bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish nursery value of algae habitats in temperate coastal reefs
Authors: Hinz Hilmar , Reñones Olga , Gouraguine Adam , Johnson Andrew F. , Moranta Joan
Published: May 2019

The nursery function of coastal habitats is one of the most frequently mentioned and recognized ecosystem services in the valuation of coastal ecosystems. Despite its importance our understanding of the precise habitat parameters and mechanisms that make a habitat important as a nursery area is still limited for many species. The study aimed to establish the importance of different algae morphotypes in providing shelter and food for juvenile coastal fish during the main settlement peaks, in early spring and late summer, in littoral rocky reef systems in the Northwestern Mediterranean. The results of our study showed strong seasonal differences in algae cover, composition and height between the two sampling periods. Overall, during spring the algae were well developed, while in late summer, both density and height, of most algae decreased considerably. Equally, prey biomass, in form of suitable sized invertebrate fauna associated to the algae, decreased. Accordingly, the shelter and food for the fish settling in this habitat during late summer were less abundant, indicating a mismatch between the observed presence of juvenile fish and optimal habitat conditions. Differences in prey densities were detected between algae morphotypes, with structurally more complex algae, such as Cystoseira spp. and Halopteris spp. consistently containing more prey, independent of season, compared to simpler structured morphotypes such as Dictoytales. The study furthermore related juvenile fish density to habitats dominated by different algae morphotypes. Out of the three-study species (Diplodus vulgaris, Symphodus ocellatus, Coris julis) only S. ocellatus showed a significant association with an algae habitat. S. ocellatus related positively to habitats dominated by Dictoytales which provided the highest cover during late summer but had the lowest prey densities. A strong association of this species with Cystoseira, as reported by other studies, could not be confirmed. Cystoseira was abundant within the study area but in a state of dieback, showing loss and reduced height of foliage, typical for the time of year within the study area. It is therefore likely that algae-fish associations are context-dependent and that several algae species may fulfil similar functions. We also discovered that prey biomass did not appear to have an important effect on juvenile abundances. Nevertheless, the availability of prey may influence juvenile fish condition, growth performance and ultimately long-term survival. We therefore suggest that future studies on habitat quality should also include, besides abundance, indicators related to the condition and growth of juveniles.
Development and feasibility study of an app (Ladle) for weight loss and behaviour change
Authors: Ogden Jane , Maxwell Hazel , Wong Adrian
Published: May 2019

Background

Weight management interventions involving behaviour change often utilise face to face interventions which include evidence based behaviour change strategies yet are costly and time intensive. In contrast, digital interventions cost less and have a wider reach yet tend to lack an evidence base and are less effective.

Aims

The present study therefore aimed to develop an evidence based behaviour change low cost app for weight management and to provide a preliminary analysis of its effectiveness.

Methods

The Ladle app was developed through evidence review and feedback from health care professionals and patients and consists of a 12 week course focusing on six habits and weight loss facilitated through 36 audio psychological lessons and 12 lessons specifically on the six habits. Each lesson was between 2–5 min (approx. 168 min of lessons). It was evaluated in terms of completion rate, weight loss, adoption of the six habits and participant feedback.

Results

The results showed a completion rate of 44%, that 52% of Completers showed weight loss of at least 5%, 79% showed weight loss of at least 3%, the median % weight lost was −5% and the median weight loss was −3.8 kg. Further, by the end of 12 weeks the majority (>80%) of participants had adopted four of the six habits for at least 5 days a week and nearly half (45%) had adopted the remaining two habits for at least 4 days out of 7. Feedback comments were mainly positive (n = 80) focusing mostly on the content of the lessons. Some comments were neutral (n = 56) and involved a statement of commitment or a description of a challenge and a minority were negative (n = 23) describing some technical issues which were addressed as the evaluation progressed.

Conclusion

The new Ladle app offers an evidenced based alternative to more intensive face to face interventions. On preliminary analysis it would seem to have lower completion rates than some more intensive interventions but comparable effectiveness for weight loss. It can also improve habits and is less time-intensive and costly to deliver. Participant feedback was generally positive.
Ellipse packing in two-dimensional cell tessellation: a theoretical explanation for Lewis’s law and Aboav-Weaire’s law
Authors: Xu Kai
Published: May 2019

Background

Lewis’s law and Aboav-Weaire’s law are two fundamental laws used to describe the topology of two-dimensional (2D) structures; however, their theoretical bases remain unclear.

Methods

We used R software with the Conicfit package to fit ellipses based on the geometric parameters of polygonal cells of ten different kinds of natural and artificial 2D structures.

Results

Our results indicated that the cells could be classified as an ellipse’s inscribed polygon (EIP) and that they tended to form the ellipse’s maximal inscribed polygon (EMIP). This phenomenon was named as ellipse packing. On the basis of the number of cell edges, cell area, and semi-axes of fitted ellipses, we derived and verified new relations of Lewis’s law and Aboav-Weaire’s law.

Conclusions

Ellipse packing is a short-range order that places restrictions on the cell topology and growth pattern. Lewis’s law and Aboav-Weaire’s law mainly reflect the effect of deformation from circle to ellipse on cell area and the edge number of neighboring cells, respectively. The results of this study could be used to simulate the dynamics of cell topology during growth.
Effect of music interventions on anxiety during labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hui , Chang Yu-Chen , Chou Hsiao-Hui , Chang Chih-Po , Huang Ming-Yuan , Liu Shu-Jung , Tsai Chin-Han , Lei Wei-Te , Yeh Tzu-Lin
Published: May 2019

Background

Anxiety is commonly experienced during the delivery process and has shown to have adverse effects on maternal and infant health outcomes. Music interventions tend to reduce the effects of anxiety in diverse populations, are low cost, are easily accessible, and have high acceptability. The aim of this review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of music interventions in reducing anxiety levels among women during labor.

Methods

Seven databases from inception to the end of December, 2018, without any language or time restriction including Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, PsycINFO, Airiti Library, and PerioPath: Index to Taiwan Periodical Literature were searched using key terms related to pregnancy, anxiety, and music. Randomized controlled trials that assessed the effect of music during labor and measured anxiety levels as an outcome were included. Meta-analyses were conducted to assess anxiety reduction following a music intervention compared to that after placebo treatment.

Results

A total of 14 studies that investigated a total of 1,310 participants were included in this review. The meta-analyses indicated that those in the intervention group had a significant decrease in anxiety scores (standardized mean difference = −2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−3.29 to −1.52], p < 0.001; I2 = 97.66%), heart rate (HR) (difference in means = −3.04 beats/min, 95% CI [−4.79 to −1.29] beats/min, p = 0.001; I2 = 0.00%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (difference in means = −3.71 mmHg, 95% CI [−7.07 to −0.35] mmHg, p = 0.031; I2 = 58.47%), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (difference in means = −3.54 mmHg, 95% CI [−5.27 to −1.81] mmHg, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.00%) as compared to the women in the control group.

Conclusions

Music interventions may decrease anxiety scores and physiological indexes related to anxiety (HR, SBP, and DBP). Music interventions may be a good non-pharmacological approach for decreasing anxiety levels during labor.
Sacrificial Economy: Assessors, Contractors, and Thieves in the Management of Sacrificial Sheep at the Eanna Temple of Uruk (ca. 625–520 B.C.). By Michael Kozuh
Authors: Schmidl Martina
Published: May 2019

The Sacrificial Economy: Assessors, Contractors, and Thieves in the Management of Sacrificial Sheep at the Eanna Temple of Uruk (ca. 625–520 B.C.). By Michael Kozuh. Explorations in Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations, vol. 2. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2014. Pp. xii + 324, CD-ROM. $69.50.
Ritual Employs of Birds in Ancient Syria-Palestine. By Giuseppe Minunno
Authors: Bailleul-LeSuer Rozenn
Published: May 2019

Ritual Employs of Birds in Ancient Syria-Palestine. By Giuseppe Minunno. Alter Orient und Altes

Testament, vol. 402. Münster: Ugarit-Verlag, 2013. Pp. 165. €64.
Hundred and One Nights. Edited and translated by Bruce Fudge
Authors: Selove Emily
Published: May 2019

A Hundred and One Nights. Edited and translated by Bruce Fudge. Library of Arabic Literature. New York: New York University Press, 2016. Pp. vii + 402. $35 (cloth), $15 (paper, translation only).
Das Kitāb Sidrat al-muntahā des Pseudo-Ibn Waḥšīya: Einleitung, Edition und Übersetzung eines hermetisch-allegorischen Traktats zur Alchemie. By Christopher Braun
Authors: Akasoy Anna
Published: May 2019

Das Kitāb Sidrat al-muntahā des Pseudo-Ibn Waḥšīya: Einleitung, Edition und Übersetzung eines hermetisch-allegorischen Traktats zur Alchemie. By Christopher Braun. Islamkundliche Untersuchungen, vol. 327. Berlin: Klaus Schwartz, 2016. Pp. 160. €39.80 (paper).
Analysis of Post-harvest Losses of Yam in North-East Zone of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Solomon Agba , Idu Ode , Comfort Ugbem , Solomon Nwafor
Published: May 2019

The study analyzed the post-harvest losses of yam in North-East Zone of Benue state, Nigeria. It ascertained the level of postharvest losses of yam, identified the factors precipitating postharvest losses of yam identified the strategies adopted by yam farmers for reduction of postharvest losses of yam in North-East Zone of Benue State, Nigeria. The study consisted of a total sample size of two hundred and four (204) yam farmers drawn from three local government areas of North-East Zone of Benue state. The result identified pest attack, storage method, temperature, disease and infection, poor transportation, theft, underdeveloped market and exposure of yam to sunlight as factors precipitating post-harvest losses in the area. It also shows the result of the assessment of yam farmers in the study area regarding the level of losses they experience at various stages of yam postharvest activities. The value of the coefficient of multiple determinants (R2), is 0808, which implies that about 80.8% of the postharvest losses of yam in the study area is explained by the explanatory variables included in the model. The F-statistic of the lead equation is significant at 1% (28.122). Coefficients of pest attack disease and infections of yam, poor transportation facility, poor handling method used, excessive exposure of yam to sunlight, were positively related to postharvest losses of yam in the study area at 1% level of significant. Coefficient of storage method, temperature of the area and theft of yam in the study area were positive and significant to postharvest losses of yam at 5% level of significant. Given that, the computed F- value (28.122), was significantly higher than the tabulated F-value (9.33), at 1% level of significance, and (3.11) at 5% level of significance; the null hypothesis was therefore rejected and the alternative hypothesis was accepted. The study recommends provision of yam flour processing factory, which will provide a ready yam market that will reduce postharvest losses of yams and also increase the economic value of yams in the area.
Prevalence of Gender Based Domestic Violence (A Case Study) with the Special Reference to Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Kennedy J. , Dasinaa S. , Sujendran A.
Published: May 2019

Despite numerous violence emerged and recognised in most part of the world, gender based violence causes severe impact on both mentally and physically to both the genders which ultimately threats the future of younger generation. As whole, it is evidenced by various Government and Non-Governmental activities in order to minimize the impacts towards the evolution to a peaceful nature from the household level. Violence against women is a widespread problem in Sri Lanka where cultural values and norms serve to highlight the abusive practices against women. The present study was conducted in Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division (Chenkalady), Sri Lanka in order to evaluate the current situation with the clinical based signs of the affected ones.

Primary and secondary data were collected from the Primary Health Care Centres which is widely distributed in the study location of the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division, Sri Lanka. According to the statistical responses derived from the records from the local authorities, more than 70% of the total women were victimized in broad terms of physical, sexual and psychological abuses. It was relatively higher (90%) in the villages named as Marapalam (78%), Karadiyanaru (75%), Sinnapullumalai (83%), and Periapullumalai (80%). Moreover, physical abuses (81.5%) including slapping, pinching, kicking, burning etc were slightly higher while comparing with the sexual abuse (unwanted sexual contact- 48%) and emotional abuse (verbally humiliated/ illegal- 67%) at the identified locations. However, the present study indicates that there is a significant reduction while comparing with the yester years which might be due to the proper awareness on the basis of compromising and facing problems supported by the services carried out by the local organizations in Sri Lanka. The random sampling method has been used while interviewing the samples, and the available records from the authorities have been used for analysing.
Molecular Basis of Pathogenesis of Ectopic Fat Deposition in DM2 – An Overview
Authors: Prasad A. S. V.
Published: May 2019

The presence of fat, beyond physiological limits, in organs, other than the adipose tissue, like the liver, the skeletal muscle, the heart and the pancreas etc is called ectopic fat. It causes specific organ dysfunction in the tissues concerned. The importance of the ectopic fat is that it is connected to peripheral tissue insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome etc. Though the molecular mechanisms underlying the specific organ dysfunctions are understood, still grey areas exists as to the source of the ectopic fat and how it finds it’s way to the specific sites of the target organs (intra- myocellular in skeletal muscle, hepatocyte cytoplasm of liver, epicardial surface and coronary arteries of heart etc.).  The molecular mechanisms involving the actual ectopic deposition fat, are not clear. This article focuses on some of the grey areas in the pathogenesis of the ectopic fat deposition, besides reviewing briefly the facts    already known in the literature about ectopic fat deposition.
Public Sector Finances as Determinants of Private Investment in PPP Projects – Experiences from Select Countries
Authors: Bhatia Satinder
Published: May 2019

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects have been gaining in popularity in many developing countries along with developed countries. While there has been sufficient research on private sector capacity to make the partnership successful, not much research exists on the importance of the financial health of the public sector in PPP projects. The premise of the current research is that strong public sector finances instil confidence in the private sector of governments’ ability to honour PPP commitments and that, in turn, increases the attractiveness of PPP projects. Through a number of case studies relating to government finances of Indian states and other countries, it is seen that governments which have checks and balances to issuance of guarantees and other forms of indirect support for PPP projects are actually able to attract higher levels of PPP investment.
Polymer Crystallization Kinetics
Authors: Hobbs Jamie , Androsch René , Hu Wenbing , Di Lorenzo Maria Laura , Schick Christoph
Published: May 2019

Polymer crystallization, like many other phase transitions, occurs through a process of nucleation and growth. Although of fundamental importance, the nucleation step is still poorly understood, nevertheless, though major progress has been achieved in the past decade by using novel analytical tools. Herein, we outline the key experimental data and theories that have been developed to explain these data. A brief look at some more recent approaches is also given. The majority of this article considers the growth process itself, concentrating on linear, flexible polymers as this is the area where the most complete data set is available. An outline of the theories that have been developed to explain and predict crystallization kinetics is also given, focusing on their fundamental assumptions and predictions rather than their mathematical intricacies. This article is not intended to be an all‐inclusive review on the topic but rather a tutorial style introduction. For the sake of brevity, this article will, therefore, concentrate on areas that are of particular interest to the authors and to principles and observations that have, in the authors’ opinion, the widest applicability.
Polymer Composites: Reinforcing Fillers
Authors: Pegoretti Alessandro , Dorigato Andrea
Published: May 2019

Addition of reinforcing fillers is a well‐established method to enhance mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of plastics. Formulation and compounding of polymer matrices with inorganic and organic fillers having peculiar morphology enables the development of new multifunctional materials. Among the physical properties affected by the introduction of fillers in plastics, particular attention has been devoted to the mechanical behavior of the resulting composites. Moreover, introduction of inorganic fillers can reduce the cost of plastics, as they are sometime less expensive than polymers. It is well known that with a correct formulation and compounding, the tensile and impact strength and elastic modulus of polymers can be considerably enhanced, allowing to extend the application of plastics in technical fields previously undreamt of. Many other physical properties, such as friction coefficient, molding shrinkage, and weatherability, can be considerably affected by filler addition.

This article aims at providing an overview of the various types of fillers available in the market to reinforce plastic products. After a general introduction, the article discusses both particulate microfillers as well as nanostructured fillers. For all the fillers considered, information on their morphological behavior, important physical properties, and production processes are provided. In addition, select examples of fillers’ effectiveness in improving the properties of polymer matrices (thermoplastic, thermosetting, and elastomers) are also presented.
Ring‐Opening Polymerization of α‐Amino Acid
N
‐Carboxyanhydrides and Side‐Chain Functionalized Polypeptides
Authors: Fu Xiaohui , Sun Jing , Li Zhibo
Published: May 2019

Synthetic polypeptides from ring‐opening polymerization of α‐amino acid
N
‐carboxyanhydrides (NCA) are versatile materials for various biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. This article overviews recent progress in NCA polymerizations and side‐chain functionalization of polypeptides. Initiating systems, mechanism studies, and optimized polymerization conditions for the NCA polymerization are comprehensively reviewed and evaluated here. The substituents of NCA monomers are also described. Finally, the design and synthesis of functional polypeptides is summarized and discussed.
MiR‐21‐5p regulates mycobacterial survival and inflammatory responses by targeting Bcl‐2 and TLR4 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐infected macrophages
Authors: Zhao Zhonghua , Hao Jinzhu , Li Xia , Chen Yanfang , Qi Xiaoyan
Published: May 2019

To date, very little is known about the role of microRNA‐21‐5p (miR‐21‐5p) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb)‐infected macrophages. Here, we show that M.tb infection of RAW264.7 and THP‐1 cells increases the expression of miR‐21‐5p. MiR‐21‐5p enhances M.tb survival and apoptosis, and attenuates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in M.tb‐infected macrophages. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that the 3′‐UTR of B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) or toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a direct target of miR‐21‐5p. Enforced expressions of Bcl‐2 or TLR4 partially attenuate the suppressive effects of miR‐21‐5p on cell viability and inflammatory cytokines, and effectively decrease bacterial burden. Therefore, the present study highlights a novel role for miR‐21‐5p in regulation of mycobacterial survival and inflammatory responses by targeting Bcl‐2 and TLR4 in M.tb‐infected macrophages.
Fibroblast Growth Factors in Development
Authors: Kinnunen Tarja K
Published: May 2019

The fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are a family of structurally related proteins that contribute to virtually all aspects of embryonic and postembryonic development, and after birth for regulation of tissue repair and maintenance and control of metabolic physiology in adults. Most FGFs are secreted and act as paracrine or endocrine factors, but a subfamily exists as intracellular proteins. The secreted FGFs bind to their cell surface tyrosine kinase receptors (FGFRs), which when activated trigger intracellular signalling pathways. FGF signalling is evolutionarily conserved in all metazoans and plays a critical role in the development and homeostasis of all multicellular organisms studied so far. A recurring theme of FGFs in development is the reciprocal signalling between different tissues and cell types such as signalling between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. Abnormal FGF signalling leads to developmental defects, skeletal disorders, metabolic and neuroendocrine disorders and many types of cancer.

Key Concepts

FGF signalling is highly conserved in the metazoan evolution.

FGF signalling is critical for the normal development of all multicellular organisms.

FGFs play a key role in reciprocal signalling between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues.

FGF signalling is tightly regulated by the means of differential expression of specific splice isoforms of the receptors, by the requirement of protein co‐factors for the active signalling complex and by post‐translational modification of the receptors.

Altered levels of FGF signalling leads to developmental and metabolic defects, impaired regeneration, and different types of cancers.
2D Laminar Membranes for Selective Water and Ion Transport
Authors: Kang Yuan , Xia Yun , Wang Huanting , Zhang Xiwang
Published: May 2019

Selective water and ion transport are essential in fields related to the environment, resources, energy, and more. Membranes, especially those constituted by 2D materials, are promising to control mass transport within nano‐ and sub‐nanoscales. When stacked together, the ultrathin nanosheets of these materials can build up laminar membranes with an ordered layer‐like structure. Numerous channels are thereby created among layers for fast and selective mass transport, which arouses huge research and application interests. This Review aims to present the latest theoretical and experimental advances of 2D laminar membranes for selective water and ion transport, covering three fundamental aspects. Starting with a concise introduction to the materials and assembly for laminar membranes, it then mainly focuses on systematically discussing the transport‐controlling effects caused by intrinsic membrane structure and extrinsic influences. The relation between these effects and current membrane selective performance as well as future membrane designs is then elucidated. The most urgent challenges and corresponding opportunities that emerge around 2D laminar membranes are highlighted thereafter.
Hyperthermia Nanofiber Platform Synergized by Sustained Release of Paclitaxel to Improve Antitumor Efficiency
Authors: Niiyama Eri , Uto Koichiro , Lee Chun Man , Sakura Kazuma , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2019

Effective cancer therapy can be achieved by designing a smart nanofiber system with the combination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia. This study demonstrates the in vivo antitumor effect of a nanofiber mesh that can deliver heat and antitumor drug in a controlled manner. The mesh is composed of biodegradable poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with paclitaxel (PTX) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The PCL mesh releases PTX slowly for at least 6 weeks when tested in vitro. The prolonged therapeutic effect is observed in vivo as a continuous release of medication from the mesh over an extended period of time compared with direct injection of PTX into the tumor site. In addition, the synergistic anticancer effect is achieved upon excitation of the mesh with an alternating magnetic field because the MNPs within the nanofiber generate localized heat which causes heat‐induced cell killing as well as enhanced chemotherapeutic effect of PTX. Based on these results, the smart nanofiber system may be very promising for cancer therapeutics in the future and may provide knowledge for new development of localized drug delivery.
Toxicity‐Attenuated Glycol Chitosan Adhesive Inspired by Mussel Adhesion Mechanisms
Authors: Park Eunsook , Lee Jeehee , Huh Kang Moo , Lee Soo Hyeon , Lee Haeshin
Published: May 2019

Chitosan‐catechol, inspired from mussel‐adhesive‐proteins, is characterized by the formation of an adhesive membrane complex through instant bonding with serum proteins not found in chitosan. Using this intrinsic property, chitosan‐catechol is widely applied for hemostatic needles, general hemostatic materials, nanoparticle composites, and 3D printing. Despite its versatility, the practical use of chitosan‐catechol in the clinic is limited due to its undesired immune responses. Herein, a catechol‐conjugated glycol chitosan is proposed as an alternative hemostatic hydrogel with negligible immune responses enabling the replacement of chitosan‐catechol. Comparative cellular toxicity and in vivo skin irritation between chitosan‐catechol and glycol chitosan‐catechol are evaluated. Their immune responses are also assessed using histological analysis after subcutaneous implantation into mice. The results show that glycol chitosan‐catechol significantly attenuates the immune response compared with chitosan‐catechol; this finding is likely due to the antibiofouling effect of ethylene glycol groups and the reduced adhesion of immune cells. Finally, the tissue adhesion and hemostatic ability of glycol chitosan‐catechol hydrogels reveal that these ethylene glycol groups do not dramatically modify the adhesiveness and hemostatic ability compared with nonglycol chitosan‐catechol. This study suggests that glycol chitosan‐catechol can be a promising alternative to chitosan‐catechol in various biomedical fields such as hemostatic agents.
Neighboring Carbonyl Group Assisted Oxyacetoxylation of Propargylic Carboxylates with Retention of Chirality under Metal Free Condition
Authors: Pradhan Tapas R. , Mohapatra Debendra K.
Published: May 2019

A metal‐free oxyacetoxylation method of primary, secondary and tertiary propargylic carboxylates with retention of chirality was presented. The reaction proceeds through the intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the neighboring carbonyl group on an alkynyliodonium intermediate. The process is general with broad substrate scope and is amenable for application to a variety of propargyl carboxylates including those obtained from natural products. Insight into the mechanistic pathway by isotopic labelling (using H2O18 and D2O) and controlled experiments confirmed.

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The Reaction of o‐Aminoacetophenone N‐Tosylhydrazone and CO2 toward 1,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐3,1‐benzoxazin‐2‐ones
Authors: Xiong Hao , Wu Xiaopeng , Wang Hepan , Sun Song , Yu Jin‐Tao , Cheng Jiang
Published: May 2019

A transition‐metal‐free reaction of o‐aminoacetophenone N‐tosylhydrazone and CO2 has been developed, leading to a series of 1,4‐dihydro‐2H‐3,1‐benzoxazin‐2‐ones in moderate to good yields. This procedure proceeds with the sequential fixation of CO2 by amino leading to carbamic acid and the intra‐ molecular insertion of hydroxyl to carbene.

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[3+2]‐Cycloaddition of Azaoxyallyl Cations with Cyclopropenones and Cyclopropenethiones: Synthesis of Spirocyclic Oxazole and Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Zhou Shuang‐Jing , Cheng Xiao , Xuan Jun
Published: May 2019

A [3+2]‐cycloaddition reaction of in‐situ‐formed azaoxyallyl cations with cyclopropenones and cyclopropenethiones for the synthesis of biologically important spirocyclic oxazole and thiazole derivatives is reported. This concise procedure exhibited good functional group tolerance under very mild conditions and provided the corresponding spirocyclic products in good to excellent yields.
N‐(4‐Thiazolylmethyl)Morpholine N‐Oxide as N,O‐Bidentate Ligand for Copper‐Catalyzed Ullmann‐Type N‐Arylation of Azoles/Amines with Aryl Halides
Authors: Jia Xuefeng , Peng Pai
Published: May 2019

An effective and practical protocol for the CuI‐catalyzed Ullmann‐type N‐arylation of azoles/amines with aryl halides is reported. The key strategy is the employment of CH2 linker N,O‐bidentate ligands, especially N‐(4‐thiazolylmethyl)morpholine N‐oxide, as superior supporting ligands. The highly efficient C−N coupling reactions between various azoles/amines and aryl halides bearing different functional groups can be achieved under CuI/N‐(4‐thiazolylmethyl)morpholine N‐oxide catalytic system, affording a variety of N‐arylated products. The use of cheap copper(I) salt and readily available N,O‐bidentate ligands make this procedure more attractive for synthesis of valuable functionalized nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds.
Possible mineral contributions to the diet and health of wild chimpanzees in three East African forests
Authors: Reynolds Vernon , Pascual‐Garrido Alejandra , Lloyd Andrew W. , Lyons Peter , Hobaiter Catherine
Published: May 2019

We present new data on the ingestion of minerals from termite mound soil by East African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) living in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda, the Gombe National Park and the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Termite mound soil is here shown to be a rich source of minerals, containing high concentrations of iron and aluminum. Termite mound soil is not, however, a source of sodium. The concentrations of iron and aluminum are the highest yet found in any of the mineral sources consumed. Levels of manganese and copper, though not so high as for iron and aluminum, are also higher than in other dietary sources. We focus on the contribution of termite mound soil to other known sources of mineral elements consumed by these apes, and compare the mineral content of termite soil with that of control forest soil, decaying wood, clay, and the normal plant‐based chimpanzee diet at Budongo. Samples obtained from Mahale Mountains National Park and Gombe National Park, both in Tanzania, show similar mineral distribution across sources. We suggest three distinct but related mechanisms by which minerals may come to be concentrated in the above‐mentioned sources, serving as potentially important sources of essential minerals in the chimpanzee diet.
Relationship Between Physiological Umbilical Herniation and Liver Morphogenesis During the Human Embryonic Period: A Morphological and Morphometric Study
Authors: Kanahashi Toru , Yamada Shigehito , Yoneyama Akio , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: May 2019

It is widely hypothesized that physiological umbilical herniation (PUH) in humans occurs, because the liver occupies a large space in the abdominal cavity, which pushes the intestine into the extraembryonic coelom during the embryonic period. We have recently shown the presence of the intestinal loop in the extraembryonic coelom in embryos with liver malformation. Here, we analyzed the relationship between the liver and the PUH at Carnegie stage 21 of four embryos with liver malformation, including two with hypogenesis (HY1, HY2) and two with agenesis (AG1, AG2), using phase‐contrast X‐ray computed tomography and compared them with two control embryos. The intestinal loop morphology in the malformed embryos differed from that in the control embryos, except in HY1. The length of the digestive tract in the extraembryonic coelom of the embryos with liver malformation was similar to or longer than that of the controls. The rate of intestinal loop lengthening in the extraembryonic coelom compared with that of the total digestive tract in all embryos with liver malformation was similar to or higher than that of the controls. The estimated total abdominal cavity volume in the embryos with liver malformation was considerably smaller than that of the controls, while the intestinal volume was similar. The cardia and proximal portion of the pancreas connecting to the duodenum were located at almost identical positions in all the embryos, whereas other parts of the upper digestive tract deviated in the embryos with abnormal livers. Thus, our results provided evidence that PUH occurred independently of liver volume. Anat Rec, 302:1968–1976, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
A comparison of machine learning algorithms and covariate balance measures for propensity score matching and weighting
Authors: Cannas Massimo , Arpino Bruno
Published: May 2019

Propensity score matching (PSM) and propensity score weighting (PSW) are popular tools to estimate causal effects in observational studies. We address two open issues: how to estimate propensity scores and assess covariate balance. Using simulations, we compare the performance of PSM and PSW based on logistic regression and machine learning algorithms (CART; Bagging; Boosting; Random Forest; Neural Networks; naive Bayes). Additionally, we consider several measures of covariate balance (Absolute Standardized Average Mean (ASAM) with and without interactions; measures based on the quantile‐quantile plots; ratio between variances of propensity scores; area under the curve (AUC)) and assess their ability in predicting the bias of PSM and PSW estimators. We also investigate the importance of tuning of machine learning parameters in the context of propensity score methods. Two simulation designs are employed. In the first, the generating processes are inspired to birth register data used to assess the effect of labor induction on the occurrence of caesarean section. The second exploits more general generating mechanisms. Overall, among the different techniques, random forests performed the best, especially in PSW. Logistic regression and neural networks also showed an excellent performance similar to that of random forests. As for covariate balance, the simplest and commonly used metric, the ASAM, showed a strong correlation with the bias of causal effects estimators. Our findings suggest that researchers should aim at obtaining an ASAM lower than 10% for as many variables as possible. In the empirical study we found that labor induction had a small and not statistically significant impact on caesarean section.
Education for all: The Good Inclusion Game
Authors: Dillenburger Karola , Coyle Caleb
Published: May 2019

The term “education for all” in the context of inclusive schooling describes the aim that children with identified special/additional needs are fully included in education together with their typically developing peers. However, this is easier said than done as there are few easy‐to‐use methods that teachers can use while at the same time teaching the approbate curriculum to children with a full range of different abilities. The Good Inclusion Game (GIG) is a group contingency‐based tool to create inclusive classrooms that utilizes principles of the applied branch of the science of behavior analysis (applied behavior analysis) and can be used across settings and academic subjects. The GIG was evaluated across nine classrooms including 93 boys and girls aged between 9 and 15 years of age, including 20 children with identified special educational needs. Findings show that the GIG reliably led to a significant increase of inclusive curriculum‐focused activities with the collateral effect of decreasing disruptive behaviors for all children. Findings are discussed in the context of inclusive schooling and evidence‐based education.
Polypeptoids synthesis based on Ugi reaction: Advances and perspectives
Authors: Tao Yue , Wang Zhen , Tao Youhua
Published: May 2019

Polypeptoids are peptidomimetic polymers invented in the early 1990s. Although polypeptoid chemistry is developing rapidly, the simple synthesis of polypeptoids and sequence‐controlled polypeptoids still remains a challenge. Fortunately, we have seen a drastic rising trend in the area of Ugi reaction for polypeptoid chemistry. In the following article, recent examples of the Ugi reaction for polypeptoids synthesis will be presented, as will their suitability for sequence‐defined peptide‐peptoid hybrids. The advantages and limitations of the Ugi reaction will be discussed, which is important for the simple and general synthesis of polypeptoids.
Characterization of Cas proteins for CRISPR‐Cas editing in streptomycetes
Authors: Yeo Wan Lin , Heng Elena , Tan Lee Ling , Lim Yi Wee , Lim Yee Hwee , Hoon Shawn , Zhao Huimin , Zhang Mingzi M. , Wong Fong Tian
Published: May 2019

Application of the well‐characterized Streptococcus pyogenes CRISPR‐Cas9 system in actinomycetes streptomycetes has enabled high‐efficiency multiplex genome editing and CRISPRi‐mediated transcriptional regulation in these prolific bioactive metabolite producers. Nonetheless, SpCas9 has its limitations and can be ineffective depending on the strains and target sites. Here, we built and tested alternative CRISPR‐Cas constructs based on the standalone pCRISPomyces‐2 editing plasmid. We showed that Streptococcus thermophilus CRISPR1 Cas9 (sth1Cas9), Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (saCas9), and Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida U112 Cpf1 (fnCpf1) are functional in multiple streptomycetes, enabling efficient homology‐directed repair‐mediated knock‐in and deletion. In strains where spCas9 was nonfunctional, these alternative Cas systems enabled precise genomic modifications within biosynthetic gene clusters for the discovery, production, and diversification of natural products. These additional Cas proteins provide us with the versatility to overcome the limitations of individual CRISPR‐Cas systems for genome editing and transcriptional regulation of these industrially important bacteria.
Preoperative predictors of early death risk in bladder cancer patients treated with robot‐assisted radical cystectomy
Authors: Zhu Zhaowei , Wang Xiaojing , Wang Jiange , Wang Shengzheng , Fan Yafeng , Fu Tianlong , Cao Songqiang , Zhang Xuepei
Published: May 2019

Background

Early identification of early death for bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy based on the laboratory findings at the time of diagnosis could improve the overall survival. The study aimed to explore preoperative factors associated with higher risk of early death (within 1 year after surgery) for bladder cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 186 bladder cancer patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) were identified between October 2014 and May 2017. The probability of dying within 1 year after RARC was defined as the end point “early death.” Predictive factors including clinical features and laboratory findings at diagnosis were retrospectively collected.

Results

Median follow‐up time after RARC was 20.6 months (1.2‐43.7 months). Fifty‐one patients (27.4%) died during follow‐up and 31 within 1 year from surgery (1‐year mortality rate: 16.7%). All potentially prognostic factors were assessed on univariate analyses, which revealed the following factors as being associated with higher risk of early death within 1 year after RARC: older age (P = 0.004), advanced clinical stage (P = 0.005), presence of hydronephrosis (P = 0.021), higher fibrinogen (P = 0.007), higher PLR (P = 0.031), and lower PNI (P = 0.016). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis, age >60 years (HR = 7.303, 95% CI 1.734‐30.764; P = 0.007) and fibrinogen ≥3.295 g/L (HR = 2.396, 95% CI 1.138‐5.045; P = 0.007) at diagnosis were independent prognostic factors of early death after RARC.

Conclusion

Age and preoperative elevated plasma fibrinogen level were independent predictors for 1‐year mortality after RARC. We believe that plasma fibrinogen levels may become a useful biomarker, which may help guide the treatment decision‐making process for patients with bladder cancer.
Compartments for Synthetic Cells: Osmotically Assisted Separation of Oil from Double Emulsions in a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Krafft Dorothee , López Castellanos Sebastián , Lira Rafael B. , Dimova Rumiana , Ivanov Ivan , Sundmacher Kai
Published: May 2019

Liposomes are used in synthetic biology as cell‐like compartments and their microfluidic production through double emulsions allows for efficient encapsulation of various components. However, residual oil in the membrane remains a critical bottleneck for creating pristine phospholipid bilayers. It has been discovered that osmotically driven shrinking leads to detachment of the oil drop. Separation inside a microfluidic chip has been realized to automate the procedure, which allows for controlled continuous production of monodisperse liposomes.
Protein Spin Labeling with a Photocaged Nitroxide Using Diels–Alder Chemistry
Authors: Kugele Anandi , Silkenath Bjarne , Langer Jakob , Wittmann Valentin , Drescher Malte
Published: May 2019

EPR spectroscopy of diamagnetic bio‐macromolecules is based on site‐directed spin labeling (SDSL). Herein, a novel labeling strategy for proteins is presented. A nitroxide‐based spin label has been developed and synthesized that can be ligated to proteins by an inverse‐electron‐demand Diels–Alder (DAinv) cycloaddition to genetically encoded noncanonical amino acids. The nitroxide moiety is shielded by a photoremovable protecting group with an attached tetra(ethylene glycol) unit to achieve water solubility. SDSL is demonstrated on two model proteins with the photoactivatable nitroxide for DAinv reaction (PaNDA) label. The strategy features high reaction rates, combined with high selectivity, and the possibility to deprotect the nitroxide in Escherichia coli lysate.
Generation of a Stand‐Alone Tryptophan Synthase α‐Subunit by Mimicking an Evolutionary Blueprint
Authors: Schupfner Michael , Busch Florian , Wysocki Vicki H. , Sterner Reinhard
Published: May 2019

The αββα tryptophan synthase (TS), which is part of primary metabolism, is a paradigm for allosteric communication in multienzyme complexes. In particular, the intrinsically low catalytic activity of the α‐subunit TrpA is stimulated several hundredfold through the interaction with the β‐subunit TrpB1. The BX1 protein from Zea mays (zmBX1), which is part of secondary metabolism, catalyzes the same reaction as that of its homologue TrpA, but with high activity in the absence of an interaction partner. The intrinsic activity of TrpA can be significantly increased through the exchange of several active‐site loop residues, which mimic the corresponding loop in zmBX1. The subsequent identification of activating amino acids in the generated “stand‐alone” TrpA contributes to an understanding of allostery in TS. Moreover, findings suggest an evolutionary trajectory that describes the transition from a primary metabolic enzyme regulated by an interaction partner to a self‐reliant, stand‐alone, secondary metabolic enzyme.
Synthesis and Characterization of Pheox– and Phebox–Aluminum Complexes: Application as Tunable Lewis Acid Catalysts in Organic Reactions
Authors: Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Nakao Shuichi , Machinaka Shota , Hidaka Fumiko , Yasuda Makoto
Published: May 2019

Pheox– and Phebox–aluminum complexes were synthesized and subsequently characterized by spectroscopic analysis. These complexes acted as Lewis acid catalysts, and their catalytic activities were controlled by using the Pheox, Phebox, and heteroatom ligands. The Pheox–aluminum complex exhibited an opposite substrate selectivity to AlCl3 in a competitive hetero‐Diels–Alder reaction between electron‐rich and electron‐deficient aldehydes.
The opportunities and shortcomings of using big data and national databases for sarcoma research
Authors: Lyu Heather G. , Haider Adil H. , Landman Adam B. , Raut Chandrajit P.
Published: May 2019

The rarity and heterogeneity of sarcomas make performing appropriately powered studies challenging and magnify the significance of large databases in sarcoma research. Established large tumor registries and population‐based databases have become increasingly relevant for answering clinical questions regarding sarcoma incidence, treatment patterns, and outcomes. However, the validity of large databases has been questioned and scrutinized because of the inaccuracy and wide variability of coding practices and the absence of clinically relevant variables. In addition, the utilization of large databases for the study of rare cancers such as sarcoma may be particularly challenging because of the known limitations of administrative data and poor overall data quality. Currently, there are several large national cancer databases, including the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, the National Cancer Data Base of the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society, and the National Program of Cancer Registries of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These databases are often used for sarcoma research, but they are limited by their dependence on administrative or billing data, the lack of agreement between chart abstractors on diagnosis codes, and the use of preexisting documented hospital diagnosis codes for tumor registries, which lead to a significant underestimation of sarcomas in large data sets. Current and future initiatives to improve databases and big data applications for sarcoma research include increasing the utilization of sarcoma‐specific registries and encouraging national initiatives to expand on real‐world, evidence‐based data sets.