bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of polymorphic EST-SSR markers and characterization of the autotetraploid genome of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia)
Authors: Shen Shuheng , Chai Xutian , Zhou Qiang , Luo Dong , Wang Yanrong , Liu Zhipeng
Published: March 2019

Background

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is a highly nutritious, tannin-containing, and tetraploid forage legume. Due to the lack of detailed transcriptomic and genomic information on this species, genetic and breeding projects for sainfoin improvement have been significantly hindered.

Methods

In this study, a total of 24,630,711 clean reads were generated from 14 different sainfoin tissues using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology and deposited in the NCBI SRA database (SRX3763386). From these clean reads, 77,764 unigene sequences were obtained and 6,752 EST-SSRs were identified using de novo assembly. A total of 2,469 primer pairs were designed, and 200 primer pairs were randomly selected to analyze the polymorphism in five sainfoin wild accessions.

Results

Further analysis of 40 sainfoin individuals from the five wild populations using 61 EST-SSR loci showed that the number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 15, and the expected heterozygosity varied from 0.55 to 0.91. Additionally, by counting the EST-SSR band number and sequencing the three or four bands in one sainfoin individual, sainfoin was confirmed to be autotetraploid. This finding provides a high level of information about this plant.

Discussion

Through this study, 61 EST-SSR markers were successfully developed and shown to be useful for genetic studies and investigations of population genetic structures and variabilities among different sainfoin accessions.
Loancorhynchus catrillancaigen. et sp. nov., a new swordfish (Xiphioidei, Blochiidae) from the Middle Eocene of central Chile
Authors: Otero Rodrigo A.
Published: March 2019

This contribution describes the skull remains of a swordfish (Perciformes, Xiphioidei), recovered from Middle Eocene beds of central Chile. Comparison with known fossil and extant xiphioids reveals derived traits only present in the Neogene swordfishXiphias gladius(Xiphiidae, Xiphiinae), these being a elongated rostrum composed of premaxillaries and possible prenasals, a dorsoventrally high and slender hyomandibular-metapterygoid complex, and a rounded, convex operculum. Also, strong ridges and sulci are present in the dorsal part of the rostrum, a feature only present in the billfish generaAglyptorhynchusandXiphiorhynchus, and in the swordfish genusBlochius. In addition, the specimen also has villiform teeth in the rostrum and lower jaw, a feature previously documented only in the Paleocene genusHemingwaya. Such a unique combination of characters in the specimen allows classifying it as a new genus and species,Loancorhynchus catrillancai. Phylogenetic analyses obtainedXiphiorhynchusoutside the Xiphiidae, suggesting instead narrow relationships to the Paleocene-Eocene generaHemingwaya+Palaeorhynchus+Homorhynchus. Loancorhynchusis obtained as an intermediate form betweenXiphiasandBlochius.The specimen represents the first Paleogene swordfish described in the southeastern Pacific.
Biologic and Ecologic Aspects of Sinelobus stanfordi (Richardson, 1901) (Crustacea, Tanaidacea) in the Martín García Island Natural Reserve, Río de la Plata, Argentina
Authors: César I. I. , Becerra R. V.
Published: March 2019

We investigated the biology and ecology of the tanaidacean Sinelobus stanfordi from the littoral water of Martín García Island at five sites along the coast chosen for their substrate characteristics, and classified the individuals according to size (mm) and ectosomatic characterinalysisstics as: manca III (0.60-1.19), juvenile male and female I (0.90-1.49), juvenile female II and copulatory male I (1.2-1.79), preparatory female I (1.8-2.39), preparatory female II (2.40-2.99), copulatory female I (2.40-2.69), copulatory female II (2.99-4.19), ovigerous female (1.80-3.59), copulatory male II (1.5-1.79), copulatory male III (2.10-2.69) and copulatory male IV (2.40-3.89). The smallest female with rudimentary ovisacs measured 1.84 mm. The tanaid density ranged from 0 to 10,548 ind.m-2. The average female-to-male sex ratio was 3.04:1. An abundance analysis indicated no significant differences among the sampling sites (X2 =4.037, p>0.001), while the fecundity (number of eggs) did not vary significantly with female size (r2 =0.2164, n = 19). The almost permanent presence of all developmental stages during every season of the year suggested a likely continuous year-long reproduction of S. stanfordi. Relationship between the water variables and S. stanfordi populations: The lower than optimal average electrical conductivity (160.24 μS.cm-1) for the species did not seem to limit the population-growth kinetics. The postmarsupial development throughout almost all the stages evidenced a significant positive correlation with pH. The soluble-reactive-phosphorus levels were within the low tolerance values as well as the NO-3 and the NH4 + and both close to optimal along with the near-optimal percent saturation of oxygen.
Membrane Interactivity Shared by Receptor- Acting Drugs
Authors: Tsuchiya Hironori
Published: March 2019

Background: Although lipids have been regarded as a passive component to constitute biomembranes, they can also play an important role in modulation of the activity or function of membrane-embedded proteins like receptors. Membrane lipids are presumed to be one of additional sites of action for receptor-acting drugs because their broad pharmacological spectra are not necessarily interpretable by the direct action on receptors. In order to obtain novel insights into the drug target and mechanism, we reviewed the membrane interactivity of different classes of drugs to act on representative receptors.

Methods: A search of the scientific articles published between 1979 and 2018 was carried out by using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and ACS Publications. The relevant research papers published in recognized international journals and on-line journals in English were preferred, but the review articles of specific importance were also included, although non-English language citations were excluded. Collected articles were reviewed by title, abstract and text for relevance with preference to more recent publications.

Results: Results of the literature search indicate that membrane interactivity is shared by various drugs that act on α- and β-adrenergic, muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid type A, N-methyl-D-aspartate, opioid and transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 receptors. These receptor agonists and antagonists not only interact with receptor proteins but also would structure-specifically interact with membrane lipids to affect receptors by modifying the lipid bilayer environments surrounding them with the resultant conformational change of receptor proteins.

Conclusion: The structure-specific membrane interaction is pharmacologically contributable to diverse effects of receptor-acting drugs.
The Harvest Season Changes the Organoleptic Properties of Onion during Storage
Authors: Mota Ariana Pereira , Pedroza Cruz Renata Ranielly , Ferreira Ana Paula Sato , Gomes Mateus De Paula , Silva Guimarães Maria Eduarda da , Ribeiro Wellington Souto , Da Costa Franciscleudo Bezerra , Finger Fernando Luiz
Published: March 2019

Aims: The objective was to determine the influence of the onion harvest time "Baia Periforme" on post-harvest quality of the bulbs during storage.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three treatments, six replicates with two bulbs each.

Place and Duration of Study: Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, between June 2017 and July 2018.

Methodology: Seedlings, 20 days old, were transplanted into 20 cm spacing between rows and 10 cm between plants. The bulbs were harvested 120 days after transplanting with manual tipping of the pseudo-stem (T1), with 50 (T2) or 75% (T3) of the bulbs popped. The soluble sugars (SS), non-reducing sugars (NRS), reducing sugars (RS), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity of phenolic compounds and alinase activity was determined every 30 days for 90 days.

Results: The content of SS, TSS, phenolic compounds and alinase activity increased in the onions of T2, resulting in more sweet and pungent bulbs due to the higher content of acidity and phenolic compounds.

Conclusion: The post-harvest quality of onion bulbs "Baia Periforme" was maintained when they were harvested with 50% of bulbs popped.
Neuroprotective Effect of Different Doses of Vitamine D3 in Diabetic-Induced Alzheimer Rat Model
Authors: Al-Zahrani Yahya A. , A. Sattar Mai A. Alim , Al-Harthi Sameer E. , Alkreathy Huda. M.
Published: March 2019

Background: Many studies revealed that diabetes is an independent risk factor for developing cognitive dysfunction, and Alzheimer. During diabetes, overexpression of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 beta could lead to Aβ accumulation and neuronal death. 

Aim: To examine the neuroprotective effect of different doses of vitamin D3 against diabetic-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. Moreover, possible underlying mechanisms were also investigated.

Methods: High-fat diet plus streptozotocin were used to induce diabetes in Westar rats. We sub-grouped the diabetic rats into six subgroups, positive control, vitamin D3 groups (100, 500 and 1000 IU/kg/day), vitamin D3 plus rivastigmine, and rivastigmine monotherapy. After the induction of diabetes, we started treatment for sixteen months. Morris water maze test was used to evaluate cognitive function, followed by estimation of beta-amyloid-42, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β levels in the hippocampus by ELIZA kits.

Results: Vitamin D3 treatment significantly (p<0.05) and dose-dependently mitigated cognitive deficits observed in Morris water maze test, with significant, suppresses in beta-amyloid-42 and nitric oxide synthase pathway via attenuated hippocampal inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide overproduction (p<0.05). Moreover, vitamin D3 decreased inflammation state of diabetic rats brains by significantly lowered (p<0.05) pro-inflammatory cytokines levels including, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β as an underlying mechanism for the resulted improvement.

Conclusion: The results of this research suggest that upregulation of nitric oxide synthase pathway along with the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines is critically involved in cognitive dysfunction associated with diabetes. Vitamin D3 can ameliorate these effects and has a promising neuroprotective effect in diabetic-induced cognitive dysfunction.
Health Effects of Charcoal Production as Perceived by the Rural Dwellers in Rainforest and Guinea Savannah Agro-ecological Zones of Nigeria
Authors: Stella O. Odebode, , Philip O. Eniola,
Published: March 2019

Aims: The aim of this study is to access the health effects of charcoal production (CP) as perceived by the rural dwellers in the study area.

Study Design: Survey study. Relevant quantitative data on charcoal production were used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Rainforest (RF) and Guinea savannah (GS) zones of Nigeria between 14th February 2012 and 1st November 2013.

Methodology: Multiple stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample of 83 and 85 charcoal producers in the Rainforest and Guinea savannah zones respectively. Structured interview schedule data collected and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The study noted that the modal ages of respondents were within the same age-range of between 35 and 44 years. Male respondents were 88.0% and 90.5% from RF and GS respectively. Respondents (59.0%) in RF zone had primary school leaving certificate, while, about 30.6% in the GS attended Koranic School. Eleven was the mean years of experience for CP in the RF zone and 14 years for the GS zones. Hundred percent of the respondents used ancient earth mound method of CP and the respondents (36.1%.) from the RF zone had annual output of more than 128,000kg. Respondents perceived that CP may lead to skin and respiratory tract irritation/infection (72.3%, 57.6%.); CP may cause cut, crush and laceration of hand (78.3%, 69.4%.); burns (90.0%, 49.4%.); back and muscle pains (73.5, 70.6%.) and CP may lead to body wounds (73.5%, 58.5%.) in RF and GS zones respectively. Majority (84.7%) in GS and 84.3%. in RF perceived that CP had negative effects on the health status of rural dwellers. Significant difference was predicted in the health status of charcoal producers between the agro-ecological zones (F=3.124). There is the need for awareness campaign on health consequences of CP.
Programmable Aerodynamic Drag on Active Dimpled Cylinders
Authors: Guttag Mark , Yan Dong , Reis Pedro M.
Published: March 2019

This study demonstrates that the aerodynamic drag profile of a patterned deformable cylinder at high Reynolds numbers can be programmed, on demand, by modifying its topography through pneumatic actuation. The samples used in the experiments comprise a rigid tube containing a hexagonal array of holes, over which an elastomeric cylindrical membrane is stretched. Decreasing the internal pressure of the structure causes an inward deflection of the outer membrane over the holes, thereby producing a regular pattern of dimples. The depth of these dimples can be controlled by tuning the pressure differential. The relationship between the mechanical deformation of the membrane and the pneumatic loading is characterized using a combination of finite element simulations and precision mechanical experiments. Wind tunnel experiments are performed to study how both the depth and the diameter of the dimples dictate the aerodynamic performance of the samples in the critical Reynolds number regime. Finally, the tunable nature of the specimens is exploited to automatically control the dependence of the drag coefficient on the Reynolds number, toward targeting predefined drag profiles.
Chirality‐Controlled Multiphoton Luminescence and Second‐Harmonic Generation from Enantiomeric Organic Micro‐Optical Waveguides
Authors: Mitetelo Nikolai , Venkatakrishnarao Dasari , Ravi Jada , Popov Mikhail , Mamonov Evgeniy , Murzina Tatiana V. , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: March 2019

Production of chiral light and its manipulation down to nanolevel is a very challenging endeavor in the area of nanophotonics. In this work, the above demanding requirements are realized explicitly in two R‐ and S‐type chiral organic optical waveguides which are self‐assembled from charge‐transfer type axially chiral enantiomeric molecules. These enantiomerically pure micro‐optical waveguides generate one‐, two‐, three‐photon pumped optical emissions. Remarkably, these waveguides also demonstrate pronounced circular dichroism effects in the nonlinear optical (NLO) emission which is very useful to produce molecular chirality information encoded NLO photonic structures.
Catalyst‐Controlled Chemodivergent Annulation to Indolo/Pyrrolo‐Fused Diazepine and Quinoxaline
Authors: Dhole Sandip , Chiu Wei‐Jung , Sun Chung‐Ming
Published: March 2019

Catalyst‐controlled chemodivergent annulation between o‐indolo anilines and diazo compounds has explored for the synthesis of indolo‐fused diazepine and quinoxaline. Under the Rh(III) catalyst, reaction proceeded through the free amine assisted C2−H activation followed by amidation leading to the diazepino[1,7‐a]indole in a highly selective manner. While with Ru(II) catalyst, reaction involves formation Ru−carbene complex followed by −NH2 group insertion and cascade cyclization via metallo‐ene type reaction, β‐hydride elimination to furnish the indolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline as the predominating product. This strategy directs modular approach towards the construction of unique indolo‐fused diazepine/quinoxaline as well as pyrrolo‐fused diazepine/quinoxaline scaffolds in excellent yields.

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Palladium‐Catalyzed Triple Cyclization of 2,7‐Alkadiynylic Carbonates with 2‐Butyne‐1,4‐diol or 2‐Butyne‐1,4‐disulfonamides
Authors: Song Yulong , Wu Wangteng , Fu Chunling , Huang Xin , Ma Shengming
Published: March 2019

A palladium‐catalyzed highly E‐selective triple cyclization of 2,7‐alkadiynylic carbonates with 2‐butyne‐1,4‐diol or 2‐butyne‐1,4‐disulfonamides to construct different tricycles such as 6,8‐dihydrobenzo[1,2‐c:3,4‐c′]difuran‐1(3H)‐one and 1,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐8H‐furo[3,4‐e]isoindol‐8‐one derivatives has been reported. The alkene group produced and the nucleophilic unit kept in the product provide further opportunity to construct more complicated polycycles. The control experiments showed that the reaction mainly go through an intermolecular insertion of the alkynes before the lactonization or lactamization.

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Hierarchical Co3O4 Nano‐Micro Arrays Featuring Superior Activity as Cathode in a Flexible and Rechargeable Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Zhong Yaotang , Pan Zhenghui , Wang Xianshu , Yang Jie , Qiu Yongcai , Xu Shuyuan , Lu Yitong , Huang Qiming , Li Weishan
Published: March 2019

All‐solid‐state zinc–air batteries are characterized as low cost and have high energy density, providing wearable devices with an ideal power source. However, the sluggish oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in air cathodes are obstacles to its flexible and rechargeable application. Herein, a strategy called MOF‐on‐MOF (MOF, metal‐organic framework) is presented for the structural design of air cathodes, which creatively develops an efficient oxygen catalyst comprising hierarchical Co3O4 nanoparticles anchored in nitrogen‐doped carbon nano‐micro arrays on flexible carbon cloth (Co3O4@N‐CNMAs/CC). This hierarchical and free‐standing structure design guarantees high catalyst loading on air cathodes with multiple electrocatalytic activity sites, undoubtedly boosting reaction kinetics, and energy density of an all‐solid‐state zinc–air battery. The integrated Co3O4@N‐CNMAs/CC cathode in an all‐solid‐state zinc–air battery exhibits a high open circuit potential of 1.461 V, a high capacity of 815 mAh g−1 Zn at 1 mA cm−2, a high energy density of 1010 Wh kg−1 Zn, excellent cycling stability as well as outstanding mechanical flexibility, significantly outperforming the Pt/C‐based cathode. This work opens a new door for the practical applications of rechargeable zinc–air batteries in wearable electronic devices.
Heteroatom‐Doped Mesoporous Hollow Carbon Spheres for Fast Sodium Storage with an Ultralong Cycle Life
Authors: Ni Dan , Sun Wang , Wang Zhenhua , Bai Yu , Lei Hongshuai , Lai Xinhua , Sun Kening
Published: March 2019

Carbon materials have attracted significant attention as anode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Developing a carbon anode with long‐term cycling stability under ultrahigh rate is essential for practical application of SIBs in energy storage systems. Herein, sulfur and nitrogen codoped mesoporous hollow carbon spheres are developed, exhibiting high rate performance of 144 mA h g−1 at 20 A g−1, and excellent cycling durability under ultrahigh current density. Interestingly, during 7000 cycles at a current density of 20 A g−1, the capacity of the electrode gradually increases to 180 mA h g−1. The mechanisms for the superior electrochemical performance and capacity improvement of the cells are studied by electrochemical tests, ex situ transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman analysis of fresh and cycled electrodes. The unique and robust structure of the material can enhance transport kinetics of electrons and sodium ions, and maintain fast sodium storage from the capacitive process under high rate. The self‐rearrangement of the carbon structure, induced by continuous discharge and charge, lead to the capacity improvement with cycles. These results demonstrate a new avenue to design advanced anode materials for SIBs.
Prognostic factors of radiofrequency ablation therapy for liver metastases from colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Chun‐Hsien , Liang Chih‐Ming , Lu Chien‐Chang , Liu Yueh‐Wei , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Hung Chao‐Hung
Published: March 2019

We evaluated the prognostic factors in patients with colorectal liver metastases undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Between 2008 and 2013, 52 patients (males 34, mean age: 63 years) with colorectal liver metastases treated with either percutaneous RFA (n = 33) or intraoperative RFA plus resection (n = 19) were enrolled. Cumulative incidence of new recurrence was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The prognostic relevance of clinical variables and recurrence or survival were evaluated using the log‐rank test and multivariate Cox's regression analysis, respectively. Primary technical success was achieved in 45 (87%) of the cases. There were no procedure‐related deaths. Multinodularity (>3) (P = 0.001) predicted higher incidence of developing new recurrence after RFA. Overall 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year survival from RFA was 87%, 61%, and 46%, respectively. Factors associated with overall mortality were age younger than 60 years (P = 0.036), extrahepatic metastasis (P = 0.003), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level ≥10 ng/mL before RFA (P = 0.011). Multivariate Cox's regression analysis showed that young age (<60 years) and high CEA level (≥10 ng/mL) were independent factors associated with overall survival. RFA for colorectal liver metastases is an effective treatment option. Young age and high CEA level predicted poorer outcomes after RFA.
Endoscopic resection for superficial hypopharyngeal/laryngeal cancer and clinical pathway options
Authors: Huang Wei‐Chen , Cheng Li‐Hsiang , Huang Tien‐Yu , Shih Yu‐Lueng , Chang Wei‐Kuo , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Chen Peng‐Jen
Published: March 2019

A 57‐year‐old male suffered from a metachronous squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and refused surgical intervention. Instead, the patient opted for endoscopic mucosal resection with a cap‐fitted endoscope, a delicate procedure of endoscopic mucosal resection using a cap‐fitted endoscope, to effectively treat his small supraglottic cancer. A 3‐year follow up demonstrated no signs of tumor recurrence.
Stabilization of Formate Dehydrogenase in a Metal–Organic Framework for Bioelectrocatalytic Reduction of CO2
Authors: Chen Yijing , Li Peng , Noh Hyunho , Kung Chung‐Wei , Buru Cassandra T. , Wang Xingjie , Zhang Xuan , Farha Omar K.
Published: March 2019

The efficient fixation of excess CO2 from the atmosphere to yield value‐added chemicals remains crucial in response to the increasing levels of carbon emission. Coupling enzymatic reactions with electrochemical regeneration of cofactors is a promising technique for fixing CO2, while producing biomass which can be further transformed into biofuels. Herein, a bioelectrocatalytic system was established by depositing crystallites of a mesoporous metal–organic framework (MOF), termed NU‐1006, containing formate dehydrogenase, on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass electrode modified with Cp*Rh(2,2′‐bipyridyl‐5,5′‐dicarboxylic acid)Cl2 complex. This system converts CO2 into formic acid at a rate of 79±3.4 mm h−1 with electrochemical regeneration of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cofactor. The MOF–enzyme composite exhibited significantly higher catalyst stability when subjected to non‐native conditions compared to the free enzyme, doubling the formic acid yield.
Nanohoop Rotaxanes from Active Metal Template Syntheses and Their Potential in Sensing Applications
Authors: Van Raden Jeff M. , White Brittany M. , Zakharov Lev N. , Jasti Ramesh
Published: March 2019

The unique optoelectronic properties and smooth, rigid pores of macrocycles with radially oriented π systems render them fascinating candidates for the design of novel mechanically interlocked molecules with new properties. Two high‐yielding strategies are used to prepare nanohoop [2]rotaxanes, which owing to the π‐rich macrocycle are highly emissive. Then, metal coordination, an intrinsic property afforded by the resulting mechanical bond, can lead to molecular shuttling as well as modulate the observed fluorescence in both organic and aqueous conditions. Inspired by these findings, a self‐immolative [2]rotaxane was then designed that self‐destructs in the presence of an analyte, eliciting a strong fluorescent turn‐on response, serving as proof‐of‐concept for a new type of molecular sensing material. More broadly, this work highlights the conceptual advantages of combining compact π‐rich macrocyclic frameworks with mechanical bonds formed via active‐template syntheses.
Significant Polar Comonomer Enchainment in Zirconium‐Catalyzed, Masking Reagent‐Free, Ethylene Copolymerizations
Authors: Chen Jiazhen , Motta Alessandro , Wang Binghao , Gao Yanshan , Marks Tobin J.
Published: March 2019

In principal, the direct copolymerization of ethylene with polar comonomers should be the most efficient means to introduce functional groups into conventional polyolefins but remains a formidable challenge. Despite the tremendous advances in group 4‐centered catalysis for olefin polymerization, successful examples of ethylene + polar monomer copolymerization are rare, especially without Lewis acidic masking reagents. Here we report that certain group 4 catalysts are very effective for ethylene + CH2=CH(CH2)nNR2 copolymerizations with activities up to 3400 Kg copolymer mol−1‐Zr h‐1 atm‐1, and with comonomer enchainment up to 5.5 mol % in the absence of masking reagents. Group 4 catalyst‐amino‐olefin structure–activity‐selectivity relationships reflect the preference of olefin activation over free amine coordination, which is supported by mechanistic experiments and DFT analysis. These results illuminate poorly understood facets of d0 metal‐catalyzed polar olefin monomer copolymerization processes.
Selective Aerobic Oxidation of a Metal–Organic Framework Boosts Thermodynamic and Kinetic Propylene/Propane Selectivity
Authors: Wang Yu , Huang Ning‐Yu , Zhang Xue‐Wen , He Hai , Huang Rui‐Kang , Ye Zi‐Ming , Li Yang , Zhou Dong‐Dong , Liao Pei‐Qin , Chen Xiao‐Ming , Zhang Jie‐Peng
Published: March 2019

Efficient adsorptive separation of propylene/propane (C3H6/C3H8) is highly desired and challenging. Known strategies focus on either the thermodynamic or the kinetic mechanism. Here, we report an interesting reactivity of a metal–organic framework that improves thermodynamic and kinetic adsorption selectivity simultaneously. When the metal–organic framework is heated under oxygen flow, half of the soft methylene bridges of the organic ligands are selectively oxidized to form the more polar and rigid carbonyl bridges. Mixture breakthrough experiments showed drastic increase of C3H6/C3H8 selectivity from 1.5 to 15. For comparison, the C3H6/C3H8 selectivities of the best‐performing metal–organic frameworks Co‐MOF‐74 and KAUST‐7 were experimentally determined to be 6.5 and 12, respectively. Gas adsorption isotherms/kinetics, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and computational simulations revealed that the oxidation gives additional guest recognition sites, which improve thermodynamic selectivity, and reduces the framework flexibility, which generate kinetic selectivity.
High‐Throughput Approaches in Carbohydrate‐Active Enzymology: Glycosidase and Glycosyl Transferase Inhibitors, Evolution, and Discovery
Authors: Chao Lemeng , Jongkees Seino
Published: March 2019

Carbohydrates are attached and removed in living systems through the action of carbohydrate‐active enzymes such as glycosyl transferases and glycoside hydrolases. The molecules resulting from these enzymes have many important roles in organisms, such as cellular communication, structural support, and energy metabolism. In general, each carbohydrate transformation requires a separate catalyst, and so these enzyme families are extremely diverse. To make this diversity manageable, high‐throughput approaches look at many enzymes at once. Similarly, high‐throughput approaches can be a powerful way of finding inhibitors that can be used to tune the reactivity of these enzymes, either in an industrial, a laboratory, or a medicinal setting. In this review, we provide an overview of how these enzymes and inhibitors can be sought using techniques such as high‐throughput natural product and combinatorial library screening, phage and mRNA display of (glyco)peptides, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, and metagenomics.
Generation and EPR Spectroscopy of the First Silenyl Radicals, R2C=Si.−R: Experiment and Theory
Authors: Pinchuk Daniel , Kratish Yosi , Mathew Jomon , Zborovsky Lieby , Bravo‐Zhivotovskii Dmitry , Tumanskii Boris , Apeloig Yitzhak
Published: March 2019

The first two persistent silenyl radicals (R2C=Si.−R), with a half‐life (t1/2) of about 30 min, were generated and characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The large hyperfine coupling constants (hfccs) (a(29Siα)=137.5–148.0 G) indicate that the unpaired electron has substantial s character. DFT calculations, which are in good agreement with the experimentally observed hfccs, predict a strongly bent structure (∡C=Si−R=134.7–140.7°). In contrast, the analogous vinyl radical, R2C=C.−R (t1/2≈3 h), exhibits a small hfcc (a(13Cα)=26.6 G) and has a nearly linear geometry (∡C=C−R=168.7°).
A BODIPY‐Based Donor/Donor–Acceptor System: Towards Highly Efficient Long‐Wavelength‐Excitable Near‐IR Polymer Dots with Narrow and Strong Absorption Features
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Dandan , Jiang Yifei , Zhang Jicheng , Yu Jiangbo , DuFort Christopher C. , Hingorani Sunil R. , Zhang Xuanjun , Wu Changfeng , Chiu Daniel T.
Published: March 2019

Bright long‐wavelength‐excitable semiconducting polymer dots (LWE‐Pdots) are highly desirable for in vivo imaging and multiplexed in vitro bioassays. LWE‐Pdots have been obtained by incorporating a near‐infrared (NIR) emitter into the backbone of a polymer host to develop a binary donor–acceptor (D–A) system. However, they usually suffer from severe concentration quenching and a trade‐off between fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) and absorption cross‐section (σ). Herein, we describe a ternary component (D1/D2–A) strategy to achieve ultrabright, green laser‐excitable Pdots with narrow‐band NIR emission by introducing a BODIPY‐based assistant polymer donor as D1. The D1/D2–A Pdots possess improved Φf and σ compared to corresponding binary D2–A Pdots. Their Φf is as high as 40.2 %, one of the most efficient NIR Pdots reported. The D1/D2–A Pdots show ultrahigh single‐particle brightness, 83‐fold brighter than Qdot 705 when excited by a 532 nm laser. When injected into mice, higher contrast in vivo tumor imaging was achieved using the ternary Pdots versus the binary D–A Pdots.
Large‐Scale, Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Binary Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets for Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Fei‐Long , Wang Pengtang , Huang Xiaoqing , Young David James , Wang Hui‐Fang , Braunstein Pierre , Lang Jian‐Ping
Published: March 2019

Ultrathin metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets (NSs) offer potential for many applications, but the synthetic strategies are largely limited to top‐down, low‐yield exfoliation methods. Herein, Ni–M–MOF (M=Fe, Al, Co, Mn, Zn, and Cd) NSs are reported with a thickness of only several atomic layers, prepared by a large‐scale, bottom‐up solvothermal method. The solvent mixture of N,N‐dimethylacetamide and water plays key role in controlling the formation of these two‐dimensional MOF NSs. The MOF NSs can be directly used as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction, in which the Ni–Fe–MOF NSs deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 221 mV with a small Tafel slope of 56.0 mV dec−1, and exhibit excellent stability for at least 20 h without obvious activity decay. Density functional theory calculations on the energy barriers for OER occurring at different metal sites confirm that Fe is the active site for OER at Ni–Fe–MOF NSs.
MGF‐Ct24E‐modified piperazine polymer: A balance of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Maolan , Zeng Guoming , Wang Yuanliang , Zhao Zhiping
Published: March 2019

A piperazine oligomer (PE) has been successfully synthesized via green and facile conditions. To obtain equivalent or better antimicrobial activity and smaller cytotoxicity, a mechano‐growth factor and its 24‐amino acid peptide analog corresponding to the unique C‐terminal E‐domain (MGF‐Ct24E) was introduced to the side chain of PE. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), elemental analysis, and amino acid analyzer (AAA) measurements showed that the MGF‐Ct24E‐modified piperazine polymer (PEM) was successfully prepared. The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of PEM were further investigated. Introduction of MGF‐Ct24E resulted in equivalent or improved antibacterial properties and reduced cytotoxicity compared to PE. The resulting material may replenish the current arsenal of synthetic polymeric antibacterial systems reported. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47773.
Bacterial reproductive manipulators in rice planthoppers
Authors: Bing Xiao‐Li , Zhao Dian‐Shu , Hong Xiao‐Yue
Published: March 2019

Rice planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) are notorious pests for rice (Oryza sativa) in Asia, posing a serious threat to rice production and grain security. Rice planthoppers harbor diverse bacterial symbionts, including Wolbachia, Cardinium, Spiroplasma, and Arsenophonus, which are known to manipulate reproduction in arthropod hosts. This microreview is to introduce current knowledge of bacterial reproductive manipulators in rice planthoppers, including their diversity, population dynamics, localization, transmission, and biological functions.
Real‐time optimal energy management for a fuel cell/battery hybrid system
Authors: Chen Hao , Chen Jian , Liu Zhiyang , Lu Huaxin
Published: March 2019

An energy management strategy is proposed for a class of fuel cell/battery hybrid systems. In such hybrid systems, a fuel cell system is the main power source, and a lithium‐ion battery is the auxiliary power source. In order to manage the system power at the next moment in a reasonable way, a load current filter with bounded estimation errors is designed to estimate the load current. Then, a real‐time optimal energy management algorithm is proposed to optimize economy consumption of the hybrid system. By taking current change rate of the fuel cell and the state of charge into consideration and taking reasonable model simplifications, the optimization problem can be described as a quadratic programming problem. Then a general purpose solver is proposed to solve the quadratic programming problem based on the alternating direction method of multipliers. The efficiency of the proposed solver is much faster than computing interior point method or active set method. Simulation results in MATLAB/SIMULINK are carried out to validate the significant effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed management strategy.
Simultaneous Kepler/K2 and XMM‐Newton observations of superflares in the Pleiades
Authors: Guarcello M. G. , Argiroffi C. , Drake J. J. , Flaccomio E. , López‐Santiago J. , Micela G. , Reale F. , Rebull L. , Sciortino S. , Stauffer J. , Antoniou V. , Alvarado‐Gomez J. D.
Published: March 2019

Together with coronal mass ejection, flares are the most energetic stellar magnetic events, ignited by a sudden release of magnetic energy, which triggers a cascade of interconnected phenomena, each resulting in emission in different bands. For this reason, flares are intrinsic multiwavelength phenomena. In particular, optical and soft X‐ray emission probes two different events occurring during flares: the heating of plasma in the upper photosphere at the footpoints of the magnetic loops and the heating and cooling of the plasma confined in the loops in the corona, respectively. To characterize powerful flares observed in optical and X‐rays, constrain the energy released in both bands, the geometry of the loops, and to study flares time evolution, we studied the brightest flares occurred in the 125‐Myr‐old stars in the Pleiades observed simultaneously with x‐ray multi‐mirror mission/Newton and Kepler/K2.
Age‐dependent sexual dimorphism in hippocampal cornu ammonis‐1 perineuronal net expression in rats
Authors: Griffiths Brian B. , Madden Amanda M. K. , Edwards Kimbra A. , Zup Susan L. , Stary Creed M.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are extracellular matrices that encompass parvalbumin‐expressing parvalbumin positive (PVALB+) fast‐spiking inhibitory interneurons where they protect and stabilize afferent synapses. Recent observations that gonadal hormones influence PVALB+ neuron development suggest that PNN regulation may be sexually dimorphic. Sex differences in PNN abundance and complexity have been reported in sexually dimorphic nuclei in zebra finch brains; however, corresponding differences in mammalian brains have not been investigated.

Methods

In this study we assessed the number of cortical and hippocampal PNNs in juvenile and young adult male and female rats using fluorescent immunohistochemistry for PVALB and the PNN marker Wisteria Floribunda Lectin.

Results

We report here that PNNs are numerous and well developed in hippocampal cornu ammonis‐1 of adult males but are lower in juvenile and possibly adult females. No significant differences were observed between sexes in cornu ammonis‐3 or adjacent neocortex. There was an observed developmental difference in the neocortex as juveniles had more PVALB+ cells, but fewer PNN+ cells, than adults.

Conclusions

Because PNNs are integral for several hippocampal‐mediated learning and memory tasks, these observations have potential sex‐dependent translational implications for clinical strategies targeting cognitive dysfunction.
Test‐retest reliability of EEG network characteristics in infants
Authors: van der Velde Bauke , Haartsen Rianne , Kemner Chantal
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Functional Electroencephalography (EEG) networks in infants have been proposed as useful biomarkers for developmental brain disorders. However, the reliability of these networks and their characteristics has not been established. We evaluated the reliability of these networks and their characteristics in 10‐month‐old infants.

Methods

Data were obtained during two EEG sessions 1 week apart and was subsequently analyzed at delta (0.5–3 Hz), theta (3–6 Hz), alpha1 (6–9 Hz), alpha2 (9–12 Hz), beta (12–25 Hz), and low gamma (25–45 Hz) frequency bands. Connectivity matrices were created by calculating the phase lag index between all channel pairs at given frequency bands. To determine the reliability of these connectivity matrices, intra‐class correlations were calculated of global connectivity, local connectivity, and several graph characteristics.

Results

Comparing both sessions, global connectivity, as well as global graph characteristics (characteristic path length and average clustering coefficient) are highly reliable across multiple frequency bands; the alpha1 and theta band having the highest reliability in general. In contrast, local connectivity characteristics were less reliable across all frequency bands.

Conclusions

We conclude that global connectivity measures are highly reliable over sessions. Local connectivity measures show lower reliability over sessions. This research therefore underlines the possibility of these global network characteristics to be used both as biomarkers of neurodevelopmental disorders, but also as important factors explaining development of typical behavior.
Diagnostic and prognostic benefit of arterial spin labeling in subacute stroke
Authors: Thamm Thoralf , Zweynert Sarah , Piper Sophie K. , Madai Vince I. , Livne Michelle , Martin Steve Z. , Herzig Cornelius X. , Mutke Matthias A. , Siebert Eberhard , Liebig Thomas , Sobesky Jan
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Brain perfusion measurement in the subacute phase of stroke may support therapeutic decisions. We evaluated whether arterial spin labeling (ASL), a noninvasive perfusion imaging technique based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), adds diagnostic and prognostic benefit to diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in subacute stroke.

Methods

In a single‐center imaging study, patients with DWI lesion(s) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory were included. Onset to imaging time was ≤7 days and imaging included ASL and DWI sequences. Qualitative (standardized visual analysis) and quantitative perfusion analyses (region of interest analysis) were performed. Dichotomized early outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2 vs. 3–6) was analyzed in two logistic regression models. Model 1 included DWI lesion volume, age, vascular pathology, admission NIHSS, and acute stroke treatment as covariates. Model 2 added the ASL‐based perfusion pattern to Model 1. Receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) were calculated for both models to assess their predictive power. The likelihood‐ratio‐test compared both models.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were included (median age 70 years, admission NIHSS 4, onset to imaging time 67 hr, discharge mRS 2). Qualitative perfusion analysis yielded additional diagnostic information in 84% of the patients. In the quantitative analysis, AUC for outcome prediction was 0.88 (95% CI 0.77–0.99) for Model 1 and 0.97 (95% CI 0.91–1.00) for Model 2. Inclusion of perfusion data significantly improved performance and outcome prediction (p = 0.002) of stroke imaging.

Conclusions

In patients with subacute stroke, our study showed that adding perfusion imaging to structural imaging and clinical data significantly improved outcome prediction. This highlights the usefulness of ASL and noninvasive perfusion biomarkers in stroke diagnosis and management.
Improving the programming skills of students in multiagent systems master courses
Authors: Palanca Javier , Terrasa Andrés , Carrascosa Carlos , Julián Vicente
Published: March 2019

Multiagent systems (MASs) courses are nowadays present in most master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence. In such courses, students have to cope with the gap between some high‐level theoretical concepts and techniques that allow agents to reach agreements in order successfully cooperate (the so‐called Agreement Technologies) and their corresponding implementations to be used in real programs. If the learning outcomes of such courses include the development of actual (although reasonably simple) MASs, the incorporation of some strategy to make students enhance their initial programming skills becomes crucial for their success. In this context, this article presents both a tool called SimFleet and a teaching methodology that have been designed together to guide students throughout a typical MASs course and, specifically, to enhance their programming skills in order learn how to develop actual MASs.
Adjunctive Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation for Ridge Preservation and Immediate Implant Procedures: A Consecutive Case Series
Authors: Choi Alicia Y. , Reddy Caitlin M. , McGary Ryan T. , Hill Richard B. , Swenson Dane T. , Seibel Paul , Hoag Justin M. , Berridge Joshua P. , Johnson Thomas M.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Whether or not laser use provides any meaningful benefit at immediate implant and ridge preservation sites remains an open question in periodontics. However, various lasers have been used in conjunction with tooth extraction and immediate implant placement. Evidence supporting adjunctive laser irradiation at immediate implant and ridge preservation sites is mostly limited to preclinical studies and a small number of case reports.

Case Series

Adjunctive neodymium‒doped: yttrium, aluminum, garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation was used at six immediate implant sites and five ridge preservation sites. Three immediate implants were in maxillary incisor positions and three were in premolar positions, two maxillary and one mandibular. All cases exhibited favorable healing and satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Nd:YAG laser energy application with 650‐µs pulse duration consistently supported rapid clot formation and graft containment at immediate implant and ridge preservation sites. Histologic analyses and controlled clinical trials comparing ridge preservation and immediate implant procedures with and without laser use are needed. Because cellular responses and clinical outcomes may be exquisitely sensitive to irradiation parameters, studies should report materials and methods in detail.
Single Iridium Pincer Complex for Roundtrip Electrochemical Conversion between Carbon Dioxide and Formate
Authors: Bi Jiaojiao , Hou Pengfei , Kang Peng
Published: March 2019

An iridium (III) complex based on a PONOP pincer ligand (PONOP=2,6‐bis(di‐tert‐butylphosphinito)pyridine) is a versatile catalyst for both electro‐reduction of CO2 to formate and formate electro‐oxidation to CO2. The electro‐reduction of CO2 in acetonitrile is very efficient and selective, and the Faradaic efficiency for formate was 97 % and the turnover frequency (TOF) was as high as 67 s−1. In addition, the complex is an effective electrocatalyst for formate electro‐oxidation with apparent TOF of 4.8 s−1 (0.06 M formate), and CO2 was the sole product. The catalyst was stable for 35 h of electrolysis. It can serve as a single catalyst for the roundtrip conversion between CO2 and formate with potential for electrochemical energy storage. Electrochemical and NMR spectroscopic studies suggested that the hydride species is critical for the bifunctional reactivity.
Hierarchical, Vertically‐Oriented Carbon Nanowall Foam Supercapacitor Using Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Mixture for AC Line Filtering with Ultrahigh Energy Density
Authors: Bo Zheng , Xu Chenxuan , Yang Huachao , Shi Hao , Yan Jianhua , Cen Kefa , Ostrikov Kostya Ken
Published: March 2019

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Zheng Bo and Dr. Huachao Yang, Zhejiang University (Zhejiang, China). The image shows a hierarchical, vertically‐oriented carbon nanowall foam supercapacitor that uses a room‐temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) mixture. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/celc.201801825.
Zur Normung thermomechanischer Untersuchungen an polymeren Verbundglaszwischenschichten
Authors: Kraus Michael A. , Schuster Miriam , Botz Martin , Schneider Jens , Siebert Geralt
Published: March 2019

In den vergangenen Jahren wurden zahlreiche Erkenntnisse zur thermomechanischen Charakterisierung polymerer Zwischenschichten in laminiertem Verbundglas publiziert. Die Neufassung der prEN 16613 veranlasst eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit den der normativen Regelung bedürfenden Punkten. Dieser Beitrag greift verschiedene methodische und versuchstechnische Aspekte zur thermomechanischen Charakterisierung polymerer Zwischenschichten von Verbundglas auf und konsolidiert die Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen der Autoren in diesem Zusammenhang. Neben Vorschlägen zur Durchführung der Versuche sowie theoretischen Modellen zur Auswertung von Steifigkeits‐Temperatur‐Messdaten werden offene Punkte zu den nationalen und internationalen Bemessungsnormen aufgezeigt.
Untersuchungen zur thermomechanischen Modellierung der Resttragfähigkeit von Verbundglas
Authors: Botz Martin , Kraus Michael A. , Siebert Geralt
Published: March 2019

Derzeit existiert kaum ein mechanisches Modell zur Berechnung der Resttragfähigkeit von gebrochenem Verbundsicherheitsglas (VSG). Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit werden sowohl thermomechanische Überlegungen als auch experimentelle Untersuchungen vorgestellt, um das zeit‐ und temperaturabhängige mechanische Verhalten von gebrochenem VSG, bestehend aus vorgespanntem Glas mit einer Standard‐PVB‐Zwischenschicht, zu modellieren. Die Grenzen der linearen Viskoelastizität hinsichtlich der Verzerrung sowie der Zeit werden anhand von Versuchen an der reinen Zwischenschicht ermittelt, anschließend werden die Unterschiede zu Zugversuchen an gebrochenen VSG‐Proben untersucht und dargestellt. Die Ergebnisse der Versuche am gebrochenen VSG können zudem verwendet werden, um eine praxisnahe Einstufung der Haftung der Glasfragmente an der Zwischenschicht zu erhalten und den Einfluss auf die Resttragfähigkeit zu bestimmen.