bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial DNA variation and phylogeography of native Mongolian goats
Authors: Ganbold Onolragchaa , Lee Seung-Hwan , Paek Woon Kee , Munkhbayar Munkhbaatar , Seo Dongwon , Manjula Prabuddha , Khujuu Tamir , Purevee Erdenetushig , Lee Jun Heon
Published: October 2019

Objective: Mongolia is one of a few countries that supports over 25 million goats, but genetic diversity, demographic history, and the origin of goat populations in Mongolia have not been well studied. This study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity, phylogenetic status and population structure of Mongolian native goats, as well as to discuss their origin together with other foreign breeds from different countries using hypervariable region 1 (HV1) in mtDNA.Methods: In this study, we examined the genetic diversity and phylogenetic status of Mongolian native goat populations using a 452 base-pair long fragment of HVI of mitochondrial DNA from 174 individuals representing 12 populations. In addition, 329 previously published reference sequences from different regions were included in our phylogenetic analyses.Results: Investigated native Mongolian goats displayed relatively high genetic diversities. After sequencing, we found a total of 109 polymorphic sites that defined 137 haplotypes among investigated populations. Of these, haplotype and nucleotide diversities of Mongolian goats were calculated as 0.997±0.001 and 0.0283±0.002, respectively. These haplotypes clearly clustered into four haplogroups (A, B, C, and D), with the predominance of haplogroup A (90.8%). Estimates of pairwise differences (Fst) and the analysis of molecular variance values among goat populations in Mongolia showed low genetic differentiation and weak geographical structure. In addition, Kazakh, Chinese (from Huanghuai and Leizhou), and Arabian (Turkish and Baladi breeds) goats had smaller genetic differentiation compared to Mongolian goats.Conclusion: In summary, we report novel information regarding genetic diversity, population structure, and origin of Mongolian goats. The findings obtained from this study reveal that abundant haplogroups (A to D) occur in goat populations in Mongolia, with high levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity.
Panepiphanal World: James Joyce’s Epiphanies
Authors: MacDuff Sangam
Published: October 2019

This book reexamines the forty short texts James Joyce called epiphanies and the use he made of them in his subsequent work, arguing that Joyce’s “earliest important literary compositions” (Litz) remain important until his last,Finnegans Wake. To the extent that Joyce’s oeuvre can be considered as “one great work” (Tindall), the epiphanies are a point of origin. I argue that the genesis ofStephen HeroandA Portrait of the Artist as a Young Mancan be traced back to the epiphanies, which form the “principal building blocks” (Scholes) of his novels; as an ensemble of discrete, but interconnected texts, their structure also bears comparison toDubliners, Ulyssesand theWake. Building on Litz’s claim that the two types of epiphany, dramatic and lyrical, represent “the twin poles of Joyce’s art,” I trace Joyce’s stylistic development through the epiphanies,Dubliners,PortraitandUlysses, showing how Joyce’s linguistic experimentation points to silence and repetition as the fundamental charge of each pole. This nucleus originates in Joyce’s epiphanies, setting off a chain reaction that leads toFinnegans Wake. At the same time, Joyce’s texts are increasingly self-reflexive, foregrounding materiality and reflexivity as two aspects of theliteraryepiphany: whilst Joyce maintains a connection to Classical and biblical theophanies, his epiphanies differ from traditional or Romantic revelations to the extent that they are manifestations of language. Indeed, I argue that Joyce’s epiphanies are purely linguistic phenomena, whose defining characteristics—silence, repetition, materiality and self-reflexivity — show forth the constituent features of all language.
La réparation des accidents du travail et la commission du salaire minimum des femmes (1925-1931)
Authors: Chartier Roger
Published: October 2019

Voici le cinquième d'une série de textes sur la législation québécoise du travail (et sur les services connexes du Ministère du travail) de 1885 à nos jours. Ces notes pourront un jour servir à une histoire plus méthodique des relations du travail au Québec.
Femmes et jazz dans le Québec de l’entre-deux-guerres : entre le récit historique, les archives et le passé*
Authors: Blais-Tremblay Vanessa
Published: October 2019

Cet article porte sur les rôles que les femmes ont joué dans le développement d’une scène jazz à Montréal. Les archives témoignent de l’importance des pianistes Vera Guilaroff et Ilene Bourne, de l’enseignante de piano Daisy Peterson Sweeney, des enseignantes de danse Olga Spencer Foderingham et Ethel Bruneau, ainsi que des danseuses de variétés dans le développement de la plus grande scène jazz du Canada au cours de la première moitié du xxe siècle. Cet article contextualise la présence des femmes dans ces espaces performantiels précis (le piano, l’enseignement, la danse) et explore les processus historiographiques liés à leur exclusion des récits historiques.
Cool Control, Occam, and Océan: The Radigue and Bozzini Game
Authors: Majeau-Bettez Emanuelle
Published: October 2019

This article analyzes the dynamics of the new and current collaboration between the Montreal-based Bozzini String Quartet and female electronic music pioneer Éliane Radigue. Starting in the late 1960s, Radigue’s electronic music career has been characterized by seemingly unchanging hour-long pieces in which organic micro oscillations between pitches replace traditional rhythm. Since 2001, Radigue has turned to working with instrumentalists, using an “intuitive-instinctive compositional process” akin to “oral transmission of ancient traditional music” (Sonami 2017). While the few academics that have shown interest in Radigue’s instrumental music have focussed their attention on the oral aspects of her compositions, this paper seeks to move beyond non-written formal parameters of her music, and explore the ways in which the actual sound of a Radigue piece generates radically new understandings of performance and composition. Drawing on field notes and recordings of the Bozzini rehearsals at Radigue’s apartment on July 2017, as well as on the author’s correspondence with Radigue and the quartet, this paper highlights moments of strong emotional response to, or caused by, Radigue’s sound. Affective reactions on both Radigue’s and the quartet’s side reveal points of tension between different assumptions regarding collective creation, and completely reorient what it means to own, to transmit, to perform and to compose music. Spectrograms and recordings of the Bozzini’s attempts to create a Radigue sound will be used to further analyze these points of tension, and will reveal that in order to successfully play a Radigue instrumental piece, the Bozzinis need to reproduce every element of Radigue’s previous electronic music—the string quartet needs to “become” Radigue’s electronic instrument.
Cis-regulatory basis of sister cell type divergence in the vertebrate retina
Authors: Murphy Daniel P , Hughes Andrew EO , Lawrence Karen A , Myers Connie A , Corbo Joseph C
Published: October 2019

Multicellular organisms evolved via repeated functional divergence of transcriptionally related sister cell types, but the mechanisms underlying sister cell type divergence are not well understood. Here, we study a canonical pair of sister cell types, retinal photoreceptors and bipolar cells, to identify the key cis-regulatory features that distinguish them. By comparing open chromatin maps and transcriptomic profiles, we found that while photoreceptor and bipolar cells have divergent transcriptomes, they share remarkably similar cis-regulatory grammars, marked by enrichment of K50 homeodomain binding sites. However, cell class-specific enhancers are distinguished by enrichment of E-box motifs in bipolar cells, and Q50 homeodomain motifs in photoreceptors. We show that converting K50 motifs to Q50 motifs represses reporter expression in bipolar cells, while photoreceptor expression is maintained. These findings suggest that partitioning of Q50 motifs within cell type-specific cis-regulatory elements was a critical step in the evolutionary divergence of the bipolar transcriptome from that of photoreceptors.
Genetically diverse uropathogenic Escherichia coli adopt a common transcriptional program in patients with UTIs
Authors: Sintsova Anna , Frick-Cheng Arwen E , Smith Sara , Pirani Ali , Subashchandrabose Sargurunathan , Snitkin Evan S , Mobley Harry
Published: October 2019

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the major causative agent of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). A common virulence genotype of UPEC strains responsible for UTIs is yet to be defined, due to the large variation of virulence factors observed in UPEC strains. We hypothesized that studying UPEC functional responses in patients might reveal universal UPEC features that enable pathogenesis. Here we identify a transcriptional program shared by genetically diverse UPEC strains isolated from 14 patients during uncomplicated UTIs. Strikingly, this in vivo gene expression program is marked by upregulation of translational machinery, providing a mechanism for the rapid growth within the host. Our analysis indicates that switching to a more specialized catabolism and scavenging lifestyle in the host allows for the increased translational output. Our study identifies a common transcriptional program underlying UTIs and illuminates the molecular underpinnings that likely facilitate the fast growth rate of UPEC in infected patients.
Dry and wet etching for β-Ga2O3 Schottky barrier diodes with mesa termination
Authors: Okumura Hironori , Tanaka Taketoshi
Published: October 2019

We investigated dry and wet etchings of β-Ga2O3 and fabricated vertical Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with mesa termination using the optimal etching condition. Using an inductively-coupled plasma reactive-ion etching with a nickel-hard mask, a β-Ga2O3 (010) mesa structure with a smooth sidewall is obtained at an etching rate of 77 nm min−1 in BCl3/Cl2 mixture gas. By immersing β-Ga2O3 (001) vertical SBDs with mesa termination in hot phosphoric-acid solution, the specific on resistance and ideality factor of the SBDs are reduced to 0.91 mΩcm2 and 1.03, respectively. Current density at reverse bias is in good agreement with thermionic field emission model.
Threshold-like associations as a function of disturbance
Authors: Sorjonen Kimmo , Ingre Michael , Melin Bo
Published: October 2019

According to the intelligence-creativity threshold hypothesis, there should be a positive association between intelligence and creative potential up to a certain point, the threshold, after which a further increase in intelligence should have no association with creativity. In the present simulation study, the measured intelligence and creativity of virtual subjects were affected by their true abilities as well as a disturbance factor that varied in magnitude between subjects. The results indicate that the hypothesized threshold-like association could be due to some disturbing factor, for example, low motivation, illness, or linguistic confusion, that varies between individuals and that affects both measured intelligence and measured creativity, especially if the actual association between intelligence and creativity is weak. This, together with previous negative findings, calls the validity of the intelligence-creativity threshold hypothesis into question.
A new small device made of glass for separating microplastics from marine and freshwater sediments
Authors: Nakajima Ryota , Tsuchiya Masashi , Lindsay Dhugal J. , Kitahashi Tomo , Fujikura Katsunori , Fukushima Tomohiko
Published: October 2019

Separating microplastics from marine and freshwater sediments is challenging, but necessary to determine their distribution, mass, and ecological impacts in benthic environments. Density separation is commonly used to extract microplastics from sediments by using heavy salt solutions, such as zinc chloride and sodium iodide. However, current devices/apparatus used for density separation, including glass beakers, funnels, upside-down funnel-shaped separators with a shut-off valve, etc., possess various shortcomings in terms of recovery rate, time consumption, and/or usability. In evaluating existing microplastic extraction methods using density separation, we identified the need for a device that allows rapid, simple, and efficient extraction of microplastics from a range of sediment types. We have developed a small glass separator, without a valve, taking a hint from an Utermöhl chamber. This new device is easy to clean and portable, yet enables rapid separation of microplastics from sediments. With this simple device, we recovered 94–98% of <1,000 µm microplastics (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene). Overall, the device is efficient for various sizes, polymer types, and sediment types. Also, microplastics collected with this glass-made device remain chemically uncontaminated, and can, therefore, be used for further analysis of adsorbing contaminants and additives on/to microplastics.
Effects of the loss of estrogen on the heart’s hypertrophic response to chronic left ventricle volume overload in rats
Authors: Walsh-Wilkinson Elisabeth , Beaumont Catherine , Drolet Marie-Claude , Roy Ève-Marie , Le Houillier Charlie , Beaudoin Jonathan , Arsenault Marie , Couet Jacques
Published: October 2019

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) can result in heart failure from chronic overloading of the left ventricle (LV). Little is known of the role of estrogens in the LV responses to this condition. The aim of the study was to compare LV remodeling in female rats with severe AR in absence of estrogens by ovariectomy (Ovx). In a first study, we investigated over 6 months the development of hypertrophy in four groups of female Wistar rats: AR or sham-operated (sham) and Ovx or not. Ovx reduced normal heart growth. As expected, volume overload (VO) from AR resulted in significant LV dilation (42% and 32% increase LV end-diastolic diameter in intact and Ovx groups vs. their respective sham group; p < 0.0001). LV weight was also significantly and similarly increased in both AR groups (non-Ovx and Ovx). Increase in stroke volume or cardiac output and loss of systolic function were similar between AR intact and AR Ovx groups compared to sham. We then investigated what were the effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2; 0.03 mg/kg/day) treatment on the parameters studied in Ovx rats. Ovx reduced uterus weight by 85% and E2 treatment restored up to 65% of the normal weight. E2 also helped normalize heart size to normal values. On the other hand, it did not influence the extent of the hypertrophic response to AR. In fact, E2 treatment further reduced LV hypertrophy in AR Ovx rats (41% over Sham Ovx + E2). Systolic and diastolic functions parameters in AR Ovx + E2 were similar to intact AR animals. Ovx in sham rats had a significant effect on the LV gene expression of several hypertrophy markers. Atrial natriuretic peptide (Nppa) gene expression was reduced by Ovx in sham-operated females whereas brain natriuretic peptide (Nppb) expression was increased. Alpha (Myh6) and beta (Myh7) myosin heavy chain genes were also significantly modulated by Ovx in sham females. In AR rats, LV expression of both Nppa and Nppb genes were increased as expected. Ovx further increased it of AR rats for Nppa and did the opposite for Nppb. Interestingly, AR in Ovx rats had only minimal effects on Myh6 and Myh7 genes whereas they were modulated as expected for intact AR animals. In summary, loss of estrogens by Ovx in AR rats was not accompanied by a worsening of hypertrophy or cardiac function. Normal cardiac growth was reduced by Ovx in sham females but not the hypertrophic response to AR. On the other hand, Ovx had important effects on LV gene expression both in sham and AR female rats.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy treatment planning based on virtual monochromatic images for head and neck cancer: effect of the contrast‐enhanced agent on dose distribution
Authors: Komiyama Riho , Ohira Shingo , Kanayama Naoyuki , Karino Tsukasa , Washio Hayate , Ueda Yoshihiro , Miyazaki Masayoshi , Teshima Teruki
Published: October 2019

Virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) at a lower energy level can improve image quality but the computed tomography (CT) number of iodine contained in the contrast‐enhanced agent is dramatically increased. We assessed the effect of the use of contrast‐enhanced agent on the dose distributions in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning for head and neck cancer (HNC). Based on the VMIs at 40 keV (VMI40keV), 60 keV(VMI60keV), and 77 keV (VMI77keV) of a tissue characterization phantom, lookup tables (LUTs) were created. VMAT plans were generated for 15 HNC patients based on contrast‐enhanced‐ (CE‐) VMIs at 40‐, 60‐, and 77 keV using the corresponding LUTs, and the doses were recalculated based on the noncontrast‐enhanced‐ (nCE‐) VMIs. For all structures, the difference in CT numbers owing to the contrast‐enhanced agent was prominent as the energy level of the VMI decreased, and the mean differences in CT number between CE‐ and nCE‐VMI was the largest for the clinical target volume (CTV) (125.3, 55.9, and 33.1 HU for VMI40keV, VMI60keV, and VMI77keV, respectively). The mean difference of the dosimetric parameters (D99%, D50%, D1%, Dmean, and D0.1cc) for CTV and OARs was <1% in the treatment plans based on all VMIs. The maximum difference was observed for CTV in VMI40keV (2.4%), VMI60keV (1.9%), and VMI77keV (1.5%) plans. The effect of the contrast‐enhanced agent was larger in the VMAT plans based on the VMI at a lower energy level for HNC patients. This effect is not desirable in a treatment planning procedure.
Z‐Scheme Heterojunction Functionalized Pyrite Nanosheets for Modulating Tumor Microenvironment and Strengthening Photo/Chemodynamic Therapeutic Effects
Authors: Pan Chao , Ou Meitong , Cheng Qinzhen , Zhou Yun , Yu Yongkang , Li Zimu , Zhang Fan , Xia Dehua , Mei Lin , Ji Xiaoyuan
Published: October 2019

A Z‐scheme heterojunction with high electron–hole pairs separation efficacy and enhanced redox potentials exhibits tremendous potential in photonic theranostics, but still remains unexplored and challenging. Herein, novel 2D thermally oxidized pyrite nanosheets (TOPY NSs) with FeS2 core and Fe2O3 shell are fabricated combining ball grinding and two‐step probe sonication assisted liquid exfoliation under different solution and air environments. The Fe2O3 shell and Fe3+/Fe2+ inside TOPY NSs can both damage the tumor microenvironment through glutathione consumption and O2 production, and produce ·OH by Fenton reaction. More interestingly, a direct Z‐scheme heterojunction based on FeS2 core and Fe2O3 shell is constructed, in which the electrons in the conduction band (CB) of Fe2O3 are recombined with the holes in the valence band (VB) of FeS2, leaving stronger reduction/oxidation potentials in the CB of FeS2 and the VB of Fe2O3. Under irradiation of a 650 nm laser, the generation of ·O2− from O2 and ·OH from OH− on the CB of FeS2 and VB of Fe2O3, respectively, is largely enhanced. Furthermore, the NSs can be triggered by an 808 nm laser to generate local hyperthermia for photothermal therapy. Moreover, the fluorescent, photoacoustic, and photothermal imaging capabilities of the NSs allow multimodal imaging‐guided cancer treatment.
Highly Efficient Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes by Inserting Multiple Poly(methyl methacrylate) as Electron‐Blocking Layers
Authors: Rahmati Mohammad , Dayneko Sergey , Pahlevani Majid , Shi Yujun
Published: October 2019

This work presents a new device architecture integrating multiple poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) electron‐blocking layers (EBL) in quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs). The device utilizes red‐emitting CdSe/ZnS QD with a novel structure where multiple PMMA EBLs are sandwiched between a pair of QD layers. A systematic optimization of QD‐LED structures has shown that a device including two PMMA and three QD layers performs the best, achieving a current efficiency of 17.8 cd A−1 and a luminance of 194 038 cd m−2. Numerical simulation of a simplified model of the proposed QD‐LED structure verifies that the structure consisting of two PMMA and three QD layers provides significant improvement in electroluminescent intensity. The simulation provides further insight into the origin of the effect of the PMMA EBL by showing that the addition of PMMA EBL reduces the electron leakage from the active QD region and enhances electron confinement, leading to an increased electron concentration in the QD active layers and a higher radiative recombination rate. The experimental and theoretical studies presented in this work demonstrate that multiple layers of PMMA can act as efficient EBLs in the fabrication of QD‐LEDs of improved performance.
Bubble Architectures for Locally Resonant Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Cai Zheren , Zhao Shengdong , Huang Zhandong , Li Zheng , Su Meng , Zhang Zeying , Zhao Zhipeng , Hu Xiaotian , Wang Yue‐Sheng , Song Yanlin
Published: October 2019

Soft acoustic metamaterials that embed soft materials in a host media have promising applications in aqueous environments. However, the preparation of soft metamaterials under water and realization of low‐frequency soft acoustic metamaterials remains a challenge. By combining 3D printing technology and surface hydrophobic properties, this work presents a general approach to construct 3D soft acoustic metamaterials using bubbles as resonator units. Low‐frequency broadband locally resonant metamaterials can be realized using patterned bubbles with bandgaps that are orders of magnitude wider than other locally resonant metamaterials. In addition, a water‐to‐air ultratransmission metasurface is prepared by patterning a layer of bubbles beneath the water surface, which allows for the ultratransmission of sound across an air–water interface. This strategy opens up promising avenues for many applications based on locally resonant metamaterials such as deep subwavelength acoustic superlenses or negative‐refraction metamaterials.
Flexible Conductive Composites with Programmed Electrical Anisotropy Using Acoustophoresis
Authors: Melchert Drew S. , Collino Rachel R. , Ray Tyler R. , Dolinski Neil D. , Friedrich Leanne , Begley Matthew R. , Gianola Daniel S.
Published: October 2019

Developing mechanically flexible composite materials with high electrical conductivity is currently hindered by the need to use high loading of conductive filler, which severely limits flexibility. Here, acoustic focusing is used to control arrangement of conductive particles in photopolymer matrices to create composites with both tunable conductivity and flexibility. Acoustophoresis patterns filler particles into highly efficient percolated networks which utilize up to 97% of the particles in the composite, whereas the inefficient stochastic networks of conventional dispersed‐fiber composites utilize <5%. These patterned materials have conductivity an order of magnitude higher than conventional composites made with the same ink, reaching 48% the conductivity of bulk silver within the assembled silver‐particle networks (at 2.6 vol% loading). They also have low particle loading so that they are flexible, withstanding >500 bending cycles without losses in conductivity and changing conductivity only 5% within cycles on average. In contrast, conventional unpatterned composites with the same conductivity require such high loading that they are prohibitively brittle. Finally, modulating the applied acoustic field controls the anisotropy of the conductive networks and produces materials which are either 2D conductive, 1D conductive, or insulating, using the same nozzle and ink, paving the way for versatile multifunctional 3D printing.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Reaction of Aryl 2‐Pyridyl Ethers with Silylzinc Chlorides: Silylation of Aryl 2‐Pyridyl Ethers via Cleavage of the Carbon−Oxygen Bond
Authors: Kong Ying‐Ying , Wang Zhong‐Xia
Published: October 2019

Ni‐catalyzed C−O(Py) bond activation and silylation of aryl 2‐pyridyl ethers with silylzinc chlorides were carried out. This protocol allowed the 2‐pyridyloxy group to be substituted by a silyl group with short reaction times, mild reaction conditions, and good compatibility of functional groups.

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Season of birth and dementia: Findings from Chinese elderly based on a nationwide data
Authors: Ding Ruoxi , He Ping , Song Xinming , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Previous studies showed inconsistent results regarding the association between season of birth and dementia later in life. Evidence has mainly come from developed countries with relatively homogeneous geographical features. In this study, we examined the association between season of birth and dementia among Chinese elderly as well as geographical region‐specific and urban/rural‐specific patterns.

Methods

We utilized data from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006, and employed multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between dementia and birth seasonality. We conducted subsample analyses by urbanity and geographical region.

Results

This study included 354 859 Chinese elderly aged 60 and above. Compared with the summer‐born, the odds of dementia were significantly lower among those born in winter (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70, 0.96). Similar associations were also found in urban and northern subsamples.

Conclusion

Winter birth was associated with a lower prevalence of dementia in old age, especially among those living in urban and northern areas of China. This association further suggests the critical role of early life period and environment on health in later life.
Biallelic mutation of FBXL7 suggests a novel form of Hennekam syndrome
Authors: Boone Philip M. , Paterson Scott , Mohajeri Kiana , Zhu Wenmiao , Genetti Casie A. , Tai Derek J. C. , Nori Neeharika , Agrawal Pankaj B. , Bacino Carlos A. , Bi Weimin , Talkowski Michael E. , Hogan Benjamin M. , Rodan Lance H.
Published: October 2019

Hennekam lymphangiectasia‐lymphedema syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital lymphedema, intestinal lymphangiectasia, facial dysmorphism, and variable intellectual disability. Known disease genes include CCBE1, FAT4, and ADAMTS3. In a patient with clinically diagnosed Hennekam syndrome but without mutations or copy‐number changes in the three known disease genes, we identified a homozygous single‐exon deletion affecting FBXL7. Specifically, exon 3, which encodes the F‐box domain and several leucine‐rich repeats of FBXL7, is eliminated. Our analyses of databases representing >100,000 control individuals failed to identify biallelic loss‐of‐function variants in FBXL7. Published studies in Drosophila indicate Fbxl7 interacts with Fat, of which human FAT4 is an ortholog, and mutation of either gene yields similar morphological consequences. These data suggest that FBXL7 may be the fourth gene for Hennekam syndrome, acting via a shared pathway with FAT4.
Pentaerythritol encapsulated with boric acid: An efficient composite crosslinker for guar gum fracturing fluid
Authors: Wang Chunnan , Du Jing , Liu Peisong , Su Yuhang , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Zhijun
Published: October 2019

Commonly used crosslinker agents often have a low crosslinking efficiency with guar gum, the major component of fracturing fluid for crude oil recovery, and it often required a high loading of guar gum for achieving desired recovery from low‐permeability reservoir. Nevertheless, a high‐loading of guar gum might result in excessive residue and reduce the conductivity of the reservoir. Therefore, boric acid, a commonly used crosslinking agent, was introduced onto the surface of pentaerythritol to afford a composite crosslinking agent denoted as PB. The as‐prepared PB crosslinker was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry. The guar gum fracturing gel crosslinked with the PB had fantastic viscoelasticity and thermal stability and could reduce the guar gum loading by 16.7%, with boric acid as a control. Besides, the gel‐broken liquid had good compatibility with the simulated water and caused reduced damage to rock core, showing potential for hydraulic fracturing of low‐permeability reservoirs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48528.
Rapid detection and structural characterization of verapamil metabolites in rats by UPLC–MSE and UNIFI platform
Authors: Zhu Chunyan , Wan Mimi , Cheng Huilin , Wang Hui , Zhu Mingshe , Wu Caisheng
Published: October 2019

High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is an important technology for studying biotransformations of drugs in biological systems. In order to process complex HRMS data, bioinformatics, including data‐mining techniques for identifying drug metabolites from liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) or multistage mass spectrometry (MSn) datasets as well as elucidating the detected metabolites’ structure by spectral interpretation software, are important tools. Data‐mining technologies have widely been used in drug metabolite identification, including mass defect filters, product ion filters, neutral‐loss filters, control sample comparisons and extracted ion chromatographic analysis. However, the metabolites identified by current different technologies are not the same, indicating the importance of technique integration for efficient and complete identification of metabolic products. In this study, a universal, high‐throughput workflow for identifying and verifying metabolites by applying the drug metabolite identification software UNIFI is reported, to study the biotransformation of verapamil in rats. A total of 71 verapamil metabolites were found in rat plasma, urine and faeces, including two metabolites that have not been reported in the literature. Phase I metabolites of verapamil were identified as N‐demethylation, O‐demethylation, N‐dealkylation and oxidation and dehydrogenation metabolites; phase II metabolites were mainly glucuronidation and sulfate conjugates, indicating that UNIFI software could be effective and valuable in identifying drug metabolites.
Stability‐indicating RP‐HPLC method development and validation for determination of nine impurities in apixaban tablet dosage forms. Robustness study by quality by design approach
Authors: Subramanian Velusamy B. , Katari Naresh Kumar , Dongala Thirupathi , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B.
Published: October 2019

A quality by design (QbD) based high‐resolution HPLC method is described for determination of impurities in apixaban (APX) in the tablet dosage form. Employing a simple and stability‐indicating HPLC method, nine known impurities were quantified with good peak resolution. Mobile phase A (MP‐A) was prepared with buffer and acetonitrile 90:10 v/v, while mobile phase B (MP‐B) contained water and acetonitrile 10:90 v/v. The gradient program was 0 min, MP‐A 75%, B 25%; 20 min, MP‐A 65%, B 35%; 30 min, MP‐A 40%, B 60%; 40min, MP‐A 40%, B 60%; 42 min, MP‐A 75%, B 25%; and 50 min, MP‐A 75%, B 25%. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a Zorbax RX C18 250 × 4.6 mm column, 5 μm (1.0 ml min−1, 280 nm, 50 μl) and a column temperature of 40°C. Several separation studies were carried out using design of experiments to optimize the method. Validation results confirm the applicability of the developed method for quality analysis and stability studies of the regular product on the manufacturing stream.
Sorbent‐excluding sample preparation method for GC–MS pesticide analysis in apple peel
Authors: Anđelković Darko , Branković Milica , Kocić Gordana , Mitić Sanja , Pavlović Radmila
Published: October 2019

Apple peel is frequently exposed to pesticides, especially in the last stages of the pesticide treatment practice. For a certain period, peel retains most of the applied pesticides, which precisely indicates the presence of pesticide residues. This study was conducted to establish and evaluate the method for the residue analysis of pyrimethanil, cyprodinil, trifloxystrobin, bifenthrin and boscalid by GC–MS in peel of Granny Smith, Golden Delicious and Idared varieties. The method consisted of few steps, without the routine usage of sorbents, and resulted in efficient removal of waxes, targeted as main interferences in GC–MS analysis. The matrix effect, boscalid selectivity issue, trend of lower trueness for bifenthrin in all matrices and for all analytes in Granny Smith matrix were in some way associated with the waxes. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of three varieties of apple orchard samples, after 9 and 5 months of treatment with commercial formulations that contain pyrimethanil, cyprodinil and boscalid as active ingredients. Since the developed method consisted of few steps and used nontoxic and economic reagents, it could be implemented as a fast, economic and reliable screening method.
Bruceine D inhibits tumor growth and stem cell‐like traits of osteosarcoma through inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Shangyu , Hu Hongzhi , Zhong Binlong , Shi Deyao , Qing Xiangcheng , Cheng Cheng , Deng Xiangyu , Zhang Zhicai , Shao Zengwu
Published: October 2019

Patients with osteosarcoma exhibiting resistance to chemotherapy or presenting with metastasis usually have a poor prognosis. Osteosarcoma stem cells (OSCs) are a potential cause of tumor metastasis, relapse, and chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to develop novel therapeutic drugs, which not only kill osteosarcoma cells but also target OSCs. This study aims to explore the anti‐osteosarcoma effects of Bruceine D (BD), a natural compound derived from Brucea javanica, and investigate its underlying mechanisms. Results demonstrated that BD could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration, induce cell cycle arrest, and promote apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. Besides, BD could also suppress the sphere‐forming and self‐renewal ability of OSCs. Mechanistically, the inhibitory role of BD on osteosarcoma cell growth and migration including OSC stemness was partially executed through the inhibition of STAT3 signaling pathway. More importantly, BD showed significant anti‐osteosarcoma activity without obvious side effects in vivo. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrated that BD exerts a strong inhibitory effect on tumor growth and stem cell like traits of osteosarcoma which may be partially due to STAT3 inhibition, suggesting that BD maybe a promising therapeutic candidate against osteosarcoma.
Malagasy Dye Plant Species: A Promising Source of Novel Natural Colorants with Potential Applications – A Review
Authors: Andriamanantena Mahery , Danthu Pascal , Cardon Dominique , Fawbush Fanjaniaina R. , Raonizafinimanana Béatrice , Razafintsalama Vahinalahaja Eliane , Rakotonandrasana Stéphan R. , Ethève Andrée , Petit Thomas , Caro Yanis
Published: October 2019

Due to the potentially harmful effects of some synthetic dyes, there is an increasing demand for natural colorants. Recent literature has emphasized the necessity of investigating new sources of dyes. This review discusses the biological sources of dyes derived from the rich plant diversity of Madagascar. As one of the first contributions on the use of these dyestuffs for dyeing textiles, it provides an overview of 128 dye plant species with other potential applications for coloring materials in industry. A detailed description of the botanical and chemical properties of these dyestuffs is given. We believe that the Madagascar plant diversity may be a promising source of novel colorants not yet investigated. We considered it worthwhile to carry out a thorough scientific study of a set of Malagasy plants carefully selected for their coloring properties together with their potential use and valorization in specialized industries where use of natural colorants would be a particular interest.
Differential Inhibition of APOBEC3 DNA‐Mutator Isozymes by Fluoro‐ and Non‐Fluoro‐Substituted 2′‐Deoxyzebularine Embedded in Single‐Stranded DNA
Authors: Kvach Maksim V. , Barzak Fareeda M. , Harjes Stefan , Schares Henry A. M. , Kurup Harikrishnan M. , Jones Katherine F. , Sutton Lorraine , Donahue John , D'Aquila Richard T. , Jameson Geoffrey B. , Harki Daniel A. , Krause Kurt L. , Harjes Elena , Filichev Vyacheslav V.
Published: October 2019

The APOBEC3 (APOBEC3A‐H) enzyme family is part of the human innate immune system that restricts pathogens by scrambling pathogenic single‐stranded (ss) DNA by deamination of cytosines to produce uracil residues. However, APOBEC3‐mediated mutagenesis of viral and cancer DNA promotes its evolution, thus enabling disease progression and the development of drug resistance. Therefore, APOBEC3 inhibition offers a new strategy to complement existing antiviral and anticancer therapies by making such therapies effective for longer periods of time, thereby preventing the emergence of drug resistance. Here, we have synthesised 2′‐deoxynucleoside forms of several known inhibitors of cytidine deaminase (CDA), incorporated them into oligodeoxynucleotides (oligos) in place of 2′‐deoxycytidine in the preferred substrates of APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B, and APOBEC3G, and evaluated their inhibitory potential against these enzymes. An oligo containing a 5‐fluoro‐2′‐deoxyzebularine (5FdZ) motif exhibited an inhibition constant against APOBEC3B 3.5 times better than that of the comparable 2′‐deoxyzebularine‐containing (dZ‐containing) oligo. A similar inhibition trend was observed for wild‐type APOBEC3A. In contrast, use of the 5FdZ motif in an oligo designed for APOBEC3G inhibition resulted in an inhibitor that was less potent than the dZ‐containing oligo both in the case of APOBEC3GCTD and in that of full‐length wild‐type APOBEC3G.
Long‐term clinical outcomes of Amplatzer cardiac plug versus Amulet occluders for left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Kleinecke Caroline , Cheikh‐Ibrahim Mohammad , Schnupp Steffen , Fankhauser Mate , Nietlispach Fabian , Park Jai‐Wun , Brachmann Johannes , Windecker Stephan , Meier Bernhard , Gloekler Steffen
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To compare long‐term clinical outcomes after left atrial appendage closure with the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) and Amulet.

Background

The Amulet was designed to improve clinical outcomes of first‐generation ACP.

Methods

Three Amplatzer registries (Bern, Coburg, Zurich), with enrollment of patients from 2009 to 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of major peri‐procedural complications and major bleedings, the primary efficacy endpoint included stroke, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular/unexplained death. The net clinical benefit was a combination of all above‐mentioned hazards.

Results

A total of consecutive 563 patients (344 ACP vs. 219 Amulet) with a mean follow‐up of 2.9 ± 1.6 and 1.9 ± 0.9 years were included. Mean age (74.4 ± 9.9 [ACP] vs. 74.4 ± 9.1 [Amulet] years), stroke (CHA2DS2‐VASc score 4.4 ± 1.6 vs. 4.6 ± 1.7), and bleeding risk (HAS‐BLED score 3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 3.2 ± 0.9) were comparable. The primary endpoints of efficacy (72/998, 7.2% [ACP] vs. 43/417, 10.3% [Amulet]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–1.02, p = .062), safety (40/998, 4.0% vs. 18/417, 4.3%; HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.53–2.51, p = .72), and the net clinical benefit (101/998, 10.1% vs. 55/417, 13.4%; HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.49–1.07, p = .11) were similar.

Conclusion

In the long term, left atrial appendage closure with first and second‐generation Amplatzer devices provided similar efficacy, safety, and net clinical benefit. Clinical outcomes may be rather determined by implantation technique and hemodynamics, but not by the design modifications of the Amulet.
Role of optical coherence tomography for distal left main stem angioplasty
Authors: Cortese Bernardo , Burzotta Francesco , Alfonso Fernando , Pellegrini Dario , Trani Carlo , Aurigemma Cristina , Rivero Fernando , Antuña Paula , Orrego Pedro Silva , Prati Francesco
Published: October 2019

Objective

The objective is to analyze the acute and midterm angiographic outcome of percutaneous treatment of left main coronary stem (LM‐PCI) guided by optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Background

LM‐PCI is a complex procedure, and several anatomical factors may impair its outcome. Intravascular imaging is emerging as a useful tool to guide the procedure.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LM‐PCI at three European centers between 2014 and 2017 with a control angiography at 6–12 months. Patients were divided into two groups: OCT‐guidance (pre‐ and post‐PCI) and control group (standard angiographic guidance with/out intravascular ultrasound [IVUS]). A blinded core lab analyzed all angiographic images. Primary endpoint was late lumen loss (LLL) after 6 months.

Results

A total of 112 patients entered the study, 55 in the OCT group and 57 in the control group (10 IVUS). Baseline and procedural characteristics were similar between groups. Overall, reference vessel diameter of the LM was 3.98 ± 0.65 mm. OCT guidance detected four cases of stent underexpansion (7.2%) and six cases of acute malapposition (10.9%). After a median of 207 ± 23 days, LLL of LM tended to be lower in the OCT group (0.12 ± 0.41 vs. 0.26 ± 0.52 mm, p = .10), and was significantly reduced in the distal portion of the main vessel (0.03 ± 0.45 vs. 0.24 ± 0.53 mm, p = .025). Percent diameter stenosis was also lower (14 ± 9 vs. 19 ± 16%, p = .05). Adverse event rates were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

In this study, systematic OCT guidance during LM‐PCI allowed a timely detection and correction of acute stent underexpansion and malapposition, and was associated with signs of improved angiographic outcome at midterm, compared to standard practice.
Ultrafine Cobalt‐Doped Iron Disulfide Nanoparticles in Ordered Mesoporous Carbon for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huang Guoqing , Xu Shaonan , Liu Zhipeng , Yuan Shisheng , Zhang Cong , Ai Jing , Li Nan , Li Xiaotian
Published: October 2019

Designing earth‐abundant and efficient electrocatalysts to replace noble metals is highly desired for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water electrolysis. In this study, we constructed a self‐supported electrode with ordered mesoporous carbon film coated carbon fibers as a substrate and Co doped FeS2 nanoparticles as catalytically active phase for the HER. The ordered mesoporous carbon served as nanoreactor to restrict the growth of sulfide particles and prevent them from agglomeration, leading to the formation of ultrafine and highly dispersed sulfide of ∼5 nm, which enables the exposure of abundant active sites. Meanwhile, the Co atom doping enhanced the adsorption of the catalyst towards hydrogen, thereby improving its intrinsic activity. As a result, the electrode exhibited outstanding catalytic activity for the HER in acid electrolyte, manifesting a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 92 mV and a small Tafel slope of 59 mV dec−1.
Temperature‐Dependent Surface Enrichment Effects in Binary Mixtures of Fluorinated and Non‐Fluorinated Ionic Liquids
Authors: Heller Bettina S. J. , Lexow Matthias , Greco Francesco , Shin Sunghwan , Partl Gabriel , Maier Florian , Steinrück Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2019

Using angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS), we investigate the topmost nanometers of various binary ionic liquid (IL) mixtures at different temperatures in the liquid state. The mixtures consist of ILs with the same [PF6]− anion but two different cations, namely 3‐methyl‐1‐(3,3,4,4,4‐pentafluorobutyl)imidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [PFBMIm][PF6], and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [C4C1Im][PF6], with 10, 25, 50 and 75 mol % content of [PFBMIm][PF6]. We observe a preferential enrichment of the fluorinated chain in the topmost layer, relative to the bulk composition, which is most pronounced for the lowest content of [PFBMIm][PF6]. Upon cooling the mixtures stepwise from 95 °C until surface charging effects in XPS indicate solidification, we observe a pronounced increase in surface enrichment of the fluorinated chain with decreasing temperature in the liquid state. In contrast to the mixtures with lower [PFBMIm][PF6] contents, cooling the 75 mol % mixture additionally shows an abrupt decrease of the fluorinated chain signal before complete solidification occurs, which is assigned to partial precipitation effects.
Quantifizierung der Trenneffizienz einer strukturierten Packung mittels numerischer Simulation
Authors: Hill Simon , Acher Thomas , Hoffmann Rainer , Ferstl Johann , Deising Daniel , Marschall Holger , Rehfeldt Sebastian , Klein Harald
Published: October 2019

Durch Kopplung einer transienten Zweiphasensimulation in einer strukturierten Packung mit einem Modell zur Simulation des Stoffübergangs wird die numerische Simulation des Rektifikations‐ und Absorptions‐/Desorptionsprozesses ermöglicht. Die Zweiphasenströmung wird hierbei mithilfe der Volume‐of‐Fluid (VoF)‐Methode abgebildet. Zur Simulation des lokal aufgelösten Stoffübergangs wird das Generalised Continuous Species Transfer (GCST)‐Modell verwendet. Die Simulationsdaten werden hinsichtlich der Trenneffizienz der untersuchten Packung ausgewertet, indem der HETP‐Wert berechnet wird.
Cold‐model investigation of the effect of dispersed phase inlet on the dispersion uniformity in a liquid‐liquid cyclone reactor for ionic liquid‐catalyzed isobutene alkylation
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Wang Zhenbo , Liu Zhichang , Li Shijie , Zhang Linhua , Zhu Liyun , Li Xiaoyu
Published: October 2019

A liquid‐liquid cyclone reactor was proposed for ionic liquid‐catalyzed isobutane alkylation to improve the mixing efficiency and accelerate the separation between alkylate and ionic liquid. The Eulerian‐Eulerian multiphase flow model and Reynolds stress model (RSM) were used to simulate the flow field in the reactor. A parameter, named the dispersion uniformity of dispersed phase, β, was used to quantify the dispersibility of the dispersed phase in the reaction chamber of the reactor. Moreover, the effects of the structural parameters of the dispersed phase inlet (slot) on the dispersion uniformity of the dispersed phase were investigated. As can be seen from the results, the angle of the slot has an effect on the inlet velocity direction, while the other structural parameters have an effect on the inlet velocity magnitude. The shear force is the impetus for the dispersion of the dispersed phase into the continuous phase, and the relative velocity is the cause of the shear force. Therefore, by analyzing the effect of the structural parameters of the slot on the dispersion uniformity, it can be deduced that the dispersion of the dispersed phase performs well under a suitable inlet velocity ratio range of the continuous phase to the dispersed phase (2.5‐3.5).
The modeling of urban rail transit emergency delay propagation scope under network operation mode
Authors: Ding Xiaobing , Zhao Yuan , Liu Zhigang , Hu Hua
Published: October 2019

With the increase of the operation mileage of the urban rail transit and the extension of lines, the networked operation has become an inevitable trend of rail transit operation. Once an emergency takes place, it will cause delays of the large‐scale operation or even more serious mass safety incidents. First, the topology structure of urban rail transit network is analyzed. According to the static characteristics of the network clustering coefficient, degree, etc, a network model of directional empowerment network is constructed that can be used for analysis of the delay propagation scope. Second, the characteristics of the mass passenger flow distribution of rail transit in emergency is investigated and deeply explored in this paper. Based on this, the model of the delay spread and dissipation is constructed according to the emergency handling time and dissipation time of the passenger congestion. Finally, based on the cellular automaton model, the evolution rule for the delay spreading of the station state is established. The simulation results show that the established model has good reliability and accuracy, which can be adopted to predict the duration and spread of the delay in the emergency. This provides a basis for adjusting the transport organization plan and evacuating passenger flow in emergency.