bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of human influence on Carnivore presence in a Mediterranean human-modified area in the Southwestern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Amaya-Castaño Gloria Clemencia , Palomares Francisco
Published: July 2018

The pressure exerted by man on natural areas can affect wild species due to the transformation of their habitats. Species such as carnivores are more greatly impacted because they have large home ranges and low densities. To examine if human pressure affects carnivores, we studied their presence and richness in relation to different environmental variables and indicators of humanization in an area of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park (southwestern Spain). Camera trapping was conducted between the months of March and August 2013, using four different bait types. Cameras were active for 1,220 days, covering a total of 1,400 ha and 45 sampling points. 713 photos and videos of five species of wild carnivores: Common genet (Genetta Genetta), Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon), Stone marten (Martes foina), Eurasian badger (Meles meles) and Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and two domestic species: Dog (Canis familiaris) and Cat (Felis catus) were taken. The two different levels of humanization showed a similar carnivore richness. The fox and the domestic dog were the most frequently detected species, and the badger was the least detected, but in the latter case the detection method did not seem to work properly. Genets were more frequently detected in the more humanized locations.
‘We like it wet’: a comparison between dissection techniques for the assessment of parity inAnopheles arabiensisand determination of sac stage in mosquitoes alive or dead on collection
Authors: Charlwood Jacques D. , Tomás Erzelia V.E. , Andegiorgish Amanuel K. , Mihreteab Selam , LeClair Corey
Published: July 2018

Background

The determination of parous rates in mosquitoes, despite numerous shortcomings, remains a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of control programs and to determine vectorial capacity in malaria vectors. Two dissection techniques are used for this. For one, the tracheoles of dried ovaries are examined with a compound microscope and in the other the follicular stalk of ovaries is examined, wet, with a stereomicroscope. The second method also enables the sac stage of parous insects (which provides information on the duration of the oviposition cycle) and the mated status of insects to be determined. Despite widespread use the two techniques have not previously been compared.

Methods

We compared the two dissection techniques usingAnopheles arabiensis, collected with a tent-trap in Eritrea. The paired ovaries were removed in water and one was examined by each method. From a separate set of dissections from Tanzania, we also determined if the sac stages ofAnopheles gambiaes.l. (83% of 183 identified by PCR beingAnopheles arabiensisthe remainder beingA. gambiae) that were alive on collection were different to those that died on collection and what the implications for vectorial capacity estimation might be.

Results

Seven per cent of the dry ovaries could not be classified due to granulation (yolk) in the ovariole that obscured the tracheoles. The sensitivity of the dry dissection was 88.51% (CI [79.88–94.35%]) and the specificity was 93.55% (CI [87.68–97.17%]) among the 211 ovaries that could be classified by the dry technique and compared to the ovaries dissected wet. 1,823 live and 1,416 dead from Furvela tent-traps, CDC light-trap and window-trap collections were dissected ‘wet’ from Tanzania. In these collections parous insects were more likely to die compared to nulliparous ones. The proportion of parous mosquitoes with ‘a’ sacs (indicative of recent oviposition) was significantly greater in insects that were dead (0.36) on collection in the morning compared to those that were alive (0.12) (Chi square 138.93,p < 0.001). There was a preponderance of newly emerged virgin insects in the outdoor collection (Chi sq = 8.84,p = 0.003).

Conclusions

In anophelines the examination of mosquito ovaries using transmitted light in a ‘wet’ dissection is a more useful and informative technique than examination of dry ovaries. In order to correctly estimate the duration of the oviposition cycle mosquitoes should be dissected as soon as possible after collection. Younger insects were more likely to attempt to feed outdoors rather than indoors.
Evaluation of standard imaging techniques and volumetric preservation of nervous tissue in genetically identical offspring of the crayfishProcambarus fallaxcf.virginalis(Marmorkrebs)
Authors: Nischik Emanuel S. , Krieger Jakob
Published: July 2018

In the field of comparative neuroanatomy, a meaningful interspecific comparison demands quantitative data referring to method-specific artifacts. For evaluating the potential of state-of-the-art imaging techniques in arthropod neuroanatomy, micro-computed X-ray microscopy (μCT) and two different approaches using confocal laser-scanning microscopy (cLSM) were applied to obtain volumetric data of the brain and selected neuropils inProcambarus fallaxformavirginalis(Crustacea, Malacostraca, Decapoda). The marbled crayfishP. fallaxcf.virginalisfeatures a parthogenetic reproduction generating genetically identical offspring from unfertilized eggs. Therefore, the studied organism provides ideal conditions for the comparative analysis of neuroanatomical imaging techniques and the effect of preceding sample preparations of nervous tissue. We found that wet scanning of whole animals conducted with μCT turned out to be the least disruptive method. However, in an additional experiment it was discovered that fixation in Bouin’s solution, required for μCT scans, resulted in an average tissue shrinkage of 24% compared to freshly dissected and unfixed brains. The complete sample preparation using fixation in half-strength Karnovsky’s solution of dissected brains led to an additional volume decrease of 12.5%, whereas the preparation using zinc-formaldehyde as fixative resulted in a shrinkage of 5% in comparison to the volumes obtained by μCT. By minimizing individual variability, at least for aquatic arthropods, this pioneer study aims for the inference of method-based conversion factors in the future, providing a valuable tool for reducing quantitative neuroanatomical data already published to a common denominator. However, volumetric deviations could be shown for all experimental protocols due to methodological noise and/or phenotypic plasticity among genetically identical individuals. MicroCT using undried tissue is an appropriate non-disruptive technique for allometry of arthropod brains since spatial organ relationships are conserved and tissue shrinkage is minimized. Collecting tissue-based shrinkage factors according to specific sample preparations might allow a better comparability of volumetric data from the literature, even if another technique was applied.
Traceable Bioinspired Nanoparticle for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer via NIR‐Trigged Intracellular Delivery of Methylene Blue and Cisplatin
Authors: Zhai Yihui , Ran Wei , Su Jinghan , Lang Tianqun , Meng Jia , Wang Guanru , Zhang Pengcheng , Li Yaping
Published: July 2018

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) eliminates abnormal cells through target recognition‐triggered intracellular toxin delivery. Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell improves cancer cell recognition of CTL, but its effectiveness and safety in solid tumor treatment are still hampered by poor tumor infiltration, suppressive tumor microenvironment, and severe on‐target off‐tumor toxicity. Given the functionality and challenges of CTL in cancer therapy, herein, a CTL‐inspired nanovesicle (MPV) with a cell membrane–derived shell and a methylene blue (MB) and cisplatin (Pt) loaded gelatin nanogel core is created. The MPV generates contrast for tumor photoacoustic imaging, and produces hyperthermia upon laser irradiation, enabling photothermal imaging and deep tumor penetration. Meanwhile, it releases MB and Pt, and then delivers them into the cytosol of cancer cells, which process can be visualized by imaging the recovery of MB‐derived fluorescence. The localized hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy together kill 4T1 breast cancer cells effectively, resulting in primary tumor regression and 97% inhibition of pulmonary metastasis, without significant toxicity to the animals. Taken together, the MPV shows tumor‐specific and stimuli‐triggered intracellular toxin delivery with advantages in traceable accumulation and activation, high tumor penetration, and triple combination therapy, and thus can be an effective nanomedicine for combating metastatic breast cancer.
Thermoresponsive Amphoteric Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient and Reversible Adsorption of Multiple Salts from Water
Authors: Ou Ranwen , Zhang Huacheng , Wei Jing , Kim Seungju , Wan Li , Nguyen Nhi Sa , Hu Yaoxin , Zhang Xiwang , Simon George P. , Wang Huanting
Published: July 2018

Regenerable, high‐efficiency salt sorption materials are highly desirable for water treatment. Here, a thermoresponsive, amphoteric metal–organic framework (MOF) material is reported that can adsorb multiple salts from saline water at room temperature and effectively release the adsorbed salts into water at elevated temperature (e.g., 80 °C). The amphoteric MOF, integrated with both cation‐binding carboxylic groups and anion‐binding tertiary amine groups, is synthesized by introducing a polymer with tertiary amine groups into the cavities of a water‐stable MOF such as MIL‐121 with carboxylic groups inside its frameworks. The amphoterized MIL‐121 exhibits excellent salt adsorption properties, showing stable adsorption–desorption cycling performances and high LiCl, NaCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2 adsorption capacities of 0.56, 0.92, 0.25, and 0.39 mmol g−1, respectively. This work provides a novel, effective strategy for synthesizing new‐generation, environmental‐friendly, and responsive salt adsorption materials for efficient water desalination and purification.
Enhancing the Performance of the Half Tin and Half Lead Perovskite Solar Cells by Suppression of the Bulk and Interfacial Charge Recombination
Authors: Shao Shuyan , Cui Yong , Duim Herman , Qiu Xinkai , Dong Jingjin , ten Brink Gert H. , Portale Giuseppe , Chiechi Ryan C. , Zhang Shaoqing , Hou Jianhui , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: July 2018

In this article it is investigated how the hole extraction layer (HEL) influence the charge recombination and performance in half tin and half lead (FASn0.5Pb0.5I3) based solar cells (HPSCs). FASn0.5Pb0.5I3 film grown on PEDOT:PSS displays a large number of pin‐holes and open grain boundaries, resulting in a high defect density and shunts in the perovskite film causing significant bulk and interfacial charge recombination in the HPSCs. By contrast, FASn0.5Pb0.5I3 films grown on PCP‐Na, an anionic conjugated polymer, show compact and pin‐hole free morphology over a large area, which effectively eliminates the shunts and trap states. Moreover, PCP‐Na is characterized by a higher work function, which determines a favorable energy alignment at the anode interface, enhancing the charge extraction. Consequently, both the interfacial and bulk charge recombination in devices using PCP‐Na HEL are considerably reduced giving rise to an overall improvement of all the device parameters. The HPSCs fabricated with this HEL display power conversion efficiency up to 16.27%, which is 40% higher than the efficiency of the control devices using PEDOT:PSS HEL (11.60%). Furthermore, PCP‐Na as HEL offers superior performance in larger area devices compared to PEDOT:PSS.
Antiferroelectrics for Energy Storage Applications: a Review
Authors: Liu Zhen , Lu Teng , Ye Jiaming , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin , Withers Ray , Liu Yun
Published: July 2018

Energy storage materials and their applications have long been areas of intense research interest for both the academic and industry communities. Dielectric capacitors using antiferroelectric materials are capable of displaying higher energy densities as well as higher power/charge release densities by comparison with their ferroelectric and linear dielectric counterparts and therefore have greater potential for practical energy storage applications. Over the past decade, extensive efforts have been devoted to the development of high performance, antiferroelectric, energy storage ceramics and much progress has been achieved. In this review, the current state‐of‐the‐art as regards antiferroelectric ceramic systems, including PbZrO3‐based, AgNbO3‐based, and (Bi,Na)TiO3‐based systems, are comprehensively summarized with regards to their energy storage performance. Strategies are then discussed for the further improvement of the energy storage properties of these antiferroelectric ceramic systems. This is followed by a review of the low temperature sintering techniques and the charge–discharge performance of antiferroelectric ceramics from a practical point of view. The review will be of benefit for researchers in the area as it offers a quick overview of recent progress in the development of various kinds of antiferroelectric ceramics and their properties. It should also stimulate the development of novel antiferroelectric ceramics with high energy storage performance.
Surgery with curative intent for stage IV gastric cancer: Is it a reality of illusion?
Authors: Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: July 2018

Gastric cancer with metastases outside of the regional lymph nodes is deemed oncologically unresectable. Nevertheless, some metastatic lesions are technically resectable by applying established surgical techniques such as para‐aortic lymphadenectomy and hepatectomy. At the time of compilation of the Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines version 4, systematic reviews were conducted to see whether it is feasible to make any recommendation to dissect both the primary and metastatic lesions with intent to cure, possibly as part of multimodality treatment. Long‐term survivors were found among carefully selected groups of patients both in prospective and retrospective studies. In addition, there is a growing list of publications reporting encouraging outcomes of gastrectomy conducted after exceptionally good response to chemotherapy, usually among patients who underwent R0 resection. This type of surgery is often referred to as conversion surgery. It is sometimes difficult to define a clear borderline between curative surgery scheduled after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and the conversion surgery. This review summarizes what we knew after the literature reviews conducted at the time of compiling the Japanese guidelines and in addition reflects some new findings obtained thereafter through clinical trials and retrospective studies. Metastases were divided into three categories based on the major metastatic pathways: lymphatic, hematogenous, and peritoneal. In each of these categories, there were findings that could provide hope for patients with metastatic disease. These findings implied that the surgical technique that we already use could become more useful upon further developments in antineoplastic agents and drug delivery.
Explorative Synthese von Gallium‐ und Indiumboraten unter extremen Bedingungen: M5B12O25(OH): Struktur, Lumineszenz und überraschende photokatalytische Eigenschaften
Authors: Vitzthum Daniela , Wurst Klaus , Pann Johann M. , Brüggeller Peter , Seibald Markus , Huppertz Hubert
Published: July 2018

Explorative Festkörperchemie führte zur Entdeckung der beiden neuen Phasen Ga5B12O25(OH) und In5B12O25(OH). Mithilfe eines Walker‐Moduls (Multianvil‐Technik) führten extreme synthetische Bedingungen von 12 GPa und 1450 °C zur Bildung eines unvorhergesehenen tetragonalen Strukturtyps. Dieser ist aus kondensierten BO4‐Tetraedern mit kuboktaedrischen Kavitäten aufgebaut. Im Fall von In5B12O25(OH) war es möglich, diese Kavitäten mit Eu3+ zu dotieren, womit nach Anregung eine orange‐rote Lumineszenz beobachtet werden konnte. In photokatalytischen Tests mit der Phase In5B12O25(OH) zeigte sich überraschenderweise eine hohe Wasserstoffproduktionsrate, die mit der von TiO2 vergleichbar ist. Bemerkenswert ist allerdings, dass im Falle des In5B12O25(OH) kein Kokatalysator verwendet wurde.
On the Mechanism of the Reactivity of 1,3‐Dialkylimidazolium Salts under Basic to Acidic Conditions: A Combined Kinetic and Computational Study
Authors: Rico del Cerro Daniel , Mera‐Adasme Raúl , King Alistair W. T. , Perea‐Buceta Jesus E. , Heikkinen Sami , Hase Tapio , Sundholm Dage , Wähälä Kristiina
Published: July 2018

Comprehensive spectroscopic kinetic studies illustrate an alternative mechanism for the traditional free‐carbene intermediated H/D exchange reaction of 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium salts under neutral (D2O) and acidic conditions (DCl/D2O 35 wt % solution). The deuteration of high purity [bmim]Cl in D2O is studied at different temperatures, in absence of catalyst or impurities, to yield an activation energy. DFT transition‐state modelling, of a small water cluster and [bmim] cation, also yields an activation energy which strongly supports the proposed mechanism. The presence of basic impurities are shown to significantly enhance the exchange reaction, which brings into question the need for further analysis of technical purities of ionic liquids and the implications for a wide range of chemical reactions in such media.
Overcoming Volume Selectivity of Dipolar Recoupling in Biological Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Tošner Zdeněk , Sarkar Riddhiman , Becker‐Baldus Johanna , Glaubitz Clemens , Wegner Sebastian , Engelke Frank , Glaser Steffen J. , Reif Bernd
Published: July 2018

Dipolar recoupling in solid‐state NMR is an essential method for establishing correlations between nuclei that are close in space. In applications on protein samples, the traditional experiments like ramped and adiabatic DCP suffer from the fact that dipolar recoupling occurs only within a limited volume of the sample. This selection is dictated by the radiofrequency (rf) field inhomogeneity profile of the excitation solenoidal coil. We employ optimal control strategies to design dipolar recoupling sequences with substantially larger responsive volume and increased sensitivity. We show that it is essential to compensate for additional temporal modulations induced by sample rotation in a spatially inhomogeneous rf field. Such modulations interfere with the pulse sequence and decrease its performance. Using large‐scale optimizations we developed pulse schemes for magnetization transfer from amide nitrogen to carbonyl (NCO) as well as aliphatic carbons (NCA). Our experiments yield a signal intensity increased by a factor of 1.5 and 2.0 for NCA and NCO transfers, respectively, compared to conventional ramped DCP sequences. Consistent results were obtained using several biological samples and NMR instruments.
The current and emerging sources of technical lignins and their applications
Authors: Li Tao , Takkellapati Sudhakar
Published: July 2018

Technical lignins are bulk feedstocks. They are generated as byproducts from pulping or cellulosic ethanol production. As lignin undergoes significant structural changes as a result of chemical and physical treatments, all technical lignins are unique in terms of chemical structure, molecular weight, polydispersity, and impurity profile.

Kraft lignin is potentially the largest source of technical lignin as new isolation technologies have been implemented on an industrial scale in recent years. Lignosulfonate has been an integral product in sulfite pulping biorefineries. It has a well established market in the construction industry. Organosolv‐like lignin production is increasing as cellulosic ethanol has been promoted as a substitute for fossil fuel. It may have unique applications because it has low molecule weight and is free from sulfur. Technical applications of lignin are expected to expand as its characteristics are improved with fractionation or chemical modification.

The application of technical lignin has been focusing on developing products equivalent to those made by petroleum chemicals. Recent developments in technical lignin supply should increase its market share as an additive in polyurethanes and as a substitute for phenol‐formaldehyde adhesives. Quality improvement of technical lignin may also encourage the study of lignin as an alternative feedstock for carbon fiber. Moreover, technical lignin depolymerization has been extensively explored to provide renewable aromatic chemicals. Starting from controlled pyrolysis and thermal liquefaction as the baseline technologies, many different chemical depolymerizations have been invented with a wide range of underlying chemical principles. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Control of amino acid transport into Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Geoghegan Darren , Arnall Claire , Hatton Diane , Noble‐Longster Joanne , Sellick Christopher , Senussi Tarik , James David C.
Published: July 2018

Amino acid transporters (AATs) represent a key interface between the cell and its environment, critical for all cellular processes: Energy generation, redox control, and synthesis of cell and product biomass. However, very little is known about the activity of different functional classes of AATs in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, how they support cell growth and productivity, and the potential for engineering their activity and/or the composition of amino acids in growth media to improve CHO cell performance in vitro. In this study, we have comparatively characterized AAT expression in untransfected and monoclonal antibody (MAb)‐producing CHO cells using transcriptome analysis by RNA‐seq, and mechanistically dissected AAT function using a variety of transporter‐specific chemical inhibitors, comparing their effect on cell proliferation, recombinant protein production, and amino acid transport. Of a possible 56 mammalian plasma membrane AATs, 16 AAT messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were relatively abundant across all CHO cell populations. Of these, a subset of nine AAT mRNAs were more abundant in CHO cells engineered to produce a recombinant MAb. Together, upregulated AATs provide additional supply of specific amino acids overrepresented in MAb biomass compared to CHO host cell biomass, enable transport of synthetic substrates for glutathione synthesis, facilitate transport of essential amino acids to maintain active protein synthesis, and provide amino acid substrates for coordinated antiport systems to maintain supplies of proteinogenic and essential amino acids.
Modelling the consumer decision‐making process to identify key drivers and bottlenecks in the adoption of environmentally friendly products
Authors: Shim Dongnyok , Shin Jungwoo , Kwak So‐Yoon
Published: July 2018

This paper empirically identifies the attitude‐behaviour gap phenomenon, which has been witnessed frequently in environmentally friendly products, by suggesting a general and flexible Bayesian multivariate model and applying it to survey data. Since cognitive, affective and conative stages, which are closely related to the attitude‐behaviour gap, are successive stages in the consumer decision‐making process, these must be considered simultaneously in empirical analysis. For this reason, a recursive multivariate probit model is proposed. According to the empirical analysis, the affective stage (interest and preference) does not lead to the conative stage (intention to use and intention to purchase) in an analysis of eco‐friendly detergent. By contrast, in an electric vehicle analysis, the affective stage partially influences the conative stage through the relationship between preference and usage intention, and through the relationship between interest and purchase intention. It was also found that high compatibility and low complexity must be emphasized in eco‐friendly detergent, and that high relative advantage and compatibility must be emphasized for an electric vehicle in order to bridge the attitude‐behaviour gap successfully.
Thermal stability and catalytic properties of protease from Bacillus sp. P45 active in organic solvents and ionic liquid
Authors: de Borba Thais M. , Machado Taiele B. , Brandelli Adriano , Kalil Susana J.
Published: July 2018

The parameters half‐life, z value, enthalpy, entropy, and free energy were evaluated in the temperature range of 40 to 55°C for a Bacillus sp. P45 protease present in a medium composed of ionic liquid (IL) and organic solvent. The protease was previously treated in IL [Emim][Tf2N] and increased activity was observed in four out of five organic solvents tested. The reaction medium containing acetone and IL (1:1 v/v ratio) was more stable than the buffer medium, with half‐life of 2.4 h at 55°C. Thermodynamic parameters values showed there was probably less rupture of non‐covalent bonds that stabilize the protein structure, which promoted the protease P45 stabilization. According to this study it was concluded that the protease P45 in a medium composed of [Emim][Tf2N] and acetone may be used at higher temperatures than those employed in buffer or medium containing organic solvent. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2018 © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1102–1108, 2018
Two New Chromone Glycosides from the Roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata
Authors: Ma Si‐Yuan , Shi Ling‐Gao , Gu Zheng‐Bing , Wu Yu‐Lan , Wei Liu‐Bin , Wei Qi‐Qiu , Gao Xing‐Ling , Liao Na
Published: July 2018

Five chromone glycosides were isolated from the water‐soluble portions of 70% EtOH extract of the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata, including two new chromone glycosides 1 and 2. The structures of the chromone glycosides were identified as (3′S)‐3′‐O‐β‐d‐apiofuranosyl‐(1 → 6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosylhamaudol (1), (2′S)‐4′‐O‐β‐d‐apiofuranosyl‐(1 → 6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranosylvisamminol (2), 3′‐O‐glucopyranosylhamaudol (3), 4′‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosylvisamminol (4), and 4′‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐5‐O‐methylvisamminol (5) on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, and the absolute configurations of the new compounds were elucidated by the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation and acid hydrolysis. The cytotoxic activities of the glycosides 1 – 5 against three human cancer cell lines (PC‐3, SK‐OV‐3, and H460) were evaluated. The result showed that compounds 1 – 5 had weak cytotoxic activities against the human cancer cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 48.54 ± 0.80 – 94.25 ± 1.45 μm.
Application of the modified Zajicek criteria to diagnose probable spinal cord neurosarcoidosis
Authors: Owen Ceris Ifan , Jabeen Farrah , Bhattacharjee Anupam
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Neurosarcoidosis represents a significant diagnostic challenge, as clinical features overlap with other neuroinflammatory conditions, and biopsy of affected neuronal tissue is often high risk or not feasible. Here we highlight application of the modified Zajicek criteria to diagnose probable spinal neurosarcoidosis in the absence of histology from affected neuronal tissue.
Dynamic Behavior of Covalent Organic Cages
Authors: Ono Kosuke , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: July 2018

Discrete, large, covalent organic cages have recently been constructed by utilizing various types of dynamic covalent bond formation. The reversibility of bond formation can provide an opportunity to exhibit unique dynamic behavior; however, the transformation of such rigid cages to other structures remains challenging. To clarify the current status of this emerging research field, this Concept article gives an overview of recent progress of the dynamic behavior of covalent organic cages by classifying them into four types of transformation, namely, dimerization into the interlocked cages, transformation into different cage structures, exchange of components, and disassembly. The driving forces of such dynamic behavior and problems to be solved are also highlighted.
Environmentally Sensitive Fluorescent Nucleoside Analogues for Surveying Dynamic Interconversions of Nucleic Acid Structures
Authors: Sholokh Marianna , Sharma Rajhans , Grytsyk Natalia , Zaghzi Lyes , Postupalenko Viktoriia Y. , Dziuba Dmytro , Barthes Nicolas P. F. , Michel Benoît Y. , Boudier Christian , Zaporozhets Olga A. , Tor Yitzhak , Burger Alain , Mély Yves
Published: July 2018

Nucleic acids are characterized by a variety of dynamically interconverting structures that play a major role in transcriptional and translational regulation as well as recombination and repair. To monitor these interconversions, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)‐based techniques can be used, but require two fluorophores that are typically large and can alter the DNA/RNA structure and protein binding. Additionally, events that do not alter the donor/acceptor distance and/or angular relationship are frequently left undetected. A more benign approach relies on fluorescent nucleobases that can substitute their native counterparts with minimal perturbation, such as the recently developed 2‐thienyl‐3‐hydroxychromone (3HCnt) and thienoguanosine (thG). To demonstrate the potency of 3HCnt and thG in deciphering interconversion mechanisms, we used the conversion of the (−)DNA copy of the HIV‐1 primer binding site (−)PBS stem‐loop into (+)/(−)PBS duplex, as a model system. When incorporated into the (−)PBS loop, the two probes were found to be highly sensitive to the individual steps both in the absence and the presence of a nucleic acid chaperone, providing the first complete mechanistic description of this critical process in HIV‐1 replication. The combination of the two distinct probes appears to be instrumental for characterizing structural transitions of nucleic acids under various stimuli.
Synergistic Catalysis: Highly Enantioselective Acetyl Aza‐arene Addition to Enals
Authors: Meazza Marta , Sitinova Gabriela , Poderi Cecilia , Mancinelli Michele , Zhang Kaiheng , Mazzanti Andrea , Torres Ramon Rios
Published: July 2018

A novel catalytic enantioselective methodology based on synergistic catalysis for the synthesis of chiral 2‐acyl pyridines and pyrazines is reported. The strategy involves the metal–Lewis acid activation of acetyl aza‐arenes and the secondary‐amine activation of enals. The proposed mechanism is supported by DFT calculations.
Two Consecutive Magneto‐Structural Gas–Solid Transformations in Non‐Porous Molecular Materials
Authors: Miguel‐Donet Julia , López‐Cabrelles Javier , Calvo Galve Néstor , Coronado Eugenio , Mínguez Espallargas Guillermo
Published: July 2018

Modification of the magnetic properties in a solid‐state material upon external stimulus has attracted much attention in the recent years for their potential applications as switches and sensors. Within the field of coordination polymers, gas sorption studies typically focus on porous solids, with the gas molecules accommodating in the channels. Here we present a 1D non‐porous coordination polymer capable of incorporating HCl gas molecules, which not only causes a reordering of its atoms in the solid state but also provokes dramatic changes in the magnetic behavior. Subsequently, a further solid–gas transformation can occur with the extrusion of HCl gas molecules causing a second structural rearrangement, which is also accompanied by modification in the magnetic path between the metal centers. Unequivocal evidence of the two‐step magnetostructural transformation is provided by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction.
An Ultrafast Sonochemical Strategy to Synthesize Lipase‐Manganese Phosphate Hybrid Nanoflowers with Promoted Biocatalytic Performance in the Kinetic Resolution of β‐Aryloxyalcohols
Authors: Soni Surbhi , Dwivedee Bharat P. , Banerjee Uttam C.
Published: July 2018

Herein we report an expeditious and facile sonochemical synthesis method that takes just a few minutes to produce organic‐inorganic hybrid nanoflowers and their application as a nanobiocatalyst. Surfactant treated Burkholderia cepacia lipase was used as the organic component and manganese sulfate as the inorganic component to synthesize the nanoflowers in less than 10 minutes. Careful investigation of the process parameters was performed to obtain the optimized value for each attribute viz. sonication time (7.5 min), lipase concentration (0.1 mg/mL), MnSO4 concentration (150 mM), sonication frequency (33 kHz) and pH (8.0). An additional post‐synthesis treatment of nanoflowers with N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) increased their reusability to over nine cycles with an overall six‐fold increase in the activity. In addition, thermal stability was demonstrated through a twenty‐fold increase in the half‐life of immobilized lipase at 80 °C than in free form. The hybrid nanoflowers displayed a marked improvement in the kinetic resolution of racemic intermediates of metoprolol, a selective β‐1 blocker drug [C (%)=46.7, eep=96.5, E=156] and cloranolol, a non‐selective β‐blocker drug [C (%)=49.5, eep=96.0, E=157] compared to free lipase which signifies its importance as a nanobiocatalyst.
FRET‐based Solid‐state Luminescent Glyphosate Sensor Using Calixarene‐grafted Ruthenium(II)bipyridine Doped Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Ashwin Bosco Christin Maria Arputham , Saravanan Chokalingam , Stalin Thambusamy , Muthu Mareeswaran Paulpandian , Rajagopal Seenivasan
Published: July 2018

Calixarene‐functionalized luminescent nanoparticles were successfully fabricated for the FRET‐based selective and sensitive detection of the organophosphorus pesticide glyphosate (GP). p‐Tert‐butylcalix[4]arene was grafted on the surface of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ incorporated SiNps to produce self‐assembled nanosensors (RSC). FRET was switched on in the presence of GP by means of energy transfer due to binding with p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene grafted on the surface of the RSC. The FRET efficiency of the GP‐RSC system was increased gradually with the addition of GP. The FRET efficiency was evaluated as 87.69 % and a high binding affinity was established by the binding constant value, 1.16×107 M−1, using a Langmuir binding isotherm plot. The estimated limit of detection (LOD) was 7.91×10−7 M, which was lower than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendation. The probe also effectively responds to real sample analysis. The sensitivity and selectivity was realized due to the efficient FRET towards the fluorescence properties of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complex.
Assessing Skewed X‐Chromosome Inactivation
Authors: Liehr Thomas , Ziegler Monika , Löhmer Sharon , Weise Anja
Published: July 2018

We describe a simple and straightforward method for detection and characterization of X‐chromosome inactivation in females and/or individuals with more than one X chromosome. The X‐chromosome inactivation pattern is visualized on a single‐cell level using 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine (EdU) instead of the previously widely applied 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BUdR). The fluorochrome‐labeled nucleoside analog EdU is incorporated into late‐replication chromosomal regions of living blood cells in vitro; thus, it can also be used to specifically highlight the inactive X chromosome within a cytogenetic preparation. The EdU‐based test for assessing skewed X‐chromosome inactivation can only be meaningfully applied if the X chromosome of the index patient can be cytogenetically distinguished under a microscope from the normal one. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Corporate social responsibility and strategic company behaviour: CVS Health's discontinuation of tobacco products
Authors: Liu Lirong , Li Shiyou , Opara Michael
Published: July 2018

The elimination of tobacco products by CVS Health represents a special case of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with substantial costs—about $2 billion revenue loss in tobacco annually. This paper examines how CVS Health's stock market performance was affected by two events: the announcement (5 February 2014) and the implementation (1 October 2014) of the elimination of tobacco products. The study event approach and regression models are used to examine both short‐ and long‐term effects. The results show positive and significant abnormal returns during both events, with effects being much stronger during the implementation event period. In the long term, the net effects become neutral, most likely because the positive effects of CSR and the negative effects of the revenue loss offset each other. The results have important implications for both the retail pharmacy industry and companies in other industries. Socially responsible actions, such as the elimination of harmful products could impose substantial revenue losses or extra expenses, but more importantly, they can have a positive and significant impact on corporate financial performance. Thus, such actions benefit not only the stakeholders, but also the shareholders, and are consistent with both stakeholder theory and shareholder theory.
Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conduction in NiFe2O4–Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ Nanocomposite Thin Films for Oxygen Separation
Authors: Solís Cecilia , Toldra‐Reig Fidel , Balaguer María , Somacescu Simona , Garcia‐Fayos Julio , Palafox Elena , Serra José M.
Published: July 2018

NiFe2O4–Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ (NFO/CGO) nanocomposite thin films were prepared by simultaneously radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering of both NFO and CGO targets. The aim is the growth of a CO2‐stable composite layer that combines the electronic and ionic conduction of the separate NFO and the CGO phases for oxygen separation. The effect of the deposition temperature on the microstructure of the film was studied to obtain high‐quality composite thin films. The ratio of both phases was changed by applying different power to each ceramic target. The amount of each deposited phase as well as the different oxidation states of the nanocomposite constituents were analyzed by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The transport properties were studied by conductivity measurements as a function of temperature and pO2. These analyses enabled (1) selection of the best deposition temperature (400 °C), (2) correlation of the p‐type electronic behavior of the NFO phase with the hole hopping between Ni3+–Ni2+, and (3) following the conductivity behavior of the grown composite layer (prevailing ionic or electronic character) attained by varying the amount of each phase. The sputtered layer exhibited high ambipolar conduction and surfaceexchange activity. A 150 nm‐thick nanograined thin film was deposited on a 20 μm‐thick Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ asymmetric membrane, resulting in up to 3.8 mL min−1 cm−2 O2 permeation at 1000 °C under CO2 atmosphere.
Developing climate‐smart restoration: Can plant microbiomes be hardened against heat waves?
Authors: Rubin Rachel L. , Koch George W. , Martinez Ayla , Mau Rebecca L. , Bowker Matthew A. , Hungate Bruce A.
Published: July 2018

Heat waves are increasing in frequency and intensity, presenting a challenge for the already difficult practice of ecological restoration. We investigated whether pre‐heating locally sourced rhizosphere soil (inoculum) could acclimatize plants to a field‐imposed heat wave in a restoration setting. Soil heating in the laboratory caused a marked shift in rhizosphere bacterial community composition, accompanied by an increase in species evenness. Furthermore, pre‐heated rhizosphere soil reduced plant height, number of leaves, and shoot mass of the C4 grass, blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and it reduced the shoot mass of the C3 grass, Arizona fescue (Festuca arizonica) in the glasshouse. Following transplantation and the application of a field heat wave, pre‐heated inoculum did not influence heat wave survival for either plant species. However, there were strong species‐level responses to the field heat wave. For instance, heat wave survivorship was over four times higher in blue grama (92%) than in Arizona fescue (22%). These results suggest that the use of C4 seeds may be preferable for sites exhibiting high heat wave risk. Further research is needed to understand whether inocula are more effective in highly degraded soil in comparison with partially degraded soils.
Shrub encroachment, productivity pulses, and core‐transient dynamics of Chihuahuan Desert rodents
Authors: Schooley Robert L. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T. , Campanella Andrea
Published: July 2018

Drylands worldwide are experiencing shrub encroachment into grasslands with potential consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Climate change could increase the rate of shrub encroachment, amplify precipitation variability, and thus alter bottom‐up processes for animal communities. Desert rodents are important biodiversity elements of arid grasslands and shrublands that exert strong effects on soil, vegetation, and other animal species. We used long‐term data from the Jornada Basin Long Term Ecological Research site in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico to ask whether bottom‐up control of desert rodents changes across shrub encroachment gradients. Our design included spatial blocks with replicated ecological states representing transitions from black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) to honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). Grassland‐to‐shrubland transitions did not produce degraded ecosystems, on average, with reduced net primary production or decreased rodent biomass. However, more rodent biomass was supported on unencroached grasslands following droughts whose frequency and severity may increase in southwestern United States. Hence, the observed evenness in rodent biomass across ecological states should be sensitive to climate change. The best predictors of rodent biomass also differed markedly for two trophic groups. This outcome was explained by considering core‐transient dynamics. Granivores were mostly core species that regularly occurred on sites and responded to lagged net primary production at local scales, whereas folivores included transient species (especially Sigmodon hispidus) that responded to lagged precipitation at broader scales via spillover dynamics. Bottom‐up processes for desert rodents across shrub invasion gradients were understood by integrating lagged responses to productivity pulses with core‐transient structuring of communities.
Extreme events and subtle ecological effects: lessons from a long‐term sugar maple–American beech comparison
Authors: Nolet Philippe , Kneeshaw Daniel
Published: July 2018

Increasing extreme events that are related to global change are expected to affect the dynamics of forest ecosystems. If disruptive stressors (e.g., insects, drought) affect tree vigor without causing mortality, the ecological effects may be subtle, making subsequent ecosystem dynamics more difficult to predict than in the case of disturbances causing death. Based on the literature and our personal observations, we expected that such a subtle change could have occurred in the dynamics between sugar maple and American beech. We implemented a targeted paired‐sampling design (1) to verify whether a change occurred (gradual or abrupt, recovered or not) in the growth dynamics between the two species over a 57‐yr period, (2) to identify the likely causes of this change, and (3) to investigate whether such changes could trigger other long‐time ecological consequences. We found that sugar maple growth was negatively affected by an extreme event (or a few events) between 1986 and 1989, while American beech was not affected. Twenty years after the 1986–1989 abrupt growth decrease, sugar maple (1) had a slower growth than American beech, although it was previously similar, (2) did not respond to monthly climatic variations as it did prior to the abrupt growth decrease, and (3) had lower resilience when faced with a new stress event. Overall, our study, besides showing that extreme events with subtle effects may change the dynamics of an ecosystem, also illustrates that these events may accelerate ecosystem misadaptation to climate. Fine‐scale targeted monitoring is essential to complement broad‐scale monitoring to detect such misadaptations in a global change context.
Influence of behavioral state, sex, and season on resource selection by jaguars (Panthera onca): Always on the prowl?
Authors: Gese Eric M. , Terletzky Patricia A. , Cavalcanti Sandra M. C. , Neale Christopher M. U.
Published: July 2018

How a predator uses its landscape to move through its territory and acquire prey is a fundamental question for scientific research. The influence of abiotic and biotic factors on space use of large carnivores has profound implications for their future management and conservation. In the Pantanal, Brazil, jaguars (Panthera onca) are the apex predator, but conflicts with cattle depredations pose a risk to their future conservation. We examined whether behavioral state, sex, and season influenced how jaguars used the landscape in the Pantanal. To accomplish this, we radio‐collared four females and six males; radio‐collared jaguars were monitored for 76 radio‐months with 11,787 GPS locations acquired. We developed resource selection functions (RSFs) examining how female and male jaguars used their landscape during three behavioral states (moving, killing native prey, killing cattle) during two seasons (dry, wet). From theRSFmodels, we found similar variables and relationships of landscape characteristics that jaguars selected for when moving and when depredating native prey and cattle. While moving, jaguars selected for locations that were either in dense cover or very near dense cover, with higher plant diversity and closer to water than available across the landscape. While null models suggested jaguars opportunistically depredated native prey in the dry season and cattle in the wet season, there was some indication they selected for specific landscape characteristics, mainly dense cover when killing cattle in the dry season and native prey in the wet season. Both sexes killed native prey and cattle within dense cover or close to dense cover as expected of an ambush predator. Particular habitat types were not important as long as there was dense cover for concealment. Additionally, jaguars killed prey closer to water than was available on the landscape. The similar variables across the models showed the importance of dense cover and distance to dense cover during all three behavioral states indicating jaguars in the Pantanal were “always on the prowl.” Understanding the spatial requirements for jaguars during the acquisition of native prey and cattle may lead to improved management strategies to allow for continued coexistence of jaguars in an area of traditional cattle production.
Quantifying variance across spatial scales as part of fire regime classifications
Authors: Scholtz Rheinhardt , Fuhlendorf Samuel D. , Leis Sherry A. , Picotte Joshua J. , Twidwell Dirac
Published: July 2018

The emergence of large‐scale fire classifications and products informed by remote sensing data has enabled opportunities to include variability or heterogeneity as part of modern fire regime classifications. Currently, basic fire metrics such as mean fire return intervals are calculated without considering spatial variance in a management context. Fire return intervals are also only applicable at a particular grain size (defined as the spatial unit of interest) even though they are typically applied homogeneously. In this study, we utilized a 29‐yr fire occurrence database to show how spatial variance changes with respect to grain as postulated by Wiens () when reporting fire patterns within the Great Plains, USA. We utilized data from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity database of fire occurrence for the years 1984–2012. We analyzed median numbers of fire along with their variance at four spatial grains ranging from small units (e.g., plots at 3 × 3 km resolution) to large units (e.g., landscapes at 1500 × 2700 km resolution). Median number of fire occurrences was consistently low, irrespective of grain. Despite the consistency in low median numbers of fires across grain, variance in the numbers of fires between units decreased. Variance within units, however, did not change as grain increased indicating fire‐pattern‐scale inconsistencies. Fire pattern interpretations depended entirely on the scale at which it is calculated. Given that the Great Plains region has a large disparity in fire patterns (i.e., some regions burn often, while others may never burn), fire regime classifications will benefit from including scale‐specific variance estimates as a foundation for understanding changes in fire regimes and corresponding social–ecological and policy responses.