bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal hormones favor CC17 group B Streptococcus intestinal translocation through M cells and hypervirulence in neonates
Authors: Hays Constantin , Touak Gérald , Bouaboud Abdelouhab , Fouet Agnès , Guignot Julie , Poyart Claire , Tazi Asmaa
Published: November 2019

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of invasive bacterial neonatal infections. Late-onset diseases (LOD) occur between 7 and 89 days of life and are largely due to the CC17 GBS hypervirulent clone. We studied the impact of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), which impregnate the fetus during pregnancy, on GBS neonatal infection in cellular and mouse models of hormonal exposure corresponding to concentrations found at birth (E2-P4 C0) and over 7 days old (E2-P4 C7). Using representative GBS isolates, we show that E2-P4 C7 concentrations specifically favor CC17 GBS meningitis following mice oral infection. CC17 GBS crosses the intestinal barrier through M cells. This process mediated by the CC17-specific surface protein Srr2 is enhanced by E2-P4 C7 concentrations which promote M cell differentiation and CC17 GBS invasiveness. Our findings provide an explanation for CC17 GBS responsibility in LOD in link with neonatal gastrointestinal tract maturation and hormonal imprint.
Natürliche Historie von Norwegen (1753)
Authors: Pontoppidan Erich , Scheibe Johann Adolph
Published: November 2019

The file is a facsimile of extracts from the first German edition of Pontoppidan's Norges Naturlige Historie (Natürliche Historie von Norwegen, 1753), covering the description of the aurora borealis in this work. For a detailed summary of contents, see the introduction by Per Pippin Aspaas, pp. 10-15.
Natural History of Norway (1755)
Authors: Pontoppidan Erich
Published: November 2019

The file is a facsimile of extracts from the first English edition of Pontoppidan's Norges Naturlige Historie (Natural History of Norway, 1755), covering the description of the aurora borealis in this work. For a detailed summary of contents, see the introduction by Per Pippin Aspaas, pp. 16-20.
Ghosts from the past: a review of fossil Hepialoidea (Lepidoptera)
Authors: Simonsen Thomas J. , Wagner David L. , Heikkilä Maria
Published: November 2019

We critically re-examine nine of the ten fossil specimens currently assigned to Hepialidae. Three fossils with impressions of wing veins and scales placed in the fossil genusProhepialusPiton, 1940, and two mummified larvae that show apomorphic characters, have features that support placement in Hepialidae. The other four fossils that we evaluate,Prohepialus incertusPiton, 1940;Oiophassus nycterusZhang, 1989;Protohepialus comstockiPierce, 1945; and a fossil scale, lack definitive hepialid characters. One of these,Prohepialus incertusPiton, 1940, appears to represent a symphytan (Hymenoptera), and is excluded from Lepidoptera. The fossilized wings placed inProhepialusby Jarzembowski display numerous features that indicate a proximate phylogenetic relationship to extant members of the hepialid genusSthenopisPackard and related genera.
Another look at the eigenvalues of a population matrix model
Authors: Hanley Brenda , Connelly Patrick , Dennis Brian
Published: November 2019

Population matrix models are important tools in resource management, in part because they are used to calculate the finite rate of growth (“dominant eigenvalue”). But understanding how a population matrix model converts life history traits into the finite rate of growth can be tricky. We introduce interactive software (“IsoPOPd”) that uses the characteristic equation to display how vital rates (survival and fertility) contribute to the finite rate of growth. Higher-order interactions among vital rates complicate the linkage between a management intervention and a population’s growth rate. We illustrate the use of the software for investigating the consequences of three management interventions in a 3-stage model of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The software is applicable to any species with 2- or 3-stages, but the mathematical concepts underlying the software are applicable to a population matrix model of any size. The IsoPOPd software is available at: https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/tools/isopopd.
Antecedent infections in Guillain‐Barré syndrome: a single‐center, prospective study
Authors: Hao Yanlei , Wang Weifang , Jacobs Bart C. , Qiao Baojun , Chen Mengshi , Liu Daiqiang , Feng Xungang , Wang Yuzhong
Published: November 2019

Objective

To investigate the spectrum of antecedent infections in Chinese patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and analyze the infections‐related clinical phenotypes locally.

Methods

A prospective case‐control study of 150 patients diagnosed with GBS and age‐ and sex‐matched neurological and healthy controls was performed to investigate recent infections of 14 pathogens serologically and collect the clinical data during a follow‐up of 12 months.

Results

In total, 53% of patients with GBS had a positive serology for recent infection, including Campylobacter jejuni (27%), influenza A (17%) and B (16%), hepatitis A virus (5%), dengue virus (3%), cytomegalovirus (3%), Epstein–Barr virus (3%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (2%), herpes simplex virus (2%), varicella‐zoster virus (1%), and rubella virus (1%). Serology for infections of hepatitis E virus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Zika virus was negative. There was a higher frequency of C. jejuni, influenza A, influenza B, and hepatitis A virus infections in GBS patients than both the neurological and healthy controls. C. jejuni infection was more frequent in younger GBS patients and was associated with antibodies against GM1, GalNAc‐GD1a, and GM1:galactocerebroside complex. Influenza B infection was associated with a pure motor form of GBS.

Interpretation

C. jejuni, influenza A, influenza B, and hepatitis A virus serve as the most common cause of antecedent infections in GBS locally. Influenza B‐related GBS may represent a pure motor phenotype. Differences in the infectious spectrum worldwide may contribute to the geographical clinical heterogeneity of GBS.
Tuning the Catalytic Preference of Ruthenium Catalysts for Nitrogen Reduction by Atomic Dispersion
Authors: Yu Bing , Li Hao , White Jai , Donne Scott , Yi Jiabao , Xi Shibo , Fu Yang , Henkelman Graeme , Yu Hai , Chen Zuliang , Ma Tianyi
Published: November 2019

Developing cost‐effective, high‐performance nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) electrocatalysts is required for the production of green and low‐cost ammonia under ambient conditions. Here, a strategy is proposed to adjust the reaction preference of noble metals by tuning the size and local chemical environment of the active sites. This proof‐of‐concept model is realized by single ruthenium atoms distributed in a matrix of graphitic carbon nitride (Ru SAs/g‐C3N4). This model is compared, in terms of the NRR activity, to bulk Ru. The as‐synthesized Ru SAs/g‐C3N4 exhibits excellent catalytic activity and selectivity with an NH3 yield rate of 23.0 µg mgcat−1 h−1 and a Faradaic efficiency as high as 8.3% at a low overpotential (0.05 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode), which is far better than that of the bulk Ru counterpart. Moreover, the Ru SAs/g‐C3N4 displays a high stability during five recycling tests and a 12 h potentiostatic test. Density functional theory calculations reveal that compared to bulk Ru surfaces, Ru SAs/g‐C3N4 has more facile reaction thermodynamics, and the enhanced NRR performance of Ru SAs/g‐C3N4 originates from a tuning of the d‐electron energies from that of the bulk to a single‐atom, causing an up‐shift of the d‐band center toward the Fermi level.
Block Copolymers‐Based Nanoporous Thin Films with Tailored Morphology for Biomolecules Adsorption
Authors: Malafronte Anna , Auriemma Finizia , Santillo Chiara , Di Girolamo Rocco , Barker Robert , Gerelli Yuri , De Rosa Claudio
Published: November 2019

The adsorption of myoglobin (Mb) onto nanoporous thin films build up using block‐copolymers (BCPs) is analyzed. The nanoporous thin films, fabricated by exploiting self‐assembly of lamellar BCPs and the concept of sacrificial block, are characterized by a well‐defined morphology containing nanochannels of width ≈20 nm delimited by polystyrene (PS) domains, decorated with pendant poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains. The adsorption of Mb onto the nanoporous material is studied by means of UV–visible spectroscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, and neutron reflectometry measurements. In order to determine the role of nanopores, experiments are also conducted by using supports made of nonporous PS thin films and nude glass slides. The results indicate that the BCP‐nanoporous material exhibits a remarkably higher adsorption capability than PS and glass. As PEO exhibits a low degree of protein adsorption, this result may be essentially attributed to the presence of the nanopores. The large surface area, the opened pore structure, and the trapping effect of the pores are the main factors determining the increased Mb adsorption capability of the BCP‐based support. Yet, the presence of PEO chains decorating the PS walls at porous surface does not prevent Mb biomolecules to establish good interactions with the support.
Morphology‐Dependent Luminescence and Optical Waveguide Property in Large‐Size Organic Charge Transfer Cocrystals with Anisotropic Spatial Distribution of Transition Dipole Moment
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Shitong , Xu Shuping , Li Aisen , Li Bao , Ye Ling , Geng Yijia , Tian Yu , Xu Weiqing
Published: November 2019

Organic cocrystals exhibiting active optical waveguide behaviors are strongly related to the total internal reflection, molecule stacking modes, and the spatial distribution of transition dipole moment (µ) in crystals. However, organic charge transfer (CT) cocrystals as new materials that exhibit optical waveguide property responses to anisotropic spatial distribution of µ are still unknown. Herein, prepared is a novel organic CT cocrystal 9AC‐TCNB (9AC = 9‐anthracene carboxylic acid, TCNB = 1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene) with a mixed stacking structure of donor (D) and acceptor (A) along two different orientations on the same lattice plane. According to various spectroscopic analyses, two direction‐oriented asymmetric light propagate in the cocrystal derived from the anisotropic spatial distribution of µ have been confirmed. Photoluminescence (PL) microscopic images and spatial resolution PL spectra of 1D and 2D 9AC‐TCNB cocrystals further demonstrate that the CT cocrystals possess morphology and color‐dependent optical waveguide properties with anisotropy, which confirms the principle theory of light propagation. This result can open new potential applications of organic cocrystals in large‐scale optical waveguide devices and integrated optics.
Light‐Driven WSe2‐ZnO Junction Field‐Effect Transistors for High‐Performance Photodetection
Authors: Guo Nan , Xiao Lin , Gong Fan , Luo Man , Wang Fang , Jia Yi , Chang Huicong , Liu Junku , Li Qing , Wu Yang , Wang Yang , Shan Chongxin , Xu Yang , Zhou Peng , Hu Weida
Published: November 2019

Assembling nanomaterials into hybrid structures provides a promising and flexible route to reach ultrahigh responsivity by introducing a trap‐assisted gain (G) mechanism. However, the high‐gain photodetectors benefitting from long carrier lifetime often possess slow response time (t) due to the inherent G–t tradeoff. Here, a light‐driven junction field‐effect transistor (LJFET), consisting of an n‐type ZnO belt as the channel material and a p‐type WSe2 nanosheet as a photoactive gate material, to break the G–t tradeoff through decoupling the gain from carrier lifetime is reported. The photoactive gate material WSe2 under illumination enables a conductive path for externally applied voltage, which modulates the depletion region within the ZnO channel efficiently. The gain and response time are separately determined by the field effect modulation and the switching speed of LJFET. As a result, a high responsivity of 4.83 × 103 A W−1 with a gain of ≈104 and a rapid response time of ≈10 µs are obtained simultaneously. The LJFET architecture offers a new approach to realize high‐gain and fast‐response photodetectors without the G–t tradeoff.
A Shallow Acceptor of Phosphorous Doped in MoSe2 Monolayer
Authors: Xia Yipu , Zhang Junqiu , Yu Zhoubin , Jin Yuanjun , Tian Hao , Feng Yue , Li Bin , Ho Wingkin , Liu Chang , Xu Hu , Jin Chuanhong , Xie Maohai
Published: November 2019

Tuning the conductivity and other electronic properties by doping in ultrathin layers of transition‐metal dichalcogenides is of great scientific and practical interest. As with traditional semiconductors, controllable doping is essential for device applications of the materials. Here, hole doping in epitaxial MoSe2 by phosphorus (P) are reported, where substitutional P at the Se sites acts as a shallow acceptor. P substituting Se in MoSe2 is identified by annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy reveal in‐gap defect states and Fermi‐level shifts, suggesting the hole doping effect of substitutional P. Combining with density functional theory calculation and partial charge analysis, the binding energies of impurity levels of group V elements in a MoSe2 monolayer are elucidated, where the dopant energy level becomes shallower with increasing atomic mass.
A Machine Learning–Based Design Rule for Improved Open‐Circuit Voltage in Ternary Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Min-Hsuan
Published: November 2019

Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on ternary blends are among the most promising photovoltaic technologies. To further improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE), the materials selection criteria must be focused on achieving high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) through the alignment of the energy levels of the ternary blends. Hence, machine‐learning approaches are in high demand for extracting the complex correlation between Voc and the energy levels of the ternary blends, which are crucial to facilitate device design. Herein, the data‐driven strategies are used to generate a model based on the available experimental data, and the Voc is then predicted using available machine‐learning methods (the Random Forest regression and the Support Vector regression). In addition, the Random Forest regression is developed to find the appropriate energy‐level alignment of ternary OSCs and to reveal the relationship between Voc and electronic features. Finally, an analysis based on the ranking of variables in terms of importance by the Random Forest model is performed to identify the key feature governing the Voc and the performance of ternary OSCs. From the perspective of device design, the machine‐learning approach provides sufficient insights to improve the Voc and advances the comprehensive understanding of ternary OSCs.
RNA‐seq analyses of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings after exposure to blue‐light phototropic stimuli in microgravity
Authors: Vandenbrink Joshua P. , Herranz Raul , Poehlman William L. , Alex Feltus F. , Villacampa Alicia , Ciska Malgorzata , Javier Medina F. , Kiss John Z.
Published: November 2019

Premise

Plants synthesize information from multiple environmental stimuli when determining their direction of growth. Gravity, being ubiquitous on Earth, plays a major role in determining the direction of growth and overall architecture of the plant. Here, we utilized the microgravity environment on board the International Space Station (ISS) to identify genes involved influencing growth and development of phototropically stimulated seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Methods

Seedlings were grown on the ISS, and RNA was extracted from 7 samples (pools of 10–15 plants) grown in microgravity (μg) or Earth gravity conditions (1‐g). Transcriptomic analyses via RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) of differential gene expression was performed using the HISAT2‐Stringtie‐DESeq2 RNASeq pipeline. Differentially expressed genes were further characterized by using Pathway Analysis and enrichment for Gene Ontology classifications.

Results

For 296 genes that were found significantly differentially expressed between plants in microgravity compared to 1‐g controls, Pathway Analysis identified eight molecular pathways that were significantly affected by reduced gravity conditions. Specifically, light‐associated pathways (e.g., photosynthesis‐antenna proteins, photosynthesis, porphyrin, and chlorophyll metabolism) were significantly downregulated in microgravity.

Conclusions

Gene expression in A. thaliana seedlings grown in microgravity was significantly altered compared to that of the 1‐g control. Understanding how plants grow in conditions of microgravity not only aids in our understanding of how plants grow and respond to the environment but will also help to efficiently grow plants during long‐range space missions.
Wiedemann‐Steiner syndrome in two patients from Portugal
Authors: Grangeia Ana , Leão Miguel , Moura Carla P.
Published: November 2019

Wiedemann‐Steiner syndrome (WSS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by growth retardation, facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis cubiti and neurodevelopment delay. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the KMT2A gene. This report describes two unrelated Portuguese patients, age 11 and 17 years, with a phenotype concordant with WSS and clinical and molecular diagnosis of WSS by the identification of two novel frameshift variants in the KMT2A gene. This work also highlights the presence of certain clinical features in patients with growth retardation and development delay and should draw attention to the diagnosis of WSS, when hirsutism, particularly hypertrichosis cubiti is present.
The effect of captivity on the primate gut microbiome varies with host dietary niche
Authors: Frankel Jeffrey S. , Mallott Elizabeth K. , Hopper Lydia M. , Ross Stephen R. , Amato Katherine R.
Published: November 2019

Despite careful attention to animal nutrition and wellbeing, gastrointestinal distress remains relatively common in captive non‐human primates (NHPs), particularly dietary specialists such as folivores. These patterns may be a result of marked dietary differences between captive and wild settings and associated impacts on the gut microbiome. However, given that most existing studies target NHP dietary specialists, it is unclear if captive environments have distinct impacts on the gut microbiome of NHPs with different dietary niches. To begin to examine this question, we used 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequences to compare the gut microbiomes of five NHP genera categorized either as folivores (Alouatta, Colobus) or non‐folivores (Cercopithecus, Gorilla, Pan) sampled both in captivity and in the wild. Though captivity affected the gut microbiomes of all NHPs in this study, the effects were largest in folivorous NHPs. Shifts in gut microbial diversity and in the relative abundances of fiber‐degrading microbial taxa suggest that these findings are driven by marked dietary shifts for folivorous NHPs in captive settings. We propose that zoos and other captive care institutions consider including more natural browse in folivorous NHP diets and regularly bank fecal samples to further explore the relationship between NHP diet, the gut microbiome, and health outcomes.
Estimating the in vivo location of the talus from external surface landmarks
Authors: Lautzenheiser Steven G. , Sylvester Adam D. , Kramer Patricia Ann
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Finite element analysis has gained popularity in anthropological research to connect morphological form to measurable function but requires that loads are applied at appropriate anatomical locations. This is challenging for the ankle because the joint surfaces are not easily determined given their deep anatomical location. While the location of the talonavicular and subtalar joints can be directly determined via medical imaging, regression equations are a common, less invasive method to estimate joint locations from surface anatomy. We propose a regression‐based method to locate the in vivo positions of the talonavicular and subtalar joints employing three‐dimensional (3D) surface markers, such as those used routinely in gait studies.

Methods

Navicular height was measured on weight‐bearing radiographs (WBR) and simulated weight‐bearing computed tomography (SWCT) scans to ensure SWCT correctly simulated foot weight‐bearing configuration. The location of external foot markers and internal locations of the talonavicular and posterior subtalar joint were measured on each SWCT. Stepwise regression analysis was used to select the external markers that best predicted the three internal locations.

Results

Navicular heights measured on WBR and SWCT scans were not statistically different (p = .44), indicating that SWCTs recreate the weight‐bearing position of the foot. The navicular tubercle and medial and lateral malleoli were the best predictors of subtalar and talonavicular joint locations. These palpable anatomical locations explained more variation in internal joint location (r2 > .79; SEE < 3.0 mm) than other landmarks.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that external palpable landmarks can predict the location of the talonavicular and subtalar joints.
Calcaneal elongation and bone strength in leaping galagids
Authors: Lewton Kristi L. , Patel Biren A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Small‐bodied vertical clinging and leaping primates have elongated calcanei which enhance leap performance by optimizing leap velocity, distance, and acceleration, but at the expense of experiencing relatively large forces during takeoff and landing. This study tests the hypothesis that the elongated calcaneus of leaping galagids is adapted to resist larger and more stereotyped bending loads compared to more quadrupedal galagids.

Materials and Methods

The calcanei of 14 individuals of Otolemur and 14 individuals of Galago (three species of each genus) were μCT scanned. Calcaneal cross‐sectional properties (maximum and minimum second moments of area and polar section modulus) were obtained from a slice representing the 50% position of bone segment length and dimensionless ratios were created for each variable using calcaneal cuboid facet area as a proxy for body mass.

Results

There were no significant differences in size‐adjusted bending strength between Galago and Otolemur. Galago exhibited more elliptically shaped calcaneal cross sections, however, suggesting that its calcanei are more adapted to stereotyped loading regimes than those of Otolemur.

Discussion

The results suggest that the calcaneus of specialized leapers is adapted to more stereotyped loading patterns. The lack of predicted bone strength differences between Galago and Otolemur may be related to body size differences between these taxa, or it may indicate that loads encountered by Galago during naturalistic leaping are not reflected in the available experimental force data.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of Functional 1‐Substituted‐1,2,3‐Triazoles from Ethenesulfonyl Fluoride and Organic Azides
Authors: Giel Marie‐Claire , Smedley Christopher J. , Mackie Emily R. R. , Guo Taijie , Dong Jiajia , Soares da Costa Tatiana P. , Moses John E.
Published: November 2019

The boom in growth of 1,4‐disubstituted triazole products, in particular, since the early 2000’s, can be largely attributed to the birth of click chemistry and the discovery of the CuI‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Yet the synthesis of relatively simple, albeit important, 1‐substituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles has been surprisingly more challenging. Reported here is a straightforward and scalable click‐inspired protocol for the synthesis of 1‐substituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles from organic azides and the bench stable acetylene surrogate ethenesulfonyl fluoride (ESF). The new transformation tolerates a wide selection of substrates and proceeds smoothly under metal‐free conditions to give the products in excellent yield. Under controlled acidic conditions, the 1‐substituted‐1,2,3‐triazole products undergo a Michael addition reaction with a second equivalent of ESF to give the unprecedented 1‐substituted triazolium sulfonyl fluoride salts.
Effects of processing conditions on hybrid filler selective localization, rheological, and thermal properties of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) blends
Authors: Decol Marindia , Pachekoski Wagner M. , Segundo Elisa H. , Pinheiro Luís Antônio , Becker Daniela
Published: November 2019

In this study, the effects of processing conditions through different mixing sequences were used to analyze the factors, which could influence the hybrid filler selective localization in an immiscible polymer blend and how localization can influence the rheological and thermal properties. Different selective localizations were observed depending on the mixing sequence used when the hybrid filler was added. Notably, nanoparticles can interact with each other, which favor a synergy between them and alters, besides the localization, the dispersion state, or can interact with one polymer phase, and also alter the nanoparticles' selective localization. An improvement in rheological properties was observed in the hybrid nanocomposite in which there was interaction between the nanoparticles, favoring the hexagonal boron nitride exfoliation. On the other hand, for the storage modulus and degree of crystallinity, the sharpest increase occurred in the hybrid nanocomposite in which the nanoparticles could interact preferably with one polymer phase. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48711.
A noninvasive, machine learning–based method for monitoring anthocyanin accumulation in plants using digital color imaging
Authors: Askey Bryce C. , Dai Ru , Lee Won Suk , Kim Jeongim
Published: November 2019

Premise

When plants are exposed to stress conditions, irreversible damage can occur, negatively impacting yields. It is therefore important to detect stress symptoms in plants, such as the accumulation of anthocyanin, as early as possible.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐two regression models in five color spaces were trained to develop a prediction model for plant anthocyanin levels from digital color imaging data. Of these, a quantile random forest regression model trained with standard red, green, blue (sRGB) color space data most accurately predicted the actual anthocyanin levels. This model was then used to noninvasively monitor the spatial and temporal accumulation of anthocyanin in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves.

Conclusions

The digital imaging–based nature of this protocol makes it a low‐cost and noninvasive method for the detection of plant stress. Applying a similar protocol to more economically viable crops could lead to the development of large‐scale, cost‐effective systems for monitoring plant health.
Fish hosts of the freshwater mussel Unio foucauldianus Pallary, 1936
Authors: Benaissa Hassan , Teixeira Amílcar , Lopes‐Lima Manuel , Sousa Ronaldo , Varandas Simone , Rassam Hanane , Ghamizi Mohamed
Published: November 2019

The life cycle of Unio foucauldianus Pallary, 1936, a critically endangered freshwater mussel species (Bivalvia: Unionida), includes a parasitic phase using fish as hosts. Therefore, to develop more efficient conservation strategies it is essential to know which are the suitable fish hosts of U. foucauldianus.

In this study, two approaches were used to assess the fish hosts of U. foucauldianus: the determination of infestation rates of fishes under natural conditions through monthly sampling (from January to June) in the Laabid River (Oum Rbia basin) and the N'Fis River (Tensift basin), and artificial infestation in laboratory trials using fish species from both rivers.

The natural infestation of fish was detected from February to June, with a peak in May. Fully metamorphosed juveniles were only detected in native fish species, i.e. Luciobarbus ksibi (Boulenger, 1905), Carasobarbus fritschii (Günther, 1874), Luciobarbus zayanensis Doadrio, Casal‐lopez & Yahyaoui, 2016, Labeobarbus maroccanus (Günther, 1874), and Luciobarbus magniatlantis (Pellegrin, 1919). The two non‐native fish species used do not function as effective hosts.

Given the increasing human pressure on native fish species in the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, including the increased number of non‐native fish introductions, urgent conservation measures are discussed for this and other freshwater mussel species.
DiceCT Analysis of the Extreme Gouging Adaptations Within the Masticatory Apparatus of the Aye‐Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)
Authors: Dickinson Edwin , Kolli Shruti , Schwenk Alysa , Davis Cassidy E. , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: November 2019

Relative to all other primates, the aye‐aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) exists at the extremes of both morphology and behavior. Its specialized anatomy—which includes hypselodont incisors and highly derived manual digits—reflects a dietary niche, unique among primates, which combines tap‐foraging with gouging to locate and extract wood‐boring larvae. Here, we explore the impact of this extreme dietary ecology upon the masticatory musculature of this taxon with reference to a second, similarly sized but highly generalist lemuriform—the mongoose lemur (Eulemur mongoz). Using non‐destructive, high‐resolution diffusible iodine‐based contrast‐enhanced computed tomography techniques, we reconstruct the three‐dimensional volumes of eight masticatory muscles, and, for the first time in strepsirrhines, isolate and visualize their constituent muscle fascicles in situ and in three dimensions. Using these data, we report muscle volumes, forces, and fascicle lengths from each muscle portion, as well as their orientation relative to two standardized anatomical planes. Our findings demonstrate the overbuilt nature of the aye‐aye's masticatory apparatus, in which each muscle possesses an absolutely and relatively larger muscle volume and PCSA than its counterpart in the mongoose lemur. Likewise, for several adductor muscles, aye‐ayes also possess relatively greater fascicle lengths. Finally, we note several unusual features within the lateral pterygoid of the aye‐aye—the muscle most responsible for jaw protrusion—that relate to force maximization and reorientation. As this jaw motion is critical to gouging, we interpret these differences to reflect highly specific specializations that facilitate the aye‐aye's extreme subsistence strategy. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:282–294, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine phthalimide derivative, one of the rare noncompetitive inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4
Authors: Tomovic Katarina , Ilic Budimir S. , Miljkovic Marija , Dimov Stefan , Yancheva Denitsa , Kojic Milan , Mavrova Anelia T. , Kocic Gordana , Smelcerovic Andrija
Published: November 2019

A small library of benzo[4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine phthalimide and amine derivatives was evaluated for inhibitory activity against dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4). The phthalimide derivatives exhibited better activity than the amine precursors, with 2‐(2‐(3‐chlorobenzyl)‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐yl)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione (compound 14) as the most effective inhibitor (IC50 = 34.17 ± 5.11 μM). The five most potent selected inhibitors did not show cytotoxicity to a greater extent on Caco‐2 cells, even at a concentration of 250 μM. Compound 14 is considered as a novel representative of the rare noncompetitive DPP‐4 inhibitors. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation indicated the importance of the Tyr547, Lys554, and Trp629 residues of DPP‐4 in the formation of the enzyme–inhibitor complex. These observations could be potentially utilized for the rational design and optimization of novel (structurally similar, with phthalimide moiety, or different) noncompetitive DPP‐4 inhibitors, which are anyway rare, but favorable in terms of the saturation of substrate competition.
Synthesis of Phenolic Compounds via Palladium Catalyzed C−H Functionalization of Arenes
Authors: Saha Debajyoti , Das Prasenjit , Biswas Promita , Guin Joyram
Published: November 2019

Phenol and its derivatives are extremely useful compounds in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and material sciences. The synthesis of phenols involving selective construction of the C−O bond at a C−H bond of arenes using transition‐metal catalysis represents the most appealing strategy. Indeed, active research is currently going on for the synthesis of valuable phenolic compounds using a transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization strategy. This short review summarizes recent advances on palladium‐catalyzed C−O bond forming reactions that enable direct access to phenolic compounds. These catalytic reactions proceed either via C−H esterification with trifluoroacetic acid/trifluoroacetic anhydride followed by in situ hydrolysis of the ester or via direct C−H hydroxylation. A brief analysis of substrate scope and limitation, reaction mechanism as well as synthetic utility of these reactions has been included.
Dimesitylboryl‐Decorated Azaarene: Synthesis, Enhanced Stability and Optoelectronic Property
Authors: Jin Pengcheng , Tian Feng , Han Yanbing , Wang Lijiao , Zhao Xiaohui , Xiao Jinchong
Published: November 2019

The instability of large acenes and analogues usually limits their wide potentials in organic devices. Thus, effectively constructing large acenes or heteroacenes and examining their optoelectronic properties are of great interest. We herein describe the synthesis, optoelectronic behaviors and electroluminescent property of dimesitylboryl‐decorated azaarene 5 and its homologue 7. The former emits strong green fluorescence in non‐polar solvents but yellow light in polar solvents. The latter emits a blue light in various organic solvents. Moreover, their electrochemical behavior, photostability and electroluminescent property were further studied in a comparative manner, and the experimental findings suggest that the desired heteroarenes are appealing materials for fabricating electroluminescent devices.
CdII‐Organic Frameworks Fabricated with a N‐Rich Ligand and Flexible Dicarboxylates: Structural Diversity and Multi‐Responsive Luminescent Sensing for Toxic Anions and Ethylenediamine
Authors: Chen Yong‐Qiang , Tian Yuan , Yao Shu‐Li , Zhang Jing , Feng Run‐Yun , Bian Yong‐Jun , Liu Sui‐Jun
Published: November 2019

Three metal‐organic frameworks {[Cd(L)(glu)]⋅3 H2O}∞ (1), {[Cd2(L)2(adi)2]⋅5 H2O}∞ (2) and {[Cd(L)(sub)]⋅3 H2O⋅DMA }∞ (3) (L=pyridine‐3,5‐bis(5‐azabenzimidazole), H2glu=glutaric acid, H2adi=adipic acid and H2sub=suberic acid) were obtained under solvothermal conditions. Complex 1 shows a 2D (4,4) network constructing of Cd2‐glu and Cd‐L chains. Complex 2 presents a 2‐fold interpenetrating 3D framework with pcu topology. Complex 3 is a 3D framework with cds topology. Three complexes with versatile structures were obtained by changing aliphatic dicarboxylate ligands with different lengths based on a N‐rich ligand. Moreover, the fluorescence measurements indicate that complex 1 is a good multifunctional chemosensor for the detection of Cr2O72− and MnO4− anions by fluorescence quenching effect, and ethylenediamine by fluorescence enhancement effect, with detection limits of 1.196 ppm, 0.551 ppm and 64.572 ppm, respectively. Both complexes 2 and 3 can selectively sense Cr2O72− anion with detection limits of 1.126 ppm for 2 and 0.831 ppm for 3 by a fluorescence quenching effect.
A novel replacement policy for a linear deteriorating system using stochastic process with dependent components
Authors: Poladova Aynura , Tekin Salih , Khaniyev Tahir
Published: November 2019

In this study, a mechanical system with linear deterioration and preventive maintenance is considered. The state of the system over time is represented by a semicontinuous stochastic process with dependent components. The system cycles through on and off periods during its lifetime. The state of the system deteriorates linearly as a function of the usage time during on periods. When the system is offline, preventive maintenance is conducted, which improves the system state by a random amount. The system's on and off times and random improvement amounts are assumed to have general distributions. For such a system, our objective is to determine the expected value and variance for the number of preventive maintenance activities needed during the system lifetime and to propose a novel replacement policy for the system based on delay‐time modeling. Finally, the effectiveness of the obtained asymptotic results and the proposed replacement policy are tested through simulation.
Untersuchungen zum korrosionsauslösenden Chloridgehalt an nicht rostendem ferritischem Betonstahl in Mörtel
Authors: Ebell Gino , Burkert Andreas , Günther Tobias , Wilsch Gerd
Published: November 2019

Der maßgebliche Korrosionsschutz von nicht rostendem Stahl in Beton basiert, anders als bei unlegiertem Betonstahl, auf der Ausbildung einer Chromoxidschicht. Die Chromoxidschicht ist in alkalischem und in karbonatisiertem Beton beständig, sodass nicht rostende Stähle in einem passiven Zustand vorliegen. Die Initiierung von Lochkorrosionserscheinungen ist dagegen auch an nicht rostenden Stählen in Beton möglich. Der korrosionsauslösende Chloridgehalt ist neben dem Gehalt an Legierungselementen (insbesondere dem Chromgehalt) und der Oberflächenbeschaffenheit auch vom Konzentrationsverhältnis von OH– zu Cl– im Elektrolyten abhängig. Daher ist prinzipiell zu erwarten, dass in karbonatisierten Betonen geringere Chloridgehalte Korrosion initiieren können als in Betonen mit höheren pH‐Werten. Dies gilt in besonderem Maße für nicht rostende Betonstähle mit geringen Chromgehalten, wie z. B. Produkte aus dem Werkstoff 1.4003 (X2CrNi12) mit seiner im Vergleich zu den Standardausteniten geringen Beständigkeit. Um den kritischen korrosionsauslösenden Chloridgehalt am Beispiel eines am Markt verfügbaren ferritischen Chromstahls zu bestimmen, wurden an der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und ‐prüfung (BAM) umfangreiche Untersuchungen zu beschleunigten Korrosionsversuchen in alkalischen und karbonatisierten Mörteln durchgeführt. Mittels Laser‐induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) konnten die korrosionsauslösenden Chloridgehalte im Phasengrenzbereich Betonstahl–Mörtel ermittelt werden.
Risk‐taking increases under boredom
Authors: Kılıç Ayşenur , van Tilburg Wijnand A.P. , Igou Eric R.
Published: November 2019

We examined if boredom is associated with risk‐taking. Although this association has frequently been postulated, it has rarely been tested, and the evidence has thus far been rather indirect and speculative. We conducted three studies to test this association more systematically. In Study 1, people high in boredom proneness reported greater risk‐taking across financial, ethical, recreational, and health or safety domains. In Study 2, over a series of risky decisions, risk‐taking increased in tandem with state boredom. Consistently, in Study 3, people who felt more bored were more likely to choose risky gambles. Furthermore, while dispositional self‐control predicted lower risk‐taking, state boredom nullified this association, suggesting that elevated risk‐taking might be attributed the erosion of self‐control under boredom. Our findings establish via direct empirical tests that boredom is associated with making riskier decisions.
3D brain angiogenesis model to reconstitute functional human blood–brain barrier in vitro
Authors: Lee Somin , Chung Minhwan , Lee Seung‐Ryeol , Jeon Noo Li
Published: November 2019

The human central nervous system (CNS) vasculature expresses a distinctive barrier phenotype, the blood–brain barrier (BBB). As the BBB contributes to low efficiency in CNS pharmacotherapy by restricting drug transport, the development of an in vitro human BBB model has been in demand. Here, we present a microfluidic model of CNS angiogenesis having three‐dimensional (3D) lumenized vasculature in concert with perivascular cells. We confirmed the necessity of the angiogenic tri‐culture system (brain endothelium in direct interaction with pericytes and astrocytes) to attain essential phenotypes of BBB vasculature, such as minimized vessel diameter and maximized junction expression. In addition, lower vascular permeability is achieved in the tri‐culture condition compared to the monoculture condition. Notably, we focussed on reconstituting the functional efflux transporter system, including p‐glycoprotein (p‐gp), which is highly responsible for restrictive drug transport. By conducting the calcein‐AM efflux assay on our 3D perfusable vasculature after treatment of efflux transporter inhibitors, we confirmed the higher efflux property and prominent effect of inhibitors in the tri‐culture model. Taken together, we designed a 3D human BBB model with functional barrier properties based on a developmentally inspired CNS angiogenesis protocol. We expect the model to contribute to a deeper understanding of pathological CNS angiogenesis and the development of effective CNS medications.
Mitigating climate change: A role for regulations and risk‐taking
Authors: Bryant Andrew , Griffin Jennifer J. , Perry Vanessa G.
Published: November 2019

Why do some firms engage in actions to reduce climate change? We propose two counterintuitive mechanisms: high levels of regulation and a firm's increased tolerance for risk. Drawing from insights on how institutional contexts constrain, and enable, prosocial firm behavior, we argue that external pressures, amplified internally by a firm's higher tolerance for risk, increase the likelihood that a greenhouse gas (GHG)‐intensive firm will engage in climate change actions that exceed regulatory requirements. An analysis based on 7,101 observations of U.S. publicly traded firms during the 2013 to 2015 period supports our hypotheses. Our models show high overall prediction accuracy (88.6%) using an out‐of‐time holdout sample from 2016. Moreover, we find that firms that have exhibited environmental wrongdoing are also more likely to engage in beyond‐compliance activities, which may be a form of greenwashing. Thus, more formal and informal regulatory oversight has the potential to spur positive environmental actions. This has implications for a firm's corporate social responsibility actions as well as for climate change regulatory policy.
A novel nomogram to predict the local tumor progression after microwave ablation in patients with early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma: A tool in prediction of successful ablation
Authors: An Chao , Wu Songsong , Huang Zhimei , Ni Jiayan , Zuo Mengxuan , Gu Yangkui , Zhang Tianqi , Huang Jinhua
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To develop a nomogram for the local tumor progression (LTP) in patients with early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after computed tomography‐guided percutaneous microwave ablation (CT‐PMWA) and to assess clinical‐pathologic risk factors for individual LTP estimation. Furthermore, we compared the prognostic predictive ability for LTP between the nomogram and the traditional staging systems.

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. Five hundred and forty treatment‐naïve patients with HCC according to the Milan criteria, who subsequently underwent CT‐PMWA were reviewed from 2009 to 2019. Baseline characteristics were collected to identify the risk factors for the determination of LTP after CT‐PMWA. The multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards model based on significant prognostic factors of LTP was used to construct the nomogram, which was then assessed for its predictive accuracy using mainly the Harrell's C‐index and time‐dependent area under the curve (tAUC).

Results

After a median follow‐up time of 28.7 months, 6.5% (35/540) patients had LTP. The nomogram was developed based on the tumor size, tumor number, Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) grade, platelet, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The nomogram had good calibration and discriminatory abilities in the training set, with C‐indexes of 0.799 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.738, 0.860), and tAUCs of 0.844 (CI: 0.728, 0.895), that were greater than those of traditional staging systems. Internal validation with 1000 bootstrap resamples had a good C‐index of 0.735 (CI: 0.648, 0.816).

Conclusions

The nomogram model can be used to predict accurately LTP after CT‐PMWA for early‐stage HCC, as well as to assist physicians during the therapeutic decision‐making process.
Deploying Fluorescent Nucleoside Analogues for High‐Throughput Inhibitor Screening
Authors: Seebald Leah , Madec Amaël G. E. , Imperiali Barbara
Published: November 2019

High‐throughput small‐molecule screening in drug discovery processes commonly rely on fluorescence‐based methods including fluorescent polarization and fluorescence/Förster resonance energy transfer. These techniques use highly accessible instrumentation; however, they can suffer from high false‐negative rates and background signals, or might involve complex schemes for the introduction of fluorophore pairs. Herein we present the synthesis and application of fluorescent nucleoside analogues as the foundation for directed approaches for competitive binding analyses. The general approach describes selective fluorescent environment‐sensitive (ES) nucleoside analogues that are adaptable to diverse enzymes that act on nucleoside‐based substrates. We demonstrate screening a set of uridine analogues and development of an assay for fragment‐based lead discovery with the TcdB glycosyltransferase (GT), an enzyme associated with virulence in Clostridium difficile. The uridine‐based probe used for this high‐throughput screen has a KD value of 7.2 μm with the TcdB GT and shows a >30‐fold increase in fluorescence intensity upon binding. The ES‐based probe assay is benchmarked against two other screening approaches.
Long‐term clinical safety and efficacy of drug‐coated balloon in the treatment of in‐stent restenosis: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Xi Yangbo , Chen Jiahao , Bi Yuying , Xie Shuling , Liao Tong , Zhang Yuanchun , Kislauskis Edward , Wu Tim , Laham Roger , Xiao Jianmin
Published: November 2019

Abstrct

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term clinical safety and efficacy of drug‐coated balloon (DCB) in the treatment of in‐stent restenosis (ISR).

Background

There is a long‐term safety issue in peripheral arterial disease patients treated with paclitaxel‐coated balloon, this has also raised concerns on DCB in coronary intervention.

Methods

Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine observational studies (OSs) were included with a total of 3,782 patients (1,827 in the DCB group, 1,955 in the drug‐eluting stent [DES] group) being analyzed. The primary outcome measure—major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), target lesion revascularization (TLR), target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death (CD), stent thrombosis (ST), all‐cause death (AD), and coronary angiography outcomes included late lumen loss (LLL), minimum luminal diameter (MLD), diameter stenosis (DS) were analyzed.

Results

DCB treatment significantly reduced the LLL (MD: −0.13; [CI −0.23 to −0.03], p = .01). No difference was found for MLD (MD: −0.1; [CI −0.24 to 0.04], p = .17) and DS% (RR = 0.98 [CI 0.80–1.20], p = .86). There was no significant difference in TLR, TVR, MI, CD, ST, AD, and the overall incidence of MACEs between the two groups up to 3 years follow‐up. Subgroup analysis for different type of ISR and DES showed no significant difference in the incidence of endpoints, and there is no difference when considering RCTs or OSs only.

Conclusions

The safety and efficacy of the DCB and DES in the treatment of ISR is comparable at up to 3 years follow‐up.