bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and molecular analyses of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome: Comparison between spontaneous conception and assisted reproduction techniques
Authors: Tenorio Jair , Romanelli Valeria , Martin‐Trujillo Alex , Fernández García‐Moya , Segovia Mabel , Perandones Claudia , Pérez Jurado Luis A. , Esteller Manel , Fraga Mario , Arias Pedro , Gordo Gema , Dapía Irene , Mena Rocío , Palomares María , Pérez de Nanclares Guiomar , Nevado Julián , García‐Miñaur Sixto , Santos‐Simarro Fernando , Martinez‐Glez Víctor , Vallespín Elena ,   The SOGRI Consortium, Monk David , Lapunzina Pablo
Published: August 2016

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth syndrome characterized by an excessive prenatal and postnatal growth, macrosomia, macroglossia, and hemihyperplasia. The molecular basis of this syndrome is complex and heterogeneous, involving genes located at 11p15.5. BWS is correlated with assisted reproductive techniques. BWS in individuals born following assisted reproductive techniques has been found to occur four to nine times higher compared to children with to BWS born after spontaneous conception. Here, we report a series of 187 patients with to BWS born either after assisted reproductive techniques or conceived naturally. Eighty‐eight percent of BWS patients born via assisted reproductive techniques had hypomethylation of KCNQ1OT1:TSS‐DMR in comparison with 49% for patients with BWS conceived naturally. None of the patients with BWS born via assisted reproductive techniques had hypermethylation of H19/IGF2:IG‐DMR, neither CDKN1 C mutations nor patUPD11. We did not find differences in the frequency of multi‐locus imprinting disturbances between groups. Patients with BWS born via assisted reproductive techniques had an increased frequency of advanced bone age, congenital heart disease, and decreased frequency of earlobe anomalies but these differences may be explained by the different molecular background compared to those with BWS and spontaneous fertilization. We conclude there is a correlation of the molecular etiology of BWS with the type of conception. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BRAT1‐associated neurodegeneration: Intra‐familial phenotypic differences in siblings
Authors: Smith Nicholas J. , Lipsett Jill , Dibbens Leanne M. , Heron Sarah E.
Published: August 2016

Recessive mutations in BRAT1 cause lethal neonatal rigidity and multifocal seizure syndrome, a phenotype characterized by neonatal microcephaly, hypertonia, and refractory epilepsy with premature death by age 2 years. Recently, attenuated disease variants have been described, suggesting that a wider clinical spectrum of BRAT1‐associated neurodegeneration exists than was previously thought. Here, we report two affected siblings with compound heterozygous truncating mutations in BRAT1 and intra‐familial phenotypic heterogeneity, with a less severe disease course in the female sibling. This phenotypic variability should be taken into account when treating patients with BRAT1‐associated neurodegenerative disease. Mildly affected individuals with BRAT1 mutations show that BRAT1 must be considered as a cause in childhood refractory epilepsy and microcephaly with survival beyond infancy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SRD5A3‐CDG: Expanding the phenotype of a congenital disorder of glycosylation with emphasis on adult onset features
Authors: Wheeler Patricia G. , Ng Bobby G. , Sanford Laura , Sutton V. Reid , Bartholomew Dennis W. , Pastore Matthew T. , Bamshad Michael J. , Kircher Martin , Buckingham Kati J. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Shendure Jay , Freeze Hudson H.
Published: August 2016

Increasing numbers of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) have been reported recently resulting in an expansion of the phenotypes associated with this group of disorders. SRD5A3 codes for polyprenol reductase which converts polyprenol to dolichol. This is a major pathway for dolichol biosynthesis for N‐glycosylation, O‐mannosylation, C‐mannosylation, and GPI anchor synthesis. We present the features of five individuals (three children and two adults) with mutations in SRD5A3 focusing on the variable eye and skin involvement. We compare that to 13 affected individuals from the literature including five adults allowing us to delineate the features that may develop over time with this disorder including kyphosis, retinitis pigmentosa, and cataracts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contemporary management of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease: an evidence‐based review with recommendations
Authors: Levy Joshua M. , Rudmik Luke , Peters Anju T. , Wise Sarah K. , Rotenberg Brian W. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: August 2016

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) represents a recalcitrant form of sinonasal inflammation for which a multidisciplinary consensus on patient management has not been reached. Several medical interventions have been investigated, but a formal comprehensive evaluation of the evidence has never been performed. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence‐based approach for the multidisciplinary management of CRS in AERD.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed and the guidelines for development of an evidence‐based review with recommendations were followed. Study inclusion criteria included: adult population >18 years old; CRS based on published diagnostic criteria, and a presumptive diagnosis of AERD. We focused on reporting higher‐quality studies (level 2 or higher) when available, but reported lower‐quality studies if the topic contained insufficient evidence. Treatment recommendations were based on American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) guidelines, with defined grades of evidence and evaluation of research quality and risk/benefits associated with each treatment.

Results

This review identified and evaluated the literature on 3 treatment strategies for CRS in AERD: dietary salicylate avoidance, leukotriene modification, and desensitization with daily aspirin therapy.

Conclusion

Based on the available evidence, dietary salicylate avoidance and leukotriene‐modifying drugs are options following appropriate treatment with nasal corticosteroids and saline irrigation. Desensitization with daily aspirin therapy is recommended following revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).
The historical role of the Adiabatic Principle in Bohr's quantum theory
Authors: Valls Blai Pié i , Pérez Enric
Published: August 2016

It is widely known that both the Correspondence Principle and the Adiabatic Principle were the two pillars of Bohr's quantum theory. However, the Correspondence Principle usually gets much more attention in historical accounts. A closer look at Bohr's quantum theory shows that, although the fate of the Adiabatic Principle was closely tied up with the validity of mechanics, it also played a significant role in the old quantum theory. In the early 1920s, when dealing with multielectron atoms, Bohr was forced to reshape the theory and thus to reconsider the relative relevance of the two principles. It is precisely the late preponderance of the Correspondence Principle which has, in perspective, biased the historical weight attributed to each of them.
Gegensätzliche Reaktivität frustrierter Lewis‐Paare mit Selen‐ und Bor‐basierten Lewis‐Säuren
Authors: Wilkins Lewis C. , Günther Benjamin A. R. , Walther Melanie , Lawson James R. , Wirth Thomas , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: August 2016

Die Aktivierung von π‐Bindungen in Alkin‐substituierten Estern wurde mit weichen und harten Lewis‐Säuren untersucht. Im Fall der weichen Selen‐Lewis‐Säure PhSeCl führte die sequenzielle Aktivierung der Alkine zunächst zu einer Isocumarinverbindung (1 Äquiv. PhSeCl), und dann zu einer tetracyclischen konjugierten Struktur, bei der die Isocumarin‐Einheit mit einem Benzoselenopyran‐System verknüpft ist (3 Äquiv. PhSeCl). Umgekehrt leitet das Boran B(C6F5)3 als harte Lewis‐Säure eine Reaktionskaskade ein, bei der ein komplexes π‐konjugiertes System mit einer Phthalid‐ und einer Inden‐Untereinheit erhalten wird.
Photoinduzierte Mehrkomponentenreaktionen
Authors: Garbarino Silvia , Ravelli Davide , Protti Stefano , Basso Andrea
Published: August 2016

Die Kombination von Mehrkomponentenansätzen mit lichtgetriebenen Prozessen erschließt neue Bereiche auf dem Gebiet der organischen Synthesechemie, deren Bedarf an nachhaltigen und atom‐ sowie energieeffizienten Reaktionen immer dringlicher wird. Photoinduzierte Mehrkomponentenreaktionen befinden sich noch immer in einem frühen Stadium, für die nahe Zukunft ist jedoch mit deutlichen Fortschritten zu rechnen.
Influence of the rubber content and particle morphology on the mechanical properties of the (hiPP)
Authors: Amiar Nabila , Bouzid Djallel , McKenna Timothy F.L
Published: August 2016

The effect of the final morphology and the role of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) content and (iPP) particle size on the mechanical properties of (iPP/EPR) in situ blends are investigated. The addition of EPR causes a significant improvement in the impact strength of the composites, from 20 kJ/m2 in unthoughned composite iPP to 100 kJ/m2 in iPP/EPR composites containing 50% EPR. Conversely, the tensile strength and the Young's modulus of the blends decrease as the EPR amount increases. The mechanical tensile strength is similar for the composite which have a time of homopolymerization less or equal to 60 min, and a higher value is observed in the case of 100 min. The scanning electron microscopy characterization shows that the larger the iPP particle is, the less the rubber settles on the surface of the high impact polypropylene and the less the final material is resistant to shocks. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44197.
Comparative opinion mining: A review
Authors: Varathan Kasturi Dewi , Giachanou Anastasia , Crestani Fabio
Published: August 2016

Opinion mining refers to the use of natural language processing, text analysis, and computational linguistics to identify and extract subjective information in textual material. Opinion mining, also known as sentiment analysis, has received a lot of attention in recent times, as it provides a number of tools to analyze public opinion on a number of different topics. Comparative opinion mining is a subfield of opinion mining which deals with identifying and extracting information that is expressed in a comparative form (e.g., “paper X is better than the Y”). Comparative opinion mining plays a very important role when one tries to evaluate something because it provides a reference point for the comparison. This paper provides a review of the area of comparative opinion mining. It is the first review that cover specifically this topic as all previous reviews dealt mostly with general opinion mining. This survey covers comparative opinion mining from two different angles. One from the perspective of techniques and the other from the perspective of comparative opinion elements. It also incorporates preprocessing tools as well as data set that were used by past researchers that can be useful to future researchers in the field of comparative opinion mining.
A counterexample of aerosol suppressing light rain in Southwest China during 1951–2011
Authors: Wu Jian , Ling Caiyun , Zhao Deming , Zhao Bin
Published: August 2016

Surface meteorological observation data and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data from 1951–2011 were analyzed for Tengchong city, which is a clean city in Southwest China. A significant reduction of light rain, accompanied by an increase of visibility and a decrease of AOD, was observed. Thus, the observed light rain reduction in Tengchong was not associated with an increase of aerosols. The main cause of the reduction in light rain was the decrease of relative humidity in the layer between 850 to 500 hPa, which was induced mainly by the increase of temperature. This counterexample indicates that there are some evidences on the short‐term scale, but the depression of light rain by aerosols on the long‐term scale remains controversial.
An interdecadal shift in the number of hot nights around 1997 over Eastern China
Authors: Chen Sisi , Zhang Jingyong , Huang Gang
Published: August 2016

In this study, we investigate the interdecadal variation in summer nighttime hot extremes over eastern China using observational daily minimum temperature during 1979–2013. Results show a statistically significant shift in the number of hot nights (NHN) around 1997 with averaged NHN over eastern China of 6 days more during 1997–2013 than 1979–1996. The time series of the first leading Empirical Orthogonal Function mode of the NHN is closely related with sea surface temperature anomalies over the tropical western pacific warm pool, Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, which all experienced substantial interdecadal changes in the late 1990s. Other factors such as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects may also contribute to the interdecadal change of the NHN around 1997.
Cost competitive second‐generation ethanol production from hemicellulose in a Brazilian sugarcane biorefinery
Authors: Losordo Zachary , McBride John , Rooyen Justin Van , Wenger Kevin , Willies Deidre , Froehlich Allan , Macedo Isaias , Lynd Lee
Published: August 2016

Producing second‐generation ethanol from the five carbon (C5) sugars in bagasse and cane trash could increase ethanol yield at first‐generation sugarcane biorefineries in Brazil. Co‐fermenting C5 sugars with cane juice and molasses in the first‐generation fermenters is a potentially attractive process configuration enabled by recent biotechnology advances. To assess the feasibility of this cofermentation, batch fermentations of molasses supplemented with xylose, the primary C5 sugar in hemicellulose, were conducted at lab scale using a yeast strain, M3799, engineered to ferment xylose. At cell loadings consistent with Brazilian fuel ethanol fermentation, M3799 was able to convert 17.8 g/L of xylose sugar along with sugars typically found in molasses to produce 71.5 g/L of ethanol in 8 h. Based on this capability, a process that produces a C5‐enriched cane juice by integrating a steam pre‐treatment reactor with the existing cane mill is investigated. Process modeling analysis of several integrated pre‐treatment configurations predicts that sugar recovery on cane can be increased by 11% to 20% compared to traditional milling. This additional sugar can be fermented by C5 yeast in the first‐generation fermentation to produce up to 37% more ethanol without effecting sugar coproduction. Due to close integration with the first‐generation host plant, these projects achieve a minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) of $0.17/L to $0.29/L at a 10% return, which is lower than the reported MESP for other second‐generation projects and is cost competitive with first‐generation ethanol and gasoline. This translates to capital payback (EBITA/Capex) in two to four years. © 2016 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐World Correlates of Performance on Heuristics and Biases Tasks in a Community Sample
Authors: Toplak Maggie E. , West Richard F. , Stanovich Keith E.
Published: August 2016

In the current study, we sought to examine whether performance on several heuristics and biases tasks and thinking dispositions was associated with real‐life correlates in a community sample of adults. We examined performance on five heuristics and biases tasks (ratio bias, belief bias in syllogistic reasoning, cognitive reflection, probabilistic and statistical reasoning, and rational temporal discounting), three thinking dispositions (actively open‐minded thinking, future orientation, and avoidance of superstitious thinking), and a questionnaire assessing real‐world correlates in several domains (substance use, driving behavior, financial behavior, gambling behavior, electronic media use, and secure computing). Our heuristics and biases tasks and thinking disposition measures were modestly associated with several real‐world outcomes, including the domains of secure computing, financial behaviors, and the total scores. That is, better performance on the heuristics and biases measures was associated with fewer negative outcomes. We found that the associations were generally higher in males than in females. Heuristics and biases performance and thinking dispositions were unique predictors of real‐world outcomes after statistically controlling for educational attainment and sex differences. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and functional characterization of chimeric cyclotides from the Möbius and trypsin inhibitor subfamilies
Authors: Abdul Ghani Hafiza , Henriques Sónia Troeira , Huang Yen‐Hua , Swedberg Joakim E. , Schroeder Christina I. , Craik David J.
Published: August 2016

Cyclotides are plant‐derived host defense peptides displaying exceptional stability due to their cyclic cystine knot comprising three intertwined disulfide bonds and a cyclic backbone. Their six conserved cysteine residues are separated by backbone loops with diverse sequences. Prototypical cyclotides from the Möbius (kalata B1) and trypsin inhibitor (MCoTI‐II) subfamilies lack sequence homology with one another, but both are able to penetrate cells, apparently via different mechanisms. To delineate the influence of the sequences of the loops on the structure and cell internalization of these two cyclotide subfamilies, a series of Möbius/trypsin inhibitor loop‐chimeras of kalata B1 and MCoTI‐II were synthesized, and structurally and functionally characterized. NMR analysis showed that the structural fold of the majority of chimeric peptides was minimally affected by the loop substitutions. Substituting loops 3, 5, or 6 of MCoTI‐II into the corresponding loops of kalata B1 attenuated its hemolytic and cytotoxic activities, and greatly reduced its cell‐penetrating properties. On the other hand, replacing loops of MCoTI‐II with the corresponding loops of kalata B1 did not introduce cytotoxicity into the chimeras. Loops 2, 3, and 4 of MCoTI‐II were found to contribute little to cell‐penetrating properties. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the structural basis for the hemolytic, cytotoxic, and cell‐penetrating properties of kalata B1 and MCoTI‐II, which could be useful for future engineering of cyclotides to carry bioactive epitopes to intracellular targets.
Molecular self‐assembly using peptide nucleic acids
Authors: Berger Or , Gazit Ehud
Published: August 2016

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are extensively studied for the control of genetic expression since their design in the 1990s. However, the application of PNAs in nanotechnology is much more recent. PNAs share the specific base‐pair recognition characteristic of DNA together with material‐like properties of polyamides, both proteins and synthetic polymers, such as Kevlar and Nylon. The first application of PNA was in the form of PNA‐amphiphiles, resulting in the formation of either lipid integrated structures, hydrogels or fibrillary assemblies. Heteroduplex DNA–PNA assemblies allow the formation of hybrid structures with higher stability as compared with pure DNA. A systematic screen for minimal PNA building blocks resulted in the identification of guanine‐containing di‐PNA assemblies and protected guanine‐PNA monomer spheres showing unique optical properties. Finally, the co‐assembly of PNA with thymine‐like three‐faced cyanuric acid allowed the assembly of poly‐adenine PNA into fibers. In summary, we believe that PNAs represent a new and important family of building blocks which converges the advantages of both DNA‐ and peptide‐nanotechnologies.
Fluorescent Oligonucleotides Containing a 2‐Ethynylfluorene‐ or 2‐Ethynylfluorenone‐labeled 2′‐Deoxyguanosine Unit: Fluorescence Changes upon Duplex Formation
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Hwang Gil Tae
Published: August 2016

Two new DNA probes bearing a fluorescent deoxyguanosine unit labeled with 2‐ethynylfluorene (GFL) or 2‐ethynylfluorenone (GFO) were synthesized and examined for their efficiency as quencher‐free linear beacon probes. Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing a GFL or GFO unit exhibit low thermal selectivity and few distinctive fluorescence changes upon duplex formation due to the syn conformation about the glycosidic bond. An exciplex emission was observed when the GFL unit of ODNs bearing adenine flanking bases was positioned opposite to the adenine nucleobases.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐based treatments for stroke, neural trauma, and heat stroke
Authors: Hsuan Yogi Chang‐Yo , Lin Cheng‐Hsien , Chang Ching‐Ping , Lin Mao‐Tsun
Published: August 2016

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been reported to improve neurological function following neural injury. Many physiological and molecular mechanisms involving MSC therapy‐related neuroprotection have been identified.

Methods

A review is presented of articles that pertain to MSC therapy and diverse brain injuries including stroke, neural trauma, and heat stroke, which were identified using an electronic search (e.g., PubMed), emphasize mechanisms of MSC therapy‐related neuroprotection. We aim to discuss neuroprotective mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of MSCs in treating stroke, neural trauma, and heatstroke.

Results

MSC therapy is promising as a means of augmenting brain repair. Cell incorporation into the injured tissue is not a prerequisite for the beneficial effects exerted by MSCs. Paracrine signaling is believed to be the most important mediator of MSC therapy in brain injury. The multiple mechanisms of action of MSCs include enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis, immunomodulation, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Microglia are the first source of the inflammatory cascade during brain injury. Cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6, are significantly produced by microglia in the brain after experimental brain injury. The proinflammatory M1 phenotype of microglia is associated with tissue destruction, whereas the anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype of microglia facilitates repair and regeneration. MSC therapy may improve outcomes of ischemic stroke, neural trauma, and heatstroke by inhibiting the activity of M1 phenotype of microglia but augmenting the activity of M2 phenotype of microglia.

Conclusion

This review offers a testable platform for targeting microglial‐mediated cytokines in clinical trials based upon the rational design of MSC therapy in the future. MSCs that are derived from the placenta provide a great choice for stem cell therapy. Although targeting the microglial activation is an important approach to reduce the burden of the injury, it is not the only one. This review focuses on this specific aspect.
Fatigue in myasthenia gravis: risk factors and impact on quality of life
Authors: Hoffmann Sarah , Ramm Johanna , Grittner Ulrike , Kohler Siegfried , Siedler Jana , Meisel Andreas
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Emerging evidence suggests that fatigue in myasthenia gravis (MG) is a relevant problem that negatively impacts activities of daily living (ADL). The relationship between fatigue and quality of life (QoL) has never been systematically explored in MG patients. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of fatigue and its relation to ADL and QoL as well as to identify factors associated with fatigue in MG.

Material and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional observational study in patients with confirmed diagnosis of MG independent of disease severity. Prevalence of fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ). Impact of fatigue on ADL and QoL was assessed by the MG activities of daily living profile (MG‐ADL) and the MG‐specific quality‐of‐life instrument (MG‐QoL), respectively. Association of fatigue with sociodemographics, clinical characteristics of MG, and comorbidities including mood and anxiety disorders as well as sleep disorders was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Overall, 200 MG patients were included. The observed rate of fatigue was 56.1%, of those 70.4% fulfilled the criteria of chronic fatigue (CF) with a duration of ≥6 months. Relevant fatigue was strongly associated to ADL and QoL. Factors associated with relevant fatigue were disease severity and depressive state. Furthermore, positive muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody status showed a strong association with relevant fatigue.

Conclusions

MG patients have a high prevalence of fatigue which negatively impacts ADL and QoL. MG‐specific clinical characteristics are related to fatigue and might help to identify MG patients at risk for fatigue.
Abdomen/pelvis computed tomography in staging of pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma: is it always necessary?
Authors: Farruggia Piero , Puccio Giuseppe , Sala Alessandra , Todesco Alessandra , Terenziani Monica , Mura Rosamaria , D'Amico Salvatore , Casini Tommaso , Mosa Clara , Pillon Marta , Boaro Maria Paola , Bottigliero Gaetano , Burnelli Roberta , Consarino Caterina , Fedeli Fausto , Mascarin Maurizio , Perruccio Katia , Schiavello Elisabetta , Trizzino Angela , Ficola Umberto , Garaventa Alberto , Rossello Mario
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the study was to determine if abdomen/pelvis computed tomography (CT) can be safety omitted in the initial staging of a subgroup of children affected by Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). Every participating center of A.I.E.O.P (Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica) sent local staging reports of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) and abdominal ultrasound (US) along with digital images of staging abdomen/pelvis CT to the investigation center where the CT scans were evaluated by an experienced pediatric radiologist. The local radiologist who performed the US was unaware of local CT and PET reports (both carried out after US), and the reviewer radiologist examining the CT images was unaware of local US, PET and CT reports. A new abdominal staging of 123 patients performed on the basis of local US report, local PET report, and centralized CT report was then compared to a simpler staging based on local US and PET. No additional lesion was discovered by CT in patients with abdomen/pelvis negativity in both US and PET or isolated spleen positivity in US (or US and PET), and so it seems that in the initial staging, abdomen/pelvis CT can be safety omitted in about 1/2 to 2/3 of children diagnosed with HL.
Evaluation of the Allelopathic Potential of Leaf, Stem, and Root Extracts of Ocotea pulchella Nees et Mart
Authors: Candido Lafayette P. , Varela Rosa M. , Torres Ascensión , Molinillo José M. G. , Gualtieri Sonia C. J. , Macías Francisco A.
Published: August 2016

Despite the increase in recent decades in herbicide research on the potential of native plants, current knowledge is considered to be low. Very few studies have been carried out on the chemical profile or the biological activity of the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) species. In the study reported here, the allelopathic activity of AcOEt and MeOH extracts of leaves, stems, and roots from Ocotea pulchella Nees was evaluated. The extracts were assayed on etiolated wheat coleoptiles. The AcOEt leaf extract was the most active and this was tested on standard target species (STS). Lycopersicon esculentum and Lactuca sativa were the most sensitive species in this test. A total of eleven compounds have been isolated and characterized. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 6 have not been identified previously from O. pulchella and ocoteol (9) is reported for the first time in the literature. Eight compounds were tested on wheat coleoptile growth, and spathulenol, benzyl salicylate, and benzyl benzoate showed the highest activities. These compounds showed inhibitory activity on L. esculentum. The values obtained correspond to the activity exhibited by the extract and these compounds may therefore be responsible for the allelopathic activity shown by O. pulchella.
Thermometry of Guided Molecular Beams from a Cryogenic Buffer‐Gas Cell
Authors: Wu Xing , Gantner Thomas , Zeppenfeld Martin , Chervenkov Sotir , Rempe Gerhard
Published: August 2016

A comprehensive characterisation of cold molecular beams from a cryogenic buffer‐gas cell, providing insight into the physics of buffer‐gas cooling, is presented. Cold molecular beams are extracted from a cryogenic cell by electrostatic guiding, which is also used to measure their velocity distribution. The rotational‐state distribution of the molecules is probed by radio‐frequency resonant depletion spectroscopy. With the help of complete trajectory simulations, yielding the guiding efficiency for all of the thermally populated states, it is possible to determine both the rotational and the translational temperature of the molecules at the output of the buffer‐gas cell. This thermometry method is demonstrated for various regimes of buffer‐gas cooling and beam formation as well as for molecular species of different sizes (CH3F and CF3CCH). Comparison of the rotational and translational temperatures provides evidence of faster rotational thermalisation for the CH3F/He system in the limit of low He density. In addition, the relaxation rates for different rotational states appear to be different.
The Influence of Zeolites on Radical Formation During Lignin Pyrolysis
Authors: Bährle Christian , Custodis Victoria , Jeschke Gunnar , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Vogel Frédéric
Published: August 2016

Lignin from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising source of energy, fuels, and chemicals. The conversion of the polymeric lignin to fuels and chemicals can be achieved by catalytic and noncatalytic pyrolysis. The influence of nonporous silica and zeolite catalysts, such as silicalite, HZSM5, and HUSY, on the radical and volatile product formation during lignin pyrolysis was studied by in situ high‐temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (HTEPR) as well as GC–MS. Higher radical concentrations were observed in the samples containing zeolite compared to the sample containing only lignin, which suggests that there is a stabilizing effect by the inorganic surfaces on the formed radical fragments. This effect was observed for nonporous silica as well as for HUSY, HZSM5, and silicalite zeolite catalysts. However, the effect is far larger for the zeolites owing to their higher specific surface area. The zeolites also showed an effect on the volatile product yield and the product distribution within the volatile phase. Although silicalite showed no effect on the product selectivity, the acidic zeolites such as HZSM5 or HUSY increased the formation of deoxygenated products such as benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX), and naphthalene.
Monobenzoporphyrins as Sensitizers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Observation of Significant Spacer‐Group Effect
Authors: Jinadasa R. G. Waruna , Li Bihong , Schmitz Benjamin , Kumar Siddhartha , Hu Yi , Kerr Lei , Wang Hong
Published: August 2016

A series of monobenzoporphyrins (WH1–WH4) bearing different conjugated spacer groups were designed and synthesized as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells. Although a phenyl spacer only has a minimal impact on the absorption bands of the monobenzoporphyrin, an ethynylphenyl (WH3) or a vinyl (WH4) spacer redshifts and broadens the absorption bands of the dyes to result in much enhanced light‐harvesting ability. Dye‐sensitized solar cells based on these monobenzoporphyrin dyes displayed remarkable differences in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). The monobenzoporphyrin bearing no spacer (WH1) resulted in a PCE of only 0.5 %; in contrast, the monobenzoporphyrin bearing vinyl spacers (WH4) achieved a PCE of 5.2 %. The high efficiency of the WH4 cell is attributed to the higher light‐harvesting ability, the lesser extent of aggregation on the TiO2 surface, and the more favorable electron‐density distributions of the HOMO and LUMO for electron injection and collection. This work demonstrates the exceptional tunability of benzoporphyrins as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells.
The Role of the Hydrogen Source on the Selective Production of γ‐Valerolactone and 2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran from Levulinic Acid
Authors: Obregón Iker , Gandarias Inaki , Al‐Shaal Mohammad G. , Mevissen Christian , Arias Pedro L. , Palkovits Regina
Published: August 2016

A mechanistic study of the hydrogenation reaction of levulinic acid (LA) to 2‐methyltetrahydrofuyran (MTHF) was performed using three different solvents under reactive H2 and inert N2 atmospheres. Under the applied reaction conditions, catalytic transfer hydrogenation and hydrogenation with molecular H2 were effective at producing high yields of γ‐valerolactone. However, the conversion of this stable intermediate to MTHF required the combination of both hydrogen sources (the solvent and the H2 atmosphere) to achieve good yields. The reaction system with 2‐propanol as solvent and Ni–Cu/Al2O3 as catalyst allowed full conversion of LA and a MTHF yield of 80 % after 20 h reaction time at 250 °C and 40 bar of H2 (at room temperature). The system showed the same catalytic activity at LA feed concentrations of 5 and up to 30 wt%, and also when high acetone concentration at the beginning of the reaction were added, which confirmed the potential industrial applications of this solvent/catalyst system.
Shaping emotion regulation: attunement, symptomatology, and stress recovery within mother–infant dyads
Authors: Ostlund Brendan D. , Measelle Jeffrey R. , Laurent Heidemarie K. , Conradt Elisabeth , Ablow Jennifer C.
Published: August 2016

The foundations of emotion regulation are organized, in part, through repeated interactions with one's caregiver in infancy. Less is known about how stress physiology covaries between a mother and her infant within these interactions, leaving a gap in our understanding of how the biological basis of emotion regulation develops. This study investigated physiological attunement between mothers and their 5‐month‐old infants, as well as the influence of maternal depression and anxiety, during stress recovery. During the reengagement phase of the Still Face Paradigm, mother‐infant dyads exhibited negative attunement, as measured by inverse covariation of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Increases in maternal RSA corresponded to decreases in infant RSA, underscoring dyadic adjustment during recovery. Moreover, infant regulation differed as a function of maternal anxiety, with more anxious mothers having infants with higher RSA during reengagement. Implications for the consolidation of regulatory capabilities within the context of the early caregiving relationship are discussed.
Top‐down network analysis characterizes hidden termite–termite interactions
Authors: Campbell Colin , Russo Laura , Marins Alessandra , DeSouza Og , Schönrogge Karsten , Mortensen David , Tooker John , Albert Réka , Shea Katriona
Published: August 2016

The analysis of ecological networks is generally bottom‐up, where networks are established by observing interactions between individuals. Emergent network properties have been indicated to reflect the dominant mode of interactions in communities that might be mutualistic (e.g., pollination) or antagonistic (e.g., host–parasitoid communities). Many ecological communities, however, comprise species interactions that are difficult to observe directly. Here, we propose that a comparison of the emergent properties from detail‐rich reference communities with known modes of interaction can inform our understanding of detail‐sparse focal communities. With this top‐down approach, we consider patterns of coexistence between termite species that live as guests in mounds built by other host termite species as a case in point. Termite societies are extremely sensitive to perturbations, which precludes determining the nature of their interactions through direct observations. We perform a literature review to construct two networks representing termite mound cohabitation in a Brazilian savanna and in the tropical forest of Cameroon. We contrast the properties of these cohabitation networks with a total of 197 geographically diverse mutualistic plant–pollinator and antagonistic host–parasitoid networks. We analyze network properties for the networks, perform a principal components analysis (PCA), and compute the Mahalanobis distance of the termite networks to the cloud of mutualistic and antagonistic networks to assess the extent to which the termite networks overlap with the properties of the reference networks. Both termite networks overlap more closely with the mutualistic plant–pollinator communities than the antagonistic host–parasitoid communities, although the Brazilian community overlap with mutualistic communities is stronger. The analysis raises the hypothesis that termite–termite cohabitation networks may be overall mutualistic. More broadly, this work provides support for the argument that cryptic communities may be analyzed via comparison to well‐characterized communities.
Divergent species richness and vocal behavior in avian migratory guilds along an elevational gradient
Authors: McGrann Michael C. , Furnas Brett J.
Published: August 2016

Climate change is expected to disrupt the distribution and behavior of montane birds. Monitoring these impacts will be essential because the ecological effects of climate change are likely to be complex. Hiking trails that traverse montane regions provide an opportunity to efficiently survey bird diversity along elevation and other ecological gradients, and these data can be used to model climate‐related vulnerabilities of avian communities. In 2010, we surveyed a 697‐km segment of the Pacific Crest Trail in northern California, USA. We conducted point counts of birds at 404 sites during the breeding season when birds were readily detected by song and other vocalizations. To bolster our sampling effort, we left automated recorders at approximately half of the sites to make recordings for later interpretation of bird vocalizations. Using a multispecies occupancy model, we investigated how relationships between richness and elevation and between vocal activity and daily temperature differed among three migratory guilds—residents, altitudinal migrants, and Neotropical migrants. We found that richness decreased with increasing elevation for residents and Neotropical migrants, whereas it increased for altitudinal migrants. As temperature increased, residents and altitudinal migrants curtailed their vocal activity, but Neotropical migrants did not reduce vocal activity even though this behavior is energetically expensive on hot days. We also found that total species within each of three elevation zones was greatest at middle elevations (1200–1900 m). Altogether, these findings suggest that as global temperature rises there may be greater competition among birds previously separated by elevation and that Neotropical migrants may be at greater risk of heat stress during the breeding season. Furthermore, the conservation of structurally complex, middle‐elevation forests could provide birds a refugium to the impacts of climate change.
Tissue‐resident Eomeshi T‐betlo CD56bright NK cells with reduced proinflammatory potential are enriched in the adult human liver
Authors: Harmon Cathal , Robinson Mark W. , Fahey Ronan , Whelan Sarah , Houlihan Diarmaid D. , Geoghegan Justin , O'Farrelly Cliona
Published: August 2016

The adult human liver is enriched with natural killer (NK) cells, accounting for 30–50% of hepatic lymphocytes, which include tissue‐resident hepatic NK‐cell subpopulations, distinct from peripheral blood NK cells. In murine liver, a subset of liver‐resident hepatic NK cells have altered expression of the two highly related T‐box transcription factors, T‐bet and eomesodermin (Eomes). Here, we investigate the heterogeneity of T‐bet and Eomes expression in NK cells from healthy adult human liver with a view to identifying human liver‐resident populations. Hepatic NK cells were isolated from donor liver perfusates and biopsies obtained during orthotopic liver transplantation (N = 28). Hepatic CD56bright NK cells were Eomeshi T‐betlo, a phenotype virtually absent from peripheral blood. These NK cells express the chemokine receptor CXCR6 (chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 6), a marker of tissue residency, which is absent from hepatic CD56dim and blood NK cells. Compared to blood populations, these hepatic CD56bright NK cells have increased expression of activatory receptors (NKp44, NKp46, and NKG2D). They show reduced ability to produce IFN‐γ but enhanced degranulation in response to challenge with target cells. This functionally distinct population of hepatic NK cells constitutes 20–30% of the total hepatic lymphocyte repertoire and represents a tissue‐resident immune cell population adapted to the tolerogenic liver microenvironment.
Heterovalent 2EuII/4EuIII and Trivalent 5EuIII Clusters Assembled with a Macrocyclic Cyclen Derivative Ligand: Molecular Structures, Oxidation Stabilities, and Luminescence Properties
Authors: Wang Gaoji , Wei Yongqin , Wu Kechen
Published: August 2016

Two coordination complexes EuII2EuIII4(OH)4(bza)4L2 (1) and EuIII5(H2O)(OH)4(NO3)3(bza)4L (2) have been assembled with the tetrasubstituted cyclen ligand N,N′,N′′,N′′′‐tetrakis(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐methylbenzyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane (H4L) and the auxiliary ligand benzoic acid (Hbza). Complex 2 is a pentanuclear EuIII cluster whereas complex 1 is a huge heterovalent 2EuII/4EuIII cluster in which two divalent europium ions are trapped within the macrocyclic cavities of the designed ligands L and are further isolated from the environment by peripheral phenyl rings and the tetrahedral 4EuIII cluster, which results in the enhanced oxidative stability of Eu2+. The luminescence of complex 1 was investigated and is discussed in comparison with the luminescence of ligand H4L and complex 2. Owing to the protection of Eu2+ by the macrocyclic ligands L, the heterovalent complex exhibits a strong broad emission band with a maximum at 533 nm as well as the characteristic sharp emissions of Eu3+. The broad emission is redshifted compared with that of ligand H4L and has been attributed to the Laporte‐allowed 4f65d1 → 4f7 transition of Eu2+.
Iron and Ruthenium Alkynyl Complexes with 2‐Fluorenyl Groups: Some Linear and Nonlinear Optical Absorption Properties
Authors: Malvolti Floriane , Rouxel Cedric , Grelaud Guillaume , Toupet Loic , Roisnel Thierry , Barlow Adam , Yang Xinwei , Wang Genmiao , Abdul Razak Fazira I. , Stranger Robert , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G. , Mongin Olivier , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Paul‐Roth Christine O. , Paul Frédéric
Published: August 2016

Four new mononuclear alkynyl complexes each featuring a terminal 2‐fluorenyl group, namely Fe(η5‐C5Me5)(CO)2[C≡C(2‐C21H25)] (2), Ru(κ2‐dppe)2Cl[C≡C(2‐C21H25)] (3), Ru(κ2‐dppe)2[C≡C(4‐C6H4NO2)][C≡C(2‐C21H25)] (4), and [Fe(η5‐C5Me5)(κ2‐dppe){C≡C(C5H4N)‐CH2(2‐C13H9)}][PF6] (5[PF6]), have been synthesized and characterized, and their redox, absorption, and emission properties have been studied. For the two ruthenium derivatives 3 and 4, these studies are complemented by spectroelectrochemical investigations, Z‐scan measurements, and DFT calculations. Fluorimetric studies reveal that these compounds are poorly or not luminescent, and, when luminescent, that the detected weak luminescence most likely originates from a higher lying ligand‐centred (LC) excited state presumably located on fluorene. Finally, the third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 3 and 4 are reported. It is shown that the bis‐alkynyl complex 4 is significantly more active than 3 and that both compounds exhibit two‐photon absorption (TPA) around 860–1050 nm, with TPA cross‐sections above 350 GM. In addition, it is shown that both species should give rise to a marked switching of their cubic NLO properties in this spectral range upon oxidation.
Liquid Chromatography Electrochemical Determination of Nicotine in Third‐Hand Smoke
Authors: Peng Xianglu , Giltrow Danielle , Bowdler Paul , Honeychurch Kevin C.
Published: August 2016

Third‐hand smoke (THS) can be defined as the contamination of surfaces by second‐hand smoke. This residue can form further pollutants which can be re‐suspended in dust or be re‐emitted into the gas phase. THS is a complex mixture and as a result studies have focused on nicotine as a marker of THS, it being the most abundant and indicative organic compound deposited. In this present study, the extraction of dust wipe samples and the subsequent chromatographic conditions required for the separation of nicotine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection were investigated and optimised. The optimum chromatographic conditions were identified as a 150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of 65 % methanol, 35 % pH 8 20 mM phosphate buffer. Hydrodynamic voltammetry was used to optimise the applied potential which was identified to be +1.8 V (vs. stainless steel). Under these conditions, a linear range for nicotine of 13 to 3240 µg/L (0.26 ng–65 ng on column) was obtained, with a detection limit of 3.0 µg/L (0.06 ng on column) based on a signal‐to‐noise ratio of three. Dust wipe samples were extracted in methanol with the aid of sonication. Mean recoveries of 98.4 % (% CV=7.8 %) were found for dust wipe samples spiked with 6.50 µg of nicotine. Musk ketone, urea and stearic acid were found not to interfere. Communal entrance ways were found to be contaminated with THS nicotine levels of between 66.8 and 156 µg/m2.
Fluvial sediment supply and pioneer woody seedlings as a control on bar‐surface topography
Authors: Diehl Rebecca M. , Wilcox Andrew C. , Stella John C. , Kui Li , Sklar Leonard S. , Lightbody Anne
Published: August 2016

Plants influence river channel topography, but our understanding of the interaction among plants, flow, and sediment is limited, especially when sediment supply is variable. Using laboratory experiments in a recirculating flume with live seedlings in a mobile sand bed, we demonstrate how varying the balance between sediment supply and transport capacity shifts the relationship between plants and bar‐surface topography. Each experimental trial contrasted two sediment conditions, in which initially supply was maintained in equilibrium with transport via sediment recirculation, followed by sediment deficit, in which transport capacity exceeded supply, which was set to zero. For both sediment balances, the topographic response was sensitive to plant size, with larger plants inducing greater aggradation relative to a baseline condition. During sediment equilibrium, the positive relationship between plant size and topographic change also depended on species morphology (multi‐stemmed shrubs versus single‐stemmed plants). Plant morphology effects disappeared when the sediment balance shifted to a deficit, but the presence of plants had a greater impact on the magnitude of change compared to the topographic response under sediment equilibrium. Our results suggest that the interactions among sediment supply, plants, and topography may be strongest on rivers with a balance in sediment supply and transport capacity. Because of the large variability in fluvial sediment supply resulting from natural and anthropogenic influences, these interactions will differ spatially (e.g. longitudinally through a watershed) and at different temporal scales, from single flood events to longer time periods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.