bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The poly‐cistronic expression of four transcriptional factors (CRX, RAX, NEURO‐D, OTX2) in fibroblasts via retro‐ or lentivirus causes partial reprogramming into photoreceptor cells
Authors: Fukuda Tomokazu , Ishizawa Yasushi , Donai Kenichiro , Sugano Eriko , Tomita Hiroshi
Published: January 2018

The introduction of four key transcriptional factors (CRX, RAX, NEURO‐D, OTX2) allows the direct differentiation of fibroblasts to retinal photoreceptor cells. This reprogramming was achieved with a combination of mono‐cistronic viruses. Although the combination of mono‐cistronic viruses was useful, a relatively high titer of recombinant viruses was necessary because co‐infections are required. To overcome this issue, we established a poly‐cistronic expression system for direct reprogramming and analyzed the biological characteristics of introduced cells after the exogenous introduction. The coding region of four reprogramming factors and EGFP (CRX, RAX, NEURO‐D, OTX2, and EGFP; CNROE) was inserted into multiple sites of the pMYs‐IP retrovirus or CSII‐CMV lentivirus vector. The recombinant viruses were exposed to HE16 human embryonic fibroblasts. The expression levels of cone related genes were detected with real‐time PCR. We detected the activation of two of the photoreceptor‐related genes after the poly‐cistronic expression of CRX, RAX, NEURO‐D, and OTX2, but the rest of the genes did not exhibit transcriptional elevation. We concluded that the poly‐cistronic expression of CNROE induced partial reprogramming into photoreceptor cells. We hypothesize that the direct reprogramming into photoreceptor cells might require relatively high protein expression levels of transcriptional factors.
Membrane Separation
Authors: Lau Woei‐Jye , Pérez de los Ríos Antonia
Published: January 2018

No abstract.
Cathodic Corrosion of Zinc under Potentiostatic Conditions in NaCl Solutions
Authors: Prestat Michel , Soares Costa Josiane , Lescop Benoit , Rioual Stéphane , Holzer Lorenz , Thierry Dominique
Published: January 2018

Zinc electrodes were polarized cathodically at moderate overpotentials in NaCl 0.6 M solutions under potentiostatic conditions for 7 to 17 hours at room temperature. Corrosion products were characterized by using optical microscopy, XRD, Raman microscopy, XPS, and FIB‐SEM. Close to the open‐circuit potential, the corrosion products were formed by simonkolleite and the electrochemical response exhibits anodic features. At more negative potentials, the current density remains cathodic throughout the polarization and the deposits on the electrode surface consist almost solely of ZnO. The soluble zinc species necessary for ZnO deposition originate from localized dissolution of the substrate in the form of pits. This effect is assigned to the strong alkalinization of the surface due to oxygen reduction. Despite developing greater surface area than bare zinc substrates, the nanostructured ZnO deposits reduced the cathodic activity.
Nickel Ditelluride Nanosheet Arrays: A Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Zhang Lixue
Published: January 2018

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation is of vital importance for the electrochemical production of hydrogen (H2) fuels. Herein, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of a NiTe2 nanosheet array anchored on Ti mesh (NiTe2/TM) through the topotactic transformation from a Ni(OH)2 nanoarray on the basis of an anion exchange reaction. As a robust non‐noble‐metal catalyst electrode for alkaline water oxidation, NiTe2/TM exhibits high activity and delivers a small overpotential of 315 mV to realize an anodic geometrical current density of 10 mA cm−2, with superior long‐term durability. It is suggested that the NiOOH species is evolved as the active phase for water oxidation. This study reveals a very profound earth‐abundant 3D catalyst electrode for electrochemical water splitting towards large‐scale and clean H2 evolution from water.
Mechanism of Ultrafast Intersystem Crossing in 2‐Nitronaphthalene
Authors: Zobel J. Patrick , Nogueira Juan J. , González Leticia
Published: January 2018

Nitronaphthalene derivatives efficiently populate their electronically excited triplet states upon photoexcitation through ultrafast intersystem crossing (ISC). Despite having been studied extensively by time‐resolved spectroscopy, the reasons behind their ultrafast ISC remain unknown. Herein, we present the first ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics study of a nitronaphthalene derivative, 2‐nitronaphthalene, including singlet and triplet states. We find that there are two distinct ISC reaction pathways involving different electronic states at distinct nuclear configurations. The high ISC efficiency is explained by the very small electronic and nuclear alterations that the chromophore needs to undergo during the singlet–triplet transition in the dominating ISC pathway after initial dynamics in the singlet manifold. The insights gained in this work are expected to shed new light on the photochemistry of other nitro polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that exhibit ultrafast intersystem crossing.
Cyclolinear Oligo‐ and Poly(iminoborane)s: The Missing Link in Inorganic Main‐Group Macromolecular Chemistry
Authors: Ayhan Ozan , Riensch Nicolas A. , Glasmacher Clemens , Helten Holger
Published: January 2018

The reaction of n‐C8H17B[N(Me)SiMe3]2 (1) with n‐C8H17BCl2 (2 a) yielded, instead of a linear poly(iminoborane), the aminoborane n‐C8H17B(Cl)N(Me)SiMe3 (4) and after cyclotrimerization the borazine cyclo‐(n‐C8H17BNMe)3 (6). Side reactions that result in borazine formation were effectively suppressed if 1,3‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,3,2‐diazaborolidines 7 were employed as co‐monomers in combination with dichloro‐ or dibromoboranes 2 or 8, respectively. Silicon/boron exchange polycondensation led to oligo(iminoborane)s 11 a,b,ac,d. Alternative synthetic routes to such species involve Sn/B exchange of 1,3‐bis(trimethylstannyl)‐2‐n‐octyl‐1,3,2‐diazaborolidine (16) and n‐C8H17BBr2 (8 a), and the initiated polycondensation of the dormant monomer 14 in the presence of a Brønsted acid (HCl, HOTf, or HNTf2; Tf=trifluoromethylsulfonyl). Although an attempt to obtain an oligo‐/poly(iminoborane) with phenyl side groups yielded only insoluble material, the incorporation of aryl groups was proven for a derivative with both phenyl and n‐octyl boron substituents (11 ac), as well as for a derivative with 4‐n‐butylphenyl side groups (11 d). The highest‐molecular‐weight sample obtained was 11 ac. Featuring about 18 catenated BN units, on average, this is the closest approach to a poly(iminoborane) known.
Elimination du cuivre en solutions aqueuses synthétiques par sorption sur la peau d'amande: Étude cinétique et d’équilibre
Authors: Boumediène Maamar , Benaïssa Houcine , George Beatrice , Molina Stephane , Merlin André
Published: January 2018

L'élimination du cuivre (Cu2+) par un déchet agricole: la peau d'amande (PA) séchée, broyée et tamisée (granulo: 1.25/2 mm) a été étudiée. Les expériences ont été effectuées sur des solutions aqueuses synthétiques en condition batch. L'influence du temps de contact et de la concentration initiale en métal sur la cinétique de sorption du cuivre a été étudiée. L'étude cinétique a montré que la quantité du métal sorbée à l’équilibre augmente avec l'augmentation du temps de contact et de la concentration initiale en Cu2+ dans la solution. Les courbes de cinétiques suivent parfaitement le modèle cinétique du pseudo second ordre. La diffusion intraparticulaire n'était pas prépondérante dans le processus de sorption du cuivre. Le modèle de Langmuir s'est avéré plus adéquat pour décrire les résultats d'équilibre trouvés comparativement au modèle de Freundlich. La capacité maximale (qmax) de sorption du cuivre obtenue est de 78.25 mg/g (soit 1.23 mmol/L). L'analyse par microscopie électronique à balayage couplée à l'EDAX de la peau d'amande en contact avec le cuivre après équilibre a montré l'existence du cuivre sur la surface du matériau.
High‐risk inferior myocardial infarction: Can speckle tracking predict proximal right coronary lesions?
Authors: Roshdy Hisham Samir , El‐Dosouky Ibtesam Ibrahim , Soliman Mohammad Hassan
Published: January 2018

Background

It is important to diagnose right ventricular (RV) infarction in the setting of acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of RV infarction and identify a high‐risk subset of inferior MI patients with proximal RCA lesions.

Hypothesis

We tried to find the link between speckle tracking and coronaries in high risk inferior infarction

Methods

This study included 68 patients within 24 hours of first acute inferior MI. Group 1 (n = 49) isolated inferior MI; group 2 (n = 19) inferior and RV MI. echocardiography for RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS), RV fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV myocardial performance index (MPI) and peak systolic velocity (S′).

Results

Group 2 had higher MPI by tissue Doppler and 2D‐RV average FWLS, whereas RV FAC, S′, and TAPSE were lower (P < 0.001). In group 1, 14.4% had a significant proximal RCA lesion with impaired RV function. RV average FWLS at a cutoff value ≥ − 19.7% can predict proximal RCA culprit lesion with 91.7% sensitivity and 70.5% specificity, which was detected as an independent predictor in multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio: 37.75, P = 0.036).

Conclusions

2D RV average FWLS at a cutoff of ≥ − 19.7% is a useful added tool for diagnosis of RV involvement and an independent predictor to rule in proximal RCA culprit lesion in inferior‐wall MI patients in the emergency department.
Proportion of Sewage Sludge to Soil Influences the Survival ofSalmonellaDublin andEscherichia coli
Authors: Ellis Stephanie , Tyrrel Sean , O'Leary Emma , Richards Karl , Griffiths Bryan , Ritz Karl
Published: January 2018

The survival of enteric pathogens in sewage sludge can lead to their transferral into the soil environment and subsequent contamination of crops and water courses. This, in turn, can increase the potential spread of gastrointestinal disease. This work aims to determine the persistence of several microorganisms, co‐introduced with sewage sludge, when exposed to varying proportions of sewage sludge to soil. Three microcosm‐based studies are established, inoculated withSalmonellaDublin or an environmentally persistent strain ofEscherichia coli(quantified periodically over a period of 42 days), or indigenous sewage sludgeE. coli(quantified over a period of 56 days). Treatments consist of a mixture containing: 0, 15, 25, 50, 75, and 100% soil or sludge, depending upon the experiment. Each introduced microorganism decline significantly over time, with greater quantities of soil generally instigating greater die‐off particularly in the cases of environmentally persistentE. coliandS. Dublin. However, this relationship is not proportionally related as sludge/soil mixtures show greater declines than pure soil treatments. In contrast, indigenous sewage sludgeE. colihas a more consistent decline across all treatments. This indicates that indigenous strains are more resilient and can be indicative of natural behavior. Moreover, the effects of soil‐borne factors on pathogen attenuation are context dependent and non‐linear, possibly arising from the relative spatial distribution of introduced sludge and attendant microbes in soil.
Comparative Pharmacological Study of Common NMDA Receptor Open Channel Blockers Regarding Their Affinity and Functional Activity toward GluN2A and GluN2B NMDA Receptors
Authors: Temme Louisa , Schepmann Dirk , Schreiber Julian A. , Frehland Bastian , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: January 2018

Because only a few studies have investigated the affinity and functional activity of NMDA receptor open channel blockers under the same assay conditions, a comparative study of common open channel blockers is of major interest. The pharmacological activities of MK‐801, phencyclidine (PCP), dexoxadrol, etoxadrol, (S)‐ and (R)‐ketamine, dextromethorphan, memantine, and amantadine were analyzed under uniform assay conditions. Affinity toward the PCP and ifenprodil binding sites was recorded in radioligand binding assays. GluN2A and GluN2B subtype‐specific cytoprotective activity was determined in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The data were correlated with published IC50 values obtained in two‐electrode voltage clamp experiments. A high correlation was found between PCP affinity, ion flux inhibition, and cytoprotective activity. The channel blockers were classified into four groups showing high, moderate, low, and very low potency. Some of the open channel blockers display unexpected subtype selectivity. The comparative study allows the characterization of open channel blockers from their receptor ligand interaction via inhibition of ion flux up to overall cytoprotective activity. The subtype preference of some open channel blockers will stimulate the development of novel subtype‐selective open channel blockers with decreased side effect potential.
Photodetectors Based on SnS2/Graphene Heterostructure on Rigid and Flexible Substrates
Authors: Chen Xinhang , Huang Zongyu , Ren Xiaohui , Xu Guanghua , Zhou Jie , Tao Yue , Qi Xiang , Zhong Jianxin
Published: January 2018

Tin disulfide (SnS2) nanosheets have attracted tremendous attention owing to their unique electronic and optoelectronic properties. However, practical photodetector applications based on SnS2 are usually limited by low responsiveness and fast electron‐hole recombination. Fortunately, graphene exhibits attractive potential for optoelectronic owing to its intrinsic high carrier mobility conductivity, large surface area, and mechanical flexibility. Herein, we have prepared SnS2/graphene heterostructures by a facile hydrothermal method. The as‐prepared SnS2/graphene heterostructures are used to fabricate photodetectors on both SiO2/Si and flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, and the performances of the photodetectors have been investigated under wavelengths ranging from 365 to 577 nm. The results show that as‐fabricated photodetector on SiO2/Si substrate has achieved excellent stability; meanwhile, the photocurrent densities of SnS2/graphene on PET substrate are not influenced by the external bending representing an excellent mechanical stress stability. All of the experimental results propose that the SnS2/graphene heterostructures possess great potential in light detection.
Trapping One Electron between Three Beryllium Atoms: Very Strong One‐Electron Three‐Center Bonds
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Montero‐Campillo M. Merced , Elguero José , Yáñez Manuel , Mó Otilia
Published: January 2018

The ability of a set of beryllium‐substituted cyclohexane derivatives to trap electrons was determined by evaluating their electron affinities at the G4(MP2) level of theory. The nature of bonding and the effect of the different substituents attached to beryllium were studied by different computational methods (quantum theory of atoms in molecules, electron localization function, natural bond orbital, and analysis of the spin density), revealing the existence of a one‐electron/Be3cyclic bonding in trisubstituted species. This peculiar bond is the key for the high electron affinity values found in the tri‐BeX derivatives (X=F, Cl, CN), such as the triberyllium cyano derivatives of cyclohexane, reaching values of 294 kJ mol−1, only marginally smaller than the values reported for tetracyanoethylene (305 kJ mol−1) and for some fullerenes (306 kJ mol−1).
CRISPR/Cas9‐Mediated Fluorescent Tagging of Endogenous Proteins in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Sharma Arun , Toepfer Christopher N. , Ward Tarsha , Wasson Lauren , Agarwal Radhika , Conner David A. , Hu Johnny H. , Seidman Christine E.
Published: January 2018

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be used to mass produce surrogates of human tissues, enabling new advances in drug screening, disease modeling, and cell therapy. Recent developments in clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 genome editing technology use homology‐directed repair (HDR) to efficiently generate custom hiPSC lines harboring a variety of genomic insertions and deletions. Thus, hiPSCs that encode an endogenous protein fused to a fluorescent reporter protein can be rapidly created by employing CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, enhancing HDR efficiency and optimizing homology arm length. These fluorescently tagged hiPSCs can be used to visualize protein function and dynamics in real time as cells proliferate and differentiate. Given that nearly any intracellular protein can be fluorescently tagged, this system serves as a powerful tool to facilitate new discoveries across many biological disciplines. In this unit, we present protocols for the design, generation, and monoclonal expansion of genetically customized hiPSCs encoding fluorescently tagged endogenous proteins. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Growth, Characterization and Conductivity of Chromium Mixed Cadmium Oxalate Crystals
Authors: Ponnappa Nagaraja , Nettar Jagannatha , Mylnahalli Hema , D'Souza Delma , Neratur Lokanath
Published: January 2018

Chromium mixed cadmium oxalate (CMCO) [Cr:Cd (C2O4).3H2O] crystals are grown by gel diffusion method using silica hydro gel as growth media at ambient temperature. The optimum condition for growth is established by varying the parameters such as specific gravity, pH, gel aging, concentration of reactants and ratio of mixture to . Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirms the existence of and ions in the crystal lattice of CMCO. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA) reveal that, the CMCO are thermally stable up to 950 °C, which confirms the presence of three water molecules in the crystal lattice of CMCO. FT‐IR spectrum exhibits the presence of OH, carboxyl group and metal‐oxygen bonding. In this study, the occupation of vacancies of ions by cations in the lattice of mixed cadmium oxalate crystals without altering the morphology of the parent crystal is confirmed.
Crystallization of Ammonium Persulfate in the Presence of an Additive: Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies
Authors: Li Da , Qi Tao , Gao Yiying
Published: January 2018

Binding energy effects have been considered the main cause behind additives hindering crystal growth. In this study, the effects of the diffusion coefficient between the additive and the crystal surface is further investigated. The influence of the additive sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) on the morphology of ammonium persulfate (APS) crystals is investigated in both experimental procedures and molecular dynamics simulation studies. It is observed that the growth of (10‐2) surface is more significantly inhibited by the addition of SDBS than is the formation of (11‐1) surface, which contributes to an elongated morphology of the APS crystal. The mechanisms of this effect are examined by performing a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The interaction energy and the diffusion coefficient during crystal growth are calculated.
The Effect of Ambient Carbon Dioxide on Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Ziv Noga , Mustain William E. , Dekel Dario R.
Published: January 2018

Over the past 10 years, there has been a surge of interest in anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) as a potentially lower cost alternative to proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Recent work has shown that AEMFCs achieve nearly identical performance to that of state‐of‐the‐art PEMFCs; however, much of that data has been collected while feeding CO2‐free air or pure oxygen to the cathode. Usually, removing CO2from the oxidant is done to avoid the detrimental effect of CO2on AEMFC performance, through carbonation, whereby CO2reacts with the OH−anions to form HCO3−and CO32−. In spite of the crucial importance of this topic for the future development and commercialization of AEMFCs, unfortunately there have been very few investigations devoted to this phenomenon and its effects. Much of the data available is widely spread out and there currently does not exist a resource that researchers in the field, or those looking to enter the field, can use as a reference text that explains the complex influence of CO2and HCO3−/CO32−on all aspects of AEMFC performance. The purpose of this Review is to summarize the experimental and theoretical work reported to date on the effect of ambient CO2on AEMFCs. This systematic Review aims to create a single comprehensive account of what is known regarding how CO2behaves in AEMFCs, to date, as well as identify the most important areas for future work in this field.
High Capacitive Storage Performance of Sulfur and Nitrogen Codoped Mesoporous Graphene
Authors: Ma Xinlong , Gao Daowei
Published: January 2018

Mesoporous graphene is synthesized based on the chemical vapor deposition methodology by using heavy MgO flakes as substrates in a fluidized‐bed reactor. Subsequently, sulfur and nitrogen coincorporation into graphene frameworks is realized by the reaction between carbon atoms and thiourea molecules. The as‐obtained sulfur and nitrogen codoped mesoporous graphene (SNMG) exhibits remarkable capacitive energy‐storage behavior, as a result of well‐developed pore channels, in terms of that in a symmetric supercapacitor and lithium‐ion hybrid capacitor (LIHC). The ultrahigh durability of the SNMG/SNMG symmetric supercapacitor is demonstrated by long‐term cycling, for which no capacitance decay is found after 20 000 cycles. A LIHC constructed from commercial Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) as the anode and SNMG as the cathode is capable of delivering much enhanced lithium‐storage ability and better rate capability than that of activated carbon (AC)/LTO LIHC. Moreover, SNMG/LTO LIHC exhibits maximum energy and power densities of 86.2 Wh kg−1 and 7443 W kg−1 and maintains 87 % capacitance retention after 2000 cycles.
Filamentary plasma eruptions: Results using the non‐linear ballooning model
Authors: Henneberg Sophia A. , Cowley Steven C. , Wilson Howard R.
Published: January 2018

This paper provides an overview of recent results on two distinct studies exploiting the non‐linear model for ideal ballooning modes with potential applications to edge‐localized modes (ELMs). The non‐linear model for tokamak geometries was developed by Wilson and Cowley in 2004 and consists of two differential equations that characterize the temporal and spatial evolution of the plasma displacement. The variation of the radial displacement along the magnetic field line is described by the first equation, which is identical to the linear ballooning equation. The second differential equation is a two‐dimensional non‐linear ballooning‐like equation, which is often second order in time but can involve a fractional time derivative depending on the geometry. In the first study, the interaction of multiple filamentary eruptions is addressed in a magnetized plasma in a slab geometry. Equally sized filaments evolve independently in both the linear and non‐linear regimes. However, if filaments are initiated with slightly different heights from the reference flux surface, they interact with each other in the non‐linear regime: lower filaments are slowed down and are eventually completely suppressed, while the higher filaments grow faster because of the non‐linear interaction. In the second study, this model of non‐linear ballooning modes is examined quantitatively against experimental observations of ELMs in Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) geometries. The results suggest that experimentally relevant results can only be obtained using modified equilibria.
A novel model for implicit cooperation between primary users and secondary users in cognitive radio‐cooperative communication systems
Authors: Ghanem Montajab , Sabaei Masoud , Dehghan Mehdi
Published: January 2018

Recently, cooperative communications are used to improve the communications performance in cognitive radio networks. In this paper, we present a new model for implicit cooperation between primary users and secondary users (SUs), where SUs transparently relay packets of primary transmitters (PTs) towards their primary receivers encouraging PTs to reduce their transmit power, which in turn will reduce the total interference at some intended secondary receivers (SRs). Secondary relays work as full‐duplex amplify‐and‐forward (AF) cooperative nodes. The system is modeled as a multi‐armed restless bandit problem where the optimal policy for joint relay selection and transmit power allocation is obtained in a distributed way taking both instantaneous channel states and residual energy into consideration. We solve the problem using primal‐dual priority‐index heuristic, which can reduce the online computations and implementation complexity. Simulation results show that this model can benefit both sides where the energy consumption at PTs is reduced significantly and signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) at the intended SUs is increased about 50% in average.
Association between sociodemographic determinants and health outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes in Sweden
Authors: Julin Bettina , Willers Carl , Leksell Janeth , Lindgren Peter , Looström Muth Karin , Svensson Ann‐Marie , Lilja Mikael , Dahlström Tobias
Published: January 2018

Background

Concurrent multifactorial treatment is needed to reduce consequent risks of diabetes, yet most studies investigating the relationship between sociodemographic factors and health outcomes have focused on only one risk factor at a time. Swedish health care is mainly tax‐funded, thus providing an environment that should facilitate equal health outcomes in patients, independent of background, socioeconomic status, or health profile. This study aimed at investigating the association between several sociodemographic factors and diabetes‐related health outcomes represented by HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, predicted 5‐year risk of cardiovascular disease, and statin use.

Methods

This large retrospective registry study was based on patient‐level data from individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during 2010 to 2011 (n = 416,228) in any of 7 Swedish regions (~65% of the Swedish population). Health equity in diabetes care analysed through multivariate regression analyses on intermediary outcomes (HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, and low‐density lipoprotein), predicted 5‐year risk of cardiovascular disease and process (i.e., statin use) after 1‐year follow‐up, adjusting for several sociodemographic factors.

Results

We observed differences in intermediary risk measures, predicted 5‐year risk of cardiovascular disease, and process dependent on place of birth, sex, age, education, and social setting, despite Sweden's articulated vision of equal health care.

Conclusions

Diabetes patients' health was associated with sociodemographic prerequisites. Furthermore, in addition to demographics (age and sex) and disease history, educational level, marital status, and region of birth are important factors to consider when benchmarking health outcomes, e.g., average HbA1c level, and evaluating the level of health equity between organizational units or between different administrative regions.
Media Smart‐Targeted: Diagnostic outcomes from a two‐country pragmatic online eating disorder risk reduction trial for young adults
Authors: Wilksch Simon M. , O'Shea Anne , Wade Tracey D.
Published: January 2018

Background

Diagnostic outcomes in eating disorder (ED) risk reduction trials are important but rarely reported.

Methods

An online pragmatic randomized‐controlled trial was conducted with young‐adult women in Australia and New Zealand seeking to improve their body image. Media Smart‐Targeted (MS‐T) was a 9‐module program released weekly while control participants received tips for positive body image. Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) scores from baseline and 12‐month follow‐up were used to investigate two outcomes: ED onset in those who were asymptomatic at baseline (prevention effects); and, ED remission in those who met diagnosis at baseline (treatment effects).

Results

MS‐T participants were 66% less likely than controls to develop an ED by 12‐month follow‐up (nonsignificant). MS‐T participants who met ED criteria at baseline were 75% less likely than controls to still meet diagnostic criteria at follow‐up. This effect was significant and remained so for both those who did and who did not access external face‐to‐face ED treatment during the trial.

Conclusions

While further investigations are necessary, MS‐T has fully automated procedures, low implementation costs, the potential to be delivered at‐scale to assist those assist those where face‐to‐face services are limited or not available (e.g., remote areas).
Low rates of hybridization between European wildcats and domestic cats in a human‐dominated landscape
Authors: Steyer Katharina , Tiesmeyer Annika , Muñoz‐Fuentes Violeta , Nowak Carsten
Published: January 2018

Hybridization between wild species and their domestic congeners is considered a major threat for wildlife conservation. Genetic integrity of the European wildcat, for instance, is a concern as they are outnumbered by domestic cats by several orders of magnitude throughout its range. We genotyped 1,071 individual wildcat samples obtained from hair traps and roadkills collected across the highly fragmented forests of western Central Europe, in Germany and Luxembourg, to assess domestic cat introgression in wildcats in human‐dominated landscapes. Analyses using a panel of 75 autosomalSNPs suggested a low hybridization rate, with 3.5% of wildcat individuals being categorized as F1, F2, or backcrosses to either parental taxon. We report that results based on a set of SNPs were more consistent than on a set of 14 microsatellite markers, showed higher accuracy to detect hybrids and their class in simulation analyses, and were less affected by underlying population structure. Our results strongly suggest that very high hybridization rates previously reported for Central Europe may be partly due to inadequate choice of markers and/or sampling design. Our study documents that an adequately selectedSNPpanel for hybrid detection may be used as an alternative to commonly applied microsatellite markers, including studies relying on noninvasively collected samples. In addition, our finding of overall low hybridization rates in Central European wildcats provides an example of successful wildlife coexistence in human‐dominated, fragmented landscapes.
Implicit assumptions of conceptual diagrams in environmental science and best practices for their illustration
Authors: Fandel Chloé A. , Breshears David D. , McMahon Ellen E.
Published: January 2018

In the earth and environmental sciences, many fundamental processes are explained through conceptual illustrations—a powerful medium for scientific communication. The processes depicted are generally highly complex, spatially and temporally variable, subject to high degrees of uncertainty, and non‐linearly impacted by anthropogenic actions. Conceptual illustrations necessarily simplify these processes, but also often suffer from a preventable lack of visual clarity, and/or are based on implicit assumptions that are mismatched to key conclusions in published literature. In this Innovative Viewpoint paper, we highlight considerations of conceptual and visual clarity relevant to illustrations in earth and environmental sciences. Using the water cycle as an example, we examine a range of conceptual illustrations of this process to assess what ideas they convey. An exploratory survey of 32 water cycle diagrams shows that they tend to depict generalized, well‐defined processes. Anthropogenic influences are included and/or implied in only half the diagrams, and none depict uncertainty in any form. The concept of the water cycle conveyed by these diagrams is therefore not quite the same as the concept of the water cycle as understood by hydrologists. This mismatch may negatively impact decision‐making related to water resources management, because the parties involved may unknowingly hold significantly different conceptual models of the processes at work. Other concepts in the earth and environmental sciences may be susceptible to similar issues. Our analysis highlights the importance of carefully assessing the assumptions and simplifying choices inherent in the process of translating a concept into an illustration. We conclude with an example of how these issues can be remedied by presenting a modified water cycle diagram designed to address common misconceptions associated with dryland systems, account for uncertainty in fluxes, and include key anthropogenic effects. A general list of best practices, many of which were used to develop this diagram, is included to help increase awareness among environmental researchers of strategies for increasing the conceptual and visual clarity of illustrations.
Missing forest cover gains in boreal forests explained
Authors: Guindon Luc , Bernier Pierre , Gauthier Sylvie , Stinson Graham , Villemaire Philippe , Beaudoin André
Published: January 2018

A recent global study reported a net difference between areas of forest cover loss and of forest cover gain of about 3.6% of total forest area across the boreal biome, and of 5.6% for Canada, over a 12‐yr period. Net losses of this magnitude should be of concern given the importance of this biome in global biogeochemical cycles linked to climate change. Our analysis for Canada fails to support these results and suggests that post‐harvest recovery of tree cover is generally strong, while post‐fire recovery of tree cover is weaker but nevertheless prevalent. We find that current large area remote sensing methodologies can fail to properly recognize post‐disturbance recovery from non‐forest to forest status in low‐productivity boreal forests when using short time series. With climate change and human impacts intensifying around the world, it is urgently important to be able to reliably distinguish temporary forest cover loss followed by naturally slow recovery from forest decline requiring policy action. The analysis was in large part based on the new Canada Landsat Disturbance product in which fires and harvest since 1984 are mapped at 30‐m resolution (https://doi.org/10.23687/add1346b-f632-4eb9-a83d-a662b38655ad).
Building Chains – Three Different Pnictogen Atoms in an Entirely tert‐Butyl Substituted Molecule
Authors: Ringler Benjamin , Müller Moritz , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: January 2018

The tert‐butyl‐substituted arsa‐ and stibaphosphanes tBu2EP(H)tBu (1: E = As, 2: E = Sb) were prepared by lithium chloride salt elimination. Metalation of 1 and 2 with nBuLi yielded the Li2P2 ring compounds [tBu2EP(Li·OEt2)tBu]2 (3: E = As, 4: E = Sb). By reaction of tBu2ECl (E = As, Sb) with 3 and 4, the interpnictogen chain molecules (tBu2E)2PtBu (5: E = As, 6: E = Sb) as well as tBu2SbP(tBu)AstBu2 (7) are accessible. Compound 7 is the first crystallographically characterized molecule in which a phosphorus atom is bound to both arsenic and antimony. Compounds 3–7 were characterized by single‐crystal XRD, NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Naked Eye, Ratiometric Absorption, and Ratiometric Fluorescence for Lead‐Ion Analysis with a Triplex‐Signal Chemosensor
Authors: Ma Pan , Wang Yucheng , Qi Qun , Dong Xiaoru , Zhu Peihua , Yu Jinghua
Published: January 2018

A metal‐free tetra(aryl)porphyrin derivative, modified by a N,N′‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1,6,7,12‐tetrachloroperylene‐3,4:9,10‐bis(dicarboximide) group, namely TBPP–PDI (1), has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. TBPP–PDI is employed as a resonance‐energy‐transfer (RET) based sensor for the detection of Pb2+, based on a process involving the donor PDI and the acceptor porphyrin. Binding with Pb2+ induces significant change in the solution color, enabling naked‐eye detection. Furthermore, the large changes in the intensity ratio of the two absorptions (I466/I418) and distinct emissions (F607/F719) allow for the ratiometric detection of Pb2+ with excellent sensitivity. The detection limit for the Pb2+ ion with TBPP–PDI is determined to be 4.0 × 10–7 m under the present conditions. More importantly, the sensor provides the potential application of on‐site and real‐time detection of unknown Pb2+ ions in real systems. The present results represent the first example of a PDI–porphyrin based triplex‐signal optical sensor for Pb2+, and provide the basis for a practical strategy for the rational design of new functional probes for many useful applications in real systems.
Highly Selective Carbon Dioxide Capture and Cooperative Catalysis of a Water‐Stable Acylamide‐Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Wang Zhaoxu , Luo Xin , Zheng Baishu , Huang Lu , Hang Cheng , Jiao Yinchun , Cao Xiyang , Zeng Wenjiang , Yun Ruirui
Published: January 2018

Incorporation of specific functionalities within the framework offers a significant opportunity to produce high‐performance gas storage/separation and catalysis MOF materials. In this work, multifunctionalities, including hydrophobic methoxy groups, polar acylamide functionalities, and open copper(II) sites, have been successfully integrated into a twofold interpenetrated microporous MOF (HNUST‐6, HNUST represents Hunan University of Science and Technology). HNUST‐6 possesses permanent porosity, with a moderate BET surface area of 1093 m2 g–1 and high CO2 adsorption capacity (111 cm3 g–1 at 1 bar), with good selectivity for CO2 over CH4 (6.6) and N2 (30.3) at 273 K. Remarkably, this MOF material exhibits excellent water stability and its framework structure is retained after being immersed in boiling water. In addition, HNUST‐6 demonstrates efficient catalytic activity as a cooperative catalyst in a tandem one‐pot deacetalization Knoevenagel condensation reaction.
Obesity and Male Infertility: Role of Fatty Acids in the Modulation of Sperm Energetic Metabolism
Authors: Ferramosca Alessandra , Di Giacomo Mariangela , Moscatelli Natalina , Zara Vincenzo
Published: January 2018

Obesity in men of reproductive age is increasing worldwide, impacting negatively on reproductive potential, sperm function, and assisted reproduction outcomes. Changes in modern eating behaviors are needed to invert the negative correlation between lifestyle and sperm quality. It is known from the literature that fatty acids are able to modulate lipid metabolism by complex mechanisms involving a sequence of interdependent and cross‐regulated molecular events. Although a great deal of data is currently available on the dietary modulation of lipid metabolism, little is known about the nutritional regulation of sperm energetic metabolism. In this review, major data from the literature about the role of some dietary fats as modulators of sperm function and quality are described. Moreover, biochemical mechanisms responsible for an impairment or improvement in sperm bioenergetics are critically analyzed. It is noteworthy that both quantitative and qualitative aspects of dietary fats influence sperm function. The administration of a high‐fat diet, low in polyunsaturated fatty acids, caused a significant increase in body weight hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, along with a significant reduction in sperm quality. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids are able to positively influence sperm quality and function. The understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying the development of male infertility related to obesity led us to depict a possible framework for the molecular action of fatty acids on sperm quality during dysmetabolic conditions.

Practical Applications: In this review major data from the literature about the spermatozoa targeting of dietary fatty acids are described and critically analyzed, because now dietary fatty acids are the current focus of research in the field of nutrition and reproduction in males. Such knowledge will eventually translate into the development of new attractive therapeutic approaches for male infertility related to alterations in lipid metabolism.

Dietary fatty acids are involved in the nutritional modulation of sperm energetic metabolism. Diets rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) seem to correlate with defective sperm energy metabolism and reduced sperm quality. Administration of PUFA, especially n‐3 PUFA, determines an increase in sperm concentration, and motility, associated to an increase in the activities of mitochondrial enzymes involved in gamete energetic metabolism and to a reduction in oxidative damaeg
Squalene‐Hopene Cyclase: On the Polycyclization Reactions of Squalene Analogues Bearing Ethyl Groups at Positions C‐6, C‐10, C‐15, and C‐19
Authors: Takahashi Kazunari , Sasaki Yusuke , Hoshino Tsutomu
Published: January 2018

Squalene‐hopene cyclase (SHC) has been found to convert acyclic squalene into 6,6,6,6,5‐fused pentacyclic triterpenes hopene and hopanol. The enzymatic reactions of squalene analogues bearing ethyl groups in lieu of methyl groups at positions C‐6, C‐10, C‐15, and C‐19 have been examined to investigate whether the larger ethyl substituents (a C1 unit increment) are accepted as substrates and to investigate how these substitutions affect polycyclization cascades. Analogue 6‐ethylsqualene 19a did not cyclize, which indicates that substitution with the bulky group at C‐6 completely inhibited the polycyclization reaction. In contrast, 19‐ethylsqualene 19b afforded a wide spectrum of cyclization products, including mono‐, bi‐, tetra‐, and pentacyclic products in a ratio of 6:6:1:2. The production of tetra‐ and pentacyclic scaffolds suggests that the reaction cavity for D‐ring formation site is somewhat loosely packed and can accept the 19‐ethyl group, and that a robust hydrophobic interaction exists between the 19‐ethyl group and the binding site. In contrast to 19b, 10‐ethylsqualene 20a and 15‐ethylsqualene 20b afforded mainly mono‐ and bicyclic products, that is, the polycyclization cascade terminated prematurely at the bicyclic reaction stage. Therefore, the catalytic domains for the 10‐ and 15‐methyl binding sites are tightly packed and cannot fully accommodate the Et substituents. The cyclization pathways followed by the ethyl‐substituted substrates in the presence of SHC and lanosterol and β‐amyrin synthases are compared.
Energetic Functionalization of the Pyridazine Scaffold: Synthesis and Characterization of 3,5‐Diamino‐4,6‐dinitropyridazine‐1‐Oxide
Authors: Gospodinov Ivan , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of 3,5‐diamino‐4,6‐dinitropyridazine‐1‐oxide (8) is reported. It is prepared in a six‐step synthetic procedure starting from acyclic compounds, and shows good properties (detonation velocity DC–J = 8486 m s–1, detonation pressure pC–J = 302 kbar), and sensitivity toward mechanical stimuli. Compound 8 and its precursor (7, 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4,6‐dinitropyridazine‐1‐oxide) were characterized by means of multinuclear (1H, 13C, 14N, 15N) NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), elemental analysis and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements. Compounds 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were also characterized by low‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The heats of formation for 7 and 8 were calculated using the atomization method based on CBS‐4M enthalpies. Using the experimentally determined (X‐ray) densities and the calculated standard molar enthalpies of formation, several detonation parameters such as the detonation pressure, energy and velocity were predicted by using the EXPLO5 code (V6.03). The sensitivities of 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4,6‐dinitropyridazine‐1‐oxide (7) and 3,5‐diamino‐4,6‐dinitropyridazine‐1‐oxide (8) toward impact, friction and electrical discharge were tested according to BAM standards. In addition, the shock reactivity of 8 was measured by applying the small‐scale shock reactivity test, showing similar values to HNS, PYX and TKX‐55.
Dipyrone is the preferred nonopioid analgesic for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. A survey of clinical practice in German‐speaking countries
Authors: Reist L. , Erlenwein J. , Meissner W. , Stammschulte T. , Stüber F. , Stamer U.M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Nonopioid analgesics are frequently used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Dipyrone is an alternative to NSAIDs and paracetamol, however, data on the frequency of its usage by anaesthesiologists in the perioperative and chronic pain setting are lacking and its adverse reactions are a matter of debate.

Methods

The link to a questionnaire on the use of nonopioid analgesics (NSAIDs, COX‐2 inhibitors, paracetamol, dipyrone) and the safety of dipyrone in the perioperative and chronic pain setting was mailed to anaesthesiologists and pain physicians.

Results

A total of 2237 responses were analysed. About 97.4% of the respondents used nonopioid analgesics for the treatment of acute pain, with 93.8% administering dipyrone, 54.0% NSAIDs, 41.8% COX‐2 inhibitors and 49.2% paracetamol. Nonopioid analgesics were administered preoperatively by 22.3%, intraoperatively by 86.1% and postoperatively by 73.0% of the respondents. For chronic pain management, 76.7% of the respondents prescribed oral dipyrone in combination with other nonopioid analgesics; 19.9% used dipyrone as sole nonopioid, whereas 2.9% denied its use. Cases of dipyrone‐associated agranulocytosis were observed by 3.5% of the respondents of the acute and 1.5% of the chronic pain questionnaire, respectively. The majority of respondents (acute pain: 73.0%, chronic pain 59.3%) performed no blood cell counts to monitor dipyrone therapy. Patients were rarely informed about possible adverse drug reactions.

Conclusions

Dipyrone is the preferred nonopioid analgesic in the perioperative and chronic pain setting. Although cases of agranulocytosis occur, benefits apparently outweigh the risks according to anaesthesiologists. Measures like patient information may improve safety.

Significance

A survey of anaesthesiologist in German‐speaking countries revealed dipyrone as preferred nonopioid analgesic for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Benefits seem to outweigh the risks, specifically the risk of agranulocytosis. Information of medical staff and patients on adverse drug reactions and symptoms of agranulocytosis should be implemented.
Free‐standing and Flexible MoS2/rGO Paper Electrode for Amperometric Detection of Folic Acid
Authors: Kıranşan Kader Dağcı , Topçu Ezgi
Published: January 2018

The development of flexible electrodes is of considerable current interest because of the increasing demand for modern electronics, portable medical products, and compact devices. We report a new type of flexible electrochemical sensor fabricated by integrating graphene and MoS2 nanosheets. A highly flexible and free‐standing conductive MoS2 nanosheets/reduced graphene oxide (MoS2/rGO) paper was prepared by a two‐step process: vacuum filtration and chemical reduction treatment. The MoS2/graphene oxide (MoS2/GO) paper obtained by a simple filtration method was transformed into MoS2/rGO paper after a chemical reduction process. The obtained MoS2/rGO paper was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of folic acid (FA) on MoS2/rGO paper electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. Electrochemical experiments indicated that flexible MoS2/rGO composite paper electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the FA, which can be attributed to excellent electrical conductivity and high specific surface area of the MoS2/rGO paper. The resulting biosensor showed highly sensitive amperometric response to FA with a wide linear range.