bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Step Loading on Natural Mineral Halloysite Nanotube: An Effective Way to Enhance the Stability of Perovskite CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) Quantum Dots
Authors: Hao Jiarui , Qu Xingyu , Qiu Lei , Li Guogang , Wei Yi , Xing Gongcheng , Wang Hongquan , Yan Chunjie , Jang Ho Seong , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: December 2018

Currently, poor luminescence stability seriously impedes the practical application of inorganic halide perovskite (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, and I) quantum dots (QDs) in optoelectronic devices. In present work, CsPbX3 QDs are successfully assembled on natural mineral halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) for improving the luminescence performances. Monodispersed CsPbX3 QDs are arranged on two edges of HNTs in a highly ordered manner, which possibly originates from the electrostatic interaction between halogen ion and surface hydroxyl (SurOH2
+) on the section face of HNTs. As expected, the photoluminescence (PL) performances of CsPbX3@HNTs nanocomposites are obviously improved. The PL intensity still can be maintained even 80% when working at 100 °C. Almost no emission degradation is observed after storing in an open ambient condition for 28 days. Moreover, the PL intensity also maintains 82% of room temperature (RT) intensity after continuously being illuminated by 365 nm UV lamps for 144 h. Excellent white light with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates (0.34, 0.32) of the white light‐emitting diodes (w‐LEDs) fabricated by CsPbBr3@HNTs, CsPbBr1.2Cl1.8@HNTs, and CsPbBr1.2I1.8@HNTs phosphors are achieved. This work opens up a new insight in achieving stable CsPbX3 QD‐based multifunctional materials by designing nanocomposites with natural clay mineral.
Effect of High Dipole Moment Cation on Layered 2D Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tan Shunquan , Zhou Ning , Chen Yihua , Li Liang , Liu Guilin , Liu Pengfei , Zhu Cheng , Lu Jiuzhou , Sun Wentao , Chen Qi , Zhou Huanping
Published: December 2018

Layered 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite is appearing as a rising star in the photovoltaic field, thanks to its superior moisture resistance by the organic spacer cations. Unfortunately, these cations lead to high exciton binding energy in the 2D perovskites, which suffers from lower efficiency in the devices. It thus requires a clear criterion to select/design appropriate organic spacer cations to improve the device efficiency based on this class of materials. Here, 2,2,2‐trifluoroethylamine (F3EA+) is introduced to combine with butylammonium (BA+) cations as mixed spacers. While BA+ enables self‐assembly of 2D perovskite crystals by van der Waals interaction, the introduction of F3EA+ spacers with a high dipole moment suppress nonradiative recombination and promote separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs by taking the advantage of electronegativity of fluorine. The resultant solar cells based on [(BA)1–x(F3EA)x]2(MA)3Pb4I13 exhibit substantially increased open circuit voltage and fill factor compared with that of (BA)2(MA)3Pb4I13. The champion [(BA)0.94(F3EA)0.06]2(MA)3Pb4I13 solar cell yields a power conversion efficiency of 12.51%, which is among the best performances so far. These findings suggest an effective strategy to design organic spacer cations in layered perovskite for solar cells and other optoelectronic applications.
Dopamin, oxidativer Stress und Protein‐Chinonmodifikationen bei Parkinson und anderen neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen
Authors: Monzani Enrico , Nicolis Stefania , Dell'Acqua Simone , Capucciati Andrea , Bacchella Chiara , Zucca Fabio A. , Mosharov Eugene V. , Sulzer David , Zecca Luigi , Casella Luigi
Published: December 2018

Dopamin (DA) ist das wichtigste und häufigste Catecholamin im Gehirn und zugleich Vorläufer anderer Neurotransmitter. Die Degeneration von Neuronen des Nigrostriatums (Substantia nigra, Pars compacta) bei Parkinson‐Kranken ist die am besten untersuchte Verknüpfung zwischen Neurotransmission und Neuropathologie durch DA. Catecholamine sind reaktive Moleküle, für die es komplexe Kontroll‐ und Transportsysteme gibt. Unter normalen Bedingungen werden kleine Mengen cytosolischen Dopamins unter Melanisierung von Peptiden und Proteinen schrittweise zu Neuromelanin umgewandelt. Überschießendes cytosolisches oder extraneuronales DA kann allerdings unselektive Proteinmodifikationen auslösen. Die dabei ablaufende Oxidation von DA zu Chinonverbindungen hängt von der Gegenwart redoxaktiver Übergangsmetallionen wie Eisen und Kupfer ab. Auch andere oxidierte DA‐Metaboliten sind wahrscheinlich an posttranslationalen Proteinmodifikationen beteiligt. Die Protein‐Chinonmodifikation ist also ein heterogener Vorgang mit verschiedenen DA‐Abkömmlingen, die Struktur‐ und Konformationsänderungen von Proteinen hervorrufen; dies kann zur Aggregation und Inaktivierung der modifizierten Proteine führen.
Telescoped, Divergent, Chemoselective C1 and C1‐C1 Homologation of Imine Surrogates: Access to Quaternary Chloro‐ and Halomethyl‐Trifluoromethyl Aziridines
Authors: Ielo Laura , Touqeer Saad , Roller Alexander , Langer Thierry , Holzer Wolfgang , Pace Vittorio
Published: December 2018

A conceptually novel, high‐yielding, mono‐ or bis‐homologation was realized with lithium halocarbenoids and enables the one‐step, fully chemocontrolled assembly of a new class of quaternary trifluoromethyl aziridines. Trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides (TFAICs) act as convenient electrophilic platforms, enabling the addition of either one or two homologating elements by simply controlling the stoichiometry of the process. Mechanistic studies highlighted that the homologation event, carried out with two different carbenoids (LiCH2Cl and LiCH2F), leads to fluoromethyl analogues in which the first nucleophile is employed for constructing the cycle and the second for decorating the resulting molecular architecture.
Moisture‐Resistant Mn4+‐Doped Core–Shell‐Structured Fluoride Red Phosphor Exhibiting High Luminous Efficacy for Warm White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Huang Decai , Zhu Haomiao , Deng Zhonghua , Zou Qilin , Lu Hongyu , Yi Xiaodong , Guo Wang , Lu Canzhong , Chen Xueyuan
Published: December 2018

K2TiF6:Mn4+ is a highly efficient narrow‐band emission red phosphor with promising applications in white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and wide‐gamut displays. Nevertheless, the poor moisture‐resistant properties of this material hinder commercialization. A convenient reverse cation‐exchange strategy is introduced for constructing a core–shell‐structured K2TiF6:Mn4+@K2TiF6 phosphor. The outer K2TiF6 shell acts as a shield for preventing moisture in the air from hydrolyzing the internal MnF62− group, while effectively cutting off the path of energy migration to surface defects, thereby increasing the emission efficiency (especially for the phosphors doped with high concentrations of Mn4+). Employed as a red phosphor, the packaged white LED exhibits an extraordinarily high luminous efficacy of 162 lm W−1, a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3510 K, and a color rendering index of 93 (Ra). Aging tests performed on this device at 85 °C and 85 % humidity for 480 h retain up to 89 % luminous efficacy. The findings could facilitate commercial application of K2TiF6:Mn4+@K2TiF6 phosphor.
Reduction vs. Addition: The Reaction of an Aluminyl Anion with 1,3,5,7‐Cyclooctatetraene
Authors: Schwamm Ryan J. , Anker Mathew D. , Lein Matthias , Coles Martyn P.
Published: December 2018

The potassium aluminyl complex K[Al(NONAr)] (NON=NONAr=[O(SiMe2NAr)2]2−, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) reacts with 1,3,5,7‐cyclooctatetraene (COT) to give K[Al(NONAr)(COT)]. The COT‐ligand is present in the asymmetric unit as a planar μ2‐η2:η8‐bridge between Al and K, with additional K⋅⋅⋅π‐aryl interactions to neighboring molecules that generate a helical chain. DFT calculations indicate significant aromatic character, consistent with reduction to [COT]2−. Addition of 18‐crown‐6 causes a rearrangement of the C8‐carbocycle to form the isomeric 9‐aluminabicyclo[4.2.1]nona‐2,4,7‐triene anion.
Structural studies and biological evaluation of Co (II), Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes of carbohydrazone derived from ethyl acetoacetate in addition to crystallographic description of La (III) or Sm (III) catalytic activity abnormal product
Authors: Fetoh Ahmed , Salah Zeinab , Abu El‐Reash Gaber M.
Published: December 2018

New carbohydrazone ligand derived from the condensation of carbohydrazide and ethyl acetoacetate, diethyl 3,3′‐(carbonylbis (hydrazin‐2‐yl‐1‐ylidene))(3E,3′E)‐dibutyrate (H4EBC), and its divalent Co, Ni and Cu chelates have been isolated and characterized utilizing convenient methods. 1H‐NMR spectrum of H4EBC revealed the abundance of the enol isomer in solution, which was the opposite to what was shown by the solid IR. This was supported by comparing the theoretical IR of both keto and enol forms. In [Ni(H4EBC)Cl2(H2O)]·2H2O, H4EBC acts as a neutral NON tridentate ligand via the (C=O)carbonyl oxygen atom besides the two (C=N)azomethine nitrogen atoms, while in [Co(H4EBC)Cl2(2H2O)]·2H2O, H4EBC behaves as a neutral NN bidentate ligand through the two azomethine groups. Magnetic measurements inherent to their electronic spectra show that both Ni (II) and Co (II) chelates have octahedron coordination frameworks. On the other hand, the ligand behaves as a binegative tetradentate in [Cu2(H4EBC)Cl2]·H2O via the deprotonated (C=O)carbonyl groups of the ethyl acetoacetate framework and the two (C=N)azomethine groups. In the latter complex, the carbonyl group of the carbohydrazide moiety is converted to hydroxyl group. Cu (II) complex has a tetrahedral geometry according to ESR and electronic spectral data. The reaction of H4EBC with SmCl3·6H2O or LnCl3·7H2O gave single crystals of abnormal product (C16H16N4O4). The packing diagram of this crystal has a chain structure. The photoluminescence spectra of [Cu2(H4EBC)Cl2]·H2O, [Co(H4EBC)Cl2(H2O)2]·2H2O and [Ni(H4EBC)Cl2(H2O)]·2H2O display emission broad‐bands at 342, 321 and 337 nm, respectively. The microbial behavior of the synthesized moieties was investigated against various bacterial and fungal strains. [Cu2(H4EBC)Cl2]·H2O complex shows the same activity as ampicillin towards Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones of 26 and 22 mm, respectively. Antioxidant activity is determined using bleomycin‐dependent DNA damage assay besides erythrocyte hemolysis. Finally, in vitro cytotoxic activities against two different cell lines have been examined.
Effects of activated carbon on optimization of microwave irradiation upgrading of Loy Yang lignite
Authors: Liu Xiangchun , Cheng Feng , Hirajima Tsuyoshi , Cui Ping
Published: December 2018

To further upgrade Loy Yang lignite via microwave irradiation treatment, activated carbon with different particle size fractions (ACP1, <300 μm or ACP2, 1–1.17 mm) was mixed with lignite. ACP1 was not removed from the upgraded samples (the first type of samples, S1), whereas ACP2 was separated (the second type of samples, S2). All samples were characterized by total acidity, pore size distribution, equilibrium water content (EWC), and combustion characteristics. The results showed that total acidity decreased with increasing ACP1 or ACP2 and total acidity of S1 was higher than that of the corresponding S2. Furthermore, EWCs of the upgraded samples were considerably lower than that of raw lignite. EWC of S1 first increased and then decreased with increasing ACP1 content; this is due to the competition between the obvious increase in pores and decomposition of total acidity. EWC of S2 decreased as ACP2 content increased; this is because of the evident decrease in total acidity. The reactivity for the sample with an 8% addition of ACP1 was the lowest because of the combined effects of the decomposition of total acidity and the maintaining of ACP1, whose reactivity is low.
Insulin‐like peptides of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, and their mediation effects on hemolymph trehalose level, larval development, and adult reproduction
Authors: Al Baki Md. Abdullah , Lee Dae‐Weon , Jung Jin Kyo , Kim Yonggyun
Published: December 2018

Insulin‐like peptides (ILPs) of insects mediate various physiological processes including hemolymph sugar level, immature growth, female reproduction, and lifespan. In target cells of ILPs, insulin/insulin‐like growth factor signaling (IIS) is highly conserved in animals. IIS in the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is known to be involved in maintaining hemolymph trehalose levels and promoting larval growth. However, ILPs in M. vitrata have not been reported yet. This study predicted two ILP genes of Mv‐ILP1 and Mv‐ILP2 from transcriptome of M. vitrata. Mv‐ILP1 and Mv‐ILP2 shared high sequence homologies and domain architecture with Drosophila ILPs. Both ILPs exhibited similar expression patterns in most developmental stages, showing high expression levels in adult stage. In the larval stage, Mv‐ILP1 and Mv‐IlP2 were expressed mostly in the brain and fat body. However, in the adult stage, both ILP genes were expressed more in the abdomen than those in the head containing the brain. RNA interference (RNAi) of either Mv‐ILP1 or Mv‐ILP2 during larval stage resulted in significant malfunctioning in regulating hemolymph trehalose titers. RNAi‐treated larvae also exhibited significant retardation of larval growth. RNAi treatment in adult stage interfered with the ovarian development of females. These results suggest that Mv‐ILP1 and Mv‐ILP2 play crucial roles in mediating larval growth and adult reproduction.
Highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for rapid determination of orciprenaline in biological fluids and pharmaceuticals
Authors: Ibrahim F.A. , Fathy M.E. , Elmansi H.M.
Published: December 2018

Orciprenaline sulphate (ORP) is a direct‐acting sympathomimetic with mainly beta‐adrenoceptor stimulant activity. It is used as a bronchodilator in the management of reversible airway obstruction. For the first time, a rapid highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method is described that is relied on measuring the fluorescence spectra of ORP at acidic pH and without addition of any chemical reagents. The relative fluorescence intensity was measured at 310 nm and after excitation at 224 nm. ORP native fluorescence was calibrated in both water and acetonitrile as diluting solvents. The method was designed to estimate the drug in miscellaneous matrices with high accuracy and precision. Linear ranges of calibration curves were 30.0–400.0 ng/ml and 10.0–240.0 ng/ml in water and acetonitrile, respectively. The detection limits were calculated and reached as low as 3.3 and 3.1 ng/ml, respectively, representing the ultra‐sensitivity of the proposed method. This result permitted application of this method for spiked human plasma and urine and was used as a preliminary investigation with good percentage recovery (89.4–106.8%). The application was further extended to analyse ORP in its pharmaceutical formulations. The method was validated in compliance with International Council of Harmonization (ICH) Guidelines.
A virtual laboratory for learning fullerene production and nanostructure analysis
Authors: Tarng Wernhuar , Liu Chia‐Lin , Lee Chi‐Young , Lin Chih‐Ming , Lu Yun‐Chen
Published: December 2018

Nanotechnology is an emerging technology and it brings a tremendous change to human life and economy. When the size of a material is reduced to the nanoscale, its properties may change significantly and becomes a new substance. A fullerene is a molecule of carbon in the shape of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, tube, and many other geometrical structures. For example, buckyballs are spherical fullerenes and carbon nanotubes are cylindrical fullerenes. Fullerenes have been under intensive investigation for their expanding applications in electronics, energy, medicine, and many other research fields. Nanostructure analysis is very important for understanding the formation of different materials and their properties. In this study, a virtual laboratory is developed for learning fullerene production and its nanostructure analysis. The learners can use the arc discharge equipment to produce fullerenes and then use the transmission electron microscope (TEM) to observe the nanostructures of different fullerene samples. The high interactivity and 3D visual effects of the virtual laboratory enable the learners to become familiar with the geometrical structures and properties of fullerenes. A teaching experiment has been conducted and the results show that the virtual laboratory can improve their learning motivation and effectiveness.
A Small Cyclic β‐Hairpin Peptide Mimics the Rbfox2 RNA Recognition Motif and Binds to the Precursor miRNA 20b
Authors: Sun Yi‐Ting , Shortridge Matthew D. , Varani Gabriele
Published: December 2018

The RNA recognition motif (RRM), which is the most abundant RNA‐binding motif in eukaryotes, is a well‐structured domain of about 90 amino acids, yet the β2β3 hairpin, corresponding to strands 2 and 3 of the β‐sheet, and the intervening loop make essential interactions with RNA in many RRM complexes. A series of small cyclic peptide mimics of the β2β3 hairpin of Rbfox2 protein that recognize the terminal loop of precursor miR‐20b have been designed to investigate whether the full RNA‐binding protein can be mimicked with a minimal structurally preorganized peptide. Within a small library of seven cyclic peptides, a peptide with low‐micromolar affinity for the miR‐20b precursor was found. NMR spectroscopy titration data suggest that this peptide specifically targets the apical loop of pre‐miR‐20b. This work shows that it is possible to mimic RNA‐binding proteins with designed stable peptides, which provide a starting point for designing or evolving small peptide mimetics of RRM proteins.
Transradial versus transfemoral percutaneous coronary intervention of left main disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ando Tomo , Aoi Shunsuke , Ashraf Said , Villablanca Pedro A. , Telila Tesfaye , Briasoulis Alexandros , Takagi Hisato , Afonso Luis , Grines Cindy L.
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of transradial (TR) versus transfemoral (TF) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in left main (LM) lesion.

Background

TR‐PCI is the preferred approach compared with TF approach because of less bleeding risk. LM‐PCI is often challenging because of the anatomical complexity and uniqueness of supplying a large myocardium territory. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of TR‐PCI compared with TF‐PCI of the LM lesions.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane database was conducted to identify studies that reported the comparable outcomes between both approaches. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the Mantel–Haenszel method.

Results

A total of eight studies were included in the quantitative meta‐analysis. TR‐PCI resulted in lower bleeding risk (OR 0.31, 95%CI 0.18–0.52, P < 0.01, I2 = 0%) while maintaining similar procedural success rate, target lesion revascularization, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and all‐cause mortality during the study follow‐up period.

Conclusions

TR‐PCI may achieve similar efficacy with decreased bleeding risk compared to TF‐PCI in LM lesions. When operator experience and anatomical complexity are favorable, TR approach is an attractive alternative access over TF approach in LM‐PCI.
Biomimetic Chiral Pyridoxal and Pyridoxamine Catalysts
Authors: Chen Jianfeng , Liu Yong Ethan , Gong Xing , Shi Limin , Zhao Baoguo
Published: December 2018

Vitamin B6 serves as universal co‐enzymes in biological systems. However, its catalytic power has not been applied into the area of asymmetric catalysis. Based on the core structure of vitamin B6, we have developed several types of pyridoxal and pyridoxamine catalysts with different structural skeletons and different electronic properties. With these pyridoxals and pyridoxamines as catalysts, we have realized biomimetic asymmetric transamination of α‐keto acids and biomimetic asymmetric Mannich reaction of glycinate, respectively, to give various chiral α‐amino acids and α,β‐diamino acids in good yields with excellent diastero‐ and/or enantioselectivities. Both of the reactions have perfectly mimicked the corresponding biological transformations.
A Multi‐step Virtual Screening Protocol for the Identification of Novel Non‐acidic Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) Inhibitors
Authors: Shekfeh Suhaib , Çalışkan Burcu , Fischer Katrin , Yalçın Tansu , Garscha Ulrike , Werz Oliver , Banoglu Erden
Published: December 2018

Microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and certain types of cancer. To identify novel scaffolds for mPGES‐1 inhibition, we applied a virtual screening (VS) protocol that comprises molecular docking, fingerprints‐based clustering with diversity‐based selection, protein–ligand interactions fingerprints, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA) calculations. The hits identified were carefully analyzed to ensure the selection of novel scaffolds that establish stable interactions with key residues in the mPGES‐1 binding pocket and inhibit the catalytic activity of the enzyme. As a result, we discovered two promising chemotypes, 4‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐N‐[(2‐{[(propan‐2‐yl)sulfamoyl]methyl}phenyl)methyl]piperazine‐1‐carboxamide (6) and N‐(4‐methoxy‐3‐{[4‐(6‐methyl‐1,3‐benzothiazol‐2‐yl)phenyl]sulfamoyl}phenyl)acetamide (8), as non‐acidic mPGES‐1 inhibitors with IC50 values of 1.2 and 1.3 μm, respectively. Minimal structural optimization of 8 resulted in three more compounds with promising improvements in inhibitory activity (IC50: 0.3–0.6 μm). The unprecedented chemical structures of 6 and 8, which are amenable to further derivatization, reveal a new and attractive approach for the development of mPGES‐1 inhibitors with potential anti‐inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Interaction of body mass index or waist‐to‐hip ratio and sun exposure associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer: A prospective study from the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Chan Alfred A. , Noguti Juliana , Pak Youngju , Qi Lihong , Caan Bette , Going Scott , Han Jiali , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Lee Delphine J.
Published: December 2018

Background

The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) exceeds the incidence of all other types of cancers combined. Cumulative sun exposure and intermittent sun exposure are known risk factors for the development of NMSC. Because obesity has been shown to decrease the risk of NMSC incidence, this study investigated whether the risk of NMSC with sun exposure was consistent across different levels of body size.

Methods

Body size was assessed with the body mass index (BMI) and the waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR). Sun exposure was assessed in watts and langleys and by the amount of time spent outdoors per day in the summer during a person’s 30s.

Results

Among 71,645 postmenopausal women eligible for inclusion in this study, 13,351 participants (18.6%) developed NMSC. A BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or a WHR ≥ 0.80 was associated with lower NMSC hazard rates (hazard ratio for BMI, 0.78; hazard ratio for WHR, 0.89); however, the association between higher levels of sun exposure and a higher risk of NMSC was more apparent among women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or a WHR ≥ 0.80 in comparison with those of a normal weight (P for interaction for BMI < .001; P for interaction for WHR = .022).

Conclusions

Although most studies have considered sun exposure as a covariate, none have addressed the potential interaction of body size with sun exposure; therefore, the effect size of being overweight or obese may have been overestimated. In comparison to the normal‐weight group, those in the overweight group had increasingly higher hazard rates with increasing sun exposure. Further studies are warranted to investigate how increased weight interacts with sun exposure to influence skin cancer pathogenesis.
The Future of Photochemistry: Just Bright
Authors: Griesbeck Axel G.
Published: December 2018

Axel Griesbeck

image

is a Professor of Organic Chemistry and Photochemistry at the University of Cologne (Germany). He currently serves as the Chair of the IUPAC Photochemistry Subcommittee and is one of the Chairs of the ChemPhotoChem Editorial Board.
Effect of corporate social responsibility disclosure on firms' sales performance: A perspective of stakeholder engagement and theory
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Yang Jianhua
Published: December 2018

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is receiving a supreme interest, and several experts have revealed the outcomes of CSR disclosure (CSRD) toward organizational performance across the globe. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to empirical contribution with respect to marketing and sales management, especially from developing nations. This study investigates the impact of CSRD practices, that is, internal (ICSRD) and external (ECSRD) to organizational sales performance (OSP). Data were collected from 450 managers within Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings revealed the positive relationships between OSP and disclosure of CSR activities both ICSRD and ECSRD, that is, responsibility to the environment (ER), community (CR), customers (CCR), suppliers (SR), employees (EER), and responsibility to government rules & regulations (GR). The comprehensive analysis unveiled the higher significant effect of ECSRD than ICSRD. The study provides multidimensional insights for strategic management to support CSR notion and to engage stakeholders pursuing such practices to augment OSP dynamically. This study furnishes research possibilities for practitioners and academicians.
A broadly applicable COI primer pair and an efficient single‐tube amplicon library preparation protocol for metabarcoding
Authors: Rennstam Rubbmark Oskar , Sint Daniela , Horngacher Nina , Traugott Michael
Published: December 2018

The nucleotide variation in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene makes it ideal for assigning sequences to species. However, this variability also makes it difficult to design truly universal primers. Here, we present the forward primer “Sauron‐S878,” specifically designed to facilitate library preparation for metabarcoding. This primer is modified to improve the coverage of terrestrial species compared to the primer mCOIintF, optimized for aquatic systems, which raised the in silico coverage from 74.4% to 98.3% of available NCBI sequences (perfect match in 3′ region, up to three mismatches in remaining primer). When paired with the reverse primer “jgHCO2198” (fragment length ~313 bp), these primers amplified 98.4% of 255 tested DNA extracts from various taxa, which are better than many other common COI barcoding primers. Furthermore, a single‐tube protocol was developed, wherein these primers amplify the target gene, and attach MIDs and Illumina sequencing adapters in one reaction. This eliminates the need for re‐amplification or enzymatic ligation during library preparation while keeping the flexibility to modularly combine primers and MIDs. Using the single‐tube approach, three replicates of three mock samples were sequenced on a MiSeq platform with no adverse effects compared to commercial Nextera indexing kits. From this run, 75% of all included taxa could be recovered, with no considerable bias among taxonomic groups. Despite the fact that 98.4% of the extracts were confirmed to amplify in vitro, this number was lower than expected. A reason for this discrepancy was a clear link between the relative concentration of a specific DNA type in the template and the number of returned reads for this DNA. We would argue that such a bias may be especially problematic in metabarcoding where samples usually contain trace DNA in unknown amounts. However, how this affects the completeness of metabarcoding results has yet been poorly investigated.
Genomic divergence in allopatric Northern Cardinals of the North American warm deserts is linked to behavioral differentiation
Authors: Provost Kaiya L. , Mauck William M. , Smith Brian Tilston
Published: December 2018

Biogeographic barriers are considered important in initiating speciation through geographic isolation, but they rarely indiscriminately and completely reduce gene flow across entire communities. Explicitly demonstrating which factors are associated with gene‐flow levels across barriers would help elucidate how speciation is initiated and isolation maintained. Here, we investigated the association of behavioral isolation on population differentiation in Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) distributed across the Cochise Filter Barrier, a region of transitional habitat which separates the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts of North America. Using genomewide markers, we modeled demographic history by fitting the data to isolation and isolation‐with‐migration models. The best‐fit model indicated that desert populations diverged in the Pleistocene with low, historic, and asymmetric gene flow across the barrier. We then tested behavioral isolation using reciprocal call‐broadcast experiments to compare song recognition between deserts, controlling for song dialect changes within deserts. We found that male Northern Cardinals in both deserts were most aggressive to local songs and failed to recognize across‐barrier songs. A correlation of genomic differentiation and strong song discrimination is consistent with a model where speciation is initiated across a barrier and maintained by behavioral isolation.
Rainforest trees respond to drought by modifying their hydraulic architecture
Authors: Tng David Y. P. , Apgaua Deborah M. G. , Ishida Yoko F. , Mencuccini Maurizio , Lloyd Jon , Laurance William F. , Laurance Susan G. W.
Published: December 2018

Increased drought is forecasted for tropical regions, with severe implications for the health and function of forest ecosystems. How mature forest trees will respond to water deficit is poorly known. We investigated wood anatomy and leaf traits in lowland tropical forest trees after 24 months of experimental rainfall exclusion. Sampling sun‐exposed young canopy branches from target species, we found species‐specific systematic variation in hydraulic‐related wood anatomy and leaf traits in response to drought stress. Relative to controls, drought‐affected individuals of different tree species variously exhibited trait measures consistent with increasing hydraulic safety. These included narrower or less vessels, reduced vessel groupings, lower theoretical water conductivities, less water storage tissue and more abundant fiber in their wood, and more occluded vessels. Drought‐affected individuals also had thinner leaves, and more negative pre‐dawn or mid‐day leaf water potentials. Future studies examining both wood and leaf hydraulic traits should improve the representation of plant hydraulics within terrestrial ecosystem and biosphere models, and help fine‐tune predictions of how future climate changes will affect tropical forests globally.
Phylogeographic analyses of a widely distributedPopulus davidiana: Further evidence for the existence of glacial refugia of cool‐temperate deciduous trees in northern East Asia
Authors: Hou Zhe , Wang Zhaoshan , Ye Zhanyang , Du Shuhui , Liu Shuyu , Zhang Jianguo
Published: December 2018

Despite several phylogeographic studies had provided evidence to support the existence of glacial refugia of cool‐temperate deciduous trees in northeast China, the species used in these studies were limited by the species ranges, which could not exclude the possibility that northern populations were the colonists from southern refugial populations during the last glacial maximum (LGM). Here, we estimated the nucleotide variation inPopulus davidiana, a widespread species distributed in Eurasia. Three groups in northeast, central, and southwest China were constructed according to the simulation results from SAMOVA, composition of chloroplast haplotypes and structure results. We revealed that the northeast China had endemic haplotypes, the haplotypes and nucleotide diversity in northern regions were not lower than that in southern China, and this species has not experienced population expansion base on the estimation of Bayesian skyline plots. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) indicated that the northeast China had a high suitability score during the last glacial maximum. The combined evidence clearly demonstrated that northeastern and southwestern refugia were maintained across the current distributional range ofP. davidianaduring the LGM. The genetic differentiation between these two refugia might be mainly caused by differences of climate among these areas. The phylogeographic analyses of a widely distributedP. davidianaprovided robust evidence to clarify the issue of refugia in northeast China, and these results are of great importance for understanding the influence of Quaternary glaciations on the distribution and evolution of species in East Asia.
Pollinator‐mediated interactions between cultivated papaya and co‐flowering plant species
Authors: Badillo‐Montaño Raúl , Aguirre Armando , Munguía‐Rosas Miguel A.
Published: December 2018

Many modern crop varieties rely on animal pollination to set fruit and seeds. Intensive crop plantations usually do not provide suitable habitats for pollinators so crop yield may depend on the surrounding vegetation to maintain pollination services. However, little is known about the effect of pollinator‐mediated interactions among co‐flowering plants on crop yield or the underlying mechanisms. Plant reproductive success is complex, involving several pre‐ and post‐pollination events; however, the current literature has mainly focused on pre‐pollination events in natural plant communities. We assessed pollinator sharing and the contribution to pollinator diet in a community of wild and cultivated plants that co‐flower with a focal papaya plantation. In addition, we assessed heterospecific pollen transfer to the stigmatic loads of papaya and its effect on fruit and seed production. We found that papaya shared at least one pollinator species with the majority of the co‐flowering plants. Despite this, heterospecific pollen transfer in cultivated papaya was low in open‐pollinated flowers. Hand‐pollination experiments suggest that heterospecific pollen transfer has no negative effect on fruit production or weight, but does reduce seed production. These results suggest that co‐flowering plants offer valuable floral resources to pollinators that are shared with cultivated papaya with little or no cost in terms of heterospecific pollen transfer. Although HP reduced seed production, a reduced number of seeds per se are not negative, given that from an agronomic perspective the number of seeds does not affect the monetary value of the papaya fruit.
Versatile Synthesis of 4‐Aryl Chroman and 1‐Aryl Tetralins Through Metal‐Free Reductive Arylations
Authors: Panda Gautam , Kumar M Srinivas Lavanya
Published: December 2018

A metal free approach was developed for accessing 4‐aryl chromans and 1‐aryl tetralins from their commercially available building blocks. This operationally simple protocol was well tolerated with the presence of labile functional groups, providing biologically relevant chemical libraries, which can be used for late stage modification. Dearylated analogues of the drugs Ormeloxifene and Lasofoxifene were synthesized using this approach.
Synthesis of 4a‐Carba‐d‐lyxofuranose Derivatives and Their Evaluation as Inhibitors of GH38 α‐Mannosidases
Authors: Zajičková Mária , Moncoľ Ján , Šesták Sergej , Kóňa Juraj , Koóš Miroslav , Bella Maroš
Published: December 2018

A synthetic approach to 4a‐carba‐d‐lyxofuranose derivatives starting from d‐lyxose is described. The protected 4a‐carba‐β‐d‐lyxofuranose was employed as the key intermediate for the synthesis of 4a‐carba‐d‐lyxofuranose derivatives including novel 1‐amino‐1‐deoxy‐4a‐carba‐d‐lyxofuranoses. Synthesized 4a‐carba‐d‐lyxofuranoses were evaluated as inhibitors of GH38 α‐mannosidases, namely, the Golgi (GMIIb) and lysosomal (LManII) α‐mannosidases from Drosophila melanogaster and commercial Jack bean α‐mannosidase (JBMan) from Canavalia ensiformis. The biochemical evaluation revealed that only 1‐amino‐1‐deoxy‐4a‐carba‐β‐d‐lyxofuranose exhibited reasonable inhibitory activity against GMIIb (IC50 = 200 µm). In addition, the results of biological evaluation were discussed by means of molecular modelling.
Fe‐enriched Clay‐coated and Reduced Graphene Oxide‐modified N‐doped Polymer Nanocomposite: A Natural Recognition Element‐based Sensing Electrode for DNT
Authors: Bairagi Pallab K. , Gupta Govind S. , Verma Nishith
Published: December 2018

Dinitrotoluene (DNT) is a signature material of all nitro‐aromatic explosives including the lethal 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT). A clay‐modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐polymer nanocomposite was prepared as sensing electrode for the detection of (DNT) in the aquatic systems. rGO was in situ dispersed in the electro‐conductive N‐doped phenol/formaldehyde polymer and the clay ‘montmorillonite’ was coated on the nanocomposite. The clay, containing iron as one of its mineral components, served as the recognition element for DNT. Tested using electrochemical measurement techniques – cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry, the prepared sensing electrode exhibited a low detection limit (0.0016 μM) on signal to noise ratio basis (S/N=3) and excellent linearity (R2=0.997) over 0.02–10 mg L−1 with high sensitivity value (428 μA mM−1 cm−2) for DNT. The electrode showed negligible interference with the gravimetric and volumetric salts commonly present in seawater, and also, with explosive derivatives. The separate tests performed in a simulated seawater confirmed the suitability of the prepared electrode for use in field applications.
Global trends in colorectal cancer mortality: projections to the year 2035
Authors: Araghi Marzieh , Soerjomataram Isabelle , Jenkins Mark , Brierley James , Morris Eva , Bray Freddie , Arnold Melina
Published: December 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cause of cancer death. Predictions of the future burden of the disease inform health planners and raise awareness of the need for cancer control action. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database for 1989–2016 were used to project colon and rectal cancer mortality rates and number of deaths in 42 countries up to the year 2035, using age‐period‐cohort (APC) modelling. Mortality rates for colon cancer are predicted to continue decreasing in the majority of included countries from Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, except Latin America and Caribbean countries. Mortality rates from rectal cancer in general followed those of colon cancer, however rates are predicted to increase substantially in Costa Rica (+73.6%), Australia (+59.2%), United States (+27.8%), Ireland (+24.2%) and Canada (+24.1%). Despite heterogeneous trends in rates, the number of deaths is expected to rise in all countries for both colon and rectal cancer by 60.0% and 71.5% until 2035, respectively, due to population growth and ageing. Reductions in colon and rectal cancer mortality rates are probably due to better accessibility to early detection services and improved specialized care. The expected increase in rectal cancer mortality rates in some countries is worrisome and warrants further investigations.
Influence of colonic dialysis using Gubenxiezhuo on the distribution of gut microflora in uremia rats
Authors: He Haidong , Hu Ping , Tang Yuyan , Xu Xudong
Published: December 2018

Objective

This study aimed to explore the underlying function of Gubenxiezhuo dialysis on the distribution of gut microflora uremia.

Methods

A uremia rat model was constructed, and the morphology of renal tissue was determined using the hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) staining. Moreover, the blood samples were collected and the expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and CRP was determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Following these experiments, the gut tissues of rats were collected and the distribution of gut microbiota was explored using real‐time PCR.

Results

Compared with the control group, inflammatory infiltration, apoptosis, and bleeding were significantly upregulated in kidney of uremia rats, and Gubenxiezhuo dialysis could obviously ameliorate these changes. Expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and CRP were significantly elevated in uremic rats and Gubenxiezhuo could significantly attenuate these elevations (p < 0.01). In addition, Gubenxiezhuo dialysis also could attenuate the upregulations of
Acinetobacter,
Bacillus cereus,
Proteus vulgaris,
Shigella flexneri, and
Escherichia coli , and the downregulation of
Bifidobacterium,
Lactobacillus, and
Helicobacter in the uremia rats (
p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Gubenxiezhuo dialysis could significantly ameliorate the inflammatory to modulate the distribution of gut microbiota in uremia.
Immediate remote ischemic postconditioning reduces cerebral damage in ischemic stroke mice by enhancing leptomeningeal collateral circulation
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ma Longhui , Ren Changhong , Liu Kaiyin , Tian Xin , Wu Di , Ding Yuchuan , Li Junfa , Borlongan Cesar V. , Ji Xunming
Published: December 2018

Remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPC) is a promising neuroprotective strategy for ischemic stroke. Here, we employed a focal ischemic stroke mouse model to test the hypothesis that poststroke collateral circulation as a potent mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of immediate RIPC. During reperfusion of cerebral ischemia, the mice were randomly assigned to receive RIPC, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) as a positive control, or no treatment. At 24 hr, we found RIPC and G‐CSF increased monocytes/macrophages in the dorsal brain surface and in the spleen, coupled with enhanced leptomeningeal collateral flow compared with nontreatment group. Blood monocytes depletion by 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) significantly limited the neuroprotection of RIPC or G‐CSF treatment. The protein expression of proangiogenic factors such as Ang‐2 was increased by ischemia, but treatment with either RIPC or G‐CSF showed no further upregulation. Thus, immediate RIPC confers neuroprotection, in part, by enhancing leptomeningeal collateral circulation in a mouse model of ischemic stroke.
miR‐133a‐3p suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promotes apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yin Yanwei , Du Lei , Li Xuezhen , Zhang Xiaoyan , Gao Yongli
Published: December 2018

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of miR‐133a‐3p and collagen type I α 1 (COL1A1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to find out the relationship between miR‐133a‐3p and COL1A1 and their influence on ESCC propagation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.

Methods

The messenger RNA expression levels of miR‐133a‐3p and COL1A1 in ESCC were detected by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expression of COL1A1 protein was examined via western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry assay. Cell propagation and apoptosis were, respectively, confirmed by CCK‐8 and flow cytometry assay, whereas cell mobility and invasiveness were analyzed by wound healing assay and transwell assay. The targeted relationship between miR‐133a‐3p and COL1A1 was validated by the dual luciferase reporter assay. The tumor xenograft model was constructed to further verify the impact of miR‐133a‐3p on esophageal squamous tumor growth and COL1A1 expression in vivo.

Results

miR‐133a‐3p was found low‐expressed whereas COL1A1 was highly expressed in esophageal squamous cancer tissue and cells. The expression of miR‐133a‐3p was negatively correlated with COL1A1 expression. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR‐133a‐3p directly targeted COL1A1 and suppressed its expression. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that COL1A1 promoted ESCC propagation and invasion and suppressed cell apoptosis, whereas miR‐133a‐3p reversed such adverse effects by regulating COL1A1.

Conclusions

miR‐133a‐3p inhibited the cell propagation, invasion, and migration and facilitated apoptosis in ESCC by targeting COL1A1.
Atrial fibrillation in β‐thalassemia patients with a focus on the role of iron‐overload and oxidative stress: A review
Authors: Nomani Homa , Bayat Golnaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Fazelifar Amir Farjam , Vakilian Farveh , Jomezade Vahid , Johnston Thomas P. , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang
Published: December 2018

Cardiac complications including arrhythmia and especially atrial fibrillation (AF) are common causes of death in β‐thalassemia patients. The main factor in the etiopathogenesis of these complications is iron overload, which results in increased oxidative stress. Although there is a known association between cardiac complications and iron overload in β‐thalassemia patients, there is no comprehensive review on AF and excessive iron with a focus on oxidative stress in these patients. The aim of this article was to review the different aspects of AF in β‐thalassemia patients with a focus on the prevention and treatment of AF by using iron chelators and/or anti‐oxidants. AF in β‐thalassemia patients is more common than in the general population. One of the most important causes of AF is cardiac iron overload and the harmful effects of increased oxidative stress. Iron‐induced AF can be reversed by using an intensive iron chelation regimen. Based on a few experimental studies, the combination of iron chelators with some anti‐oxidants, including NAC, vitamin C, and acetaminophen, can lead to improved cardiac protection. However, the effect of such combinations on cardiac arrhythmias should be further evaluated with animal and human studies.
Microtubules: From understanding their dynamics to using them as potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Ilan Yaron
Published: December 2018

Microtubules (MT) and actin microfilaments are dynamic cytoskeleton components involved in a range of intracellular processes. MTs play a role in cell division, beating of cilia and flagella, and intracellular transport. Over the past decades, much knowledge has been gained regarding MT function and structure, and its role in underlying disease progression. This makes MT potential therapeutic targets for various disorders. Disturbances in MT and their associated proteins are the underlying cause of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and several genetic diseases. Some of the advances in the field of MT research, as well as the potenti G beta gamma, is needed al uses of MT‐targeting agents in various conditions have been reviewed here.
Simplification of Imipenem Dosing by Removal of Weight‐Based Adjustments
Authors: Lala Mallika , Brown Michelle , Kantesaria Bhavna , Walker Brittany , Paschke Amanda , Rizk Matthew L.
Published: December 2018

In patients with renal insufficiency, dose adjustments based on creatinine clearance and body weight have been a component of imipenem dosage instructions. The objective of the current analysis was to provide revised dosing recommendations by evaluating the impact of creatinine clearance and body weight on the pharmacokinetics of imipenem. A population pharmacokinetics model was developed with data from 465 patients and 3300 pharmacokinetic samples. Simulations provided data to support revision of the dosing recommendations to remove body weight–adjusted dosing, and the analysis formed the basis for updates that are reflected on the current imipenem label for both the United States and Europe. The optimized regimen provided an advantage in terms of improved target attainment at breakpoint minimum inhibitory concentration values of 1 and 2 μg/mL, as low‐body‐weight patients maintained >90% probability of target attainment compared to <90% probability of target attainment achieved with the previously approved regimen. It was concluded that additional dose adjustments for body weight were not necessary and the new scheme would simplify dosing while maintaining patient safety and efficacy.