses have impressive manipulation capabilities empowered by the intrinsic adaptation of their soft arms combined with distributed suckers. Drawing inspiration from the arm morphology and abilities of the octopus, the integrated design of a conical soft robotic arm endowed with suction cups is presented herein. The proposed arm exploits soft robotic technologies as in materials (combining stiff and soft silicones) and actuation (tendons to drive motion and fluidic channels for suction cup actuation) for retrieving objects in confined spaces of unknown shapes and sizes. The soft arm is able to grasp varied and complex‐shaped objects, to move in air, water, and oil, and to retrieve items immersed in a 70 mm diameter pipe, under pressure (up to 18 bar). Suction cups enable the arm to retrieve objects that would be impossible to grasp without them and help in improving the grasping force up to ≈1.4 times in air, ≈2.4 times in water, and ≈12.5 times in oil. The enhanced holding force (up to 3.3 N, ≈3.9 times arm weight) and a wide spectrum of objects negotiable by the arm make it a universal tool for object retrieval in confined spaces and wet conditions.
Oxidant‐Controlled Divergent Syntheses of Pyrazoles and Pyrroles by Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Coupling of β‐Enamino Esters
Authors: Jang Su San , Chang Jun Yeong , Kang Gil Yeong , Youn So Won
Published: July 2019

Copper(I)‐catalyzed oxidative annulations of β‐enamino esters with oxidant dependence are disclosed. These reactions offer divergent syntheses of fully substituted pyrazoles and pyrroles from a common enamine substrate through sequential C−C and N−N or C−N bond‐forming reactions in the presence of nitriles as reagent or cosolvent. A mechanism involving radical intermediates generated by single‐electron transfer (SET) is proposed for both processes.
Copper‐Catalyzed Group‐Transfer Radical Cyclization of γ,δ‐Unsaturated Oxime Esters: Synthesis of Ester‐Functionalized Pyrrolines
Authors: Zhao Jinghui , Bao Yinwei , Wang Yuebo , Chen Chen , Zhu Bolin
Published: July 2019

We have realized an atom‐economical reaction for the synthesis of ester‐functionalized pyrrolines via a copper‐catalyzed group‐transfer radical cyclization of γ,δ‐unsaturated oxime esters, during which a new C−N bond, a new C−O bond and a five‐membered ring were formed in one step. By using this protocol, a sequence of structurally diversiform acyloxyl‐substituted pyrrolines bearing a quaternary carbon center were obtained in moderate to good yields (35–95%).
Beyond Bergmann's rule: Global variability in human body composition is associated with annual average precipitation and annual temperature volatility
Authors: Wells Jonathan C. , Saunders Mark A. , Lea Adam S. , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Shirley Meghan K.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Human populations exhibit substantial geographical variability in body size and shape. However, the ecological stresses underlying this morphological variability remain poorly understood. The prevailing evolutionary explanation, “Bergmann's rule” assumes that morphological variability represents an adaptive response to average thermal conditions. We hypothesized that other climate factors—annual average precipitation, a marker of ecological productivity and inter‐annual temperature volatility, a marker of infectious disease spikes—may also contribute to variability in body composition.

Materials and Methods

We explored this hypothesis by examining associations between these climate factors and geographic variability in body composition across 133 male and 105 female populations from nonindustrialized settings. We used monthly climate data over 113 years (1901–2013) to develop new climate indices for all worldwide land areas. We stratified our analyses by hot/cold setting (>/<20°C).

Results

In hot environments, lean mass increased as predicted in association with ecological productivity, and decreased in association with ecological volatility. Conversely, levels of body fat increased in association with temperature volatility and precipitation. However, in cold settings, equivalent associations were only partially consistent with our hypotheses, and there was suggestive evidence of sex differences in these associations.

Discussion

Beyond associations with mean annual temperature predicted by Bergmann's rule, variability in human body composition is also associated with mean annual temperature and inter‐annual temperature volatility, with these associations further differing between hot and cold settings. Collectively, our results suggest that associations of human body composition with climate are complex for both physique (fat‐free mass) and energy stores (adiposity).
Atomic/Molecular Layer Deposited Iron–Azobenzene Framework Thin Films for Stimuli‐Induced Gas Molecule Capture/Release
Authors: Khayyami Aida , Philip Anish , Karppinen Maarit
Published: July 2019

The atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) technique provides an elegant way to grow crystalline metal–azobenzene thin films directly from gaseous precursors; the photoactive azobenzene linkers thus form an integral part of the crystal framework. Reversible water capture/release behavior for these thin films can be triggered through the trans–cis photoisomerization reaction of the azobenzene moieties in the structure. The ALD/MLD approach could open up new horizons for example, for the emerging fields of remotely controlled drug delivery and gas storage.
Design and preparation of magnetic mesoporous melamine–formaldehyde resin: A novel material for pre‐concentration and determination of silver
Authors: Zhao Yanfang , Xu Lubin , Yang Chenggen , Chen Tian , Yu Lei
Published: July 2019

Using commercially available melamine and formaldehyde as the starting materials, a magnetic mesoporous melamine–formaldehyde resin (MMF@Fe3O4) possessing large surface area was prepared via a simple method and could be used as an efficient adsorbent for magnetic solid‐phase extraction. Compared with the traditional synthetic methods of MMF@Fe3O4, this approach is easily operated under mild conditions, is time‐saving and environmentally friendly, and can produce the material in high yields. The as‐prepared MMF@Fe3O4 possesses good adsorption capacity and selectivity for silver ions. The affecting factors such as pH, amount of MMF@Fe3O4, extraction time, desorption solvent, eluent concentration and sample volume were systematically investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the material exhibited a good response to silver ions at concentrations in the range 2.0–200 μg l−1 with good linearity (r2 = 0.9982), while the limit of detection was found to be 0.12 μg l−1. The material was successfully applied to the determination of silver in a variety of water samples.
Temporal and Geographical Variability of Prevalence and Incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnoses in Children in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Pérez‐Crespo Laura , Prats‐Uribe Albert , Tobias Aurelio , Duran‐Tauleria Enric , Coronado Ricard , Hervás Amaia , Guxens Mònica
Published: July 2019

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in 2017 and the ASD diagnosis incidence between 2009 and 2017 in children living in Catalonia region in Spain, and their temporal and geographical variability. We used administrative data for all children aged 2–17 years who were insured in the public Catalan Health System between 2009 and 2017. We identified all ASD cases diagnosed between 2009 and 2017 (ICD‐9 codes 299.0, 299.1, 299.8, and 299.9). We estimated the ASD prevalence in 2017 and the overall annual incidence between 2009 and 2017, then stratified by sex, age group, and healthcare area. We used Poisson regression models to assess temporal trends in the incidence and mixed‐effects Poisson regression models to assess geographical variability. We observed an ASD prevalence of 1.23% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–1.25) in 2017, with 1.95% (95% CI 1.92–1.99) for boys and 0.46% (95% CI 0.44–0.48) for girls, the highest prevalence being in 11‐ to 17‐year‐olds (1.80%, 95% CI 1.76–1.83). The ASD diagnosis incidence increased from 0.07% (95% CI 0.06–0.09) in 2009 to 0.23% (95% CI 0.21–0.24) in 2017, with a higher increase in girls, and in children aged 2–5 years at the time of diagnosis. We only observed geographical differences in prevalence in the 2017 data. We also detected a threefold increase in the diagnosis incidence overall, which was even more pronounced in girls and at early ages. In conclusion, the ASD prevalence observed in this study was 1.23% in 2017, with a sex ratio of 4.5 in favor of boys, which is consistent with previous studies. Autism Res2019. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are currently well known in our society as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders during childhood. The results of our study showed that, in 2017 in Catalonia, slightly more than one in a 100 children had an ASD diagnosis, it was more common in boys than in girls, and also in older children. In addition, between 2009 and 2017, we observed an increase in the number of new cases diagnosed each year. The data presented in this study will assist in planning and evaluating the needs of health services in this geographical region.
Insight into the interaction of benzothiazole tethered triazole analogues with human serum albumin: Spectroscopy and molecular docking approaches
Authors: Yadav Priyanka , Kumar Yadav Jitendra , Dixit Arvind Kumar , Agarwal Alka , Kumar Awasthi Satish
Published: July 2019

The interaction of four benzothiazole tethered triazole analogues (MS43, MS70, MS71, and MS78) with human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated using various spectroscopic techniques (ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) light absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD), molecular docking and density functional theory (DFT) studies). Fluorescence quenching constants (~1012) revealed a static mode of quenching and binding constants (Kb ~104) indicating the strong affinity of these analogues for HSA. Further alteration in the secondary structure of HSA in the presence of these analogues was also confirmed by far UV–CD spectroscopy. The intensity loss in CD studied at 222 nm indicated an increase in random coil/β‐sheet conformations in the protein. Binding energy values (MS71 (−9.3 kcal mol−1), MS78 (−8.02 kcal mol−1), MS70 (−7.16 kcal mol−1) and MS43 (−6.81 kcal mol−1)) obtained from molecular docking revealed binding of these analogues with HSA. Molecular docking and DFT studies validated the experimental results, as these four analogues bind with HSA at site II through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.
Know how to respond to ‘offensive’ speech involving faculty members, other employees
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2019

It certainly can be confusing to determine when campus employees’ speech qualifies for protection under the First Amendment versus when it crosses the line and can be squashed. To help clarify the issue, review the insights and guidance offered by William Thro, Esq., general counsel at the University of Kentucky; Will Creeley, Esq., senior vice president of legal and public advocacy with FIRE; Louis H. Guard, Esq., vice president and general counsel at Hobart and William Smith Colleges; and K.B. Melear, Ph.D., professor of higher education and affiliate faculty in the School of Law at the University of Mississippi. They spoke at Stetson University's National Conference on the Law & Higher Education.
Did court dismiss student's Title IX claim against her university?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: July 2019

The plaintiff, a first‐year Catholic University of America student and lacrosse player, reported to a resident assistant in 2012 that she was raped in her residence‐hall room by a freshman football player.
Phenylalanine meta‐Hydroxylase: A Single Residue Mediates Mechanistic Control of Aromatic Amino Acid Hydroxylation
Authors: Grüschow Sabine , Sadler Joanna C. , Sharratt Peter J. , Goss Rebecca J. M.
Published: July 2019

The rare nonproteinogenic amino acid, meta‐l‐tyrosine is biosynthetically intriguing. Whilst the biogenesis of tyrosine from phenylalanine is well characterised, the mechanistic basis for meta‐hydroxylation is unknown. Herein, we report the analysis of 3‐hydroxylase (Phe3H) from Streptomyces coeruleorubidus. Insights from kinetic analyses of the wild‐type enzyme and key mutants as well as of the biocatalytic conversion of synthetic isotopically labelled substrates and fluorinated substrate analogues advance understanding of the process by which meta‐hydroxylation is mediated, revealing T202 to play an important role. In the case of the WT enzyme, a deuterium label at the 3‐position is lost, whereas in in the T202A mutant 75 % retention is observed, with loss of stereospecificity. These data suggest that one of two possible mechanisms is at play; direct, enzyme‐catalysed deprotonation following electrophilic aromatic substitution or stereospecific loss of one proton after a 1,2‐hydride shift. Furthermore, our kinetic parameters for Phe3H show efficient regiospecific generation of meta‐l‐tyrosine from phenylalanine and demonstrate the enzyme's ability to regiospecifically hydroxylate unnatural fluorinated substrates.
Short‐term safety and long‐term benefits of stent postdilation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Results of a cohort study
Authors: Saadat Nasser , Saadatagah Seyedmohammad , Aghajani Nargesi Arash , Alidoosti Mohammad , Poorhosseini Hamidreza , Amirzadegan Alireza , Lashkari Reza , Mortazavi Seyedeh Hamideh , Jalali Arash , Ghodsi Saeed , Salarifar Mojtaba
Published: July 2019

Aim

Achieving the optimal apposition of coronary stents during percutaneous coronary intervention is not always feasible. The risks and benefits of stent postdilation in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have remained controversial. We sought to evaluate the immediate angiographic and long‐term outcomes in patients with and without stent postdilation.

Methods

A cohort of patients (n = 1,224) with STEMI, treated with PPCI (n = 500 postdilated; n = 724 controls), were studied. The flow grade, the myocardial blush grade, and the frame count were considered angiographic outcomes. The clinical outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)—comprising cardiac death, nonfatal MI, and repeat revascularization—and the device‐oriented composite endpoint (DOCE)—consisting of cardiac death, target lesion revascularization, and target vessel revascularization.

Results

The flow and myocardial blush grades were not different between the two groups, and the frame count was significantly lower in the postdilation group (15.7 ± 8.4 vs. 17 ± 10.4; p < .05). The patients were followed up for 348 ± 399 days. DOCE (2.2% vs. 5.8%) and cardiac mortality (1.2% vs. 3.2%) were lower in the postdilation group. In the fully adjusted propensity score‐matched analysis, postdilation was associated with decreased DOCE (HR = 0.40 [0.18–0.87], p = .021).

Conclusions

Selective postdilation improved some angiographic and clinical outcomes and could not be discouraged in PPCI on patients with STEMI.
Temperature Control of Sequential Nucleation–Growth Mechanisms in Hierarchical Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Osypenko Artem , Moulin Emilie , Gavat Odile , Fuks Gad , Maaloum Mounir , Koenis Mark A. J. , Buma Wybren Jan , Giuseppone Nicolas
Published: July 2019

Upon cooling in solution, chiral triarylamine tris‐amide unimers produce organogels by stacking into helical supramolecular polymers, which subsequently bundle into larger fibers. Interestingly, circular dichroism, vibrational circular dichroism, and AFM imaging of the chiral self‐assemblies revealed that monocolumnar P‐helical fibrils formed upon fast cooling, whereas bundled M‐superhelical fibers formed upon slow cooling. The mechanistic study of this structural bifurcation reveals the presence of a strong memory effect, reminiscent of a complex stepwise combination of primary and secondary nucleation‐growth processes. These results highlight the instrumental role of sequential self‐assembly processes to control supramolecular architectures of multiple hierarchical order.
Enantiomeric impurities in chiral catalysts, auxiliaries, and synthons used in enantioselective syntheses. Part 5
Authors: Thakur Nimisha , Patil Rahul A. , Talebi Mohsen , Readel Elizabeth R. , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: July 2019

The enantiomeric excess of chiral starting materials is one of the important factors determining the enantiopurity of products in asymmetric synthesis. Fifty‐one commercially available chiral reagents used as building blocks, catalysts, and auxiliaries in various enantioselective syntheses were assayed for their enantiomeric purity. The test results were classified within five impurities level (ie, <0.01%, 0.01%‐0.1%, 0.1%‐1%, 1%‐10%, >10%). Previously from 1998 to 2013, several reports have been published on the enantiomeric composition of more than 300 chiral reagents. This series of papers is necessitated by the fact that new reagents are forthcoming and that the enantiomeric purity of the same reagent can vary from batch to batch and/or from supplier to supplier. This report presents chiral liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) methods to separate enantiomers of chiral compounds and evaluate their enantiomeric purities. The accurate and efficient LC analysis was done using newly introduced superficially porous particle (SPP 2.7 μm) based chiral stationary phases (TeicoShell, VancoShell, LarihcShell‐P, and NicoShell).
Invasive and antiplatelet treatment of patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction: Understanding and addressing the global risk‐treatment paradox
Authors: Ahrens Ingo , Averkov Oleg , Zúñiga Eduardo C. , Fong Alan Y. Y. , Alhabib Khalid F. , Halvorsen Sigrun , Abdul Kader Muhamad A. B. S. K. , Sanz‐Ruiz Ricardo , Welsh Robert , Yan Hongbin , Aylward Philip
Published: July 2019

Clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) recommend an invasive strategy with cardiac catheterization, revascularization when clinically appropriate, and initiation of dual antiplatelet therapy regardless of whether the patient receives revascularization. However, although patients with NSTEMI have a higher long‐term mortality risk than patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), they are often treated less aggressively; with those who have the highest ischemic risk often receiving the least aggressive treatment (the “treatment‐risk paradox”). Here, using evidence gathered from across the world, we examine some reasons behind the suboptimal treatment of patients with NSTEMI, and recommend approaches to address this issue in order to improve the standard of healthcare for this group of patients. The challenges for the treatment of patients with NSTEMI can be categorized into four “P” factors that contribute to poor clinical outcomes: patient characteristics being heterogeneous; physicians underestimating the high ischemic risk compared with bleeding risk; procedure availability; and policy within the healthcare system. To address these challenges, potential approaches include: developing guidelines and protocols that incorporate rigorous definitions of NSTEMI; risk assessment and integrated quality assessment measures; providing education to physicians on the management of long‐term cardiovascular risk in patients with NSTEMI; and making stents and antiplatelet therapies more accessible to patients.
Microbiological evaluation of LOCATOR® Legacy attachments: A cross‐sectional clinical study
Authors: Nagy Ursina , Guédat Christophe , Giannopoulou Catherine , Schimmel Martin , Müller Frauke , Srinivasan Murali
Published: July 2019

Objective

This retrospective cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate quantitatively the oral microbiome in the tri‐lobe central cavity of Locator Legacy attachment and verify whether it harbors a different, potentially more pathogenic, bacterial spectrum than the adjacent edentulous ridge.

Materials and Methods

Edentulous patients rehabilitated with implant overdentures using Locator Legacy attachments were recruited for this study. The clinical examination comprised probing depths, mobility, peri‐implant, and periodontal health along with intraoral swabs for microbiological evaluation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and candida culture. The swabs were collected from the trilobed cavity of the attachment and the adjacent edentulous ridge. PCR was performed to detect six specific bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, and Parvimonas micra. Statistical analyses were performed using McNemar's test and Wilcoxon's rank sum test with the significance set to p < .05.

Results

A total of 50 participants with a mean age of 71.5 ± 9.6 years participated in the study. No significant differences in the microbiome were found between samples from the ridge and the attachment. No significantly different numbers in the candida cultures were identified, and the presence of a removable prostheses did not demonstrate a significant association with the prevalence of candida.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study and the investigated bacterial species, the trilobed cavity of the attachment does not seem to increase the bacterial load.
Foster professional development among faculty with these 3 approaches
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: July 2019

For students to be successful in their careers, you know they need to learn career‐enhancing skills just as much as the material covered in class. But do you offer the same career development opportunities for faculty members?
Utilizing the density of inventory samples to define a hybrid lattice for species distribution models: DISTRIB‐II for 135 eastern U.S. trees
Authors: Peters Matthew P. , Iverson Louis R. , Prasad Anantha M. , Matthews Stephen N.
Published: July 2019

Species distribution models (SDMs) provide useful information about potential presence or absence, and environmental conditions suitable for a species; and high‐resolution models across large extents are desirable. A primary feature of SDMs is the underlying spatial resolution, which can be chosen for many reasons, though we propose that a hybrid lattice, in which grid cell sizes vary with the density of forest inventory plots, provides benefits over uniform grids. We examine how the spatial grain size affected overall model performance for the Random Forest‐based SDM, DISTRIB, which was updated with recent forest inventories, climate, and soil data, and used a hybrid lattice derived from inventory densities.

Modeled habitat suitability was compared between a uniform grid of 10 × 10 and a hybrid lattice of 10 × 10 and 20 × 20 km grids to assess potential improvements. The resulting DISTRIB‐II models for 125 eastern U.S. tree species provide information on individual habitat suitability that can be mapped and statistically analyzed to understand current and potential changes.

Model performance metrics were comparable among the hybrid lattice and 10‐km grids; however, the hybrid lattice models generally had higher overall model reliability scores and were likely more representative of the inventory data.

Our efforts to update DISTRIB models with current information aims to produce a more representative depiction of recent conditions by accounting for the spatial density of forest inventory data and using the latest climate data. Additionally, we developed an approach that leverages a hybrid lattice to maximize the spatial information within the models and recommend that similar modeling efforts be used to evaluate the spatial density of response and predictor data and derive a modeling grid that best represents the environment.
Applying the resource dispersion hypothesis to a fission–fusion society: A case study of the African lion (Panthera leo)
Authors: Mbizah Moreangels M. , Valeix Marion , Macdonald David W. , Loveridge Andrew J.
Published: July 2019

The relationship between the spatiotemporal distribution of resources and patterns of sociality is widely discussed. While the resource dispersion hypothesis (RDH) was formulated to explain why animals sometimes live in groups from which they derive no obvious benefits, it has also been successfully applied to species that benefit from group living. Some empirical tests have supported the RDH, but others have not, so conclusions remain equivocal and further research is required to determine the extent to which RDH predictions hold in natural systems. Here, we test four predictions of the RDH in an African lion population in the context of their fission–fusion society. We analyzed data on group composition of GPS‐collared lions and patterns of prey availability. Our results supported the first and second predictions of the RDH: Home range size (a) was independent of group size and (b) increased with distance between encounters with prey herds. Nonetheless, the third and fourth RDH predictions were not supported: (c) The measure of resource heterogeneity and (d) resource patch richness measured through prey herd size and body size had no significant effect on lion group size. However, regarding the fourth prediction, we added an adaptation to account for dynamics of fission–fusion society and found that the frequency of pride fission increased as group size increased. Our data set restricted us from going on to explore the effect of fission–fusion dynamics on the relationship between group size and patch richness. However, this should be investigated in future studies as including fission–fusion dynamics provides a more nuanced, realistic appreciation of lion society. Our study emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexity of a species' behavioral ecology within the framework of resource dispersion. Whatever larger theoretical framework may emerge to explain lion society, incorporating fission–fusion dynamics should allow the RDH to be refined and improved.