bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental models for predicting habitat of the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins in Fujian, China
Authors: Chen Bingyao , Hong Zhe , Hao Xiuqing , Gao Huili
Published: February 2020

The coast of Fujian Province is a key area for the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), but the characteristics of their preferred habitats are poorly defined.

The species distribution model, MaxEnt, was used to predict suitable habitat distributions of humpback dolphins in Fujian, China. The model indicated that the distance to the coastline (63.5% contribution), chlorophyll‐a levels (20.2%) and the bathymetry (15.6%) were important predictors of humpback dolphin habitats.

The model predicted 2,043.96 km2 of highly suitable habitat that was concentrated in five areas. Four are known to be within the area of the current distribution of humpback dolphins; Putian was identified as a new area with suitable habitat, however, it is unclear if dolphins are present.

The predicted locations of suitable humpback dolphin habitats provided in this study should be the focus of future research and nature reserve designs.
Solar polarization observations at 3 and 13 mm
Authors: Kallunki Juha , Tornikoski Merja , Kirves Petri , Oinaskallio Erkki , Aatrokoski Juha , Mujunen Ari , Tammi Joni
Published: February 2020

The first solar radio polarization observations at 3 mm (86 GHz) and 13 mm (22 GHz) were made at Aalto University Metsähovi Radio Observatory in Finland in spring 2019. This was the first time that 3 mm (86 GHz) and 13 mm (1.3 cm) solar polarization observations were made with the same radio telescope. In this paper, we describe the observing system and data analysis, and present the first results. We also compare our data with polarization observations made with the Nobeyama Radioheliograph and find that the results are consistent. Additionally, we determine the quiet Sun level brightness temperature at 3 mm (86 GHz) using the New Moon for reference, and obtain a mean value of 6,310 K.
Boosting the Supercapacitive Behavior of CoAl Layered Double Hydroxides via Tuning the Metal Composition and Interlayer Space
Authors: Seijas‐Da Silva Alvaro , Sanchis‐Gual Roger , Carrasco Jose A. , Oestreicher Víctor , Abellán Gonzalo , Coronado Eugenio
Published: February 2020

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising supercapacitor materials due to their wide chemical versatility, earth abundant metals and high specific capacitances. Many parameters influencing the supercapacitive performance have been studied such as the chemical composition, the synthetic approaches, and the interlayer anion. However, no systematic studies about the effect of the basal space have been carried out. Here, two‐dimensional (2D) CoAl‐LDHs were synthesized through anion exchange reactions using surfactant molecules in order to increase the interlayer space (ranging from 7.5 to 32.0 Å). These compounds exhibit similar size and dimensions but different basal space to explore exclusively the interlayer distance influence in the supercapacitive performance. In this line, Co : Al ratios of 2 : 1, 3 : 1 and 4 : 1 were explored. In all cases, an enhancement of the specific capacitance was observed by increasing the basal space, reaching ca. 50 % more than the value obtained from the less‐spaced 2 : 1 CoAl‐LDH (going from ca. 750 to 1100 F.g−1 at 1 A.g−1). This increment mainly occurs because of the increase in the electrochemical surface area (up to ca. 260 %) and the higher electrolyte diffusion. Interestingly, the best performance is achieved for the lowest Co : Al ratio (i. e. the highest Al content) revealing the important role of the electrochemically inert Al in the structure.
Education, health and care plans and tribunals in England: A statistical tale from 2019
Authors: Marsh Alan J. , Howatson Kathryn
Published: February 2020

Education, health and care (EHC) plans were introduced in England in 2014, as a replacement for statements of special educational needs. Unexpectedly, the number of children and young people in receipt of an EHC plan rose by 49% during the 5 years up to 2019. Whilst most of the increase has been due to the extension of the age range up to age 25, there has still been a notable rise of 20% in the 0–15‐year range. This study explores the trends and variations in EHC plans and tribunals within English local authorities (LAs) for children and young people with special educational needs and disability (SEND) by interrogating the latest full set of data from 2013 to 2018. Two quintile groups (n = 30) are used for comparing LAs with high and low levels of EHC plans and LA case studies are also presented for further inspection of the data. Wide variations across LAs still exist for EHC plans (5.2% to 1.0%) and tribunal appeals (43 to 0 per 10,000). LAs with low EHC plans have more appealable decisions at tribunals and are financed at significantly lower levels than LAs with high EHC plans, largely due to an historic spend factor of 50% in the national funding formula. There are also clear differences between the English regions for both EHC plans and tribunals, with high increases for both in the South East. The implications of the findings are discussed within the framework of LA critical self‐reviews, benchmarking, fiscal constraints and inclusion.
Skew‐normal random‐effects model for meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies
Authors: Negeri Zelalem F. , Beyene Joseph
Published: February 2020

Hierarchical models are recommended for meta‐analyzing diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies. The bivariate random‐effects model is currently widely used to synthesize a pair of test sensitivity and specificity using logit transformation across studies. This model assumes a bivariate normal distribution for the random‐effects. However, this assumption is restrictive and can be violated. When the assumption fails, inferences could be misleading. In this paper, we extended the current bivariate random‐effects model by assuming a flexible bivariate skew‐normal distribution for the random‐effects in order to robustly model logit sensitivities and logit specificities. The marginal distribution of the proposed model is analytically derived so that parameter estimation can be performed using standard likelihood methods. The method of weighted‐average is adopted to estimate the overall logit‐transformed sensitivity and specificity. An extensive simulation study is carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed model compared to other standard models. Overall, the proposed model performs better in terms of confidence interval width of the average logit‐transformed sensitivity and specificity compared to the standard bivariate linear mixed model and bivariate generalized linear mixed model. Simulations have also shown that the proposed model performed better than the well‐established bivariate linear mixed model in terms of bias and comparable with regards to the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the between‐study (co)variances. The proposed method is also illustrated using a published meta‐analysis data.
A dynamic model linking cell growth to intracellular metabolism and extracellular by‐product accumulation
Authors: Ramos João R. C. , Rath Alexander G. , Genzel Yvonne , Sandig Volker , Reichl Udo
Published: February 2020

Mathematical modeling of animal cell growth and metabolism is essential for the understanding and improvement of the production of biopharmaceuticals. Models can explain the dynamic behavior of cell growth and product formation, support the identification of the most relevant parameters for process design, and significantly reduce the number of experiments to be performed for process optimization. Few dynamic models have been established that describe both extracellular and intracellular dynamics of growth and metabolism of animal cells. In this study, a model was developed, which comprises a set of 33 ordinary differential equations to describe batch cultivations of suspension AGE1.HN.AAT cells considered for the production of α1‐antitrypsin. This model combines a segregated cell growth model with a structured model of intracellular metabolism. Overall, it considers the viable cell concentration, mean cell diameter, viable cell volume, concentration of extracellular substrates, and intracellular concentrations of key metabolites from the central carbon metabolism. Furthermore, the release of metabolic by‐products such as lactate and ammonium was estimated directly from the intracellular reactions. Based on the same set of parameters, this model simulates well the dynamics of four independent batch cultivations. Analysis of the simulated intracellular rates revealed at least two distinct cellular physiological states. The first physiological state was characterized by a high glycolytic rate and high lactate production. Whereas the second state was characterized by efficient adenosine triphosphate production, a low glycolytic rate, and reactions of the TCA cycle running in the reverse direction from α‐ketoglutarate to citrate. Finally, we show possible applications of the model for cell line engineering and media optimization with two case studies.
An autoinducible trp‐T7 expression system for production of proteins and biochemicals in Escherichia coli
Authors: Landberg Jenny , Mundhada Hemanshu , Nielsen Alex Toftgaard
Published: February 2020

Inducible expression systems can be applied to control the expression of proteins or biochemical pathways in cell factories. However, several of the established systems require the addition of expensive inducers, making them unfeasible for large‐scale production. Here, we establish a genome integrated trp‐T7 expression system where tryptophan can be used to control the induction of a gene or a metabolic pathway. We show that the initiation of gene expression from low‐ and high‐copy vectors can be tuned by varying the initial concentration of tryptophan or yeast extract, and that expression is tightly regulated and homogenous when compared with the commonly used lac‐T7 system. Finally, we apply the trp‐T7 expression system for the production of l‐serine, where we reach titers of 26 g/L in fed‐batch fermentation.
Toward the Robust Synthesis of [18F]F‐DOPA: Quantum Chemical Analysis of SNAr Cold Fluorination of Diaryl Iodonium Salt by 19F−
Authors: Oh Young‐Ho , Choi Hyoju , Lee Sung‐Sik , Lee Sungyul
Published: February 2020

Quantum chemical analysis is presented for S
NAr cold fluorination of diaryliodonium salts by 19F− observed by Wirth et al. [Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2015, 625]. We examine the origin of experimentally obtained low yields (0–5%) of fluorination by calculating and comparing the relative Gibbs free energies of pre‐reaction complexes and the Gibbs free energies of activation for fluorination, bromination, and intramolecular cyclization. Focusing on the counter‐anion in diaryliodonium salt, we propose that S
NAr bromination would be the predominant process rather than fluorination, resulting in very small amount of fluorinated product. Discussions are made for possible means of improving the yields in cold fluorination.
Emissions permit allocation and strategic firm behavior: Evidence from the oil sector in the European Union emissions trading scheme
Authors: Patnaik Sanjay
Published: February 2020

With the growing urgency of climate change, governments around the world are increasingly implementing new regulations for greenhouse gases. This trend elevates the importance of examining how firms engage in strategic efforts to influence regulations before they are in place and how they respond once they are in effect (i.e., their ex‐ante and ex‐post strategic behavior). This paper examines the outcomes of such strategic efforts by multinational and domestic oil companies within the European Union emissions trading scheme. An analysis of a panel dataset of oil firms (2008–2012) shows that on average the outcome of ex‐ante strategies did not differ significantly between multinational companies (MNCs) and domestic firms. However, the findings indicate that among those firms that received positive net benefits from the new climate policy, domestic firms were able to maximize these benefits better than MNCs through their ex‐post strategies. In contrast, among the firms that faced net costs due to the policy, MNCs were able to minimize these costs better than domestic firms, ex‐post. This paper advances our understanding of whether and to what extent MNCs differ from domestic firms in their economic outcomes stemming from strategic behavior related to emissions trading. This question is especially pertinent for regulations related to climate change, which is one of humanity's grand challenges and has important consequences for our economic, social, and political systems.
Long noncoding RNA DUXAP8 contributes to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via regulating miR‐422a/PDK2 axis
Authors: Wei Feifei , Yang Liang , Jiang Dandan , Pan Min , Tang Guiyan , Huang Mingyue , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deadly cancer worldwide. Multiple long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are recently identified as crucial oncogenic factors or tumor suppressors. In this study, we explored the functon and mechanism of lncRNA double homeobox A pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) in the progression of HCC.

Methods

Expression levels of DUXAP8 in HCC tissue samples were measured using qRT‐PCR. The association between pathological indexes and the expression of DUXAP8 was also analyzed. Human HCC cell lines SMMC‐7721 and QSG‐7701 were used in in vitro studies. CCK‐8 assay was used to assess the effect of DUXAP8 on HCC cell line proliferation. Scratch healing assay and Transwell assay were conducted to detect the effect of DUXAP8 on migration and invasion. Furthermore, dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm targeting relationship between miR‐422a and DUXAP8. Additionally, Western blot was used to detect the regulatory function of DUXAP8 on pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 (PDK2).

Results

DUXAP8 expression HCC clinical samples was significantly increased and this was correlated with unfavorable pathological indexes. High expression of DUXAP8 was associated with shorter overall survival time of patients. Its overexpression remarkably facilitated the proliferation, metastasis, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of HCC cells. Accordingly, knockdown of it suppressed the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells. Overexpression of DUXAP8 significantly reduced the expression of miR‐422a by sponging it, but enhanced the expression of PDK2.

Conclusions

DUXAP8 was a sponge of tumor suppressor miR‐422a in HCC, enhanced the expression of PDK2 indirectly, and functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA.
Learning from the Past: Possible Urgent Prevention and Treatment Options for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Caused by 2019‐nCoV
Authors: Morse Jared S. , Lalonde Tyler , Xu Shiqing , Liu Wenshe Ray
Published: February 2020

With the current trajectory of the 2019‐nCoV outbreak unknown, public health and medicinal measures will both be needed to contain spreading of the virus and to optimize patient outcomes. Although little is known about the virus, an examination of the genome sequence shows strong homology with its better‐studied cousin, SARS‐CoV. The spike protein used for host cell infection shows key nonsynonymous mutations that might hamper the efficacy of previously developed therapeutics but remains a viable target for the development of biologics and macrocyclic peptides. Other key drug targets, including RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase and coronavirus main proteinase (3CLpro), share a strikingly high (>95 %) homology to SARS‐CoV. Herein, we suggest four potential drug candidates (an ACE2‐based peptide, remdesivir, 3CLpro‐1 and a novel vinylsulfone protease inhibitor) that could be used to treat patients suffering with the 2019‐nCoV. We also summarize previous efforts into drugging these targets and hope to help in the development of broad‐spectrum anti‐coronaviral agents for future epidemics.
Metastatic lung cancer presenting as thoracic empyema. A Case report
Authors: Leporati Andrea , Raveglia Federico , Cioffi Ugo , De Simone Matilde , Ghelma Filippo , Baisi Alessandro
Published: February 2020

Increased cancer risk in patients with inflammatory and infectious diseases has been reported in many studies and lung cancer‐associated empyema in <0.3% patients. We present a patient with empyema in whom the final diagnosis was metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Purulent pleural fluid obtained by drainage or thoracentesis must always been examined because the association of malignant tumors and empyema should be taken into consideration.
Acute promyelocytic leukemia presenting with atypical basophils
Authors: Shameli Afshin , Jamani Kareem
Published: February 2020

We describe a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia with circulating aberrant basophils. Recent studies have shown that basophilic differentiation is not uncommon in APL and likely under‐recognized in morphologic and immunophenotypic assessments.
Cushing's syndrome: Consequences of late diagnosis after bariatric surgery
Authors: Pedro Jorge , Belo Sandra , Guerreiro Vanessa , Ferreira Maria João , Salazar Daniela , Costa Cláudia , Esteves César , Pereira Josué , Freitas Paula , Carvalho Davide
Published: February 2020

Prior to bariatric surgery, endocrine causes of obesity must be excluded. The diagnosis of osteoporosis in a male requires the study of secondary causes of this condition. The diagnostic delay of Cushing's syndrome may have irreversible consequences.
Self‐inflicted human bite followed by hand necrotizing fasciitis in an adult with Down syndrome
Authors: Komagoe Sho , Azumi Shogo , Hasegawa Yuta
Published: February 2020

Adults with Down syndrome are more prone to develop intellectual, physical, and psychological disorders than their pediatric counterparts. It is pertinent to prevent the occurrence of severe complications in these patients. This case demonstrates the importance of support, regular follow‐up, and wound management in self‐care of adults with Down syndrome.
Non Monotonous Product Distribution Dependence on Pt/γ‐Al2O3−Cl Catalysts Formulation in n‐Heptane Reforming.
Authors: Said‐Aizpuru Olivier , Batista Ana T. F. , Bouchy Christophe , Petrazzuoli Vittorio , Allain Florent , Diehl Fabrice , Farrusseng David , Morfin Franck , Joly Jean‐François , Dandeu Aurélie
Published: February 2020

The synthesis of 19 carefully selected Pt/γ‐Al2O3−Cl formulations was followed by high‐throughput catalytic testing in order to unravel the effect of an active phase formulation change on n‐heptane reforming performances. Pt/γ‐Al2O3−Cl catalysts were prepared with different Pt (0.3–1 %wt) and Cl (0.1–1.4 %wt) contents and using two γ‐Al2O3 supports so that both sites concentrations and sites locations at the crystallite surface vary among the catalyst pool. Catalytic tests were conducted in mild conditions for a comparison of catalysts in kinetic regime. Results show that Pt and Cl concentrations control the competition between hydroisomerisation, hydrogenolysis and hydrocracking pathways. Aromatisation, on the contrary, is poorly affected by formulation changes. Non‐monotonous trends linking Pt/Cl ratio to isomerisation selectivity are found for both γ‐Al2O3 supports. This study provides new insights for the description of bi‐functional transformations in catalytic naphtha reforming.
Stereoselectivity Inversion by Water Addition in the −SO3H‐catalyzed Tandem Prins‐Ritter Reaction for Synthesis of 4‐amidotetrahydropyran Derivatives
Authors: Sidorenko Alexander Yu. , Li‐Zhulanov Nikolai S. , Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Sandberg Thomas , Kravtsova Anna V. , Peixoto Andreia F. , Freire Cristina , Volcho Konstantin P. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F. , Agabekov Vladimir E. , Murzin Dmitry Yu.
Published: February 2020

A range of heterogeneous ‐SO3H functionalized catalysts including carbon and halloysite nanotubes, commercial K10 clay, Amberlyst‐15 etc. was investigated for the first time using as a model the Prins‐Ritter reaction of (−)‐isopulegol with benzaldehyde and acetonitrile producing 4‐amido derivatives of octahydro‐2H‐chromenes (as (S)‐ and (R)‐diastereomers). A strong effect of water addition prior the reaction on the overall selectivity and the ratio of isomers in the case of heterogeneous and homogeneous (p‐toluenesulfonic acid) catalysis was found for the first time. The yield of the (R)‐diastereomer sharply increased with increasing amount of added water, while the S‐isomer prevailed with a minimum amount of added water. Experimental results and DFT calculations clearly indicate a kinetic control for R‐amide formation. Typically synthesis of 4‐amidooctahydro‐2H‐chromenes requires subzero temperatures and toxic catalysts, which were avoided in the current work. Nevertheless, the yield of the desired products (up to 83 %) at 30 °C after water addition exceeded the values reported previously. Thus, adding water is a simple and a very effective method for controlling both the yield and stereoselectivity of the Prins‐Ritter reaction products under mild conditions.
Ranking and multicriteria decision making in optimization of raspberry convective drying processes
Authors: Stamenković Zoran , Radojčin Milivoj , Pavkov Ivan , Bikić Siniša , Ponjičan Ondrej , Bugarin Rajko , Kovács Sándor , Gere Attila
Published: February 2020

Serbia is one of the leading producers and exporters of raspberry in the world, and considering the short shelf life of raspberry, the processing, storage, and transport are some of the main issues to be addressed.

A comparative experiment was conducted in order to find the suitable process parameters for convective drying that may be considered as the alternatives to freeze‐drying, which is a widely used preservation method for raspberry even though it is a costly and energy‐consuming method. Twelve convective drying regimens were applied with a combination of three influencing factors: air temperature (60°C, 70°C, and 80°C), air rate (0.5 and 1.5 m·s−1), and stage of raspberry (fresh and frozen). The final product, a dried raspberry, was assessed for chemical, physical, and mechanical properties and rehydration capacity. Deep ranking analysis by power eigenvectors (DRAPE) and sum of ranking differences (SRD) were used to uncover the differences and similarities between the applied drying methods.

SRD showed that convective drying of fresh raspberries proved to be more similar to freeze‐dried raspberries than convective drying of frozen ones. Fresh samples dried at 60 °C air temperature and 1.5 m·s−1 air flow proved to be the most similar to the reference freeze‐drying method. This convective regimen gives samples with the lowest color change, shrinkage, and shape deformation. With the mechanical and chemical properties of these samples being observed, statistical Duncan's test show that there is no significant difference (P < .05) in terms of hardness, shear force resistance, total phenolic, and total flavonoid preservation, compared with freeze‐dried samples. DRAPE gave similar results, but it added the variable importance in ranking as well, and total phenol reduction was defined as the most important variable. These results can help practitioners to develop cheaper and simpler drying methods that would replace the freeze‐drying but keep the same quality of the dried products.
Hexayne Amphiphiles and Bolaamphiphiles
Authors: Bomal Enzo , Croué Vincent , Yeo Reuben , Scopelliti Rosario , Frauenrath Holger
Published: February 2020

Oligoynes with two or more conjugated carbon–carbon triple bonds are useful precursors for carbon‐rich nanomaterials. However, their range of applications has so far been severely limited by the challenging syntheses, particularly in the case of oligoynes with functional groups. Here, we report a universal synthetic approach towards both symmetric and unsymmetric, functionalized hexaynes through the use of a modified Eglinton–Galbraith coupling and a sacrificial building block. We demonstrate the versatility of this approach by preparing hexaynes functionalized with phosphonic acid, carboxylic acid, ammonium, or thiol head groups, which serve as neutral, cationogenic, or anionogenic interfacially active groups. We show that these hexaynes are carbon‐rich amphiphiles or bolaamphiphiles that self‐assemble at liquid–liquid interfaces, on solid surfaces, as well as in aqueous media.
Control over the Redox Cooperative Mechanism of Radical Carbene Transfer Reactions for the Efficient Active‐Metal‐Template Synthesis of [2]Rotaxanes
Authors: Alcântara Arthur F. P. , Fontana Liniquer A. , Almeida Marlon P. , Rigolin Vitor H. , Ribeiro Marcos A. , Barros Wdeson P. , Megiatto Jackson D.
Published: February 2020

A 5,15‐bis(1,1′‐biphenyl)porphyrin‐based molecular clip covalently connected to a ditopic aliphatic ester loop moiety yields a semi‐rigid macrocycle with a well‐defined cavity. The resulting macrocycle fits the structural requirements for the preparation of porphyrinates capable of promoting formation of C−C bonds. To demonstrate the usefulness of porphyrin‐based macrocycles, an active‐metal‐template synthesis of rotaxanes through a redox non‐innocent carbene transfer reaction is described. Coordination of CoII ions into the porphyrin subunit followed by addition of appropriate monodentate nitrogen‐based additives to function as axial ligands enables the radical carbene transfer reactions to styrene derivatives to occur exclusively through the cavity of the macrocycle to afford cyclopropane‐linked rotaxanes in excellent 95 % yield. Investigation of the product distribution afforded from the rotaxane assembly reaction reveals how the redox cooperative action between the carbene species and the CoII ions can be manipulated to gain control over the radical‐type mechanism to favor the productive rotaxane forming process.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Regioselective Functionalization of Monophosphino‐o‐Carboranes
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Yang , Zhang Xuepeng , Yuan Jia , Yue Chang‐Duo , Meng Sixuan , Chen Jian , Yu Guang‐Ao , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: February 2020

A facile approach to the synthesis of diaryl‐ and dialkyl‐substituted monophosphino‐o‐carboranes by rhodium(I)‐catalyzed phosphine‐directed B3,6−H activation has been developed for the first time. Upon switching rhodium(I) to palladium(II), C‐arylated and B6‐halogenated products were obtained by using tBuOLi and Li2CO3 as base, respectively. These discoveries provide some simple and efficient approaches to the modification of monophosphino‐o‐carboranes.
Constructive Quantum Interference in Single‐Molecule Benzodichalcogenophene Junctions
Authors: Baghernejad Masoud , Yang Yang , Al‐Owaedi Oday A. , Aeschi Yves , Zeng Biao‐Feng , Abd Dawood Zahra Murtada , Li Xiaohui , Liu Junyang , Shi Jia , Decurtins Silvio , Liu Shi‐Xia , Hong Wenjing , Lambert Colin J.
Published: February 2020

Heteroatom substitution into the cores of alternant, aromatic hydrocarbons containing only even‐membered rings is attracting increasing interest as a method of tuning their electrical conductance. Here, the effect of heteroatom substitution into molecular cores of non‐alternant hydrocarbons, containing odd‐membered rings, is examined. Benzodichalcogenophene (BDC) compounds are rigid, planar π‐conjugated structures, with molecular cores containing five‐membered rings fused to a six‐membered aryl ring. To probe the sensitivity or resilience of constructive quantum interference (CQI) in these non‐bipartite molecular cores, two C2‐symmetric molecules (I and II) and one asymmetric molecule (III) were investigated. I (II) contains S (O) heteroatoms in each of the five‐membered rings, while III contains an S in one five‐membered ring and an O in the other. Differences in their conductances arise primarily from the longer S−C and shorter O−C bond lengths compared with the C−C bond and the associated changes in their resonance integrals. Although the conductance of III is significantly lower than the conductances of the others, CQI was found to be resilient and persist in all molecules.
Tricoordinate Coinage Metal Complexes with a Redox‐Active Tris‐(Ferrocenyl)triazine Backbone Feature Triazine–Metal Interactions
Authors: Straube Axel , Coburger Peter , Ringenberg Mark R. , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: February 2020

2,4,6‐Tris(1‐diphenylphosphanyl‐1’‐ferrocenylene)‐1,3,5‐triazine (1) coordinates all three coinage metal(I) ions in a 1:1 tridentate coordination mode. The C3‐symmetric coordination in both solid state and solution is stabilised by an uncommon cation–π interaction between the triazine core and the metal cation. Intramolecular dynamic behaviour was observed by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy. The borane adduct of 1, 1BH3, displays four accessible oxidation states, suggesting complexes of 1 to be intriguing candidates for redox‐switchable catalysis. Complexes 1Cu, 1Ag, and 1Au display a more complicated electrochemical behaviour, and the electrochemical mechanism was studied by temperature‐resolved UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry and chemical oxidation.
A Mechanistically and Operationally Simple Route to Metal–N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Complexes
Authors: Tzouras Nikolaos V. , Nahra Fady , Falivene Laura , Cavallo Luigi , Saab Marina , Van Hecke Kristof , Collado Alba , Collett Christopher J. , Smith Andrew D. , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: February 2020

We have been puzzled by the involvement of weak organic and inorganic bases in the synthesis of metal–N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes. Such bases are insufficiently strong to permit the presumed required deprotonation of the azolium salt (the carbene precursor) prior to metal binding. Experimental and computational studies provide support for a base‐assisted concerted process that does not require free NHC formation. The synthetic protocol was found applicable to a number of transition‐metal‐ and main‐group‐centered NHC compounds and could become the synthetic route of choice to form M–NHC bonds.
A Combinatorial Virtual Screening Approach Driving the Synthesis of 2,4‐Thiazolidinedione‐Based Molecules as New Dual mPGES‐1/5‐LO Inhibitors
Authors: Lauro Gianluigi , Terracciano Stefania , Cantone Vincenza , Ruggiero Dafne , Fischer Katrin , Pace Simona , Werz Oliver , Bruno Ines , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Dual inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) and 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO), two key enzymes involved in pro‐inflammatory eicosanoid biosynthesis, represents a new strategy for treating inflammatory disorders. Herein we report the discovery of 2,4‐thiazolidinedione‐based mPGES‐1/5‐LO dual inhibitors following a multidisciplinary protocol, involving virtual combinatorial screening, chemical synthesis, and validation of the biological activities for the selected compounds. Following the multicomponent‐based chemical route for the decoration of the 2,4‐thiazolidinedione core, a large library of virtual compounds was built (∼2.0×104 items) and submitted to virtual screening. Nine selected molecules were synthesized and biologically evaluated, disclosing among them four compounds able to reduce the activity of both enzymes in the mid‐ and low‐ micromolar range of activities. These results are of interest for further expanding the chemical diversity around the 2,4‐thiazolidinedione central core, facilitating the identification of novel anti‐inflammatory agents endowed with a promising and safer pharmacological profile.
Genomic selection helps accelerate popcorn population breeding
Authors: Schwantes Ismael Albino , do Amaral Júnior Antônio Teixeira , de Almeida Filho Janeo Eustáquio , Vivas Marcelo , Silva Cabral Pablo Diego , Gonçalves Guimarães Amanda , de Lima e Silva Fernando Higino , Araújo Diniz Santos Pedro Henrique , Gonzaga Pereira Messias , Pio Viana Alexandre , Ferreira Pena Guilherme , Alves Ferreira Fernando Rafael
Published: February 2020

Recurrent selection is a method for developing new popcorn (Zea mays L.) cultivars. We aimed to determine the selection accuracy and genetic gains for different selection strategies: estimates based exclusively on phenotypic data (PhEN), estimates based on phenotypic and genotypic data (PhEN + GEN), and estimates based exclusively on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker genotyping (GEN). For the GEN strategy, we tested, via simulation, the possibility of reducing the number of SNPs and increasing the training population. The traits evaluated were 100‐grain weight, ear height, grain yield, popping expansion, plant height, and popping volume. Field trials were undertaken with 98 S1 progenies at two locations in an incomplete block design with three replications. The progenies’ parents were genotyped with a panel of ∼10,507 SNPs. As predicted by the GEN strategy at different selection intensities, the average annual genetic gain for the different traits were 29.1 and 25.2% higher than those of PhEN and GEN + PhEN for 98 candidates; 148.3 and 140.9% higher for 500; and 187.9 and 179.4% higher for 1,000 selection candidates, respectively. Recurrent genomic selection may result in high genetic gain, provided that: (a) phenotyping is accurate; (b) selection intensity is explored by genotyping several progenies and increasing the number of candidates; (c) genomic selection is used for early selection; and (d) the model is adjusted for a few more cycles of phenotyping. The simulation suggests that desirable values of genetic gain may be obtained by reducing the number of SNPs and increasing the training population size.
Electrochemically Driven Formation of Sponge‐Like Porous Silver Nanocubes Toward Efficient CO2 Electroreduction to CO
Authors: Fan Tingting , Wu Qiuling , Yang Zhou , Song Yipeng , Zhang Jiguang , Huang Pingping , Chen Zhou , Dong Yunyun , Fang Weiping , Yi Xiaodong
Published: February 2020

Electrochemical conversion of CO2 into valuable products by utilizing renewable electricity is a thriving research field. For electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO, uniform sponge‐like porous Ag nanocubes (SPC‐Ag) integrated on carbon paper are prepared by using an electrochemically driven method. The SPC‐Ag has a 3 D porous structure and a large specific surface area, which affords abundant active sites for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), as well as reducing impedance to accelerate the CO2RR kinetics. This distinctive organization affords SPC‐Ag with outstanding electrocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction to CO. High faradaic efficiency (>90 %) and large partial current density for CO with excellent durability are observed in a wide potential window, with a maximum value of 93 % at −0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode.
IEEE 802.11n: Joint modulation‐coding and guard interval adaptation scheme for throughput enhancement
Authors: Patil Pravinkumar , Patil Meenakshi , Itraj Santosh , Bombale Uttam
Published: February 2020

IEEE 802.11n is a high‐speed wireless broadband local area networking standard. IEEE 802.11n‐based devices are using some kind of adaptive modulation‐coding (AMC) scheme to adjust its transmission rate according to the radio channel condition. In these devices, however, the concept of guard interval adaptation is not been considered. Normally, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology‐based systems are using the guard interval much greater than the length of the channel impulse response. However, many previous works have shown that the choice of the larger guard interval is inefficient in terms of achievable throughput. IEEE802.11n supports using two guard intervals (short = 400 ns or long = 800 ns). Indeed, the shorter guard interval evidently results in intersymbol interference (ISI) and intercarrier interference (ICI), but the gain offered by shortened guard interval may exceed the loss caused by interference. In this paper, we propose a novel but simple solution for the guard interval adaptation joint with an adaptive modulation‐coding scheme to optimize the throughput performance of a wireless local area network (WLAN) system. This paper aims to analyze the effect of joint adaptive modulation‐coding and the guard interval (JAMCGI) algorithm on the WLAN system under bit‐error‐rate (BER) constraints. Simulation results and their analysis show a significant increase in the throughput performance of the WLAN system with our proposed algorithm.
Connection between seminiferous tubules and epididymal duct is originally induced before sex differentiation in a sex‐independent manner
Authors: Omotehara Takuya , Wu Xi , Kuramasu Miyuki , Itoh Masahiro
Published: February 2020

Background

Spermatozoa in mammals develop in seminiferous tubules in a testis and are transported through the male reproductive tract. Their developmental origins are, however, different from each other; the seminiferous tubules are testicular (gonadal) structure but the subsequent ducts stem from the mesonephros. Although some mechanisms should function for the connection between these ducts, there are few reports on them. In the present study, basic information such as timing, localization, and cell types involved in the connection was obtained by sequential immunohistochemistry.

Results

At the time when the undifferentiated gonad differentiates into the testis or ovary, Adrenal‐4 binding protein/steroidogenic factor‐1 (Ad4BP/SF‐1)‐positive gonadal cells were noted in the mesonephric tubules (MT) in both sexes. At an earlier stage, although Ad4BP/SF‐1‐positive coelomic epithelial cells were adjacent to the MT, a basal membrane around them was not observed.

Conclusions

The connection between the testis cords and MT is suggested to be induced between Ad4BP/SF‐1‐positive gonadal cells and the MT before sex differentiation in a sex‐independent manner.
Body appreciation and intuitive eating in eating disorder recovery
Authors: Koller Katherine A. , Thompson Katherine A. , Miller Alexandra J. , Walsh Emily C. , Bardone‐Cone Anna M.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Eating disorder recovery research has emphasized the absence of symptoms over the presence of adaptive aspects like positive body image and healthy eating attitudes. The current study examined how body appreciation and intuitive eating related to eating disorder recovery using a comprehensive recovery definition (physical, behavioral, and cognitive recovery).

Method

Data were collected from 66 women with an eating disorder history and 31 controls with no history of eating pathology. Participants completed an online survey followed by a phone interview.

Results

The fully recovered group did not differ from controls on body appreciation, with both groups endorsing significantly higher levels of body appreciation than the partially recovered and current eating disorder groups. Similarly, the fully recovered group did not differ from controls on overall intuitive eating, with both groups endorsing significantly higher levels of overall intuitive eating than the partially recovered and current eating disorder groups.

Discussion

Positive psychological constructs such as body appreciation and intuitive eating relate to eating disorder recovery status. Understanding recovery within a strengths‐based framework may inform intervention and relapse prevention.
Influence of density and salinity on larval development of salt‐adapted and salt‐naïve frog populations
Authors: Albecker Molly A. , Pahl Matthew , Smith Melanie , Wilson Jefferson G. , McCoy Michael W.
Published: February 2020

Environmental change and habitat fragmentation will affect population densities for many species. For those species that have locally adapted to persist in changed or stressful habitats, it is uncertain how density dependence will affect adaptive responses. Anurans (frogs and toads) are typically freshwater organisms, but some coastal populations of green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) have adapted to brackish, coastal wetlands. Tadpoles from coastal populations metamorphose sooner and demonstrate faster growth rates than inland populations when reared solitarily. Although saltwater exposure has adaptively reduced the duration of the larval period for coastal populations, increases in densities during larval development typically increase time to metamorphosis and reduce rates of growth and survival. We test how combined stressors of density and salinity affect larval development between salt‐adapted (“coastal”) and nonsalt‐adapted (“inland”) populations by measuring various developmental and metamorphic phenotypes. We found that increased tadpole density strongly affected coastal and inland tadpole populations similarly. In high‐density treatments, both coastal and inland populations had reduced growth rates, greater exponential decay of growth, a smaller size at metamorphosis, took longer to reach metamorphosis, and had lower survivorship at metamorphosis. Salinity only exaggerated the effects of density on the time to reach metamorphosis and exponential decay of growth. Location of origin affected length at metamorphosis, with coastal tadpoles metamorphosing slightly longer than inland tadpoles across densities and salinities. These findings confirm that density has a strong and central influence on larval development even across divergent populations and habitat types and may mitigate the expression (and therefore detection) of locally adapted phenotypes.
Native tree and shrub canopy facilitates oak seedling regeneration in semiarid woodland
Authors: O'Donnell Lisa , Pickles Brian J. , Campbell Cristina M. , Moulton Laurel L. , Hauwert Nico M. , Gorzelak Monika A.
Published: February 2020

Oaks (Quercusspp.) are currently declining worldwide due to a multitude of threats. Woodland management is often heavily focused on thinning and burning nontarget species to reduce competition and promote oak dominance in the overstory. These techniques have typically been developed in temperate regions, such as eastern U.S. forests, but whether they are the most effective strategy for promoting oak regeneration in semiarid woodlands has not been sufficiently examined. We conducted our study on the eastern Edwards Plateau in central Texas, where several oak species are codominant with Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) over karst limestone terrane. These juniper‐oak woodlands provide habitat for many endemic species and play an essential role in the maintenance of key aquifers. A history of canopy clearing and a severe drought in 2011 generated patches of living and dead juniper‐oak canopy interspersed with canopy gaps in our study area. In November 2013, we planted 200 shin oak (Quercus sinuatavar.breviloba) acorns in each of three habitat treatments, replicated six times: (1) live canopy, (2) dead canopy, and (3) open invasive grassland. We monitored emergence and survival each year, harvesting five seedlings from each replicate in October 2017 to assess shoot height, rooting depth, biomass, ectomycorrhizal colonization, and foliar nutrients. Canopy trees, living or dead, significantly enhanced seedling emergence and survival. Survival was positively associated with increasing Ashe juniper and oak basal area, shrub cover, and soil organic matter, and negatively associated with increasing canopy gap size (complete mortality in gaps >220 m2). Seedling biomass increased significantly in dead and open treatments along with foliar nutrients N, P, and S (dead treatments) or S and Fe (open treatments), whereas ectomycorrhizal colonization and foliar nutrients Ca, Mg, and Mn increased under living canopy. Our findings suggest that oak regeneration in these juniper‐oak woodlands closely resembles that of Mediterranean regions, where canopy facilitates seedling survival. Both living and dead trees and shrubs enhanced oak regeneration, with seedling survival depending on proximity to larger trees, living roots, shrubs, and juniper‐oak canopy. Planting acorns under canopy is an inexpensive, sustainable, and effective restoration practice in drought‐prone ecosystems.
Effects of species traits, motif profiles, and environment on spatial variation in multi‐trophic antagonistic networks
Authors: McLeod Anne M. , Leroux Shawn J. , Chu Cindy
Published: February 2020

Understanding drivers of antagonistic interactions across temporal and spatial scales is important for predicting community structure. In particular, studies examining spatial variation in ecological networks are critical for anticipating community responses to anthropogenic change. Most studies examining spatial interaction turnover focus on bipartite networks begging the question of whether the results are also reflected in unipartite, multi‐trophic networks. To examine the spatial turnover in food web interactions, the environmental and ecological drivers of this, and the influence of interaction turnover on the preservation of individual species’ roles, we used a spatially expansive multi‐trophic antagonistic ecological network data set of 129 lakes spanning over 1000 kms. We used β‐diversity metrics to quantify spatial turnover in interactions and calculated the relative contributions of interaction rewiring and turnover in top, intermediate, and basal species to network turnover. We then investigated the relative and combined role of multiple ecological drivers (e.g., abundance, thermal tolerance) and environmental drivers (e.g., latitude, total phosphorus) on internal network structure. Finally, we used a motif analysis to measure the effect of spatial interaction turnover on the variation in individual species’ roles. We observed high interaction turnover across lakes, driven primarily by turnover in basal species but also the rewiring of interactions among shared species, driven, in part by underlying environmental gradients (e.g., species richness). Contrary to previous food web models applied to single sites, none of the ecological drivers we considered were effective predictors of lake‐specific interactions perhaps indicating an important distinction between network model accuracy at regional and local extents. Finally, despite high spatial turnover in interactions, species’ roles were highly conserved across the study lakes demonstrating the potential of species’ roles for predicting community structure. These findings demonstrate how integrating species’ fundamental roles into trait‐based approaches may improve our predictions of ecological networks at local scales.
Declines in native forb richness of an imperiled plant community across an anthropogenic nitrogen deposition gradient
Authors: Valliere Justin M. , Bucciarelli Gary M. , Bytnerowicz Andrzej , Fenn Mark E. , Irvine Irina C. , Johnson Robert F. , Allen Edith B.
Published: February 2020

Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition is known to reduce plant diversity in ecosystems worldwide; however, effects on the diversity of Mediterranean‐type ecosystems—global hotspots of biodiversity—are relatively unexplored. In California, elevated N deposition due to air pollution has a multitude of ecological effects including the facilitation of nonnative plant invasion and altered ecosystem functioning, but impacts on plant richness have been inadequately quantified. We addressed this research gap by evaluating patterns of plant richness in coastal sage scrub (CSS), a severely threatened, highly diverse Mediterranean‐type shrubland, across the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. This is the largest urban national park in the United States and experiences a strong gradient of N deposition due to its proximity to urban Los Angeles. We measured soil N, plant cover, and richness at 30 CSS sites across this gradient and used regression analyses to explore relationships between richness, N deposition, and other environmental variables. We observed significant declines in plant richness across a steep gradient of soil N availability that paralleled patterns of N deposition, primarily due to decreases in native forb species. Our analyses identified soil N as the best predictor of patterns of native forb richness, but other factors, including nonnative plant cover and aridity, may also drive reduced richness. In addition to the marked decline in the number of native forb species, increasing N deposition was also associated with lower native shrub richness per area and increased cover of nonnatives. These results highlight the threat posed by N deposition to the conservation of this already imperiled ecosystem under continued environmental change.