bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The laminar organization of the Drosophila ellipsoid body is semaphorin-dependent and prevents the formation of ectopic synaptic connections
Authors: Xie Xiaojun , Tabuchi Masashi , Brown Matthew P , Mitchell Sarah P , Wu Mark N , Kolodkin Alex L
Published: June 2017

The ellipsoid body (EB) in the Drosophila brain is a central complex (CX) substructure that harbors circumferentially laminated ring (R) neuron axons and mediates multifaceted sensory integration and motor coordination functions. However, what regulates R axon lamination and how lamination affects R neuron function remain unknown. We show here that the EB is sequentially innervated by small-field and large-field neurons and that early developing EB neurons play an important regulatory role in EB laminae formation. The transmembrane proteins semaphorin-1a (Sema-1a) and plexin A function together to regulate R axon lamination. R neurons recruit both GABA and GABA-A receptors to their axon terminals in the EB, and optogenetic stimulation coupled with electrophysiological recordings show that Sema-1a-dependent R axon lamination is required for preventing the spread of synaptic inhibition between adjacent EB lamina. These results provide direct evidence that EB lamination is critical for local pre-synaptic inhibitory circuit organization.
Antagonistic modulation of NPY/AgRP and POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus by noradrenalin
Authors: Paeger Lars , Karakasilioti Ismene , Altmüller Janine , Frommolt Peter , Brüning Jens , Kloppenburg Peter
Published: June 2017

In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) satiety signaling (anorexigenic) pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing and hunger signaling (orexigenic) agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons are key components of the neuronal circuits that control food intake and energy homeostasis. Here, we assessed whether the catecholamine noradrenalin directly modulates the activity of these neurons in mice. Perforated patch clamp recordings showed that noradrenalin changes the activity of these functionally antagonistic neurons in opposite ways, increasing the activity of the orexigenic NPY/AgRP neurons and decreasing the activity of the anorexigenic POMC neurons. Cell type-specific transcriptomics and pharmacological experiments revealed that the opposing effect on these neurons is mediated by the activation of excitatory α1A - and β- adrenergic receptors in NPY/AgRP neurons, while POMC neurons are inhibited via α2A – adrenergic receptors. Thus, the coordinated differential modulation of the key hypothalamic neurons in control of energy homeostasis assigns noradrenalin an important role to promote feeding.
wtf genes are prolific dual poison-antidote meiotic drivers
Authors: Nuckolls Nicole L , Bravo Núñez María Angélica , Eickbush Michael T , Young Janet M , Lange Jeffrey J , Yu Jonathan S , Smith Gerald R , Jaspersen Sue L , Malik Harmit S , Zanders Sarah E
Published: June 2017

Meiotic drivers are selfish genes that bias their transmission into gametes, defying Mendelian inheritance. Despite the significant impact of these genomic parasites on evolution and infertility, few meiotic drive loci have been identified or mechanistically characterized. Here, we demonstrate a complex landscape of meiotic drive genes on chromosome 3 of the fission yeasts Schizosaccharomyces kambucha and S. pombe. We identify S. kambucha wtf4 as one of these genes that acts to kill gametes (known as spores in yeast) that do not inherit the gene from heterozygotes. wtf4 utilizes dual, overlapping transcripts to encode both a gamete-killing poison and an antidote to the poison. To enact drive, all gametes are poisoned, whereas only those that inherit wtf4 are rescued by the antidote. Our work suggests that the wtf multigene family proliferated due to meiotic drive and highlights the power of selfish genes to shape genomes, even while imposing tremendous costs to fertility.
The gene family that cheats Mendel
Authors: Shropshire J Dylan , Rokas Antonis
Published: June 2017

Some alleles of the wtf gene family can increase their chances of spreading by using poisons to kill other alleles, and antidotes to save themselves.
Introducing systems oriented design for complex societal contexts in design engineering education
Authors: Costa Junior Jairo da , Santos Ana Laura Rodrigues dos , Diehl Jan Carel
Published: June 2017

As our society faces large-scale wicked problems like global warming, resource depletion, poverty and humanitarian emergencies, problem solvers are required to apply new reasoning models more appropriate to deal with these complex societal problems. Dealing with these problems poses unfamiliar challenges in contexts with poor financial and infrastructural resources. Systems Oriented Design (SOD) has been recognized in the literature as a promising approach, capable to support design engineers to deal with these complex societal problems. This paper explores the application of SOD in the development of Product-Service System (PSS) concepts by student teams in a multidisciplinary master course. The course resulted in twelve concepts that were analysed using a case study approach with the support of protocol analysis. The analysis results in a description of advantages, context- and process-related challenges of using SOD. From an education point-of-view, the results demonstrate that even though SOD provides students with a broad knowledge base and skills to deal with problems in complex societal contexts, there is still the need to introduce the appropriate scope and depth in the design engineering curricula, making the transition from traditional product design, a challenging one.
Larval exposure to field-realistic concentrations of clothianidin has no effect on development rate, over-winter survival or adult metabolic rate in a solitary bee, Osmia bicornis
Authors: Nicholls Elizabeth , Fowler Robert , Niven Jeremy E. , Gilbert James D. , Goulson Dave
Published: June 2017

There is widespread concern regarding the effects of agro-chemical exposure on bee health, of which neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides detected in the pollen and nectar of both crops and wildflowers, have been the most strongly debated. The majority of studies examining the effect of neonicotinoids on bees have focussed on social species, namely honey bees and bumble bees. However, most bee species are solitary, their life histories differing considerably from these social species, and thus it is possible that their susceptibility to pesticides may be quite different. Studies that have included solitary bees have produced mixed results regarding the impact of neonicotinoid exposure on survival and reproductive success. While the majority of studies have focused on the effects of adult exposure, bees are also likely to be exposed as larvae via the consumption of contaminated pollen. Here we examined the effect of exposure of Osmia bicornis larvae to a range of field-realistic concentrations (0–10 ppb) of the neonicotinoid clothianidin, observing no effect on larval development time, overwintering survival or adult weight. Flow-through respirometry was used to test for latent effects of larval exposure on adult physiological function. We observed differences between male and female bees in the propensity to engage in discontinuous gas exchange; however, no effect of larval clothianidin exposure was observed. Our results suggest that previously reported adverse effects of neonicotinoids on O. bicornis are most likely mediated by impacts on adults.
Effects of anthropogenic activity emerging as intensified extreme precipitation over China
Authors: Li Huixin , Chen Huopo , Wang Huijun
Published: June 2017

This study aims to provide an assessment of the effects of anthropogenic (ANT) forcings and other external factors on observed increases in extreme precipitation over China from 1961 to 2005. Extreme precipitation is represented by the annual maximum 1 day precipitation (RX1D) and the annual maximum 5 day consecutive precipitation (RX5D), and these variables are investigated using observations and simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5. The analyses mainly focus on the probability‐based index (PI), which is derived from RX1D and RX5D by fitting generalized extreme value distributions. The results indicate that the simulations that include the ANT forcings provide the best representation of the spatial and temporal characteristics of extreme precipitation over China. We use the optimal fingerprint method to obtain the univariate and multivariate fingerprints of the responses to external forcings. The results show that only the ANT forcings are detectable at a 90% confidence level, both individually and when natural forcings are considered simultaneously. The impact of the forcing associated with greenhouse gases (GHGs) is also detectable in RX1D, but its effects cannot be separated from those of combinations of forcings that exclude the GHG forcings in the two‐signal analyses. Besides, the estimated changes of PI, extreme precipitation, and events with a 20 year return period under nonstationary climate states are potentially attributable to ANT or GHG forcings, and the relationships between extreme precipitation and temperature from ANT forcings show agreement with observations.
Variability of soil moisture proxies and hot days across the climate regimes of Australia
Authors: Holmes A. , Rüdiger C. , Mueller B. , Hirschi M. , Tapper N.
Published: June 2017

The frequency of extreme events such as heat waves are expected to increase due to the effect of climate change, particularly in semiarid regions of Australia. Recent studies have indicated a link between soil moisture deficits and heat extremes, focusing on the coupling between the two. This study investigates the relationship between the number of hot days (Tx90) and four soil moisture proxies (Standardized Precipitation Index, Antecedent Precipitation Index, Mount's Soil Dryness Index, and Keetch‐Byram Drought Index), and how the strength of this relationship changes across various climate regimes within Australia. A strong anticorrelation between Tx90 and each moisture index is found, particularly for tropical savannas and temperate regions. However, the magnitude of the increase in Tx90 with decreasing moisture is strongest in semiarid and arid regions. It is also shown that the Tx90‐soil moisture relationship strengthens during the El Niño phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation in regions which are more sensitive to changes in soil moisture.
Mesoscale perturbations in midtail lobe/mantle during steady northward IMF: ARTEMIS observation and MHD simulation
Authors: Wang Chih‐Ping , Merkin V. G. , Angelopoulos Vassilis
Published: June 2017

In this study we investigate an event of sharp and transient (≤10 min) plasma and magnetic field perturbations observed by Acceleration Reconnection Turbulence and Electrodynamics of Moon's Interaction with the Sun (ARTEMIS) probes in the midtail lobe at X ~ −60 RE. This event occurred under northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and these mesoscale perturbations continued for many hours even as all solar wind and IMF parameters remained steady. The main characteristics of these transient perturbations are as follows: (1) an increase in density and plasma pressure, (2) a drop in Bx, (3) an enhancement in the tailward (−Vx) speed, and (4) tailward propagation. We conduct a global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation for this event using the observed solar wind/IMF conditions. In the simulation, Kelvin‐Helmholtz (K‐H) vortices are formed at the near‐Earth flank and are convected tailward. The K‐H vortices have a two‐mode structure with the inner mode extending several RE inside the magnetosphere from the magnetopause. The inner mode vortical flows transport denser mantle plasma from near the magnetopause deeper into the lobe, resulting in localized density and pressure enhancements, while magnetic field changes accordingly with the enhanced flow shear and pressure gradients. As these localized changes pass a fixed location, they create transient perturbations characteristically similar to those observed by ARTEMIS.
Seismotectonics of the 2014 Chiang Rai, Thailand, earthquake sequence
Authors: Pananont P. , Herman M. W. , Pornsopin P. , Furlong K. P. , Habangkaem S. , Waldhauser F. , Wongwai W. , Limpisawad S. , Warnitchai P. , Kosuwan S. , Wechbunthung B.
Published: June 2017

On 5 May 2014, aMw6.2 strike‐slip earthquake occurred in the Mae Lao region of Chiang Rai province in Thailand. This earthquake took place in a region of known faults and caused substantial damage and injuries, although the region had been previously identified as having a relatively low earthquake hazard. Detailed field reconnaissance and deployment of a dense, temporary, network of broadband seismometers allowed details of the damage and its relationship to seismicity to be analyzed. The aftershock sequence associated with this main shock occurs on two well‐defined trends, reflecting the two potential fault planes in earthquake mechanisms for the main shock and the majority of the aftershocks. The damage area was relatively large for an event of this magnitude, but building damage was largely limited to the primary rupture region, while liquefaction and other ground failure are spatially associated with the rupture area and along regional rivers. Stress modeling, combined with the time series and pattern of aftershock activity, leads us to propose that slip near the northern termination of the main shock rupture continued slightly onto a conjugate fault, helping to trigger the distinct pattern of two discrete, conjugate trends of aftershock activity that mirror the kinematics of the main shock fault mechanism.
Sequentially Responsive Shell‐Stacked Nanoparticles for Deep Penetration into Solid Tumors
Authors: Chen Jinjin , Ding Jianxun , Wang Yucai , Cheng Jianjun , Ji Shengxiang , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi
Published: June 2017

Nanomedicine to overcome both systemic and tumor tissue barriers ideally should have a transformable size and surface, maintaining a certain size and negative surface charge for prolonged circulation, while reducing to a smaller size and switching to a positive surface charge for efficient penetration to and retention in the interstitial space throughout the tumor tissue. However, the design of such size and charge dual‐transformable nanomedicine is rarely reported. Here, the design of a shell‐stacked nanoparticle (SNP) is reported, which can undergo remarkable size reduction from about 145 to 40 nm, and surface charge reversal from −7.4 to 8.2 mV at acidic tumor tissue, for enhanced tumor penetration and uptake by cells in deep tumor tissue. The disulfide‐cross‐linked core maintains the stability of the particle and prevents undesired premature drug release until the shedding of the shell, which accelerates the cleavage of more exposed disulfide bond sand intracellular drug release. SNP penetrates about 1 mm into xenografted A549 lung carcinoma, which is about four times penetration depth of the nontransformable one. The doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded SNP (SNP/DOX) shows significant antitumor efficacy and nearly eradicates the tumor, substantiating the importance of the design of size and charge dual‐transformable nanomedicine.
Nickelocene‐Precursor‐Facilitated Fast Growth of Graphene/h‐BN Vertical Heterostructures and Its Applications in OLEDs
Authors: Li Qiucheng , Zhao Zifeng , Yan Baoming , Song Xiuju , Zhang Zhepeng , Li Jia , Wu Xiaosong , Bian Zuqiang , Zou Xiaolong , Zhang Yanfeng , Liu Zhongfan
Published: June 2017

The direct growth of high‐quality, large‐area, uniform, vertically stacked Gr/h‐BN heterostructures is of vital importance for applications in electronics and optoelectronics. However, the main challenge lies in the catalytically inert nature of the hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) substrates, which usually afford a rather low decomposition rate of carbon precursors, and thus relatively low growth rate of graphene. Herein, a nickelocene‐precursor‐facilitated route is developed for the fast growth of Gr/h‐BN vertical heterostructures on Cu foils, which shows much improved synthesis efficiency (8–10 times faster) and crystalline quality of graphene (large single‐crystalline domain up to ≈20 µm). The key advantage of our synthetic route is the utilization of nickel atoms that are decomposed from nickelocene molecules as the gaseous catalyst, which can decrease the energy barrier for graphene growth and facilitate the decomposition of carbon sources, according to our density functional theory calculations. The high‐quality Gr/h‐BN stacks are proved to be perfect anode/protecting layers for high‐performance organic light‐emitting diode devices. In this regard, this work offers a brand‐new route for the fast growth of Gr/h‐BN heterostructures with practical scalability and high crystalline quality, thus should propel its wide applications in transparent electrodes, high‐performance electronic devices, and energy harvesting/transition directions.
Region‐dependent patterns of trabecular bone growth in the human proximal femur: A study of 3D bone microarchitecture from early postnatal to late childhood period
Authors: Milovanovic Petar , Djonic Danijela , Hahn Michael , Amling Michael , Busse Björn , Djuric Marija
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Parallel with body growth and development, bone structure in non‐adults is reorganized to achieve the particular design observed in mature individuals. We traced the changes in three‐dimensional trabecular microarchitectural design during the phases of locomotor maturation to clarify how human bone adapts to mechanical demands.

Materials and Methods

Micro‐CT was performed on biomechanically‐relevant subregions of the proximal femur (medial, intermediate and lateral neck regions, intertrochanteric region, metaphyseal region) from early postnatal period to late childhood.

Results

Developmental patterns of trabecular microarchitecture showed that gestationally overproduced bone present at birth underwent the most dramatic reduction during the first year, followed by a reversing trend in some of the quantitative parameters (e.g., bone volume fraction, trabecular anisotropy). Certain regional anisotropy already present at birth is further accentuated into the childhood suggesting an adaptation to differential loading environments. Trabecular eccentricity in the femoral neck was particularly accentuated during childhood, giving the medial neck—the site mostly loaded in walking—superior microarchitectural design (high bone volume fraction and anisotropy, the earliest appearance and predominance of plate‐ and honeycomb‐shaped trabeculae).

Discussion

While providing quantitative data on how bone microarchitecture adapts to increasing mechanical demands occurring during the phases of locomotor maturation, the study reveals how regional anisotropy develops in the proximal femur to ensure a functional and competent bone structure. Decomposing the region‐specific patterns of bone mass accrual is important in understanding skeletal adaptations to bipedalism, as well for understanding why fractures often occur location‐dependent, both in pediatric and elderly individuals.
Visible‐Light‐Irradiated Graphitic Carbon Nitride Photocatalyzed Diels–Alder Reactions with Dioxygen as Sustainable Mediator for Photoinduced Electrons
Authors: Zhao Yubao , Antonietti Markus
Published: June 2017

Photocatalytic Diels–Alder (D–A) reactions with electron rich olefins are realized by graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) under visible‐light irradiation and aerobic conditions. This heterogeneous photoredox reaction system is highly efficient, and the apparent quantum yield reaches a remarkable value of 47 % for the model reaction. Dioxygen plays a critical role as electron mediator, which is distinct from the previous reports in the homogeneous RuII complex photoredox system. Moreover, the reaction intermediate vinylcyclobutane is captured and monitored during the reaction, serving as a direct evidence for the proposed reaction mechanism. The cycloaddition process is thereby determined to be the combination of direct [4+2] cycloaddition and [2+2] cycloaddition followed by photocatalytic rearrangement of the vinylcyclobutane intermediate.
Assisted Reproductive Technology and Birth Defects: Effects of Subfertility and Multiple Births
Authors: Liberman Rebecca F. , Getz Kelly D. , Heinke Dominique , Luke Barbara , Stern Judy E. , Declercq Eugene R. , Chen Xiaoli , Lin Angela E. , Anderka Marlene
Published: June 2017

Background

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been associated with birth defects, but the contributions of multiple births and underlying subfertility remain unclear. We evaluated the effects of subfertility and mediation by multiple births on associations between ART and nonchromosomal birth defects.

Methods

We identified a retrospective cohort of Massachusetts live births and stillbirths from 2004 to 2010 among ART‐exposed, ART‐unexposed subfertile, and fertile mothers using linked information from fertility clinics, vital records, hospital discharges, and birth defects surveillance. Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analyses were performed to deconstruct the ART‐birth defects association into the direct effect of ART, the indirect effect of multiple births, and the effect of ART‐multiples interaction.

Results

Of 17,829 ART‐exposed births, 355 had a birth defect, compared with 162 of 9431 births to subfertile mothers and 6183 of 445,080 births to fertile mothers. The adjusted prevalence ratio was 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3–1.6) for ART and 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1–1.5) in subfertile compared with fertile deliveries. We observed elevated rates of several birth defects with ART, including tetralogy of Fallot and hypospadias. Subfertility and multiple births affect these associations, with multiple births explaining 36% of the relative effect of ART on nonchromosomal birth defects.

Conclusion

Although the risk of birth defects with ART is small, a substantial portion of the relative effect is mediated through multiple births, with subfertility contributing an important role. Future research is needed to determine the impact of newer techniques, such as single embryo transfer, on these risks. Birth Defects Research 109:1144–1153, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chlamydia trachomatis Is Responsible for Lipid Vacuolation in the Amniotic Epithelium of Fetal Gastroschisis
Authors: Feldkamp Marcia L. , Ward Diane M. , Pysher Theodore J. , Chambers Christina T.
Published: June 2017

Background

Vacuolated amniotic epithelium with lipid droplets in gastroschisis placentas is an unusual finding. Mass spectrometry of lipid droplets identified triglycerides, ester‐linked to an unusual pattern of fatty acids. We hypothesize that these findings result from a Chlamydia trachomatis infection during the periconceptional period. The rising incidence of chlamydia infections has paralleled the increasing prevalence of gastroschisis among women less than 25 years of age. Histologically, young women are at greatest risk for a chlamydia infection due to their immature columnar epithelium, the preferential site for attachment of Chlamydia trachomatis infectious particle (elementary body).

Methods

Chlamydia trachomatis survive in an inclusion, relying on its host to acquire essential nutrients, amino acids, and nucleotides for survival and replication. If essential nutrients are not available, the bacteria cannot replicate and may be trafficked to the lysosome for degradation or remain quiescent, within the inclusion, subverting innate immunologic clearance.

Results

Chlamydiae synthesize several lipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and phosphoatidylglycerol); however, their lipid content reveal eukaryotic lipids (sphingomyelin, cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylinositol), evidence that chlamydiae “hijack” host lipids for expansion and replication.

Conclusion

The abnormal amniotic epithelial findings are supported by experimental evidence of the trafficking of host lipids into the chlamydiae inclusion. If not lethal, what harm will elementary bodies inflict to the developing embryo? Do these women have a greater pro‐inflammatory response to an environmental exposure, whether cigarette smoking, change in partner, or a pathogen? Testing the hypothesis that Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for amniotic epithelium vacuoles will be a critical first step. Birth Defects Research 109:1003–1010, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An augmented reality tool for learning spatial anatomy on mobile devices
Authors: Jain Nishant , Youngblood Patricia , Hasel Matthew , Srivastava Sakti
Published: June 2017

Augmented Realty (AR) offers a novel method of blending virtual and real anatomy for intuitive spatial learning. Our first aim in the study was to create a prototype AR tool for mobile devices. Our second aim was to complete a technical evaluation of our prototype AR tool focused on measuring the system's ability to accurately render digital content in the real world. We imported Computed Tomography (CT) data derived virtual surface models into a 3D Unity engine environment and implemented an AR algorithm to display these on mobile devices. We investigated the accuracy of the virtual renderings by comparing a physical cube with an identical virtual cube for dimensional accuracy. Our comparative study confirms that our AR tool renders 3D virtual objects with a high level of accuracy as evidenced by the degree of similarity between measurements of the dimensions of a virtual object (a cube) and the corresponding physical object. We developed an inexpensive and user‐friendly prototype AR tool for mobile devices that creates highly accurate renderings. This prototype demonstrates an intuitive, portable, and integrated interface for spatial interaction with virtual anatomical specimens. Integrating this AR tool with a library of CT derived surface models provides a platform for spatial learning in the anatomy curriculum. The segmentation methodology implemented to optimize human CT data for mobile viewing can be extended to include anatomical variations and pathologies. The ability of this inexpensive educational platform to deliver a library of interactive, 3D models to students worldwide demonstrates its utility as a supplemental teaching tool that could greatly benefit anatomical instruction. Clin. Anat. 30:736–741, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple traumatic experiences, post‐traumatic stress disorder and offending behaviour in female prisoners
Authors: Karatzias Thanos , Power Kevin , Woolston Caroline , Apurva Prathima , Begley Amelie , Mirza Khadija , Conway Lisa , Quinn Carol , Jowett Sally , Howard Ruth , Purdie Allister
Published: June 2017

Background

Although it is well established that prisoners commonly have histories of childhood trauma, little is known about mediators between exposure to trauma and criminal behaviour.

Hypotheses

We hypothesised that the experience of trauma in adulthood, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional dysregulation would mediate the relationship between childhood traumatic events and later criminal behaviour.

Methods

Eighty‐nine female prisoners were interviewed using standardised scales, in a cross‐sectional study design. History of traumatic events, DSM‐5 PTSD and emotional regulation were assessed, along with offending and demographic information. A series of regression and mediation analyses were undertaken on the data.

Results

Almost all (91%) of the 89 women reported both childhood and adulthood trauma. Over half (58%) met the criteria for DSM‐5 PTSD. Multiple traumas were significantly associated with seriousness of offence, as indicated by sentence length. Adult experience of trauma was the only significant mediator between childhood trauma and subsequent offending.

Conclusions/implications for practice

Women who have experienced multiple traumatic events may be more likely to commit serious offences, so it is very important to assess and meet their trauma‐related needs. While prisons should never be used as substitutes for healthcare facilities, when women or girls are sent to prison, the opportunity for constructive interventions must be seized. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An unusual cause of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: lung adenocarcinoma metastasis to the descending colon
Authors: Papanikolaou Ioannis S. , Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Tziatzios Georgios , Grammatikos Konstantinos , Panayiotides Ioannis G. , Tsakiraki Zoi , Zinovieva Irina , Dimitriadis George D. , Triantafyllou Konstantinos
Published: June 2017

Key Clinical Message

Lung adenocarcinoma with symptomatic GI metastasis occurs seldom in everyday clinical practice. However, as diagnostic modalities, therapeutic interventions, and supportive care for cancer evolve, it is likely that the clinician might encounter a number of similar cases in the future, and therefore, he should be aware of this rare entity.
Hexaazatriphenylene‐Based Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework with Permanent Porosity and Single‐Crystallinity
Authors: Hisaki Ichiro , Ikenaka Nobuaki , Gomez Eduardo , Cohen Boiko , Tohnai Norimitsu , Douhal Abderrazzak
Published: June 2017

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) have drawn unprecedented interest because of their high crystallinity as well as facile process for construction, deconstruction, and reassembly arising from reversible bond formation‐dissociation. However, structural fragility and low stability frequently prevent formation of robust HOFs with permanent porosity. Here, we report that hexakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐hexaazatriphenylene (CPHAT) forms three dimensionally networked H‐bonded framework CPHAT‐1. Interestingly, the activated framework CPHAT‐1 a retains not only permanent porosity but single‐crystallinity, enabling precise structural characterization and property evaluation on a single crystal. Moreover, CPHAT‐1 a retains its framework up to 339 °C or in hot water and in acidic aqueous solution. These results clearly show that even a simple H‐bonding motif can be applied for the construction of robust HOFs, which creates a pathway to establish a new class of porous organic frameworks. We also characterize its uptake of gases and I2, in addition to a detailed photophysical study (spectroscopy and dynamics of proton and charge transfers) of its unit in solution, and of its single crystal under fluorescence microscopy, in which we observed a marked strong anistropy and narrow distribution. The results bring new findings to the area of HOFs and their possible applications in science and technology.
Pd‐Catalyzed Hydroxylation of Aryl Boronic Acids Using In Situ Generated Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Yi Hong , Lei Aiwen
Published: June 2017

Herein, we describe a benign and efficient palladium‐catalyzed hydroxylation of aryl boronic acids under mild conditions, with in situ generated hydrogen peroxide from carbon monoxide, water, and oxygen. This novel procedure combines catalytic production of hydrogen peroxide with an aerobic oxidation process in a sole reaction system. This system shows good functional group tolerance and provides a benign and efficient access to a variety of functionalized phenols. Furthermore, the in situ generated hydroperoxide can be well used for triphenylphosphine oxidation, in which the TON is up to 194. Isotope labelling studies provide important mechanistic insights for this process.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Dual Decarboxylative Coupling of Redox‐Active Esters with α,β‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Jiang , Yang Jun‐Cheng , Guo Li‐Na , Duan Xin‐Hua
Published: June 2017

An efficient visible‐light‐induced decarboxylative coupling between α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids and alkyl N‐hydroxyphthalimide esters has been developed. A wide range of redox‐active esters derived from aliphatic carboxylic acids (1°, 2° and 3°) proved viable in this dual decarboxylation process, affording a broad scope of substituted alkenes in moderate to excellent yields with good E/Z selectivities. This redox‐neutral procedure was highlighted by its mild conditions, operational simplicity, easy accessibility of carboxylic acids, and excellent functional‐group tolerance.
Difluoromethylation Reactions of Organic Compounds
Authors: Yerien Damian E. , Barata‐Vallejo Sebastian , Postigo Al
Published: June 2017

The relevance of the ‐CF2H moiety has attracted considerable attention from organic synthetic and medicinal chemistry communities, because this group can act as a more lipophilic isostere of the carbinol, thiol, hydroxamic acid, or amide groups. Being weakly acidic, the CF2H moiety can establish hydrogen‐bonding interactions to improve the binding selectivity of biologically active compounds. Therefore, the hydroxyl, amino, and thio substituents of lead structures are routinely replaced by a CF2H motif in drug discovery, with great benefits in the pharmacological activity of drugs and drug candidates and agrochemicals. Consequently, the late‐stage introduction of CF2H is a sought‐after strategy in designing bioactive compounds. Secondly, but nonetheless relevant and meaningful, is the study of synthetic pathways to introduce a CF2−Y moiety (Y≠H, F) into organic substrates because compounds that contain a CF2−Y functionality have also found vast applications in medicinal chemistry and in other areas, such as that of fungicides, insecticides, etc., and thus, this functionality deserves special attention. Although emphasis is made on difluoromethylation strategies to functionalize different families of organic compounds, three main methodological protocols will be presented in this review article for the late‐stage introduction of a CF2H or CF2Y moieties into organic substrates: i) a metal‐photoredox catalysis; ii) through transition metal‐catalyzed thermal protocols; and iii) from transition‐metal‐free strategies.
An intelligent agent‐based method for task allocation in competitive cloud environments
Authors: Kong Yan , Zhang Minjie , Ye Dayong , Zhu Jinxiu , Choi Junho
Published: June 2017

In market‐based cloud environments, both resource consumers and providers are self‐interested; additionally, they can come and leave the environment freely. Therefore, the environment is competitive and uncertain. Because of the competition, participants may cheat in making deals, and this represents that the environment is insecure to resource providers who intend to earn profits through renting their resources to the tasks of resource consumers. Against this, in this paper, intelligent agents are designed to strategically quote for the tasks that they are interested in, on behalf of resource providers. Agents could quote according to the messages it obtained and the information learnt and predicted from the messages, to minimize the influence of insecure factors, such as cheating, competition, and dynamism. The experimental evaluation shows that the proposed method outperforms both a well‐known multiresource negotiation‐based task allocation method and a max‐sum belief propagation–based method.
Detecting spamming activities in twitter based on deep‐learning technique
Authors: Wu Tingmin , Wen Sheng , Liu Shigang , Zhang Jun , Xiang Yang , Alrubaian Majed , Hassan Mohammad Mehedi
Published: June 2017

Twitter spam has long been a critical but difficult problem to be addressed. So far, researchers have developed a series of machine learning–based methods and blacklisting techniques to detect spamming activities on Twitter. According to our investigation, current methods and techniques have achieved the accuracy of around 87%. However, because of the problems of spam drift and information fabrication, these machine learning–based methods cannot efficiently detect spam activities in real‐life scenarios. Meanwhile, the blacklisting method also cannot catch up with the variations of spamming activities, as manually inspecting suspicious URLs is extremely timeconsuming. In this paper, we proposed a novel technique based on deep‐learning technique to address the above challenges. The syntax of each tweet will be learned through WordVector and trained by deep learning. We then constructed a binary classifier to differentiate spam and regular tweets. In experiments, we collected and labeled a 10‐day real tweet dataset as ground truth to evaluate our proposed method. We first went for empirical analysis with a series of comparisons to other methods: (1) performance of different classifiers, (2) other existing text‐based methods, and (3) nontext‐based detection techniques. According to the experiment results, our proposed method largely outperformed previous methods. We further conducted principle component analysis on typical methods to theoretically justify the outperformance of our method. We extracted all kinds of features via dimensionality reduction. It was found that our features were most distinct among all the detection methods. This well demonstrated the outperformance of our method.
Research on trend prediction and evaluation of network public opinion
Authors: Chen Xue Gang , Duan Sheng , Wang Lu‐da
Published: June 2017

Network public opinion can reflect social and political attitude of people, and it is very important that we study trend prediction and evaluation of network public opinion, which can provide decision making for managers. Aiming at lacking in trend prediction and evaluation of network public opinion, the attributes of monitoring index system of network public opinion are reduced using rough set theory, and construct a more scientific monitoring index system of network public opinion combined with the real life, determine the weight of the index using the analytic hierarchy process, and present a novel method of trend prediction and evaluation of network public opinion on the basis of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model from the aspects of the quantitative and qualitative. Example analysis shows that this method is simple and easy to implement. It helps to provide a new theory and practice guidance for trend prediction and risk evaluation of online network public opinion.
Synthesis of two new orthoborates KBaPr(BO3)2 and KBaNd(BO3)2
Authors: Kononova N.G. , Shevchenko V.S. , Kokh A.E. , Bolatov A.K. , Uralbekov B.M. , Burkitbayev M.M. , Abdullin Kh. A.
Published: June 2017

Two new rare‐earth orthoborates KBaPr(BO3)2 and KBaNd(BO3)2 were synthesized using a two‐step solid‐state reaction, both of them are stable in the temperature range 850–1000°C. KBaNd(BO3)2 and KBaPr(BO3)2 show incongruent melting at 1019°С and 1005°С, respectively. Prepared compounds crystallize in the trigonal system with space group Rm with cell parameters of а =  5.5052(12) Å, с =  18.402(8) Å, Z = 3 for KBaPr(BO3)2 and cell parameters of а =  5.4956(5) Å, с =  18.278(3) Å, Z = 3 for KBaNd(BO3)2. These new borates continue the previously described line of isostructural three‐cation orthoborates KBaY(BO3)2 and KBaR(BO3)2, by R  =  Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu. The identity of the intensity and position of the bands in the IR spectra confirm that these compounds are isostructural and have high degree of homogeneity. A red emission centered at 700–740 nm under UV excitation was observed for synthesized KBaPr(BO3)2 powder.
Metastatic tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma masquerading as a pancreatic cystic tumor and diagnosed by EUS‐guided FNA
Authors: Glass Ryan , Andrawes Sherif A. , Hamele‐Bena Diane , Tong Guo‐Xia
Published: June 2017

Metastatic carcinoma to the pancreas is uncommon and head and neck squamous carcinoma metastatic to the pancreas is extremely rare. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the pancreas presents a unique diagnostic challenge: in addition to mimicking the rare primary squamous cell carcinoma of the pancreas based on cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical features, it may be mistaken for a cystic neoplasm of the pancreas because of its high predilection for cystic degeneration in metastatic sites. Herein, we report a case of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with a cystic pancreatic metastasis diagnosed by ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS‐FNA). This represents a third reported case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma to the pancreas from the head and neck region. Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of EUS‐FNA during evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesion.
Deconstructing the landscape of fear in stable multi‐species societies
Authors: Martínez A. E. , Parra E. , Collado L. F. , Vredenburg V. T.
Published: June 2017

Animal distributions are influenced by variation in predation risk in space, which has been described as the “landscape of fear.” Many studies suggest animals also reduce predation risk by eavesdropping on heterospecific alarm calls, allowing them to occupy otherwise risky habitats. One unexplored area of study is understanding how different species’ alarms vary in quality, and how this variation is distributed in the landscape. We tested this phenomenon in a unique system of avian mixed species flocks in Amazonian rainforests: flock mates (eavesdropping species) strongly associate with alarm‐calling antshrikes (genusThamnomanes), which act as sentinel species. Up to 70 species join these flocks, presumably following antshrike behavioral cues. Since flocks in this region of the Amazon are exclusively led by a single antshrike species, this provides a unique natural system to compare differences in sentinel quality between flocks. We simulated predation threat by flying three species of live trained raptors (predators) towards flocks to compare sentinel probability to (1) produce alarm calls, and (2) encode information about magnitude and type of threat within such alarm calls. Our field experiments show significant differences in the probability of different sentinel species to produce alarm calls and distinguish predators. This variation may have important fitness consequences and shape the “landscape of fear” for eavesdropping species.
Supramolecular Anchoring of NCN‐Pincer Palladium Complexes into a β‐Barrel Protein Host: Molecular‐Docking and Reactivity Insights
Authors: Pocquet Lucrèce , Vologdin Nikolay , Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Ciofini Ilaria , Nicolotti Orazio , Thorimbert Serge , Salmain Michèle
Published: June 2017

Several prochiral NCN‐pincer complexes of palladium(II), with hemilabile ligands and a long aliphatic chain, were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. In some of the complexes, the presence of two different substituents on the N donor atoms made them stereogenic, so that they were isolated as a mixture of diastereoisomers, which could be differentiated by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Binding of some of these complexes to bovine β‐lactoglobin by insertion within its inner cavity was theoretically investigated by molecular‐docking simulations and was experimentally confirmed by CD spectroscopy. Adjunction of H‐bond donor substituents on the ligand framework gave more‐stable supramolecular protein–complex assemblies. These constructs were shown to catalyze aldol condensation reactions in aqueous media, affording, in some cases, the less‐favorable cis product. Since the corresponding complexes exclusively gave the trans product in the absence of β‐lactoglobulin, this unusual diastereoselectivity was ensued by the second sphere of coordination brought by the protein host.
Efficient Access to 5‐Bromo‐ and 5,6‐Dibromophenanthroline Ligands
Authors: Stumper Anne , Pilz Thomas David , Schaub Markus , Görls Helmar , Sorsche Dieter , Peuntinger Katrin , Guldi Dirk , Rau Sven
Published: June 2017

Bromo‐functionalized precursor molecules are essential for generating desired target compounds through cross‐coupling reactions. Herein we show an improved synthetic route, feasible at low temperatures and affording high yields, to the ligands 5‐bromo‐1,10‐phenanthroline (1) and 5,6‐dibromo‐1,10‐phenanthroline (2). The corresponding ruthenium complexes, containing various equivalents of ligand 2, are easily accessible in high yields, including the analogue of tris‐homoleptic [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), [Ru(2)3]2+. X‐ray diffraction analyses have provided detailed information on the structures of the ligands and their corresponding metal complexes. An investigation of the electrochemical properties has provided detailed information on the 3MLCT state localized on 2. We show the conversion of heteroleptic ruthenium complexes of these ligands in Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions whereas the ligands did not undergo reaction under the same conditions.
Efficient Synthesis of Enantioenriched Isoxazoles by Chirality Transfer in Gold‐Catalyzed Cyclization/Methylene‐Group Transfer Followed by Carbonyl Ene Reaction
Authors: Gima Shinya , Nakamura Itaru , Terada Masahiro
Published: June 2017

Enantioenriched isoxazoles having a chiral side chain at the 4‐position were efficiently synthesized by chirality transfer in a gold‐catalyzed cyclization/intermolecular methylene‐transfer sequence followed by a carbonyl ene reaction. The chiral information of the enantioenriched O‐propargylic oximes was completely retained during the gold‐catalyzed reaction. The subsequent carbonyl ene reaction between the resulting 4‐methylenated isoxazoline and glyoxylates proceeded with excellent levels of chirality transfer by using BF3·OEt2 as a Lewis acid. According to the relationship of absolute configuration between the starting propargylic oxime and the obtained alcohol having an isoxazole, the carbonyl ene reaction proceeded in an endo manner.
A model‐based approach to wildland fire reconstruction using sediment charcoal records
Authors: Itter Malcolm S. , Finley Andrew O. , Hooten Mevin B. , Higuera Philip E. , Marlon Jennifer R. , Kelly Ryan , McLachlan Jason S.
Published: June 2017

Lake sediment charcoal records are used in paleoecological analyses to reconstruct fire history, including the identification of past wildland fires. One challenge of applying sediment charcoal records to infer fire history is the separation of charcoal associated with local fire occurrence and charcoal originating from regional fire activity. Despite a variety of methods to identify local fires from sediment charcoal records, an integrated statistical framework for fire reconstruction is lacking. We develop a Bayesian point process model to estimate the probability of fire associated with charcoal counts from individual‐lake sediments and estimate mean fire return intervals. A multivariate extension of the model combines records from multiple lakes to reduce uncertainty in local fire identification and estimate a regional mean fire return interval. The univariate and multivariate models are applied to 13 lakes in the Yukon Flats region of Alaska. Both models resulted in similar mean fire return intervals (100–350 years) with reduced uncertainty under the multivariate model due to improved estimation of regional charcoal deposition. The point process model offers an integrated statistical framework for paleofire reconstruction and extends existing methods to infer regional fire history from multiple lake records with uncertainty following directly from posterior distributions.
Generalised formulation of composite filters and their application to earthquake engineering test systems
Authors: Stoten David Paul
Published: June 2017

This paper addresses the problem of generating unmeasured kinetic data—and/or providing improvements in existing data—for the enhancement of performance characteristics of earthquake engineering test systems, such as shaking tables, reaction walls and other custom‐made test rigs. The approach relies upon the use of composite filters (CF), a method of data fusion that was originally conceived via transfer function formulation. The current work generalises the CF concept and extends its formulation into the state‐space domain, thereby providing a wider basis for application to test systems and their controllers, including those of a multivariable (coupled, multi‐axis) nature.

Comparative simulation studies of shaking table control are presented that demonstrate the design techniques for state‐space CF and also their effectiveness for signal synthesis, noise suppression and performance improvement. Specific examples include the use of CF for displacement demand signal generation, velocity feedback generation and acceleration control. In each case, the essential principles behind CF—output signals with zero bias and zero drift—are consistently upheld. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.