bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Properties of Cooked African Locust Beans (Parkia biglobosa) Effluent with and without Its Chaff
Authors: Olukunle Oluwatoyin F. , Umar Odunayo K. , Oriola Olasunkanmi B.
Published: May 2019

Aim: This study aim to determine the antimicrobial properties of the Parkia biglobosa (Jacque Benth.) effluents (waste water from the preparation of Parkia biglobosa). The effluents were tested against some typed and clinical pathogenic microorganisms for their antimicrobial properties using the conventional antibiotics as the control.

Study Design: Effluent with and without chaff is to serve as agents used to determine its antimicrobial properties on the clinical and typed isolates.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out between November- 2015 and July- 2016 at the Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Locust beans bought from “Oja Oba” market, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo state were cooked until the coat was soft and the effluent (waste water from the locust beans) was decanted, cooked again and the effluent with chaffs was also decanted. Both effluents (with and without chaffs) were used against the test and clinical microorganisms using agar well diffusion method. The Minimum inhibitory concentration was carried out using tube dilution method using Mueller Hinton broth.

Results: The typed pathogenic microorganisms were subjected to antimicrobial tests using the P. biglobosa effluents at 100mg/mL; the effluents were able to inhibit S. pyogenes (ATCC 29212) S. aureus (ATCC 43300), S. typhi (ATCC 35240) and E. coli (ATCC 35218) while P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and K. pneumonia (ATCC 48891) were resistant to the effluents. E. coli (ATCC 35218) had the lowest susceptibility at 6.33 ± 0.58bmm and S. pyogenes (ATCC 29212) had the highest susceptibility with 13.00 ± 1.73amm zones of inhibition for the locust beans effluent. For the clinical isolate, the effluent (waste water from the boiled locust beans) and effluent containing chaffs were also able to inhibit S. aureus, S. typhi, E. coli and S. pyogenes. For the effluent containing chaffs, S. aureus had the lowest susceptibility at 2.33 ± 0.58a mm while S. pyogenes had the highest susceptibility at 9.33 ± 0.58a mm. P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to the effluents.

 Conclusion: This study has provided useful information on the antimicrobial activities of the effluents against clinical and typed microorganisms used in this study.
Triarylphosphine Oxide as Cathode Interfacial Material for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Kai , Neophytou Marios , Aydin Erkan , Wang Mingcong , Laurent Thomas , Harrison George T. , Liu Jiang , Liu Wenzhu , De Bastiani Michele , Khan Jafar I. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Laquai Frédéric , De Wolf Stefaan
Published: May 2019

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in the inverted planar p‐i‐n configuration often employ phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) as electron transport layer, onto which Ag is deposited as outer electrode. However, the energy offset between PC61BM and Ag imposes an energy barrier for electron extraction. In this work, to improve the contact quality of this stack, a small organic molecule (2‐(1,10‐phenanthrolin‐3‐yl)naphth‐6‐yl)diphenylphosphine oxide (DPO) as a cathode interfacial material (CIM), inserted between PC61BM and Ag, is introduced. In devices with the indium tin oxide (ITO)/NiOx/methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3)/PC61BM/CIM/Ag configuration, it is found that this results in fill factor (FF) and short‐circuit current density values (JSC) that are up to ≈34% and ≈1 mA cm−2 higher, respectively, compared to DPO‐free devices. Inserting additional thin ZnO nanoparticle layers further improves the contact quality, leading to a power conversion efficiency of 18.2%. Semitransparent PSCs, utilizing DPO as an interlayer buffer layer are also realised. Resultant devices exhibit improved performance compared to DPO‐free devices. This proves that DPO withstands the sputtering of ITO, and may thus find application in perovskite‐based tandem devices. It is concluded that DPO acts as an excellent cathode modifier, opening new device‐engineering opportunities for p‐i‐n PSCs, especially in their semitransparent implementation.
Synthesis of Conjugated Boron‐Enynes via cis‐Alkynylboration of Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Li Kuan , Yu Shang‐Hai , Zhuo Kai‐Feng , Lu Xi , Xiao Bin , Gong Tian‐Jun , Fu Yao
Published: May 2019

A unique and practical Cu‐catalyzed cis‐alkynylboration of terminal alkynes with diboron reagents and bromoalkynes has been realized. This process enables the convenient synthesis of a large variety of trisubstituted enynylboronates under mild reaction conditions with broad functional‐groups compatibility, high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity. The usability and practicability of this process was further demonstrated by the successful modular synthesis of enediynes.

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Packing Activated Carbons into Dense Graphene Network by Capillarity for High Volumetric Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Li Pei , Li Huan , Han Daliang , Shang Tongxin , Deng Yaqian , Tao Ying , Lv Wei , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: May 2019

Supercapacitors are increasingly in demand among energy storage devices. Due to their abundant porosity and low cost, activated carbons are the most promising electrode materials and have been commercialized in supercapacitors for many years. However, their low packing density leads to an unsatisfactory volumetric performance, which is a big obstacle for their practical use where a high volumetric energy density is necessary. Inspired by the dense structure of irregular pomegranate grains, a simple yet effective approach to pack activated carbons into a compact graphene network with graphene as the “peels” is reported here. The capillary shrinkage of the graphene network sharply reduces the voids between the activated carbon particles through the microcosmic rearrangement while retaining their inner porosity. As a result, the electrode density increases from 0.41 to 0.76 g cm−3. When used as additive‐free electrodes for supercapacitors in an ionic liquid electrolyte, this porous yet dense electrode delivers a volumetric capacitance of up to 138 F cm−3, achieving high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of 101 Wh kg−1 and 77 Wh L−1, respectively. Such a graphene‐assisted densification strategy can be extended to the densification of other carbon or noncarbon particles for energy devices requiring a high volumetric performance.
Divergent Functionalizations of Azetidines and Unsaturated Azetidines
Authors: Reidl Tyler W. , Anderson Laura L.
Published: May 2019

Azetidines are unusual heterocyclic motifs that comprise key components of biologically active molecules and provide desirable structural properties for drug discovery. While a variety of methods have been designed for the synthesis of azetidines, screening and optimization studies often require systematic and versatile strategies for varying structural characteristics. With this need in mind, this review surveys methods for the divergent preparation of substituted azetidines from starting materials that contain a 4‐membered azacycle. The scope and tolerance of azetidine functionalization reactions are described including approaches such as lithiation and electrophilic trapping, nucleophilic displacement, and transition metal catalysis. To complement this discussion, opportunities for using unsaturated azetidines as precursors to functionalized saturated analogues are also examined as an emerging alternative tactic towards the diversity‐oriented preparation of these strained heterocycles. The aim of this Minireview is to identify recent advances, as well as areas where further development is needed, to continue to inspire innovative solutions to the divergent synthesis of functionalized azetidines.
Isolation and characterization of 15 SSR loci for the endangered European tetraploid species Gladiolus palustris (Iridaceae)
Authors: Malkócs Tamás , Almerekova Shyryn , Bereczki Judit , Cservenka Judit , Meglécz Emese , Sramkó Gábor
Published: May 2019

Premise

Gladiolus palustris (Iridaceae) is an endangered European perennial tetraploid herb with special conservation interest in the European Union. Microsatellite markers can serve as effective tools for the conservation genetics of this species.

Methods and Results

We utilized a 454 pyrosequencing approach to identify simple sequence repeat (SSR) regions in a microsatellite‐enriched library. Of all SSR regions, 46 were screened for specific PCR amplification, and 15 were found to be applicable in the target species. We found 1.62–3.08 alleles per population (effective alleles: 1.58–2.08) that indicated moderate to high genetic diversity values (0.28–0.44) in three pilot populations. Cross‐species amplification was less effective in G. imbricatus and G. tenuis.

Conclusions

The primers reported here can be used for the population genetic characterization of G. palustris. They will help us to better understand the conservation genetics of this highly endangered species.
Field‐Induced Single‐Ion Magnetic Behavior in Two Mononuclear Cobalt(II) Complexes
Authors: Cui Yanfeng , Xu Yameng , Liu Xin , Li Yahong , Wang Bao‐Lin , Dong Yaping , Li Wu , Lei Shiming
Published: May 2019

The employment of a new rigid N‐tridentate ligand, bis(1‐chloroimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐3‐yl)pyridine (bcpp), in the construction of cobalt(II) single‐ion magnets is reported. Two cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(bcpp)Cl2] (1) and [Co(bcpp)Br2] (2), have been prepared and characterized. Single‐crystal XRD analyses reveal that complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural. They are pentacoordinated mononuclear cobalt(II) compounds with expected trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Both analysis of the magnetic data and ab initio calculations reveal easy‐plane magnetic anisotropy (D>0) for 1 and 2. Detailed alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the occurrence of slow magnetic relaxation behavior for the cobalt(II) centers of 1 and 2; thus indicating that both complexes are field‐induced single‐ion magnets.
Cost and profit impacts of modifying stover harvest operations to improve feedstock quality
Authors: Langholtz Matthew , Eaton Laurence , Davis Maggie , Hartley Damon , Brandt Craig , Hilliard Michael
Published: May 2019

Biomass quality attributes, and the potential tractability of those attributes, are key to a successful biomass feedstock supply chain, in addition to quantity and price. Modifying harvest operations is one potential approach to managing biomass feedstock quality for corn stover. For example, eliminating raking from stover harvest operations is proposed as an approach to reduce ash content. However, changes in the stover harvest configuration cause changes in per acre profits, per ton costs, and available supply at specified prices. Here we evaluate sensitivity of profit, cost, and supply to conversion from a three‐pass to a two‐pass stover harvesting configuration as a means to reduce ash content. For all simulated yields, harvest costs are $2–$3 per ton cheaper for three‐pass versus two‐pass systems wherever residue retention coefficients are less than 0.5, and per ton costs for both systems increase dramatically where residue retention coefficients are greater than 0.7. Per acre net returns are greater under all simulated yields wherever residue sustainability retention coefficients are less than 0.6. Under these conditions, farmers lose between $13 and $49 per acre by harvesting with a two‐pass rather than a three‐pass system. Where competing with stover markets with less stringent quality specifications, meeting ash targets by harvesting with a two‐pass system may require higher grower payments of the order of $9–$25 per ton to make up for the per acre lost revenue. When solving for the least‐cost supply, agronomic simulations suggest about 2/3 of stover is harvested with a three‐pass system. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
DFT Study on the Interaction of Subnanometer Cobalt Clusters with Pristine/Defective Graphene
Authors: Shahzad Nasir , Ren Jun , Kim Chan Kyung
Published: May 2019

The cobalt nanoparticles deposited on graphene are new interesting catalytic systems for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to obtain clean fuel hydrocarbons. Especially, graphene doped with Co nanoparticles could be a nice alternative material for catalysis in CO + H2 reaction. On the basis of first‐principles calculation, we have analyzed the binding of Co
n clusters (n = 1~7) with pristine (PGr) and defective graphene (DGr). Our analysis shows that the electronic structure of the graphene‐supported Co subnano‐clusters plays a significant role in the catalytic activity owing to metal‐support interactions, and the interaction between the Co
n clusters and the graphene is local. Our results also show that the bigger the size of Co
n clusters is, the smaller the interaction between the cluster and the support is, and the lower its structural distortion is. In addition, the nucleation of Co
n clusters on PGr is thermodynamically favorable, but the opposite trend is obtained for DGr. Both the pristine and defective surfaces facilitate agglomeration of Co6 cluster, implying that the graphene support remarkably promotes and even prevents the sintering process of the small Co clusters. The Bader charge analysis shows that both the cobalt and graphene support are responsible for the charge densities of Co clusters.
Recent updates and future perspectives about amygdalin as a potential anticancer agent: A review
Authors: Shi Jiamin , Chen Qianqian , Xu Meng , Xia Qing , Zheng Tiansheng , Teng Junliang , Li Ming , Fan Lihong
Published: May 2019

The overall incidence of cancer is increasing in recent years. Despite advances in various comprehensive treatments, the mortality of advanced malignant tumors remains at a high level. Numerous pharmacological studies have confirmed that many Chinese herbal medicines possess remarkable antitumor activities. Amygdalin, mainly existing in bitter almond, is reported to have antitumor properties in addition to the antioxidative, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. This article summarizes the structural characteristics of amygdalin, its antitumor mechanisms, and recent progress and achievement in the research of amygdalin, hoping that it could provide theoretical clues for exploring the clinical value of amygdalin against tumors. Amygdalin is known to have an antitumor effect in solid tumors such as lung cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma by affecting cell cycle, inducing apoptosis and cytotoxicity, and regulating immune function. Further research is needed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of amygdalin in terms of the optimal dosage, the feasibility of combined use of amygdalin with other antitumor drugs, and even artificial synthesis of the active components in amygdalin, for the sake of enhancing its antitumor activities and reducing its adverse effects for clinical use.
Comparative profiling of chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) driven by two different growth factors
Authors: Zhan Xintang , Cai Peian , Lei Danqing , Yang Yifeng , Wang Zetao , Lu Zhenhui , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of nerve growth factor (NGF) from cobra venom and human transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) on the chondrogenic induction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). NGF and TGF‐β1 were used to induce chondrogenesis of MSCs from rabbits for 7 days. Total RNA was extracted for mRNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene ontology (GO), KEGG pathway enrichment, and PPI network analysis were conducted to screen the specific signalling pathways and target genes. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to further confirm the relative target genes. The results showed that NGF could significantly promote the expression of hyaline cartilage specific genes (collagen type II alpha 1 chain, COL2A1) compared with TGF‐β1. PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway is commonly involved in the chondrogenesis of MSCs induced by NGF and TGF‐β1. However, the expression levels of the genes in the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway were significantly higher in NGF group than that in the TGF‐β1 group. In the process of chondrogenesis of MSCs induced by NGF and TGF‐β1, integrin (ITGAs) were the targeted hub genes to activate the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway. NGF could activate more proliferation and differentiation genes in the process of chondrogenesis of MSCs than TGF‐β1. TGF‐β1 promoted angiogenesis by targeting the thrombospondin (THBS1) and THBS2 which might contribute to the osteophyte formation. PI3K‐AKT was the crucial signalling pathway for chondrogenic differentiation. NGF could activate the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway to a higher level, and NGF had more specificity for promoting expression of specific genes of chondrocyte compared with TGF‐β1.

Significance of the study

In our study, we compared two different growth factors in promoting cartilage differentiation of MSCs and found some similarities and differences. We revealed that both NGF and TGF‐β1 could activate the PI3K‐AKT signalling pathway (the expression of it in NGF was higher) by targeting the ITGAs in the process of chondrogenesis from MSCs. However, NGF could activate more proliferation and differentiation genes in the process of chondrogenesis of MSCs, whereas TGF‐β1 caused osteophyte formation by activating THBS1 and THBS2. These might be the reason why NGF could promote cartilage differentiation more specifically.
Syncope in a female patient. Echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography reveal an unexpected diagnosis
Authors: Giusca Sorin , Buss Sebastian , Lasitschka Felix , Karck Matthias , Korosoglou Grigorios
Published: May 2019

Key Clinical Message

Papillary fibroelastoma is a benign cardiac tumor with a high potential of embolization. Coronary computed tomography is a valuable tool for the work‐up of patients with papillary fibroelastoma, providing accurate information regarding the coronary circulation and morphology of the cardiac mass.
Oxadiazole Derivatives as Dual Orexin Receptor Antagonists: Synthesis, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Sleep‐Promoting Properties in Rats
Authors: Brotschi Christine , Roch Catherine , Gatfield John , Treiber Alexander , Williams Jodi T. , Sifferlen Thierry , Heidmann Bibia , Jenck Francois , Bolli Martin H. , Boss Christoph
Published: May 2019

The orexin system plays an important role in the regulation of wakefulness. Suvorexant, a dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) is approved for the treatment of primary insomnia. Herein, we outline our optimization efforts toward a novel DORA. We started our investigation with rac‐[3‐(5‐chloro‐benzooxazol‐2‐ylamino)piperidin‐1‐yl]‐(5‐methyl‐2‐[1,2,3]triazol‐2‐ylphenyl)methanone (3), a structural hybrid of suvorexant and a piperidine‐containing DORA. During the optimization, we resolved liabilities such as chemical instability, CYP3A4 inhibition, and low brain penetration potential. Furthermore, structural modification of the piperidine scaffold was essential to improve potency at the orexin 2 receptor. This work led to the identification of (5‐methoxy‐4‐methyl‐2‐[1,2,3]triazol‐2‐ylphenyl)‐{(S)‐2‐[5‐(2‐trifluoromethoxyphenyl)‐[1,2,4]oxadiazol‐3‐yl]pyrrolidin‐1‐yl}methanone (51), a potent, brain‐penetrating DORA with in vivo efficacy similar to that of suvorexant in rats.
Impact of exercise on psychological burden in adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Tonorezos Emily S. , Ford Jennifer S. , Wang Linwei , Ness Kirsten K. , Yasui Yutaka , Leisenring Wendy , Sklar Charles A. , Robison Leslie L. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Nathan Paul C. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Krull Kevin , Jones Lee W.
Published: May 2019

Background

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for adverse psychological outcomes. Whether exercise can attenuate this risk is unknown.

Methods

In total, 6199 participants in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (median age, 34.3 years [range, 22.0‐54.0 years]; median age at diagnosis, 10.0 years [range, 0‐21.0 years]) completed a questionnaire assessing vigorous exercise and medical/psychological conditions. Outcomes were evaluated a median of 7.8 years (range, 0.1‐10.0 years) later and were defined as: symptom level above the 90th percentile of population norms for depression, anxiety, or somatization on the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18; cancer‐related pain; cognitive impairment using a validated self‐report neurocognitive questionnaire; or poor health‐related quality of life. Log‐binomial regression estimated associations between exercise (metabolic equivalent [MET]‐hours per week−1) and outcomes adjusting for cancer diagnosis, treatment, demographics, and baseline conditions.

Results

The prevalence of depression at follow‐up was 11.4% (95% CI, 10.6%‐12.3%), anxiety 7.4% (95% CI, 6.7%‐8.2%) and somatization 13.9% (95% CI, 13.0%‐14.9%). Vigorous exercise was associated with lower prevalence of depression and somatization. The adjusted prevalence ratio for depression was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.72‐1.05) for 3 to 6 MET hours per week−1, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.62‐0.94) for 9 to 12 MET‐hours per week−1, and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.58‐0.95) for 15 to 21 MET‐hours per week−1. Compared with 0 MET hours per week−1, 15 to 21 MET‐hours per week−1 were associated with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 0.79 (95% CI, 0.62‐1.00) for somatization. Vigorous exercise also was associated with less impairment in the physical functioning, general health and vitality (Ptrend < .001), emotional role limitations (Ptrend = .02), and mental health (Ptrend = .02) domains as well as higher cognitive function in the domains of task completion, organization, and working memory (P < .05 for all), but not in the domain of cancer pain.

Conclusions

Vigorous exercise is associated with less psychological burden and cognitive impairment in childhood cancer survivors.
Molecular Electronics: From Single‐Molecule to Large‐Area Devices
Authors: Vuillaume Dominique
Published: May 2019

This Minireview focuses on conductance measurements on molecular junctions containing few tens of molecules, which are carried out by using two approaches: 1) conducting atomic force microscopy to study self‐assembled monolayers on metal surfaces, and 2) tiny molecular junctions made of metal nanodots (diameter <10 nm), covered by fewer than 100 molecules and studied by conducting atomic force microscopy. In particular, this latter approach has new results to be obtained, or to previous results to be revisited which are reviewed here: 1) how the electron‐transport properties of molecular junctions are modified by mechanical constraint, 2) the role of intermolecular interactions on the shape of conductance histograms of molecular junctions, and 3) the demonstration that a molecular diode can operate in the microwave regime up to 18 GHz.
Excited‐State Topology Modifications of the Dihydroazulene Photoswitch Through Aromaticity
Authors: Skov Anders B. , Ree Nicolai , Gertsen Anders S. , Chabera Pavel , Uhlig Jens , Lissau Jonas S. , Nucci Luigi , Pullerits Tõnu , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens , Sølling Theis I. , Hansen Thorsten
Published: May 2019

The gain and loss of aromaticity plays a key role in organic chemistry and in the prediction of rate‐determining steps. Herein, we explore the concept of aromaticity in photoisomerization reactions. Benzannulated derivatives of the dihydroazulene‐vinylheptafulvene (DHA‐VHF) photoswitch were investigated using transient absorption spectroscopy and time‐dependent density functional theory to elucidate the effect of built‐in aromaticity on the switching properties. We found that benzannulation hampered the switching ability by enhancing an already existing barrier on the excited state surface. This enhancement was found to arise from a significant loss of aromaticity in the DHA‐to‐VHF transition state on the excited state potential energy surface. The VHF was found to be highly aromatic on the excited state surface, showing a reversal of aromaticity compared to the ground state. The barrier was found to be dependent on the position of benzannulation, since one derivative was found to switch as fast as the non‐benzannulated molecule although with lower efficiency, whereas another derivative completely lost the ability to undergo reversible photoswitching. The findings herein provide novel principles for the design of molecular photoswitches, shedding new light on excited state aromaticity, as previous discussions have mainly considered excited state aromaticity to be beneficial to switching. Our findings show that this view must be reconsidered.
Recent insights on the role and regulation of retinoic acid signaling during epicardial development
Authors: Wang Suya , Moise Alexander R.
Published: May 2019

The vitamin A metabolite, retinoic acid, carries out essential and conserved roles in vertebrate heart development. Retinoic acid signals via retinoic acid receptors (RAR)/retinoid X receptors (RXRs) heterodimers to induce the expression of genes that control cell fate specification, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in retinoic acid levels are often associated with congenital heart defects. Therefore, embryonic levels of retinoic acid need to be carefully regulated through the activity of enzymes, binding proteins and transporters involved in vitamin A metabolism. Here, we review evidence of the complex mechanisms that control the fetal uptake and synthesis of retinoic acid from vitamin A precursors. Next, we highlight recent evidence of the role of retinoic acid in orchestrating myocardial compact zone growth and coronary vascular development.
Phenotypic effects of the Y chromosome are variable and structured in hybrids among house mouse recombinant lines
Authors: Martincová Iva , Ďureje Ľudovít , Kreisinger Jakub , Macholán Miloš , Piálek Jaroslav
Published: May 2019

Hybrid zones between divergent populations sieve genomes into blocks that introgress across the zone, and blocks that do not, depending on selection between interacting genes. Consistent with Haldane's rule, the Y chromosome has been considered counterselected and hence not to introgress across the European house mouse hybrid zone. However, recent studies detected massive invasion of M. m. musculus Y chromosomes into M. m. domesticus territory. To understand mechanisms facilitating Y spread, we created 31 recombinant lines from eight wild‐derived strains representing four localities within the two mouse subspecies. These lines were reciprocally crossed and resulting F1 hybrid males scored for five phenotypic traits associated with male fitness. Molecular analyses of 51 Y‐linked SNPs attributed ~50% of genetic variation to differences between the subspecies and 8% to differentiation within both taxa. A striking proportion, 21% (frequencies of sperm head abnormalities) and 42% (frequencies of sperm tail dissociations), of phenotypic variation was explained by geographic Y chromosome variants. Our crossing design allowed this explanatory power to be examined across a hierarchical scale from subspecific to local intrastrain effects. We found that divergence and variation were expressed diversely in different phenotypic traits and varied across the whole hierarchical scale. This finding adds another dimension of complexity to studies of Y introgression not only across the house mouse hybrid zone but potentially also in other contact zones.
Replanting of first‐cycle oil palm results in a second wave of biodiversity loss
Authors: Ashton‐Butt Adham , Willcock Simon , Purnomo Dedi , Suhardi  , Aryawan Anak A. K. , Wahyuningsih Resti , Naim Mohammad , Poppy Guy M. , Caliman Jean‐Pierre , Peh Kelvin S.‐H. , Snaddon Jake L.
Published: May 2019

Conversion of forest to oil palm plantations results in a significant loss of biodiversity. Despite this, first‐cycle oil palm plantations can sustain relatively high biodiversity compared to other crops. However, the long‐term effects of oil palm agriculture on flora and fauna are unknown. Oil palm has a 25‐year commercial lifespan before it must be replanted, due to reduced productivity and difficulty of harvesting. Loss of the complex vegetation structure of oil palm plantations during the replanting process will likely have impacts on the ecosystem at a local and landscape scale. However, the effect of replanting on biodiversity is poorly understood.

Here, we investigate the effects of replanting oil palm on soil macrofauna communities. We assessed ordinal richness, abundance, and community composition of soil macrofauna in first‐ (25‐ to 27‐year‐old) and second‐cycle oil palm (freshly cleared, 1‐year‐old, 3‐year‐old, and 7‐year‐old mature).

Macrofauna abundance and richness drastically declined immediately after replanting. Macrofauna richness showed some recovery 7 years after replanting, but was still 19% lower than first‐cycle oil palm. Macrofauna abundance recovered to similar levels to that of first‐cycle oil palm plantations, 1 year after replanting. This was mainly due to high ant abundance, possibly due to the increased understory vegetation as herbicides are not used at this age. However, there were subsequent declines in macrofauna abundance 3 and 7 years after replanting, resulting in a 59% drop in macrofauna abundance compared to first‐cycle levels. Furthermore, soil macrofauna community composition in all ages of second‐cycle oil palm was different to first‐cycle plantations, with decomposers suffering particular declines.

After considerable biodiversity loss due to forest conversion for oil palm, belowground invertebrate communities suffer a second wave of biodiversity loss due to replanting. This is likely to have serious implications for soil invertebrate diversity and agricultural sustainability in oil palm landscapes, due to the vital ecosystem functions that soil macrofauna provide.
Study on biochemical divergences of the meat and egg of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Authors: Nguyen Thi Mong Tho , Chen Tai‐Yuan , Shiau Chyuan‐Yuan , Cheng Ying‐Tzu , Chang Yu‐Wei
Published: May 2019

Aquaculture of freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is an important fishery sector in Asian countries. The biochemical characteristics including proximate compositions and taste components of cultured freshwater prawns were analyzed for different gender and their egg. Freshwater prawns contained moisture ranging from 77.51% to 78.37%, protein with 19.56 to 19.91%, and low levels of lipid and ash around 0.2 and 1%, respectively. The moisture and protein contents of egg samples (72.82 and 15.61%, respectively) were lower than meat samples, whereas for the lipid content, it was otherwise significantly higher than the meat samples. The male and female meat samples of freshwater prawns were rich in free amino acids (FAAs), namely 1756 to 1725 mg/100 g with arginine, proline, glycine, glutamic acid, lysine, alanine, and taurine being the predominant compounds. On the contrary, the FAA amount of egg (590 mg/100 g) was remarkably lower than meat samples. The ATP‐related compounds in freshwater prawn meat ranged from 8.26 to 8.80 μmole/g, majorly composed of adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and inosine 5’‐monophosphate (IMP). The ATP‐related values in egg sample (28.33 μmole/g) were significantly higher with IMP (18.48 μmole/g) and AMP (5.44 μmole/g) being the predominant compounds. The pH values of male and female meats were neutral, whereas this value in egg sample was acidic (6.5). Urea content in egg sample was detected at huge value (58.35 μmole/g), whereas it was not detected in meat samples. These findings have established useful information for product developers to utilize the meat and eggs of freshwater prawns. In addition, the assessment of FAAs, ATP‐related compounds, and quality index (pH and urea content) was also established to give fundamental criteria to evaluate the quality of fresh M. rosenbergii.
Effects of different starter culture combinations on microbial counts and physico‐chemical properties in dry fermented mutton sausages
Authors: Wang Debao , Zhao Lihua , Su Rina , Jin Ye
Published: May 2019

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculation with different mixed starter culture combinations on microbial counts, physico‐chemical properties, and proteolytic and lipolytic properties of dry fermented mutton sausages during fermentation and ripening. Four different batches of mutton sausages were manufactured: CO batch, no starter cultures, used as control; LB batch with Lactobacillus sakei; LS batch with L. sakei + Staphylococcus xylosus; and LSS batch with L. sakei + S. xylosus + Staphylococcus carnosus. The results showed that adding starter culture caused Lactobacillus and Staphylococcus to become dominant bacteria and reduced the Enterobacteriaceae count in the inoculated sausages. The mixed starter cultures (LS & LSS) accelerated acidification and reduced water activity and lipid oxidation. Statistical analysis revealed that the use of mixed starter cultures, especially the combination L. sakei + S. xylosus + S. carnosus, contributed to proteolysis and lipolysis, increasing total free amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The above results demonstrate that the use of mixed starter cultures contributes to improving the composition of free amino acids and free fatty acids as well as the hygienic quality of dry fermented mutton sausages.
Field‐scale well leakage risk assessment using reduced‐order models
Authors: Zulqarnain Muhammad , Zeidouni Mehdi , Hughes Richard G.
Published: May 2019

Oil wells that intersect a potential CO2 storage zone in a depleted oil and gas field may provide leakage pathways. It is essential to estimate the field‐scale leakage risk associated with these wells. In this study, a risk‐based approach is used to estimate the risk of leakage. Existing reduced‐order models for well leakage are used to quantitatively estimate well leakage rates for cased‐cemented, cased‐uncemented, and open wellbores. For each existing well that intersects the storage zone, we introduce the well leakage index (WLI), which accounts for wellbore geometry, distance from the injection well, buffer layers between the storage zone and underground sources of drinking water, and the nature of storage zone boundary type. For an initial injection well location, the total site well leakage index (SWLI) is calculated, which is the summation of the WLI for all of the wells. Next, the injector location is varied areally and SWLI is calculated for a specified number of potential injector well locations in the storage zone area. Small values for the SWLI correspond to low well leakage potential, indicating where injection well locations can be considered. The developed criterion provides a means to systemically find the areas with highest and lowest well leakage potential for a storage zone. Due to the reduced order nature of the developed method, it should be a useful tool in the planning and execution phase of the CO2 geological sequestration process. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecohydrological modelling with EcH2O‐iso to quantify forest and grassland effects on water partitioning and flux ages
Authors: Douinot Audrey , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Maneta Marco , Kuppel Sylvain , Schulte‐Bisping Hubert , Soulsby Chris
Published: May 2019

We used the new process‐based, tracer‐aided ecohydrological model EcH2O‐iso to assess the effects of vegetation cover on water balance partitioning and associated flux ages under temperate deciduous beech forest (F) and grassland (G) at an intensively monitored site in Northern Germany. Unique, multicriteria calibration, based on measured components of energy balance, hydrological function and biomass accumulation, resulted in good simulations reproducing measured soil surface temperatures, soil water content, transpiration, and biomass production. Model results showed the forest “used” more water than the grassland; of 620 mm average annual precipitation, losses were higher through interception (29% under F, 16% for G) and combined soil evaporation and transpiration (59% F, 47% G). Consequently, groundwater (GW) recharge was enhanced under grassland at 37% (~225 mm) of precipitation compared with 12% (~73 mm) for forest. The model tracked the ages of water in different storage compartments and associated fluxes. In shallow soil horizons, the average ages of soil water fluxes and evaporation were similar in both plots (~1.5 months), though transpiration and GW recharge were older under forest (~6 months compared with ~3 months for transpiration, and ~12 months compared with ~10 months for GW). Flux tracking using measured chloride data as a conservative tracer provided independent support for the modelling results, though highlighted effects of uncertainties in forest partitioning of evaporation and transpiration. By tracking storage—flux—age interactions under different land covers, EcH2O‐iso could quantify the effects of vegetation on water partitioning and age distributions. Given the likelihood of drier, warmer summers, such models can help assess the implications of land use for water resource availability to inform debates over building landscape resilience to climate change. Better conceptualization of soil water mixing processes and improved calibration data on leaf area index and root distribution appear obvious respective modelling and data needs for improved simulations.
A tale of two shocks: The dynamics of international real estate markets
Authors: Bekiros Stelios , Dahlström Amanda , Uddin Gazi Salah , Ege Oskar , Jayasekera Ranadeva
Published: May 2019

We examine the major potential drivers of five international housing markets utilizing a quantile regression approach. In particular, we investigate property market dynamics during three variant market environments, namely, under downward (bearish), normal (median), and upward (bullish) trending conditions. Monthly data series for the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong are analysed, in an attempt to quantify uncertainty and detect trading patterns for the largest securitized real estate markets. We find that the stock market volatility, measured by the “pushing factor” VIXS&P500, provides agents with the most reliable and efficient information in terms of predicting market returns during bear market conditions, whereas “pulling factors” such as money supply, treasury yields, and unemployment explain the main stylized facts, incorporating contagion and diverse endogenous and exogenous shocks. Our work provides a richer understanding on comovements in house prices, allowing policy makers to anticipate shocks in global markets in a timely manner.
Pharmacist involvement in combating the opioid crisis: A mixed‐methods approach revealing conflicting perceptions
Authors: Blue Heather , Hawthorne Amanda N. , Melgaard Kelsey , Dahly Ashley , Lunos Scott , Palombi Laura
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Although the opioid crisis has been acknowledged as a public health emergency that requires collaboration and engagement from pharmacists, the perceptions of pharmacists on their role in harm reduction strategies and their views on opioid use have not been well established.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to understand Minnesota pharmacists' attitudes about the profession's role in the opioid crisis, including perceptions on the pharmacist's public health and clinical roles within the crisis, views on the dispensing of naloxone, and attitudes toward harm reduction strategies including syringe access.

Methods

This was a mixed‐method study that utilized an anonymous email survey containing Likert‐type responses which were quantitatively analyzed, as well as open comment boxes evaluated using Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) methods. Pharmacists with a Minnesota license from all practice settings were invited to participate in the survey.

Results

While the majority of participating pharmacists acknowledged a need within their communities to address the opioid epidemic agreeing that the profession should have a role in the community response, including provision of patient education and naloxone distribution, a small number of pharmacists believed that either the epidemic was not pertinent to their practice or pharmacy as a profession should not be involved. Concerns regarding naloxone included lack of support from other health professionals, time constraints in practice, and safety and liability concerns with naloxone.

Conclusion

Considerable opportunity for increased pharmacist education on both opioid use disorder and the role of the pharmacist in harm reduction initiatives exists. Pharmacists from a wide variety of clinical practice settings have appreciable potential to influence the opioid crisis by embracing their clinical and public health roles.
Protective effects of S‐carvedilol on doxorubicin‐induced damages to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and rats
Authors: Wu Ting , Li Haixin , Lan Qunsheng , Zhao Ze‐an , Cao Ying , Zhou Pingzheng , Wan Shanhe , Zhang Jiajie , Jiang Hong , Zhang Qun , Pang Jianxin
Published: May 2019

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly active anticancer drug with severe cytotoxicity, which is strongly associated with oxidative stress. Carvedilol (CAR), used as its racemate with S‐CAR and R‐CAR (1:1), has been previously reported to ameliorate the DOX‐induced cytotoxicity. However, the main contributor from CAR of its protective effects has not been clear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate further the different effects of CAR enantiomers on DOX‐induced cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and rats, respectively. Results indicated that S‐CAR could significantly attenuate DOX‐induced cell death, apoptotic morphological changes, decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress responses by increasing the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and decreasing malondialdehyde contents and reactive oxygen species levels via the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in vitro. Consistent with the in vitro study, the protective effects of S‐CAR on the myocardial tissues and hemodynamics were also detected in rats suffering because of DOX treatment. With the obtained results, we can first conclude that S‐CAR provides superior protection to injury induced by DOX relative to that of racemic CAR and R‐CAR.
Subcellular distributions of iron oxide nanoparticles in rat brains affected by different surface modifications
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhang Baolin , Su Lichao , Nie Wan , Han Dong , Han Guihua , Zhang Hao , Chong Chuangang , Tan Jie
Published: May 2019

The impact of the surface modification on the subcellular distribution of nanoparticles in the brain remains elusive. The nanoparticles prepared by conjugating polyethylene glycol and maleic anhydride‐coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Mal‐SPIONs) with bovine serum albumin (BSA/Mal‐SPIONs) and with Arg–Gly–Asp peptide (RGD/Mal‐SPIONs) were injected into the rat substantia nigra. Observation of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) samples obtained 24 h after perfusion showed that abundant RGD/Mal‐SPIONs accumulated in the myelin sheath, dendrites, axon terminals and mitochondria, and on cell membranes in the brain tissue near the injection site. For rats injected with BSA/Mal‐SPIONs, a few nanoparticles accumulated in the myelin sheath, axon terminals, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi, and lysosomes of neurons and glial cells while least SPIONs in rats injected with Mal‐SPIONs were found. TEM pictures showed some Mal‐SPIONs were expelled out of the brain. RGD/Mal‐SPIONs diffused extensively to the thalamus, frontal cortex, temporal lobe, olfactory bulb, and brain stem after injection. Only a few BSA/Mal‐SPIONs diffused to the afore‐mentioned brain areas. This work reveals different surface modifications on the iron oxide nanoparticles play crucial roles in their distribution and diffusion in the rat brains.
3‐(3‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐Propionic Acid (PPA) Suppresses Osteoblastic Cell Senescence to Promote Bone Accretion in Mice
Authors: Chen Jin‐Ran , Wankhade Umesh D , Alund Alexander W , Blackburn Michael L , Shankar Kartik , Lazarenko Oxana P
Published: May 2019

Phenolic acids (PAs) are metabolites derived from polyphenolic compounds found in fruits and vegetables resulting from the actions of gut bacteria. Previously, we reported that the levels of seven individual PAs were found to be at least 10 times higher in the serum of rats fed a blueberry (BB)‐containing diet compared to those fed a control diet. We have characterized the effects of one such BB‐associated serum PA, 3‐(3‐hydroxyphenyl)‐propionic acid (PPA), on senescence signaling and promotion of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward osteoblasts, while suppressing adipogenesis in the stem cells. To better understand the mechanistic actions of PPA on bone formation in vivo, we administered four doses of PPA (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg/day; daily i.p.) to 1‐month‐old female C57BL6/J mice for 30 days. We did not observe significant effects of PPA on cortical bone; however, there were significantly higher bone volume and trabecular thickness and increased osteoblastic cell number, but decreased osteoclastic cell number in PPA‐treated groups compared to controls. These morphological and cellular outcomes of bone were reflected in changes of bone formation markers in serum and bone marrow plasma. PPA treatment reduced senescence signaling as evaluated by senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity, PPARγ, p53, and p21 expression in bone. In conclusion, PPA is capable of altering the mesenchymal stem cell differentiation program and bone cell senescence. This raises the possibility that BB‐rich diets promote bone growth through increasing systemic PAs, a question that merits additional investigation. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Inhibition of myostatin improves muscle atrophy in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD)
Authors: Harish Pradeep , Malerba Alberto , Lu‐Nguyen Ngoc , Forrest Leysa , Cappellari Ornella , Roth Fanny , Trollet Capucine , Popplewell Linda , Dickson George
Published: May 2019

Background

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late‐onset muscle disease affecting one per 80 000 of the general population characterized by profound dysphagia and ptosis, and limb weakness at later stages. Affected muscles are characterized by increased fibrosis and atrophy. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass, and inhibition of myostatin has been demonstrated to ameliorate symptoms in dystrophic muscles.

Methods

In this study, we performed a systemic delivery of a monoclonal antibody to immunologically block myostatin in the A17 mouse model of OPMD. The mice were administered a weekly dose of 10 mg/kg RK35 intraperitonially for 10 weeks, following which histological analyses were performed on the samples.

Results

This treatment significantly (P< 0.01) improved body mass (11%) and muscle mass (for the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus by 19% and 41%) in the A17 mice treated with RK35 when compared to saline controls. Similarly, a significantly (P< 0.01) increased muscle strength (18% increase in maximal tetanic force) and myofibre diameter (17% and 44% for the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus), and reduced expression of markers of muscle fibrosis (40% reduction in area of expression), was also observed. No change in the density of intranuclear inclusions (a hallmark of disease progression of OPMD) was however observed.

Conclusions

Our study supports the clinical translation of such antibody‐mediated inhibition of myostatin as a treatment of OPMD. This strategy has implications to be used as adjuvant therapies with gene therapy based approaches, or to stabilize the muscle prior to myoblast transplantation.