bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding conservation decisions of agriculture producers
Authors: Sweikert Lily A. , Gigliotti Larry M.
Published: February 2019

Most land in the United States is privately owned and used for agriculture. To address the effect of agriculture on wildlife, conservation professionals and organizations need to understand the land use decisions made by farmers and ranchers. We developed a tool for categorizing farmers and ranchers by their conservation land use values (LUVs) to understand how those values affect their land use motivations and resultant decisions. We defined land as the whole natural environment including soil, water, plants, fish, and wildlife. We used principal axis factoring and reliability analysis to identify statements representing human‐centered values and nature‐centered values of farmers and ranchers. We tested the validity of the combined statements with a survey of South Dakota's private landowners (n = 4,000, Jan through May 2016), resulting in the LUV scale. Crossing the average scores on the human‐centered and nature‐centered statements identified 4 LUV types: humans first (20%), nature first (29%), interconnected (29%), and disconnected (22%). Analysis of variance and chi‐square tests showed that, compared to the humans first and disconnected LUV types, the nature first and interconnected LUV types reported significantly greater importance of the following: most categories of wildlife in their land use decisions, conservation‐related motivations for participating in a United States Farm Bill Conservation Program, conservation‐related motivations for land use decisions, and participation in conservation‐related behaviors. Conservation professionals and organizations can use the LUV scale to better understand landowners’ land use decisions to evaluate and inform conservation policy, programs, messaging, and improve conservation outcomes. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Cost and efficiency of myringotomy procedures in minor procedure rooms compared to operating rooms
Authors: Davidson Jacob , Ioanidis Khrystyna , Fantillo Vanessa , Paradis Josee , Strychowsky Julie
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Minor pediatric surgeries performed in the minor procedure room (MPR) may be more time efficient and less costly compared to those performed in the operating room (OR).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on cost and efficiency differences of bilateral myringotomy with tube insertions performed in the MPR versus the OR. Charts were reviewed from June 2015 to May 2017. Cost data was based on supply cost and case costing of medical personnel including nurses, aides, and anesthesia assistants.

Results

Two hundred eighteen patients were included in the study. The median age was 2.7 years (range: 0.8–16.7), and there were no differences in gender between locations. One hundred twenty‐three patients had surgery in the MPR (56.4%), and 95 had surgery in the OR (43.6%). The median length of time in the procedure room was 11 minutes shorter for patients who underwent surgery in the MPR (12.0 minutes, range: 3.0–33.0) compared to patients in the OR (23.0 minutes, range: 11.0–52.0; P < .0001). Median hospital stay (2.0 hours vs. 4.3 hours; P < 0.0001) and median patient turnover time (6.0 minutes vs. 14.0 minutes; P < .0001) was shorter in the MPR compared to OR. The total overall cost of a myringotomy with tube insertion, including labor and supply cost, was $189.41 in the MPR compared to $468.56 in the OR, a difference of $279.15 per case.

Conclusion

Bilateral myringotomy with tube insertions are more time and cost‐efficient when performed in the MPR. This study supports the need for increased availability of MPR time for appropriate surgeries.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:242–246, 2020
Surgical Aspects of Liver Transplantation and Domino Liver Transplantation in Maple Syrup Urine Disease: Analysis of 15 Donor‐Recipient Pairs
Authors: Herden Uta , Grabhorn Enke , Santer René , Li Jun , Nadalin Silvio , Rogiers Xavier , Scherer Marcus N. , Braun Felix , Beime Jan , Lenhartz Henning , Muntau Ania C. , Fischer Lutz
Published: February 2019

Liver transplantation (LT) has been shown to be a feasible treatment in patients with severe forms of maple syrup urine disease (MSUD). Because of a sufficient extrahepatic enzyme activity in non‐MSUD individuals, the organ of MSUD patients can be used as a domino graft. We performed a retrospective data collection of all LTs for MSUD carried out at the University Medical Center Hamburg‐Eppendorf (2016‐2018). Moreover, data from all consecutive domino LTs of the MSUD grafts either transplanted at our institution or allocated to other transplant centers were analyzed. During the study period, 15 LTs in MSUD patients were performed (12 children, 3 adults; median age, 10.9 years; range, 0.3‐26.1 years). Biliary complications occurred in 20%, and 13.3% suffered from bleeding complications. No further surgical problems occurred. At present, all MSUD patients are alive with a well‐functioning liver graft and on an unrestricted diet. In total, 14 consecutive domino LTs were performed. No surgical complications requiring intervention occurred. One patient died because of HCC relapse, and all other patients are alive with good liver graft function. In conclusion, the use of MSUD livers as domino grafts is safe and allows application of LT in MSUD patients without net extraction of a liver graft from the limited donor pool.
Damage‐Associated Molecular Patterns Induce Inflammatory Injury During Machine Preservation of the Liver: Potential Targets to Enhance a Promising Technology
Authors: Scheuermann Uwe , Zhu Minghua , Song Mingqing , Yerxa John , Gao Qimeng , Davis Robert P. , Zhang Min , Parker William , Hartwig Matthew G. , Kwun Jean , Brennan Todd V. , Lee Jaewoo , Barbas Andrew S.
Published: February 2019

Machine preservation (MP) has emerged as a promising technology in liver transplantation, but the cellular processes occurring during MP have not been characterized. Recent studies have noted the presence of inflammatory molecules generated during MP. We hypothesized that there is a metabolism‐dependent accumulation of damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and inflammatory cytokines during MP and that these molecules provoke inflammation in the graft. To stratify groups by metabolic rate, MP was performed on rat livers from standard donors at 3 different temperatures: room temperature (RT), subnormothermic (30°C), and normothermic (37°C). Static cold storage at 4°C was included as a reference group. Following a 4‐hour preservation period, graft reperfusion was performed ex vivo at 37°C (n = 6 for all groups). Levels of DAMPs and inflammatory cytokines were measured, and their biological activity was assessed by determining toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation, inflammatory gene expression, and activation of cell death pathways. There was a time‐dependent increase in levels of DAMPs during MP with high‐mobility group box 1 and extracellular DNA levels increasing for all groups (P < 0.05, 30 versus 240 minutes). Tumor necrosis factor α levels in the perfusate also increased during MP for all groups (P < 0.05, 30 minutes versus 240 minutes). Levels of inflammatory molecules correlated with increased activation of TLRs (TLR3, P = 0.02, normothermic machine preservation [MP37] versus machine preservation at room temperature [MPRT]; TLR9, P = 0.02, MP37 versus MPRT). Priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of cell death pathways were reduced in grafts preserved by MP at room temperature. In conclusion, inflammatory molecules produced during MP have a biological impact on the graft. Therapies to attenuate DAMP‐mediated inflammation during MP may further enhance this promising technology.
Let There Be Light: Targeted Photodynamic Therapy Using High Aspect Ratio Plant Viral Nanoparticles
Authors: Chariou Paul L. , Wang Lu , Desai Cian , Park Jooneon , Robbins Leanna K. , von Recum Horst A. , Ghiladi Reza A. , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: February 2019

The development of plant viral nanoparticles (VNP) loaded with different molecular versions of a photodynamic drug is described. Specifically, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) are developed as drug carriers that encapsulate the monocationic, dicationic, tricationic, and tetracationic versions of a porphyrin‐based photosensitizer drug (Zn‐Por). While TMV has been extensively explored for various nanotechnology applications, this is the first study investigating TMGMV for medical applications. Light‐activated cancer cell killing of Zn‐Por‐loaded VNPs is studied in vitro using melanoma and cervical cancer models. Native and nucleolin‐targeted VNP drug carriers are developed and their efficacy assessed. A fivefold increase in cancer cell killing is observed using nucleolin‐targeted TMV loaded with tricationic Zn‐Por and displaying the nucleolin‐specific F3 peptide.
EuroInf 2: Subthalamic stimulation, apomorphine, and levodopa infusion in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dafsari Haidar S. , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Rizos Alexandra , Trost Maja , dos Santos Ghilardi Maria Gabriela , Reddy Prashanth , Sauerbier Anna , Petry‐Schmelzer Jan Niklas , Kramberger Milica , Borgemeester Robbert W. K. , Barbe Michael T. , Ashkan Keyoumars , Silverdale Monty , Evans Julian , Odin Per , Fonoff Erich Talamoni , Fink Gereon R. , Henriksen Tove , Ebersbach Georg , Pirtošek Zvezdan , Visser‐Vandewalle Veerle , Antonini Angelo , Timmermann Lars , Ray Chaudhuri K. ,   on behalf of EUROPAR and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society Non‐Motor Parkinson's Disease Study Group
Published: February 2019

Objective

Real‐life observational report of clinical efficacy of bilateral subthalamic stimulation (STN‐DBS), apomorphine (APO), and intrajejunal levodopa infusion (IJLI) on quality of life, motor, and nonmotor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter, international, real‐life cohort observation study of 173 PD patients undergoing STN‐DBS (n = 101), IJLI (n = 33), or APO (n = 39) were followed‐up using PDQuestionnaire‐8, NMSScale (NMSS), Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS)‐III, UPDRS‐IV, and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) before and 6 months after intervention. Outcome changes were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed‐rank or paired t test when parametric tests were applicable. Multiple comparisons were corrected (multiple treatments/scales). Effect strengths were quantified with relative changes, effect size, and number needed to treat. Analyses were computed before and after propensity score matching, balancing demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

In all groups, PDQuestionnaire‐8, UPDRS‐IV, and NMSS total scores improved significantly at follow‐up. Levodopa equivalent daily dose was significantly reduced after STN‐DBS. Explorative NMSS domain analyses resulted in distinct profiles: STN‐DBS improved urinary/sexual functions, mood/cognition, sleep/fatigue, and the miscellaneous domain. IJLI improved the 3 latter domains and gastrointestinal symptoms. APO improved mood/cognition, perceptual problems/hallucinations, attention/memory, and the miscellaneous domain. Overall, STN‐DBS and IJLI seemed favorable for NMSS total score, and APO favorable for neuropsychological/neuropsychiatric NMS and PDQuestionnaire‐8 outcome.

Conclusions

This is the first comparison of quality of life, nonmotor. and motor outcomes in PD patients undergoing STN‐DBS, IJLI, and APO in a real‐life cohort. Distinct effect profiles were identified for each treatment option. Our results highlight the importance of holistic nonmotor and motor symptoms assessments to personalize treatment choices. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Canadian genetic healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards discussing private pay options with patients
Authors: Di Gioacchino Vanessa , Langlois Sylvie , Elliott Alison M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Just as there is inconsistency with respect to coverage of genomic testing with insurance carriers, there is interprovincial discrepancy in Canada. Consequently, the option of private pay (e.g., self pay) arises, which can lead to inequities in access, particularly when patients may not be aware of this option. There are currently no published data regarding how the Canadian genetics community handles discussions of private pay options with patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of genetic healthcare professionals (GHPs: medical geneticists, genetic counselors, and genetic nurses) practicing in Canada toward these discussions.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to members of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists and the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors to assess frequencies, rationale, and ethical considerations regarding these conversations. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of 144 respondents, 95% reported discussing private pay and 65% reported working in a clinic without a policy on this issue. There were geographic and practice‐specific differences. The most common circumstance for these discussions was when a test was clinically indicated (e.g., but funding was denied) followed by when the patient initiated the conversation. The most frequently discussed tests included: multi‐gene panels (73% of respondents), noninvasive prenatal testing (62%), and pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (58%). Although 65% felt it was ethical to discuss private pay, 35% indicated it was “sometimes” ethical.

Conclusion

With the increasing availability of genomic technologies, these findings inform how we practice and demonstrate the need for policy in this area.
Application of eye trackers for understanding mental disorders: Cases for schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Shishido Emiko , Ogawa Shiori , Miyata Seiko , Yamamoto Maeri , Inada Toshiya , Ozaki Norio
Published: February 2019

Studies of eye movement have become an essential tool of basic neuroscience research. Measures of eye movement have been applied to higher brain functions such as cognition, social behavior, and higher‐level decision‐making. With the development of eye trackers, a growing body of research has described eye movements in relation to mental disorders, reporting that the basic oculomotor properties of patients with mental disorders differ from those of healthy controls. Using discrimination analysis, several independent research groups have used eye movements to differentiate patients with schizophrenia from a mixed population of patients and controls. Recently, in addition to traditional oculomotor measures, several new techniques have been applied to measure and analyze eye movement data. One research group investigated eye movements in relation to the risk of autism spectrum disorder several years prior to the emergence of verbal‐behavioral abnormalities. Research on eye movement in humans in social communication is therefore considered important, but has not been well explored. Since eye movement patterns vary between patients with mental disorders and healthy controls, it is necessary to collect a large amount of eye movement data from various populations and age groups. The application of eye trackers in the clinical setting could contribute to the early treatment of mental disorders.
Repeated methamphetamine treatment increases spine density in the nucleus accumbens of serotonin transporter knockout mice
Authors: Kasahara Yoshiyuki , Sakakibara Yasufumi , Hiratsuka Takashi , Moriya Yuki , Lesch Klaus‐Peter , Hall F. Scott , Uhl George R. , Sora Ichiro
Published: February 2019

Aim

Repeated psychostimulant drug treatment, including methamphetamine, in rodents readily produces behavioral sensitization, which reflects altered brain function caused by repeated drug exposure. Dendritic remodeling of medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens is thought to be an essential mechanism underlying behavioral sensitization. We recently showed that chronic methamphetamine treatment did not produce behavioral sensitization in serotonin transporter knockout mice.

Methods

In this study, we report the spine density of medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens after repeated methamphetamine injection to examine morphological alterations in serotonin transporter knockout mice.

Results

Golgi‐COX staining clearly showed that the spine density of medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens increased following repeated methamphetamine treatment in both wild‐type and serotonin transporter knockout mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that augmented serotonergic neurotransmission produced by serotonin transporter deletion prevents the development of behavioral sensitization in a manner that is independent of dendritic remodeling in the nucleus accumbens.
Multiregion human bladder cancer sequencing reveals tumour evolution, bladder cancer phenotypes and implications for targeted therapy
Authors: Heide Timon , Maurer Angela , Eipel Monika , Knoll Katrin , Geelvink Mirja , Veeck Juergen , Knuechel Ruth , van Essen Julius , Stoehr Robert , Hartmann Arndt , Altmueller Janine , Graham Trevor A , Gaisa Nadine T
Published: February 2019

We present an evolutionary analysis of the relative time of genetic events underlying tumorigenesis in human bladder cancers from 10 whole cystectomy specimens using multiregional whole‐exome sequencing. We timed bladder cancer drivers, mutational signatures, ploidy and copy number alterations, provided evidence for kataegis and correlated alterations with tumour areas and histological phenotypes. We found that: (1) heterogeneous tumour areas/phenotypes had distinct driver mutations, (2) papillary‐invasive tumours divided early into two parallel evolving branches and (3) parallel evolution of subclonal driver mutations occurred. APOBEC mutational signatures were found to be very early events, active in carcinoma in situ, and often remained a dominant source of mutations throughout tumour evolution. Genetic progression from carcinoma in situ followed driver mutations in NA13/FAT1, ZBTB7B or EP300/USP28/KMT2D. Our results point towards a more diverse mutational trajectory of bladder tumorigenesis and underpin the importance of timing of mutational processes and clonal architecture in bladder cancer as important aspects for successful prognostication and therapy. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐effectiveness of early cancer surveillance for patients with Li–Fraumeni syndrome
Authors: Tak Casey R. , Biltaji Eman , Kohlmann Wendy , Maese Luke , Hainaut Pierre , Villani Anita , Malkin David , Sherwin Catherine M.T. , Brixner Diana I , Schiffman Joshua D.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Patients with germline TP53 pathogenic variants (Li–Fraumeni syndrome [LFS]) are at extremely high lifetime risk of developing cancer. Recent data suggest that tumor surveillance for patients with LFS may improve survival through early cancer detection. The objective of this study was to assess the cost‐effectiveness of a cancer surveillance strategy for patients with LFS compared with those whose tumors present clinically.

Methods

A Markov decision analytic model was developed from a third‐party payer perspective to estimate cost‐effectiveness of routine cancer surveillance over a patient's lifetime. The model consisted of four possible health states: no cancer, cancer, post‐cancer survivorship, and death. Model outcomes were costs (2015 United States Dollars [USD]), effectiveness (life years [LY] gained), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER; change in cost/LY gained). One‐way sensitivity analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analyses examined parameter uncertainty.

Results

The model showed a mean cost of $46 496 and $117 102 and yielded 23 and 27 LY for the nonsurveillance and surveillance strategies, respectively. The ICER for early cancer surveillance versus no surveillance was $17 125 per additional LY gained. At the commonly accepted willingness to pay threshold of $100 000/life‐year gained, surveillance had a 98% probability of being the most cost‐effective strategy for early cancer detection in this high‐risk population.

Conclusions

Presymptomatic cancer surveillance is cost‐effective for patients with germline pathogenic variants in TP53. Lack of insurance coverage or reimbursement in this population may have significant consequences and leads to undetected cancers presenting in later stages of disease with worse clinical outcomes.
The utilization of prenatal microarray: A survey of current genetic counseling practices and barriers
Authors: Durham Leslie , Papanna Ramesha , Stevens Blair , Noblin Sarah , Rodriguez‐Buritica David , Hashmi S. Shahrukh , Krstic Nevena
Published: February 2019

Objective

We evaluated what prenatal genetic counselor's (GCs) practices, attitudes, and barriers are in regards to prenatal microarray since the publication of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal‐Fetal Medicine (SMFM) guidelines for microarray use.

Methods

This was a survey‐based cross‐sectional study of English‐speaking, board certified or eligible GCs who currently practice prenatal genetic counseling.

Results

Of 192 respondents, 183 (95%) have incorporated chromosome microarray (CMA) into clinical practice, with 64% believing that the benefits of CMA outweigh the harms and 52% agreeing that CMA should be offered to all women regardless of indication. Those who reported being experts/comfortable in their knowledge of CMA (85%) and familiar with current clinical guidelines (86%) were significantly more likely to offer CMA to patients undergoing invasive testing and patients with fetal anomalies. Patient‐specific concerns were the largest reported barrier (51%) when GCs do not offer CMA to patients.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates GCs follow guidelines for CMA use when specific indications are involved, but further guidelines are needed regarding CMA use for other routine indications where utility of CMA is not clearly understood. On this basis, ACOG and SMFM should continue revising their guidelines as more information comes to light regarding utility of prenatal CMA for all indications, and organizations like the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) should consider publishing guidelines on prenatal CMA that are specialized to the GCs sphere of practice.
A systematic review of cancer caregiver interventions: Appraising the potential for implementation of evidence into practice
Authors: Ugalde Anna , Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Rankin Nicole M. , Schofield Penelope , Boltong Anna , Aranda Sanchia , Chambers Suzanne , Krishnasamy Meinir , Livingston Patricia M.
Published: February 2019

Objective

nformal caregivers provide substantial support for people living with cancer. Previous systematic reviews report on the efficacy of cancer caregiver interventions but not their potential to be implemented. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the potential for cancer caregiver interventions to be implemented into practice.

Methods

We searched three electronic databases to identify cancer caregiver interventions on 5 January 2018. We operationalised six implementation outcomes (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, and costs) into a tool to guide data extraction.

Results

The search yielded 33 papers (27 papers from electronic databases and six papers from other sources) reporting on 26 studies that met review criteria. Fewer than half the studies (46%) contained evidence about the acceptability of interventions from caregivers' perspectives; only two studies (8%) included interventions developed with input from caregivers. Two studies (8%) addressed potential adoption of interventions, and no studies discussed intentions, agreement, or action to implement interventions into practice. All studies reported on intervention appropriateness by providing a rationale for the interventions. For feasibility, on average less than one‐third of caregivers who were eligible to be involved consented to participate. On fidelity, whether interventions were conducted as intended was reported in 62% of studies. Cost data were reported in terms of intervention delivery, requiring a median time commitment of staff of 180 minutes to be delivered.

Conclusions

Caregiver intervention studies lack components of study design and reporting that could bridge the gap between research and practice. There is enormous potential for improvements in cancer caregiver intervention study design to plan for future implementation.
Antipsychotics and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: February 2019

The common use of medications with anticholinergic properties has raised concerns regarding their safety profile, especially in the elderly. One such concern is the risk of antipsychotic‐associated exacerbation of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with Alzheimer's disease, with antipsychotics often prescribed in this patient group for management of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Output feedback regulation control for a class of cascade nonlinear systems by time‐varying Kalman observer
Authors: Wu Yuqiang , Yu Jiangbo , Zhang Zhongcai
Published: February 2019

The global output feedback regulation problem is studied for a class of cascade nonlinear systems. The considered system represents more general classes of nonlinear uncertain systems, including the integral input‐to‐state stable (iISS) unmodeled dynamics, the unknown control direction, the parameter uncertainty, and the external disturbance additively in the input channel. Technically, we explore the changing supply rate technique for the iISS system to deal the iISS unmodeled dynamics and apply the Nussbaum‐type gain into the control design to overcome the unknown control direction. Additionally, a dynamic extended state observer in the form of a time‐varying Kalman observer is novelly constructed to overcome the unmeasured state components in the nonlinear uncertainties. It is shown that the global regulation problem is well addressed by the proposed method, and its efficacy is demonstrated by a fan speed control system.
Mesoporous MCM‐41 Silica Supported Pyridine Nanoparticle: A Highly Efficient, Recyclable Catalyst for Expeditious Synthesis of Quinoline Derivatives through Domino Approach
Authors: Mal Kajal , Chatterjee Sauvik , Bhaumik Asim , Mukhopadhyay Chhanda
Published: February 2019

A new facile and efficient one‐pot three component approach for the preparation of 2, 3, 4‐trisubstituted quinolines by (MCM‐41)‐pyridine catalyzed reaction of easily available substituted isatins and dialkylacetylenedicarboxylates in alcohol has been developed. The (MCM‐41)‐pyridine nanopowder catalyst has been synthesized and the catalyst has been carefully characterized by various techniques including FT‐IR, XRD, HRTEM, EDS, N2‐adsorption analysis etc. The materials obtained exhibit high surface area and a narrow distribution of mesoporosity. The key features of this methodology are mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity and facile product separation, high to excellent yields, as well as simple catalyst recovery and reusability. The most exciting feature of this cascade reaction is its mechanism involving the unusual ring opening of an isatin moiety, then recyclisation, aromatization followed by esterification. The synthesized substituted quinolines are expected to be used as lead compounds for the development of new drugs.
Remarkable Improvement in Photocatalytic Performance for Tannery Wastewater Processing via SnS2 Modified with N‐Doped Carbon Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Characterization, and 4‐Nitrophenol‐Aided Cr(VI) Photoreduction
Authors: Wang Shuo , Li Liping , Zhu Zhenghui , Zhao Minglei , Zhang Liming , Zhang Nannan , Wu Qiannan , Wang Xiyang , Li Guangshe
Published: February 2019

Photocatalytic pathways are proved crucial for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels required for a pollution‐free planet. Electron–hole recombination is a critical problem that has, so far, limited the efficiency of the most promising photocatalytic materials. Here, the efficacy of the 0D N doped carbon quantum dots (N‐CQDs) is demonstrated in accelerating the charge separation and transfer and thereby boosting the activity of a narrow‐bandgap SnS2 photocatalytic system. N‐CQDs are in situ loaded onto SnS2 nanosheets in forming N‐CQDs/SnS2 composite via an electrostatic interaction under hydrothermal conditions. Cr(VI) photoreduction rate of N‐CQDs/SnS2 is highly enhanced by engineering the loading contents of N‐CQDs, in which the optimal N‐CQDs/SnS2 with 40 mol% N‐CQDs exhibits a remarkable Cr(VI) photoreduction rate of 0.148 min−1, about 5‐time and 148‐time higher than that of SnS2 and N‐CQDs, respectively. Examining the photoexcited charges via zeta potential, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface photovoltage, and electrochemical impedance spectra indicate that the improved Cr(VI) photodegradation rate is linked to the strong electrostatic attraction between N‐CQDs and SnS2 nanosheets in composite, which favors efficient carrier utilization. To further boost the carrier utilization, 4‐nitrophenol is introduced in this photocatalytic system and the efficiency of Cr(VI) photoreduction is further promoted.
Dual Job Holding and the Gig Economy: Allocation of Effort across Primary and Gig Jobs
Authors: Doucette Meriem Hodge , Bradford W. David
Published: February 2019

This article explored motivations for allocating effort between “gig” and primary jobs using a sample of Amazon Mechanical Turk workers. We found that main job hour constraints, a commonly cited rationale for traditional moonlighting, were a motivation for men but not for women. Other factors affecting effort were also gender specific: Men were driven to spend more time on gig jobs to increase their incomes, while women were motivated by insecurity in their main job. Women, though not men, who were more depressed based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale earned less in their gig economy job. Finally, higher risk aversion reduced income from gig work for men, but not women. We concluded that motivations for effort allocated between the primary and gig jobs differ from those identified in past literature as important for traditional moonlighting decisions.
Systems Chemistry: Out of Equilibrium
Authors: Boekhoven Job
Published: February 2019

Job Boekhoven
is a Rudolf Mössbauer Tenure Track Professor in Supramolecular Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry at the Technical University of Munich (Germany). He is a current member of the ChemSystemsChem Editorial Board.
On Jarava, or putting the cart before the horse
Authors: Chiapella Jorge
Published: February 2019

The change of circumscription of Jarava (Stipeae) from a morphologically homogeneous section with nine species of the genus Stipa to a heterogeneous genus of ca. 60 species is criticized because of the lack of DNA data to support the change. The modification is considered inconvenient in terms of the ICBN article 14.1 on disadvantageous strict application of priority rules, due to the abundance of Stipa in South American arid regions, a fact which is reflected in the extensive use of the name Stipa by Latinamerican botanists.
Highly heterogeneous generic delimitation within the temperate bamboo clade (Poaceae: Bambusoideae): evidence from GBSSI and ITS sequences
Authors: Peng Sheng , Yang Han-Qi , Li De-Zhu
Published: February 2019

There is much debate about the phylogenetic relationships within the temperate bamboo clade inferred from morphological and anatomical data. To investigate these relationships, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial granule‐bound starch synthase I gene (GBSSI) sequences were obtained from 47 species representing the two widely accepted subtribes and 26 genera of the temperate bamboo clade. All analyses of the DNA data using maximum parsimony and Bayesian reference confirm that the temperate bamboos form a robust monophyly with 100% bootstrap support. Our results suggest that the Racemobambosinae is not a member of the temperate clade. The two major subtribes, Arundinariinae and Shibataeinae, are each rejected as monophyletic. This is somewhat unexpected as the definition of the subtribes is based on the inflorescence types that have been widely accepted. Our results also suggest that, in the temperate clade, Arundinaria s.l., Pleioblastus, Chimonobambusa, Sinobambusa, and even the “well‐defined” Phyllostachys, are not monophyletic. Therefore, most genera, as currently delimited, within the temperate clade are highly heterogeneous. Using GBSSI, ITS, and GBSSI‐ITS combined data it is revealed that Phyllostachys and Shibataea are closely related and that the combination of Menstruocalamus and Qiongzhuea and even some species of Sinobambusa into Chimonobambusa is warranted. Brachystachyum is not supported as being derived within Semiarundinaria. This implies that many morphological characters used for subtribal divisions and generic delimitation in the current systems of bamboo classification are homoplastic and that their evolutionary meaning should be reevaluated.
Pluricarpellatia, a nymphaealean angiosperm from the Lower Cretaceous of northern Gondwana (Crato Formation, Brazil)
Authors: Mohr Barbara A.R. , Bernardes-de-Oliveira Mary E.C. , Taylor David Winship
Published: February 2019

A fossil herbaceous angiosperm, Pluricarpellatia peltata gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation of northeastern Brazil. The description is based on several nearly complete specimens with roots, cordate, excentrically peltate to centrally peltate leaves, and flowering structures with in situ seeds. The seeds are smooth to verrucate and have the micropyle and hilum close together and have laminar placentation. Pluricarpellatia shares several characters with extant Nymphaeales, such as a rhizomatous growth form and simple, petiolate, peltate leaves, and laminar placentation. Similarities to Cabombaceae include an apocarpous gynoecium. However, the carpel morphology clearly differs from extant Cabombaceae so that Pluricarpellatia is considered to represent an extinct member of Nymphaeales, most likely branching off early in this lineage, and may thus be the most basal member of this clade described so far. In addition to Pluricarpellatia an unnamed nymphaealean plant (Taxon A), possibly belonging to the Nymphaeaceae, is described. During the late Aptian to earliest Albian representatives of Nymphaeales may have already developed a moderate diversity.
Evolutionary inferences from non‐monophyly on molecular trees
Authors: Zander Richard H.
Published: February 2019

Traditional taxa that are non‐monophyletic (paraphyletic or polyphyletic) on a molecular phylogenetic tree may be interpreted as surviving ancestors that are evolutionarily static in expressed traits but accumulating DNA changes used to track genetic continuity. In cases in which re‐evolution (convergence) of such taxa is deemed improbable, non‐monophyly may be used to infer evolutionary trees of virtual fossils reflecting macroevolution. A taxon tree or Besseyan cactus of the family Pottiaceae (Bryophyta) is presented as an example. Non‐monophyly may be evolutionarily informative at the taxon level in the same way synapomorphies are phylogenetically informative at the molecular trait level.
Resolving boundaries between species inSphagnumsectionSubsecundausing microsatellite markers
Authors: Karlin Eric F. , Boles Sandra B. , Shaw Jonathan A.
Published: February 2019

Populations and species ofSphagnumsectionSubsecundaare morphologically variable and it is often difficult from studying field‐collected plants and herbarium specimens to delimit species. Allelic patterns at 20 microsatellite loci indicate that three distinguishable gene pools can be identified among plants from Australia and New Zealand. All three species are morphologically variable along a moisture gradient and this appears to be largely plastic, without genetic differentiation among species specific morphotypes.SphagnumnovozelandicumandS.comosumappear to have monoploid gametophytes, are closely related, and are endemic to Australia and New Zealand. The former usually occurs at or above water level and the latter is an aquatic plant with extensive morphological variation, ranging from simplex to branched morphotypes.SphagnumfuscovinosumandS.simplexare synonyms ofS.comosum. The third species is a highly disjunct population of theS.auriculatum/S.inundatumcomplex of Europe, which has not previously been reported for Australia and New Zealand. These plants appear to be polyploid and are genetically and morphologically distinct from bothS.novo‐zelandicumandS.comosum. All three species had duplicated loci amplified by one of the microsatellite primer pairs. TenSphagnumspecies are now reported for Australia and New Zealand, with three of these being endemic.
Carolus Linnaeus (1707–1778): his life, philosophy and science and its relationship to modern biology and medicine
Authors: Reid Gordon McGregor
Published: February 2019

The system of binomial nomenclature and wider taxonomic paradigm forged by Carolus Linnaeus in the 18th century came from his original approach to understanding the natural world. It was also a product of environmental, economic, social, cultural, political and theological influences of the time. For Linnaeus the identification, naming and classification of different kinds of animals, plants, diseases, fossils and rocks had practical as well as theoretical importance. In his life and work he clearly demonstrates the 'scientific approach' including careful information gathering, exploration, empiricism, dissection, accurate observations and published descriptions. There is an inspirational use of morphological characters in comparative diagnoses, a requirement for material evidence to support hypotheses and the systematic and hierarchical organisation of knowledge. However, techniques for specimen preservation and analysis were limited and sample sizes too small to properly characterise wild populations. Thus he bequeathed artificial and 'typological' more than biological concepts determined by form and pattern rather than process. Species and genera were regarded as fixed, objective entities. This is sometimes associated with the supposedly stultifying effects of Aristotelian essentialism on Linnaean and later taxonomy. 'Natural' classification, as far as developed, was not phyletic but, instead, reflected Wolffianism, a modified creationist doctrine. Nonetheless, Linnaeus was the first to formally recognise the close affinity between humans and primates, a controversial idea later fully developed by Charles Darwin. Even so, Linnaeus did not always distinguish between mythological versus real creatures and incredible versus credible hypotheses. His understanding of 'cause and effect' was circumscribed by prevailing Lutheran theology and Cartesian mechanistic philosophy. Linnaeus was as much a working physician, agriculturalist and land surveyor as he was a taxonomist. Contemporary economic biology and biotechnology are anticipated in his animal and plant breeding and pearl culturing experiments. In the great body of Linnaeus' letters, manuscripts and books are discernable foundations for many other later disciplines. These include: anthropology, biogeography, bioinformatics, biomechanics, biological control, conservation, ecology, epidemiology, Darwinian evolution, ethnography, medical diagnostics, microbiology, palaeontology, pharmacology and phylogenetic systematics.
Male and female separation event trapped in a species tree
Authors: Guibert Cyril , Civeyrel Laure , Linder Peter
Published: February 2019

The species‐rich genus Carex (Cyperaceae) is one of the 7% of angiosperm genera containing dioecious species. Dioecy is rare in Carex, only 12 spp. out of the 1,776 recorded taxa having been identified as dioecious. This paper focuses on Carex davalliana and C. dioica, the two dioecious species recorded in Europe. We investigated the nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (trnTLF, rpl16) phylogenies of European Carex and identified incongruence in the phylogenetic history of both C. davalliana and C. dioica. This incongruence probably resulted from hybridisation. We postulate that dioecism was generated from hybridisation between species of opposite inflorescence morphologies (androgynous vs. gynaecandrous). We discuss the advantages of the separation of genders, taking into account the low number of dioecious species in the genus.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on Festuca pannonica, F. valesiaca and F. pseudodalmatica (Poaceae)
Authors: Šmarda Petr , Danihelka Jiří , Foggi Bruno
Published: February 2019

The taxonomic identity of Festuca pannonica Wulfen (1809) is analysed, and lectotypes are designated for F. valesiaca Schleich. ex Gaudin (1811) and F. pseudodalmatica Krajina ex Domin (1929). The nomenclatural and taxonomic histories of these taxa are briefly described, and the lectotypes of their names are analysed morphologically. As the lectotype of F. pannonica is unambiguously referable to F. valesiaca, rejection of the name F. pannonica is desirable and is proposed separately.
Evolutionary patterns in neotropical Helieae (Gentianaceae): evidence from morphology, chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences
Authors: Struwe Lena , Albert Victor A. , Calió Fernanda M. , Frasier Cynthia , Lepis Katherine B. , Mathews Katherine G. , Grant Jason R.
Published: February 2019

Parsimony‐based phylogenetic analyses of the neotropical tribe Helieae (Gentianaceae) are presented, including 22 of the 23 genera and 60 species. This study is based on data from morphology, palynology, and seed micromorphology (127 structural characters), and DNA sequences (matK, trnL intron, ITS). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on ITS and morphology provided the greatest resolution, morphological data further helping to tentatively place several taxa for which DNA was not available (Celiantha, Lagenanthus, Rogersonanthus, Roraimaea, Senaea, Sipapoantha, Zonanthus). Celiantha, Prepusa and Senaea together appear as the sister clade to the rest of Helieae. The remainder of Helieae is largely divided into two large subclades, the Macrocarpaea subclade and the Symbolanthus subclade. The first subclade includes Macrocarpaea, sister to Chorisepalum, Tachia, and Zonanthus. Irlbachia and Neblinantha are placed as sisters to the Symbolanthus subclade, which includes Aripuana, Calolisianthus, Chelonanthus, Helia, Lagenanthus, Lehmanniella, Purdieanthus, Rogersonanthus, Roraimaea, Sipapoantha, and Symbolanthus. Generic‐level polyphyly is detected in Chelonanthus and Irlbachia. Evolution of morphological characters is discussed, and new pollen and seed characters are evaluated for the first time in a combined morphological‐molecular phylogenetic analysis.
Evolutionary relationships in the Spermacoceae alliance (Rubiaceae) using information from six molecular loci: insights into systematic affinities of Neohymenopogon and Mouretia
Authors: Rydin Catarina , Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Khodabandeh Anbar , Bremer Birgitta
Published: February 2019

Several recent phylogenetic studies of Rubiaceae have dealt with enigmatic taxa whose systematic positions have been previously unknown or controversial. We address evolutionary relationships in the Spermacoceae alliance (Rubioideae) with special emphasis on the Asian genera Mouretia and Neohymenopogon, here sequenced for the first time. Both genera belong in the tribe Argostemmateae and have persistent calyx lobes on the fruit in common with Argostemma and Mycetia. Other previous uncertainties are resolved with strong support; Saprosma is sister to Paederieae s. str. and Carpacoce is sister to remaining Anthospermeae. Our results further reveal some phylogenetic problems. Danaideae is sister to remaining taxa in the Spermacoceae alliance with high posterior probability, which contradicts results in a recent study. The uncertainty concerning evolutionary relationships of Dunnia and Theligonum is reinforced, despite a denser taxon sampling in the Spermacoceae alliance compared with earlier studies. We also demonstrate yet another example of the controversial correlation between molecular substitution rate and plant life history.
A phylogenetically based sectional classification of Swartzia (Leguminosae‐Papilionoideae)
Authors: Torke Benjamin M. , Mansano Vidal de Freitas
Published: February 2019

The species‐rich neotropical tree genus Swartzia (Leguminosae‐Papilionoideae) is a ubiquitous element in Central and South American rainforests. As such, it has been selected as a focal group in ongoing studies of the evolution and assembly of the neotropical flora, but these efforts are hindered by substantial taxonomic problems within Swartzia. The lack of a well‐substantiated infrageneric classification has impeded much needed revisionary work on the genus, since the composition and limits of the various species complexes of Swartzia have not been clearly defined. A recent phylogenetic study of Swartzia with broad sampling of molecular characters and species illustrates the deficiencies of previous classifications of the genus and provides a robust phylogenetic framework for devising a new classification. Here we propose a phylogenetically based classification that places all currently recognized species of Swartzia into 15 sections. The sections, ranging in size from one to thirty‐two species, are morphologically diagnosable and are hypothesized to be monophyletic. Thirteen sectional names are either entirely new or are applied at the sectional rank for the first time. A key to the sections is provided, along with sectional treatments that each include a morphological description, geographic distribution, and list of included species.
The status of “Frangula dodonei” (Rhamnaceae)
Authors: Thulin Mats , Jarvis Charlie , Jonsell Bengt , Ryman Svengunnar
Published: February 2019

The widely used name Frangula alnus (syn. Rhamnus frangula) has in recent years been threatened by F. dodonei, an allegedly older name said to be published in a rare work by Pietro Arduino. However, from the context of Arduino’s paper it is clear that “F. dodonei” is not a binomial; it just happens to look like one, and has no nomenclatural status.
Reduced camptothecin sensitivity of estrogen receptor‐positive human breast cancer cells following exposure to di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is associated with DNA methylation changes
Authors: Chou Chon‐Kit , Huang Hurng‐Wern , Yang Chun‐Feng , Dahms Hans‐Uwe , Liang Shih‐Shin , Wang Tsu‐Nai , Kuo Po‐Lin , Hsi Edward , Tsai Eing‐Mei , Chiu Chien‐Chih
Published: February 2019

Di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) has been considered as an estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist due to its ability to interact with ERα and promote the cell proliferation of ERα‐positive breast cancer cells. The impact of DEHP on the chemical therapy in breast cancer is little known. Two breast cancer cell lines, MCF‐7 (ERα‐dependent) and MDA‐MB‐231 (ERα‐independent) were examined. We found that DEHP impaired the effectiveness of camptothecin (CPT) and alleviated the CPT‐induced formation of reactive oxygen species in ERα‐positive MCF‐7 cells, but not in ERα‐negative MDA‐MB‐231 cells. DEHP also significantly protected MCF‐7 cells against the genotoxicity of CPT. Genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling revealed that after 48 hours of exposure to 100 μM DEHP, MCF‐7 cells exhibited a significant change in their DNA methylation pattern, including hypermethylation of 700 genes and hypomethylation of 221 genes. The impaired therapeutic response to CPT in DEHP‐exposed MCF‐7 cells is probably mediated by epigenetic changes, especially through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. A zebrafish xenograft model confirmed the disruptive effect of DEHP on CPT‐induced anti‐growth of MCF‐7 cells. In summary, DEHP exposure induces acquired CPT‐resistance in breast cancer cells and epigenetic changes associated with Wnt/β‐catenin signaling activation are probably depending on an ER‐positive status.