bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial/ethnic differences in the prognostic utility of left ventricular mass index for incident cardiovascular disease
Authors: Akintoye Emmanuel , Mahmoud Karim , Shokr Mohamed , Sandio Aubin , Mallikethi‐Reddy Sagar , Sheikh Muhammad , Adegbala Oluwole , Egbe Alexander , Briasoulis Alexandros , Afonso Luis
Published: April 2018

Background

Evidence exists for racial/ethnic differences in left ventricular mass index (LVMI). How this translates to future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events is unknown.

Hypothesis

The impact of racial/ethnic differences in LVMI on incident cardiovascular outcomes could have potential implications for the optimization of risk stratification strategies.

Methods

Using the prospectively collected database of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) involving 4 racial/ethnic groups (non‐Hispanic Whites, Chinese, Blacks, and Hispanics) free of CVD at baseline, we assessed for racial/ethnic differences in the relationship between LVMI and incident CVD using a Cox model.

Results

5004 participants (mean age, 62 ± 10 years; 48% male) were included in this study. After an average follow‐up of 10.2 years, 369 (7.4%) CVD events occurred. Significant racial/ethnic differences existed in the relationship between LVMI and incident CVD (P for interaction = 0.04). Notably, the relationship was strongest for Chinese (HR per 10‐unit increase in LVMI: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.8) and Hispanics (HR per 10‐unit increase in LVMI: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.5–2.2). Non‐Hispanic Whites demonstrated the lowest relationship (HR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1–1.5). LVMI values of 36.9 g/m2.7, 31.8 g/m2.7, 39.9 g/m2.7, and 41.7 g/m2.7 were identified as optimal cutpoints for defining left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) for non‐Hispanic Whites, Chinese, Blacks, and Hispanics, respectively. In secondary analysis of LVH (vs no LVH) using these optimal cutpoints, we found a similar pattern of association as above (P for interaction = 0.04). For example, compared with those without LVH, Chinese with LVH had HR: 5.3, 95% CI: 1.6–17, whereas non‐Hispanic Whites with LVH had HR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.1 for CVD events.

Conclusions

Among 4 races/ethnicities studied, LVMI has more prognostic utility predicting future CVD events for Chinese and Hispanics and is least significant for non‐Hispanic Whites.
A comprehensive meta‐analysis of stem cell therapy for chronic angina
Authors: Shah Rahman , Latham Samuel B. , Khan Sajjad A. , Shahreyar Muhammad , Hwang Inyong , Jovin Ion S.
Published: April 2018

Background

A substantial proportion of patients with coronary artery disease do not achieve complete revascularization and continue to experience refractory angina despite optimal medical therapy. Recently, stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for these patients. However, findings of individual trials have been scrutinized because of their small sample sizes and lack of statistical power. Therefore, we conducted an updated comprehensive meta‐analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with the largest sample size ever reported on this subject.

Hypothesis

In patients with chronic angina stem cell therapy improves clinical outcomes.

Methods

Scientific databases and websites were searched for RCTs. Data were independently collected by 2 investigators, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Data from 10 trials including 658 patients were analyzed.

Results

Stem cell therapy improved Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class (risk ratio: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.15, P = 0.013), exercise capacity (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.88, P = 0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (SMD: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.27 to 1.00, P = 0.001) compared with placebo. It also decreased anginal episodes (SMD: –1.21, 95% CI: –2.40 to −0.02, P = 0.045) and myocardial perfusion defects (SMD: –0.70, 95% CI: –1.11 to −0.29, P = 0.001). However, no improvements in all‐cause mortality were observed after a relatively short follow‐up.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic angina on optimal medical therapy, stem cell therapy improves symptoms, exercise capacity, and left ventricular ejection fraction. These findings warrant confirmation using larger trials.
Melanoma: What do all the mutations mean?
Authors: Davis Elizabeth J. , Johnson Douglas B. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Chandra Sunandana
Published: April 2018

Melanoma is one of the most highly mutated malignancies, largely as a function of its generation through ultraviolet light and other mutational processes. The wide array of mutations in both “driver” and “passenger” genes can present a confusing array of data for practitioners, particularly within the context of the recent revolutions in targeted and immune therapy. Although mutations in BRAF V600 clearly confer sensitivity to BRAF and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors, the clinical implications of most other mutations are less often discussed and understood. In this review, we provide an overview of the high‐frequency genomic alterations and their prognostic and therapeutic relevance in melanoma.
Localization, distribution, and connectivity of neuropeptide Y in the human and porcine retinas—A comparative study
Authors: Christiansen Anders Tolstrup , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , Klemp Kristian , Woldbye David Paul Drucker , Hannibal Jens
Published: April 2018

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a peptide neurotransmitter abundantly expressed in the mammalian retina. Since its discovery, NPY has been studied in retinas of several species, but detailed characterization of morphology, cell‐type, and connectivity has never been conducted in larger mammals including humans and pigs. As the pig due to size and cellular composition is a well‐suited animal for retinal research, we chose to compare the endogenous NPY system of the human retina to that of pigs to support future research in this field. In the present study, using immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and 3D reconstructions, we found NPY to be expressed in GABAergic and calretinin‐immunoreactive (‐ir) amacrine cells of both species as well as parvalbumin‐ir amacrine cells of humans. Furthermore, we identified at least two different types of medium‐ to wide‐field NPY‐ir amacrine cells. Finally, we detected likely synaptic appositions between the NPY‐ir amacrine cells and melanopsin‐ and nonmelanopsin‐ir ganglion cells, GABAergic and dopaminergic amacrine cells, rod bipolar cells, and horizontal cells, suggesting that NPY‐ir cells play diverse roles in modulation of both image and non‐image forming retinal signaling. These findings extend existing knowledge on NPY and NPY‐expressing cells in the human and porcine retina showing a high degree of comparability. The extensive distribution and connectivity of NPY‐ir cells described in the present study further highlights the potential importance of NPY signaling in retinal function.
Four‐transition 0‐1 functions for reflectance spectra
Authors: Centore Paul
Published: April 2018

It is known that a reflectance spectrum for an optimal colour takes on the value 0 or 1 at every wavelength, with at most two transitions between those values. This article shows that any non‐optimal colour can be produced by a reflectance spectrum that takes on the value 0 or 1 at every wavelength, with at most four transitions. While the two‐transition optimal spectrum is unique, the four‐transition non‐optimal spectrum is not unique.
Tropospheric Reactions of Triazoles with Hydroxyl Radicals: Hydroxyl Addition is Faster than Hydrogen Abstraction
Authors: Derbel Najoua , Ferchichi Olfa , Alijah Alexander
Published: April 2018

We present the results of a systematic investigation, at the BHandHLYP/AVTZ density functional (DFT) level, of the tautomeric equilibria of 1,2,3‐ and 1,2,4‐triazoles and their reactions with hydroxyl radicals in the gas phase. A total of twenty‐six chemical reactions has been studied, and thermodynamical data and rate constants are reported. The reactions can be classified in two categories: hydrogen abstraction and OH addition. Nine of these reactions are favourable at room temperature. It was found that OH addition proceeds more rapidly than hydrogen abstraction, by several orders of magnitude. For the most stable tautomers, which presumably dominate in the gaz‐phase, the fastest reactions are OH addition to 2H‐1,2,3‐triazole and site‐specific OH addition to carbon atom 5 of 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole. In absolute values, however, the rate constants are rather small, k=5.82×10−20 cm3 s−1 and k=4.75×10−18 cm3 s−1, respectively, at room temperature. Therefore, under the conditions of the troposphere, triazoles cannot be eliminated by reactions with OH. The accuracy of the computational approach has been demonstrated by studying the tautomeric equilibria of 1,2,3‐ and 1,2,4‐triazoles in the gas phase. The computed equilibrium constants are in excellent agreement with those derived from spectroscopic observations. Additional assessment of the quality of the computed data was made by comparison with the results from high‐level CCSD(T)‐F12/AVTZ ab initio calculations for three exemplary structures. This comparison demonstrates the high accuracy of our DFT results of 0.29 kcal mol−1 for energy differences between stable isomers.
Human Natural Killer Receptors, Co‐Receptors, and Their Ligands
Authors: Biassoni Roberto , Malnati Mauro S.
Published: April 2018

In the last 20 years, the study of human natural killer (NK) cells has moved from the first molecular characterizations of very few receptor molecules to the identification of a plethora of receptors displaying surprisingly divergent functions. We have contributed to the description of inhibitory receptors and their signaling pathways, important in fine regulation in many cell types, but unknown until their discovery in the NK cells. Inhibitory function is central to regulating NK‐mediated cytolysis, with different molecular structures evolving during speciation to assure its persistence. More recently, it has become possible to characterize the NK triggering receptors mediating natural cytotoxicity, unveiling the existence of a network of cellular interactions between effectors of both natural and adaptive immunity. This unit reviews the contemporary history of molecular studies of receptors and ligands involved in NK cell function, characterizing the ligands of the triggering receptor and the mechanisms for finely regulating their expression in pathogen‐infected or tumor cells. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In‐pixel analog memories for a pixel‐based background subtraction algorithm on CMOS vision sensors
Authors: García‐Lesta Daniel , López Paula , Brea Víctor Manuel , Cabello Diego
Published: April 2018

This paper addresses the most suitable in‐pixel analog memory bank for running a hardware‐oriented approach of the well‐known Pixel‐Based Adaptive Segmenter algorithm on CMOS vision sensors. The high number of memory accesses, typically up to 200 times, along with the long time elapsed before an analog memory in a pixel is updated, around 5 seconds at 30 fps, constrains the memory topology. This work assesses the impact of nominal and process nonidealities of the 3 main analog memory topologies, namely, open‐loop, closed‐loop, and integrator architectures for background subtraction over the CDNET14 database. This is the first step towards the implementation of a CMOS vision chip with per‐pixel processing to run the Pixel‐Based Adaptive Segmenter.
Insights into type‐I edge localized modes and edge localized mode control from JOREK non‐linear magneto‐hydrodynamic simulations
Authors: Hoelzl M. , Huijsmans G.T.A. , Orain F. , Artola F.J. , Pamela S. , Becoulet M. , van Vugt D. , Liu F. , Futatani S. , Lessig A. , Wolfrum E. , Mink F. , Trier E. , Dunne M. , Viezzer E. , Eich T. , Vanovac B. , Frassinetti L. , Guenter S. , Lackner K. , Krebs I. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team,   EUROfusion MST1 Team
Published: April 2018

Edge localized modes (ELMs) are repetitive instabilities driven by the large pressure gradients and current densities in the edge of H‐mode plasmas. Type‐I ELMs lead to a fast collapse of the H‐mode pedestal within several hundred microseconds to a few milliseconds. Localized transient heat fluxes to divertor targets are expected to exceed tolerable limits for ITER, requiring advanced insights into ELM physics and applicable mitigation methods. This paper describes how non‐linear magneto‐hydrodynamic (MHD) simulations can contribute to this effort. The JOREK code is introduced, which allows the study of large‐scale plasma instabilities in tokamak X‐point plasmas covering the main plasma, the scrape‐off layer, and the divertor region with its finite element grid. We review key physics relevant for type‐I ELMs and show to what extent JOREK simulations agree with experiments and help reveal the underlying mechanisms. Simulations and experimental findings are compared in many respects for type‐I ELMs in ASDEX Upgrade. The role of plasma flows and non‐linear mode coupling for the spatial and temporal structure of ELMs is emphasized, and the loss mechanisms are discussed. An overview of recent ELM‐related research using JOREK is given, including ELM crashes, ELM‐free regimes, ELM pacing by pellets and magnetic kicks, and mitigation or suppression by resonant magnetic perturbation coils (RMPs). Simulations of ELMs and ELM control methods agree in many respects with experimental observations from various tokamak experiments. On this basis, predictive simulations become more and more feasible. A brief outlook is given, showing the main priorities for further research in the field of ELM physics and further developments necessary.
Determination of microparticle characteristics in an etching plasma
Authors: Schepers L.P.T. , Beckers J. , IJzerman W.L.
Published: April 2018

The properties of one single melamine formaldehyde microparticle, levitated in the sheath of a low‐pressure radio frequency‐driven plasma, are determined with a novel procedure using in situ Mie scattering. By placing the measurement equipment inside the vacuum vessel, optical access is not limited to available viewports, and the complete scatter profile can be measured. The developed fitting routine uses peaks and valleys in the angular scatter profile to accurately determine the particle's refractive index, size, and plasma‐induced etch rate. In plasma at a pressure of 13 Pa operated at 10 W, obtained refractive indices of 1.657 ± 0.01 are close to those specified by the supplier, while the initial size (2.168 ± 0.007 μm) is relatively 8% off from the supplier‐specified value. With an estimated contamination of ambient air of 4 ± 1% in pristine Ar, etch rates of 1.9 ± 0.2 nm/min are measured.
DAFi: A directed recursive data filtering and clustering approach for improving and interpreting data clustering identification of cell populations from polychromatic flow cytometry data
Authors: Lee Alexandra J. , Chang Ivan , Burel Julie G. , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Mandava Aishwarya , Weiskopf Daniela , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro , Scheuermann Richard H. , Qian Yu
Published: April 2018

Computational methods for identification of cell populations from polychromatic flow cytometry data are changing the paradigm of cytometry bioinformatics. Data clustering is the most common computational approach to unsupervised identification of cell populations from multidimensional cytometry data. However, interpretation of the identified data clusters is labor‐intensive. Certain types of user‐defined cell populations are also difficult to identify by fully automated data clustering analysis. Both are roadblocks before a cytometry lab can adopt the data clustering approach for cell population identification in routine use. We found that combining recursive data filtering and clustering with constraints converted from the user manual gating strategy can effectively address these two issues. We named this new approach DAFi: Directed Automated Filtering and Identification of cell populations. Design of DAFi preserves the data‐driven characteristics of unsupervised clustering for identifying novel cell subsets, but also makes the results interpretable to experimental scientists through mapping and merging the multidimensional data clusters into the user‐defined two‐dimensional gating hierarchy. The recursive data filtering process in DAFi helped identify small data clusters which are otherwise difficult to resolve by a single run of the data clustering method due to the statistical interference of the irrelevant major clusters. Our experiment results showed that the proportions of the cell populations identified by DAFi, while being consistent with those by expert centralized manual gating, have smaller technical variances across samples than those from individual manual gating analysis and the nonrecursive data clustering analysis. Compared with manual gating segregation, DAFi‐identified cell populations avoided the abrupt cut‐offs on the boundaries. DAFi has been implemented to be used with multiple data clustering methods including K‐means, FLOCK, FlowSOM, and the ClusterR package. For cell population identification, DAFi supports multiple options including clustering, bisecting, slope‐based gating, and reversed filtering to meet various autogating needs from different scientific use cases. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Deploying wireless sensor networks–based smart grid for smart meters monitoring and control
Authors: de Souza Renato William R. , Moreira Leonardo R. , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Moreira Rafael R. , de Albuquerque Victor Hugo C.
Published: April 2018

Transmission and distribution systems for electricity have undergone a technological revolution in terms of operation and management using computer networks, automation, remote sensing, and information and communication technologies to improve the performance of digital electronic meters. This work describes the integration of a wireless sensor networks (WSNs)–based communication system with an electrical energy‐measurement structure, to verify the feasibility of large‐scale installation of intelligent electronic meters in low‐voltage consumer units. The study is based on simulations, using Castalia, considering 2 scenarios, the first in a flat network and the second in a hierarchical network of WSNs to analyze the feasibility of sending messages from intelligent electronic meters to the concessionaires through a ZigBee network.In addition, the time requirements of the IEC 61850 standard for sending and receiving manufacturing message specifications and generic object‐oriented substation event type messages are verified. This work demonstrated the technical feasibility of using WSNs for different node densities by region and evaluated the location of the sink node, and adequate infrastructures for WSNs were found. This extends time checks for both vertical (usually for supervision) and horizontal (used for protection) messages. The proposed model has great potential to use a WSN infrastructure and to evaluate if this infrastructure allows data transmission of the protocols used in smart grids, mainly verifying the requirements of transmission times required by each application.
Bronchial brush cytology of primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma of lung
Authors: Rajagopal Meyyappa Devan , Gochhait Debasis , Hanuman Srinivas Bheemanathi , Ganesh Rajesh Nachiappa , Siddaraju Neelaiah , Rajaram Manju
Published: April 2018

Primary pulmonary lymphoma is defined as clonal lymphoid proliferation affecting one or both lungs in a patient with no extrapulmonary involvement at the time of diagnosis or during the subsequent 3 months. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare T‐cell neoplasm which occurs as two distinct clinical entities—cutaneous and systemic variant. Primary lung involvement is extremely uncommon. It can be classified on the basis of being positive or negative for ALK rearrangement which carries prognostic significance. The 2016 revision of World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphoid neoplasm recognizes three types of ALCL namely ALK‐positive, ALK‐negative, and breast implant associated. Here, we report a case of primary pulmonary ALK‐1 positive ALCL which was initially recognized in bronchial brushing cytology based on distinct morphologic clues.
Isolation of a unique hepatic stellate cell population expressing integrin α8 from embryonic mouse livers
Authors: Ogawa Tomohiro , Li Yuchang , Lua Ingrid , Hartner Andrea , Asahina Kinji
Published: April 2018

Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an important role in liver fibrogenesis. However, little is known about their phenotype and role in liver development. The aim of this study is to identify specific markers for embryonic HSCs. Results: Using antibodies against ALCAM and PDPN, we separated mesothelial cells (MCs) and HSCs from developing livers and identified integrin α8 (ITGA8) as a marker for embryonic desmin+ HSCs that are preferentially localized near the developing liver surface and α‐smooth muscle actin+ perivascular mesenchymal cells around the vein. A cell lineage–tracing study revealed that upon differentiation, MC‐derived HSCs or perivascular mesenchymal cells express ITGA8 during liver development. Using anti‐ITGA8 antibodies, we succeeded in isolating MC‐derived HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells from embryonic livers. In direct co‐culture, ITGA8+ mesenchymal cells promoted the expression of hepatocyte and cholangiocyte markers in hepatoblasts. In the normal adult liver, expression of ITGA8 was restricted to portal fibroblasts in the portal triad. Upon liver injury, myofibroblasts increased the expression of ITGA8. Conclusions: ITGA8 is a specific cell surface marker of MC‐derived HSCs and perivascular mesenchymal cells in the developing liver. Our data suggest that ITGA8+ mesenchymal cells maintain the phenotype of hepatoblast in liver development. Developmental Dynamics 247:867–881, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mir‐7 and bag of marbles genes regulate Hedgehog pathway signaling in blood cell progenitors in Drosophila larval lymph glands
Authors: Tokusumi Tsuyoshi , Tokusumi Yumiko , Schulz Robert A.
Published: April 2018

Hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling is crucial for the maintenance of blood cell progenitors in the lymph gland hematopoietic organ present in Drosophila third instar larvae. Previous studies from our lab have likewise shown the importance of the mir‐7 and bag of marbles (bam) genes in maintaining the progenitor state. Thus, we sought to investigate a possible interaction between the Hh pathway and mir‐7/bam in the prohemocyte population within this hematopoietic tissue. Gain of function mir‐7 was able to rescue a blood cell progenitor depletion phenotype caused by Patched (Ptc) inhibition of Hh pathway signaling in these cells. Similarly, expression of a dominant/negative version of Ptc was able to rescue the severe reduction of prohemocytes due to bam loss of function. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Suppressor of fused [Su(fu)], another known inhibitor of Hh signaling, likely serves as a translational repression target of the mir‐7 miRNA. Our results suggest the mir‐7/bam combination regulates the Hh signaling network through repression of Su(fu) to maintain hemocyte progenitors in the larval lymph gland.
Soil properties and climate mediate the effects of biotic interactions on the performance of a woody range expander
Authors: Tomiolo Sara , Ward David
Published: April 2018

Expansion of trees into grasslands and old fields is a complex process that leads to a decline of biodiversity and reduces rangeland availability. Climate and land‐use change contribute to accelerated rates of range expansion. However, the role of biotic interactions in promoting or hindering woody range expanders is still unclear. We investigated the combined effects of abiotic (soil properties and climate) and biotic (simulated grazing and intra‐ and interspecific plant–plant interactions) factors on a woody range‐expander, Juniperus virginiana, which has been spreading into grasslands and old‐field habitats in North America. We hypothesized that interspecific competition would negatively affect growth and survival of J. virginiana due to belowground competition with herbaceous species; grazing would favor J. virginiana via competitive release, and intraspecific interactions would be beneficial to tree seedlings during early life stages by means of facilitation. We also predicted that a thicker winter snowpack would have a positive impact on tree growth by providing protection from frost damage. In a multisite field experiment, we exposed J. virginiana seedlings to intra‐ and interspecific interactions, as well as simulated grazing of surrounding herbaceous species. These treatments were repeated at three different sites that vary in soil properties and that are situated along a precipitation gradient. Additionally, we conducted a snow‐manipulation experiment at one of the sites. We conducted our monitoring for two consecutive growing seasons characterized by very different rainfall conditions, the second growing season receiving between 6% and 14% more rainfall than the first. Under lower rainfall availability, interspecific interactions between tree seedlings and herbaceous species negatively affected seedling growth rates. However, this effect was detectable only during the drier year and at the site characterized by more favorable soil properties. During winter, we found that deeper snow cover was associated with decreased growth rate of plants, probably due to repeated freeze‐thaw cycles. Our results indicate that the role of biotic interactions had an effect only under harsh climatic conditions and that abiotic factors may affect range expansion directly and indirectly via biotic interactions.
Carbon fluxes from a temperate rainforest site in southern South America reveal a very sensitive sink
Authors: Perez‐Quezada Jorge F. , Celis‐Diez Juan L. , Brito Carla E. , Gaxiola Aurora , Nuñez‐Avila Mariela , Pugnaire Francisco I. , Armesto Juan J.
Published: April 2018

Ecosystems where carbon fluxes are being monitored on a global scale are strongly biased toward temperate Northern Hemisphere latitudes. However, forest and moorland ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere may contribute significantly to the global and regional C balance and are affected by different climate systems. Here, we present the first data from an old‐growth forest representative of temperate, broad‐leaved rainforests from southern South America. Carbon fluxes monitored over two years using the eddy covariance technique showed that this rainforest acts as an annual sink (−238 ± 31 g C/m2). However, there were significant pulses of carbon emission associated with dry episodes during the summer months (i.e., peak of the growing season) and periods of significant carbon fixation during the cold austral winter, indicating that the carbon balance in this forest is very sensitive to climate fluctuations. The carbon fixation surges in winter seem to be related to the mild temperatures recorded during this period of the year under the prevailing oceanic climate. Winter carbon gain was more relevant in determining the annual carbon balance than summer pulse emissions. Regarding the annual carbon balance, this southern forest resembles the patterns observed in montane tropical forests more than the behavior of narrow‐leaved evergreen temperate forests from the Northern Hemisphere. These patterns make this southern forest type relevant to understanding the mechanisms and thresholds that control ecosystem shifts from carbon sinks and sources and will provide key data to improve global dynamic vegetation models.
Solution and Solid‐State Ligand K‐Edge XAS Studies of PdCl2 Diphosphine Complexes with Phenyl and Cyclohexyl Substituents
Authors: Blake Anastasia V. , Wei Haochuan , Lee Kyounghoon , Donahue Courtney M. , Keith Jason M. , Daly Scott R.
Published: April 2018

Here we report P K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), density functional theory (DFT), and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) studies of [R2P(CH2)nPR2]PdCl2, where R = phenyl or cyclohexyl and n = 1–3. P K‐edge XAS data were collected on room temperature CH2Cl2 solutions of [Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2]PdCl2, where n = 1 (dppm; 1), 2 (dppe; 2), or 3 (dppp; 3) to determine if solid‐state variations in covalent Pd–P bonding reported previously (Inorg. Chem. 2015, 54, 5646) were present in solution. A flow cell was used to overcome challenges associated with photon‐induced decomposition, which often occurs rapidly in solution during ligand K‐edge XAS data collection at room temperature. While the solid‐state data for 2 revealed a 10 % increase in P 1s→Pd‐P σ* transition intensity compared to 1 and 3, no statistical difference in Pd–P covalency was observed for 1–3 in solution. In contrast, solid‐state P K‐edge XAS data collected on [Cy2P(CH2)nPCy2]PdCl2, where n = 1 (dcpm; 4), 2 (dcpe; 5), or 3 (dcpp; 6), matched the trend in P 1s→Pd–P σ* transition intensity for solids of 1–3 despite exchanging the phenyl substituents for cyclohexyl. DFT and TDDFT calculations conducted on 4–6 corroborated the experimental data. Collectively, the solid‐state XAS and DFT results suggest that changes in the diphosphine backbone have the same relative effect on Pd–P σ covalency regardless of the substituents attached to phosphorus.
Formation of Multinuclear s‐Block Metal Systems by Enhancement of the Coordination Properties of 1,2,3‐Triazole
Authors: Mancilla‐González María del Carmen , Martínez‐Otero Diego , Hernández‐Balderas Uvaldo , Domínguez‐González Ricardo , Esturau‐Escofet Nuria , Morales‐Juárez Telesforo Jesús , Jancik Vojtech
Published: April 2018

The 4,5‐{Ph2(HO)C}2‐1,2,3‐triazole ligand (2) with two bulky Ph2C(HO) substituents was synthesized and used in the preparation of coordination compounds with selected group 1 metals. In the solid state, the high Lewis acidity of lithium caused the formation of di‐ and tetrametallic L2Li2thf4·2THF and L4Li4thf2(Et2O)2·2Et2O (L = monoanionic form of 2) species, while only the dimetallic derivative L2Na2thf4·2THF was observed for sodium. The larger size of potassium caused the formation of L6K6(H2O)thf2·2THF with a hexagonal drumlike inorganic core. 1H DOSY NMR spectroscopic studies confirmed the presence of multimetallic species also in solution. The molecular structures of the compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In a comparative study, magnesium derivatives of 2 were prepared to evaluate the effect of a higher covalent character of the M–O bond leading to multimetallic polycyclic systems with up to 29 rings. Finally, the lithium compounds showed catalytic activity in the polymerization of ε‐caprolactone.
Phytol and Phytyl Fatty Acid Esters: Occurrence, Concentrations, and Relevance
Authors: Krauß Stephanie , Vetter Walter
Published: April 2018

Phytyl fatty acid esters (PFAE) are long chain isoprenoid esters consisting of phytol esterified to fatty acids. Phytol, which is mainly known as side chain of the plant pigment chlorophyll, is released during chlorophyll breakdown. PFAE mainly function as storage forms for free phytol to protect plant cells as phytol shows membrane toxic properties. Surprisingly, only scattered data on PFAE can be found in the literature. For instance, PFAE are known to occur in mosses, selected leaves of higher plants, and also in some fruits and vegetables. As PFAE seem to be fissile in the human body, their phytol moiety is bioavailable and can be converted into phytanic acid. Patients with Refsum's disease cannot metabolize phytanic acid and accumulate it in blood and organs with severe consequences. For treatment, patients must keep a special diet avoiding foods with high amounts of phytanic acid or free phytol with the tolerable daily intake being ≤10 mg. In addition, PFAE in fruits and vegetables directly add to the intake of phytol or rather phytanic acid. Therefore, their contents must be taken into account regarding dietary recommendations. This review summarizes the literature data on occurrence, concentrations, and analytical methods for the determination of PFAE.

Practical application: The data provided give an overview of matrices containing PFAE which also include edible plant parts. This information can help improving the life quality of patients suffering from Refsum's disease. Additionally, a summary of different analytical methods for the determination of PFAE is presented which will hopefully encourage further research on this class of esters.

Phytyl fatty acid esters (PFAE) are long chain isoprenoid esters consisting of trans‐phytol esterified with fatty acids. They are reported to occur in several mosses and algae, in leaves of some higher plants as well as in selected fruits and vegetables. In contrast to chlorophyll, PFAE are found to be a potential source for bioavailable trans‐phytol. Free trans‐phytol is known as a precursor for phytanic acid which cannot be metabolized by patients with Refum's disease. Hence, edible plant parts with elevated PFAE levels add to the daily tolerable intake of phytanic acid for these patients. This review gives an overview of occurrence, variability, and contents of PFAE and summarizes various analytical methods for their determination.
Microwave‐Assisted Extraction of Lipids from Wet Microalgae Paste: A Quick and Efficient Method
Authors: de Moura Renata R. , Etges Bianca J. , dos Santos Elisane O. , Martins Tatiana G. , Roselet Fabio , Abreu Paulo C. , Primel Ednei G. , D'Oca Marcelo G. M.
Published: April 2018

This article proposes an easy, quick, and efficient microwave method for the routine laboratory extraction of lipids from wet microalgae paste. A microwave synthesis instrument is used, and time and temperature are optimized using a central composite design. A chloroform/methanol mixture (2:1 v/v) is used as extractor solvent and the ideal condition is 1 min of microwave irradiation at 80 °C using power mode at 300 W. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows extensive cell damage leading to cracking, fragmentation, and large debris in a shorter treatment time. In addition, the fatty acids profile shows that microwave irradiation method has no degrading effect on the extracted fatty acids. The extraction by microwave achieves a significantly higher yield (33.6 ± 2.6%) with only 1 min of extraction time than conventional ultrasonic extraction (20 min, 25 °C, 28.51 ± 0.8% yield) from wet Nannochloropsis oculata biomass. Next, the efficiency of the extraction method in is evaluated in terms of species variation by applying it to the algal paste of Amphora coffeaeformis, Chaetoceros gracilis, and Isochrysis galbana. The lipid content obtained from A. coffeaeformis, C. gracilis, and I. galbana is 16.27 ± 1.5, 22.31 ± 2.5, and 19.87 ± 2.4%, respectively. Thus, the microwave method is successfully applied to algal paste.

Practical Applications: The microalgal cell wall disruption is an important and complex stage and effective methods of disruption are fundamental to extracting lipids. This study shows an easy, quick, and efficient microwave method for application in routine laboratory extraction of lipids from wet microalgae pastes. A microwave compact instrument is used and the ideal condition is 1 min of microwave irradiation. The method proves to be robust against variation in mass achieved and significantly higher yield in a shorter time than ultrasonic extraction (conventional method).

The microalgal cell disruption is an important and complex stage. The use of microwaves to induce cell disruption in wet biomass proves to be efficient for lipid extraction with only 1 min of extraction time. The method is applied successfully to wet microalgae pastes with different cell walls and the microwave radiation does not degrade the extracted fatty acids.
Gold‐Catalyzed Functionalization Reactions of Indole
Authors: Pirovano Valentina
Published: April 2018

This review summarizes the progress achieved in the last fifteen years by application of homogeneous gold catalysis in the field of indole functionalization. Several electrophilic species obtained through gold‐catalyzed π‐activation have in fact been found to react with the nucleophilic positions of indole, thus allowing its efficient manipulation. In order to furnish a complete and clear overview on the role of the catalyst, the review is organized from the perspective of the gold‐activated substrate that is reacting with the indole. In addition, in view of the ability of gold to catalyze tandem and cascade reactions, a separate section describes tandem/cascade protocols useful for the synthesis of complex polycyclic indole derivatives. Finally, gold catalysis has also been employed for the synthesis of indole‐based natural products. For this reason, a dedicated section collects all the work in which the key step to obtain these complex indoles is represented by a gold‐catalyzed reaction.
Stable Carbenes or Betaines?
Authors: Kleinpeter Erich , Koch Andreas
Published: April 2018

The anisotropy effect in 1H NMR spectroscopy can be readily employed to indicate the position of carbene/betaine mesomeric equilibria. NR2 substituted carbene/betaines tend to adopt betaine structures, whereas in the absence of NR2 substituents, the betaine structures cannot stabilise the structure through both π‐donation effects of the NMe2 groups and the electronegativity of the nitrogen atoms, and the corresponding carbene‐like structures are preferred. These conclusions are supported by calculated bond orders and δ(13C)/ppm values. The spatial magnetic properties of isonitriles and carbon monoxide, which can be counted as stable carbenes or, at least, as carbene‐analogues, also exist as stable betaine structures, which is again supported by structural and magnetic properties.
β‐Carbolinone Analogues from the Ugi Silver Mine
Authors: Madhavachary Rudrakshula , Naveen Naganaboina , Wang Yuanze , Wang Qian , Konstantinidou Markella , Dömling Alexander
Published: April 2018

Here we describe a facile, tandem synthetic route for β‐carbolinones, a class of natural products of high biological significance. Commercially available building blocks yield highly diverse analogues in just two simple steps.
Graphene Quantum Dots‐based Electrochemical Biosensor for Catecholamine Neurotransmitters Detection
Authors: Baluta Sylwia , Lesiak Anna , Cabaj Joanna
Published: April 2018

An useful electrochemical sensing approach was developed for epinephrine (EP) detection based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and laccase modified glassy carbon electrodes (GC). The miniature GC biosensor was designed and constructed via the immobilization of laccase in an electroactive layer of the electrode coated with carbon nanoparticles. This sensing arrangement utilized the catalytic oxidation of EP to epinephrine quinone. The detection process was based on the oxidation of catecholamine in the presence of the enzyme – laccase. With the optimized conditions, the analytical performance demonstrated a high degree of sensitivity −2.9 μA mM−1 cm−2, selectivity in a broad linear range (1–120×10−6 M) with detection limit of 83 nM. Moreover, the method was successfully applied for EP determination in labeled pharmacological samples.
Improving the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells Through Solvent Vapor Annealing‐based Morphology Control of the Hole‐Transport Layer
Authors: Liu Guanchen , Xie Xiaoyin , Zeng Fanming , Liu Zhihai
Published: April 2018

In this work, we improved the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by controlling the morphology of 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) layers using a solvent vapor annealing method. We found that this technique could result in a smoother morphology of the spiro‐OMeTAD layer, which further improved the contacts at the perovskite/spiro‐OMeTAD and spiro‐OMeTAD/Au interfaces. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs improved from 14.62 to 16.73 % along with simultaneous enhancements of the open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current density, and fill factor. The hysteresis of the PSCs decreased significantly from 4.4 to 0.6 %. Moreover, the degradation in the PCE of the PSCs for long‐term storage was reduced from 19 to 14 % over the period of 144 hours. The best PSC based on a solvent vapor‐annealed spiro‐OMeTAD layer exhibited a high PCE of 17.15 % with a stable power output. Our results indicate that using solvent vapor annealing to control the morphology of spiro‐OMeTAD layers is an effective method for fabricating high‐performance PSCs.
Advocacy for children with epilepsy: Leveraging the WHA resolution. Advocacy Task Force, Commission of Pediatrics, International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Wilmshurst Jo M. , Guekht Alla , Secco Mary , Helen Cross J. , Perucca Emilio ,   on behalf of the Advocacy Task Force, Commission of Pediatrics, International League Against Epilepsy
Published: April 2018

In May 2015 the World Health Assembly (WHA) approved the Resolution on the Global Burden of Epilepsy. This report addresses how the Resolution can be leveraged to improve the care of children with epilepsy worldwide. Children with epilepsy have unique needs and face unique challenges from stigma at all levels of society. Children lack a voice to lobby for their own needs, including their right to have access to education. Effective leadership and governance should be enhanced through the support of stakeholders empowered to counsel, advise, and lobby for appropriate care. National health care plans should integrate primary and specialist care, and they need to be adapted to local specificities. Antiepileptic medicines should be widely accessible in appropriate, sustained, and affordable ways. Public awareness initiatives are needed to improve the inclusion of affected children in society and to reduce stigma. Cost‐effective interventions are also needed to address preventable causes of epilepsy. Without greater investment in research, evidence‐based interventions cannot be implemented. Through all of this, civil society must be engaged to ensure that the multivariate dimensions from the clinic to the community are addressed to fulfil the needs of children with epilepsy.
Dissipation of plant protection products from foliage
Authors: Ebeling Markus , Wang Magnus
Published: April 2018

In the environmental risk assessment for plant protection products in the European Union a default foliar dissipation half-life (DT50) of 10 d is used for the risk assessment of herbivorous birds and mammals feeding on sprayed foliage. This generic DT50 of 10 d is based on a compilation of residue trials conducted over 30 yr ago, in which many compounds and formulations were considered that are not used anymore. We therefore reassessed foliar dissipation based on a data set of 396 residue trials covering 30 compounds. Foliar DT50s were calculated, and potential factors determining dissipation were analyzed, such as crop group, residue zone, and rainfall. The strongest source of variability was found between individual trials. Other factors, including the residue zone and crop group, did not have a significant impact on dissipation. Only heavy rainfall (>6.5 mm/d, i.e., the 95th percentile of rainfall) had a statistically significant influence, although rainfall explained only approximately 5% of the overall variability. Moderate rainfall (≤6.5 mm/d) did not significantly correlate with dissipation and explained only 0.1% of the overall variability. Most importantly, the differences in DT50s between crops and residue zones were neither marked nor statistically significant; hence, trials from different residue zones and crops could be pooled to obtain more robust half-lives. Over all compounds, trials, zones, and crops the geometric mean DT50 was 3.2 d (90th percentile 7.9 d). Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1926–1932. © 2018 SETAC
Evaluation of the use of bias factors with water monitoring data
Authors: Mosquin Paul L. , Aldworth Jeremy , Chen Wenlin
Published: April 2018

Aquatic exposure assessments using surface water quality monitoring data are often challenged by missing extreme concentrations if sampling frequency is less than daily. A bias factor method has been previously proposed to address this concern for peak concentrations, where a bias factor is a multiplicative quantity to upwardly adjust estimates so that the true value is exceeded 95% of the time. In other words, bias factors are statistically protective adjustments. We evaluate this method using a research data set of 69 near-daily sampled site-years from the Atrazine Ecological Monitoring Program, dividing the data set into 23 reference and 46 validation site-years. Bias factors calculated from the reference data set are used to evaluate the method using the validation set for 1) point estimation, 2) interval estimation, and 3) decision-making. Sampling designs are every 7, 14, 28, and 90 d; and target quantities of assessment interest are the 90th and 95th percentiles and maximum m-day rolling averages (m = 1, 7, 21, 60, 90). We find that bias factors are poor point estimators in comparison with alternative methods. For interval estimation, average coverage is less than nominal, with coverage at individual site-years sometimes very low. Positive correlation of bias factors and target quantities, where present, adversely affects method performance. For decision rules or screening, the method typically shows very low false-negative rates but at the cost of extremely high false-positive rates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1864–1876. © 2018 SETAC
Evaluative Thinking as a Collaborative Social Practice: The Case of Boundary Judgment Making
Authors: Schwandt Thomas A.
Published: April 2018

Evaluative thinking is often portrayed as an individual undertaking requiring cognitive capacities for analytical and critical thinking along with a set of intellectual dispositions. This chapter reviews that perspective and, without denying its importance, suggests that evaluative thinking can also be depicted as a collaborative social practice. That idea is explained and then illustrated using the example of boundary setting in evaluation.
Co‐surfactant, co‐solvent, and hydrotropic properties of some common cooling agents
Authors: Larcinese‐Hafner Valeria , Tchakalova Vera
Published: April 2018

Cooling agents are small organic molecules known to evoke a sensation of cold by interaction with the transient receptor. In the present study, we demonstrate experimentally that some cooling agents could behave as hydrotropes in aqueous solutions in the absence of surfactants, and also as co‐surfactants/co‐solvents in aqueous solutions in the presence of a surfactant forming an interfacial film. The hydrotropy and co‐surfactancy/co‐solvency effect depends strongly on the type of perfumery ingredient. The hydrotrope concentration, the concentration at which the water solubility of the perfumery compound is enhanced, is surprisingly low, in the mmol/L range.
Social Media for Fisheries Science and Management Professionals: How to Use It and Why You Should
Authors: Shiffman David S
Published: April 2018

Social media has revolutionized how people communicate with one another. This has important implications for science, environmental advocacy, and natural resource management, with numerous documented professional benefits for people in each of these fields. Some fisheries management professionals have been wary of social media use, in no small part due to unfamiliarity. The goal of this paper is to summarize the professional benefits of social media usage that are applicable for fisheries science and management professionals and to provide a detailed guide for those who wish to get started. Though many Web 2.0 tools exist, this paper will focus on the use of Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.