bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscale‐Patterned Graphene Electrodes for Organic Light‐Emitting Devices by a Simple Patterning Strategy
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhang Nan , Li Yun‐Fei , Bi Yan‐Gang , Yue Yuan‐Yuan , Feng Jing , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: April 2018

Graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition has attracted much attention in optoelectronic application due to its great potential as a large‐area 2D electrode material. However, the clean transfer and effective microscale patterning of graphene still remain great challenges for its use as the electrode in the optoelectronic devices. In this paper, a simple and reliable transfer‐pattern strategy is developed for the microscale‐patterned graphene electrode by using a photoresist as both supporting layer for the graphene transfer and photolithographic mask layer. The microscale‐patterned graphene electrodes transferred onto the desired substrates exhibit low surface roughness of 0.675 nm and mean sheet resistance of 444 Ω ◽−1. 25 µm line width patterned organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) arrays with high precision and uniform lighting area have proved the great potential of the transfer‐pattern strategy for high‐resolution OLEDs. Flexible and efficient OLEDs based on patterned graphene anodes can be realized by this strategy. Moreover, a scale of ≈2 in. patterned graphene well demonstrates the feasibility of the transfer‐pattern strategy for large‐area fabrication of the microscale‐patterned graphene.
Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence‐Emitting Phosphine Oxide Hosts for Ultrasimple and Highly Efficient White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liang Qianqian , Han Chunmiao , Duan Chunbo , Xu Hui
Published: April 2018

Among a series of carbazole–diphenylphosphine oxide hybrids x2ArPO, blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)‐emitting host m2tBCzPO with optimal electron‐withdrawing and steric effects is successfully constructed to demonstrate the superiority of blue TADF‐emitting host in adaptable exciton allocation for white light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs), which realizes the negligible singlet–triplet splitting (ΔEST) of 0.02 eV, the photoluminescence quantum yield beyond 75% and the top‐rank external quantum efficiency (EQE) with the maxima of 13.8% and 22.2% from its blue and yellow devices. Its high‐efficiency blue TADF emission and excellent host characteristics are perfectly harmonized in its ultrasimple four‐layer WOLED with monodoping single‐emissive layer to support the state‐of‐the‐art performance, including EQE up to 21.3%, roll‐off within 10% at 1000 cd m−2, and excellent spectral stability.
Semitransparent Blue, Green, and Red Organic Solar Cells Using Color Filtering Electrodes
Authors: Kim Youngji , Son Jieun , Shafian Shafidah , Kim Kyungkon , Hyun Jerome K.
Published: April 2018

Colorful, semitransparent organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) are increasing in demand due to their applicability in aesthetically fashioned power‐generating windows. The traditional method of generating different colors in OPVs has been through employing different active materials exhibiting distinct absorption spectra. This can complicate fabrication processes for production and cause deviations in device performance among differently colored OPVs. Herein, semitransparent and colorful OPVs with a single broadband‐absorbing active material of fixed thickness are demonstrated using Ag–TiOx–Ag color filters (CFs). The CF enables the OPV to transmit spectrally pure colors with peak transmission efficiencies surpassing 25%, and allows the colors to be freely tuned without disturbing the charge transport properties such that the device performance stays consistent. The CF not only functions as an effective electrode but as a mirror for light outside of the spectral transparency window. It is shown that when compared to a transparent OPV consisting of the same active layer material and thickness, CF‐integrated OPVs generate 32.38(±0.03)–34.10(±0.02)% more short‐circuit current. Such results point to a simple and convenient solution to achieving spectrally pure colors, moderate transmission efficiencies, decoupled optical and charge transport properties, and enhanced charge generation relative to a transparent OPV in semitransparent, colorful power‐generating windows.
Silicon‐based Bulky Group−Tuned Parallel Kinetic Resolution in Copper‐Catalyzed 1,3‐Dipolar Additions
Authors: Yuan Yang , Zheng Zhan‐Jiang , Li Li , Bai Xing‐Feng , Xu Zheng , Cui Yu‐Ming , Cao Jian , Yang Ke‐Fang , Xu Li‐Wen
Published: April 2018

The development of new strategies or reaction processes that tease new reactivity of functional groups continues to spur synthetic chemists toward innovative solutions that access new compounds. Herein, we find that the silicon‐based bulky group enables a 1,3‐dipolar addition−initiated parallel kinetic resolution (PKR) to occur unexpectedly, leading to the highly enantioselective synthesis of two structurally different types of amino acid derivatives via chemodivergent [3+2] cycloaddition reactions and tandem conjugate addition‐elimination reaction respectively. The resulting and structurally divergent enantioenriched amino acid derivatives that contain four contiguous stereogenic centers and an all‐carbon quaternary center were obtained with up to 99% ee with >95:1 dr and good yields.

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Eco‐Friendly Higher Manganese Silicide Thermoelectric Materials: Progress and Future Challenges
Authors: Liu Wei‐Di , Chen Zhi‐Gang , Zou Jin
Published: April 2018

As a promising thermoelectric material, higher manganese silicides are composed of earth‐abundant and eco‐friendly elements, and have attracted extensive attention for future commercialization. In this review, the authors first summarize the crystal structure, band structure, synthesis method, and pristine thermoelectric performance of different higher manganese silicides. After that, the strategies for enhancing electrical performance and reducing lattice thermal conductivity of higher manganese silicides as well as their synergism are highlighted. The application potentials including the chemical and mechanical stability of higher manganese silicides and their energy conversion efficiency of the assembled thermoelectric modules are also summarized. By analyzing the current advances in higher manganese silicides, this review proposes that potential methods of further enhancingzTof higher manganese silicides, lie in enhancing electrical performance while simultaneously reducing lattice thermal conductivity via reducing effective mass, optimizing carrier concentration, and nanostructure engineering.
Residual film thickness following immiscible fluid displacement in noncircular microchannels at large capillary number
Authors: Lu Yu , Kovalchuk Nina M. , Simmons Mark J. H.
Published: April 2018

An experimental study of the displacement of one immiscible fluid by another was performed in microchannels with circular, square and near‐semicircular cross‐sections, with hydraulic diameters from 100 to 200 μm. Experiments were performed over a range of capillary number, Ca, from 0.02 < Ca < 80, with viscosity ratios between the two fluids ranging from 20 to 100. The liquid film left on the channel wall following the advance of the displacing fluid was obtained from visual measurements and a method for the estimation of mean film thickness was shown to be in good agreement with existing correlations. The addition of a surfactant (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, SDS) dissolved in the displacing fluid led to a reduction in the thickness of the residual film. © 2018 The Authors AIChE Journal published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 3456–3466, 2018
ADR Briefs
Authors: Varghese Ginsey
Published: April 2018

The U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 26 added its second arbitration case of the 2017‐2018 term, granting certiorari in Oliveira v. New Prime Inc., Docket No. 17‐340. The case that could have broad Federal Arbitration Act implications—either in supporting arbitration requirements in independent contractors' employment agreements, or undermining them.
Clinical features of stroke mimics in the emergency department
Authors: Okano Yuichi , Ishimatsu Kazuaki , Kato Yoichi , Yamaga Junichi , Kuwahara Ken , Okumoto Katsuki , Wada Kuniyasu
Published: April 2018

Aim

To clarify the features of stroke mimics.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated stroke mimic cases among the suspected stroke cases examined at our emergency department, over the past 9 years, during the tissue‐type plasminogen activator treatment time window.

Results

Of 1,557 suspected acute stroke cases examined at the emergency department, 137 (8.8%) were stroke mimics. The most common causes were symptomatic epilepsy (28 cases, 20.4%), neuropathy‐like symptoms (21 cases, 15.3%), and hypoglycemia (15 cases, 10.9%). Outcomes were survival to hospital discharge for 91.2% and death for 8.8% of the cases. Clinical results were significantly different between stroke mimics and the stroke group for low systolic blood pressure, low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on initial treatment, history of diabetes, and no history of arrhythmia. On multivariate analysis, distinguishing factors for stroke mimics include systolic blood pressure ≤ 140 mmHg, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤ 5 points, history of diabetes, and no history of arrhythmia.

Conclusions

Frequency of stroke mimics in cases of acute stroke suspected cases is 8.8%, and the most common cause is epilepsy. In order to distinguish stroke mimics, it is useful to understand common diseases presenting as stroke mimics and evaluate clinical features different from stroke by medical interview or nerve examination.
Lewis Base Free Oxophosphonium Ions: Tunable, Trigonal‐Planar Lewis Acids
Authors: Wünsche Marius A. , Witteler Tim , Dielmann Fabian
Published: April 2018

Oxophosphonium ions (R2P=O)+ are fascinating chemical intermediates related to the well‐known acylium cations (RC=O)+, and comprise a tricoordinate phosphorus(V) center with a phosphorus–oxygen double bond. Here, we report the synthesis of two oxophosphonium ions stabilized by bulky imidazolin‐2‐imine and imidazolin‐2‐olefin substituents attached to phosphorus. The novel species were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, and the bonding situation was probed by DFT calculations. Determination of the acceptor number and the fluoride ion affinity revealed that the choice of the substituents has a strong influence on the electrophilicity of the phosphorus center. Additionally, the formation of Lewis base adducts with pyridine derivatives and the reactivity with isopropyl alcohol was explored.
New York City's Wait… Pilot Program: An Integrated Approach to Water Quality Improvement
Authors: Morey Erin
Published: April 2018

A new program tested in a New York city sewershed encourages water users to reduce water use during rainstorms, and thereby improve management of combined sewer overflows.
Systems Models Support Reliability Analysis and Decision‐Making Under Changing Conditions
Authors: Gross Rachel , Lopezcalva Enrique
Published: April 2018

The Marin Municipal Water District in California used a systems modeling approach to determine how to meet future water demands under a variety of challenging conditions.
Applying iPSCs for Preserving Endangered Species and Elucidating the Evolution of Mammalian Sex Determination
Authors: Honda Arata
Published: April 2018

The endangered species Tokudaia osimensis has the unique chromosome constitution of 2n = 25, with an XO/XO sex chromosome configuration (2n = 25; XO). There is urgency to preserve this species and to elucidate the regulator(s) that can discriminate the males and females arising from the indistinguishable sex chromosome constitution. However, it is not realistic to examine this rare animal species by sacrificing individuals. Recently, true naïve induced pluripotent stem cells were successfully generated from a female T. osimensis, and the sexual plasticity of its germ cells was elucidated. This achievement constitutes the basis of an attractive research area, including embryonic fate determination, sex determination, and factor(s) that can replace the Y chromosome. In this essay, concrete strategies to conserve rare animal species and to reveal their specific characteristics using other compatible and abundant animals are proposed.
Besuch eines Schülerlabors – ein netter Ausflug vor den Sommerferien?
Authors: Mannott Sarah , Nerdel Claudia , Brück Thomas
Published: April 2018

Nicht jeder Besuch eines Schülerlabors ist auch dem langfristigen Lernen förderlich. Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse zeigen, wie Schüler und Lehrer von einem gut eingebundenen Besuch profitieren können. Ein aktuelles Konzept der TUM School of Education greift diese Ideen auf.
A functional haplotype of NFKB1 influence susceptibility to oral cancer: a population‐based and in vitro study
Authors: Chen Fa , Liu Fengqiong , Yan Lingjun , Lin Lisong , Qiu Yu , Wang Jing , Wu Junfeng , Bao Xiaodan , Hu Zhijian , Cai Lin , He Baochang
Published: April 2018

Genetic variations of NF‐κB and its inhibitor IκB genes and their biological mechanism in oral cancer were not well recognized. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of polymorphisms in NFKB1 and NFKBIA with oral cancer susceptibility, and further explore their potential mechanism in vitro. First, the polymorphisms of NFKB1 and NFKBIA were genotyped through iPLEX Sequenom MassARRAY platform in a case–control study with 425 oral cancer patients and 485 healthy controls. Then, the function was explored by a luciferase reporter assay and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. The results indicated that NFKB1 rs28362491 Del/Del and rs72696119 G/G genotypes were associated with the risk of oral cancer, with a strong linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 0.991, r2 = 0.971). Moreover, DG haplotype of NFKB1 also showed a significant increased risk (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02–1.53, P = 0.030). Dual‐luciferase reporter assays further revealed that the plasmids with DG or IG or DC haplotype transfected with Tca‐8113 cells or CAL‐27 cells had a lower luciferase expression than that with IC haplotype. EMSA demonstrated that 4‐bp ATTG deletion in the promoter of NFKB1 abolished the binding site of transcription factor. Our preliminary findings suggest that the haplotype of rs28362491 and rs72696119 in NFKB1 could act as a novel genetic marker to predict oral cancer risk in the southeast of China, but much more extensive researches still need to be conducted.
The unusual case of dyspnea: a pancreaticopleural fistula
Authors: Singh Shashank , Yakubov Mikhail , Arya Mukul
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Dyspnea secondary to a pleural effusion is a common presentation all clinicians observe, however, usually leads to anchoring the diagnosis to cardiopulmonary etiologies. The formulation of a differential diagnosis encompassing the history of a patient cannot be emphasized enough and is paramount for accurate diagnosis, as described in this case.
Bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens in combination with leuprolide for the treatment of endometriosis
Authors: Hill Amanda M. , Lessey Bruce , Flores Valerie A. , Taylor Hugh S.
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens can be used with leuprolide as effective add‐back therapy in premenopausal women with endometriosis without unwanted stimulation of the breasts, CNS (Central Nervous System), or endometrium. Bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens may be an effective progestin‐free alternative to traditional add‐back therapies.
Idiopathic severe aplastic anemia with a delayed response to immunosuppressive therapy: a case report
Authors: Alzahrani Nujood , Ashor Nshwa , Fathi Traji , Bukhari Dania , Zaher Galila
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Bone marrow transplantation is the definitive treatment of severe aplastic anemia; however, with the absence of this option, combined immunosuppressive therapy with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine A is used as a first‐line therapy. This case report highlights the possible delay in response to ATG protocol in treating aplastic anemia.
How do Core–Shell Structure Features Impact on the Activity/Stability of the Co‐based Catalyst in Dry Reforming of Methane?
Authors: Pang Yijun , Zhong Aihua , Xu Zhijia , Jiang Wu , Gu Lingli , Feng Xinzhen , Ji Weijie , Au Chak‐Tong
Published: April 2018

Dry reforming of methane has been systematically investigated over a series of x‐Co@SiO2‐y catalysts where x is the Co particle size ranging from 11.1 to 121.3 nm while y denotes the silica shell thickness ranging from 6.0 to 21.9 nm. Various techniques including TEM, XRD, H2‐TPR/‐TPD, XPS, BET, O2‐TPO, TG, and H2‐TPSR‐MS were employed to characterize physicochemical properties of catalysts. H2‐TPR and XPS results indicate that the core–shell interaction is dependent on the core size: the smaller the Co particle size is; the stronger the core–shell interaction. The investigations employing H2‐TRSR‐MS and XPS on the spent catalysts demonstrated that a fraction of metallic Co was re‐oxidized on a large‐core catalyst such as 121.3‐Co@SiO2‐72.2 during the reaction, and such oxidation leads to lower catalytic activity and stability. O2‐TPO results indicated that the catalyst with smaller core size caused significant coking. TG analysis together with TEM investigation on the used samples suggested that carbon deposition is notably core‐size‐dependent and responsible for deactivation of the small‐core catalyst. Among various core–shell structured catalysts, 27.8‐Co@SiO2‐14.3 showed superior activity and durability, owing to the well‐balanced property between coking and anti‐oxidation of Co cores.
PEEK‐WC/Nanosponge Membranes for Lithium‐Anode Protection in Rechargeable Li−O2 Batteries
Authors: Amici Julia , Alidoost Mojtaba , Caldera Fabrizio , Versaci Daniele , Zubair Usman , Trotta Francesco , Francia Carlotta , Bodoardo Silvia
Published: April 2018

Dextrin‐based nanosponges (NSs) are hyper‐crosslinked polymers characterized by the ability to encapsulate a great variety of substances in liquid phase. More importantly, dextrin‐based NSs are nanostructured within a three‐dimensional network. Here, an amorphous modified polyetheretherketone (PWC) and NS‐derived from crosslinking dextrin and β‐ciclodextrins are used to prepare flat‐sheet membranes. The presence of NSs in the membrane changes the features of PWC. The PWC/NS membrane displays very low oxygen permeability, good ionic conductivity, and assure a suitable interfacial stability with Li metal. For such properties, the membrane is suitable to protect the highly reactive Li‐metal anode from oxygen crossover, dendrite formation, and from side reactions due to the oxygenated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)‐based electrolyte. Li−O2 lab‐scale cells are assembled with the membrane sandwiched between Li and the separator soaked by electrolyte, with continuous oxygen flow of 3 mL/min at the cathode side. XRD analysis demonstrates that the membrane does not interfere with the formation and decomposition of Li2O2. Membranes assure long cell‐cycle life at reversible capacity and better capacity retention during cycling in full discharge/charge conditions.
Dating of Archaeological Gold by Means of Solid State Electrochemistry
Authors: Doménech‐Carbó Antonio , Scholz Fritz , Doménech‐Carbó María Teresa , Piquero‐Cilla Joan , Montoya Noemí , Pasíes‐Oviedo Trinidad , Gozalbes Manuel , Melchor‐Montserrat José Manuel , Oliver Arturo
Published: April 2018

In archaeology and history of art, age determination is a fundamental analytical problem. While several techniques for age determination of various materials, like radiocarbon dating, are established, these methods cannot be applied for metals, for which new techniques have to be developed. For the first time a dating method for archaeological gold objects is described which is based on a corrosion clock and electrochemical measurements, using the voltammetry of immobilized particles. Samples are prepared by ‘one touch’ with a graphite pencil, only transferring a few nanograms of the archaeological gold. The method has been calibrated with the help of a series of well‐documented gold specimen from different prehistory museums covering the last 2600 years. Our results prove that this corrosion clock is going on a constant pace, practically independent of the environment, making it most attractive for applications in archaeometry.
Würfel‐Spiele
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: April 2018

Vor gut einem halben Jahrhundert synthetisierte Philip Eaton erstmals einen würfelförmigen Kohlenwasserstoff, das Cuban (C8H8). Vor 25 Jahren schlug er vor, dass Cuban‐Bausteine als Ersatz für den ähnlich großen Benzolring in der Wirkstoffentwicklung zum Einsatz kommen könnten. Doch erst jetzt entwickelten Forscher die Methoden, mit denen der Kohlenwasserstoff‐Würfel aus der Nische der geometrischen Kuriositäten ausbrechen kann.
Effects of Planting Patterns on Trace Metals in Soils Following Wetland Restoration
Authors: Su Haitao , Guo Peiyong , Zhang Yuxuan , Deng Jun , Wang Meixian , Sun Yinshi , Wu Yanmei , Chen HongLei
Published: April 2018

To understand the effects of planting patterns on trace metal fractions in degraded wetland soils in the Jinjiang Estuary, the chemical speciation of trace metals (Cu, Cr, Zn, and Pb) before and after wetland restoration is analyzed based on a measurement and testing program. The results show that wetland restoration, in general, increases the ratios of Cu, Cr, Zn, and Pb in the acid‐soluble fraction and the ratios of Cr, Zn, and Pb in the residual fraction and decreases the ratios of Cr, Zn, and Pb in the reducible fraction and the ratios of Cu, Cr, Zn, and Pb in the oxidizable fraction; thus, the mobility of Cu increases, and the mobility of Cr, Zn, and Pb decreases. Moreover, the planting patterns influence the levels of Cu, Cr, Zn, and Pb to some extent. After wetland restoration, the levels of Cu show an upward trend, and the Pb levels exhibit a downward trend. However, the potential ecological risk of Cu, Cr, Zn, and Pb fail to decrease. The restoration time may have been too short. The results of this study indicate that the planting patterns influence the transformation of trace metal fractions in soil and affect the pollution degree and potential ecological risk, contributing to a better understanding of the effects of planting patterns on trace metals following wetland restoration. The results will be helpful for subsequent scientific research on wetland restoration.
Virtual Fragment Screening Identification of a Quinoline‐5,8‐dicarboxylic Acid Derivative as a Selective JMJD3 Inhibitor
Authors: Giordano Assunta , del Gaudio Federica , Johansson Catrine , Riccio Raffaele , Oppermann Udo , Di Micco Simone
Published: April 2018

The quinoline‐5,8 dicarboxylic acid scaffold has been identified by a fragment‐based approach as new potential lead compound for the development of JMJD3 inhibitors. Among them, 3‐(2,4‐dimethoxypyrimidin‐5‐yl)quinoline‐5,8‐dicarboxylic acid (compound 3) shows low micromolar inhibitory activity against Jumonji domain‐containing protein 3 (JMJD3). The experimental evaluation of inhibitory activity against seven related isoforms of JMJD3 highlighted an unprecedented selectivity toward the biological target of interest.
Acetylene‐Mediated Synthesis of Supported Pt Nanocatalyst for Selective Hydrogenation of Halonitrobenzene
Authors: Li Huan , Xu Chaofa , Mu Xiao‐Liang , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xian‐Ming , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: April 2018

We demonstrated that acetylene was a unique reducing agent for aqueous synthesis of ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on carbon nanotube (CNT) with high stability. Multiple techniques including X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) were employed to fully characterize this Pt catalyst. The in‐situ generated olefins from acetylene closely wrapped the Pt NPs, and turned into a very thin carbon shell in the subsequent calcination step. The carbon shell not only endowed the Pt NPs with extraordinary thermal stability, but also significantly improved the catalytic selectivity in hydrogenation of halogenated nitrobenzene by eliminating the dehalogenation reaction. Also, the acetylene‐mediated preparation method is readily scalable due to its convenience and environmental friendliness.
Introduction of Fullerenes into Hydrogels via Formation of Fullerene Nanoparticles
Authors: Sugikawa Kouta , Inoue Yuya , Kozawa Kentaro , Ikeda Atsushi
Published: April 2018

Hybridization of fullerenes with hydrophilic materials is important for fullerene applications in the fields of biology and medicine. Here, we demonstrate transfer of fullerenes from the cavity of γ‐cyclodextrin to hydrogel substrates. Fullerene C60 or C70 transfers to a gelatin gel substrate at 80 °C or room temperature, respectively. Ultraviolet−visible absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy of the fullerene‐containing gel substrates reveal that formation of fullerene nanoparticles is the key process for smooth transfer of fullerene into an aqueous environment. This method is applicable for transfer of fullerenes into various types of hydrogel substrates, such as agarose and N‐isopropylacrylamide gels.
Network‐Based Approaches for Pathway Level Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Tin , Mitrea Cristina , Draghici Sorin
Published: April 2018

Identification of impacted pathways is an important problem because it allows us to gain insights into the underlying biology beyond the detection of differentially expressed genes. In the past decade, a plethora of methods have been developed for this purpose. The last generation of pathway analysis methods are designed to take into account various aspects of pathway topology in order to increase the accuracy of the findings. Here, we cover 34 such topology‐based pathway analysis methods published in the past 13 years. We compare these methods on categories related to implementation, availability, input format, graph models, and statistical approaches used to compute pathway level statistics and statistical significance. We also discuss a number of critical challenges that need to be addressed, arising both in methodology and pathway representation, including inconsistent terminology, data format, lack of meaningful benchmarks, and, more importantly, a systematic bias that is present in most existing methods. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Accessing Expert‐Curated Pharmacological Data in the IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY
Authors: Sharman Joanna L. , Harding Simon D. , Southan Christopher , Faccenda Elena , Pawson Adam J. , Davies Jamie A. ,   NC‐IUPHAR
Published: April 2018

The IUPHAR/BPS Guide to PHARMACOLOGY is an expert‐curated, open‐access database of information on drug targets and the substances that act on them. This unit describes the procedures for searching and downloading ligand‐target binding data and for finding detailed annotations and the most relevant literature. The database includes concise overviews of the properties of 1,700 data‐supported human drug targets and related proteins, divided into families, and 9,000 small molecule and peptide experimental ligands and approved drugs that bind to those targets. More detailed descriptions of pharmacology, function, and pathophysiology are provided for a subset of important targets. The information is reviewed regularly by expert subcommittees of the IUPHAR Committee on Receptor Nomenclature and Drug Classification. A new immunopharmacology portal has recently been added, drawing together data on immunological targets, ligands, cell types, processes and diseases. The data are available for download and can be accessed computationally via Web services. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Exploring Biological Networks in 3D, Stereoscopic 3D, and Immersive 3D with iCAVE
Authors: Kalayci Selim , Gümüş Zeynep H.
Published: April 2018

Biological networks are becoming increasingly large and complex, pushing the limits of existing 2D tools. iCAVE is an open‐source software tool for interactive visual explorations of large and complex networks in 3D, stereoscopic 3D, or immersive 3D. It introduces new 3D network layout algorithms and 3D extensions of popular 2D network layout, clustering, and edge bundling algorithms to assist researchers in understanding the underlying patterns in large, multi‐layered, clustered, or complex networks. This protocol aims to guide new users on the basic functions of iCAVE for loading data, laying out networks (single or multi‐layered), bundling edges, clustering networks, visualizing clusters, visualizing data attributes, and saving output images or videos. It also provides examples on visualizing networks constrained in physical 3D space (e.g., proteins; neurons; brain). It is accompanied by a new version of iCAVE with an enhanced user interface and highlights new features useful for existing users. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mobile Quantitative Colocalization Analysis of Fluorescence Microscopy Images
Authors: Zinchuk Vadim , Grossenbacher‐Zinchuk Olga
Published: April 2018

Understanding the nature of fluorescently‐labelled molecules requires proper quantification of their colocalization. We developed a new approach to enable quantification of colocalization of markers in fluorescence microscopy images using mobile computers. It consists of three interacting components: desktop computer – cloud – mobile device. After an image is opened on a desktop computer, it is then saved to the cloud and becomes available to a mobile device. Functionality of the desktop and mobile software consists of the same steps and therefore allows using any of the platforms when performing analysis. Changes of the state of the image between devices are synchronized via the cloud, so that nothing is lost when switching them. All interactions are performed seamlessly in the background and do not require any input from the researchers’ side. This approach augments access to analytical imaging by allowing to work in completely new ways with superior levels of control, simplicity, and convenience. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Compartmentalized Self‐Replication for Evolution of a DNA Polymerase
Authors: Abil Zhanar , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: April 2018

Compartmentalized self‐replication (CSR) is an emulsion PCR‐based method for the selection of DNA polymerases. E. coli host cells expressing a library of DNA polymerases are emulsified so that no more than a single cell is present in a single emulsion droplet. In a subsequent emulsion PCR step, the DNA polymerase protein, as well as the plasmid encoding it are released into the emulsion droplet and the genes that created the most active or abundant polymerase variants are exponentially amplified and can be passed to the next round of CSR. CSR is a powerful method for engineering of polymerases since it allows selection under a variety of conditions, including the use of non‐standard substrates. In this unit, we provide a step‐by‐step procedure for the selection of polymerases, using as an example the selection of reverse transcriptase activity starting from a library of Thermococcus kodakaraensis (KOD) DNA polymerase variants. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ALARM NMR for HTS Triage and Chemical Probe Validation
Authors: Dahlin Jayme L. , Cuellar Matthew , Singh Gurpreet , Nelson Kathryn M. , Strasser Jessica M. , Rappe Todd , Xia Youlin , Veglia Gianluigi , Walters Michael A.
Published: April 2018

Nonspecific target engagement by test compounds and purported chemical probes is a significant source of assay interference and promiscuous bioactivity in high‐throughput screening (HTS) and chemical biology. Most counter‐screens for thiol‐reactive compounds utilize mass spectrometry or fluorescence detection, as well as nonproteinaceous reporters like glutathione that may not always approximate the reactivity of protein side chains. By contrast, a La assay to detect reactive molecules by nuclear magnetic resonance (ALARM NMR) is an industry‐developed protein‐based [1H‐13C]‐heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence NMR counter‐screen to identify nonspecific protein interactions by test compounds by reporting their tendencies to modulate the human La antigen conformation. This article is a user's guide to the production of the 13C‐labeled La antigen reporter protein and reaction of test compounds with this reporter protein, as well as the collection and analysis of characteristic NMR spectra. Combined with other assay interference counter‐screens, this assay will enhance chemical biology by helping researchers better prioritize chemical matter, which will increase the number of tractable HTS screening actives and aid in the development of better chemical probes. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Linking puberty and error‐monitoring: Relationships between self‐reported pubertal stages, pubertal hormones, and the error‐related negativity in a large sample of children and adolescents
Authors: Gorday Julia Y. , Meyer Alexandria
Published: April 2018

The error‐related negativity (ERN) is a negative deflection in the event‐related potential occurring when individuals make mistakes. The ERN has been proposed as a biomarker for anxiety and a substantial amount of research suggests the ERN increases across development. Further, the ERN may relate to individual differences and the development of cognitive control. Despite the large quantity of research on this topic, there have been no studies focusing on the relationship between pubertal hormones and the ERN. Previous work suggests developmental increases may begin sooner for girls than for boys, suggesting that puberty may impact the ERN. The current study examined the relationship between pubertal hormones and the ERN amplitude in a sample of 99 females between 8 and 14 years old. Each participant and the parent who accompanied them completed the Pubertal Developmental Scale (PDS) to assess the degree to which pubertal indicators are present. Participants also completed a Go/NoGo Task while EEG was recorded and participants provided saliva samples for hormone assays. Results indicated that ERN was significantly related to both the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) hormone and PDS scores. A simultaneous multivariate regression suggested that DHEA levels significantly predict the ERN, even when controlling for age, behavioral variables, and PDS. These findings suggest that ERN amplitude is related to DHEA levels, further linking puberty to developmental increases in the ERN. Future research should examine this relationship in the context of developmental increases in anxiety symptoms.
High levels of polyandry, but limited evidence for multiple paternity, in wild populations of the western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus)
Authors: Loo Jacqueline , Kennington Winn Jason , de Lestang Simon , How Jason , Evans Jonathan P.
Published: April 2018

Polyandry, where multiple mating by females results in the temporal and spatial overlap of ejaculates from two or more males, is taxonomically widespread and occurs in varying frequencies within and among species. In decapods (crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and prawns), rates of polyandry are likely to be variable, but the extent to which patterns of multiple paternity reflect multiple mating, and thus are shaped by postmating processes that bias fertilization toward one or a subset of mated males, is unclear. Here, we use microsatellite markers to examine the frequency of multiple mating (the presence of spermatophores from two or more males) and patterns of paternity in wild populations of western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus). Our data confirm that >45% of females had attached spermatophores arising from at least two males (i.e., confirming polyandry), but we found very limited evidence for multiple paternity; among 24 clutches sampled in this study, only two arose from fertilizations by two or more males. Single inferred paternal genotypes accounted for all remaining progeny genotypes in each clutch, including several instances when the mother had been shown to mate with two or more males. These findings highlight the need for further work to understand whether polyandry is adaptive and to uncover the mechanisms underlying postmating paternity biases in this system.
The effects of vegetative type, edges, fire history, rainfall, and management in fire‐maintained habitat
Authors: Breininger David R. , Foster Tammy E. , Carter Geoffrey M. , Duncan Brean W. , Stolen Eric D. , Lyon James E.
Published: April 2018

The combined effects of fire history, climate, and landscape features (e.g., edges) on habitat specialists need greater focus in fire ecology studies, which usually only emphasize characteristics of the most recent fire. Florida scrub‐jays are an imperiled, territorial species that prefer medium (1.2–1.7 m) shrub heights, which are dynamic because of frequent fires. We measured short, medium, and tall habitat quality states annually within 10‐ha grid cells (that represented potential territories) because fires and vegetative recovery cause annual variation in habitat quality. We used multistate models and model selection to test competing hypotheses about how transition probabilities vary between states as functions of environmental covariates. Covariates included vegetative type, edges (e.g., roads and forests), precipitation, openings (gaps between shrubs), mechanical cutting, and fire characteristics. Fire characteristics not only included an annual presence/absence of fire covariate, but also fire history covariates: time since the previous fire, the longest fire‐free interval, and the number of repeated fires. Statistical models with support included many covariates for each transition probability, often including fire history, interactions, and nonlinear relationships. Tall territories resulted from 28 yr of fire suppression and habitat fragmentation that reduced the spread of fires across landscapes. Despite 35 yr of habitat restoration and prescribed fires, half the territories remained tall, suggesting a regime shift to a less desirable habitat condition. Edges reduced the effectiveness of fires in setting degraded scrub and flatwoods into earlier successional states, making mechanical cutting an important tool to compliment frequent prescribed fires.
The ecological and life history correlates of boldness in free‐ranging lizards
Authors: Ward‐Fear Georgia , Brown Gregory P. , Pearson David J. , West Andrea , Rollins Lee A. , Shine Richard
Published: April 2018

In many animal populations, individuals exhibit repeatable behavioral traits across a range of contexts, and similarly, individuals differ in ecological traits such as habitat use, home range sizes, growth rates, and mating success. However, links between an individual's positions on behavioral vs. ecological axes of variation remain relatively unstudied in the wild. In the course of fieldwork on a remote floodplain in tropical Australia, we quantified boldness and ecological traits in 86 free‐ranging (radio‐tracked) monitor lizards (Varanus panoptes). These large (up to 7 kg) lizards exhibited a spectrum of boldness, as reflected in correlated scores of responses to approach, handling, and novel prey. Bolder lizards had larger core home ranges and higher mating success and spent more time in areas of high predator abundance, and their seasonal regimes of predation‐induced mortality differed from those of shyer lizards. Thus, behavioral differences among lizards underpin much of the variation in ecological traits and individual fitness within this population. Analyses of ecology and microevolution in natural populations cannot afford to ignore the complex covariation between behavior, ecology, and evolution in the wild.
Drawing a map of invasion biology based on a network of hypotheses
Authors: Enders Martin , Hütt Marc‐Thorsten , Jeschke Jonathan M.
Published: April 2018

Invasion biology is a thriving ecological research field, and confusingly many hypotheses, concepts, and ideas about biological invasions populate today's literature. Moreover, some of these hypotheses are very similar, whereas others contradict each other. It is not clear whether in such a situation a plausible global relational structure—or map—of these hypotheses emerges in the minds of the involved researchers and, if so, how this map can be reliably reconstructed from the expertise of individuals. Here, we report results of an online survey with 357 experts on invasion biology and several reconstructions of such a map. Using the distance information between hypotheses provided in the survey, the resulting network is essentially random. This finding implies that invasion biologists currently do not have a joint vision how invasion hypotheses are related to each other. However, the pattern of pairwise familiarities between the hypotheses in the survey yields joint‐mentions networks with highly non‐random features. These networks allow us to assign conceptual roles to many of the hypotheses in the field on purely topological grounds. Such hypothesis networks can help everyone interested in research fields to understand their conceptual structure. They can serve as maps of research fields.
Springs as hydrologic refugia in a changing climate? A remote‐sensing approach
Authors: Cartwright Jennifer , Johnson Henry M.
Published: April 2018

Spring‐fed wetlands are ecologically important habitats in arid and semi‐arid regions. Springs have been suggested as possible hydrologic refugia from droughts and climate change; however, springs that depend on recent precipitation or snowmelt for recharge may be vulnerable to warming and drought intensification. Springs that are expected to maintain their ecohydrologic function in a warmer, drier climate may be priorities for conservation and restoration. Identifying such springs is difficult because many springs lack hydrologic records of adequate temporal extent and resolution to assess their resilience to water cycle changes. This study demonstrates proof‐of‐concept for the assessment of certain spring types (i.e., helocrene, hypocrene, and hillslope springs) in terms of hydrologic and ecological resilience to climatic water stress using freely available remote‐sensing and climate data. We used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 1985 through 2011 to delineate surface‐moisture zones (SMZs) associated with 39 clusters of 172 springs in a montane sage‐steppe landscape in southeastern Oregon, USA. We developed and synthesized seven NDVI‐based indicators of SMZ resilience to interannual changes in water availability: (1) mean and (2) standard deviation of July NDVI; (3) mean difference in July NDVI and (4) difference in coefficient of variation for July NDVI between each SMZ and its surrounding watershed; (5) response of SMZ July NDVI to 90‐day antecedent precipitation; (6) response of SMZ July NDVI to the previous winter's snowpack; and (7) range of NDVI values from an exceptionally wet year followed by three dry years. Because all resilience indicators were highly inter‐correlated, we derived an overall metric of SMZ resilience using principal components analysis that accounted for 66% of total variance. This overall resilience score was positively correlated with SMZ elevation, slope, mean annual precipitation, and with the number of associated springs. Resilience was greater for SMZs on topographically shaded, north‐facing slopes. Several high‐resilience SMZs were located immediately below persistent snowbanks, suggesting a possible source of steady recharge throughout the growing season. The approach presented here—if combined with field assessments of spring hydrogeology, discharge, and groundwater age—could help identify spring‐fed wetlands that are most likely to serve as hydrologic refugia from climate change.
Do wolves ambush beavers? Video evidence for higher‐order hunting strategies
Authors: Gable Thomas D. , Stanger Trent , Windels Steve K. , Bump Joseph K.
Published: April 2018

Over the past decade, there has been much debating about whether wolves possess high‐order cognitive abilities that facilitate deliberate or cooperative hunting strategies such as ambush to capture prey. Beavers can be important alternate or primary prey for wolves in North America and Europe, but no observations of wolves hunting and killing beavers exist. We describe the first documented observation of a gray wolf killing a beaver, an observation that has provided valuable insight into how beavers defend themselves when attacked by wolves, how wolves hunt beavers, and the predatory strategies and cognitive abilities of wolves. Our observation confirms that wolves do hunt and kill beavers by surprising and ambushing them, which demonstrates that wolves have a unique ability to switch between cursorial and ambush hunting strategies depending on the prey. We suggest that wolves learn how to hunt beavers using high‐order mental abilities combined with information learned from prior interactions with beavers.
Effects of labile carbon and phosphorus addition on N transformations with N‐ vs. non‐N‐fixing tree plantations
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Li Yingwen , Zhao Qian , Liu Xiaodong , Long Fengling , Mo Qifeng
Published: April 2018

Phosphorus (P) is the primary factor limiting soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and carbon (C) storage in the tropical P‐deficient plantations. However, the mineralization of SOM derived from N‐fixing and non‐N‐fixing plantations may respond differently to P addition within the laboratory‐ or field‐based incubation experiment. In this study, the effects of P addition (+P) combined with glucose (+Glu) on soil N mineralization within Eucalyptus urophylla (EU) and Acacia auriculiformis (AA) plantations were evaluated using a 60‐d laboratory aerobic incubation assay in subtropical China. The results showed that Glu addition significantly affected the net N mineralization and nitrification in both EU and AA plantations. In the 7th day incubation, +Glu treatment enhanced the N mineralization, whereas +Glu+P dramatically accelerated the N immobilization in EU plantation. However, +Glu+P treatment increased N mineralization while +Glu enhanced N immobilization in AA plantation, suggesting that P addition greatly affected the direction of N transformation within different plantations under the labile C input in the early stage of incubation. However, in the 15th day incubation, +Glu increased while +Glu+P greatly reduced the N immobilization in EU plantation. On the contrary, +Glu promoted while +Glu+P further accelerated the N immobilization in AA plantations, indicating that P addition had the contrasting effects on N immobilization within EU and AA plantations. After the 15th day incubation, Glu addition further facilitated the N immobilization in two plantations. Although +Glu increased the fungi and bacteria PLFA biomass, +Glu+P significantly increased F/B ratios, which may contribute to the direction and magnitude of N transformations in two plantations. However, in these two plantation forests with low soil P availability, single P addition would not significantly alter the N mineralization mediated by microbe in the laboratory incubation experiment without the labile C input. Therefore, the significant effects of P addition on the N mineralization or immobilization varied with the incubation stage and plantation types. We recommend that the P availability has profound implications on SOM decomposition and C sequestration in subtropical plantations.