bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust, Precious‐Metal‐Free Dye‐Sensitized Photoanode for Water Oxidation: A Nanosecond‐Long Excited‐State Lifetime through a Prussian Blue Analogue
Authors: Ulusoy Ghobadi T. Gamze , Ghobadi Amir , Buyuktemiz Muhammed , Yildiz Elif Akhuseyin , Berna Yildiz Dilara , Yaglioglu H. Gul , Dede Yavuz , Ozbay Ekmel , Karadas Ferdi
Published: December 2019

Herein, we establish a simple synthetic strategy affording a heterogeneous, precious metal‐free, dye‐sensitized photoelectrode for water oxidation, which incorporates a Prussian blue (PB) structure for the sensitization of TiO2 and water oxidation catalysis. Our approach involves the use of a Fe(CN)5 bridging group not only as a cyanide precursor for the formation of a PB‐type structure but also as an electron shuttle between an organic chromophore and the catalytic center. The resulting hetero‐functional PB‐modified TiO2 electrode demonstrates a low‐cost and easy‐to‐construct photoanode, which exhibits favorable electron transfers with a remarkable excited state lifetime on the order of nanoseconds and an extended light absorption capacity of up to 500 nm. Our approach paves the way for a new family of precious metal‐free robust dye‐sensitized photoelectrodes for water oxidation, in which a variety of common organic chromophores can be employed in conjunction with CoFe PB structures.
A Mechanistic Perspective on Plastically Flexible Coordination Polymers
Authors: Bhattacharya Biswajit , Michalchuk Adam A. L. , Silbernagl Dorothee , Rautenberg Max , Schmid Thomas , Feiler Torvid , Reimann Klaus , Ghalgaoui Ahmed , Sturm Heinz , Paulus Beate , Emmerling Franziska
Published: December 2019

Mechanical flexibility in single crystals of covalently bound materials is a fascinating and poorly understood phenomenon. We present here the first example of a plastically flexible one‐dimensional (1D) coordination polymer. The compound [Zn(μ‐Cl)2(3,5‐dichloropyridine)2]n is flexible over two crystallographic faces. Remarkably, the single crystal remains intact when bent to 180°. A combination of microscopy, diffraction, and spectroscopic studies have been used to probe the structural response of the crystal lattice to mechanical bending. Deformation of the covalent polymer chains does not appear to be responsible for the observed macroscopic bending. Instead, our results suggest that mechanical bending occurs by displacement of the coordination polymer chains. Based on experimental and theoretical evidence, we propose a new model for mechanical flexibility in 1D coordination polymers. Moreover, our calculations propose a cause of the different mechanical properties of this compound and a structurally similar elastic material.
Copper‐catalyzed synthesis of N‐aryl acridones from 2‐amino benzophenones and aryl boronic acids via sequential double oxidative C–N coupling
Authors: He Yang , Xu Liang , Zhang Jinli , Wei Yu
Published: December 2019

Pot‐economic synthesis of N‐aryl acridones was performed with 2‐aminobenzophenones and aryl boronic acids as starting materials. Cu‐catalyzed chelation‐assisted oxidative C–N cross‐coupling reactions were well merged with the following intra‐molecular oxidative dehydrogenative C–H amination reactions under an air atmosphere. The use of reagent capsules can further resolve the compatibility problem of reagents and simplify the operational process, providing a more straightforward access to the target products.
Kinetics of the cyclization and isomerization reactions in polyacrylonitrile based carbon fiber precursors during thermal‐oxidative stabilization
Authors: Liu Ying , Xue Yan , Ji Hong , Liu Jie
Published: December 2019

The kinetics of reactions in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fiber (CF) production should be of significance to the guidance of process control, fiber structure formation. PAN precursor fibers were isothermally stabilized at 210, 225, 240, 255, and 270 °C, respectively, for 10 to 100 min in an air oven to study the kinetics of the cyclization and isomerization reactions. The structural evolution of PAN precursor fibers during thermal‐oxidative stabilization was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR). The results indicate that the FTIR absorbance of CN (the resultant of the cyclization) in PAN shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. And then the NMR peak assigned to the carbon atoms linking imino groups (NH) proves the isomerization of CN into NH in pyridone structure. Based upon the FTIR absorbance method, the entire process of the cyclization and isomerization reactions is considered as a consecutive first‐order reaction. A kinetic model for the consecutive reaction has been established via the evaluation of the reaction rate constants of two single reactions. According to the model, the simulated kinetic curves of the characteristic groups (CN, CN, and NH) conform to the FTIR absorbance trends of these groups based on experimental data. This study is expected to furnish in‐depth information on the crucial reaction kinetics during stabilization of PAN precursors, which is of advantage to the process optimization of the CF production. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48819.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of sea turtle strandings and factors contributing to their mortality in south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Tagliolatto Alicia Bertoloto , Goldberg Daphne Wrobel , Godfrey Matthew H. , Monteiro‐Neto Cassiano
Published: December 2019

Data on stranded sea turtles were examined between 2010 and 2016 along the northern region of Rio de Janeiro state and between 2016 and 2017 in the southern region, looking for spatio‐temporal patterns and determining which factors contributed to their mortality.

A total of 12,162 strandings of all five species that occur in Brazil were recorded, with Chelonia mydas being the most common (89.9%). Sea turtles use the Rio de Janeiro coast as a feeding and/or migration area. The intense upwelling (October to April) may be an important factor for the sea turtles feeding in this region, mainly for Eretmochelys imbricata and Dermochelys coriacea, which had a higher number of strandings during this period.

Areas further north of the study area include an important nesting site for Caretta caretta in Brazil, which explains the higher concentration of strandings of subadults/adults of this species in this region and during its nesting season.

Many anthropogenic threats to sea turtles were documented, mainly incidental capture in fisheries and marine debris, indicating possible hotspots for these threats in the regions of Sepetiba and Guanabara Bays, Cabo Frio, and São Francisco de Itabapoana.

Among the natural causes of strandings, the primary factors were chronic illness, endoparasites, and fibropapillomatosis. However, pollution may also be an indirect threat, which negatively affects these animals through reduced health and immunosuppression, leaving them more susceptible to opportunistic diseases.

These data are valuable for directing and implementing specific and local mitigation measures along the Rio de Janeiro state coast, such as avoiding bycatch hotspots through fleet communication programmes and/or area and seasonal closures, enforceable legislation, effective penalties and proper waste management.
Ongoing tissue changes in an experimentally mummified human leg
Authors: Morozova Irina , Öhrström Lena M. , Eppenberger Patrick , Bode‐Lesniewska Beata , Gascho Dominic , Haas Cordula , Akgül Gülfirde , Neukamm Judith , Röthlin Kim A. , Imhof Alexander , Shved Natallia , Papageorgopoulou Christina , Rühli Frank J.
Published: December 2019

Artificial mummification has been used since antiquity and is best known from ancient Egypt. Despite ancient Egyptian mummies being studied for several decades, the mummification techniques of that time are not well understood. Modern mummification experiments involving animal and human tissues have contributed additional insights relevant to a broad field of research. In the current study, we present follow‐up results of an experiment on artificial mummification, which began in 2009. A human leg was artificially mummified and monitored for almost a year with histological, molecular, and radiological techniques. Since then, it has remained in a dry, natron salt blend for 9 years. The current analyses show further progression of dehydration and tissue alterations, as well as DNA degradation, suggesting an ongoing process. Our results add new insights into the mechanisms of tissue mummification. Taking into account that the process is still ongoing, further research is required, including a re‐evaluation of the human leg in the future.
Sensitive chemical sensor array based on nanozymes for discrimination of metal ions and teas
Authors: Li Jiao , Cheng Qi , Huang Hui , Li Meini , Yan Shujun , Li Yongxin , Chang Zhiyong
Published: December 2019

Tea, originating from China, is an important part of Chinese traditional culture. There are different qualities of and producing areas for tea on the market, therefore it is necessary to discriminate between teas in a fast and accurate way. In this study, a chemical sensor array based on nanozymes was developed to discriminate between different metal ions and teas. The indicators for the sensor array are three kinds of nanozymes mimicking laccase (Cu‐ATP, Cu‐ADP, Cu‐AMP). The as‐developed sensor array successfully discriminated 12 metal ions and the detection limit was as low as 0.01 μM. The as‐developed sensor array was also able to discriminate tea samples. Different kinds of tea samples appeared in different areas in the canonical score plot with different response patterns. Furthermore, in a blind experiment, we successfully discriminated 12 samples with a 100% accuracy. This sensor array integrates chemistry and food science together, realizing the simultaneous detection of several kinds of teas using a sensitive method. The as‐developed sensor array would have an application in the tea market and provide a fast and easy method to discriminate between teas.
Impact of a multidisciplinary training programme on outcome of upper rectal cancer by critical appraisal of the extent of mesorectal excision with postoperative MRI
Authors: Bondeven P , Laurberg S , Hagemann-Madsen R H , Pedersen B G
Published: December 2019

Background

Optimal management of patients with upper rectal cancer remains unclear. Partial mesorectal excision (PME) without neoadjuvant therapy is currently advocated for the majority of patients. Recent studies, however, reported a high risk of local recurrence and suboptimal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a quality assurance initiative with postoperative MRI to improve outcomes in these patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent mesorectal excision with curative intent for rectal cancer in 2007–2013 were included. Postoperative MRI of the pelvis was performed 1 year after surgery. In 2011, a multidisciplinary workshop with focus on extent and completeness of surgery was held for training surgeons, pathologists and radiologists involved in treatment planning. Images of residual mesorectum and histopathological reports were reviewed with regard to the distal resection margin. Local recurrence after a minimum of 3 years' follow-up was compared between two cohorts from 2007–2010 and 2011–2013.

Results

A total of 627 patients were included; postoperative MRI of the pelvis was done in 381 patients. The 3-year actuarial local recurrence rate in patients with upper rectal cancer improved from 12·9 to 5·0 per cent (P = 0·012). After the workshop, fewer patients with cancer of the upper rectum were selected to have PME (90·8 per cent in 2007–2010 versus 80·2 per cent in 2011–2013; P = 0·023), and fewer patients who underwent PME had an insufficient distal resection margin (61·7 versus 31 per cent respectively; P < 0·001).

Conclusion

Quality assessment of surgical practice may have a major impact on oncological outcome after surgery for upper rectal cancer.
Application of Raman spectroscopy in monoclonal antibody producing continuous systems for downstream process intensification
Authors: Yilmaz Denizhan , Mehdizadeh Hamidreza , Navarro Dunie , Shehzad Amar , O'Connor Michael , McCormick Philip
Published: December 2019

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are biopharmaceuticals produced by mammalian cell lines in bioreactors at a variety of scales. Cell engineering, media optimization, process monitoring, and control strategies for in vitro production have become crucial subjects to meet increasing demand for these high value pharmaceuticals. Raman Spectroscopy has gained great attention in the pharmaceutical industry for process monitoring and control to maintain quality assurance. For the first time, this article demonstrated the possibility of subclass independent quantitative mAb prediction by Raman spectroscopy in real time. The developed model estimated the concentrations of different mAb isotypes with average prediction errors of 0.2 (g/L) over the course of cell culture. In situ Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods showed to be a useful predictive tool for monitoring of real time mAb concentrations in a permeate stream without sample removal. Raman spectroscopy can, therefore, be considered as a reliable process analytical technology tool for process monitor, control, and intensification of downstream continuous manufacturing. The presented results provide useful information for pharmaceutical industries to choose the most appropriate spectroscopic technology for their continuous processes.
Selected psychological aspects and medication adherence in oncological patients
Authors: Gruszczyńska Magdalena , Bąk‐Sosnowska Monika , Szemik Szymon
Published: December 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between selected psychological features and adherence to therapy in oncological patients.

Methods

The study included 102 patients of oncological clinics, 66.67% of whom were female. The average (SD) age of the study subjects was 49.15 ± 18.16 years old. The following tools were used: Morisky Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ‐4), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations, Personal Values Inventory (LWO), and a study‐specific survey questionnaire.

Results

High MAQ‐4 scores were declared by 39.2% of the subjects, medium scores by 32.3% and low scores by 28.5%. The values were higher in female patients (P = .23), younger subjects (P < .001), and in individuals with higher education (P = .03). The greatest adherence was observed in subjects who placed their locus of control in chance (P = .022). Significant relationships were identified between the level of medication adherence and the use of avoidance strategies of coping with stress (P = .037), including the willingness to engage in social relationships (P = .04). It was demonstrated that the risk of noncompliance in the analyzed group was associated with a lower assessment of appearance (OR = 0.75) and health (OR = 0.78) on the scale of values.

Conclusion

Medication adherence in oncological patients is related to the health locus of control, strategies of coping with stress, and the value assigned to appearance and health.
Evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of 18F‐Fluorine‐2‐Deoxy‐D‐Glucose PET/CT for lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis in a Tuberculosis‐endemic Country
Authors: Niyonkuru Alexandre , Chen Xiaomin , Bakari Khamis Hassan , Wimalarathne Dilani Neranjana , Bouhari Altine , Arnous Maher Mohamad Rajab , Lan Xiaoli
Published: December 2019

Objective

To determine the diagnostic efficacy of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in distinguishing between pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and lung cancer in solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) in a country with a high prevalence of PTB.

Methods

Patients with SPN who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging were retrospectively included in the study. The final diagnosis was established by histopathology. A linear regression equation was fitted to a scatter plot of size and SUVmax of lung cancer and PTB. ROC was used to determine the optimal cutoff values and diagnostic accuracy of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in PTB and lung cancer.

Results

About 514 patients were included with the mean age of 57.5 ± 10.6 years. Four hundred and seventy‐five cases were diagnosed as lung cancer, and 39 cases were PTB by histopathology. 18F‐FDG PET/CT had sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 96.0%, 48.7%, and 92.0%, respectively. Utilization of SUVmax ≥2.5 in SPN resulted in 2 and 11 false positives cases of lung cancer and PTB, respectively, whereas SUVmax <2.5 resulted in 18 and 10 false‐positive cases of lung cancer and PTB, respectively. The SUVmax and the size of short‐axis in the lung cancer group were statistically higher than those in the PTB group. The linear regression equation parameters indicated the slope of the regression line of lung cancer was greater than that of PTB. The ROC curve demonstrated the SUVmax cutoff values of 4.85 and 2.25 for lung cancer and PTB, respectively for predicting the diagnostic accuracy of 18F‐FDG PET/CT.

Conclusion

18F‐FDG PET/CT has a higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for malignant SPN. However, it has high false‐positive rate and low specificity in tuberculosis endemic areas. Neither SUVmax nor the sizes of the nodules are valuable parameters for distinguishing between lung cancer and PTB. However, the SPN with larger short‐axis and higher SUVmax would be inclined to malignant tumor.
A follow‐up study to a randomised control trial to investigate the perceived impact of mindfulness on academic performance in university students
Authors: Bóo Sebastian J. M. , Childs‐Fegredo Jasmine , Cooney Steven , Datta Bella , Dufour Géraldine , Jones Peter B. , Galante Julieta
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Mindfulness research in education has focused on its potential to support student well‐being. There is a paucity of research on the interaction between mindfulness and academic performance (AP). This qualitative study builds on results of the largest randomised control trial of mindfulness in education to date which suggested mindfulness can have mixed effects on academic performance. A more in‐depth understanding of the relationship between mindfulness and academic performance is therefore needed to ascertain if, how and for which students mindfulness facilitates academic performance. The objective of the study was to capture students’ perceptions of the impact of mindfulness on their academic performance.

Methods

Thematic analysis was applied to data obtained by six in‐depth interviews from three higher and three lower performing undergraduate participants in the mindfulness intervention arm of the Mindful Student Study randomised control trial.

Results

Three themes emerged, whereby five students described mindfulness having a positive impact on their academic performance. One student felt mindfulness had an initial negative impact on academic performance. All students felt mindfulness enhanced self‐awareness and self‐regulation of their thinking, feelings and behaviours, and our analysis suggests students perceived these processes underpinned the effect of mindfulness on academic performance.

Conclusion

Differences in students’ psychological distress and study habits may determine the differing initial impact of mindfulness on academic performance.
Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome in a patient with inferior petrosal sinus sampling indicating pituitary‐dependent ACTH secretion
Authors: Micko Alexander , Wolfsberger Stefan , Knosp Engelbert , Marik Wolfgang , Haberler Christine , Winhofer Yvonne , Luger Anton , Vila Greisa
Published: December 2019

In an unclear case of Cushing's syndrome, IPSS identifies the origin of ACTH secretion, and together with MRI enables the localization of an ectopic corticotroph adenoma in the parasellar or cavernous sinuses region.
Advanced materials development from corncob ash for economic sustainability
Authors: Adigun Bidemi Omowunmi , Jegede Floxy Imhande , Tunmilayo Sanya Olajide
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper was to provide a suitable scientific and economic method of reusing corncob to develop glass ceramics for useful products. Corncobs were procured from the Faculty of Agricultural Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and converted to ash. Chemical analysis to ascertain the chemical constituents of the ash was done by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) which indicated that corncob ash (CCA) has high silica content (68.70%). A sodium aluminosilicate glass batch was formulated using the corncob ash (CCA) and adding alumina and soda ash as supplementary sources of sodium oxide and alumina. The batch formulated for test‐melting was 127.56 g total weight. The Petrurgic method was employed for this study. The batch was melted in ceramic molds at 1200°C and cooled to room temperature at the rates of 1, 5 and 10°C/min in a temperature‐controlled furnace. The resultant glass ceramics was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope to determine their atomic and molecular structure and their microstructural morphology, respectively.
Photoinduced Betaine Generation for Efficient Photothermal Energy Conversion
Authors: Sasikumar Devika , Takano Yuta , Biju Vasudevanpillai
Published: December 2019

The conversion of solar energy to thermal, chemical, or electrical energy attracts great attention in chemistry and physics. There has been a considerable effort for the efficient extraction of photons throughout the entire solar spectrum. In this work light energy was efficiently harvested by using a long‐lived betaine photogenerated from an acridinium‐based electron donor–acceptor dyad. The photothermal energy‐conversion efficiency of the dyad is significantly enhanced by simultaneous illumination with blue (420–440 nm) and yellow (>480 nm) light in comparison with the sum of the conversion efficiencies for individual illumination with blue or yellow light. The enhanced photothermal effect is due to the photogenerated betaine, which absorbs longer‐wavelength light than the dyad, and thus the dyad–betaine combination is promising for efficient photothermal energy conversion. The mechanisms of betaine generation and energy conversion are discussed on the basis of steady‐state and transient spectral measurements.
Discovering multi‐dimensional motifs from multi‐dimensional time series for air pollution control
Authors: Liu Bo , Zhao Huaipu , Liu Yinxing , Wang Suyu , Li Jianqiang , Li Yong , Lang Jianlei , Gu Rentao
Published: December 2019

The motif discovery of multi‐dimensional time series datasets can reveal the underlying behavior of the data‐generating mechanism and reflect the relationship between time series in different dimensions. The study of motif discovery is of important significance in environmental management, financial analysis, healthcare, and other fields. With the growth of various information acquisition devices, the number of multi‐dimensional time series datasets is rapidly increasing. However, it is difficult to apply traditional multi‐dimensional motif discovery methods to large‐scale datasets. This paper proposes a novel method for motif discovery and analysis in large‐scale multi‐dimensional time series. It can effectively find multi‐dimensional motifs and the correlation among the motifs. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves better performance than the related arts on synthetic and real datasets. It is further validated on practical air quality data and provides theoretical support for real air pollution control in places such as Beijing.
A Weakly Antiferromagnetically Coupled Biradical Combining Verdazyl with Nitronylnitroxide Units
Authors: Petunin Pavel V. , Rybalova Tatyana V. , Trusova Marina E. , Uvarov Mikhail N. , Kazantsev Maxim S. , Mostovich Evgeny A. , Postulka Lars , Eibisch Paul , Wolf Bernd , Lang Michael , Postnikov Pavel S. , Baumgarten Martin
Published: December 2019

An antiferromagnetically (AFM) coupled biradical based on oxoverdazyl and nitronylnitroxide was synthesized in 46 % yield using Sonogashira coupling. The obtained heterobiradical evidenced distinct properties of both radical entities in solution. Depending on the solvent, the prepared biradical crystallized in two different forms. SQUID magnetization measurements on Form II showed coupling constants JintraII/kB=−2.1 K and zJinterII/kB=−11.5 K. Consequently, total intermolecular exchange interactions are five times larger than the intramolecular ones. Further, DFT calculations explained this phenomenon and indicated the advantage of Form I for further in‐depth investigations.
Two pair‐rule responsive enhancers regulate wingless transcription in the Drosophila blastoderm embryo
Authors: Bell Kimberly , Skier Kevin , Chen Kevin H. , Gergen John Peter
Published: December 2019

Background

While many developmentally relevant enhancers act in a modular fashion, there is growing evidence for nonadditive interactions between distinct cis‐regulatory enhancers. We investigated if nonautonomous enhancer interactions underlie transcription regulation of the Drosophila segment polarity gene, wingless.

Results

We identified two wg enhancers active at the blastoderm stage: wg 3613u, located from −3.6 to −1.3 kb upstream of the wg transcription start site (TSS) and 3046d, located in intron two of the wg gene, from 3.0 to 4.6 kb downstream of the TSS. Genetic experiments confirm that Even Skipped (Eve), Fushi‐tarazu (Ftz), Runt, Odd‐paired (Opa), Odd‐skipped (Odd), and Paired (Prd) contribute to spatially regulated wg expression. Interestingly, there are enhancer specific differences in response to the gain or loss of function of pair‐rule gene activity. Although each element recapitulates aspects of wg expression, a composite reporter containing both enhancers more faithfully recapitulates wg regulation than would be predicted from the sum of their individual responses.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the regulation of wg by pair‐rule genes involves nonadditive interactions between distinct cis‐regulatory enhancers.
Intraperitoneal dye injection method for visualizing the functioning lymphatic vascular system in zebrafish and medaka
Authors: Saito Erina , Isogai Sumio , Deguchi Tomonori , Ishida Kinji , Nozaki Takayuki , Ishiyama Eri , Wayama Marina , Shimoda Hiroshi
Published: December 2019

A hierarchically organized lymphatic vascular system extends throughout the vertebrate body for tissue fluid homeostasis, immune trafficking, and the absorption of dietary fats. Intralymphatic dye injection and serial sectioning have been the main tools for visualizing lymphatic vessels. Specific markers for identifying the lymphatic vasculature in zebrafish and medaka have appeared as new tools that enable the study of lymphangiogenesis using genetic and experimental manipulation. Transgenic fishes have become excellent organisms for visualizing the lymphatic vasculature in living embryos, but this method has limited usefulness, especially in later developmental stages. The functional lymphatic endothelium predominantly takes up foreign particles in zebrafish and medaka. We utilized this physiological activity and lymph flow to label lymphatic vessels. Intraperitoneal injection of trypan blue is useful for temporal observations of the lymphatic ducts, which are essential for large‐scale genetic screening, while cinnabar (HgS) injection allows identification of the lymphatic endothelium under electron microscopy, avoiding artefactual damage. This injection method, which is not high in cost and does not require high skill or special devices, is applicable to any live fish with functioning lymphatic vessels, even mutants, with high reproducibility for visualizing the entire lymphatic vascular system.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the organogenesis and development of the mammalian carotid body
Authors: Kameda Yoko
Published: December 2019

Despite significant advancements in understanding physiological properties of the carotid body, little attention has been paid to its organogenesis. This review addresses the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying organogenesis of the carotid body in mammals. The carotid body consists of two types of cells, that is, glomus cells and sustentacular cells, that are derived from different origins. Glomus cells are derivatives of neural crest cells which form sympathetic ganglia. Sustentacular cells are derivatives of mesenchymal neural crest cells which colonize the third pharyngeal arch and form the wall of the third arch artery. Gene‐targeting studies indicate that three elements are required for carotid body organogenesis: the carotid sinus nerve (CSN), third arch artery, and superior cervical sympathetic ganglion (SCG). The CSN sends sensory fibers and Schwann cells to the wall of the third arch artery. The third arch artery provides mesenchymal cells, which give rise to sustentacular cells. The nerve process from the SCG sends glomus cell progenitors into the carotid body primordium. The presence of stem cells in the adult carotid body was recently highlighted. The origin of stem cells, however, remains controversial. Based on embryonic development of the carotid body, this review proposes the origin of stem cells.
Aligning biodiversity conservation and agricultural production in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Butsic Van , Kuemmerle Tobias , Pallud Leo , Helmstedt Kate J. , Macchi Leandro , Potts Matthew D.
Published: December 2019

Understanding the trade‐offs between biodiversity conservation and agricultural production has become a fundamental question in sustainability science. Substantial research has focused on how species’ populations respond to agricultural intensification, with the goal to understand whether conservation policies that spatially separate agriculture and conservation or, alternatively, integrate the two are more beneficial. Spatial heterogeneity in both species abundance and agricultural productivity have been largely left out of this discussion, although these patterns are ubiquitous from local to global scales due to varying land capacity. Here, we address the question of how to align agricultural production and biodiversity conservation in heterogeneous landscapes. Using model simulations of species abundance and agricultural yields, we show that trade‐offs between agricultural production and species’ abundance can be reduced by minimizing the cost (in terms of species abundance) of agricultural production. We find that when species’ abundance and agricultural yields vary across landscapes, the optimal strategy to minimize trade‐offs is rarely pure land sparing or land sharing. Instead, landscapes that combine elements of both strategies are optimal. Additionally, we show how the reference population of a species is defined has important influences on optimization results. Our findings suggest that in the real world, understanding the impact of heterogeneous land capacity on biodiversity and agricultural production is crucial to designing multi‐use landscapes that jointly maximize conservation and agricultural benefits.
Generalized host‐plant feeding can hide sterol‐specialized foraging behaviors in bee–plant interactions
Authors: Vanderplanck Maryse , Zerck Pierre‐Laurent , Lognay Georges , Michez Denis
Published: December 2019

Host‐plant selection is a key factor driving the ecology and evolution of insects. While the majority of phytophagous insects is highly host specific, generalist behavior is quite widespread among bees and presumably involves physiological adaptations that remain largely unexplored. However, floral visitation patterns suggest that generalist bees do not forage randomly on all available resources. While resource availability and accessibility as well as nectar composition have been widely explored, pollen chemistry could also have an impact on the range of suitable host‐plants. This study focuses on particular pollen nutrients that cannot be synthesized de novo by insects but are key compounds of cell membranes and the precursor for molting process: the sterols. We compared the sterol composition of pollen from the main host‐plants of three generalist bees: Anthophora plumipes, Colletes cunicularius, and Osmia cornuta, as well as one specialist bee Andrena vaga. We also analyzed the sterols of their brood cell provisions, the tissues of larvae and nonemerged females to determine which sterols are used by the different species. Our results show that sterols are not used accordingly to foraging strategy: Both the specialist species A. vaga and the generalist species C. cunicularius might metabolize a rare C27 sterol, while the two generalist species A. plumipes and O. cornuta might rather use a very common C28 sterol. Our results suggest that shared sterolic compounds among plant species could facilitate the exploitation of multiple host‐plants by A. plumipes and O. cornuta whereas the generalist C. cunicularius might be more constrained due to its physiological requirements of a more uncommon dietary sterol. Our findings suggest that a bee displaying a generalist foraging behavior may sometimes hide a sterol‐specialized species. This evidence challenges the hypothesis that all generalist free‐living bee species are all able to develop on a wide range of different pollen types.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Synthesis of Electron Rich 1,3‐Dienes via Base Promoted Isomerization of Propargylic Ethers
Authors: Liu Chunxiang , Deng Guogang , Li Xin , Xu Yiren , Yu Kaili , Chen Wen , Zhang Hongbin , Yang Xiaodong
Published: December 2019

Herein, a novel and scalable synthesis of electron rich 1,3‐dienes based on KOtBu mediated isomerization of propargylic ether derivatives was developed. This new process features easy handling reaction conditions, transition‐metal‐free isomerization, high isolated yields, and most of all, it could be used for modification of natural products at late stage functionalizations.
Carbene‐Catalyzed Formal [3+3] Cycloaddition Reaction for Access to Substituted 2‐Phenylbenzothiazoles
Authors: Ni Zhibin , Mou Chengli , Zhu Xun , Qi Puying , Yang Song , Chi Yonggui Robin , Jin Zhichao
Published: December 2019

A carbene‐catalyzed oxidative cycloaddition reaction is developed for efficient access to multi‐functionalized 2‐phenylbenzothiazoles. A broad scope of heavily substituted arenes bearing 2‐benzothiazole groups have been prepared in good to excellent yields. The remote C(sp2)–H bond in the substituted arene products can be activated by Pd catalysts in regio‐selective fashion with the direction of the 2‐benzothiazole groups.
The role of reporting in the evaluation of rape victims
Authors: Naseralla Eyad J. , Warner Ruth H.
Published: December 2019

In three studies, we examined how individuals evaluate a rape victim based on whether she reports or does not report her rapist. Across all three studies, a victim who did not report the perpetrator was evaluated more negatively than a victim who did report the perpetrator. In Studies 2 and 3, symbolic concerns (the view that the victim’s actions violated shared values and disempowered herself) mediated the effect of reporting on evaluation of the victim. The effects of the victim’s relationship to the perpetrator (Study 1) and the victim’s decision to forgive the perpetrator (Study 2) were also examined. Results indicate that observers evaluate victims who do not report their perpetrators more negatively, and that this evaluation may be the result of perceptions of not reporting rape as a transgression.
Crossed categorization outside the lab: Findings from a factorial survey experiment
Authors: Grigoryan Lusine
Published: December 2019

Crossed categorization studies investigate intergroup attitudes in situations when two categorization dimensions are simultaneously salient, often looking at artificial groups in laboratory settings. The current study tests (a) patterns of evaluation in crossed categorization scenarios when more than two real‐life categorization dimensions are crossed, and (b) the moderating role of identity importance. We conduct a factorial survey experiment with a diverse sample (N = 524), crossing eight categorization dimensions. The results provide strong support for the additive pattern of crossed categorization, challenging the view that with an increased number of categories category‐based information processing will not be used. Identity importance predicts the strength of intergroup bias only on the dimension of religion, which was the dominant dimension in this sample. The study contributes to multiple and crossed categorization literature by testing some of its key assumptions using a design that increases the ecological validity of the findings.
Subtraction Ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) as a guide in localizing childhood epilepsy
Authors: Foiadelli Thomas , Lagae Lieven , Goffin Karolien , Theys Tom , De Amici Mara , Sacchi Lucia , Van Loon Johannes , Savasta Salvatore , Jansen Katrien
Published: December 2019

Objective

To assess feasibility and efficacy of subtraction ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) for epilepsy localization in children who are candidates for resective surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients ≤16 years with drug‐resistant epilepsy screened for epilepsy surgery in the University Hospital of Leuven from January 2009 to January 2018. Fifty‐eight hospitalizations for ictal SPECT and 51 SISCOM analyses in 44 patients were included. Mean age was 9.1 years. Hospitalizations for SISCOM were analyzed in terms of multiple variables affecting feasibility and efficacy. The localization of SISCOM was compared with the localization of the presumed epileptogenic zone (PEZ) as determined by video‐EEG.

Results

SISCOM was feasible in terms of chronic medication management, rescue antiepileptic therapy during hospitalization, and operative timings. Radiotracer injection occurred within 30 seconds from seizure onset in 91.4% of the patients. ictal SPECT imaging was performed within two hours from injection in 100% of the patients (mean: 40 minutes). SISCOM was able to localize the PEZ in 51.0% (26/51) and to additionally lateralize the PEZ in 17.6% (9/51), achieving better localizations than ictal SPECT, FDG‐PET, and MRI (P < .01). SISCOM was useful to localize the PEZ in 25% of patients with poorly localizing video‐EEG and in 27.8% of MRI‐negative cases. The occurrence of habitual seizures during injection for ictal SPECT and the temporal localization of the PEZ both correlated with a better SISCOM localization (P < .05). 36.4% (16/44) patients were finally selected for resective surgery, with a 87.5% seizure‐free rate at 12 months. A localizing SISCOM was associated with seizure freedom in 66.7% and with a Engel I‐II in 75.0% of our patients.

Significance

SISCOM is a reliable tool to localize the epileptogenic zone in clinical practice and is both feasible and useful in children, adding precious presurgical information especially in patients with noninformative MRI or a poorly localizing video‐EEG.
On hybrid energy utilization for harvesting base station in 5G networks
Authors: Yu Chih‐Min , Tala’t Mohammad , Feng Kai‐Ten
Published: December 2019

In this paper, hybrid energy utilization was studied for the base station in a 5G network. To minimize AC power usage from the hybrid energy system and minimize solar energy waste, a Markov decision process (MDP) model was proposed for packet transmission in two practical scenarios. In this model, one buffer is transmitted with a given number of data packets over finite transmission time intervals. In the two scenarios of packet transmission, solar energy harvesting (SEH) is stored in the first scene, while the other scene uses the energy immediately. The MDP model determines the best actions and decisions for both scenarios. When considering a finite battery size and finite packet buffer, the MDP model defines the actions, states, state transition probabilities, and cost value for each action. In the first scenario, the received solar energy harvester will not be used if it is not enough to transmit the packets in the buffer. In the second scenario, the received solar energy harvester will be used immediately. In both scenarios, the cost value is the weighted sum of AC power and SEH wastage. The simulation results showed the optimum buffer sizes could be determined for the balance between AC power consumption and SEH wastage based on the cost value of the proposed model. Finally, the numerical results indicated that the proposed MDP model could reduce AC power usage by up to 50%.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Gaseous Emissions from Household Cooking Devices: A Kenyan Case Study
Authors: Munyeza Chiedza F. , Osano Aloys M. , Maghanga Justin K. , Forbes Patricia B.C.
Published: December 2019

In developing countries, household energy use is highly variable and complex, yet emissions arising from fuel combustion indoors are typically poorly quantified. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are emitted during the combustion of organic fuels such as charcoal and biomass. In the present study, multichannel polydimethylsiloxane rubber traps were used for gas-phase PAH sampling and extracted using a low–solvent volume plunger-assisted solvent extraction method. Sixteen US Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs, primarily in the gas phase, were investigated in indoor air of rural and urban residential homes in coastal Kenya (Mombasa and Taita Taveta Counties) using typical combustion devices of each area. Average gaseous PAH concentrations per household were higher in rural (ranging 0.81–6.09 µg m–3) compared to urban (ranging 0–2.59 µg m–3) homes, although ambient PAH concentrations were higher in urban environments, likely attributable to traffic contributions. The impact of fuel choice and thereby combustion device on PAH emissions was very clear, with the highest concentrations of PAHs quantified from wood-burning emissions from 3-stone stoves (total PAH averages 46.23 ± 3.24 µg m–3 [n = 6]). Average benzo[a]pyrene equivalent total concentrations were evaluated for the priority PAHs and ranged from not detected to 43.31, 88.38, 309.61, and 453.88 ng m–3 for gas, kerosene, jiko, 3-stone, and improved 3-stone stoves, respectively. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:538–547. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Sampling, extraction and analysis of gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions from rural and urban kitchens in Kenya.
Study on quality characteristics of cassava flour and cassava flour short biscuits
Authors: Lu Haiqin , Guo Liyun , Zhang Lichao , Xie Caifeng , Li Wen , Gu Bi , Li Kai
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the basic components, nutrient composition, and processing characteristics of cassava flour were determined. In addition, the effects of xanthan gum and inulin on the pasting properties, microstructure, and thermal properties of cassava flour were studied. Biscuits were prepared using cassava flour as the main raw material and the optimal technology and formula for the biscuits were determined by single‐factor and orthogonal tests. The effects of xanthan gum and inulin on the quality of cassava flour short biscuits were also investigated, and volatile components in the biscuits were determined using electronic nose technique. The addition of xanthan gum improved the pasting properties and microstructure of cassava flour, and improved the taste and increased hardness and brittleness of the biscuits, making their quality similar to that of commercially available short biscuits. The addition of inulin inhibited the setback of starch and improved starch gelatinization. However, inulin was not suitable for processing of cassava flour biscuits as it decreased their hardness, brittleness, and taste. The optimal formula and baking conditions of cassava flour short biscuits were as follows: cassava flour 100 g, water 24 g, shortening 25 g, sugar 30 g, baking powder 0.6 g, salt 1 g, and egg 25 g; the surface fire and primer fire temperatures were 180°C, and the baking time was 9 min. In addition, although the main aroma volatile components present in cassava flour and low gluten wheat flour short biscuits were similar, the proportions of each component were different.
Improved prediction of brain age using multimodal neuroimaging data
Authors: Niu Xin , Zhang Fengqing , Kounios John , Liang Hualou
Published: December 2019

Brain age prediction based on imaging data and machine learning (ML) methods has great potential to provide insights into the development of cognition and mental disorders. Though different ML models have been proposed, a systematic comparison of ML models in combination with imaging features derived from different modalities is still needed. In this study, we evaluate the prediction performance of 36 combinations of imaging features and ML models including deep learning. We utilize single and multimodal brain imaging data including MRI, DTI, and rs‐fMRI from a large data set with 839 subjects. Our study is a follow‐up to the initial work (Liang et al., 2019. Human Brain Mapping) to investigate different analytic strategies to combine data from MRI, DTI, and rs‐fMRI with the goal to improve brain age prediction accuracy. Additionally, the traditional approach to predicting the brain age gap has been shown to have a systematic bias. The potential nonlinear relationship between the brain age gap and chronological age has not been thoroughly tested. Here we propose a new method to correct the systematic bias of brain age gap by taking gender, chronological age, and their interactions into consideration. As the true brain age is unknown and may deviate from chronological age, we further examine whether various levels of behavioral performance across subjects predict their brain age estimated from neuroimaging data. This is an important step to quantify the practical implication of brain age prediction. Our findings are helpful to advance the practice of optimizing different analytic methodologies in brain age prediction.
Ordinal Outcomes Are Superior to Binary Outcomes for Designing and Evaluating Clinical Trials in Compensated Cirrhosis
Authors: D’Amico Gennaro , Abraldes Juan G. , Rebora Paola , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Prevention of decompensation is a primary therapeutic target in patients with compensated cirrhosis (CC). However, a major problem is the large sample size and long follow‐up required to demonstrate a significant treatment effect because of the relatively low baseline risk. For this reason, it has been recently suggested that ordinal outcomes may be used in this area to gain power and reduce sample size. The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of ordinal outcomes in cirrhosis.

Approach and Results

An inception cohort of 202 patients with CC (no ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, encephalopathy, or jaundice) without esophageal varices was included, and 5‐year outcome is reported. Etiology was mostly viral and alcoholic, and there were no dropouts. Ordinal outcome was set according to six grades with a previously established prognostic ordinality: grade 1 = no disease progression; grade 2 = development of varices; grade 3 = bleeding alone; grade 4 = nonbleeding single decompensation; grade 5 = more than one decompensating event; and grade 6 = death. At the 60‐month time point, patients were distributed in grades 1 through 6 as follows: 129, 43, 2, 7, 5, and 16, respectively. Emulation of a clinical trial performed by dividing patients based on baseline platelet count into two groups (cutoff, 150 × 109/L) demonstrated a statistically significant outcome difference between groups when using ordinal outcomes not detectable by binary logistic or chi‐square or time‐to‐event analyses. Additionally, using ordinal outcomes in a hypothetical study to prevent decompensation resulted in sample‐size estimates 3‐to 4‐fold lower than using a binary composite endpoint.

Conclusions

Compared to traditional binary outcomes, the use of ordinal outcomes in trials of cirrhosis decompensation may provide more power and thus may require a smaller sample size.