bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible‐Light‐Driven Halogen Bond Donor Based Molecular Switches: From Reversible Unwinding to Handedness Inversion in Self‐Organized Soft Helical Superstructures
Authors: Wang Hao , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Li Bing‐Xiang , McConney Michael E. , Bunning Timothy J. , Li Quan
Published: December 2019

Visible‐light‐driven molecular switches endowing reversible modulation of the functionalities of self‐organized soft materials are currently highly sought after for fundamental scientific studies and technological applications. Reported herein are the design and synthesis of two novel halogen bond donor based chiral molecular switches that exhibit reversible photoisomerization upon exposure to visible light of different wavelengths. These chiral molecular switches induce photoresponsive helical superstructures, that is, cholesteric liquid crystals, when doped into the commercially available room‐temperature achiral liquid crystal host 5CB, which also acts as a halogen‐bond acceptor. The induced helical superstructure containing the molecular switch with terminal iodo atoms exhibits visible‐light‐driven reversible unwinding, that is, a cholesteric–nematic phase transition. Interestingly, the molecular switch with terminal bromo atoms confers reversible handedness inversion to the helical superstructure upon irradiation with visible light of different wavelengths. This visible‐light‐driven, reversible handedness inversion, enabled by a halogen bond donor molecular switch, is unprecedented.
Crystal‐to‐Crystal Synthesis of Helically Ordered Polymers of Trehalose by Topochemical Polymerization
Authors: Hema Kuntrapakam , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: December 2019

The synthesis of crystalline helical polymers of trehalose via topochemical azide–alkyne cycloaddition (TAAC) of a trehalose‐based monomer is presented. An unsymmetrical trehalose derivative having azide and alkyne crystallizes in two different forms having almost similar packing. Upon heating, both the crystals undergo TAAC reaction to form crystalline polymers. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) studies revealed that the monomers in both the crystals polymerize in a crystal‐to‐crystal fashion; circular dichroism (CD) studies of the product crystals revealed that the formed polymer is helically ordered. This solvent‐free, catalyst‐free polymerization method that eliminates the tedious purification of the polymeric product exemplifies the advantage of topochemical polymerization reaction over traditional solution‐phase polymerization.
Endogenous Nanoparticles Strain Perovskite Host Lattice Providing Oxygen Capacity and Driving Oxygen Exchange and CH4 Conversion to Syngas
Authors: Kousi Kalliopi , Neagu Dragos , Bekris Leonidas , Papaioannou Evangelos I. , Metcalfe Ian S.
Published: December 2019

Particles dispersed on the surface of oxide supports have enabled a wealth of applications in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and heterogeneous catalysis. Dispersing nanoparticles within the bulk of oxides is, however, synthetically much more challenging and therefore less explored, but could open new dimensions to control material properties analogous to substitutional doping of ions in crystal lattices. Here we demonstrate such a concept allowing extensive, controlled growth of metallic nanoparticles, at nanoscale proximity, within a perovskite oxide lattice as well as on its surface. By employing operando techniques, we show that in the emergent nanostructure, the endogenous nanoparticles and the perovskite lattice become reciprocally strained and seamlessly connected, enabling enhanced oxygen exchange. Additionally, even deeply embedded nanoparticles can reversibly exchange oxygen with a methane stream, driving its redox conversion to syngas with remarkable selectivity and long term cyclability while surface particles are present. These results not only exemplify the means to create extensive, self‐strained nanoarchitectures with enhanced oxygen transport and storage capabilities, but also demonstrate that deeply submerged, redox‐active nanoparticles could be entirely accessible to reaction environments, driving redox transformations and thus offering intriguing new alternatives to design materials underpinning several energy conversion technologies.
Synthesis of Copper‐Substituted CoS2@CuxS Double‐Shelled Nanoboxes by Sequential Ion Exchange for Efficient Sodium Storage
Authors: Fang Yongjin , Luan Deyan , Chen Ye , Gao Shuyan , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: December 2019

The construction of hybrid architectures for electrode materials has been demonstrated as an efficient strategy to boost sodium‐storage properties because of the synergetic effect of each component. However, the fabrication of hybrid nanostructures with a rational structure and desired composition for effective sodium storage is still challenging. In this study, an integrated nanostructure composed of copper‐substituted CoS2@CuxS double‐shelled nanoboxes (denoted as Cu‐CoS2@CuxS DSNBs) was synthesized through a rational metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based templating strategy. The unique shell configuration and complex composition endow the Cu‐CoS2@CuxS DSNBs with enhanced electrochemical performance in terms of superior rate capability and stable cyclability.
BowtieArene: A Dual Macrocycle Exhibiting Stimuli‐Responsive Fluorescence
Authors: Lei Sheng‐Nan , Xiao Hongyan , Zeng Yi , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu , Cong Huan
Published: December 2019

Although highly useful in supramolecular chemistry, pillararenes lack a fluorophore in their skeleton. Here we present BowtieArene, a novel fluorescent dual macrocycle, featuring a central tetraphenylethylene‐derived fluorophore and two pillar‐like, pentagon‐shaped cavities which are comparable to pillar[5]arene. This concisely prepared, figure‐of‐eight molecule exhibits vapor absorption and host–guest capabilities, as well as intriguing switchable fluorescence. The fluorochromism of BowtieArene can be triggered by multiple external stimuli including solvent, vapor, and mechanical force, with excellent reversibility and stability. Experimental and theoretical evidence indicate that the fluorochromism should be closely related to molecular packing.
Platinum (IV) Derivatives with Cinnamate Axial Ligands as Potent Agents Against Both Differentiated and Tumorigenic Cancer Stem Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells
Authors: Zajac Juraj , Novohradsky Vojtech , Markova Lenka , Brabec Viktor , Kasparkova Jana
Published: December 2019

To design an anticancer drug capable of inhibiting not only the proliferation of the differentiated tumor cells but also reducing the tumorigenic capability of cancer stem cells (CSCs), the new PtIV prodrugs with axial cinnamate ligands were synthesized. We demonstrate their superior antiproliferative activity in monolayer and 3D spheroid antiproliferative activity tests using panel of cancer cell lines. An outstanding activity was found against rhabdomyosarcoma cells, one of the most problematic and poorly treatable pediatric tumors. The results also suggest that the released PtII compound inhibits antiproliferative activity of cancer cells by DNA‐damage mediated mechanism; the released cinnamic acid can trigger processes leading to differentiation, making the CSCs more sensitive to killing by the platinum part of the complex. PtIV complex with axial cinnamate ligands is the first PtIV prodrug capable of overcoming CSCs resistance and induce death in both CSCs and bulk cancer.
Mechanical milling of thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel for particle‐oriented oil–water separation
Authors: Otanicar Todd , Patel Jay , Sarica Erhan
Published: December 2019

The separation of oil and water is widely studied because of the promise of cleaning up oil spills. One pathway is with thermosensitive polymer‐based hydrogels. As hydrogels are raised to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), they undergo a change of state, from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Oil–water separation using hydrogels in particle form that are responsive to external stimuli (e.g., magnetic field and temperature) are of great interest. This work uses a novel approach of ball milling dry hydrogel into different sizes and testing oil–water separation efficacy. This study investigated the potential for ball milling P(NIPAAm) bulk hydrogel into small particles size ranges (0–45, 45–90, 90–106, 106–150, and 150+ μm) and the resulting impact on oil–water separation. It was observed that the LCST for the p(NIPAAm) in gel form was 32 °C while increasing to ~40 °C for the powdered form. It was found that the hydrogel particles of different size ranges managed to capture 196, 207, 208, 162, and 124% of its weight in oil, respectively. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48771.
Hoffnung für das Nördliche Breitmaulnashorn
Authors: Lippe Dominik
Published: December 2019

Knapp eine Million Tier‐ und Pflanzenarten gelten als vom Aussterben bedroht. Während sich die Population der Südlichen Breitmaulnashörner erholte, stellt das Nördliche Breitmaulnashorn mit nur noch zwei lebenden Vertretern das meistgefährdete Säugetier der Welt dar. Bürgerkriege und eine jahrzehntelange Jagd auf das Horn ließen die Bestände in freier Wildbahn vollends verschwinden. Doch eine Gruppe Berliner Wissenschaftler arbeitet mit modernen Methoden der Reproduktionsmedizin an der Rettung des Nashorns.
Flughäfen – Herausforderung für Natur und Mensch
Authors: Irsch Wilhelm
Published: December 2019

Mit einem konsequenten Management von Grünflächen wird auf Flughäfen das Risiko von Vogelkollisionen („Vogelschlag“) bei Start und Landung minimiert. Dabei erweist sich die sogenannte „Langgraswirtschaft“ als Methode der Wahl.
Immunhistochemie – bring die Assel zum Leuchten
Authors: Bell Irina
Published: December 2019

Normalerweise denkt man bei Antikörpern an das Immunsystem. Aber sie können viel mehr, z. B. eine Assel zum Leuchten bringen, zumindest wenn man die Antikörper mit fluoreszierenden Farbstoffen koppelt.
Jahresziel erfüllt!
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: December 2019

Es wird viel diskutiert über die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf. Andrea Hauk – BIUZ‐Lesern bekannt als Autorin der Laborseite – hat den Praxistest gemacht und berichtet nun im achzehnten und letzten Teil unserer Reihe von ihren Erfahrungen als Mutter eines Kleinkindes.
Das Comeback der Alblinse – ein biologischer Krimi
Authors: Müller Thomas Volker
Published: December 2019

Mit der Schmackhaftigkeit der Linsen steht und fällt der Wohlgeschmack der württembergischen Leib‐ und Magenspeise „Linsen mit Spätzle und Saitewürst“. Gleichwohl wie zuverlässig Württembergs Metzger saftige und schmackhafte Saitewürst in Därme füllen und so meisterhaft die Liebhaber der Spätzle den Teig wirken, so entscheidend ist bei der Linsenauswahl der Landwirt des Vertrauens.
Boom Chack Boom—A multimethod investigation of motor inhibition in professional drummers
Authors: Schlaffke Lara , Friedrich Sarah , Tegenthoff Martin , Güntürkün Onur , Genç Erhan , Ocklenburg Sebastian
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Our hands are the primary means for motor interaction with the environment, and their neural organization is fundamentally asymmetric: While most individuals can perform easy motor tasks with two hands equally well, only very few individuals can perform complex fine motor tasks with both hands at a similar level of performance. The reason why this phenomenon is so rare is not well understood. Professional drummers represent a unique population to study it, as they have remarkable abilities to perform complex motor tasks with their two limbs independently.

Methods

Here, we used a multimethod neuroimaging approach to investigate the structural, functional, and biochemical correlates of fine motor behavior in professional drummers (n = 20) and nonmusical controls (n = 24).

Results

Our results show that drummers have higher microstructural diffusion properties in the corpus callosum than controls. This parameter also predicts drumming performance and GABA levels in the motor cortex. Moreover, drummers show less activation in the motor cortex when performing a finger‐tapping task than controls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, professional drumming is associated with a more efficient neuronal design of cortical motor areas as well as a stronger link between commissural structure and biochemical parameters associated with motor inhibition.
Antibacterial Diphenyl Ether, Benzophenone and Xanthone Derivatives from Aspergillus flavipes
Authors: Ji Yu‐Bin , Chen Wen‐Ju , Shan Ti‐Zhuang , Sun Bi‐Yun , Yan Peng‐Cheng , Jiang Wei
Published: December 2019

The extract of the strain Aspergillus flavipes DL‐11 exerted antibacterial activities against six Gram‐positive bacteria. During the following bioassay‐guided separation, ten diphenyl ethers (1–10), two benzophenones (11–12), together with two xanthones (13–14) were isolated. Among them, 4′‐chloroasterric acid (1) was a new chlorinated diphenyl ether. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis, including IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, NMR experiments, and by comparison with the literature data. All compounds showed moderate to strong antibacterial effects on different Gram‐positive bacteria with MIC values that ranged from 3.13 to 50 μg/mL, but none of the compounds exhibited activity against Gram‐negative bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC17802 (MIC>100 μg/mL). In particular, the MICs of some compounds are at the level of positive control.
An Imatinib–non‐responsive patient with an ABL Leu387Trp mutation achieves cytogenetic and molecular response under bosutinib: Case report and biological characterization
Authors: Crespiatico Ilaria , Bossi Elisa , Brioschi Filippo , Piazza Rocco , Mologni Luca , Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo
Published: December 2019

Leu387Trp mutation, aroused in an imatinib‐non‐responsive CML patient, was selected by imatinib treatment along with other unknown factors responsible for resistance, and then it was overcome by bosutinib. These results will be useful for treating patients with this rare mutation and will advise against automatically considering a new mutation as the cause of TKI resistance.
Lymphoepithelial pancreatic cyst: A rare entity among pancreatic cystic lesions. Report of two cases
Authors: Davakis Spyridon , Syllaios Athanasios , Kyros Eleandros , Dimitrokallis Nikolaos , Orfanos Stamatios , Vailas Michail , Papalampros Alexandros , Felekouras Evangelos
Published: December 2019

Lymphoepithelial pancreatic cysts are extremely rare benign pancreatic cystic lesions. High suspicion and an individual approach are imperative for the best management of those extremely rare entities.
Autonomic and peripheral neuropathy with reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density can be observed in patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility
Authors: Ohlsson Bodil , Dahlin Lars B. , Englund Elisabet , Veress Béla
Published: December 2019

Neuropathy should be considered as a possible etiological factor in patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms, without signs of disease on routine investigations. Examinations of the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems may be helpful to select the patients who should be investigated with full‐thickness intestinal biopsy, and to give appropriate care.
Mechanochemical Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Reactions Using Mo(CO)6
Authors: van Bonn Pit , Bolm Carsten , Hernández José G.
Published: December 2019

Esters and amides were mechanochemically prepared by palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative reactions of aryl iodides by using molybdenum hexacarbonyl as a convenient solid carbonyl source and avoiding a direct handling of gaseous carbon monoxide. Real‐time monitoring of the mechanochemical reaction by in situ pressure sensing revealed that CO is rapidly transferred from Mo(CO)6to the active catalytic system without significant release of molecular carbon monoxide.
Second‐Coordination Sphere Effects on Selectivity and Specificity of Heme and Nonheme Iron Enzymes
Authors: de Visser Sam P.
Published: December 2019

Mononuclear iron‐containing enzymes are highly versatile oxidants that often react stereospecifically and/or regioselectively with substrates. Combined experimental and computational studies on heme monooxygenases, nonheme iron dioxygenases and halogenases have revealed the intricate details of the second‐coordination sphere, which determine this specificity and selectivity. These second‐coordination sphere effects originate from the positioning of the substrate and oxidant, which involve the binding of the co‐factors and substrate into the active site of the protein. In addition, some enzymes affect the selectivity and reactivity through charge‐stabilization from nearby bound cations/anions, an induced electric field or through the positioning of salt bridges and hydrogen‐bonding interactions to first‐coordination sphere iron ligands and/or the substrate. Examples of all of these second‐coordination sphere effects in iron‐containing enzymes and how these influence structure and reactivity are given.
Cucurbit[7]uril‐Based Metal–Organic Rotaxane Framework for Dual‐Capture of Molecular Iodine and Cationic Potassium Ion
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Du , Zhao Yue , Chen Kai , Dao Xiao‐Yao , Kang Yan‐Shang , Liu Yi , Sun Wei‐Yin
Published: December 2019

Metal–organic rotaxane frameworks (MORFs) attracted much attention in the past years for construction of intelligent functional materials. Herein, a one‐pot synthesis is reported of a three‐dimensional (3D) cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7])‐based MORF under hydrothermal conditions, namely Q[7]‐MORF‐1, formed by encapsulating the anionic benzoate moieties of the tricarboxylate ligand into the cavity of Q[7]. Furthermore, Q[7]‐MORF‐1 shows dual‐capture capacity for iodine and K+ selectively among the alkali metal ions. The captured molecular iodine is included in the cavity of Q[7] through halogen‐bonding interactions and the K+ cations are positioned at the carbonyl port of the Q[7] through K−O coordination interactions.
The Effect of Oligo(Ethylene Oxide) Side Chains: A Strategy to Improve Contrast and Switching Speed in Electrochromic Polymers
Authors: Chen Youquan , Yin Yuyang , Xing Xing , Fang Daqi , Zhao Yang , Zhu Yanan , Ali Muhammad Umair , Shi Yuhao , Bai Junwu , Wu Peiheng , Shen Clifton Kwang‐Fu , Meng Hong
Published: December 2019

Solution‐processable electrochromic polymers (ECPs) with high performance are urgently needed for extensive applications. Nevertheless, they suffer from slow switching speed because of low ionic conductivities. Herein, we present an effective strategy to improve the contrast and switching speed in ECPs via facile side‐chain engineering. A novel electrochromic thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐based polymer (PmOTTBTD) is designed and successfully synthesized by introducing oligo(ethylene oxide) side chains with high ionic conductivity. Compared to the counterpart POTTBTD without modification by oligo(ethylene oxide) chains, PmOTTBTD demonstrates nearly double contrast (42 % vs. 24 %) with a fast oxidation switching process that just takes half of the time when detected under 400 nm, as well as much higher coloration efficiencies (e. g. 239.04 cm2 C−1 vs. 226.26 cm2 C−1 @ 400 nm and 314.04 cm2 C−1 vs. 174.00 cm2 C−1 @ 650∼700 nm). Besides, PmOTTBTD exhibits excellent stability with negligible decay after 3000 cycles. Our work suggests a facile strategy that could be adopted to realize high‐performance ECPs via molecular design tuning.
Outage analysis of opportunistic‐based hybrid decode‐amplify‐forward relaying in polar code environment
Authors: Madhusudhanan Natarajan , Venkateswari Rajamanickam
Published: December 2019

Outage analysis plays a vital role in wireless systems to determine reliable transmission and effective communication. Incremental hybrid decode‐amplify‐forward (IHDAF) relay offers a way of meeting the challenges of capacity and coverage improvement with great potential in cooperative communication networks. Therefore, opportunistic incremental hybrid relaying must be integrated with coding schemes to achieve full diversity. In this paper, the outage behavior of polar coded and distributed coded cooperative relaying schemes is analyzed. Simulation results show that opportunistic incremental HDAF using polar code offers an outage capacity of 17 b/s/Hz for 4 × 4 multiantenna and 45 b/s/Hz in 8 × 8 multiantenna systems with an outage of 10−8 and 10−13, respectively. Moreover, the polar coded opportunistic IHDAF system in 8 × 8 MIMO achieves 2 and 6 dB higher gains compared with amplify‐and‐forward (AF) and decode‐and‐forward (DF) relaying schemes. The closed‐form expression for outage probability has been derived through Marcum‐Q approximations and processed through Monte Carlo simulations.
Copper(I) Catalyzed Differential Peroxidation of Terminal and Internal Alkenes Using TBHP
Authors: Mir Bilal Ahmad , Rajamanickam Suresh , Begum Pakiza , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: December 2019

Terminal and internal alkenes react contrarily with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) giving various products. A Cu(I) catalyzed decarbonylative C–C bond formation followed by a carbonylation–peroxidation of vinyl arenes has been achieved using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant in acetonitrile. Whereas, α‐methyl styrenes yielded aryl methyl ketones and the α‐substituted unsymmetrical internal alkenes afforded selective α‐peroxidation under the identical reaction conditions. Concurrent peroxidation–carbonylation–cycloalkylation/cycloetherifiction of internal cyclic alkene such as indene is achieved by switching the solvent system from acetonitrile to cycloalkanes/cyclic ether. All these reactions proceed via radical paths generating interesting peroxo‐compounds.
An Impedance Molecularly Imprinted Sensor for the Detection of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Using the Dynamic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Ma Ya , Liu Cheng , Zeng Qiang , Wang Li‐Shi
Published: December 2019

A molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor is successfully developed to detect bovine serum albumin (BSA) based on the dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS) instead of the traditional impedance spectroscopy. The sensor is prepared using chitosan and pyrrole as modified material and functional monomers, respectively, and the fast and real‐time characterization of molecular imprinting process can be obtained by DEIS. It is indicated that the removal and rebinding processes of BSA are closely related with the DEIS impedance under dynamic conditions, and the direct correlation between the resulting kinetic information and BSA concentrations can be established. As a result, the impedance changing rates in the initial 5 min of BSA adsorption are linear to the BSA concentrations ranging from 0.0001 to 0.01 ng mL−1 and 0.01 to 1 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 5×10−5 ng mL−1 (S/N=3). In addition, the detection of BSA by DEIS does not require the system to be in equilibrium. The sensor also shows simplicity, high sensitivity, good stability and acceptable recovery in real samples, indicating its promising prospects in the fast and real‐time detection of proteins.
Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intervention in childhood obesity from primary care: Nutrition, physical activity, emotional regulation, and family
Authors: Sepúlveda Ana R. , Solano Santos , Blanco Miriam , Lacruz Tatiana , Veiga Oscar
Published: December 2019

Childhood obesity is a growing problem with a complex aetiology, for which multidisciplinary interventions are required. Our programme describes a novel structured psychosocial family‐based intervention targeting the emotional regulation in childhood obesity, using a train trip metaphor aimed at improving healthy lifestyles for the family. The aims were (a) to describe the feasibility and acceptability of this psychosocial family‐based intervention among children with overweight or obesity in primary care and (b) to examine the effectiveness of the “ENTREN‐F” programme (with family intervention) compared with the “ENTREN” programme (without family intervention) among Spanish children regarding anthropometric variables, physical activity, emotional well‐being, and family functioning. Children were randomly allocated to either ENTREN‐F programme (n = 30) or psychological intervention for children (ENTREN, n = 40), and assessments were carried out over time (T0 baseline vs. T1 post/6‐month vs. T2 6‐month follow‐up). Both parent groups expressed high levels of satisfaction with the interventions. ENTREN‐F resulted in higher adherence to treatment and was more effective in improving z–body mass index, reducing children's anxiety, and increasing family adaptability than the ENTREN programme. There were no significant changes in parents' emotional well‐being and expressed emotion. Both groups improved in the children's emotional well‐being and light physical activity. In summary, this multidisciplinary psychosocial family‐based intervention was succesful.
Assessment of antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Agaricus blazei Murill extracts
Authors: Wei Qi , Zhan Yishu , Chen Bingzhi , Xie Baogui , Fang Ting , Ravishankar Sadhana , Jiang Yuji
Published: December 2019

Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM), a medicinal mushroom, has beneficial effects on various human metabolic diseases. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of ABM extracts (ethanol extract and ethyl acetate extract). The antioxidant activities of ABM ethanol extract (EE) and ethyl acetate extract (EA) were analyzed using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays and the reducing power using K3Fe(CN)6 in vitro. Moreover, the effects of EE and EA on α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity and improving glucose uptake by HepG2 cells were investigated in vitro. The EA showed stronger antioxidant activity, as well as inhibition of α‐glucosidase, compared to EE. The analysis of glucose uptake by HepG2 cells showed that EA had significant glucose‐lowering activity and exhibited no difference compared to metformin. The results suggest that ABM extracts could improve the glucose uptake by HepG2 cells and thereby alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia. This investigation provides a strong rationale for further studies on the application of ABM to control type 2 diabetes.
Multiproxy evidence for rapid and enduring anthropogenic vegetation change during the Late Holocene from an abandoned channel of the Mississippi River, Wapanocca Bayou, Arkansas, USA
Authors: Aiuvalasit Michael , Riley Tim , Schuldenrein Joseph
Published: December 2019

Geoarchaeological cores from an infilling channel within the meander belt of the Central Mississippi Valley recovered multiproxy evidence of vegetation changes during the Late Holocene. The sampling site, Wapanocca Bayou (Crittenden County, Arkansas), is flanked by levees that supported settlements of prehistoric Late Woodland and Mississippian farm sites, villages, and towns (AD 300–1650). These settlements include the Bradley site (3CT7), which was potentially the capital of a powerful Native American chiefdom visited by Hernando De Soto's North American expedition in 1541. Age‐depth modeling of radiocarbon dates from a 10+ meter core indicates continuous infilling of the channel since at least 2,450 cal BP. Palynological records preserve diachronic and patterned shifts in vegetation reflecting significant disturbances in these dynamic meander‐belt settings. Coeval trends in soil phosphorus, organic matter, charcoal concentrations, and magnetic susceptibility combined with archaeological evidence for increasingly intense landuse practices support our argument that vegetation changes along Wapanocca Bayou were caused by prehistoric anthropogenic disturbances, rather than natural processes associated with oxbow infilling and terrestrialization. With time the role of the natural vegetation succession receded in relative importance as local ecosystems were progressively modified by prehistoric Native Americans. This change was then sustained by intensified historical agricultural practices.
Geochemical characteristics and oxidation states of the Xietongmen ore‐bearing porphyries: Implication for the genetic types of the Xietongmen No. I and No. II deposits, southern Tibet
Authors: Chen Xilian , Liang Huaying , Zhang Jian , Huang Wenting , Ren Long , Zou Yinqiao
Published: December 2019

The Xietongmen large deposit is the only known subduction‐related porphyry Cu deposit in the Gangdese Belt, Tibet, which is composed of the No. I and No. II deposits. Previous work suggests that the No. I deposit is reduced while the No. II deposit is oxidized. However, it is ambiguous that both oxidized and reduced porphyry Cu deposits occur in close proximity, in the same tectonic setting, and within a short time period. Detailed examination of the ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, zircon and apatite compositions of the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries are conducted to investigate their magma characteristics and the genetic types of the Xietongmen No. I and No. II deposits. Zircon U–Pb dating results show that the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries formed at 166.3 ± 2.6 Ma and 175.5 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively. The Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries have similar mineral assemblage (containing amphibole phenocryst), high Sr/Y ratios and negligible negative Eu anomalies, low Ti‐in‐zircon temperatures (633−749 and 633−763°C, respectively), which indicate that their magmas are water‐rich. In addition, the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries have: (a) high whole‐rock V/Sc ratios (10−15 and 8−16, respectively); (b) high zircon Ce4+/Ce3+ and EuN/EuN* ratios, falling into the field of the ore‐bearing intrusions in northern Chile; (c) low apatite CeN/CeN* ratios (0.97−1.02 and 0.99−1.02, respectively), which suggest that their magmas are oxidized. The estimated magmatic S contents, based on the magmatic apatite SO3 contents, yield 0.0113−0.0507 wt% and 0.0012−0.0118 wt%, respectively for the Xietongmen No. I and No. II ore‐bearing porphyries, which suggest their magma are sulfur‐rich. Hydrous, oxidized and sulfur‐rich magmas are the parent magma of oxidized porphyry Cu deposits, together with the oxidized minerals of hematite and magnetite, therefore, both Xietongmen No. I and No. II deposit are oxidized porphyry Cu deposits, rather than that the Xietongmen No. I deposit is a reduced porphyry Cu deposit.
Do stock price bubbles correlate between China and Pakistan? An inquiry of pre‐ and post‐Chinese investment in Pakistani capital market under China‐Pakistan Economic Corridor regime
Authors: Liaqat Ayesha , Nazir Mian Sajid , Ahmad Iftikhar , Mirza Hammad Hassan , Anwar Farooq
Published: December 2019

This paper examines the existence and coincidence of pre‐ and‐post stock price multiple bubbles in Chines and Pakistani capital markets under China Pakistan Economic Corridor regime using generalized supremum augmented Dickey–Fuller (GSADF) test with weekly closing prices for the period 2013–2018 for different market indices of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), Shanghai Stock Exchange, and Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Empirical results depict that multiple stock bubbles exist in PSX at the end of 2016 and as well as in Chinese stock markets in the mid of 2014–2015 and these stock price bubbles are correlated between Pakistan and China. The present study is expected to be pioneer in its nature to apply GSADF for the identification of multiple stock bubbles in emerging stock markets of Pakistan and China which can be further used for comparison of stock bubbles in other regional markets such as BRICS or SAARC regions.
Lipidomic profiling of amniotic fluid and its application in fetal lung maturity prediction
Authors: Cao Zheng , Liu Jingrui , Xie Xin , Zhan Sien , Song Wei , Wu Shaowen , Sun Zheng , Dong Ying , Tang Guodong , Liu Yilin , Li Lin , Shen Min , Zhai Yanhong , Zou Jihua , Liu Xiaowei
Published: December 2019

Background

The pulmonary surfactant especially lipids in amniotic fluid can reflect the development stage of fetal lung maturity (FLM). However, the conventional lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio method by thin layer chromatography (TLC) is insufficient and inconvenient for FLM prediction in clinical practice.

Methods

The amniotic fluid samples were collected from the pregnant women in labor or undergoing amniocentesis and analyzed for its lipid contents with the liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) method and the lamellar body count (LBC) method. To reveal the lipidomic profiling of different FLM stages, three groups of amniotic fluid samples including 8 from premature group (gestational week (GW) < 37), 10 from mature group (GW < 37), and 10 from mature group (GW > 38) were compared with the control group (n = 6) of 18 GWs separately.

Results

In the FLM prediction study, the sensitivity of the LC‐HRMS method and LBC method was 91% and 73%, respectively; the specificity was 100% and 95%, respectively. The most significant metabolic pathway was linoleic acid metabolism between the premature group and the control group. Both glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchor biosynthesis were enriched in the mature groups. In search of potential FLM prediction markers in amniotic fluid, 8 phosphatidylcholines, 1 sphingomyelin, and 1 phosphatidylethanolamine were significantly increased in the mature groups compared with the premature group.

Conclusion

An efficient LC‐HRMS method for L/S ratio in predicting FLM was established. The linoleic acid metabolism may play an important role in the fetal lung development.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Acetaminophen Protein Adducts in Adults and Children
Authors: Jiang Sibo , Madrasi Kumpal , Samant Tanay , Lagishetty Chakradhar , Vozmediano Valvanera , Chiew Angela , Abdel‐Rahman Susan M. , James Laura P. , Schmidt Stephan
Published: December 2019

Acetaminophen protein adducts (adducts) are a well‐established biomarker to diagnose acetaminophen toxicity. To date, the quantitative relationship between acetaminophen exposure, which drives adduct formation, and adduct exposure remains to be established. Our study characterized the adduct formation and disposition in adults using the approach of population parent‐metabolite modeling. It demonstrated formation‐limited pharmacokinetics (PK) for adducts in healthy subjects. This finding expands the existing knowledge on adduct PK that showed an apparent long elimination half‐life. We then allometrically scaled the adduct PK model to children, simulated the adduct profiles, and compared these simulated profiles with those observed in an independent cohort of children. The scaled model significantly overpredicted the adduct concentrations in children early on in treatment and underpredicted concentrations following repeated acetaminophen doses. These results suggest that children demonstrate different adduct PK behavior from that of adults, most likely because of increased reactive metabolite detoxification in children. In summary, we described the first PK model linking acetaminophen and acetaminophen protein adduct concentrations, which provides a semimechanistic understanding of varying profiles of adduct exposure in adults and children.
Arithmetic in the adult deaf signing brain
Authors: Andin Josefine , Elwér Åsa , Mäki‐Torkko Elina
Published: December 2019

We have previously shown that deaf signers recruit partially different brain regions during simple arithmetic compared to a group of hearing non‐signers, despite similar performance. Specifically, hearing individuals show more widespread activation in brain areas that have been related to the verbal system of numerical processing, i.e., the left angular and inferior frontal gyrus, whereas deaf individuals engaged brain areas that have been related to the quantity system of numerical processing, i.e., the right horizontal intraparietal sulcus. This indicates that compared to hearing non‐signers, deaf signers can successfully make use of processes located in partially different brain areas during simple arithmetic. In this study, which is a conceptual replication and extension of the above‐presented study, the main aim is to understand similarities and differences in neural correlates supporting arithmetic in deaf compared to hearing individuals. The primary objective is to investigate the role of the right horizontal intraparietal gyrus, the left inferior frontal gyrus, the hippocampus, and the left angular gyrus during simple and difficult arithmetic and how these regions are connected to each other. A second objective is to explore what other brain regions support arithmetic in deaf signers. Up to 34 adult deaf signers and the same amount of hearing non‐signers will be enrolled in an functional magnetic resonance imaging study that will include simple and difficult subtraction and multiplication. Brain imaging data will be analyzed using whole‐brain analysis, region of interest analysis and connectivity analysis. This is the first study to investigate neural underpinnings of arithmetic of different difficulties in deaf individuals.
Evaluation of the effect of direct oral anticoagulant availability on hospital presentations for bleeding related to oral anticoagulation in South Australia
Authors: Roberts Greg , Chong Cher‐Rin , Quinn Stephen , Cameron‐Collins Sarah , Forbes Heather , Johnson Jacinta Lee , Kitto Lisa , Marotti Sally , Nguyen Hahn , Reid Susan , Sullivan Cheyne , Spyrou Nick , Wierenga Lauren , Wisdom Alice
Published: December 2019

Background

Direct oral anticoagulant drugs (DOACs) are known to improve clinical outcomes and decrease bleeding rates compared with warfarin. The effect of the introduction of DOACs into Australian general prescribing practice on anticoagulant‐related hospital presentations related to bleeding is unknown.

Aim

This study compared the rate of anticoagulant‐related hospital presentations related to bleeding for DOACs and warfarin in South Australia.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study across metropolitan tertiary hospitals identified hospital presentations related directly to an anticoagulant bleeding event. Presentation rates were calculated against prescribing quantities from Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data. Data were collected across two periods: January–June 2013 (warfarin‐only prescribing) and January–June 2015 (combined warfarin and DOAC prescribing). The main outcome measure was the number of hospital presentations per 100 patient‐years of prescribed anticoagulant therapy.

Results

For the total study period, the overall hospital presentation rate for any DOAC use was 0.52 per 100 patient‐years, compared with 1.51 per 100 patient‐years for warfarin (incidence rate ratio 2.89; 95% confidence interval 2.02–4.12; p < 0.001). One hospital presentation was associated with each 67 years of warfarin use, and 192 years of DOAC use. The mean cost associated with warfarin and DOAC hospital presentations was similar ($3705 and $3671 respectively; p = 0.69). There were a further 0.28 presentations per 100 patient‐years for the management of supratherapeutic International Normalised Ratios in warfarin users, at a cost of $3233 per episode.

Conclusion

The use of DOACs in general practice in the Australian setting is associated with decreased anticoagulant‐related hospital presentations for bleeding.
Types and causes of anticoagulant‐related medication incidents across hospitals in Western Australia
Authors: Jovanovska Tatjana , Fitzsimons Kerry , Ferguson Chantal , Koay Audrey
Published: December 2019

Background

Anticoagulant medications are widely prescribed for the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disorders. They are considered high‐risk medications due to their narrow therapeutic window and potential to cause serious fatal haemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications.

Aim

This study analysed all reported medication safety incidents related to anticoagulants across Western Australian (WA) public hospitals over a 12‐month period to determine possible causative factors.

Methods

A mixed‐methods study of all reported anticoagulant‐related medication incidents between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017 across 93 WA public hospitals was conducted. The study identified the confirmed level of harm that occurred to patients, the phase during the medication management cycle when the incident occurred, the incident type and causative factors.

Results

Six per cent (n = 417) of all medication‐related clinical incidents reported during the study period involved anticoagulants, of which 0.2% caused significant harm and 6.7% caused moderate harm. Most incidents occurred during the administration phase (69.1%). The most frequent incident type reported was omission of dose (29.5%) and the most frequent causative factors reported were inadequate checking process (20.7%; n = 746) and inadequate documentation (18.8%).

Conclusion

Most anticoagulant incidents occurred during the administration phase, with inadequate checking processes and incomplete or illegible documentation being the most frequently reported causative factors. Review of direct oral anticoagulant‐reported incidents identified staff knowledge deficits with regard to indication‐based dosing and dose modification requirements in renal impairment. These findings contributed towards development of targeted strategies and education resources to reduce the incidence of anticoagulant‐related medication incidents.
Optimization of Dynamic Interfacial Tension for Crude Oil–Brine System in the Presence of Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Mohammadshahi Hooman , Shahverdi Hamidreza , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: December 2019

In this study, interfacial tension (IFT) is measured between brine and crude oil (a sample of heavy oil from an Iranian oil reservoir) in the presence of two nonionic surfactants, KEPS 80 (Tween 80) and Behamid D, at different concentrations in order to optimize the concentrations of the surfactants. The surface response method is used to design the IFT measurement experiments. The experimental design and optimization is performed using the IFT as an objective function and temperature, concentration, and time as independent variables. In addition to the IFT measurement, various experiments such as stability tests of the surfactants in NaCl brine solutions, adsorption experiments on the carbonated rock surface, and phase behavior tests are performed to investigate the behavior of KEPS 80 and Behamid D in the enhanced oil recovery process. At the end, a model using the response surface statistical technique is designed for optimization of the concentrations of the surfactants, and a surfactant molecular migration mechanism is used for explanation of the dynamic IFT variation versus time. In the case of IFT experiments, the effect of surfactant concentration (at 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm) on the dynamic IFT is investigated. The experiments are performed at four temperatures (25, 40, 50, and 67°C). The results show that the oil–brine IFT values can be reduced to about 4 mN m−1 in the presence of Behamid D and to about 1 mN m−1 in the presence of KEPS 80 at low concentrations.
Effects of nitrogen fertilization on pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality
Authors: Lyu Yang , Porat Ron , Yermiyahu Uri , Heler Yehuda , Holland Doron , Dag Arnon
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen (N) fertilization influences plant growth and yield, and may also affect fruit quality. For two consecutive seasons, we examined the effects of various N fertilization levels – 5 to 200 mg L−1 – on pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality. Evaluations included fruit and aril weight, size and color, appearance of peel blemishes, internal black rot and nutritional composition of extracted juices.

RESULTS

Nitrogen fertilization affected pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality. The most pronounced effects were observed in trees grown under the lowest N fertilization level, which bore smaller fruit and arils, the latter with lighter color; the fruit suffered from sunburn, and the juice had lower total soluble solid, acidity and anthocyanin contents. The proportion of edible aril weight per total fruit weight gradually increased with an increase in N fertilization concentration. In contrast, N fertilization did not affect peel color, roughness or cracking incidence. Black rot incidence increased with increasing N concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrogen fertilization affected pomegranate fruit, aril and juice quality, and the total number of marketable fruits per tree. The optimal N fertilization levels, which were most beneficial for achieving high‐quality marketable fruit, were between 40 and 100 mg L−1. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and potential applications of casein–polysaccharide conjugates: a review
Authors: Abd El‐Salam Mohamed H , El‐Shibiny Safinaz
Published: December 2019

Glycation of casein and caseinates with polysaccharides via Maillard reaction is a simple and environmentally safe way to prepare new food ingredients of improved functional properties. Sodium caseinate has been used mainly to prepare conjugates with several polysaccharides particularly maltodextrins and dextrans. The functional properties of these conjugates are influenced by the used polysaccharides and heating conditions. Under optimal heating conditions substantial improvements have been evident in their emulsification and foam properties of these conjugates. Casein–polysaccharide conjugates have several potential applications in food processing and microencapsulation. This article gives an overview on their formation and potential uses. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of histidine kinase inhibitors and their biological properties
Authors: Rosales‐Hurtado Miyanou , Meffre Patrick , Szurmant Hendrik , Benfodda Zohra
Published: December 2019

Infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria represent a significant and ever‐increasing cause of morbidity and mortality. There is thus an urgent need to develop efficient and well‐tolerated antibacterials targeting unique cellular processes. Numerous studies have led to the identification of new biological targets to fight bacterial resistance. Two‐component signal transduction systems are widely employed by bacteria to translate external and cellular signals into a cellular response. They are ubiquitous in bacteria, absent in the animal kingdom and are integrated into various virulence pathways. Several chemical series, including isothiazolidones, imidazolium salts, benzoxazines, salicylanilides, thiophenes, thiazolidiones, benzimidazoles, and other derivatives deduced by different approaches have been reported in the literature to have histidine kinase (HK) inhibitory activity. In this review, we report on the design and the synthesis of these HKs inhibitors and their potential to serve as antibacterial agents.