bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberculosis in Children Aged 0-5 Years at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Nigeria - How Common is HIV in Children with Tuberculosis
Authors: Paul N. I. , Alex- Hart B. A. , Ugwu R. O.
Published: June 2019

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death in young children and the risk of progression from infection to disease is higher in the very young especially among those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. This study therefore aimed to examine the method of TB diagnosis and how common HIV infection is among children 0-5 years with tuberculosis at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Methods: Information of children aged 0-5 years from 1st January, 2011 to 31st December 2014 were retrieved from the TB register of the Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) clinic of UPTH. This included the age, sex, HIV status, Sputum AFB status, method of diagnosis of tuberculosis and the treatment outcome of the patients. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Research and Ethics committee of the University of Teaching Hospital.

Results: Three hundred and thirty five children were treated for TB and 179 (53.43%) of them were aged 0-5 years. There were 93 (51.96%) males and 86 (48.04%) females, with male: female ratio of 1.08:1.  Their mean age was 1.96 ±1.45. The sputum or gastric lavage of 21 (11.73%) were positive for acid fast bacilli (AFB). The common method of TB diagnosis was clinical/ radiological method and this constituted 158 (88.27%) of the patients with TB. Ninety (50.28%) children with TB were less than one year of age and there was no statistical significant relationship between age and method of TB diagnosis (x2 = 2.78, p = 0.249). More males 93 (51.96%) than females 86 (48.04%) had TB but more females 13 (61.90%) than males 8 (38.10%) were AFB positive, however, these were not statistically significant. (x 2  = 1.26 p-value = 0.262). Seventy two (40.22%) of the children with TB were HIV positive. One hundred and thirty five (75.42%) of the children recovered following treatment while 44 (24.58%) were referred to Dots centres closest to the patients. No child died.

Conclusion: The prevalence of TB among under-fives especially among infants is high. Clinical and radiological methods were the common methods of TB diagnosis. HIV prevalence among children with TB was lower than expected by the authors, however, the treatment outcome was good. Re-training of clinicians to improve their expertise on clinical diagnosis of TB and a more in depth search of TB in the community among children 0-5 years who are HIV sero-negative with persistent cough is advocated.
1,2,3,5‐Dithiadiazolyl Radicals
Authors: Nascimento Mitchell A. , Rawson Jeremy M.
Published: June 2019

Synthetic routes to dithiadiazolyl radicals are described. The propensity for forming π*–π* dimers in the solid state is discussed and their electron transport properties, photoconducting behavior, magnetism, and emissive response described. The 1,2,3,5‐dithiadiazolyl (DTDA) ring system has a diverse range of oxidation states and the coordination chemistry of d‐ and f‐block metals with DTDA rings ranging from 0 to −3 oxidation states are described.
Fe(II)
/(Alpha)Ketoglutarate‐Dependent Dioxygenase
PrhA
Authors: Mori Takahiro , Abe Ikuro
Published: June 2019

Nonheme Fe(II)/α‐ketoglutarate (αKG)‐dependent dioxygenases catalyze remarkably diverse reactions, with a single iron ion and αKG as a cofactor and cosubstrate, respectively. Recent studies on fungal meroterpenoid biosynthesis revealed that this class of superfamily enzymes is widely distributed in fungal genomes and plays a pivotal role in the structural diversification and complexation of secondary metabolites. For example, PrhA, the nonheme Fe(II)/αKG‐dependent dioxygenase involved in the biosynthesis of paraherquonin, is one of the first structurally and mechanistically characterized enzymes in the fungal polyketide‐terpenoid hybrid biosynthetic pathway. Structural and functional studies have revealed that only three amino acid residues lining the active site cavity are responsible for the complete switch in the enzyme reactions, from the C‐5/C‐6 desaturation and the ring‐expanded cycloheptadiene formation to the C‐1/C‐2 desaturation and spirolactone ring contraction. The subtle change of the active site architecture results in different distances of the reactive atoms relative to the active ferryl‐oxo center during the enzyme reaction. PrhA thus represents an intriguing platform for the structure‐based engineering of the nonheme Fe(II)/αKG‐dependent multifunctional dioxygenases.
High‐Content Analysis of Cell Migration Dynamics within a Micropatterned Screening Platform
Authors: Almeida Filipe V. , Gammon Luke , Laly Ana C. , Pundel Oscar J. , Bishop Cleo L. , Connelly John T.
Published: June 2019

Cell migration is a fundamental biological process that is dynamically regulated by complex interactions between the microenvironment and intrinsic gene expression programs. Here, a high‐throughput cell migration assay is developed using micropatterned and dynamically adhesive polymer brush substrates, which support highly precise and consistent control over cell–matrix interactions within a 96‐well cell culture plate format. This system is combined with automated imaging and quantitation of both cell motility and organization of the F‐actin cytoskeleton for high‐content analysis of cell migration phenotypes. Using this platform to screen a library of 147 epigenetic inhibitors identifies a set of EZH2‐specific compounds that promote cytoskeletal remodeling and accelerates keratinocyte migration through derepression of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition‐like gene expression program. Together, these studies establish the high‐throughput, micropatterned assay as a powerful tool for discovery of novel therapeutic targets and for dissecting complex gene–environment interactions involved in wound repair.
A Comprehensive Understanding of Lithium–Sulfur Battery Technology
Authors: Li Tao , Bai Xue , Gulzar Umair , Bai Yu‐Jun , Capiglia Claudio , Deng Wei , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Zhaoping , Feng Zhifu , Proietti Zaccaria Remo
Published: June 2019

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are regarded as a new kind of energy storage device due to their remarkable theoretical energy density. However, some issues, such as the low conductivity and the large volume variation of sulfur, as well as the formation of polysulfides during cycling, are yet to be addressed before LSBs can become an actual reality. Here, presented is a comprehensive overview illustrating the techniques capable of mitigating these undesirable problems together with the electrochemical performances associated to the different proposed solutions. In particular, the analysis is organized by separately addressing cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte. Furthermore, to better understand the chemistry and failure mechanisms of LSBs, important characterization techniques applied to energy storage systems are reviewed. Similarly, considerations on the theoretical approaches used in the energy storage field are provided, as they can become the key tool for the design of the next generation LSBs. Afterward, the state of the art of LSBs technology is presented from a geopolitical perspective by comparing the results achieved in this field by the main world actors, namely Asia, North America, and Europe. Finally, this review is concluded with the application status of LSBs technology, and its prospects are offered.
Highly Efficient and Stable Solar Cells Based on Crystalline Oriented 2D/3D Hybrid Perovskite
Authors: Zhou Tong , Lai Hongtao , Liu Tingting , Lu Di , Wan Xiangjian , Zhang Xiaodan , Liu Yongsheng , Chen Yongsheng
Published: June 2019

Highly efficient and stable 2D/3D hybrid perovskite solar cells using 2‐thiophenemethylammonium (ThMA) as the spacer cation are successfully demonstrated. It is found that the incorporation of ThMA spacer cation into 3D perovskite, which forms a 2D/3D hybrid structure, can effectively induce the crystalline growth and orientation, passivate the trap states, and hinder the ion motion, resulting in improved carrier lifetime and reduced recombination losses. The optimized device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.49%, combined with a high VOC of 1.16 V and a notable fill factor (FF) of 81%. More importantly, an encapsulated 2D/3D hybrid perovskite device sustains ≈99% of its initial PCE after 1680 h in the ambient atmosphere, whereas the control 3D perovskite device drops to ≈80% of the original performance. Importantly, the device stability under continuous light soaking (100 mW cm−2) is enhanced significantly for 2D/3D perovskite device in comparison with that of the control device. These results reveal excellent photovoltaic properties and intrinsic stabilities of the 2D/3D hybrid perovskites using ThMA as the spacer cation.
Reducing the Barrier Energy of Self‐Reconstruction for Anchored Cobalt Nanoparticles as Highly Active Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalyst
Authors: Kim Myeongjin , Lee Byeongyong , Ju Hyun , Lee Seung Woo , Kim Jooheon
Published: June 2019

It is crucial for leaping forward renewable energy technology to develop highly active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts with fast OER kinetics, and the novel design of high‐performance catalysts may come down to unveiling the origin of high catalytic behavior. Herein, a new class of heterogeneous OER electrocatalyst (metallic Co nanoparticles anchored on yttrium ruthenate pyrochlore oxide) is provided for securing fast OER kinetics. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (in situ XAS) reveals that fast OER kinetics can be achieved by the harmonious catalytic synergy of a pyrochlore oxide support to Co nanoparticles. By the facile oxidation of yttrium (A‐site) and ruthenium (B‐site) cations, the pyrochlore oxide support helps to expel the electrons generated from the catalytic behavior of Co to the inner layers of the support, facilitating the electrostatic adsorption of OH− ions and reducing the barrier energy for the formation of CoOOH intermediates. This work affords the rational design of transition metal nanoparticles anchored on pyrochlore oxide heterogeneous catalysts and the fundamental insight of catalytic origin associated with self‐reconstruction of OER electrocatalysts.
Time‐Resolved and Self‐Adjusting Hybrid Functional Fabric Sensor for Decoupling Multiple Stimuli from Bending
Authors: Sun Jiaxing Jeccy , Zhang Min , Khatib Muhammad , Milyutin Yana , Saliba Walaa , Kloper Viki , Garaa Alaa , Wu Weiwei , Jin Han , Segev‐Bar Meital , Deng Yunfeng , Horev Yehu David , Vishinkin Rotem , Haick Hossam
Published: June 2019

Multi‐parametric sensing fabrics have the potential to lead a new generation of applications in a wide variety of fields. Nevertheless, the use of these devices in complex environments depends on the ability of the sensing fabrics to decouple between various stimuli co‐existing in a complex environment. Fabric backbones with dispersed single‐wall carbon nanotubes and molecularly modified gold nanoparticles in elastomer outerwear of styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene for multifunctional detection of complex physical and chemical stimuli are presented. This feature of the fabric–elastomer structure endows time‐resolved insensitivity to strain; furthermore, it enables decoupling pressure/relative humidity from curving surfaces. It is also shown that applying incompatible regression models to the time‐resolved output signals gives excellent discrimination between various stimuli collected from a complex environment.
Playing it safe? Solitary vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) choose high‐quality foods more than those in competition
Authors: Kumpan L. Tamara , Rothman Jessica M. , Chapman Colin A. , Teichroeb Julie A.
Published: June 2019

An important goal in foraging ecology is to determine how biotic and abiotic variables impact the foraging decisions of wild animals and how they move throughout their multidimensional landscape. However, the interaction of food quality and feeding competition on foraging decisions is largely unknown. Here we examine the importance of food quality in a patch on the foraging decisions of wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) at Lake Nabugabo, Uganda using a multidestination platform array. The overall nutritional composition of the vervet diet was assessed and found to be low in sodium and lipids, thus we conducted a series of experimental manipulations in which the array was varied in salt and oil content. Although vervets prioritized platforms containing key nutrients (i.e., sodium and lipids) overall, we found that solitary vervets prioritized nutrient‐dense platforms more strongly than competing vervets. This finding was opposite to those in a similar experiment that manipulated food site quantity, suggesting that large, salient rewards may be worth competing over but slight differences in nutritional density may be only chosen when there are no potentially negative social consequences (i.e., aggression received). We also found that vervets chose platforms baited with oil‐only, and oil combined with salt, but not salt‐only, suggesting that energy was an important factor in food choice. Our findings demonstrate that when wild vervets detect differences in feeding patches that reflect nutritional composition, they factor these differences into their navigational and foraging decisions. In addition, our findings suggest that these nutritional differences may be considered alongside social variables, ultimately leading to the complex strategies we observed in this study.
Trait variation and trait stability in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)inhabiting ecologically distinct habitats in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Garber Paul A. , Caselli Christini B. , McKenney Anna C. , Abreu Filipa , De la Fuente Maria Fernanda , Araújo Arrilton , de Fatima Arruda Maria , Souto Antonio , Schiel Nicola , Bicca‐Marques Júlio César
Published: June 2019

Understanding the set of factors that promote and constrain a species’ ability to exploit ecologically distinct habitats is central for addressing questions of intraspecific variability in behavior and morphology. In this study, we compared newly collected data with published data on body measurements, group size and composition, daily path length, home range, and reproductive output in wild common marmosets naturally inhabiting two contrasting environments in northeastern Brazil: the Atlantic Forest (AF), which is characterized by high biodiversity and reduced seasonality in food availability and the Caatinga (CAT), which is characterized by a severe hot and dry season lasting from 5 to 11 months, drought‐resistant plant species, and reduced primary productivity. Despite marked differences in ecological conditions, CAT marmosets and AF marmosets differed minimally in daily path length, home range, reproductive output, and infant survivorship. CAT marmosets were found to live in smaller groups containing fewer adult females than AF marmosets, and also were characterized by a greater surface area to body mass ratio, a trait that may represent an adaptation to the hot and dry conditions of the Caatinga. We propose that in conjunction with body mass reduction, minor adjustments in behavior, the exploitation of cacti as a source of water and nutrients, and access to exudates as a dependable year‐round food resource, common marmosets successfully used the same adaptive pattern to maintain high reproductive output and infant survivorship in exploiting these two ecologically distinct environments.
The intersections of industrialization: Variation in skeletal indicators of frailty by age, sex, and socioeconomic status in 18th‐ and 19th‐century England
Authors: Yaussy Samantha L.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Intersectionality theory argues that various categories of identity and forms of systemic oppression interact and produce inequalities in resource access, economic opportunities, and health outcomes. However, there has been little explicit engagement with this theory by bioarchaeologists examining disparate health outcomes in the past. This study examines the associations among frailty, age at death, sex, and socioeconomic status (SES) in 18th‐ and 19th‐century England.

Materials and methods

The sample for this study comes from four industrial‐era cemeteries from England, ca. 1711–1857. The associations among adult age (18+ years), SES, sex, and three skeletal indicators of stress (dental enamel hypoplasia [DEH, n = 293], cribra orbitalia [CO, n = 457], periosteal lesions [PNB, n = 436]) are examined using hierarchical log‐linear analysis.

Results

Significant interactions existed among the variables examined for two skeletal indicators: high SES females had lower frequencies of CO relative to other groups and males between ages 30–45 years exhibited higher frequencies of PNB compared to females or males of older or younger ages, regardless of SES. Additionally, sex and SES were consistently associated with age at death.

Conclusions

These results suggest that patterns of stress indicators cannot be examined solely across unilateral axes of age, SES, or sex. Intersecting axes of privilege, marginalization, and structural oppression may have buffered high SES females from some negative health outcomes (CO) while predisposing them to others (risk of maternal mortality). Likewise, the hazardous working conditions relegated to adult males may have heightened the risk of injury, infection, and death for middle‐aged men in industrial‐era England.
[Am(C5Me4H)3]: An Organometallic Americium Complex
Authors: Goodwin Conrad A. P. , Su Jing , Albrecht‐Schmitt Thomas E. , Blake Anastasia V. , Batista Enrique R. , Daly Scott R. , Dehnen Stefanie , Evans William J. , Gaunt Andrew J. , Kozimor Stosh A. , Lichtenberger Niels , Scott Brian L. , Yang Ping
Published: June 2019

We report the small‐scale synthesis, isolated yield, single‐crystal X‐ray structure, 1H NMR solution spectroscopy /solid‐state UV/Vis‐nIR spectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT)/ab initio wave function theory calculations on an Am3+ organometallic complex, [Am(C5Me4H)3] (1). This constitutes the first quantitative data on Am−C bonding in a molecular species.
The Miharamycins and Amipurimycin: their Structural Revision and the Total Synthesis of the Latter
Authors: Wang Shengyang , Zhang Qingju , Zhao Yachen , Sun Jiansong , Kang Wenjia , Wang Fei , Pan Haixue , Tang Gongli , Yu Biao
Published: June 2019

The structural puzzle of amipurimycin, a peptidyl nucleoside antibiotic, is solved by total synthesis and X‐ray diffraction analysis, with the originally proposed configurations at C3′ and C8′ inverted and those at C6′, C2′′, and C3′′ corrected. A similar structural revision of the relevant miharamycins is proposed via chemical transformations and then validated by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The miharamycins bear an unusual trans‐fused dioxabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane sugar scaffold, which was previously assigned as being in the cis configuration.
Heterocyclization Strategy for Construction of Linear Conjugated Polymers: Efficient Metal‐Free Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Long Xiaojing , Li Daohao , Wang Binbin , Jiang Zhenjie , Xu Wenjia , Wang Bingbing , Yang Dongjiang , Xia Yanzhi
Published: June 2019

Exploring cost‐effective and efficient metal‐free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for the development of energy conversion and storage technologies. Reported here is a novel heterocyclization strategy to construct efficient ORR catalysts based on linear conjugated polymers (LCPs), which are composed of N‐, S‐, or Se‐heterocycles. Among these polymers, the covalently linked pyridine and thiophene molecule (P‐T) with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) exhibits a remarkable half‐wave potential of 0.79 V (vs. RHE) and excellent electrochemical stability, which are among the highest values for metal‐free polymers as ORR catalysts. Density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the molecule with a phenyl unit (P‐Ph) is catalytically inactive, and when a thiophene unit is introduced to replace the phenyl unit in the conjugated backbone it features highly efficient electrocatalytic active sites. More importantly, the well‐defined molecular structures and controllable active sites in the pyrolysis and metal‐free polymers highlight new opportunities for the catalytic metal‐free ORR.
The Supramolecular Chemistry of Strained Carbon Nanohoops
Authors: Xu Youzhi , von Delius Max
Published: June 2019

Since 1996, a growing number of strained macrocycles, comprising only sp2‐ or sp‐hybridized carbon atoms within the ring, have become synthetically accessible, with the [n]cycloparaphenyleneacetylenes (CPPAs) and the [n]cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) being the most prominent examples. Now that robust and relatively general synthetic routes toward a diverse range of nanohoop structures have become available, the research focus is beginning to shift towards the exploration of their properties and applications. From a supramolecular chemistry perspective, these macrocycles offer unique opportunities as a result of their near‐perfect circular shape, the unusually high degree of shape‐persistence, and the presence of both convex and concave π‐faces. In this Minireview, we give an overview on the use of strained carbon‐rich nanohoops in host–guest chemistry, the preparation of mechanically interlocked architectures, and crystal engineering.
Synthesis of Arylacetaldehydes by Iridium‐Catalyzed Arylation of Vinylene Carbonate with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Wang Zhe , Xue Fei , Hayashi Tamio
Published: June 2019

The one‐step synthesis of arylacetaldehydes by carbon–carbon bond formation between formylmethyl and aryl groups has been realized by the reaction of vinylene carbonate with arylboronic acids in the presence of an iridium/bisphosphine catalyst and a catalytic amount of tetrahydroxydiboron.
Facilitating plasmid nuclear delivery by interfering with the selective nuclear pore barrier
Authors: Azzam Ihab , Liashkovich Ivan , Luchtefeld Isabelle , Kouzel Ivan U. , Shahin Victor
Published: June 2019

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are sophisticated transporters assembled from diverse proteins termed nucleoporins (Nups). They control all nucleocytoplasmic transport and form a stringent barrier between the cytosol and the nucleus. While selective receptor‐mediated transport enables translocation of macromolecules up to striking sizes approaching megadalton‐scale, the upper cutoff for diffusion is at 40 kDa. Raising the cutoff is of particular importance for nuclear delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles, for example, gene and chemotherapy. In this work, we set out to present compounds capable of raising the cutoff to an extent enabling nuclear delivery of 6 kbp pDNA (150 kDa) in cultured human vascular endothelial cells. Of all tested compounds one is singled out, 1,6‐hexanediol (1,6‐HD). Our observations reveal that 1,6‐HD facilitates nuclear delivery of pDNA in up to 10–20% of the tested cells, compared to no delivery at all in control conditions. It acts by interfering with bonds between Nups that occupy the NPC channel and confer transport selectivity. It also largely maintains cell viability even at high concentrations. We envisage that 1,6‐HD may serve as a lead substance and usher in the design of potent new strategies to increase nuclear delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles.
Review single‐room housing accommodations in the age of anxiety
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: June 2019

Disability services offices and their residence life counterparts on residential campuses report an upsurge in housing accommodation requests for anxiety. Typically, students with a diagnosis of anxiety from a health care provider seek a single room as an accommodation. Because anxiety is a universal human experience, it does not follow from a diagnosis that the student has a disability, or that a single room is an appropriate accommodation.
Quality of life in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: Report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Nagarajan Rajaram , Gerbing Robert , Alonzo Todd , Johnston Donna L. , Aplenc Richard , Kolb Edward A. , Meshinchi Soheil , Barakat Lamia P. , Sung Lillian
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Objectives were used to describe guardian proxy‐report and child self‐report quality of life (QoL) during chemotherapy for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.

Methods

Patients enrolled on the phase 3 AML trial AAML1031 who were 2‐18 years of age with English‐speaking guardians were eligible. Instruments used were the PedsQL Generic Core Scales, Acute Cancer Module, and Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Assessments were obtained at the beginning of Induction 1 and following completion of cycles 2‐4. Potential predictors of QoL included the total number of nonhematological grade 3‐4 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) submissions.

Results

There were 505 eligible guardians who consented to participate and 348 of their children provided at least one self‐report assessment. The number of submitted CTCAE toxicities was significantly associated with worse physical health summary scores (β ± standard error (SE) −3.00 ± 0.69; P < 0.001) and general fatigue (β ± SE −2.50 ± 0.66; P < 0.001). Older age was significantly associated with more fatigue (β ± SE −0.58 ± 0.25; P = 0.022). Gender, white race, Hispanic ethnicity, private insurance status, risk status, bortezomib assignment, and duration of neutropenia were not significantly associated with QoL.

Discussion

The number of CTCAE toxicities was the primary factor influencing QoL among children with AML. Reducing toxicities should improve QoL; identifying approaches to ameliorate them should be a priority.
Modulation and Visualization of EF‐G Power Stroke During Ribosomal Translocation
Authors: Yin Heng , Gavriliuc Miriam , Lin Ran , Xu Shoujun , Wang Yuhong
Published: June 2019

During ribosome translocation, the elongation factor EF‐G undergoes large conformational change while maintaining its contact with the moving tRNA. We previously measured a power stroke accompanying EF‐G catalysis, which was consistent with structural studies. However, the role of power stroke in translocation fidelity remains unclear. Here, we report quantitative measurements of the power strokes of structurally modified EF‐Gs by using two different techniques and reveal the correlation between power stroke and translocation efficiency and fidelity. We discovered that the reduced power stroke only lowered the percentage of translocation but did not introduce translocation error. The established force ‐structure–function correlation for EF‐G indicates that power stroke drives ribosomal translocation, but the mRNA reading frame is probably maintained by ribosome itself. Furthermore, the microscope detection method reported here can be simply implemented for other biochemical applications.
Controlling Pyrene Association in DNA Duplexes by B‐ to Z‐DNA Transitions
Authors: Nakamura Mitsunobu , Takada Tadao , Yamana Kazushige
Published: June 2019

B‐ to Z‐DNA transitions play a crucial role in biological systems and have attracted the interest of researchers for their applications in DNA nanotechnology. DNA and DNA analogues have also been used as templates to construct helical chromophore associations with π interactions. In this work, the B‐ to Z‐DNA transition‐induced switching of pyrene in an association manner was evaluated using DNA duplexes with non‐nucleosidic pyrene residues in the middle of d(CG) repeat sequences. One of the pyrene‐labeled DNAs was shown to exhibit inverted exciton coupled circular dichroism signals upon pyrene association through a B‐ to Z‐DNA transition. This observation indicates that pyrene association switches the DNA conformation from right‐ to left‐handed. Interestingly, the fluorescence of the pyrene‐labeled DNA duplex also dynamically changed upon switching of the pyrene in an association‐based manner. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that pyrene‐labeled DNA shows promise as a chiroptical molecular switch.
Catalytic Performance of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) Derived Materials in Gas‐Solid and Liquid‐Solid Phase Reactions
Authors: Huang Liang , Megías‐Sayago Cristina , Bingre Rogeria , Zheng Qianwen , Wang Qiang , Louis Benoît
Published: June 2019

Novel layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were prepared by a co‐precipitation method and characterised using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As‐prepared LDH derived catalysts were first evaluated in the gas‐phase conversion of methanol. The results indicate that LDH derived materials act as selective catalysts towards dimethyl ether (DME), methane or light olefins formation, depending on their chemical composition. For instance, CuAlOx showed a high selectivity in DME up to 88 %, whilst CuCoOx converted methanol to CH4, C3H8 and DME. NiFeOx allowed achieving a full methanol conversion selectively into CH4 during at least 1800 min. Besides, Ni and Cu‐LDHs were successfully tested in the liquid phase benzyl alcohol (BzOH) oxidation leading to more than 50 % conversion. NiAl‐LDH appeared as the best catalyst for benzaldehyde production with a 71 % conversion and 100 % selectivity.
Self‐Propagated para‐Fluoro‐Thiol Reaction
Authors: Cavalli Federica , Bloesser Fabian R. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Barner Leonie
Published: June 2019

We introduce a protecting‐group‐free concept for the powerful para‐fluoro‐thiol reaction (PFTR) employing a source of fluoride ions as base. The reaction is shown to be self‐propagating, with under‐stoichiometric amounts of base, thus effectively foregoing the need for high base concentrations. Careful tuning of the solvent–thiol combination allows for quantitative conversion, in some cases within a short timeframe, when only minimal amounts of base are used, allowing the PFTR reaction to essentially proceed base‐free.
Hot‐Tailoring of Carbon Nitride Dots with Redshifted Photoluminescence for Visual Double Text Encryption and Bioimaging
Authors: Yang Mengran , Mei Hao , Shen Yanfei , Wu Kaiqing , Pan Deng , Liu Songqin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: June 2019

The fabrication of carbon dots and their doped forms by top‐down chemical cleavage has attracted considerable attention in the efforts to meet the increasing demands for optoelectronic applications ranging from biosensing to electro‐ and photocatalysis. However, due to strong quantum confinement effects, the size decrease often leads to an increase in the band gap, even in the emission of deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) light, which greatly limits their applications. Here, we report a facile hot‐tailoring strategy for fabricating carbon nitride nanodots (CNDs) with redshifted intrinsic photoluminescent (PL) emission, compared with the pristine bulk precursor. It has been found that the different leaving abilities of the C,N‐containing groups during the pyrolysis stage and the chemical passivation during the liquid‐collection stage played vital roles. Due to the redshifted photoluminescence and other attractive features, the as‐obtained CNDs were successfully applied in visual double text encryption with higher security and also in bioimaging with photostability superior to traditional dyes. This work highlights the great potential of the hot‐tailoring method in modulating carbon‐based nanostructures and offsetting band‐gap widening as the size decreases.
High‐Temperature Gas Sensors for Harsh Environment Applications: A Review
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , Zhang Chen , Shi Sheldon Q. , Zhang Haifeng
Published: June 2019

This review paper introduces various types of gas sensors operating at high temperatures and their mechanisms, which can provide solutions to gas sensor selection for harsh environment application. Most of the gas sensors are found to be functioning at moderate operating temperatures (<400 °C) and only a few reports are available, which highlight gas‐sensing performance above 400 °C. Therefore, the selection of a more reliable high‐temperature gas sensor is necessary and advantageous for applications in areas such as agricultural waste processes (such as pyrolysis processes), military facilities, nuclear power plants, and automobile industries. In this paper, three major parts have been conducted to address the importance of high‐temperature gas sensors and provide strategical solution for gas sensor selection. First, the application scenario and the sensing mechanism of various gas sensors operating at high temperature have been highlighted. Additionally, factors that affect sensing performance at moderate operating temperature have been investigated. Second, the effect of material compositions, morphology of the nanostructures, and the use of dopants on sensing performance of high temperature gas sensors have been discussed. Meanwhile, the catalytic nature of the sensing layer and temperature effect on chemisorption in oxide‐based sensors have been discussed meticulously. Lastly, future challenges including factors affecting various sensor performance, selection, and preparation of sensing materials operating at higher temperatures are explored systematically.
Breast cancer subtypes among Eastern‐African–born black women and other black women in the United States
Authors: Sung Hyuna , DeSantis Carol E. , Fedewa Stacey A. , Kantelhardt Eva J. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: June 2019

Background

A previous study reported that Eastern‐African–born black women in the United States had lower prevalence of estrogen receptor‐negative breast cancer than those in US‐born and Western‐African–born black women, among whom the prevalence was similar. It is unknown whether the prevalence of triple‐negative breast cancer (negative for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor) among black women in the United States differs similarly by birthplace.

Methods

In the National Program of Cancer Registries and US Cancer Statistics, the authors identified 65,211 non‐Hispanic black women who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 2010 through 2015 and were recorded as being born in the United States, East Africa, West Africa, or the Caribbean. The prevalence of triple‐negative and hormone receptor‐negative breast cancer (negative for estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) among each group of foreign‐born black women was compared with that among US‐born black women and was expressed as the adjusted prevalence rate ratio, accounting for sociodemographic and tumor characteristics. Analyses were stratified by Census region, and region‐specific estimates were summarized using random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

Compared with US‐born black women, the prevalence rate ratio of triple‐negative breast cancer was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.81‐1.04) among Western‐African–born, 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78‐0.98) among Caribbean‐born, and 0.53 (95% CI, 0.37‐0.77) among Eastern‐African–born black women. Patterns for hormone receptor‐negative tumors were generally similar, although the differences between populations were attenuated. The test for heterogeneity by Census region was not significant in any of the comparisons (all P for heterogeneity >.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of triple‐negative breast cancer among black women in the United States varied significantly by birthplace, particularly among Eastern‐African–born black women. These findings underscore the importance of considering geographic origin in studies characterizing breast cancer among women of African descent in the United States and elsewhere.
Dynamics and Kinetics of Methanol‐Graphite Interactions at Low Surface Coverage
Authors: Kong Xiangrui , Thomson Erik S. , Marković Nikola , Pettersson Jan B. C.
Published: June 2019

The processes of molecular clustering, condensation, nucleation, and growth of bulk materials on surfaces, represent a spectrum of vapor‐surface interactions that are important to a range of physical phenomena. Here, we describe studies of the initial stages of methanol condensation on graphite, which is a simple model system where gas–surface interactions can be described in detail using combined experimental and theoretical methods. Experimental molecular beam methods and computational molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate collision dynamics and surface accommodation of methanol molecules and clusters at temperatures from 160 K to 240 K. Both single molecules and methanol clusters efficiently trap on graphite, and even in rarified systems methanol‐methanol interactions quickly become important. A kinetic model is developed to simulate the observed behavior, including the residence time of trapped molecules and the quantified Arrhenius kinetics. Trapped molecules are concluded to rapidly diffuse on the surface to find and/or form clusters already at surface coverages below 10−6 monolayers. Conversely, clusters that undergo surface collisions fragment and subsequently lose more loosely bound molecules. Thus, the surface mediates molecular collisions in a manner that minimizes the importance of initial cluster size, but highlights a strong sensitivity to surface diffusion and intermolecular interactions between the hydrogen bonded molecules.
Green product innovation, green dynamic capability, and competitive advantage: Evidence from Chinese manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Qiu Lu , Jie Xiaowen , Wang Yanan , Zhao Minjuan
Published: June 2019

This study focuses on how green product innovation affects green dynamic capability and competitive advantage in the Chinese manufacturing industry. The empirical research indicates that green product innovation is positively correlated with both competitive advantage and green dynamic capability, whereas green dynamic capability also has a significant impact on competitive advantage. Furthermore, this paper finds that the resource integration capability, resource reconfiguration capability, and environmental insight capability of green dynamic capability play intermediary roles between green product innovation and competitive advantage. Corporate reputation positively moderates the relationship between green product innovation and resource integration capability and positively moderates the relationship between green product innovation and resource reconfiguration capability, whereas there is no moderating effect between green product innovation and environmental insight capability.
Sensor technology implementation for research, treatment, and assessment of eating disorders
Authors: Levinson Cheri A. , Christian Caroline , Shankar‐Ram Shruti , Brosof Leigh C. , Williams Brenna
Published: June 2019

Sensor technology has made huge technological advances in the past decade. Many sensor technologies (e.g., wearable wristbands) have been integrated into health research with the ability to substantially improve health outcomes and reduce health care costs. Despite the rapid technological developments in sensor technology, little research has examined sensor technology in eating disorders (EDs). The overarching aim of the current article is to briefly review the literature on sensor technology and health outcomes, including EDs, and discuss several potential ideas for the application of sensor technology in the treatment, assessment, and diagnosis of EDs. We will also present data from a feasibility case study with an ED participant and healthy control providing a brief example of how wearable sensor technology might be implemented in ED research. Overall, we will discuss how sensor technology could be used to improve treatment and assessment of EDs and represents an idea in need of more research in the ED field.
High species diversity and turnover in granite inselberg floras highlight the need for a conservation strategy protecting many outcrops
Authors: Yates Colin J. , Robinson Todd , Wardell‐Johnson Grant W. , Keppel Gunnar , Hopper Stephen D. , Schut Antonius G. T. , Byrne Margaret
Published: June 2019

Determining patterns of plant diversity on granite inselbergs is an important task for conservation biogeography due to mounting threats. However, beyond the tropics there are relatively few quantitative studies of floristic diversity, or consideration of these patterns and their environmental, biogeographic, and historical correlates for conservation. We sought to contribute broader understanding of global patterns of species diversity on granite inselbergs and inform biodiversity conservation in the globally significant Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). We surveyed floristics from 16 inselbergs (478 plots) across the climate gradient of the SWAFR stratified into three major habitats on each outcrop. We recorded 1,060 species from 92 families. At the plot level, local soil and topographic variables affecting aridity were correlated with species richness in herbaceous (HO) and woody vegetation (WO) of soil‐filled depressions, but not in woody vegetation on deeper soils at the base of outcrops (WOB). At the outcrop level, bioclimatic variables affecting aridity were correlated with species richness in two habitats (WO and WOB) but, contrary to predictions from island biogeography, were not correlated with inselberg area and isolation in any of the three habitats. Species turnover in each of the three habitats was also influenced by aridity, being correlated with bioclimatic variables and with interplot geographic distance, and for HO and WO habitats with local site variables. At the outcrop level, species replacement was the dominant component of species turnover in each of the three habitats, consistent with expectations for long‐term stable landscapes. Our results therefore highlight high species diversity and turnover associated with granite outcrop flora. Hence, effective conservation strategies will need to focus on protecting multiple inselbergs across the entire climate gradient of the region.
Multiple aspects of the selfing syndrome of the morning glory Ipomoea lacunosa evolved in response to selection: A Qst‐Fst comparison
Authors: Rifkin Joanna L. , Liao Irene T. , Castillo Allan S. , Rausher Mark D.
Published: June 2019

The frequent transition from outcrossing to selfing in flowering plants is often accompanied by changes in multiple aspects of floral morphology, termed the “selfing syndrome.” While the repeated evolution of these changes suggests a role for natural selection, genetic drift may also be responsible. To determine whether selection or drift shaped different aspects of the pollination syndrome and mating system in the highly selfing morning glory Ipomoea lacunosa, we performed multivariate and univariate Qst‐Fst comparisons using a wide sample of populations of I. lacunosa and its mixed‐mating sister species Ipomoea cordatotriloba. The two species differ in early growth, floral display, inflorescence traits, corolla size, nectar, and pollen number. Our analyses support a role for natural selection driving trait divergence, specifically in corolla size and nectar traits, but not in early growth, display size, inflorescence length, or pollen traits. We also find evidence of selection for reduced herkogamy in I. lacunosa, consistent with selection driving both the transition in mating system and the correlated floral changes. Our research demonstrates that while some aspects of the selfing syndrome evolved in response to selection, others likely evolved due to drift or correlated selection, and the balance between these forces may vary across selfing species.
2,3‐Dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone Mediated Tandem Oxidative‐Coupling/Annulation of Enaminones with 1,3‐Diarylpropenes for the Synthesis of 3‐Allylchromones
Authors: Cheng Dongping , Wang Mingliang , Deng Zhiteng , Yan Xianhang , Xu Xiaoliang , Yan Jizhong
Published: June 2019

The tandem reaction of enaminones with 1,3‐diarylpropenes mediated by 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) is reported, which involves the oxidative coupling and the intramolecular cyclization reactions. It provides a convenient, efficient and metal‐free method for the synthesis of 3‐allylated chromones and quinolone with potential biological activities.
Masseter corticomotor excitability is decreased after intramuscular administration of nerve growth factor
Authors: Costa Yuri M. , Exposto Fernando G. , Kothari Mohit , Castrillon Eduardo E. , Conti Paulo César R. , Bonjardim Leonardo R. , Svensson Peter
Published: June 2019

Background

Quantification of motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) can contribute to better elucidate the central modulation of motor pathways in response to nociceptive inputs. The primary aim of this study was to assess the modulatory effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) injection on masseter corticomotor excitability.

Methods

The healthy participants of this randomized, double blind placebo‐controlled experiment were assigned to have injected into the right masseter muscle either NGF (n = 25) or isotonic saline (IS, n = 17). The following variables were assessed at baseline and 48 hr after the injection: right masseter MEP amplitude and corticomotor mapping and clinical assessment of jaw pain intensity and function. Repeated Measures ANOVA was applied to the data.

Results

NGF caused jaw pain and increased jaw functional disability after the injection (p < 0.050). Also, the participants in the NGF group decreased the MEP amplitude (p < 0.001) but the IS group did not present any significant modulation after the injection (p > 0.050). Likewise, the participants in the NGF group reduced corticomotor map area and volume (p < 0.001), but the IS group did not show any significant corticomotor mapping changes after the injection (p > 0.050). Finally, there was a significant correlation between the magnitude of decreased corticomotor excitability and jaw pain intensity on chewing 48 hr after the NGF injection (r = −0.51, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

NGF‐induced masseter muscle soreness can significantly reduce jaw muscle corticomotor excitability, which in turn is associated with lower jaw pain intensity and substantiates the occurrence of central changes that most likely aim to protect the musculoskeletal orofacial structures.

Significance

Intramuscular administration of nerve growth factor into masseter muscle causes inhibitory corticomotor plasticity, which likely occurs to prevent further damage and seems associated with lower pain intensity on function.
Associations between pain thresholds for heat, cold and pressure, and Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire scores in healthy women and in women with persistent pelvic pain
Authors: Grundström Hanna , Larsson Britt , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Gerdle Björn , Kjølhede Preben
Published: June 2019

Background

The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) is a self‐rating instrument developed as a time‐ and cost‐saving alternative to quantitative sensory testing (QST). The aims of the study were to assess (a) the associations between PSQ scores and QST in women with persistent pelvic pain and in pain‐free controls and (b) to what extent demographic variables and psychological distress influenced PSQ scores.

Methods

Fifty‐five healthy women and 37 women with persistent pelvic pain participated. All filled in the PSQ and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and had QST (heat, cold and pressure pain thresholds) performed on six locations on the body. Information on age, body mass index, smoking habits and pain duration were collected. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least square regressions were used.

Results

The patients scored significantly higher on PSQ than the controls. Significant multivariate correlations between pain thresholds and PSQ scores were found only in the patient group. In the patient group, the heat and cold pain thresholds correlated more strongly with PSQ scores than the pressure pain threshold.

Conclusions

The PSQ score was significantly higher in pelvic pain patients, and correlations between QSTs and the PSQ were only found for patients.

Significance

The PSQ reflects pain sensitivity in women with PPP and can be used as a non‐invasive and painless way to assess this condition in clinical practice.