bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Ligand‐Protected Golden Fullerene: The Dipyridylamido Au328+ Nanocluster
Authors: Yuan Shang‐Fu , Xu Cong‐Qiao , Li Jun , Wang Quan‐Ming
Published: February 2019

A golden fullerene Au32 cluster has been synthesized with amido and phosphine ligands as the protecting agents. Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis revealed that this gold nanocluster, [Au32(Ph3P)8(dpa)6] (SbF6)2 (Hdpa=2,2′‐dipyridylamine), has a stable pseudo‐Ih Au328+ core with S6 symmetry, which features an Au12@Au20 Keplerate cage co‐protected by Ph3P and dpa ligands. Quantum‐chemical studies were conducted to elucidate the origin of the special stability of this cluster, and suggest that it is electronically stabilized through metal–ligand interactions.
Exploiting Boron Coordination: B←N Bond Supports a [2+2] Photodimerization in the Solid State and Generation of a Diboron Bis‐Tweezer for Benzene/Thiophene Separation
Authors: Campillo‐Alvarado Gonzalo , D'mello Kyle P. , Swenson Dale C. , Santhana Mariappan S. V. , Höpfl Herbert , Morales‐Rojas Hugo , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: February 2019

B←N coordination supports a [2+2] photodimerization in the solid state. The bond is defined by an orthogonal interaction between stilbazole and a phenylboronic ester to enable a stereocontrolled and rapid photoreaction. The cyclobutane photoproduct affords a novel diboron bis‐tweezer adduct that is used to separate a mixture of benzene and thiophene upon crystallization.
Near‐Infrared Quadrupolar Chromophores Combining Three‐Coordinate Boron‐Based Superdonor and Superacceptor Units
Authors: Stennett Tom E. , Bissinger Philipp , Griesbeck Stefanie , Ullrich Stefan , Krummenacher Ivo , Auth Michael , Sperlich Andreas , Stolte Matthias , Radacki Krzysztof , Yao Chang‐Jiang , Würthner Frank , Steffen Andreas , Marder Todd B. , Braunschweig Holger
Published: February 2019

Herein, two new quadrupolar acceptor‐π‐donor‐π‐acceptor (A‐π‐D‐π‐A) chromophores have been prepared featuring a strongly electron‐donating diborene core and strongly electron‐accepting dimesitylboryl (BMes2) and bis(2,4,6‐tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)boryl (BFMes2) end groups. Analysis of the compounds by NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, and UV/Vis‐NIR absorption and emission spectroscopy indicated that the compounds have extended conjugated π‐systems spanning their B4C8 cores. The combination of exceptionally potent π‐donor (diborene) and π‐acceptor (diarylboryl) groups, both based on trigonal boron, leads to very small HOMO–LUMO gaps, resulting in strong absorption in the near‐IR region with maxima in THF at 840 and 1092 nm and very high extinction coefficients of ca. 120 000 m−1 cm−1. Both molecules also display weak near‐IR fluorescence with small Stokes shifts.
A practical and highly efficient synthesis of densely functionalized nicotinonitrile derivatives catalyzed by zinc oxide‐decorated superparamagnetic silica attached to graphene oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Davoodi Farahnaz , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Alirezvani Zahra
Published: February 2019

Zinc oxide‐decorated superparamagnetic silica attached to graphene oxide (Fe3O4/SiO2/PTS‐GO‐ZnO), as a novel nanocomposite, was designed, and its core‐shell structure was appropriately characterized by different spectroscopy or microscopy methods and thermal techniques as well as measuring of its porosity and magnetic properties. The catalytic activity of Fe3O4/SiO2/PTS‐GO‐ZnO, as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst, was investigated for efficient one‐pot multi‐component synthesis of medicinally important functionalized 2‐amino‐6‐(2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐3‐yl)‐4‐arylnicotinonitrile derivatives. The significant features of the present procedure are mild reaction conditions, low loading of the catalyst, high to quantitative yields of the desired products, avoiding the use of toxic heavy metals or solvents, simple isolation and purification of the products, and stability as well as reusability of the catalyst after at least six consecutive runs.
Antibacterial activity of transition metal complexes containing a tridentate NNO phenoxymethylpenicillin‐based Schiff base. An anti‐MRSA iron (II) complex
Authors: Anacona Juan Roberto , Ruiz Karen , Loroño Marcos , Celis Freddy
Published: February 2019

Transition metal complexes containing a phenoxymethylpenicillin‐derived Schiff base (HL) 3 obtained from the condensation of phenoxymethylpenicillin (PMP) 1, with 1,2‐diaminobenzene 2, were prepared. Spectroscopic and physicochemical techniques, namely, UV–Vis, FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, EPR, mass spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, DFT studies, together with elemental and thermal analyses were used to characterize the synthesized complexes. Based on the characterization studies, the general formulae [ML (OAc)(H2O)2] where M = Fe 4, Co 5, Ni 6, Cu 7, and Zn 8, were proposed for the complexes. The Schiff base ligand 3 behaved as a monoanionic tridentate NNO chelating agent. On the basis of magnetic and spectral data an octahedral geometry for all the complexes was suggested.

Schiff base ligand 3, and the metal complexes 4–8 were tested against G(+) or bactericidal activity by agar disc diffusion method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results were compared with the activity of the standard drug PMP 1. In vitro bacterial viability revealed that 3 had similar activity than 1 and exhibited modification in its bactericidal activity when formed metal complexes. It was found that the complexes 4, 6 and 7 exhibited much better bactericidal activity than 1 against methicillin‐resistant Staphilococcus Aureus (MRSA) being complex 4 the most promising compound showing a MIC value of 0.042 μmol/ml.
In vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic effect of vic‐dioxime ligand and its metal complexes
Authors: Çelik Tülay Aşkın , Sarikavakli Nursabah , Aslantürk Özlem Sultan
Published: February 2019

In this study, vic‐dioxime ligand, (1E,2E)‐2‐(hydroxyimino)‐N′‐[(1E)‐2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethylidene]ethanehydroximohydrazide (LH2), and its Cu (II) and Ni (II) transition metal complexes were synthesized and characterized using analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of this vic‐dioxime ligand and its Cu (II) and Ni (II) complexes on Caco‐2 heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells were evaluated. The effect of the vic‐dioxime ligand and its Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes in combination with Campto on the cells was also investigated. The cytotoxicity test was carried using the MTT assay, and the apoptotic effect was tested by DNA diffusion assay. Campto was used as a standard anti‐cancer drug, Caco‐2 cancer cells treated with dimethylsulfoxide acted as solvent control, and human peripheral lymphocytes were used as control.

The ligand and its complexes exhibit concentration‐dependent cytotoxic and apoptotic behavior. The ligand induces the weakest cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on both Caco‐2 cancer cells and lymphocytes. The Ni (II) complex of ligand induces high cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on both Caco‐2 cancer cells and lymphocytes. The Cu (II) complex of ligand has high cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on Caco‐2, but weak cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on lymphocytes. The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the ligand and its Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes were found to be concentration dependent, i.e. the higher the concentration is the more cytotoxic it will be. The present findings suggest that Cu (II) complex has the potential to act as a promising anti‐cancer compound against Caco‐2 colon cancer cells.
Sustainability‐oriented capabilities for eco‐innovation: Meeting the regulatory, technology, and market demands
Authors: Demirel Pelin , Kesidou Effie
Published: February 2019

Despite consensus in the literature that regulation, technology push, and market pull drive eco‐innovation (EI), evidence remains limited on the diverse firm capabilities needed to boost EI. Building on the natural‐resource‐based view of the firm and the EI literature, this paper posits that firms need to renew and realign their capabilities, and ultimately develop distinctive sustainability‐oriented capabilities, in order to meet the rapidly changing regulatory, technology, and market demands. Results of the analysis, based on a survey of U.K. firms, reveal that EIs are more likely to arise when firms (a) build capabilities on voluntary self‐regulation (i.e., executive driven environmental management system and corporate social responsibility) because such organizational capabilities allow them to address increasing regulatory pressures; (b) invest in environmental research and development (i.e., eco‐R&D)—instead of generic research and development—because it provides them with the relevant and specific technological capabilities to tackle technology shifts towards sustainability; and (c) develop capabilities in green market sensing as such capabilities allow them to address green consumption needs.
Ambidextrous culture, contextual ambidexterity and new product innovations: The role of organizational slack and environmental factors
Authors: Khan Sher Jahan , Mir Ajaz Akbar
Published: February 2019

Contextual ambidexterity, defined as the simultaneous pursuit of alignment and adaptability at business unit, is linked to several organizational outcomes including improved performance and innovation outcomes. Extant research posits ambidextrous organizational culture as an important enabler to contextual ambidexterity but suffers from a lack of a well‐meaning scale for the same. In addition, there is very little understanding as to how tasking and facilitating environment can be on firms' endeavour for contextual ambidexterity and the outcomes thereof. Therefore, the current piece of research has twin objectives using two separate studies. First, to develop a scale for ambidextrous organizational culture construct and second, to analyse the role played by the external forces (munificence and dynamism) and internal slack resources on the relationships between ambidextrous organizational culture and contextual ambidexterity and between contextual ambidexterity and new product innovation outcomes through an empirical investigation in India. Using structural equation modelling on data from 414 respondents, we found environmental munificence to strengthen the relationships between ambidextrous organizational culture and contextual ambidexterity and between contextual ambidexterity and new product innovation outcomes. On the other hand, environmental dynamism had a dampening impact on these relationships. Our findings also suggest that for low slack organizations, dynamic and unmunificent environments magnified the negative impact on an organisation's ambidexterity efforts and new product innovation outcomes.
Safeguarding Children who are Exposed to Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief
Authors: Oakley Lisa , Kinmond Kathryn , Humphreys Justin , Dioum Mor
Published: February 2019

Cases of child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) continue to be documented. However, there is limited research and understanding of CALFB. Further, there is a lack of clarity of definition. These factors then impact upon effective practice. Recognising this, the National Working Group for CALFB called for research on which to develop evidence‐based practice. This paper reports on key findings from a mixed‐method online survey which was completed by 1361 participants from a range of practitioner and community groups. The participants identified the importance of policy and multiagency working in this area, but they acknowledged the complexity and challenges associated with developing and implementing good practice. Recommendations from the study include a review of relevant policy to evaluate its application to CALFB, the development of faith literacy training for frontline practitioners and the creation of a space in which statutory, faith and community groups can dialogue. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘There is limited research and understanding of child abuse linked to faith or belief’

Key Practitioner Messages

Frontline workers express a lack of understanding and experience of child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB), and all require specific training.

There is a need for faith literacy training and a space for statutory and faith‐based communities to dialogue in order to build trust, formulate policy and share good practice.

Policy around CALFB needs to be formulated and translated into practice.
Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities of a Hydroalcoholic Extract Obtained from the Aerial Parts of Matthiola incana (L.) R.Br. subsp. incana (Brassicaceae) Growing Wild in Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Miceli Natalizia , Cavò Emilia , Ragusa Salvatore , Cacciola Francesco , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi , Marino Andreana , Cincotta Fabrizio , Condurso Concetta , Taviano Maria Fernanda
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to characterize the phenolic and the volatile constituents and to establish the antioxidant potential and the toxicity of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves and flower buds of Matthiola incana (L.) R.Br. subsp. incana growing wild in Sicily (Italy). By HPLC‐PDA/ESI‐MS analysis, 12 phenolics (two phenolic acid derivatives and ten flavonoids) were identified, and eight of them were reported for the first time; luteolin‐glucoside was the main component (57.07 mg/g±0.87 % RSD). By SPME‐GC/MS, 47 volatile constituents were fully characterized, and dimethyl trisulfide turned out to be the most abundant one (33.24 %). The extract showed moderate activity both in the DPPH and in the reducing power assays (IC50=2.32±0.24 mg/mL; ASE/mL=12.29±0.42); it did not inhibit the lipid peroxidation, whereas it was found to possess good chelating properties reaching approximately 90 % activity at the highest tested dose. Moreover, the extract protected growth and survival from H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in Escherichia coli. Finally, the extract was non‐toxic against Artemia salina (LC50>1000 μg/mL). These findings increase the knowledge of M. incana subsp. incana and they could be helpful to a chemosystematic distinguishing of this subspecies also demonstrating that the aerial parts represent a safe source of antioxidants.
Unprecedented Multicomponent Organocatalytic Synthesis of Propargylic Esters via CO2 Activation
Authors: Papastavrou Argyro T. , Pauze Martin , Gómez‐Bengoa Enrique , Vougioukalakis Georgios C.
Published: February 2019

An efficient and straightforward organocatalytic method for the direct, multicomponent carboxylation of terminal alkynes with CO2 and organochlorides, towards propargylic esters, is reported for the first time. 1,3‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium chloride, a simple, widely‐available, stable, and cost‐efficient N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursor salt was used as the (pre)catalyst. A wide range of phenylacetylenes, bearing electron‐withdrawing or electron‐donating substituents, react with allyl‐chlorides, benzyl chlorides, or 2‐chloroacetates, providing the corresponding propargylic esters in low to excellent yields. DFT calculations on the mechanism of this transformation indicate that the reaction is initiated with the formation of an NHC‐carboxylate, by addition of the carbene to a molecule of CO2. Then, the nucleophilic addition of this species to the corresponding chlorides has been computed to be the rate limiting step of the process.
Three‐Dimensional Porous CoFe2O4/Graphene Composite for Highly Stable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Dan , Xue Li‐Ping , Wang Ning
Published: February 2019

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), because of the low cost and great potential in large‐scale energy storage. Herein, we present a simple two‐step hydrothermal route to construct a novel CoFe2O4/graphene composite. The composite is composed of nanoporous CoFe2O4 hollow spheres that are well‐anchored onto nitrogen‐doped graphene sheets (CoFe2O4@3D‐NG) with a unique 3D network structure, which can not only offer short pathways for Na+ diffusion and conductive networks for electron transport, but also render sufficient active sites for Na+ interfacial reaction and rigid structural stability for volume expansion. When used as an anode material for SIBs, the CoFe2O4@3D‐NG electrode delivers an impressively high performance of Na storage, which includes a large initial discharge capacity of 596 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, a high rate capability of 79 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1, and a long cyclability of 118 mAh g−1 after 1200 cycles at 500 mA g−1. This work indicates a promising way to design and fabricate advanced CoFe2O4‐based anode materials for high‐performance Na‐storage.
Fundamental Input of Analytical Electrochemistry in the Determination of Intermediates and Reaction Mechanisms in Electrosynthetic Processes
Authors: Labbé Eric , Buriez Olivier
Published: February 2019

Electroanalytical techniques like cyclic voltammetry allow convenient and fast identification of the redox status and stability of intermediates generated at electrodes in electrosynthetic processes. Accordingly, reliable mechanistic features can also be derived from the electrochemical characterization of the reactive species, and in some cases, complete and complex mechanisms can be disclosed. This Minireview highlights some representative examples taken from metal‐catalyzed electro‐reductive processes where simple electrochemical approaches provide essential information on the nature and the fate of the species formed. A special focus is made on cobalt‐promoted electrosynthetic processes, owing to the broad range of situations they display towards the stability of electrogenerated species, their reactivity, and the possible follow‐up reactions.
Fluorolytic Sol–Gel Route and Electrochemical Properties of Polyanionic Transition‐Metal Phosphate Fluorides
Authors: Goubard‐Bretesché Nicolas , Kemnitz Erhard , Pinna Nicola
Published: February 2019

Fluorine‐containing polyanionic compounds have attracted much attention in the last few years as potential positive electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. With their formula AaMbXcO4Yd (A=Li, Na…; M=Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni…; X=P or S, and Y=F, OH, O), they offer a very rich chemistry and their electrochemical properties can be tuned by carefully choosing the different constituting elements. However, synthesis approaches that allow these materials to be obtained at low temperature are almost nonexistent. In this paper, the use of a nonaqueous fluorolytic sol–gel approach is reported to synthesize a tavorite‐type LiFePO4F material and its electrochemical characterization was performed. The obtained material displays an electrochemical performance that positively compares with the literature with an excellent cycling stability (115 mA h−1 g−1 after 100 cycles at C/2 rate). A slight change in the synthesis parameters allowed Li2CoPO4F to be successfully obtained, demonstrating the versatility of the reported route, which can be adapted to synthesize other fluorine‐containing polyanionic compounds, which are of great interest for energy storage applications.
Structural Distortion of Cycloalkynes Influences Cycloaddition Rates both by Strain and Interaction Energies
Authors: Hamlin Trevor A. , Levandowski Brian J. , Narsaria Ayush K. , Houk Kendall N. , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias
Published: February 2019

The reactivities of 2‐butyne, cycloheptyne, cyclooctyne, and cyclononyne in the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction with methyl azide were evaluated through DFT calculations at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d)//M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d) level of theory. Computed activation free energies for the cycloadditions of cycloalkynes are 16.5–22.0 kcal mol−1 lower in energy than that of the acyclic 2‐butyne. The strained or predistorted nature of cycloalkynes is often solely used to rationalize this significant rate enhancement. Our distortion/interaction–activation strain analysis has been revealed that the degree of geometrical predistortion of the cycloalkyne ground‐state geometries acts to enhance reactivity compared with that of acyclic alkynes through three distinct mechanisms, not only due to (i) a reduced strain or distortion energy, but also to (ii) a smaller HOMO–LUMO gap, and (iii) an enhanced orbital overlap, which both contribute to more stabilizing orbital interactions.
Spot‐on SERS Detection of Biomolecules with Laser‐Patterned Dot Arrays of Assembled Silver Nanowires
Authors: Banchelli Martina , Amicucci Chiara , Ruggiero Emmanuel , D'Andrea Cristiano , Cottat Maximilien , Ciofini Daniele , Osticioli Iacopo , Ghini Giacomo , Siano Salvatore , Pini Roberto , de Angelis Marella , Matteini Paolo
Published: February 2019

Unique characteristics of SERS including the possibility to reveal the compositional and structural content of trace amounts of biological samples without any pre‐treatment, depict this technique as a promising label‐free alternative to standard analytical methods. Despite significant advancements, current SERS substrates for biomolecule detection suffer from a number of issues still impeding their routine usage and commercial exploitation, including complex and expensive fabrication procedures and scarce standardization perspectives. Herein a combined bottom up/top down scheme based on flow‐through method plus laser patterning is proposed to prepare dot arrays of silver nanowires on a hydrophobic substrate for catching the analyte content from a minute amount of liquid sample and its rapid SERS inspection. As a consequence, a simple spot‐on analysis specifically adapted for reliable identification and characterization of molecules of biomedical interest is made possible. Our attempt may represent a concrete chance for progressing SERS toward widespread commercially viable sensing applications including diagnostics at the point‐of‐need settings and on‐site analyses.
Appreciations, criticisms, determinants, and effects of integrated reporting: A systematic literature review
Authors: Vitolla Filippo , Raimo Nicola , Rubino Michele
Published: February 2019

The diffusion of integrated reporting has encouraged academics to pay greater attention to this topic. Several studies have been conducted since the 2011 of the Discussion Paper “Towards Integrated Reporting: Communicating Value in the 21st Century” by the International Integrated Reporting Council. However, conflicting opinions and the wide range of extant studies underscore the need to better understand the current contributions in the field. Furthermore, the novelty of integrated reporting makes it necessary to define as yet unexplored fields in this research stream. To that end, we conduct a systematic review of the literature to classify the research according to normative and descriptive perspectives and identify an agenda that will be able to guide future studies. The review shows that the concept of value creation, internal and qualitative determinants, the content and quality of integrated reporting, and its impacts need further investigation.
On the self‐resonant frequency reduction of closed‐ and open‐bifilar coils
Authors: de Miranda Caio M. , Pichorim Sérgio F.
Published: February 2019

In this work we present the electrical characterization of closed‐ and open‐bifilar solenoid coils by comparing their self‐capacitance, self‐inductance, and self‐resonant frequency (SRF). The analysis is done by relating these parameters with those of a conventional solenoid coil with same dimensions and number of turns. It is shown that bifilar coils have a greater self‐capacitance and lower SRF when compared with the respective conventional coil and that this relation can be expressed only in terms of the number of turns of the coils. Therefore, these components have a potential use in applications that need to avoid the use of a real capacitor and need to operate in a smaller resonant frequency, such as in wireless power transfer systems, for example. In a similar way, the self‐inductances of closed‐ and open‐bifilar coils are also compared with those of conventional coils with the same dimensions. It is also shown that the SRF of closed‐ and open‐bifilar coils are approximately the same for practical values of the quality factor and that their impedance behaves as series and parallel RLC circuits. Practical experiments are conducted validating the developed theory.
Impact of prey occupancy and other ecological and anthropogenic factors on tiger distribution in Thailand's western forest complex
Authors: Duangchatrasiri Somphot , Jornburom Pornkamol , Jinamoy Sitthichai , Pattanvibool Anak , Hines James E. , Arnold Todd W. , Fieberg John , Smith James L. D.
Published: February 2019

Despite conservation efforts, large mammals such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and their main prey, gaur (Bos gaurus), banteng (Bos javanicus), and sambar (Rusa unicolor), are highly threatened and declining across their entire range. The only large viable source population of tigers in mainland Southeast Asia occurs in Thailand's Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM), an approximately 19,000 km2 landscape of 17 contiguous protected areas.

We used an occupancy modeling framework, which accounts for imperfect detection, to identify the factors that affect tiger distribution at the approximate scale of a female tiger's home range, 64 km2, and site use at a scale of 1‐km2. At the larger scale, we estimated the proportion of sites at WEFCOM that were occupied by tigers; at the finer scale, we identified the key variables that influence site‐use and developed a predictive distribution map. At both scales, we examined key anthropogenic and ecological factors that help explain tiger distribution and habitat use, including probabilities of gaur, banteng, and sambar occurrence from a companion study.

Occupancy estimated at the 64‐km2 scale was primarily influenced by the combined presence of all three large prey species, and 37% or 5,858 km2 of the landscape was predicted to be occupied by tigers. In contrast, site use estimated at the scale of 1 km2 was most strongly influenced by the presence of sambar.

By modeling occupancy while accounting for imperfect probability of detection, we established reliable benchmark data on the distribution of tigers in WEFCOM. This study also identified factors that limit tiger distributions; which managers can then target to expand tiger distribution and guide recovery elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Draft genome of the river water buffalo
Authors: Mintoo Abdul Awal , Zhang Hailin , Chen Chunhai , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Deng Tingxian , Anam Mahbub , Emdadul Huque Quazi Mohammad , Guang Xuanmin , Wang Ping , Zhong Zhen , Han Pengfei , Khatun Asma , Awal Tabith M. , Gao Qiang , Liang Xianwei
Published: February 2019

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), a large‐sized member of the Bovidae family, is considered as an important livestock species throughout Southeast Asia. In order to better understand the molecular basis of buffalo improvement and breeding, we sequenced and assembled the genome (2n=50) of a river buffalo species Bubalus bubalis from Bangladesh. Its genome size is 2.77 Gb, with a contig N50 of 25 kb and the scaffold N50 of 6.9 Mbp. Based on the assembled genome, we annotated 24,613 genes for future functional genomics studies. Phylogenetic tree analysis of cattle and water buffalo lineages showed that they diverged about 5.8–9.8 million years ago. Our findings provide an insight into the water buffalo genome which will contribute in further research on buffalo such as molecular breeding, understanding complex traits, conservation, and biodiversity.
Soil water vapour isotopes identify missing water source for streamside trees
Authors: Oerter Erik J. , Siebert Griffin , Bowling David R. , Bowen Gabriel
Published: February 2019

In a seminal study, Dawson and Ehleringer used deuterium measurements on water to show that boxelder (Acer negundo) and bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum) trees growing directly next to a perennial stream in a mountain meadow did not use the stream water for transpiration, nor could they identify any other potential water source. Since then, similar observations of plant water isotopic signatures that do not match any available water source have been reported from a range of ecosystems worldwide. Here, we use a combination of non‐destructive in situ isotopic soil water sampling along with destructive soil sampling and cryogenic water extraction to demonstrate that isotopically distinct water pools can be identified in soils at the same site as the 1991 study during parts of the summer growing season. Water extracted from xylem tissues shows that streamside boxelder and bigtooth maple at the sites were predominantly using soil water with an isotopic composition similar to that measured by the in situ soil measurement technique. We introduce the use of water vapour probes that were directly attached to intact tree roots in situ to measure the isotopic composition of root xylem water and how it varies through the growing season and evaluate their potential and utility.
Spatial Architecture of Modified Carbon Nanotubes/Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanomaterial for Fast Electron Transfer. Application in Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Jakubow‐Piotrowska Katarzyna , Kowalewska Barbara
Published: February 2019

Electron transfer (ET) reactions in bioelectrocatalysis of enzymes at electrode surfaces require not only the efficient immobilization, but also highly conductive nanostructured platform, which allows for retaining its bioactivity and structural conformation. The novel architecture of spatially separated electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with 4‐(pyrrole‐1‐yl) benzoic acid (MWCNT/PyBA) with the accurate porous structure could be an alternative for earlier approaches to the construction of bioelectrocatalytic systems with rapid diffusion of reagents from the solution to the enzyme molecule. The formation of ERGO/MWCNT/PyBA system was confirmed by electrochemical, spectroscopic and microscopic methods. The cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed that the presence of ERGO in the conductive material affects the electronic communication between the enzyme molecule and modified electrode surface greatly improving its ET properties resulting in a double increase of the heterogeneous ET rate constant value (ks=6.5 s−1). The fabricated glucose oxidase based biosensor sensitively detects glucose, therefore, ERGO/MWCNT/PyBA architecture could provide a novel and efficient platform for immobilization of redox enzymes.
Applications of magnetic materials separation in biological nanomedicine
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Chen Tianxiang , Iqbal Muhammad Zubair , Yang Fang , Hampp Norbert , Wu Aiguo , Luo Liqiang
Published: February 2019

As a result of their advantages for superparamagnetic properties, good biocompatibility, and high binding capacity, functionalized magnetic materials became widely popular over the past couple of decades, being applied on large scale in various processes of sample preparation for biomedicine. In this work, we perform an in‐depth review on the current progress in the field of magnetic bead separation, discussing in detail the physical basis of this process, various synthesis methods and surface modification strategies. We place special focus of attention as well on the latest applications of magnetic polymer microspheres in cell separation, protein purification, immobilized enzyme, nucleic acid separation, and extraction of bioactive compounds with low molecular weight. Existing problems are highlighted and possible trends of magnetic separation techniques for biomedicine in the future are proposed.
Flexible antenna design on PDMS substrate for implantable bioelectronics applications
Authors: Fu Yusheng , Lei Jianmin , Zou Xiao , Guo Jiuchuan
Published: February 2019

In the current field of biomedical engineering, the research on implanted antennas has attracted more and more attention. This paper presents a flexible terrestrial radiating antenna with circular polarization characteristics that satisfy various requirements for biomedical implantable antennas. The new type of flexible material is adopted and a novel model is proposed. The square ground with small gap is implemented in the proposed antenna. The passive components can match the impedance and meet the requirements of the circular polarization wave. Simulation is carried out in a single layer tissue model to estimate the performance of the antenna and compared with multilayer tissue model. In addition, the flexible circularly polarized antenna has low profile characteristics and a wide axial ratio bandwidth of 250 MHz, ranging from 2.28 to 2.53 GHz. This paper uses pork to simulate single‐layer and multi‐layer tissue model. The flexible circular polarized antenna prototype is placed in the organization model for performance simulation test, and the measurement impedance bandwidth of 500 MHz is realized in the industrial scientific medical frequency band of 2.4–2.48 GHz.
Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Trisodium‐1,3,5‐Benzene Tricarboxylate as a Low‐Voltage Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Tripathi Abhinav , Chen Yingqian , Padhy Harihara , Manzhos Sergei , Balaya Palani
Published: February 2019

A tricarboxylate‐based organic compound for Na storage at low voltage, trisodium‐1,3,5‐benzene tricarboxylate (Na3BTC) is reported. The effect of increasing the number of carboxyl redox active groups on the aromatic system versus previously reported dicarboxylate‐based Na electrodes is explored. Sodiation and desodiation of this material occur at average voltages of 0.4 and 0.5 V, respectively, suitable for anode application. The galvanostatic profile of desodiation consists of two plateaus at 0.5 and 0.2 V. The material delivers a capacity of 250 mAh g−1 at a C/5 rate, with a retention of 80% after 100 cycles. It also has an excellent rate capability, delivering 100 mAh g−1 with a 75% retention after 1500 cycles at a 10 C rate. Ex situ attenuated total reflection Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy  (ATR‐FTIR), ex situ 1H NMR studies, and first principles calculations are performed to understand the sodium storage mechanism. The mechanism is found to be different from those previously observed in lithium dicarboxylates and sodium dicarboxylates in that there is apparently almost no charge donation from the inserted Na to the organic moiety.
Large roots dominate the contribution of trees to slope stability
Authors: Giadrossich Filippo , Cohen Denis , Schwarz Massimiliano , Ganga Antonio , Marrosu Roberto , Pirastru Mario , Capra Gian Franco
Published: February 2019

Tree roots provide surface erosion protection and improve slope stability through highly complex interactions with the soil due to the nature of root systems. Root reinforcement estimation is usually performed by in situ pullout tests, in which roots are pulled out of the soil to reliably estimate the root strength of compact soils. However, this test is not suitable for the scenario where a soil progressively fails in a series of slump blocks – for example, in unsupported soils near streambanks and road cuts where the soil has no compressive resistance at the base of the hillslope. The scenario where a soil is unsupported on its downslope extent and progressively deforms at a slow strain rate has received little attention, and we are unaware of any study on root reinforcement that estimates the additional strength provided by roots in this situation. We therefore designed two complementary laboratory experiments to compare the force required to pull the root out. The results indicate that the force required to pull out roots is reduced by up to 50% when the soil fails as slump blocks compared to pullout tests. We also found that, for slump block failure, roots had a higher tendency to slip than to break, showing the importance of active earth pressure on root reinforcement behaviour, which contributes to reduced friction between soil and roots. These results were then scaled up to a full tree and tree stand using the root bundle and field‐measured spatial distributions of root density. Although effects on the force mobilized in small roots can be relevant, small roots have virtually no effect on root reinforcement at the tree or stand scale on hillslopes. When root distribution has a wide range of diameters, the root reinforcement results are controlled by large roots, which hold much more force than small roots. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pH-Dependent Uptake and Sublethal Effects of Antihistamines in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos
Authors: Bittner Lisa , Teixidó Elisabet , Keddi Isabel , Escher Beate I. , Klüver Nils
Published: February 2019

Reported off-target effects of antihistamines in humans draw interest in ecotoxicity testing of first- and second-generation antihistamines, the latter of which have fewer reported side effects in humans. Because antihistamines are ionizable compounds, the pH influences uptake and toxicity and thus is highly relevant when conducting toxicity experiments. Zebrafish embryo toxicity tests were performed with the 3 first-generation antihistamines ketotifen, doxylamine, and dimethindene and the 2 second-generation antihistamines cetirizine and levocabastine at pH 5.5, 7.0, and 8.0. We detected effects on survival, phenotype, swimming activity, and heart rate for 4 antihistamines with the exception of levocabastine, which did not show any lethal or sublethal effects. When compared to lethal concentrations, effect concentrations neither of phenotype malformation nor of swimming activity or heart rate deviated by more than a factor of 10 from lethal concentrations, indicating that all sublethal effects were fairly nonspecific. First-generation antihistamines are weak bases and showed decreasing external effect concentrations with increasing neutral fraction, accompanied by increased uptake in the fish embryo. As a result, internal effect concentrations were independent from external pH. The pH-dependent toxicity originates from speciation-dependent uptake, with neutral species taken up in higher amounts than the corresponding ionic species. Cetirizine, which shifts from a zwitterionic to an anionic state in the measured pH range, did not show any pH-dependent uptake or toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;00:1–11. © 2019 SETAC
Mitochondrial Toxicity of Selected Micropollutants, Their Mixtures, and Surface Water Samples Measured by the Oxygen Consumption Rate in Cells
Authors: Müller Maximilian E. , Vikstrom Sofia , König Maria , Schlichting Rita , Zarfl Christiane , Zwiener Christian , Escher Beate I.
Published: February 2019

Some environmental pollutants impair mitochondria, which are of vital importance as energy factories in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondrial toxicity was quantified by measuring the change of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of HepG2 cells with the Agilent Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. Various mechanisms of mitochondrial toxicity, including inhibition of the electron transport chain or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase as well as uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation, were differentiated by dosing the sample in parallel with reference compounds following the OCR over time. These time–OCR traces were used to derive effect concentrations for 10% inhibition of the electron transport chain or 10% of uncoupling. The low effect level of 10% was necessary because environmental mixtures contain thousands of chemicals; only few of them interfere with mitochondria, but the others cause cytotoxicity. The OCR bioassay was validated with environmental pollutants of known mechanism of mitochondrial toxicity. Binary mixtures of uncouplers or inhibitors acted according to the mixture model of concentration addition. Uncoupling and/or inhibitory effects were detected in extracts of river water samples without apparent cytotoxicity. Uncoupling effects could only be quantified in water samples if inhibitory effects occurred at lower concentrations because no uncoupling can be detected without an appreciable membrane potential built up. The OCR bioassay can thus complement chemical analysis and in vitro bioassays for monitoring micropollutants in water. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;00:1–12. © 2019 SETAC

Abstract

Mitochondrial toxicity in water extracts measured by the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in cells. Agents that uncouple the oxidative phosphorylation (e.g., bromoxynil) increase the cellular OCR and those that inhibit the electron transport chain (e.g., azoxystrobin) decrease OCR.
Trading volume and prediction of stock return reversals: Conditioning on investor types' trading
Authors: Ülkü Numan , Onishchenko Olena
Published: February 2019

We show that contrasting results on trading volume's predictive role for short‐horizon reversals in stock returns can be reconciled by conditioning on different investor types' trading. Using unique trading data by investor type from Korea, we provide explicit evidence of three distinct mechanisms leading to contrasting outcomes: (i) informed buying—price increases accompanied by high institutional buying volume are less likely to reverse; (ii) liquidity selling—price declines accompanied by high institutional selling volume in institutional investor habitat are more likely to reverse; (iii) attention‐driven speculative buying—price increases accompanied by high individual buying‐volume in individual investor habitat are more likely to reverse. Our approach to predict which mechanism will prevail improves reversal forecasts following return shocks: An augmented contrarian strategy utilizing our ex ante formulation increases short‐horizon reversal strategy profitability by 40–70% in the US and Korean stock markets.
A recurrent clonally distinct Burkitt lymphoma case highlights genetic key events contributing to oncogenesis
Authors: Penther Dominique , Viailly Pierre‐Julien , Latour Sylvain , Etancelin Pascaline , Bohers Elodie , Vellemans Hélène , Camus Vincent , Menard Anne Lise , Coutant Sophie , Lanic Hélène , Lemasle Emilie , Drieux Fanny , Veresezan Liana , Ruminy Philippe , Raimbault Anna , Soulier Jean , Frebourg Thierry , Tilly Hervé , Jardin Fabrice
Published: February 2019

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is characterized by a translocation of the MYC oncogene that leads to the upregulation of MYC expression, cell growth and proliferation. It is well‐established that MYC translocation is not a sufficient genetic event to cause BL. Next‐generation sequencing has recently provided a comprehensive analysis of the landscape of additional genetic events that contribute to BL lymphomagenesis. Refractory BL or relapsing BL are almost always incurable as a result of the selection of a highly chemoresistant clonally related cell population. Conversely, a few BL recurrence cases arising from clonally distinct tumors have been reported and were associated with a favorable outcome similar to that reported for first‐line treatment. Here, we used an unusual case of recurrent but clonally distinct EBV+ BL to highlight the key genetic events that drive BL lymphomagenesis. By whole exome sequencing, we established that ID3 gene was targeted by distinct mutations in the two clonally unrelated diseases, highlighting the crucial role of this gene during lymphomagenesis. We also detected a heterozygous E1021K PIK3CD mutation, thus increasing the spectrum of somatic mutations altering the PI3K signaling pathway in BL. Interestingly, this mutation is known to be associated with activated phosphoinositide 3‐kinase delta syndrome (APDS). Finally, we also identified an inherited heterozygous truncating c.5791CT FANCM mutation that may contribute to the unusual recurrence of BL.
Gene–environment interactions related to blood pressure traits in two community‐based Korean cohorts
Authors: Lim Ji Eun , Kim Hye Ok , Rhee Sang Youl , Kim Mi Kyung , Kim Yeon‐Jung , Oh Bermseok
Published: February 2019

Hypertension is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental risk factors. Recently, genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) identified more than 100 genetic variants for blood pressure traits and hypertension. However, the interactions between these genetic variants and environmental factors have not been systematically investigated. Therefore, we examined the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors in blood pressure traits using the genetic risk score (GRS). Two Korean community‐based cohorts, Cohort I (KARE; N = 8,840) and Cohort II (CAVAS; N = 9,599), were used for this study, and GRSs were calculated from 42 GWAS single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were validated for their association in these cohorts. We calculated GRSs in both ways by considering the effect sizes of each SNP (weighted GRS) and not considering the effect sizes (unweighted GRS). The unweighted GRS was strongly associated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and hypertension (p = 9.03 × 10
–47, p = 9.41 × 10
–48, and p = 3.22 × 10
–55 by meta‐analysis, respectively) and the weighted GRS showed the similar results. The environmental factors of body mass index, waist circumference, and drinking status were significantly associated with blood pressure traits, and the interaction between these factors and GRSs were examined. However, no interactions were found with either the GRS or the individual SNPs considered for the GRS. Our findings show that it is challenging to find GRS–environment interactions regarding blood pressure traits.
The current status of orogenesis in the Central Indian Tectonic Zone: A view from its Southern Margin
Authors: Bhowmik Santanu Kumar
Published: February 2019

The Central Indian Tectonic Zone, because of its critical position in the tectonic framework of East Gondwanaland, holds insights into our understanding of the assembly and dispersal of Columbia and Rodinia supercontinents through the growth of the Greater Indian Landmass. The tectonic zone, which is now a collage of different supracrustal and granulite‐gneiss belts, bears testimony to a multistage orogenic evolution from Late Palaeoproterozoic to Early Neoproterozoic time. In this contribution, the current status of orogenic evolution in the Central Indian Tectonic Zone has been reviewed using petrological and geochronological constraints from the Sausar Mobile Belt, its southernmost constituent. It reveals a three‐stage evolution leading to the growth of the Greater Indian Landmass: (a) c. 1.6–1.5‐Ga accretionary orogenesis produced the first nucleus of Greater India through the assembly of arc, back arc, and continental margins; (b) a phase of Middle Proterzoic extension led to the disintegration of the Proto‐Greater India; and (c) classical Himalayan‐style continental collision between 1.06 and 0.93 Ga finally stitched the North and South India blocks to produce the final configuration of the Greater Indian Landmass. It is argued that the Late Palaeoproterozoic to Early Mesoproterozoic orogenesis in India and former Gondwanaland and Laurentian fragments is a globally significant amalgamation event separate from the Columbia Supercontinent assembly.