bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of grooming interactions: maintenance of partner choice and the consequences of demographic variation for female mandrills
Authors: Pereira André S. , Rebelo Inês D. , Casanova Catarina , Lee Phyllis C. , Louca Vasilis
Published: January 2019

A large body of evidence suggests that female Old World monkeys maintain selective long-term grooming interactions with fitness benefits. The last two decades have produced evidence that the regulation of social interactions among primates can be, in part, explained by the Biological Markets theory, with grooming behaviour as the focus of these studies. Grooming facilitates bonding between individuals, constituting an essential part of the regulation of social relationships among female cercopithecids. In contrast to the well-studied baboons (Papiospp), knowledge about the nature of grooming interactions and their regulation is generally lacking for the large, terrestrial species of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx). We used a combination of social network analysis tools and well-established methods for assessing partner diversity and reciprocity to characterise grooming networks, partner choice and patterns of trade (be groomed, give grooming) among females in a captive group of mandrills, both within and across two separate observation periods. Our results suggest that, even though the relatively stable conditions of captivity allowed the studied females to maintain selective grooming interactions across time, small scale demographic changes affected the grooming dynamics of the group in accordance with the expectations of the Biological Markets theory. In particular, the maturation and consequent integration of a high ranking female into the group’s grooming network from one period to the next resulted in a more pronounced effect of rank on the regulation of grooming interactions. In addition, the influence of the maturation of a dependent infant on the grooming interactions of his mother were evident between periods. Our results also demonstrate that grooming networks are dynamic and that high ranking individuals are not necessarily the most central in grooming networks. Finally, we discuss the potential of social network analysis to identify cases of social exclusion and its consequences for captive management.
YAP1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients and induces breast cancer cell growth by inhibiting PTEN
Authors: Guo Liwen , Chen Yutang , Luo Jun , Zheng Jiaping , Shao Guoliang
Published: January 2019

YES‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) plays a key role as a transcriptional coactivator in the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. YAP1 is overexpressed in a variety of cancers and is considered to be encoded by a proto‐oncogene. However, the role of YAP1 remains debatable, because both gain and loss of YAP1 expression have both been reported in breast cancer (BC). Here, we found that elevated expression of YAP1 mRNA in BC was negatively correlated with relapse‐free, distant metastases‐free and overall survival rates. We then knocked down or overexpressed YAP1 in human BC cells, and examined cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenic ability in vivo. We identified that YAP1 promotes cell growth and inhibits cell apoptosis of BC through the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10–AKT signaling pathway, and thus suggest that YAP1 might serve as a new target for inhibiting BC progression.
Resurgence of Salmonid Herpesvirus-3 Infection (Epizootic Epitheliotropic Disease) in Hatchery-Propagated Lake Trout in Michigan
Authors: Faisal Mohamed , Loch Thomas P. , Shavalier Megan , VanDeuren Michelle Gunn , Standish Isaac , Winters Andrew , Glenney Gavin , Aho James , Wolgamood Martha , VanAmberg Jan , Eisch Edward , Whelan Gary E.
Published: January 2019

Over the past century, populations of Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush have declined throughout the Great Lakes basin due to overfishing, habitat destruction, introduction of invasive species, and associated recruitment issues from high thiaminase, as well as emerging infectious diseases. To combat these declines, state and federal fishery management agencies undertook substantial stock enhancement efforts, including more stringent regulation of sport and commercial catch limits and increasing hatchery propagation of Lake Trout stocked into Great Lakes basin waterways. One state fish hatchery involved in these rehabilitation efforts experienced mass mortality events in 2012 and 2017. In 2012, following a period of abnormally heavy rain, hatchery staff observed abnormal behavior followed by increased mortalities in two strains of Lake Trout fingerlings, reaching upwards of 20% mortality and totaling a loss of approximately 100,000 fish. In 2017, following another heavy-rain season, 6–8% of 2-year-old Lake Trout experienced morbidity and mortality similar to that observed in 2012. During the 2012 event, Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis and splake (Lake Trout × Brook Trout hybrid) reared in flow-through systems receiving water from diseased Lake Trout remained clinically unaffected. Molecular analyses revealed all lots of affected Lake Trout were infected with the salmonid herpesvirus-3 (epizootic epitheliotropic disease virus [EEDV]), a disease that caused complete depopulation of this hatchery in the late 1980s and until 2012 was never again detected in this hatchery or in Michigan. Further sampling detected EEDV in apparently healthy 5-year-old Lake Trout and in wild Mottled Sculpin Cottus bairdii collected in the hatchery source water. The ability of the virus to replicate in tissues of infected fish was verified by exposing naïve Lake Trout to the filtered tissue homogenates of infected fish resulting in similar disease signs. Despite the virus going undetected for many years, these two EEDV episodes clearly demonstrate the continued presence of this deadly herpesvirus in the Great Lakes basin.
miR‐30e‐5p as predictor of generalization in ocular myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sabre Liis , Maddison Paul , Wong Sui H. , Sadalage Girija , Ambrose Philip A. , Plant Gordon T. , Punga Anna R.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine a predictive factor for the risk of conversion from ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) to generalized MG (GMG) in a prospective study.

Methods

RNA was isolated from serum samples and detection of microRNA (miRNA) expression analyzed with qPCR. In the discovery set, 179 human miRNAs were assayed for profiling of five OMG patients and four age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. Based on the specific accumulation pattern of 19 miRNAs from the discovery set, in addition to miRNAs previously found elevated in generalized MG (GMG; miR‐150‐5p and miR‐30e‐5p), 21 miRNAs were subsequently analyzed in a validation cohort of 83 OMG patients (82 immunosuppression treatment naive; 49 male) within 3 months of diagnosis and at a follow‐up visit (median duration 28 months from first visit).

Results

Thirteen patients generalized 14.8 ± 12.0 months after the diagnosis and the majority (85%) belonged to the late onset MG group. Two miRNAs were significantly higher in secondary GMG (SGMG) patients compared to OMG patients with late onset MG: miR‐30e‐5p (9.1 ± 0.5 vs. 6.3 ± 0.9; P < 0.0001) and miR‐150‐5p (7.4 ± 1.1 vs. 6.4 ± 1.1; P = 0.01). The sensitivity for miR‐30e‐5p in differentiating OMG and SGMG was 96% in all OMG patients and 100% in late onset OMG patients.

Interpretation

This is the first study to describe a potential predictive factor associated with the risk of generalization for patients with OMG. Raised levels (>8) of miR‐30e‐5p at initial presentation in patients with ocular MG symptoms, give a predictive cut‐off for subsequent generalization of 96–100%.
Measurement of cognitive functions in experts and elite athletes: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Scharfen Hans‐Erik , Memmert Daniel
Published: January 2019

An extraordinary physiological capacity combined with remarkable motor control, perception, and cognitive functioning is crucial for high performance in sports. Tests that assess the physical abilities are already well established. Moreover, a growing area of research evolved in the recent past that is particularly concerned with the basic cognitive functions by means of neurocognitive tests in experts and elite athletes. The aim of this meta‐analysis (k = 19) is to quantify differences among experts and nonexperts as well as elite athletes and non‐elite athletes. In addition, it aims to assemble and compare previous research and analyze possible differences in cognitive functions depending on age, skill level, and used cognitive tasks. Overall, the mean effect size was small to medium (r = 0.22), indicating superior cognitive functions in experts and elite athletes. The factor of skill definition significantly differentiates the cognition–expertise relationship. In contrast, differences in age groups and cognitive areas appeared but were not significant. Future research should prefer the elite rather than the expert definition and distinguish between high‐performance and amateur athletes. Furthermore, the findings suggest that it can be beneficial for coaches and sport clubs to integrate cognitive tests as an additional tool for scouting and for optimizing the athletic development of their players.
Integrated Approaches Toward High‐Affinity Artificial Protein Binders Obtained via Computationally Simulated Epitopes for Protein Recognition
Authors: Altintas Zeynep , Takiden Aref , Utesch Tillmann , Mroginski Maria A. , Schmid Bianca , Scheller Frieder W. , Süssmuth Roderich D.
Published: January 2019

Widely used diagnostic tools make use of antibodies recognizing targeted molecules, but additional techniques are required in order to alleviate the disadvantages of antibodies. Herein, molecular dynamic calculations are performed for the design of high affinity artificial protein binding surfaces for the recognition of neuron specific enolase (NSE), a known cancer biomarker. Computational simulations are employed to identify particularly stabile secondary structure elements. These epitopes are used for the subsequent molecular imprinting, where surface imprinting approach is applied. The molecular imprints generated with the calculated epitopes of greater stability (Cys‐Ep1) show better binding properties than those of lower stability (Cys‐Ep5). The average binding strength of imprints created with stabile epitopes is found to be around twofold and fourfold higher for the NSE derived peptide and NSE protein, respectively. The recognition of NSE is investigated in a wide concentration range, where high sensitivity (limit of detection (LOD) = 0.5 ng mL−1) and affinity (dissociation constant (Kd) = 5.3 × 10−11m) are achieved using Cys‐Ep1 imprints reflecting the stable structure of the template molecules. This integrated approach employing stability calculations for the identification of stabile epitopes is expected to have a major impact on the future development of high affinity protein capturing binders.
Silver‐Infused Porphyrinic Metal–Organic Framework: Surface‐Adaptive, On‐Demand Nanoplatform for Synergistic Bacteria Killing and Wound Disinfection
Authors: Zhang Yan , Sun Panpan , Zhang Lu , Wang Zhenzhen , Wang Faming , Dong Kai , Liu Zhen , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: January 2019

The fabrication of functional nanoplatforms for combating multidrug‐resistant bacteria is of vital importance. Among them, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have shown an antibacterial effect; however, the remainder cores of Ag NPs after use might have a toxic effect on humans. Thus, Ag ions based materials have been fabricated to substitute Ag NPs for antibacterial applications. Nevertheless, the always‐on release state leads to the low biocompatibility, which limits their biomedical applications. In addition, the single effect also restricts their antibacterial ability. Herein, a powerful surface‐adaptive, on‐demand antimicrobial nanoplatform is fabricated by coating hyaluronic acid (HA) on Ag ions loaded photosensitive metal‐organic frameworks to exhibit a strong synergistic effect. The nanoplatform shows good biocompatibility with nontargeted cells, as negatively charged HA can prevent the release of Ag ions. While in the presence of targeted bacteria, the secreted hyaluronidase can degrade HA on the nanoplatform and produce positively charged nanoparticles, which display increased affinity to bacteria and show a strong synergistic antibacterial effect owing to the released Ag ions and generated reactive oxygen species under visible light irradiation. Importantly, due to the outstanding on‐demand antimicrobial performance, the nanoplatform also shows great effects on treating multidrug‐resistant bacteria infected wounds in mice models.
Photoacoustic Therapy for Precise Eradication of Glioblastoma with a Tumor Site Blood–Brain Barrier Permeability Upregulating Nanoparticle
Authors: Liu Liming , Chen Qun , Wen Liewei , Li Cong , Qin Huan , Xing Da
Published: January 2019

Glioblastoma is an extremely difficult clinical indication with very few therapeutic choices. In this study, a nanoparticle is constructed featuring high red absorbance and selective penetration of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) at the tumor site. This nanoparticle can provide timely activation of the adenosine receptor on the BBB to allow self‐passage and accumulation in the tumor. The nanoparticle converts pulsed laser energy into a shockwave via photoacoustic (PA) cavitation to achieve localized mechanical damage and thus yields a precision antitumor effect. In addition to its therapeutic function, the nanoparticle‐mediated PA process can also generate images that provide valuable information regarding tumor depth, size, and vascular morphology to inform treatment planning and monitoring. The results show that the nanoparticles can be efficiently delivered into the glioblastoma via intravenous infusion and this PA shockwave therapy can selectively destroy glioblastoma tumors with no observable side effects on normal tissue.
A 3D Macroporous Alginate Graphene Scaffold with an Extremely Slow Release of a Loaded Cargo for In Situ Long‐Term Activation of Dendritic Cells
Authors: Sinha Arjyabaran , Choi Youngjin , Nguyen Minh Hoang , Nguyen Thanh Loc , Choi Seung Woo , Kim Jaeyun
Published: January 2019

Ex vivo manipulation of autologous antigen‐presenting cells and their subsequent infusion back into the patient to dictate immune response is one of the promising strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Here, a 3D alginate scaffold embedded with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is proposed as a vaccine delivery platform for in situ long‐term activation of antigen‐presenting dendritic cells (DCs). High surface area and hydrophobic surface of the rGO component of the scaffold provide high loading and a very slow release of a loaded antigen, danger signal, and/or chemoattractant from the scaffold. This approach offers long‐term bioavailability of the loaded cargo inside the scaffold for manipulation of recruited DCs. After mice are subcutaneously vaccinated with the macroporous alginate graphene scaffold (MAGS) loaded with ovalbumin (OVA) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), this scaffold recruits a significantly high number of DCs, which present antigenic information via major histocompatibility complex class I for a long period. Furthermore, an MAGS loaded with OVA, GM‐CSF, and CpG promotes production of activated T cells and memory T cells, leading to the suppression of OVA‐expressing B16 melanoma tumor growth in a prophylactic vaccination experiment. This study indicates that an MAGS can be a strong candidate for long‐term programming and modulating immune cells in vivo.
Carbon‐Nanomaterial‐Based Flexible Batteries for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Wu Ziping , Wang Yonglong , Liu Xianbin , Lv Chao , Li Yesheng , Wei Di , Liu Zhongfan
Published: January 2019

Wearable electronics have received considerable attention in recent years. These devices have penetrated every aspect of our daily lives and stimulated interest in futuristic electronics. Thus, flexible batteries that can be bent or folded are desperately needed, and their electrochemical functions should be maintained stably under the deformation states, given the increasing demands for wearable electronics. Carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and/or their composites, as flexible materials exhibit excellent properties that make them suitable for use in flexible batteries. Herein, the most recent progress on flexible batteries using carbon nanomaterials is discussed from the viewpoint of materials fabrication, structure design, and property optimization. Based on the current progress, the existing advantages, challenges, and prospects are outlined and highlighted.
Self‐Suppression of Lithium Dendrite in All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries with Poly(vinylidene difluoride)‐Based Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Xue , Wang Shuo , Xue Chuanjiao , Xin Chengzhou , Lin Yuanhua , Shen Yang , Li Liangliang , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: January 2019

Polymer‐based electrolytes have attracted ever‐increasing attention for all‐solid‐state lithium (Li) metal batteries due to their ionic conductivity, flexibility, and easy assembling into batteries, and are expected to overcome safety issues by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes. However, it is still a critical challenge to effectively block Li dendrite growth and improve the long‐term cycling stability of all‐solid‐state batteries with polymer electrolytes. Here, the interface between novel poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF)‐based solid electrolytes and the Li anode is explored via systematical experiments in combination with first‐principles calculations, and it is found that an in situ formed nanoscale interface layer with a stable and uniform mosaic structure can suppress Li dendrite growth. Unlike the typical short‐circuiting that often occurs in most studied poly(ethylene oxide) systems, this interface layer in the PVDF‐based system causes an open‐circuiting feature at high current density and thus avoids the risk of over‐current. The effective self‐suppression of the Li dendrite observed in the PVDF–LiN(SO2F)2 (LiFSI) system enables over 2000 h cycling of repeated Li plating–stripping at 0.1 mA cm−2 and excellent cycling performance in an all‐solid‐state LiCoO2||Li cell with almost no capacity fade after 200 cycles at 0.15 mA cm−2 at 25 °C. These findings will promote the development of safe all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries.
Rational Design of Graphene‐Supported Single Atom Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hossain Md Delowar , Liu Zhenjing , Zhuang Minghao , Yan Xingxu , Xu Gui‐Liang , Gadre Chaitanya Avinash , Tyagi Abhishek , Abidi Irfan Haider , Sun Cheng‐Jun , Wong Hoilun , Guda Alexander , Hao Yufeng , Pan Xiaoqing , Amine Khalil , Luo Zhengtang
Published: January 2019

The proper choice of nonprecious transition metals as single atom catalysts (SACs) remains unclear for designing highly efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, reported is an activity correlation with catalysts, electronic structure, in order to clarify the origin of reactivity for a series of transition metals supported on nitrogen‐doped graphene as SACs for HER by a combination of density functional theory calculations and electrochemical measurements. Only few of the transition metals (e.g., Co, Cr, Fe, Rh, and V) as SACs show good catalytic activity toward HER as their Gibbs free energies are varied between the range of –0.20 to 0.30 eV but among which Co‐SAC exhibits the highest electrochemical activity at 0.13 eV. Electronic structure studies show that the energy states of active valence dz2 orbitals and their resulting antibonding state determine the catalytic activity for HER. The fact that the antibonding state orbital is neither completely empty nor fully filled in the case of Co‐SAC is the main reason for its ideal hydrogen adsorption energy. Moreover, the electrochemical measurement shows that Co‐SAC exhibits a superior hydrogen evolution activity over Ni‐SAC and W‐SAC, confirming the theoretical calculation. This systematic study gives a fundamental understanding about the design of highly efficient SACs for HER.
Making Space for Community Critical Methodology: Stories from the Australian Context
Authors: Fox Rachael , Nic Giolla Easpaig Bróna , Watson Lester
Published: January 2019

Our collective account considers the ways community critical methodologies can inform academic endeavors. Methodology is understood to be the theorizing of methods that produce and legitimate knowledge claims. For us, community critical approaches incorporate poststructural and other forms of critical theory in the questioning of taken for granted assumptions. This forms a valuable foundation for community praxis as it focuses not just on social issues outside, but on an examination within; on the institution of psychology itself. We find “examining within” a vital process for our research, teaching, and community engagement. Above all it is important to ask whose interests are served by the construction and presentation of knowledge in particular ways. We present three pieces of practice which engaged with critical methodologies. The first examines collaborative research methodologies developed with young people in rural Australia who are primary carers for a family member. The second examines tensions involved in trying to employ critical methodologies in multi‐stakeholder work between community organizations, communities, and researchers. The third examines opportunities and barriers when employing critical methodologies in learning and teaching with undergraduate students. We reflect upon the intersecting threads of commonality and difference between them and consider the implications for practice.
Heritability of fetal hemoglobin, white cell count, and other clinical traits from a sickle cell disease family cohort
Authors: Bao Erik L. , Lareau Caleb A. , Brugnara Carlo , Fulcher Isabel R. , Barau Caroline , Moutereau Stephane , Habibi Anoosha , Badaoui Bouchra , Berkenou Jugurtha , Bartolucci Pablo , Galactéros Frédéric , Platt Orah S. , Mahaney Michael , Sankaran Vijay G.
Published: January 2019

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common monogenic disorder in the world. Notably, there is extensive clinical heterogeneity in SCD that cannot be fully accounted for by known factors, and in particular, the extent to which the phenotypic diversity of SCD can be explained by genetic variation has not been reliably quantified. Here, in a family‐based cohort of 449 patients with SCD and 755 relatives, we first show that 5 known modifiers affect 11 adverse outcomes in SCD to varying degrees. We then utilize a restricted maximum likelihood procedure to estimate the heritability of 20 hematologic traits, including fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and white blood cell count (WBC), in the clinically relevant context of inheritance from healthy carriers to SCD patients. We report novel estimations of heritability for HbF at 31.6% (±5.4%) and WBC at 41.2% (±6.8%) in our cohort. Finally, we demonstrate shared genetic bases between HbF, WBC, and other hematologic traits, but surprisingly little overlap between HbF and WBC themselves. In total, our analyses show that HbF and WBC have significant heritable components among individuals with SCD and their relatives, demonstrating the value of using family‐based studies to better understand modifiers of SCD.
Craniofacial skeletal response to encephalization: How do we know what we think we know?
Authors: Lesciotto Kate M. , Richtsmeier Joan T.
Published: January 2019

Dramatic changes in cranial capacity have characterized human evolution. Important evolutionary hypotheses, such as the spatial packing hypothesis, assert that increases in relative brain size (encephalization) have caused alterations to the modern human skull, resulting in a suite of traits unique among extant primates, including a domed cranial vault, highly flexed cranial base, and retracted facial skeleton. Most prior studies have used fossil or comparative primate data to establish correlations between brain size and cranial form, but the mechanistic basis for how changes in brain size impact the overall shape of the skull resulting in these cranial traits remains obscure and has only rarely been investigated critically. We argue that understanding how changes in human skull morphology could have resulted from increased encephalization requires the direct testing of hypotheses relating to interaction of embryonic development of the bones of the skull and the brain. Fossil and comparative primate data have thoroughly described the patterns of association between brain size and skull morphology. Here we suggest complementing such existing datasets with experiments focused on mechanisms responsible for producing the observed patterns to more thoroughly understand the role of encephalization in shaping the modern human skull.
A Phosphoramidite Analogue of Cyclotriphosphate Enables Iterative Polyphosphorylations
Authors: Singh Jyoti , Steck Nicole , De Debaditya , Hofer Alexandre , Ripp Alexander , Captain Ilya , Keller Manfred , Wender Paul A. , Bhandari Rashna , Jessen Henning J.
Published: January 2019

An iterative polyphosphorylation approach is described, which is based on a phosphoramidite (P‐amidite) derived reagent (c‐PyPA) obtained from the cyclization of pyrophosphate with a reactive diisopropylaminodichlorophosphine. This type of reagent is unprecedented as it represents a reactive P‐amidite without protecting groups. The reagent proved to be stable in solution over several weeks. Its utility is described in the context of iterative monodirectional and bidirectional polyphosphorylations. The ensuing functionalized cyclotriphosphate can be opened with a variety of nucleophiles providing ready access to diverse functionalized polyphosphate chains of defined length with several tags, including both P‐N and P‐O labels. Their interaction with exo‐ and endopolyphosphatases is described.
A Photoresponsive Stiff‐Stilbene Ligand Fuels the Reversible Unfolding of G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: O'Hagan Michael P. , Haldar Susanta , Duchi Marta , Oliver Thomas A. A. , Mulholland Adrian J. , Morales Juan C. , Galan M. Carmen
Published: January 2019

The polymorphic nature of G‐quadruplex (G4) DNA structures points to a range of potential applications in nanodevices and an opportunity to control G4 in biological settings. Light is an attractive means for the regulation of oligonucleotide structure as it can be delivered with high spatiotemporal precision. However, surprisingly little attention has been devoted towards the development of ligands for G4 that allow photoregulation of G4 folding. We report a novel G4‐binding chemotype derived from stiff‐stilbene. Surprisingly however, whilst the ligand induces high stabilization in the potassium form of human telomeric DNA, it causes the unfolding of the same G4 sequence in sodium buffer. This effect can be reversed on demand by irradiation with 400 nm light through deactivation of the ligand by photo‐oxidation. By fuelling the system with the photolabile ligand, the conformation of G4 DNA was switched five times.
Robust, recoverable poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐based hydrogels crosslinked by vinylated chitosan with recyclable adsorbability for acid red
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Xing Yacheng , Zhao Xihui , Ji Quan , Xia Yanzhi , Ma Xiaomei
Published: January 2019

To seek adsorptive hydrogels with high stability, poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PDMAM)‐based hydrogels were fabricated employing vinylated chitosan as a macro‐crosslinker. The prepared hydrogels achieves a maximum compressive stress above 11 MPa (98% strain), a maximum tensile strength, and fracture elongation of 0.037 MPa and 929%. The recovery ratios after three consecutive compressions (90% strain) and 1 h's resting (600% stretch) exceed 94% and 85%, respectively. The optimal adsorption effect (>90% removal efficiency) is achieved at pH 3 and 318 K in 2.5 h using hydrogels crosslinked by 9.77 wt % chitosan. The kinetic study indicates that the experimental data fit to the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model better. The adsorption isotherm fits to the Freundlich model, indicating nonhomogeneous adsorption of the dyes on the hydrogels. Most adsorbed dyes are desorbed in 2 h at pH 10 and 318 K, both adsorption/desorption efficiencies exceed 90% after five adsorption–desorption cycles, confirming reusability of the hydrogels. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47473.
Durability of the flame retardance of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer cables: Comparing different flame retardants exposed to different weathering conditions
Authors: Tan Yi , Wachtendorf Volker , Klack Patrick , Kukofka Tobias , Ruder Jörg , Schartel Bernhard
Published: January 2019

Scientific publications addressing the durability of the flame retardance of cables during their long‐term application are rare and our understanding lacks. Three commercial flame retardants, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum diethyl phosphinate (AlPi‐Et), and intumescent flame retardant based on ammonium polyphosphate, applied in ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) model cables, are investigated. Different artificial aging scenarios were applied: accelerated weathering (UV‐irradiation/temperature/rain phases), humidity exposure (elevated temperature/humidity), and salt spray exposure. The deterioration of cables' surface and flame retardancy were monitored through imaging, color measurements, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and cone calorimeter investigations. Significant degradation of the materials' surface occurred. The flame retardant EVA cables are most sensitive to humidity exposure; the cable with AlPi‐Et is the most sensitive to the artificial aging scenarios. Nevertheless, substantial flame retardance persisted after being subjected for 2000 h, which indicates that the equivalent influence of natural exposure is limited for several years, but less so for long‐term use. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 47548.
Reactive particles from in situ silane‐polycondensation‐induced self‐assembly of poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) as toughener for epoxy resins
Authors: Wei Wei , Cui Yuqing , Li Xiaojie , Gu Yao , Fei Xiaoma , Luo Jing , Liu Xiaoya
Published: January 2019

The partial aminolysis of poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (SMA) with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was carried out followed by in situ hydrolytic condensation of the silane, for inducing the self‐assembly of SMA to prepare an organic–inorganic hybrid colloidal particle (SMA‐APTES). The obtained SMA‐APTES particles were then employed as a toughener for modifying diglycidylether of bisphenol A/anhydride thermoset. When the additive amount of the modifier was 5 wt %, an optimal overall performance was achieved. Compared to neat epoxy thermoset, the tensile strength, elongation‐ at‐break, impact strength, and fracture toughness were increased by 67.6, 159, 170.5, and 230.9%, respectively. Although SMA‐APTES particles inherently had low glass‐transition temperature (Tg) and thermal stability, the Tg and thermal stability of above case were comparable to that of neat epoxy resin. It was contributed by the remarkable increase in the crosslink density offsetting this shortage. Therefore, SMA‐APTES particle was proved to be an effective and promising modifier for epoxy thermoset. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47565.
Minimal overlap between areas of high conservation priority for endangered Galapagos pinnipeds and the conservation zone of the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Authors: Ventura Francesco , Matthiopoulos Jason , Jeglinski Jana W.E.
Published: January 2019

Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) and fur seals (Arctocephalus galapagoensis) are endangered pinnipeds that live in a highly variable marine environment, influenced by seasonal changes in productivity and by the unpredictable occurrence of El Niño. The Galapagos marine habitat is protected through the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR), which has recently undergone a redefinition of its zonation. However, the effectiveness of the GMR in protecting the habitat of Galapagos pinnipeds has never been investigated, and it is unclear how well their habitat use aligns with the newly proposed conservation zone.

A spatial prioritization analysis framework was applied based on the complementary use of density estimation (kernel utilization distributions, KUDs) and habitat modelling (resource selection functions, RSFs). Using tracking data collected over two years and under three environmental scenarios (cold season, warm season, and El Niño) in the western archipelago, hot spots of pinniped habitat usage were identified (through KUDs), and predictions about the location of patches of good habitat were generated (through RSFs). The output of KUDs and RSFs was used for a spatial prioritization analysis to delineate areas of high conservation priority. The overlap between these areas and the GMR zonation was then calculated.

Both species were found to use largely distinct habitat types: sea lions used the waters over the continental shelf, whereas fur seals used the offshore deep waters and showed a more heterogeneous space usage over time. The spatial prioritization analysis identified three key areas of high conservation priority for both species in the Western Galapagos. These areas were all within the boundaries of the GMR but the overlap with the conservation zone was only 8%. Hence, under the current proposition, the largest proportion of key pinniped foraging habitat in the western archipelago will not be protected from licensed activities in the sustainable use zone, particularly fishing and boat traffic.
Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind: Recognizing System‐Initiated Engagement as Interaction Type
Authors: Lueg Christopher , Banks Bridgette , Michalek Josephine , Dimsey Jack , Oswin Dominic
Published: January 2019

We posit that the well‐established interaction type “toolbox” currently providing the four interaction types Instructing, Conversing, Manipulating, and Exploring should be expanded to include a fifth interaction type, Responding, that accounts for user engagements in response to a system‐initiated engagement request. This expansion reflects that increasingly, smart systems request input from users without having been prompted by them, which is the essence of the existing interaction types. Systems utilizing the Responding interaction type proactively seek input from users in situations where said input is required.
Faseroptische Sensoren zur kontinuierlichen Dehnungsmessung im Beton
Authors: Speck Kerstin , Vogdt Fritz , Curbach Manfred , Petryna Yuri
Published: January 2019

Die Ermittlung lastinduzierter, anisotroper Schädigungen unter verschiedenen mehraxialen Spannungszuständen bedingt die Dehnungsmessung im Inneren kleinformatiger Probekörper. Die Wahl fiel auf quasi‐kontinuierlich messende, faseroptische Sensoren ohne werksseitige Schutzummantelung. Dieser Beitrag erläutert das Messprinzip und zeigt, welche Messkonfigurationen bestehend aus Messsystem, Sensorfaser und Coatingmaterial für diese Aufgabe geeignet sind und mit welchen Hilfskonstruktionen die Positionierung der Messsensoren im Probekörper gelingt, um besonders auch im Bereich kleiner Dehnungen exakte Messwerte zu erhalten, die mindestens die gleiche Genauigkeit wie die etablierten Messsysteme Dehnmessstreifen und Photogrammetrie aufweisen. Dafür werden einaxiale Druck‐ und Zugversuche an Mörtelprismen ausgewertet und ein geeignetes Messkonzept für kommende mehraxiale Versuche entwickelt.
Analysis of cause of death: Competing risks or progressive illness‐death model?
Authors: Lauseker Michael , zu Eulenburg Christine
Published: January 2019

The analysis of cause of death is increasingly becoming a topic in oncology. It is usually distinguished between disease‐related and disease‐unrelated death. A frequently used approach is to define death as disease‐related when a progression to advanced phases has occurred before, otherwise as disease‐unrelated. The data are often analyzed as competing risks, while a progressive illness‐death model might in fact describe the situation more precisely. In this study, we investigated under which circumstances this misspecification leads to biased estimations of the state occupation probabilities. We simulated data according to the progressive illness‐death model in various settings, analyzed them with a competing risks model and with a progressive illness‐death model and compared them to the true state occupation probabilities. Censoring was either added independently of the status or based on the patients' status. The simulations showed that the censoring mechanism was decisive for the bias while neither the progression hazard nor the Markov property was important. Further, we found a slightly increased standard deviation for the competing risk estimator when censoring was independent of the patients' status. For illustration, both methods were applied to two practical examples of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): one randomized controlled trial and one registry data set. While in the first case both estimators yielded almost identical results, in the latter case, visible differences were found between both methods.
LESM—An object‐oriented MATLAB program for structural analysis of linear element models
Authors: Rangel Rafael Lopez , Martha Luiz Fernando
Published: January 2019

This paper describes the implementation of a MATLAB program based on the Object Oriented Programming paradigm for linear‐elastic analysis of one‐dimensional element models using a conventional displacement‐based procedure. The main objective is the development of an educational tool on matrix structural analysis with a didactic and well‐documented open source code, which allows any user to implement new procedures with relative simplicity. The LESM (Linear Elements Structure Model) program can handle different types of analysis models, such as 2D/3D frames and trusses, and grillages. In addition, both Euler‐Bernoulli and Timoshenko theories for bending behavior of beam elements are considered. The OOP class architecture was devised for generically handling these different types of analyses models and element types. The MATLAB script codes of all classes and methods of LESM, including its documentation, are available in its site (www.tecgraf.puc-rio.br/lesm).
Impact of calcification on percutaneous coronary intervention: MACE‐Trial 1‐year results
Authors: Sharma Samin K. , Bolduan Ryan W. , Patel Manesh R. , Martinsen Brad J. , Azemi Talhat , Giugliano Gregory , Resar Jon R. , Mehran Roxana , Cohen David J. , Popma Jeffrey J. , Waksman Ron
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The Multi‐center Prospective Study to Evaluate Outcomes of Moderate to Severely Calcified Coronary Lesions (MACE—Trial) was designed to provide further insight on the impact of calcification on procedural and long‐term percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes.

Background

Prior studies evaluating the impact of lesion calcification on percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes are limited by: retrospective nature, pooled data from multiple studies, or lack of specificity around calcification with only operator assessment and without core lab evaluation.

Methods

The MACE‐Trial was a prospective, multicenter, observational clinical study that enrolled 350 subjects at 33 sites from September 2013 to September 2015. Core lab assessed subject stratification by lesion calcification (none/mild [N = 133], moderate [N = 99], and severe [N = 114]). Endpoints were lesion success, procedural success, and 1‐year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs).

Results

Presence of severe calcification had significant impact on lesion success ([83.3%] versus none/mild calcification [94.7%, P = 0.006]) and procedural success ([86.8%] versus moderate [95.0%, P = 0.028], and none/mild [97.7%, P = 0.001]). 1‐year MACE rates were associated with presence of calcification in subjects with none/mild (4.7%), moderate (8.7%), and severe (24.4%) (P < 0.001) calcification; however, no difference was noted between none/mild and moderate (P = 0.237). The risk adjusted multivariable model identified severe calcification and decreasing eGFR as predictors of 30‐day and 1‐year MACE.

Conclusions

In this prospective study, patients with severe calcification had significantly worse outcomes compared to those without; however, unlike previous retrospective studies, moderate calcium resulted in similar outcomes as none/mild calcium.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01930214. Unique Identifier: NCT01930214.
On‐site treatment of oral ulcers caused by cheek biting: A minimally invasive treatment approach in a pediatric patient
Authors: Ngoc Vo Truong Nhu , Hang Luong Minh , Bach Hoang Van , Chu Dinh‐Toi
Published: January 2019

Key Clinical Message

In small children, it would be desirable for oral lesions, especially on the symmetrical sides, to be screened carefully, and for treatment to begin with minimal interventions including on‐site medication and remedies to discontinue the bad routine. Minimal invasive approach and differential diagnosis are considered to be the main solutions for oral ulcers in pediatric patients.
Spectroelectrochemical Investigation of Cholesterol Oxidase from Streptomyces lividans at Different pH Values
Authors: Heinelt Manuel , Nöll Tanja , Nöll Gilbert
Published: January 2019

Cholesterol oxidase from Streptomyces lividans (SlChOx) has been investigated by spectroelectrochemistry in the pH range between pH 5 and pH 9. SlChOx is a monomeric flavoenzyme with a molar mass of about 58 kDa that contains a non‐covalently bound flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor. Spectroelectrochemical measurements were carried out in the presence of different one and two electron redox mediators and methylene blue only, as methylene blue does not contribute significantly to the spectral changes between 350 nm and 500 nm. During the stepwise reduction and reoxidation, the presence of a stable singly reduced flavosemiquinone radical anion was observed. The pH dependent midpoint potentials (Em, pH7≈0 mV) and the redox potentials for the first and second transition Fl(quinone)/Fl(semiquinone rad anion) and Fl(semiquinone rad anion)/Fl(hydroquinone anion) were determined. A pH dependency of about −30 mV and −50 mV per pH unit was determined for the first and second reduction, respectively.
Direct Electron Transfer of Enzymes Facilitated by Cytochromes
Authors: Ma Su , Ludwig Roland
Published: January 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is Su Ma and Roland Ludwig from BOKU—University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Austria). The cover picture schematically shows electron‐transfer routes of five different types of redox centers found in multi‐cofactor oxidoreductases towards a cytochrome domain, which is capable of direct electron transfer. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/celc.201801256.
Smart Nanodrug with Nuclear Localization Sequences in the Presence of MMP‐2 To Overcome Biobarriers and Drug Resistance
Authors: Mo Liuting , Zhao Zilong , Hu Xiaoxiao , Yu Xuan , Peng Yongbo , Liu Hui , Xiong Mengyi , Fu Ting , Jiang Ying , Zhang Xiaobing , Tan Weihong
Published: January 2019

A series of physiological barriers have impeded nanoparticle‐based drug formulations (NDFs) from reaching their targeted sites and achieving therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we develop size‐controllable stealth doxorubicin‐loaded nanodrug coated with CD47 peptides (DOX/sNDF‐CD47) based on supramolecular chemistry to overcome multiple biological barriers. The smart DOX/sNDF‐CD47 can efficiently decrease sequestration by macrophages and disassemble into poly(amidoamine) dendrimers with nuclear localization sequences (DOX/PAMAM‐NLS) in the presence of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2). Such structure transformation endows DOX/sNDF‐CD47 with the ability of deep penetration in multicellular tumor spheroid, lysosomal escape, and nucleus localization, resulting in excellent cytotoxicity and drug resistance combating. In vivo experiments further confirmed that DOX/sNDF‐CD47 has good tumor‐targeting ability and can significantly improve therapeutic efficacy of DOX on xenograft tumor model. The ability to overcome multiple biological barriers makes sNDF‐CD47 a promising NDFs to treat cancer expressing MMP‐2 and combating drug resistance.
Aggregation and Tunable Color Emission Behaviors of l‐Glutamine‐Derived Platinum(II) Bipyridine Complexes by Hydrogen‐Bonding, π–π Stacking and Metal–Metal Interactions
Authors: Ai Yeye , Li Yongguang , Fu Heidi Li‐Ki , Chan Alan Kwun‐Wa , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: January 2019

An l‐glutamine‐derived functional group was introduced to the bis(arylalkynyl)platinum(II) bipyridine complexes 1–4. The emission could be switched between the 3MLCT excited state and the triplet excimeric state through solvent or temperature changes, which is attributed to the formation and disruption of hydrogen‐bonding, π–π stacking, and metal–metal interactions. Different architectures with various morphologies, such as honeycomb nanostructures and nanospheres, were formed upon solvent variations, and these changes were accompanied by 1H NMR and distinct emission changes. Additionally, yellow and red emissive metallogels were formed at room temperature due to the different aggregation behaviors introduced by the substituent groups on bipyridine. The thermoresponsive metallogel showed emission behavior with tunable colors by controlling the temperature. The negative Gibbs free‐energy change (ΔG) and the large association constant for excimer formation have suggested that the molecules undergo aggregation through hydrogen‐bonding, π–π, and metal–metal interactions, resulting in triplet excimeric emission.
3H‐Phosphaallenes Revisited: Facile Synthesis by Hydroalumination of Alkynylphosphines and β‐Elimination, Stability and Trapping of Transient Species by Coordination to Transition Metal Atoms
Authors: Klöcker Hans , Tendyck Jonas C. , Keweloh Lukas , Hepp Alexander , Uhl Werner
Published: January 2019

A facile method for the efficient synthesis of 3H‐phosphaallenes, R−P=C=C(H)−R′, is presented, which comprises treatment of dialkynylphosphines with dialkylaluminium hydrides (hydroalumination) and elimination of aluminium alkynides from intermediate alkenyl‐alkynylphosphines. The stability of the phosphaallenes depends on steric shielding by the substituents at phosphorus (aryl or CH(SiMe3)2 groups). Only supermesityl compounds are persistent at room temperature in solution. This simple method starting with easily accessible dialkynylphosphines and commercially available aluminium hydrides (HAlEt2, HAliBu2) allows the generation of transient species, which were trapped by coordination to transition metals. The η1‐coordination via a P−W bond was observed for tungsten, while the side‐on coordination via the P=C bond resulted with platinum. Decomposition of the mesityl derivative yielded an unprecedented product, which may be formed by 1,3‐H shift to the P atom, hydrophosphination of the P=C bond of a second phosphaallene and formation of a P−P bond.
Size‐Exclusion Borane‐Catalyzed Domino 1,3‐Allylic/Reductive Ireland–Claisen Rearrangements: Impact of the Electronic and Structural Parameters on the 1,3‐Allylic Shift Aptitude
Authors: Fegyverneki Dániel , Kolozsvári Natália , Molnár Dániel , Egyed Orsolya , Holczbauer Tamás , Soós Tibor
Published: January 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tibor Soós at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The image depicts a metaphorical representation of the catalytic cycles and the size‐exclusion concept of the reported metal‐free, one‐pot reductive Ireland–Claisen rearrangement. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201805208.