bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of autophagy in inhibiting the proliferation of A549 cells by type III interferon
Authors: Gao Dongmei , Yu Xiaoqin , Zhang Bo , Kong Min , Fang Yong , Cai Yu , Zhu Chengchu , Zhao Jun , Li Jicheng
Published: April 2019

Interferons (IFNs) have anti‐viral and anti‐tumour effects. Type III interferon, as a member of the recently discovered interferon family, has been proved to inhibit tumour proliferation and promote the apoptosis of various tumour cells. However, whether type III IFN could inhibit the proliferation of lung cancer was not clear. In this study, we found that interferon λ (IFN λ) could inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells and induce autophagy and apoptosis of A549 cells. IFN λ could promote the expression of autophagy gene Beclin1 and interfere the expression of autophagy gene Beclin1 with small interfering RNA, thus inhibiting the effect of type III interferon on anti‐proliferation and promoting apoptosis of lung cancer cell. These results suggested that IFN λ could inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells by activating autophagy pathway, and IFN λ might be one of the potential therapeutic drugs for lung cancer.
Knockdown of STAT3 targets a subpopulation of invasive melanoma stem‐like cells
Authors: Kulesza Dorota W , Przanowski Piotr , Kaminska Bozena
Published: April 2019

Transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in many cancers, including melanomas. Active, phosphorylated STAT3 contributes to tumor growth and formation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Recent evidence suggests an important role of STAT3 in self‐renewal of cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs). In the present study, we aimed to determine the expression and role of active STAT3 in melanoma CSCs. We found the increased levels of phosphorylated (Y705) STAT3 in CSC sphere cultures derived from three human and murine melanoma cells. Knockdown of STAT3 did not affect basal proliferation, but reduced sphere forming capacity of two human melanoma cell lines. Moreover, the level of active STAT3 was elevated in rhodamine 123 negative subpopulations of CSCs sorted from three melanoma cell lines. We found that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and AKT signaling pathways, implicated in the regulation of cell migration and invasion, were up‐regulated in melanoma CSCs. Moreover, expression of SERPINA3, which regulates melanoma invasion, was increased in melanoma CSCs sphere cultures, which correlated with augmented cell invasion in Matrigel. Our findings show that STAT3 is activated and supports maintenance of melanoma CSCs. It suggests that STAT3 could serve as a potential target to impair tumor progression or recurrence.
Possible role of differentially expressing novel protein markers (ligatin and fibulin‐7) in human aqueous humor and trabecular meshwork tissue in glaucoma progression
Authors: Basu Kaustuv , Maurya Nancy , Kaur Jasbir , Saxena Rohit , Gupta Viney , Sihota Ramanjit , Ghosh Ilora
Published: April 2019

The pathological mechanism underlying glaucoma has always been a complex aspect of this permanently blinding disease but proteomic studies have been helpful in elucidating it to a great extent in several studies. This study was designed to evaluate the expression and to get an idea about the function of two novel markers (ligatin and fibulin‐7) identified in human aqueous humor (hAH) in relation to glaucomatous progression. A significant increase in the protein content of glaucomatous hAH compared to that of non‐glaucomatous controls (NG‐Ctrls) was observed. Ligatin, fibulin‐7, and its proteolysis were revealed in hAH of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) and NG‐Ctrls. Quantification confirmed no significant difference in expression of ligatin, whereas fibulin‐7 was significantly (P < 0.05) low in hAH of PACG in comparison to NG‐Ctrls and POAG. Importantly the immunohistochemical assay for both indicated their possible involvement in the maintenance of the appropriate structure of TM in vivo. Since oxidative stress is a major contributor to glaucomatous pathogenesis, in vitro analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions indicated intracellular changes in localization and expression of ligatin upon oxidative insult of human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells. While no such changes were found for fibulin‐7 expression. This was also corroborated with the immunocytochemical assay. Though a study with a small sample size, this is the first report which confirms the presence of ligatin and fibulin‐7 in hAH, quantified their differential expression, and indicated the possibility of their involvement in the maintenance of the TM structure.
Scope and Limitations of TBA[Fe]‐Catalyzed Carbene Transfer to X−H‐bonds – Indication of a Mechanistic Dichotomy
Authors: Röske Annika , Alt Isabel , Plietker Bernd
Published: April 2019

An in‐depth study of carbene transfer reactions into polar X−H‐bonds catalyzed by the nucleophilic Fe‐complex Bu4N[Fe(CO)3(NO)] (TBA[Fe]) is presented. Whereas alcohols are unreactive, thiols and secondary amines are reactive, silanes showed modest activities. Hammett correlations indicate the presence of an X−H‐acidity dependent mechanistic dichotomy.
Activation of Surface Lattice Oxygen in Ceria Supported Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst for Low‐Temperature Propane Oxidation
Authors: Wang Chengxiong , Feng Feng , Du Junchen , Zheng Tingting , Pan Zaifu , Zhao Yunkun
Published: April 2019

The front cover artwork for Issue 08/2019 is provided by researchers from Kunming Institute of Precious Metals (China) and Kunming Sino‐platinum Metals Catalysts Co. Ltd. (China). The image shows that oxygen activation at Pt/ceria interfaces promotes propane oxidation at low‐temperature for automotive exhaust purification. See the Communication itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201900190.
Lyotropic Liquid Crystal as an Electrolyte Additive for Suppressing Self‐Discharge of Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Xia Mengyang , Qi Ruijie , Ma Qun , Zhao Man , Zhang Zailei , Lu Xianmao
Published: April 2019

Self‐discharge severely constrains the application of supercapacitors for long‐term energy storage because it causes decay of cell voltage and loss of energy. So far, three pathways have been proposed for the self‐discharge of supercapacitors: i) ohmic leakage, ii) diffusion‐controlled self‐discharge, iii) faradaic reactions. However, solutions for mitigating the self‐discharge of supercapacitors are limited. Here, we choose lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) as an electrolyte additive to suppress the self‐discharge of supercapacitors through the electrorheological effect of the LLC. The LLC formed by the assembly of a triblock copolymer Pluronic L64 in ion liquid [Bmim]BF4 exhibits dielectric anisotropy and can reorient in an electric field, causing increased viscosity and slower ion diffusion of the electrolyte. It is found that, by adding 5 % (vol%) LLC into TEMABF4/acetonitrile electrolyte, the self‐discharge rate at room temperature can be decreased by 32 % compared to supercapacitors without LLC. Furthermore, the LLC could reduce the self‐discharge rate of supercapacitors even at 50 °C due to its stability in a relatively wide temperature range.
Zwitterionic Copolymer‐Supported Ionogel Electrolytes: Impacts of Varying the Zwitterionic Group and Ionic Liquid Identities
Authors: Rebollar Luis , Panzer Matthew J.
Published: April 2019

A series of copolymer scaffolds containing zwitterionic (ZI) functional groups, synthesized in situ in two alkylimidazolium cation‐based ionic liquids, has been created by using two different ZI monomers to yield nonvolatile ionogel electrolytes that exhibit high ionic conductivities and a wide range of elastic moduli. Although all of the examined ionogel formulations consist of 80 mol % ionic liquid, gel properties are observed to depend both on zwitterion content within the copolymer scaffold, as well as the specific ionic liquid/zwitterion pairing. Low zwitterion contents (ca. 1 mol %) generate a notable increase in ionogel room‐temperature ionic conductivity compared to that of their non‐ZI ionogel analogues, whereas higher zwitterion contents (up to 18.5 mol %) yield stiff gels containing a large density of ZI noncovalent cross‐links. This highlights the dual functionality of the ZI groups within zwitterion‐containing copolymer‐supported ionogel electrolytes. All the ionogels synthesized in this study exhibit room‐temperature ionic conductivity values in the range of 3–12 mS cm−1 with compressive elastic modulus values varying between approximately 1–1000 kPa, suggesting their suitability for the design of safer flexible electrochemical devices, including wearable sensors or supercapacitors.
Facile Synthesis of Hierarchical Sulfur Composites for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cho Chuan‐Sheng , Shih Hsuan‐Ju , Li Chia‐Chen
Published: April 2019

A facile approach for the synthesis of core–shell composites composed of a commercial sulfur core and a carbon nanopowder shell with different morphologies and sizes is proposed. When these composites are used to prepare a cathode for lithium−sulfur batteries, their fabricated electrode slurries show better dispersion homogeneity than that prepared through the conventional method of simply mixing sulfur and carbon nanopowders. Hence, the resulting cathodes fabricated by using these composites show superior electronic and ionic conductivity compared to that produced through the conventional method. Electrochemical assessment demonstrates that lithium−sulfur batteries fabricated by using the composites show reduced self‐discharge and improved capacity and maintained 100 % of the columbic efficiency. However, these improvements cannot be achieved if the sulfur crystal of the composite is considerably large, as this negatively affects the dispersion of the electrode constituents.
Amino Acid Functionalized Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles Inhibit Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrillization
Authors: Antosova Andrea , Bednarikova Zuzana , Koneracka Martina , Antal Iryna , Marek Jozef , Kubovcikova Martina , Zavisova Vlasta , Jurikova Alena , Gazova Zuzana
Published: April 2019

Nanoparticles have great potential to be used in various biomedical applications, including therapy or diagnosis of amyloid‐related diseases. The physical and chemical properties of iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with different amino acids (AAs), namely, with lysine (Lys), glycine (Gly), or tryptophan (Trp), have been characterized. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles and their effect on amyloid fibrillization of lysozymes in vitro was also verified. The AA‐MNPs under study are nontoxic to human SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, the AA‐MNPs were able to significantly inhibit lysozyme amyloid fibrillization and destroy amyloid fibrils. Kinetic studies revealed that the presence of AA‐MNPs affected lysozyme fibrillization, namely, the lag phase and steady‐state phase of the growth curves. The most effective activities were observed for Trp‐MNPs, which revealed the importance of aromatic rings in the structure of AAs used as coating agents. The obtained results indicate the possible application of these AA‐MNPs in the treatment of amyloid diseases associated with lysozyme or other amyloidogenic proteins.
Proton Transfer Accompanied by the Oxidation of Adenosine
Authors: Choi Jungkweon , Tojo Sachiko , Ahn Doo‐Sik , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Miyamoto Shunichi , Kobayashi Kazuo , Ihee Hyotcherl , Majima Tetsuro
Published: April 2019

Despite numerous experimental and theoretical studies, the proton transfer accompanying the oxidation of 2′‐deoxyadenosine 5′‐monophosphate 2’‐deoxyadenosine 5’‐monophosphate (5’‐dAMP, A) is still under debate. To address this issue, we have investigated the oxidation of A in acidic and neutral solutions by using transient absorption (TA) and time‐resolved resonance Raman (TR3) spectroscopic methods in combination with pulse radiolysis. The steady‐state Raman signal of A was significantly affected by the solution pH, but not by the concentration of adenosine (2–50 mm). More specifically, the A in acidic and neutral solutions exists in its protonated (AH+(N1+H+)) and neutral (A) forms, respectively. On the one hand, the TA spectral changes observed at neutral pH revealed that the radical cation (A.+) generated by pulse radiolysis is rapidly converted into A.(N6−H) through the loss of an imino proton from N6. In contrast, at acidic pH (<4), AH.2+(N1+H+) generated by pulse radiolysis of AH+(N1+H+) does not undergo the deprotonation process owing to the pKa value of AH.2+(N1+H+), which is higher than the solution pH. Furthermore, the results presented in this study have demonstrated that A, AH+(N1+H+), and their radical species exist as monomers in the concentration range of 2–50 mm. Compared with the Raman bands of AH+(N1+H+), the TR3 bands of AH.2+(N1+H+) are significantly down‐shifted, indicating a decrease in the bond order of the pyrimidine and imidazole rings due to the resonance structure of AH.2+(N1+H+). Meanwhile, A.(N6−H) does not show a Raman band corresponding to the pyrimidine+NH2 scissoring vibration due to diprotonation at the N6 position. These results support the final products generated by the oxidation of adenosine in acidic and neutral solutions being AH.2+(N1+H+) and A.(N6−H), respectively.
Ethynylbenziodazolones (EBZ) as Electrophilic Alkynylation Reagents for the Highly Enantioselective Copper‐Catalyzed Oxyalkynylation of Diazo Compounds
Authors: Hari Durga Prasad , Schouwey Lionel , Barber Verity , Scopelliti Rosario , Fadaei‐Tirani Farzaneh , Waser Jerome
Published: April 2019

Ethynylbenziodoxol(on)e (EBX) cyclic hypervalent iodine reagents are now established reagents for the alkynylation of radicals and nucleophiles, yet they present limited possibilities for further structure and reactivity modification. Herein, the first synthesis is reported for the corresponding ethynylbenziodazolone (EBZ) reagents, in which the oxygen atom in the iodoheterocycle is replaced by a nitrogen atom. The substituent on the nitrogen enables further fine‐tuning of the reagent structure and reactivity. EBZ reagents are obtained easily from the corresponding benzamides by using a one‐step procedure, and display reactivity comparable to that of EBX reagents. In particular, they are applied in an asymmetric copper‐catalyzed oxyalkynylation of diazo compounds, which proceeds in high yield and enantioselectivity for a broad range of substituents on the diazo compounds and the alkyne.
Transient and Recyclable Halogenation Coupling (TRHC) for Isoflavonoid Synthesis with Site‐Selective Arylation
Authors: Wan Jie‐Ping , Tu Zhi , Wang Yuyun
Published: April 2019

A transient and recyclable C−H iodination has been designed for the synthesis of isoflavonoids through the domino reactions of o‐hydroxyphenyl enaminones and aryl boronic acids in the presence of catalytic KI and Pd catalyst. Instead of the conventional cross‐coupling strategy employing pre‐halogenated substrates, this method transforms raw C−H bond by means of a transient C−H halogenation to smoothly relay the subsequent C‐arylation. Consequently, such a method avoids the pre‐functionalization for C−halogen bond installation as well as the generation of stoichiometric halogen‐containing waste following the cross‐coupled product, disclosing an intriguing new coupling protocol to forge the C−C bond in the virgin area between classical C−X (X=halogen) bond cross coupling and the C−H activation.
CS2 Reductive Coupling to Acetylenedithiolate by a Dinuclear Ytterbium(II) Complex
Authors: Toniolo Davide , Willauer Aurélien R. , Andrez Julie , Yang Yan , Scopelliti Rosario , Maron Laurent , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: April 2019

The activation of CS2 is of interest in a broad range of fields and, more particularly, in the context of creating new C−C bonds. The reaction of the dinuclear ytterbium(II) complex [Yb2L4], 1, [L=(OtBu)3SiO−] with carbon disulfide led to the isolation of unprecedented reduction products. In particular, the crystallographic characterization of complex [Yb2L4(μ‐C2S2)], 2, provided the first example of an acetylenedithiolate ligand formed from metal reduction of CS2. Computational studies indicated that this unprecedented reactivity can be ascribed to the unusual binding mode of CS22− in the isolated “key intermediate” [Yb2L4(μ‐CS2)], 3, which results from the dinuclear nature of 1.
Temporal trends in liver cancer mortality by educational attainment in the United States, 2000‐2015
Authors: Ma Jiemin , Siegel Rebecca L. , Islami Farhad , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: April 2019

Background

Liver cancer is the most rapidly rising cause of cancer death in the United States. However, it is unclear whether the mortality trend differs by socioeconomic and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection status.

Methods

Joinpoint analyses and Poisson regression modeling were performed to examine trends in death rates from liver cancer by education and HCV infection status among persons aged 25 to 74 years from 2000 to 2015. Disparities in liver cancer mortality were measured as a relative index of inequality by education.

Results

From 2000 to 2015, the overall liver cancer death rate (per 100,000 persons) increased from 7.5 to 11.2 in men and from 2.8 to 3.8 in women. The increase was generally steeper in less educated groups for women and was confined to persons with ≤15 years of education for men. Consequently, the relative disparity increased until 2006 and then levelled off in women, whereas it continued to increase from 3.49 (95% CI, 3.08‐3.97) to 7.74 (95% CI, 7.13‐8.40) in men, with the increase more pronounced for HCV‐related liver cancer than HCV‐unrelated liver cancer.

Conclusions

The increases in liver cancer death rates in the United States have largely been confined to less educated persons, especially among men. Enhanced and targeted efforts are needed to halt and reverse the undue growing burden of liver cancer in lower socioeconomic groups.
Facile Synthesis of Single‐ and Multi‐Layer Graphene/Mn3O4 Integrated 3D Urchin‐Shaped Hybrid Composite Electrodes by Core‐Shell Electrospinning
Authors: Haghighi Poudeh Leila , Letofsky‐Papst Ilse , Cebeci Fevzi Çakmak , Menceloglu Yusuf , Yildiz Mehmet , Saner Okan Burcu
Published: April 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) urchin‐shaped free‐standing composite electrodes were produced by the integration of single‐ and multi‐layer graphene and manganese oxide in a step‐wise procedure. The strong interactions between the components were confirmed by spectroscopic characterization techniques. The influence of single‐ and multi‐layer graphene on the electrochemical performance of composite electrodes was investigated in detail. Single‐layer graphene with more oxygen functional groups showed better interfacial interactions between each component due to the exfoliated structure. The electrode containing single‐layer graphene exhibited 28% higher specific capacitance of 452 F/g at a scan rate of 1 mV/s compared to that of multi‐layer graphene. After 1000 cycles of charging‐discharging, single platelet graphene‐based electrode with a high capacitance retention of 89% showed improved synergistic effects by the combination of conductive PANI, single platelets graphene, and manganese oxide. This study indicated the importance of intercalated and exfoliated state of graphene in electrochemical behavior of supercapacitor electrodes.
Release of Formic Acid from Copper Formate: Hydride, Proton‐Coupled Electron and Hydrogen Atom Transfer All Play their Role
Authors: Pascher Tobias F. , Ončák Milan , van der Linde Christian , Beyer Martin K.
Published: April 2019

Although the mechanism for the transformation of carbon dioxide to formate with copper hydride is well understood, it is not clear how formic acid is ultimately released. Herein, we show how formic acid is formed in the decomposition of the copper formate clusters Cu(II)(HCOO)3− and Cu(II)2(HCOO)5−. Infrared irradiation resonant with the antisymmetric C−O stretching mode activates the cluster, resulting in the release of formic acid and carbon dioxide. For the binary cluster, electronic structure calculations indicate that CO2 is eliminated first, through hydride transfer from formate to copper. Formic acid is released via proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) to a second formate ligand, evidenced by close to zero partial charge and spin density at the hydrogen atom in the transition state. Concomitantly, the two copper centers are reduced from Cu(II) to Cu(I). Depending on the detailed situation, either PCET or hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) takes place.
Generation and Analysis of Human and Murine Osteoclasts
Authors: Steffen Ulrike , Andes Fabian T. , Schett Georg
Published: April 2019

Osteoclasts are the only bone‐resorbing cells in the body. Together with bone‐forming osteoblasts, they are responsible for bone homeostasis and constant bone remodeling. Aberrant activation of osteoclasts leads to bone loss, as seen in postmenopausal osteoporosis or in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Although much research has been performed to understand and prevent osteoclast‐mediated bone loss, the mechanisms of osteoclast hyperactivation are not completely understood. This unit describes several protocols for ex vivo generation of murine and human osteoclasts, allowing study of the effects of specific cells, cytokines, or chemical substances on osteoclast formation and activity without the need for expensive and time‐consuming animal experiments. In addition, we provide protocols for specific staining of osteoclasts and for analysis of resorption activity using calcium phosphate–coated surfaces or bone slices. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessing the Structural and Pharmacological Similarity of Newly Identified Drugs of Abuse to Controlled Substances Using Public Health Assessment via Structural Evaluation
Authors: Ellis Christopher R. , Racz Rebecca , Kruhlak Naomi L. , Kim Marlene T. , Hawkins Edward G. , Strauss David G. , Stavitskaya Lidiya
Published: April 2019

The US Food and Drug Administration's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) developed an investigational Public Health Assessment via Structural Evaluation (PHASE) methodology to provide a structure‐based evaluation of a newly identified opioid's risk to public safety. PHASE utilizes molecular structure to predict biological function. First, a similarity metric quantifies the structural similarity of a new drug relative to drugs currently controlled in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Next, software predictions provide the primary and secondary biological targets of the new drug. Finally, molecular docking estimates the binding affinity at the identified biological targets. The multicomponent computational approach coupled with expert review provides a rapid, systematic evaluation of a new drug in the absence of in vitro or in vivo data. The information provided by PHASE has the potential to inform law enforcement agencies with vital information regarding newly emerging illicit opioids.
A Subpopulation of Monocytes in Normal Human Blood Has Significant Magnetic Susceptibility: Quantification and Potential Implications
Authors: Kim James , Gómez‐Pastora Jenifer , Weigand Mitchell , Potgieter Marnie , A. Walters Nicole , Reátegui Eduardo , F. Palmer Andre , Yazer Mark , Zborowski Maciej , Chalmers Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2019

The presence of iron in circulating monocytes is well known as they play essential roles in iron recycling. Also, the storage of this metal as well as its incorrect uptake and/or release are important data to diagnose different pathologies. It has been demonstrated that iron storage in human blood cells can be measured through their magnetic behavior with high accuracy; however, the magnetic characteristics of monocytes have not been reported so far to the best of our knowledge. Therefore, in this work, we report, for the first time, the physical and magnetic properties of human monocytes, along with plasma platelets, oxyhemoglobin red blood cells (oxyHb‐RBCs), and methemoglobin red blood cells (metHb‐RBCs). The different cell populations were separated by Ficoll‐density gradient centrifugation, followed by a flow sorting step to isolate monocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The different fractions were analyzed by Coulter Counter (for determining the size distribution and concentration) and the sorted monocytes were qualitatively analyzed on ImageStream, a state‐of‐the‐art imaging cytometer. The analysis of the Coulter Counter and ImageStream data suggests that although there exists contamination in the monocyte fraction, the integrity of the sorted monocytes appears to be intact and the concentration was high enough to precisely measure their magnetic velocity by Cell Tracking Velocimetry. Surprisingly, monocytes reported the highest magnetic mobility from the four fractions under analysis, with an average magnetic velocity 7.8 times higher than MetHb‐RBCs, which is the only type of cells with positive magnetic velocities. This value is equivalent to a susceptibility 2.5 times higher than the value reported by fresh MetHb‐RBCs. It should be noted that this is the first study that reports that a subpopulation of human monocytes is much more magnetic than MetHb‐RBCs, opening the door to the possible isolation of human monocytes by label‐free magnetic techniques. Further, it is suggested that these magnetic monocytes could “contaminate” positively selected, immunomagnetically labeled blood cells (i.e., during a process using magnetically conjugated antibodies targeting cells, such as CD34 positive cells). Conversely, these magnetic monocytes could be inadvertently removed from a desired blood population when one is using a negative magnetic isolation technique to target cells for removal. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Species sorting and mass effect along forest succession: Evidence from taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of amphibian communities
Authors: Hernández‐Ordóñez Omar , Santos Bráulio A. , Pyron Robert Alexander , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Urbina‐Cardona J. Nicolás , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel , Parra‐Olea Gabriela , Reynoso Víctor Hugo
Published: April 2019

Species recovery after forest disturbance is a highly studied topic in the tropics, but considerable debate remains on the role of secondary forests as biodiversity repositories, especially regarding the functional and phylogenetic dimensions of biodiversity. Also, studies generally overlook how alpha and beta diversities interact to produce gamma diversity along successional gradients.

We used a metacommunity approach to assess how species sorting (i.e., environmental filtering) and mass effect (i.e., source‐sink dynamics) affect 14 complementary metrics of amphibian taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity along a successional gradient in southern Mexico. As amphibians have narrow environmental tolerances and low dispersal capabilities, we expected that species sorting may be relatively more important than mass effect in structuring amphibian communities.

Between 2010 and 2012, we sampled frogs, salamanders, and caecilians in 23 communities distributed in four successional stages: young (2–5 years old) and intermediate (13–28 years old) secondary forests, old‐growth forest fragments, and old‐growth continuous forest. We assessed 15 ecologically relevant functional traits per species and used a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny.

We recorded 1,672 individuals belonging to 30 species and 11 families. Supporting our expectations from the species sorting perspective, from the poorest (younger forests) to the best quality (continuous forest) scenarios, we observed (a) an increase in alpha diversity regardless of species abundances; (b) a clear taxonomic segregation across successional stages; (c) an increase in functional richness and dispersion; (d) an increase in mean phylogenetic distance and nearest taxon index; and (e) a reduction in mean nearest taxon distance. However, 10 species occurred in all successional stages, resulting in relatively low beta diversity. This supports a mass effect, where interpatch migrations contribute to prevent local extinctions and increase compositional similarity at the regional scale.

Our findings indicate that amphibian metacommunities along forest successional gradients are mainly structured by species sorting, but mass effects may also play a role if high levels of forest cover are conserved in the region. In fact, secondary forests and forest fragments can potentially safeguard different aspects of amphibian diversity, but their long‐term conservation value requires preventing additional deforestation.
Age at mating and male quality influence female patterns of reproductive investment and survival
Authors: Wilson Kerianne M. , Walker Sean E.
Published: April 2019

The trade‐off between the allocation of resources toward somatic maintenance or reproduction is one of the fundamentals of life history theory and predicts that females invest in offspring at the expense of their longevity or vice versa. Mate quality may also affect life history trade‐offs through mechanisms of sexual conflict; however, few studies have examined the interaction between mate quality and age at first mating in reproductive decisions. Using house crickets (Acheta domesticus), this study examines how survival and reproductive trade‐offs change based on females’ age at first reproduction and exposure to males of varying size. Females were exposed to either a large (presumably high‐quality) or small male at an early (young), middle (intermediate), or advanced (old) age, and longevity and reproductive investment were subsequently tracked. Females mated at a young age had the largest number of eggs but the shortest total lifespans while females mated at older ages produced fewer eggs but had longer total lifespans. The trade‐off between age at first mating and eggs laid appears to be mediated through higher egg‐laying rates and shorter postmating lifespans in females mated later in life. Exposure to small males resulted in shorter lifespans and higher egg‐laying rates for all females indicating that male manipulation of females, presumably through spermatophore contents, varies with male size in this species. Together, these data strongly support a trade‐off between age at first reproduction and lifespan and support the role of sexual conflict in shaping patterns of reproduction.
Multi‐Step Reactions Involving Iron‐Catalysed Reduction and Hydrogen Borrowing Reactions
Authors: Wei Duo , Netkaew Chakkrit , Darcel Christophe
Published: April 2019

Iron catalysis has seen an impressive breakthrough during the last two decades, and iron can now be considered as a valuable alternative transition metal for organic synthetic transformations. More precisely, in the reduction area, it became an efficient player for the selective reduction of olefins, alkynes, carbonyl and carboxylic derivatives, imines and nitro compounds. This Minireview will focus on multi‐step catalysed transformations involving at least one homogeneous iron‐catalysed reduction or hydrogen borrowing step. In particular, the use of well‐defined iron complexes is crucial to perform such transformations efficiently.
The Influence of d‐f Coupling on Slow Magnetic Relaxation in NiIILnIIIMIII (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy; M = Cr, Fe, Co) Clusters
Authors: Zhou Hongbo , Dong Rongyao , Wang Zhuowei , Wu Lei , Liu Yashu , Shen Xiaoping
Published: April 2019

Five heterotrimetallic 3d‐3d′‐4f complexes, [Ni(L)Dy(H2O)4][Cr(CN)6]·3H2O (1), [Ni(L)Dy(H2O)4][Fe(CN)6]·3H2O (2), [Ni(L)Dy(H2O)4][Co(CN)6]·3H2O (3), [Ni(L)Tb(H2O)4][Co(CN)6]·3H2O (4), and [Ni(L)Gd(H2O)4][Co(CN)6]·3H2O (5) (H2L = N,N‐ethylenebis(3‐methoxysalicylaldiimine)), were prepared and characterized to study the influence of d‐f coupling on the magnetic behavior of such NiIILnIIIMIII (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy; M = Cr, Fe, Co) clusters. The X‐ray analysis revealed clearly their heterotrimetallic trinuclear structures, in which the [Ni(L)Ln(H2O)4]3+ moiety is further coordinated by one cyanide nitrogen atom from [M(CN)6]3–, forming the peculiar trinuclear NiIITbIIIMIII entity. The magnetic measurements revealed the typical slow magnetic relaxation expected for these 3d–3d′–4f systems. Interestingly, the slow magnetic relaxation is highly affected by the d‐f magnetic coupling, which indeed highlights the importance of tuning the d‐f magnetic coupling to obtain improved magnetic properties.
Cs3Na(H2C3N3O3)4·3H2O: A Mixed Alkali‐Metal Hydroisocyanurate Nonlinear Optical Material Containing π‐Conjugated Six‐Membered‐Ring Units
Authors: Meng Xianghe , Liang Fei , Tang Jian , Kang Kaijin , Huang Qian , Yin Wenlong , Lin Zheshuai , Xia Mingjun
Published: April 2019

Practical ultraviolet nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are indispensable in modern scientific equipment and solar‐blind communication systems. Herein, a new hydroisocyanurate NLO crystal, Cs3Na(H2C3N3O3)4·3H2O (1), was grown by a facile aqueous solution method. It features a two‐dimensional layered structure composed of coplanar large π‐conjugated 2∞[H2C3N3O3]– isocyanurate ribbons. More importantly, it exhibits concurrently short ultraviolet phase‐matching capability (λpm ≈ 227 nm) and considerable second‐harmonic‐generation response (deff ≈ 2/3 KDP) resulting from the π‐conjugated (H2C3N3O3)– six‐membered ring units. First principles calculations were employed to elaborate its delocalized π‐bonds and strong interaction between the Cs+ cations and (H2C3N3O3)– anionic groups. Consequently, 1 will be a promising ultraviolet NLO material for the fourth harmonic generation of Nd‐based lasers. Successful synthesis of the title compound also provides a new roadmap to discover new ultraviolet linear optical or NLO materials in metal hydroisocyanurates.
N‐Difluorocyclopropyl‐Substituted Pyrazoles: Synthesis and Reactivity
Authors: Nosik Pavel S. , Poturai Andrii S. , Pashko Mykola O. , Melnykov Kostiantyn P. , Ryabukhin Sergey V. , Volochnyuk Dmitriy M. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: April 2019

Difluorocyclopropanation of N‐vinylazoles with the CF3SiMe3–NaI system was studied. It was found that N‐vinylpyrazoles could be transformed into the corresponding N‐difluorocyclopropyl‐substituted derivatives. The method was efficient on a 100 g scale and could be applied for the preparation of various functionalized regioisomeric pyrazole derivatives bearing a gem‐difluorocyclopropane moiety, such as amines, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, bromides, and boronic esters. It was found that N‐difluorocyclopropylpyrazole moiety tolerated many common reagents including nitrating mixture, bromine, aqueous acids and alkali, KMnO4, LiBH4, and Pd0 complexes; it was unstable towards AlCl3, catalytic hydrogenation and lithiation conditions. The products obtained are advanced building blocks which of potential importance to medicinal and agrochemistry.
Efficient Thiolation of Alcohols Catalyzed by Long Chained Acid‐Functionalized Ionic Liquids under Mild Conditions
Authors: Miao Chengxia , Zhuang Hongfeng , Wen Yating , Han Feng , Yang Qing‐Feng , Yang Lei , Li Zhen , Xia Chungu
Published: April 2019

Thioethers as important building blocks have been usually found in organic synthesis. Herein, a series of long chained acid‐functionalized ionic liquids derived from pyrrolidine were applied for the thiolation of alcohols to synthesize different compounds containing thioether structures. This kind of ionic liquids exhibited higher efficiency than general ionic liquids based on imidazole, providing up to 99 % yield with [BsCtP][OTf] as the catalyst at room temperature for 0.25 h. The results indicated that the activities of the ionic liquids have relationship with the side chain length of ionic liquids based on pyrrolidine, anions and cations. The catalytic system had wide substrate scope and was applicable for the reaction of aromatic primary and secondary alcohols and thiols including aliphatic and aromatic thiols, benzothiazole‐2‐thiols and benzooxazole‐2‐thiols. Besides, there was no obvious change in activity of the catalyst after six runs. Thus, the catalytic system exhibited good recyclability. Additionally, carbocations should be the key intermediate and several functionalized groups of the ionic liquids have synergetic effect for the thiolation.
General Platform for the Conversion of Isoxazol‐5‐ones to 3,5‐Disubstituted Isoxazoles via Nucleophilic Substitutions and Palladium Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Strategies
Authors: Fernandes Alessandra A. G. , da Silva Amanda F. , Okada Celso Y. , Suzukawa Vitor , Cormanich Rodrigo A. , Jurberg Igor D.
Published: April 2019

A general platform for the conversion of isoxazol‐5‐ones to 3,5‐disubstituted isoxazoles has been developed via a two‐step strategy. The first step leads to the formation of 5‐(pseudo)halogenated isoxazoles, while in the second, a variety of heteroalkyl‐, heteroaryl‐, alkyl‐, alkenyl‐, alkynyl‐ and aryl‐chains can be installed via nucleophilic substitutions or palladium catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions.
Synthesis of Aza‐Heteroaromatic Dithiocarbamates via Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Aza‐Heteroaromatic Bromides with Tetraalkylthiuram Disulfides
Authors: Cheng Chuance , Zhao Mingqin , Lai Miao , Zhai Ke , Shi Bo , Wang Shuai , Luo Rui , Zhang Linbao , Wu Zhiyong
Published: April 2019

The preparation of various aza‐heteroaromatic dithiocarbamates from aza‐heteroaromatic bromides and tetraalkylthiuram disulfides is reported. The transformation provides a convenient procedure, with good yields and functional group tolerance to various important nitrogen‐containing heteroaromatic dithiocarbamates such as benzothiazole, quinoline, pyridine, and pyrazine motifs. This protocol allows the facile synthesis of some potential biologically active compounds.
Influence of Separator Material on Infiltration Rate and Wetting Behavior of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Schilling Antje , Wiemers-Meyer Simon , Winkler Volker , Nowak Sascha , Hoppe Bastian , Heimes Heiner Hans , Dröder Klaus , Winter Martin
Published: April 2019

The reduction of process time and costs of lithium‐ion‐battery (LIB) cells to make electromobility an ecological technology and economically accessible for everyone is a very crucial research topic. Within the production process of actual LIB cells, the electrolyte filling and wetting are very time‐consuming, and by association, cost‐intensive steps. Therefore, it is essential to investigate and understand the impact of several process parameters on the wetting time and product quality. This can be achieved by the visualization of the wetting progress and subsequent electrochemical characterization of the LIB cells. The monitoring is realized by wetting balance tests for electrodes and separators as well as a new and powerful thermographic method. In addition, different separators with different surface chemistries are tested to improve the production process, the actual cell design, and therefore the costs of the final battery cell.
Performance Enhancement of Solar Cell by Incorporating Bilayer RGO‐ITO Smart Conducting Antireflection Coating
Authors: Nandi Anupam , Dhar Sukanta , Majumdar Sanhita , Saha Hiranmay , Hossain Syed Minhaz
Published: April 2019

Multilayered graphene deposited on a flat resistive surface has twofold benefits. Less electronic scattering reduces the sheet resistance of the combined bilayer and high photon scattering through the unavoidable wrinkles on the chemically synthesized graphene layer leads to decreased effective reflection. In this paper, wet‐chemically‐synthesized reduced graphene oxide (RGO) has been employed on the top of the indium‐doped tin‐oxide (ITO) layer. The ITO layer of optimized thickness has been deposited as an alternative antireflection coating (ARC) on a p/n junction based crystalline silicon solar cell with standard textured surface. Variation in spectral response has been studied experimentally for different thickness and surface coverage of RGO on ITO. The combined effect of reduced sheet resistance due to high surface conductivity and increased photon injection efficiency due to scattering from the wrinkles of RGO results in significant improvement in the performance of the solar cell. By employing optimum thickness of RGO, percentage enhancements of about 18% and 10%, respectively, in efficiency and short‐circuit current density have been achieved over the baseline cell structure. RGO also exhibits an additional benefit as a moisture repelling layer.
Vagal schwannomas of the head and neck: A comprehensive review and a novel approach to preserving vocal cord innervation and function
Authors: Sandler Mykayla L. , Sims John R. , Sinclair Catherine , Sharif Kayvon F. , Ho Rebecca , Yue Lauren E. , Téllez Maria J. , Ulkatan Sedat , Khorsandi Azita S. , Brandwein‐Weber Margaret , Urken Mark L.
Published: April 2019

Background

Schwannomas, benign tumors arising from neurolemmocytes, are the most common type of peripheral nerve tumors. Extracranial schwannomas are most often found in the parapharyngeal space, commonly involving the vagus nerve to cervical sympathetic trunk. Vagal schwannomas present several unique clinical and therapeutic challenges.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted on 197 articles reporting 235 cases of cervical vagal schwannomas. Presenting symptoms, treatment approach, and postoperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Vagal schwannomas commonly present as asymptomatic neck masses. When they become symptomatic, surgical resection is the standard of care. Gross total resection is associated with higher postoperative morbidity compared to subtotal resection. Initial reports using intraoperative nerve monitoring have shown improved nerve preservation. Recurrence rates are low.

Conclusion

The combination of intermittent nerve mapping with novel continuous vagal nerve monitoring techniques may reduce postoperative morbidity and could represent the future standard of care for vagal schwannoma treatment.
Evaluation of uncalibrated energy balance model (BAITSSS) for estimating evapotranspiration in a semiarid, advective climate
Authors: Dhungel Ramesh , Aiken Robert , Colaizzi Paul D. , Lin Xiaomao , O'Brien Dan , Baumhardt R. Louis , Brauer David K. , Marek Gary W.
Published: April 2019

The backward‐averaged iterative two‐source surface temperature and energy balance solution (BAITSSS) model was developed to calculate evapotranspiration (ET) at point to regional scales. The BAITSSS model is driven by micrometeorological data and vegetation indices and simulates the water and energy balance of the soil and canopy sources separately, using the Jarvis model to calculate canopy resistance. The BAITSSS model has undergone limited testing in Idaho, United States. We conducted a blind test of the BAITSSS model without prior calibration for ET against weighing lysimeter measurements, net radiation, and surface temperature of drought‐tolerant corn (Zea mays L. cv. PIO 1151) in a semiarid, advective climate (Bushland, Texas, United States) in 2016. Later in the season (20 days), BAITSSS consistently overestimated ET by up to 3 mm d−1. For the entire growing season (127 days), simulated versus measured ET resulted in a 7% error in cumulative ET, RMSE = 0.13 mm h−1, and 1.70 mm d−1; r2 = 0.66 (daily) and r2 = 0.84 (hourly); MAE = 0.08 mm h−1 and 1.24 mm d−1; and MBE = 0.02 mm h−1 and 0.58 mm d−1. The results were comparable with thermally driven instantaneous ET models that required some calibration. Next, the initial soil water boundary condition was reduced, and model revisions were made to resistance terms related to incomplete cover and assumption of canopy senescence. The revisions reduced discrepancies between measured and modelled ET resulting in <1% error in cumulative ET, RMSE = 0.1 mm h−1, and 1.09 mm d−1; r2 = 0.86 (daily) and r2 = 0.90 (hourly); MAE = 0.06 mm h−1 and 0.79 mm d−1; and MBE = 0.0 mm h−1 and 0.17 mm d−1 and generally mitigated the previous overestimation. The advancement in ET modelling with BAITSSS assists to minimize uncertainties in crop ET modelling in a time series.
Assessment of Infiltration Rate of Soil Using Empirical and Machine Learning‐Based Models
Authors: Kumar Munish , Sihag Parveen
Published: April 2019

The application of several infiltration models in evaluating the infiltration rate of soil is subject to the spatial variability of soil. Infiltration plays an important role in designing and evaluating surface irrigation systems as well as subsurface groundwater recharge systems. The main theme of this paper is to compare the empirical equation‐based models which are used to estimate the infiltration rate of various locations in Kurukshetra, India. Infiltration experiments were conducted at 20 different locations using a mini disc infiltrometer. The least square fitting method was used for each location separately to estimate the equation parameters and infiltration rate of three different empirical models, namely Kostiakov, modified Kostiakov and Novel models. The performance of these empirical infiltration models was further compared with the machine learning‐based adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and random forest regression (RF) techniques. Statistical performance evaluation parameters (R2, CC, RMSE and MAE) are used for the performance comparison of various models. The Novel infiltration model was observed to be the most reasonable amongst the empirical models tested. However, for machine‐learning methods, the RF approach is observed to be the most appropriate technique for the estimation of the infiltration data. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agricultural Water Distribution under Drought Conditions Based on Economic Priorities: Case Study of Qazvin Irrigation District
Authors: Hassani Yousef , Hashemy Shahdany Seied Mehdy
Published: April 2019

This study introduces a practical approach for agricultural water distribution within conveyance and delivery systems based on economic perspectives. To this end, a hydro‐economic approach is used by coupling an economic model, positive mathematical programming (PMP), and a water evaluation and planning system (WEAP) hydrological model. The economic value of water (EVW) is calculated separately for the secondary canals (L1 to L10) by the PMP model, based on simulation of the existing agricultural conditions. The results obtained indicate that under the operational method introduced, the EVW per unit of water (cubic metres) will rise on average by over 28% in comparison to the existing water distribution conditions in the district. Moreover, the results show that the highest and lowest EVW growth took place within farming areas irrigated by the laterals of L10 and L1, respectively. According to the results, the most significant reduction in the cultivation area in the existing cropping pattern was observed in alfalfa and maize compared to other crops under the drought conditions scenario. The results of the study show that the economic benefit (water volume × economic value) will amount to 138 billion IRR (Iranian monetary unit) compared to the primary conditions. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure of low‐concentration arsenic‐initiated inflammation and autophagy in rat lungs
Authors: Zhao Yuhang , Su Xin , Gao Yanrong , Yin Haijing , Wang Li , Qiao Rui , Wang Suhua
Published: April 2019

Chronic arsenic exposure through water intake is a worldwide issue, which has caused many diseases. Lungs are the first target organ of arsenic and lung inflammation, autophagy, and even the onset of tumors can be induced by arsenic exposure. Here, we tested the outcome of low‐concentration arsenic exposure in rat lungs. Tissue changes, inflammation, autophagy, and other physiological responses were observed in this study. Results showed that low‐concentration exposure of arsenite through water intake could initiate autophagy and inflammation in lungs but high concentration exposure produced a weak autophagy response and accentuated inflammation with the possibility of a chronic inflammation environment emerging followed by tumorigenesis.